GH Fanworks/Fanfic/Fanart: We Do It Better

[cmahorror]

Chapter 38

 

Britt paced her room waiting for her lunch. She had been confined to her room ever since Robin had had her baby and Britt’s deception had come to light.

 

 

Flashback

 

Britt was working in the lab when a guard came in with a laptop. He opened it up and she saw Nikolas staring back at her. “Well, well Britt – it seems you pulled a fast one on us.”

 

“Whatever do you mean Nikolas?” Britt watched the guard out of the corner of her eye.

 

“You know, I have to admit, I wasn’t quite sure how you pulled it off until I remembered that you had full access to all Cassadine Industries resources. Came upon it by accident didn’t you?” Nikolas smiled at her.

 

“Yes though I have to ask how you had it.” Britt still hadn’t figured that out.

 

“Patrick helped a friend out by taking part in a research study regarding male fertility when he was doing his residency in Atlanta - this was shortly before he met Robin.” Nikolas smirked. “Fortunately for us, the study the friend was doing was for one of our subsidiary companies. As soon as Patrick became involved with Robin, Helena ordered everything on him be collected and stored at the facility you are at – you never know when something might come in handy.”

 

“Well it did. Let me guess, the kid looks like Patrick.” Britt couldn’t help but smirk back at him. Nikolas had forced her to create and implant the embryo so she had taken great pleasure in making sure the child was Patrick’s.

 

“No, luckily for you she is the spitting image of her mother but we will need to fake some DNA tests in order to finish my plans.” Nikolas smiled at Britt. “Do you think your friend Brad cares enough about you to help me?”

 

Britt’s smirk disappeared. “You can’t be serious.”

 

“I can and I will be contacting him as soon as possible to make the arrangements.” Nikolas went to cut off the connection but Britt stopped him.

 

“You’re going to keep Patrick’s daughter away from him?” Britt couldn’t believe that she had once agreed to marry the man she was now staring at.

 

“He turned his back on Robin and allowed this to happen to her. He should pay a price for that.” Nikolas reached for the power button. “Don’t worry – I will take care of her as if she were my own.”

 

End Flashback

 

 

After the screen turned to black the guard grabbed Britt and threw her into her room. She hadn’t been allowed out since that day. Her meals were brought to her three times a day and Nikolas had her files from the lab brought to her so she could continue her work. She had no idea if Patrick and Robin had figured out the truth yet or not but she knew one thing – she had to escape before Nikolas decided she was just another loose end that needed to be cut off.

 

If Britt died, the truth about who the father of Robin’s daughter is might die with her.

 

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

“Dr. Drake?” Epiphany snapped her fingers at Patrick, trying to get his attention. Patrick had been staring at the phone for a few minutes now and Epiphany was sick of it. “Dr. Drake?”

 

Patrick put down his cell phone and looked at Epiphany. For some reason, he couldn’t stop looking at the picture of Hope Sam had sent him. “Yes Epiphany?”

 

“The surgery for Mr. Curtis has been postponed – he has a fever.” Epiphany shook her head at him. “So why don’t you go home and deal with whatever has you so distracted.”

 

“Thank you.” Patrick left the nurse’s hub and walked back to his office where he pulled out the phone and stared at the picture once more. He reached over and picked up a picture of Emma and opened up the back. Patrick was one of those people who just added the picture to the top of the stack and left the other pictures behind it. He carefully removed all the pictures from the frame.

 

Patrick took the pictures and spread them out on his desk. He arranged them in order from oldest to newest. The oldest picture in the group was Emma’s newborn picture, taken at the hospital just hours after her birth. Patrick hadn’t been there when it was taken because Robin had developed a clotting disorder and almost died right before his eyes. Unable to pull himself away from her side, he had missed his daughter’s first picture.

 

Not that anyone had blamed him – his love for Robin was something no one had doubted, at least that day. Since then Patrick had given her family plenty of reasons to doubt his love for Robin but the truth was that he had never fallen out of love with her. He would prove that to her once he got her and Hope away from Nikolas.

 

Patrick opened up the picture of Hope once again and set it down next to the picture of Emma as a newborn and began comparing the two pictures.

[cmahorror]

Chapter 39

 

Robin squirmed in Nikolas’s arms, trying to move off the bed without waking him up. He had a firm grip on her and she wasn’t sure what she was going to do to get out from under it when she felt his arm loosen. “Good morning Robin.”

 

Nikolas kissed Robin on the cheek and got up to check on Hope. Robin sat up on the bed and rubbed her eyes. “Good morning. How did you sleep?”

 

“Better than I have in weeks.” Hope let out a little gurgle and Nikolas picked her up. “Come on little girl, let’s get you changed and fed while mommy takes her shower.”

 

“It’s okay – you got up with her at three so you should get to shower first.” Robin couldn’t quite control her fear that Nikolas would take Hope away from her. Legally he was the little girl’s father and she knew he had the resources to take Hope and disappear without a trace.

 

“And you got up with her all the nights before.” Nikolas smiled at her easily but he had noticed a shift in Robin’s reactions to him over the past few days. “Unless you don’t want me alone with her for some reason.”

 

Robin quickly backtracked. “Of course not. It’s just that I know you are working from home and all I have planned today is a visit with Georgie this morning and Jason’s visitation this afternoon.”

 

Nikolas carefully placed the little girl on his chest and headed to the door. “And that means that you need time to get ready. I have a conference call at 10 so I probably won’t get to see Georgie but I would like to be there when you meet with Jason. What time are he and Sam coming over?”

 

“After lunch.” Robin stood up and walked over to Nikolas. He was getting suspicious and she needed to stop those suspicions from going any further. She kissed Hope on the forehead and then kissed Nikolas. “A shower would be wonderful – thank you.”

 

Nikolas noted the change in attitude and relaxed – maybe she was just adjusting to not doing everything for Hope herself. “Anything for you – we’ll see you downstairs. Love you.”

 

“Love you too.”

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

“My God Robin, she gets more beautiful each time I see her.” Georgie cooed over her baby cousin as they sat on the couch catching up.

 

Dillon wrapped his arms around Georgie and smiled down at Hope. “She’s right – you know I have a part for a baby in my film and Hope would be perfect for it.”

 

Robin just shook her head and laughed. “Sorry but my daughter is not available for filming – ever.”

 

“Come on, that dimple is just begging to be filmed.” Dillon studied Hope a little closer. “You know, it’s weird but I don’t see any of Nikolas in her. I mean, I see you but if I didn’t know any better…”

 

Georgie cut him off. “So, we have some news for you.”

 

“You do?” Robin was pretty sure she knew what it was but she couldn’t wait to hear it straight from Georgie.

 

“We’re getting remarried!” Dillon took Hope from Georgie as she happily showed Robin her engagement ring.

 

Robin hugged her cousin and smiled at Dillon. The couple had worked so hard to find their way back to each other and she couldn’t be happier for them. Tears filled her eyes as she looked at them. “Congratulations!”

 

“No hospital chapel this time – we are getting married in Grandma Lila's rose garden and my mom even offered to make all the arrangements.” Dillon had hated what had gone down between his mom and Luke but he and Tracy were closer than ever now. She had even helped him plan his proposal.

 

“Really? Tracy is planning your wedding?” Robin couldn’t help but laugh. “That is a far cry from ten years ago.”

 

“Yes it is – this time we are getting married for the right reasons and with everyone’s full blessing. This is the very best example of a second chance at love.” Georgie kissed her fiancée while Robin smiled at them. “Which reminds me – your mom wants to meet with us, Maxie and Lulu to go over the plans for the engagement party in a couple of hours.”

 

“Do I have to go?” He stood up and reluctantly handed Hope back to her mom. “I mean, party planning is not really my thing.”

 

“Well it’s our engagement party so, yes, you have to go.” Georgie giggled as Dillon helped her off the couch. She looked down at Robin and couldn’t help but notice that Robin’s eyes reflected a sadness that was in direct contrast to the smile plastered on her face. “Why don’t you call your mom while I say goodbye to Robin?”

 

“Getting rid of me already?” Dillon laughed. “I understand. Robin, I will see you at the engagement party. Two weeks from tonight at the Haunted Star.”

 

“Goodbye Dillon.” Robin stood up and placed Hope in her bassinet. “I really am so happy for you both.”

 

“Then why do you look like you are about to break down crying?” Georgie was worried about her cousin - something wasn't right.

 

“Hormones, I did just have a baby a few weeks ago. Plus, I am thrilled that my beautiful cousin is finally getting the life she deserves after being held hostage for years.” Robin hugged Georgie close. “You hold on to what you two have and never let it go. It’s rare and wonderful and there is almost nothing worse than losing it once, let alone a second time.” Robin walked Georgie to the door. “Now go and I will see you at the party. I love you.”

 

Georgie hugged Robin one last time. “I love you too.” She walked out of the house and joined Dillon at the dock. They boarded the launch and rode back to Port Charles in silence.

 

Dillon waited until they were back in his car before he spoke. “You want to tell me what is going on?”

 

“Something is wrong with Robin.” Georgie had been thinking about the last thing Robin had said before Georgie had left Wyndamere. “Do we have time to make a quick stop?”

 

“Anything for you.” Dillon picked up Georgie’s hand and kissed it. “Where are we going?”

 

“To see Patrick.”

[cmahorror]

Chapter 40

 

“Georgie?” Patrick opened the door and was surprised to see Robin’s cousin and her boyfriend standing at his doorstep. “What are you doing here?”

 

“I just came from seeing Robin and Hope and I really need to talk to you.” Georgie had made it clear to Dillon on the way over that she would talk to Patrick. “May we come in?”

 

“Of course.” Patrick stepped away and allowed the couple in to his house. Georgie and Dillon sat down on the couch and he took a seat in the chair. “You said you just saw Robin and Hope?” Georgie nodded. “How were they?”

 

“Hope was perfect.” Georgie’s face broke into a large grin. “She was awake for a little while and she has the biggest brown eyes.” She bit her lip and looked at Dillon before continuing. “It’s strange but I don’t see a trace of Nikolas in her. If I didn’t know any better, I would swear she is not his daughter.”

 

“Oh, hell, it’s going to come out soon anyhow - that’s because she’s not.” Patrick knew that Georgie and Dillon could be trusted. “Nikolas isn’t Hope’s father.”

 

Georgie gave Dillon a look of pure triumph. “Told you so.” She turned back to Patrick. “But I don’t understand – why are you letting Nikolas claim to be Hope’s father?”

 

Patrick ran his hands through his hair trying to find the right way to explain it. “Because I don’t have any say in the matter.”

 

“But if Hope is your daughter…”

 

Patrick interrupted her. “She’s not.”

 

Confusion filled Georgie’s face. “What do you mean she’s not? If you’re not her dad, who is?”

 

“Jason.” The confusion on Georgie’s face was replaced with a look of shock. “Jason is Hope’s father.”

 

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Jason knocked on the door and waited for Alfred to open it and let him in for his visitation with Hope. Sam squeezed his hand with her free hand – in the other she had a bag with some clothes for Hope and, hidden in some blankets, Robin’s new phone. “It’s going to be okay.”

 

The door opened and they were both shocked to see Nikolas standing there. Jason glared at the man while Sam spoke to her cousin. “Nikolas. What are you doing here?”

 

“Well it is my house.” Nikolas smiled at Sam.

 

“Of course it is, I just meant that I thought you would be at work.” Sam was not happy to see Nikolas there at all. He might want to see what she had brought in the bag.

 

“I am working from home for the next few weeks so I can help Robin take care of Hope.” Nikolas led them into the house. “Robin, our guests are here.”

 

Robin sat in the living room feeding Hope. Jason walked in and sat down next to her, immediately cooing at the little girl. Sam and Nikolas stood there for a minute watching them before Nikolas reached for the bag Sam was holding. “May I take that for you?”

 

Sam pulled away. “No thank you. I just have a few things in there for Robin and Hope.”

 

“Well I can have one of the maids take it to our room and put it away for you.” Nikolas again reached for the bag and again Sam pulled it away.

 

“Actually there are a couple of undergarments for Robin in there that are kind of private. Having a baby does things to a woman’s body and sometimes we need a little help in some areas. It might embarrass Robin to have someone else look at them.” Sam smiled sweetly at Nikolas. “Why don’t you help Jason feed Hope so Robin and I can get this out of the way. Then we can enjoy the rest of our visit with you.”

 

Nikolas nodded his head and walked over to Robin and Jason. “Sam brought some things for you and Hope that she would like to give you and help you put away. Why don’t you let me finish feeding Hope for you?”

 

He put out his arms and Robin placed the little girl in his arms. Standing up, she switched places with him and handed him the bottle. “Here you go.”

 

She turned to leave but Nikolas stopped her. “What – no kiss goodbye?”

 

He winked at her and Robin gave a little giggle. “Sorry, you know how excited I get about new clothes, especially if they are for Hope.” She leaned over and kissed him. “We’ll be right back.”

 

“I can’t wait.” He smiled at Hope and went back to feeding her.

 

Robin waited until they were upstairs before she said anything. “Sam, could you help me with something in the bathroom – I seem to be all thumbs with these maternity bras.”

 

Sam followed Robin into the bathroom with the bag. Robin shut the door behind them and Sam instantly started asking questions. “What is going on? Why did you let Nikolas feed her and not Jason?”

 

“Because then Nikolas would have insisted on coming up with us and seeing what you brought.” Robin hated doing that to Jason but it was the only way to make sure Nikolas stayed downstairs.

 

“And why are we hiding out in the bathroom?”

 

“Because the bathrooms are the only places without cameras or microphones.” Tears filled Robin’s eyes. “Nikolas upgraded the security around here. He is watching every move I make and listening to every word I say.”

 

Sam wrapped her arms around Robin and held her close, letting her cry for a few minutes to release some of the fear and stress she was feeling. When she was done Robin straightened up, wiped her eyes and smiled at Sam. “Thank you – I needed that.”

 

“I know you did – now let me give you something else you need.” Sam reached into the bag and pulled out the burner phone. “It is the same make and model as your current one so it should pass inspection if Nikolas catches you with it.”

 

Robin sighed with relief. “Thank you so much.”

 

“Your parents and Patrick have this number as well.”

 

“Patrick knows?” Sam nodded and couldn’t help but notice the look of pure joy that crossed Robin’s face. “He’s helping?”

 

“He’d do anything for you and your daughters.” Sam watched Robin slip the phone in her pocket. “Now let’s get back downstairs. I don’t think it’s a good idea to leave those two alone together for too long.”

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

“I’m sorry,” Georgie was still trying to digest the news Patrick had told her, “you said Hope’s father is Jason?” Patrick nodded. “I don’t buy it.”

 

“Wow – I did not see that twist coming.” Dillon was as shell shocked as his fiancée at the news.

 

“Georgie, I helped run the DNA test – she is Jason’s little girl.” Patrick prayed he sounded more certain about it than he felt.

 

“So there is no chance there was error with the test or that the sample was switched?” Georgie couldn’t shake the feeling that Hope was Patrick’s daughter. “Did you watch it the entire time? Didn’t take your eyes off it for even a minute before the analysis?”

 

Patrick shook his head. “No, I was in the lab when Brad took the sample from Jason.” Patrick thought hard about that day. “Then Nikolas came in with Hope and…”

 

“Patrick, what is it?” Georgie could tell he was remembering something.

 

“We turned away from Brad when Nikolas came in. Our backs were turned to him – it was only for a minute but that would have been more than an enough time to switch the vials.” Tears of joy filled Patrick’s eyes. He looked at Georgie. “I felt it but I couldn’t truly believe it.”

 

“Wait – would this Brad guy have a good reason for switching the samples?” Dillon wanted to make sure all their bases were covered.

 

“Nikolas basically owns GH – he could have lost his job if he didn’t do it.” Patrick pulled out his phone and gazed lovingly at the picture of Hope on it. “We need to get another test run. Can you visit Robin again and get a DNA sample for me?”

 

“Of course – I’ll just tell her I want her help planning the wedding.” Georgie was thrilled to get a chance to help Robin.

 

“Great.” Patrick stopped and looked at the couple. “Wait – wedding?”

 

“We are getting remarried.” Dillon took Georgie’s hand in his and smiled at her. “She gave me a second chance and I don’t want to waste a moment of it.”

 

“Congratulations.” Patrick was happy for them. “Hopefully you won’t be the only ones celebrating a new beginning this year.” Patrick thought for a moment and then looked at Georgie. “Do you think Frisco would help us get the samples run?”

 

Frisco had moved his base of operations to Port Charles to be near his daughters. Georgie nodded her head. “I am certain he will.” She and Dillon stood up. “We have to go but I will be in touch with you as soon as I have that sample.”

 

“Thank you Georgie. I don’t know how I’ll ever repay you.”

 

“Just treat my cousins right and that will be enough. I’ll talk to you later.” Georgie led Dillon out of the house to go plan their engagement party.

 

Patrick shut the door behind them and walked over to the cabinet that held Emma’s baby book. He pulled out a picture of Emma at two weeks and then placed the picture he had printed out of Hope next to it. The thing he now noticed, even more than the dimple, was their eyes.

 

Hope and Emma had the same eyes - his eyes.

[cmahorror]

Chapter 41

 

Jason cuddled Hope close to him as he talked to Robin. “She is just such a good baby. Every time I see her I am amazed at how calm she is. She gets that from you.”

 

Robin smiled at him. “I’m sure as she gets older she’ll pick up a few things from her father too.”

 

Jason smiled back at her. “I hope so.”

 

Sam watched the two adults and then studied the child Jason was holding, searching for any similarities between her husband and the little girl. So far she hadn’t found a one. “I’m sure she will.”

 

Nikolas had been standing up by the fireplace and was about to add in his two cents when his phone began vibrating. “Excuse me, I need to take this.”

 

He left the room and the three remaining adults sat in silence for a few minutes before Jason asked Robin a question. “Maybe next time we can bring Danny, let him get to know his little sister?”

 

“I have no problem with that.” Robin wanted Hope to know all three of her siblings.

 

“Let’s just hold off on that for a few more weeks.” Robin and Jason both looked at Sam strangely. “I just want to have time to come up with a reasonable explanation as to why Daddy has a baby with Aunt Robin – no offense.”

 

“None taken and you are right – we need to have the same explanation for Emma, Danny and Jake.” Robin could understand why Sam would have reservations about telling Danny about Hope. “We have plenty of time for that later.”

 

Jason nodded his head in agreement and then he and Robin turned their attention away from Sam and back to Hope. Meanwhile, Sam continued her scrutiny of the little family before her. Something just didn’t seem right about it. Ever since Patrick had mentioned the dimple on Hope’s cheek Sam had began having doubts about Jason being Hope’s father. The truth was that Hope looked nothing Jason and a lot like Patrick.

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Nikolas slammed the phone down and tried to control his anger. Somehow Britt had managed to escape and was now probably headed straight to Port Charles to see Patrick and Robin. He only had a few days before she managed to make her way across the country and back to town so he needed a plan and he needed one now.

 

He picked up a picture of Robin, him, Emma and Hope from his desk. It had been taken in the hospital after Hope’s birth and he found that he liked the image it held. Falling in love with Robin and the family they had created hadn’t been part of the plan but he had and he would not let anything or anyone tear it apart. He had worked too hard to get everything he wanted and he needed to come up with a plan to keep it.

 

First things first – he needed to find Britt and eliminate her. The second thing he needed to do was establish a back-up plan in case Britt did get to Patrick before he could stop her. She knew the truth about Hope and Robin would never forgive him for hiding it from her or using Hope to gain control of ELQ. He had come too far to have it all taken away from him now.

 

He picked up his phone and made a call. “Yes, I need a surveillance team put on Patrick Drake. I need to know if he has any communication with Dr. Britt Westbourne.”

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Jason reluctantly handed Hope back to Robin. “I guess we need to get going but I was wondering if we might have Hope overnight on Saturday?”

 

Nikolas shook his head. “She is too young for an overnight visit.”

 

“She is my daughter Nikolas, not yours.” Jason had managed to avoid Nikolas all afternoon but his patience was wearing thin.

 

“She is just as much a part of my life as she is yours and I am looking out for Hope and Robin’s best interests. Hope is only 3 weeks old and I don’t think it is wise for her to be away from her mother overnight until she is at least a couple of months old.” Nikolas didn’t trust Jason to take the little girl away from Wyndamere – he might run another DNA test and discover the truth.

 

Robin stood up and walked over to Jason. “I have to agree – she is too little to be away from me overnight. I swear I am not trying to keep you from her but I’m all she knows and it might scare her to be away from me for that long.”

 

Jason sighed but nodded his head in agreement. He knew Robin would never keep his daughter away from him. “I will want to keep her overnight eventually.”

 

“And you will, just not yet.” Robin would do everything she could to help Jason spend time with Hope.

 

Jason leaned over and kissed Hope and the forehead and then Robin on the cheek. “We will see you both later.”

 

Sam walked over and hugged Robin. “You take care of yourself and Hope. Maybe we could do a little baby shopping next week?”

 

“I would like that.” Robin nodded at the couple as Hope began to fuss. “But I think someone needs changed. I will see you two later.”

 

Robin headed out of the room as Nikolas approached them. “I will walk you out.”

 

They left the room and headed to the front door in complete silence. Sam finally broke it. “Should I call Robin next week to set up…”

 

“I’m afraid that shopping trip won’t be possible, at least not for a few weeks.” Nikolas opened the door as he spoke. “I didn’t want to say anything in front of Robin but Helena has sent several threatening e-mails and texts to me about kidnapping her again. For both Robin and Hope’s safety, they will need to stay here and all visitors will be vetted by my security staff.”

 

“Hope is Jason’s daughter – he has every right to see her whenever he wants.” Sam was beginning to doubt that was true but they still needed to protect her.

 

“And I won’t stop him from doing so but all visits will be here at Wyndamere.” Nikolas smiled at the couple. “Now if you don’t mind, I need to go check on my wife and daughter.”

 

“Stepdaughter Nikolas and don’t forget it.” Jason’s temper was finally getting the best of him.

 

“Legally she is my daughter and you would be wise to remember that.” Nikolas gave Sam a quick hug. “I will see you two in a couple of days.”

 

Sam stood there in shock as Nikolas shut and locked the door behind them. She took Jason’s hand and walked with him down to the launch. “He’s keeping them prisoner on this island.” She stopped and looked at her husband. “We need to get them out of here. We need to find a way to beat Nikolas at his own game.”

 

“What do you suggest? He holds all the cards now – I can’t risk his taking off with my daughter Sam.” Nikolas’s last words haunted him.

 

Sam bit her lip and considered what he was saying. “What if she isn’t your daughter?” Jason tensed up and Sam tried to calm him down. “I’m not saying I don’t want it to be true but can you honestly say you see any of yourself in her?”

 

Jason shook his head. As much as he hated to admit it, Sam was right. He loved Hope but he didn’t feel the same connection to her that he did to Danny or Jake. “No, in fact she looks more and more like Patrick every day.” He looked at his wife. “So what do we do? Another DNA test? Nikolas will never consent to that.”

 

Sam smiled at him and pulled out a pacifier wrapped in a plastic bag from her pocket. “He won’t have to.”

[cmahorror]

Chapter 42

 

“So you’ll be here tomorrow Daddy?” Robin smiled at Nikolas as she talked to her dad. They were in their bedroom getting ready for bed when her dad had called. “What time?”

 

“I should be there around noon. Tell that husband of yours to have my room ready for me.” Robert knew from Robin’s texts from the burner phone that every room of Wyndamere was under complete surveillance. He would deal with that when he got there. “And give that youngest granddaughter of mine a kiss from Grandpa Robert.”

 

“I will if you give Emma a big kiss from me.” Robin laughed as she sat down on the bed. “I love you daddy. See you tomorrow.”

 

“Love you too sweetheart.” Robert hung up.

 

Nikolas put his arm around Robin as she set the phone down on the nightstand next to bed. “I know you miss him but he will be here tomorrow and you two can spend all the time you want together. I’m sure your father will want to explore the grounds and make sure Helena isn’t hiding out somewhere on the island."

 

Robin nodded her head. “And I’m sure Uncle Mac will want to have a family dinner.”

 

“Just tell me what you want and I’ll make all the arrangements.” Nikolas got up to check on Hope.

 

“No, Mac will insist on doing it at his house – a family barbecue.” Robin laughed. “He loves grilling.”

 

Nikolas picked up Hope and looked down at Robin. “I’m afraid I have to insist that any family gatherings be done here at Wyndamere. I thought you understood that it is too dangerous for you to leave the island right now.”

 

“Shopping yes but my uncle’s house…”

 

Nikolas cut her off, “…isn’t safe for you or Hope.” The little girl gurgled and Nikolas smiled at her. “See, Hope agrees with me.”

 

Robin gave him a weak smile. “Of course she does.” Robin stood up. “Do you mind feeding her while I take my bath? It’s been a long day.”

 

“Of course – what do you say Hope?” Nikolas headed towards the bedroom door with the little girl safely held in his arms. “Ready for some formula?”

 

Robin watched him walk out of the room and then went over to her dresser and pulled some clothes from the dresser, being careful to wrap the burner phone up in them. She grabbed her other phone off the nightstand and headed into the bathroom, locking the door behind her. She drew herself a bath and began texting.

 

P – You busy?

 

The response came immediately: I’m never too busy for you. You and Hope doing okay?

 

Robin smiled as she sank into her bubble bath. She and Patrick had begun texting each other almost immediately after she had turned on the phone three days ago. It had started out with simple messages at first, feeling each other out, but it didn’t take long for them to fall into their old the familiar patter.

 

We’re fine. You at home?

 

No, hospital. Just got out of surgery.

 

Emergency? Car accident?

 

Yes, needed to place a shunt to relieve pressure.

 

I’m sure you were brilliant.

 

Of course. So, what are you wearing?

 

Robin laughed. Patrick knew the only places inside the house safe from Nikolas’s prying eyes were the bathrooms and that she had been contacting him during her baths.

 

You know what I’m wearing. You?

 

The green scrubs you love.

 

Robin was getting ready to answer him when another message came through.

 

I miss you Robin. We need to have a serious talk when this is all over.

 

Tears instantly sprung to Robin’s eyes. The friendship that had grown over the past nine months was only the beginning of their reunion and they both knew it.

 

I know and I miss you too.

 

There was knock on the bathroom door. “Robin, are you hungry? The cook made the most amazing brownies and I have some milk.”

 

Robin took a deep breath. “Of course – I’ll be right out.”

 

Robin began typing. I have to go. I love you.

 

She waited for his response before powering off the phone. She was barely out of the tub before his message came through.

 

I love you too.

 

Robin smiled, powered off the phone and slipped it into the pocket of her robe. The phone was her salvation, the only link she had to her family. Putting her trust in Nikolas had been mistake but it was one she working on correcting. She had taken photos of everything she could around Wyndamere and sent them to her parents. She had given everyone updates regarding Nikolas’s movements and when he was in his office working. Anything that she thought could help she sent.

 

Robin stared in the mirror. How could she have let Nikolas manipulate and use her this way? Did he love her at all? The sad part was that Robin was certain that he did but his need for power and to steal ELQ far outweighed any feelings he had for her or Hope. He had become ruthless in his pursuits and would use anyone and do anything to get what he wanted. Robin's situation hadn't changed - she was still a prisoner, the same as she had been with Helena and Victor, she just had a nicer cage.

 

Robin shook her head. The past didn’t matter now – all that mattered was guaranteeing Hope and Emma’s safety and getting them away from Nikolas. She would do anything for them.

 

“Robin?”

 

“Coming Nikolas.” She took one last look in the mirror and headed out to see her husband.

Edited September 26, 2015 by cmahorror

[cmahorror]

Chapter 43

 

“Daddy!” Robin happily threw her arms around her father as he got off the launch at Wyndamere.

 

“Hello sweetheart.” Robert hugged his daughter tightly. “Miss me?”

 

“You know I did.” Robin watched as the guard grabbed Robert’s backpack. “Emma said you two had a lot of fun together during your visit.”

 

“Yes we did although she misses her parents and her little sister. She told me to give you and Hope hugs and kisses from her.” Robert grabbed the pack from the guard and slung it over his shoulder. He wrapped his arm around Robin’s back as they walked back to the house together. “She tried to get me to do the same with her father but I draw the line at that.”

 

Robin smiled. “I’m sure Patrick appreciates that as much as you do.” A sad look crossed her face. “I miss her. The only reason I agreed to this camp is because I knew mom would be there with her.”

 

“It’s only another 3 weeks and then she will be home.” Robert didn’t say out loud what they both knew – Emma was not coming back to Wyndamere. It had taken some discreet legal maneuvers from Alexis and a few friends of the WSB but Patrick had managed to get a petition passed that gave him primary physical custody of Emma. Robin hated being away from her little girl but she knew it was in Emma’s best interest to be as far away from Nikolas as possible. The plan was for the papers to be served to Robin the day Emma came home from camp so Nikolas wouldn’t have time to fight them.

 

“I know Dad.” Robin hugged her father a little closer as they walked up the path.

 

“And how is my other beautiful granddaughter?” Patrick had texted Robert his suspicions about Hope and that he didn’t want to say a word to Robin until he was sure. Robert was going to work with Georgie on getting the DNA sample of Hope to Frisco so that a new DNA test could be run.

 

“Perfect of course.” Robin giggled. “She was napping or I would have brought her down here with me. Wait until you see her Dad, pictures just don’t do her justice. She has the most beautiful brown eyes and the cutest little dimples…”

 

Robin’s voice trailed off and Robert looked at her. “Something wrong sweetheart?”

 

Robin shook her head. “No, it’s nothing. Anyway, she is amazing and I cannot wait for you to get to spend some time with her.”

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Georgie and Dillon sat in Patrick's dining room with Patrick going over the plan. “So Uncle Robert is going to work on getting the sample for us?”

 

“Yes – he got to Wyndamere a few minutes ago and is already trying to figure out how to get it.” Patrick held up a box for the couple. “Spare rib?”

 

Dillon took one from the box. “Georgie and I dropped off your sample to Frisco earlier today so we are good to go as soon as he gets it.”

 

Georgie shook her head at her fiancée and then smiled at Patrick. “He is loving this – says it makes him feel like he is in the middle of a Mission Impossible movie.”

 

“I do remind myself of a young Tom Cruise.” Dillon did his best manly pose.

 

Georgie laughed. “More like a modern day Simon Pegg which, luckily for you, is exactly my type.” She leaned over and gave him a kiss before turning her attention back to Patrick. “Have you talked to Jason about this yet?”

 

“No, I want to wait until we have the test results. The fewer people involved, the less chance that the test will be altered.” Patrick didn’t think Jason would do anything but he was erring on the side of caution right now.

 

“And Robin?” Georgie hated going behind her cousin’s back. “Have you mentioned anything about this to her?”

 

“No – I thought about it but Robert and I agreed that it was for the best to keep it to ourselves for now. She has enough to worry about with making sure Nikolas doesn’t realize she is on to him.” Patrick leaned back in the chair, running his hands through his hair. “She doesn’t need to have anything else on her mind.”

 

Georgie thought about what he said. “You’re right but he better agree to come to our engagement party next week.”

 

“I don’t know, he seems pretty determined to keep Robin at Wyndamere.” Patrick didn’t want Georgie to get her hopes up.

 

“Well then I will just have to convince him otherwise. Tomorrow I will go see Robin and Uncle Robert for a visit and to see if my cousin wants to be in my wedding. Surely a member of the bridal party has to be there at the engagement celebration?” Georgie picked up a chicken wing and winked at Patrick. “Right?”

 

Patrick winked back at her. “Right.”

 

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

“Robert, let me help you with your things.” Nikolas was waiting at the door for the father-daughter duo as they got to the house.

 

Robert tossed the dust covered backpack at Nikolas. “Thanks mate. Where do you keep the bourbon?”

 

Robin laughed. “Come on dad, I’ll take you to the bourbon and your granddaughter. Follow me.”

 

Nikolas dusted himself off as Robin led her father into the living room where Hope was sleeping. Robert leaned over the bassinet and made funny faces at the baby girl. “Hello little luv – I’m your Grandpa Robert.”

 

“I have put you in your own wing Robert so you will have plenty of privacy.” Nikolas handed the bag off to Alfred. “I can take you there if you would like.”

 

“Actually, I was hoping to be near my daughter and granddaughter, maybe even keep Hope in my room and help out with those late night feedings.”

 

“Well, that is a nice offer but…”

 

“Look Nikolas, can I call you Nikolas?” Robert gave Nikolas a disarming smile. “I missed out on Robin’s early years because her mother hid her from me and I was still recovering from cancer when Emma was a baby. I really want the chance to be able to take care of one of my baby girls before it’s too late.”

 

Nikolas looked at Robin who threw him a pleading look. Nikolas rolled his eyes and caved. “Alfred, please set up Mr. Scorpio in the room down the hall from Robin and mine’s.”

 

“Thank you Nik.” Robert smiled down at Hope. “You want to spend the night in Grandpa’s room with him?” He reached down and picked the little girl up. She woke up and gave her grandpa a little smile. “Of course you do.”

 

“Alfred, move the bassinet from our room into Robert’s room while you are up there.” He smiled at Robert. “Hope is spending the night with her grandpa.”

Edited September 27, 2015 by cmahorror

[cmahorror]

Chapter 44

 

Robin smiled at Hope and then at Nikolas. “Could you at least pretend to have a good time?”

 

Nikolas looked around the Haunted Star at the assembled guests. “I’m just worried that Helena will try something now that we are out in public. I still can’t believe I let you and Georgie talk me into this.”

 

“I’m matron of honor – I could hardly miss her engagement party.” Robin picked up Hope from her car seat and laid the sleeping little girl on her chest. “Besides – we needed to leave the house next week for our doctor’s appointments. Consider this a test run.”

 

Nikolas’s phone rang. He looked at the caller ID and then at Robin. “I’m sorry – I have to get this. Will you two be alright?”

 

“Go – we’ll be fine.” Robin kept the smile on her face until he left the room and then relaxed. She whispered into Hope’s ear. “This is getting harder and harder to keep up baby girl.”

 

“What is?” Patrick whispered in Robin’s ear before sitting down beside her and Hope at the table.

 

Robin smiled at Patrick. “Hi – I didn’t know you were coming.”

 

Patrick smirked at her. “I kind of had to.”

 

Robin scrunched up her nose at him. “What do you mean…”

 

Dillon took his fork and gently clinked the champagne glass to get everyone’s attention. “I would like to thank everyone for coming tonight. Georgie and I are so happy to have everyone here with us to celebrate our engagement. It means the world to us.”

 

Georgie stood up and kissed Dillon. “Yes it does. We have plenty of food, drinks and now,” Georgie pointed at the DJ who started the music, “let’s dance.”

 

Georgie grabbed Dillon’s hand and dragged him out to the floor. Everyone happily watched as the couple held each close and danced with each other. Patrick reached over and patted Hope’s back with one hand while he held Robin’s hand under the table with the other. “They look so happy.”

 

“A second chance at love will do that to you – makes you appreciate what you have even more.” Robin bit her lip and smiled at him.

 

“Yes it does.”

 

“Would the maid of honor and best man please come to the floor for a dance?” The DJ’s announcement broke the moment.

 

Patrick stood up and held out his hand. “Shall we?”

 

Robin looked up at him in surprise. “You’re Dillon’s best man?”

 

Patrick winked at her. “Surprised?” Robin nodded. “Now how about that dance?”

 

Robin looked around the room for her family. “Hope…”

 

Patrick interrupted her, “can dance with us – I have room in my arms for both of you.” Patrick helped Robin and Hope out of the chair and out onto the dance floor. He wrapped his arms around her and Hope and softly swayed with them as the music started.

 

 

I don't need another drink of Johnny Walker Red
And I don't need another drag off a Marlboro cigarette
And I don't need me telling myself everything's gonna be alright
And I don't need me lying here alone again tonight

 

I need my girl, I need my baby
I need you ninety miles an hour down the interstate
Headlights shining in the driveway
In my arms, and I need you right now
I don't need nothing else, baby, in this world
I just need my girl

 

 

Patrick softly stroked Robin’s back as she leaned even further into him, her and Hope as close to him as possible. Other couples joined them on floor but they didn’t notice.

 

 

I don't need those buddies of mine taking me on the town
Or a TV preacher warning me bout the road I'm going down
I don't need to let ‘I'm Sorry’ not roll off my lips
And I don't need to let my pride talk me out of this

 

I need my girl, I need my baby
I need you, ninety miles an hour down the interstate
Headlights shining in the driveway
In my arms, and I need you right now
I don't need nothing else, baby, in this world
I just need my girl

 

 

Robin and Patrick were so wrapped up in each other that neither one noticed that Nikolas had finished his call and had come back in the room. Nikolas stood in the corner, glaring at the family as they danced together.

 

 

Like I never needed anything before
Like my life depends on you walking through that door
I need you, girl

 

Oh, I need you, girl

I need my girl, I need my baby
I need you, ninety miles an hour down the interstate
Headlights shining in the driveway
In my arms, and I need you right now
I don't need nothing else, baby, in this world
I just need my girl

I just need my girl
Just need my girl
I just need my girl

 

 

Robin looked up at Patrick as the song ended, tears brimming in her eyes. The two just stared at each other, unsure of what to say when a voice interrupted them. “Do you mind if I dance with my wife and daughter Patrick?”

 

Patrick could practically feel the anger in Nikolas’s voice hit him as the words rolled off his tongue. “Of course not – in fact, why don’t I take Hope so you can have a dance alone with Robin?” Patrick reached for the little girl but Nikolas quickly cut him off.

 

“That won’t be necessary – I can take care of both of them.” Nikolas pulled Robin into his embrace and wrapped his arms around her and Hope. “Now, if you don’t mind?”

 

“Of course – I will talk to you later.” Patrick gave Robin one last smile before walking over to talk to Mac and Felicia.

 

“You want to tell me what that was about?” Nikolas turned Robin around and didn't even try to hide his anger. The fury in his eyes flared as his grip tightened on Robin’s arm.

 

“Nikolas, it was just a dance. They wanted the maid of honor and best man to dance together – that’s all.” Robin reached over and took Nikolas's hand to try and calm him down - she didn’t like the look in his eyes. “Now, how about that dance you wanted?”

 

Nikolas’s grip loosened and Robin relaxed. He finally smiled at her. “Of course – one dance and then we really need to get going." He gently patted Hope's back. "Hope needs to get to bed.”

 

Robin nodded. “I agree, now dance with me.”

 

Nikolas held Robin and Hope close and the three danced together for one song before Nikolas led her off the floor. They got Hope buckled into her car seat and said their goodbyes before leaving the party.

 

Patrick was so busy watching Robin and Hope leave that he didn't even notice when Robert walked up to him. Patrick jumped as Robert touched him on the shoulder. “Easy there mate, I just wanted to ask you a question. How much longer until you get those results?” Robert had given the swab from Hope’s cheek to Georgie last week.

 

“Another couple of days – we didn’t have a sample from Robin this time so it is taking longer to sort out the different DNA strands.” Patrick sighed - he hated waiting because he was certain that he was losing time with his daughter. "Once we prove that Hope is mine, Nikolas loses his leverage and we can get them out of there."

 

"Not a moment too soon in my opinion. We need to get my daughter and granddaughter away from that bastard as soon as possible.” Robert raised his glass to Patrick. “To getting your family back.”

 

Patrick took his glass and tapped Robert’s. “To getting all my girls home safe and sound.”

 

 

(The song is I Need My Girl by Blake Shelton)

Edited September 28, 2015 by cmahorror

[cmahorror]

Chapter 45

 

Jason paced the penthouse as he waited for Sam to get home. The test results had come in from the lab and he wanted her there with him when he opened them. He pulled out the envelope and stared at it – unsure of what he wanted the results to say. If Hope was his daughter than Nikolas still had the upper hand but he had a beautiful little girl with a woman he had always loved, even though that love was now of the friendship kind and not romantic. If she wasn’t than he could get back ELQ, save Robin and reunite her with the love of her life but lose the little girl he had come to love as his own at the same time. Either way, he lost.

 

He briefly considered tearing up the results so the truth could never come out but he knew that wasn’t fair to him, Robin or Patrick. If Hope wasn’t his daughter, he was sure she was Patrick’s and Patrick deserved to the chance to be her father. They hadn’t got a sample from Patrick so all this test would tell them was if Hope was Jason’s or not.

 

“Jason?” Sam opened the door and walked into their place. She saw that he was holding an envelope and took a deep breath. “Is that the…”

 

“Yes – I was waiting for you before I opened them.” He sat down on the couch and Sam sat down next to him.

 

Sam reached over and took the envelope from him. She could feel how conflicted he was. “Are you sure you want to open this up? We can still destroy it and keep things the way they are.”

 

“No, we need to know the truth.” Jason took the envelope back and opened it up, slowly pulling out the folded paper and reading it. “Son a bitch.” He handed the letter to Sam. “She’s not mine – Hope isn’t my daughter.”

 

Sam wrapped her arms around her husband and attempted to comfort him. “I am so sorry.”

 

“I think we both knew that she wasn’t mine.” Jason wiped his eyes, trying to keep from getting too upset. Hope was never his and deep inside he had always known that but he still loved the little girl. “We need to tell Patrick so he can get a test done. Once we prove that Hope is his daughter we can help him get them back.”

 

Sam was about to make the call when her phone rang. She looked at the caller ID and then at Jason. “It’s Patrick.” She answered the phone. “We were just getting ready to…”

 

Jason watched Sam’s face as she talked on the phone to her ex-boyfriend. “Of course, we’ll be right there. See you in a few minutes.” Sam turned to her husband. “Patrick needs to see us as soon as possible.”

 

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

“Come on in.” Patrick swung open the front door and invited Sam and Jason into the house. The couple was surprised to see that they were not alone – Robert, Mac, Frisco, Georgie and Dillon were also present. “Have a seat.”

 

There was only one seat left so Jason sat down in the chair and Sam sat down on his lap. “We need to talk about Hope.”

 

“That’s why I called you over here.” Patrick took a deep breath. “I know you appreciate the direct approach so I am just going to tell it to you straight – Hope isn’t your daughter.”

 

Jason hugged Sam and then looked at Patrick. “We know.”

 

“What do you mean you know?” Robert glared at the man.

 

“I mean that is what we were going to come over and tell you - we had another DNA test run and we just got the results a little while ago.” Jason shook his head. “She’s not mine.”

 

Sam looked at Patrick. “You need to get a test run and see if she is yours.”

 

“One step ahead of you there.” Robert pulled out a sheet of paper and handed it to the couple. “We already had a test run – we had our suspicions as well. She is Patrick’s daughter.”

 

Jason read the results and felt his heart break as the final doubts he had were pushed away. Until that moment he had held out a small hope that his results were wrong – now there was no doubt. “Congratulations.” Sam rubbed Jason’s back. “She is wonderful little girl and you are lucky to be her father.”

 

“Thank you.” Patrick felt bad for Jason. The man had gotten attached to Hope, had loved being her father and now he was losing her. “I am sorry for you Jason.”

 

“It’s how it should be.” Jason took a moment to get his emotions in check and then addressed the group. “So what now?”

 

“That’s actually just what we were discussing. The first thing we need to do is get Robin and Hope away from Nikolas.” Robert stood up and smiled at Robin and Patrick’s wedding photo on the fireplace mantle. “Robin doesn’t know that you are not Hope’s father and we can use that to keep them safe. I think we need to keep this from Robin until we have a plan in place to get them away from him.”

 

“We need to tell her – she needs to know what he did.” Patrick didn’t want his daughter and Robin with Nikolas any longer than possible.

 

“And she will but we need to be smart about it.” Mac stood up and placed a comforting hand on Patrick’s shoulder. “Please, trust us. We love them just as much as you do.”

 

Patrick sighed but nodded his head. “Fine – what are you thinking?”

 

“Tomorrow Robin and Hope are headed to GH for their check-ups.” Robert smiled at Patrick. “Here is what I think we should do…”

 

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Nikolas watched on his phone as everyone left Patrick’s house. He saw Georgie hug Patrick and then heard her tell him thank you for all his help planning the wedding but Nikolas didn’t buy it for one second – they were on to him and he needed to be prepared for anything.

 

He hit a button on his phone and the screen changed to the living room where Robin was sitting on the couch reading a book while Hope slept on her chest. It was possibly the most beautiful thing he had ever seen and he made a decision. If they were on to him then maybe it was time to cut his losses and start a new life and a new company far from Port Charles. Nikolas picked up his phone and made a call. “Yes, I want you to liquidate all my assets from ELQ and then put all proceeds into my private account in Switzerland. My only requirement is that none of the shares end up with the Quartermaines – spread it out so far and wide that they can never hope to have control of the company again.”

 

Nikolas hung up the phone and smiled. He may have lost ELQ but so would they. He picked up his phone and made another call. “Get the house ready – my wife and I will be moving there shortly. Make sure the nursery is set up and that all my wife’s medications are waiting for us when we get there.”

 

Tomorrow Robin and Hope would get their one month check-ups. As soon as they left the hospital, they would board the Cassadine jet and head to Cassadine Island for a new start. There was just one last detail to take care of. “Yes, this is Nikolas Cassadine. My wife and I will be sending someone to pick up Emma tomorrow evening. There is a family emergency and we will need to bring Emma home early.” Nikolas listened for a moment. “No, please do not say anything to her – I don’t want to upset her. Just make sure she is ready to leave at 5:00 tomorrow.”

 

Nikolas picked the photo of the four of them off his desk and smiled. This was a temporary setback. They would regroup and rebuild in Greece and then come back to Port Charles stronger and happier than ever.

[cmahorror]

Chapter 46

 

Nikolas sat on the couch watching his wife get Hope ready in their room through the app on his phone. They needed to leave for the hospital shortly and, after that, they were leaving town – Robin just didn’t know it yet. Alfred had orders to pack bags for Robin and Hope as soon as the family had left Wyndamere. Emma would be picked up on their way and by morning the family would be settled in their new home on Cassadine Island.

 

“We need to talk.” Nikolas watched as Robert walked into Robin’s room as she was getting Hope ready for their doctor’s appointments.

 

“Can it wait Dad? We have to get going or we are going to be late.” Robin slipped on a jacket as soon as she finished getting Hope dressed.

 

She picked up the little girl and headed to the door but her father stopped her. “It’s about your husband.” Robert dropped his voice to a soft whisper. Nikolas could not hear what he said, just Robin’s reaction to it.

 

Robin stepped back from her father. “Dad, I really don’t have time for this. How about we take a walk together after we get back?”

 

“But sweetheart…”

 

Robin pushed past her father. “We really have to get going. Why don’t you come with us to the hospital?”

 

“I won’t go with you to the hospital but I will ride into town with you – I have a few errands to run.” He gently took Hope from Robin. “Let me take me granddaughter for you.”

 

“Dad, I can carry her.” Robin wasn’t protesting too hard – she was enjoying having her dad around spending time with Hope.

 

“I never said you couldn’t – just that I wanted to. Besides, I enjoy having two beautiful women on my arms.” He held up his elbow and Robin linked her arm through it as they walked down the stairs together. Robert was not happy to see Nikolas waiting for them at the bottom of the staircase. “Nikolas.”

 

“Robert.” Nikolas nodded his head. “Will you be coming with us to the hospital?”

 

“No, just to town.” Robert raised his eyebrow at the man. “Unless that is a problem for you?”

 

“Absolutely not – the more the merrier. Shall we?” Nikolas opened the front door and led the group down to the launch.

 

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

“She’ll be fine.” Robin shook her head at Nikolas as they waited for her doctor to call her in for her appointment.

 

“I still don’t feel comfortable with Jason taking her to the appointment.” Nikolas had been surprised when Sam and Jason had met them at the hospital to go with Hope to her check up.

 

“She is with her dad and the doctor couldn’t fit me in at any other time. They offered to let you go with them.” Robin was tired of defending her decision to Nikolas. “Can you please pretend to be understanding?”

 

Nikolas took Robin’s hand in his. “I’m sorry – it’s just with Helena out there I don’t like it.”

 

“Jason will not let anything happen to her, I promise.” Robin smiled at him. “Is there something else going on – you seem distracted.”

 

“Just hoping everything goes well with your appointment. If it does, there is something I want to talk to you about.” Nikolas stroked Robin’s hand.

 

Robin forced the smile to stay in place. “Really? What?”

 

“Not until after your appointment.” Nikolas leaned over to kiss her when the nurse popped her head out of the door.

 

“Dr. Scorpio? The doctor will see you now.”

 

Robin stood up quickly, knocking her purse over in the process. She picked it back up and laughed nervously. “I am such a klutz sometimes. Wait for me out here?”

 

“Of course. I have a few calls to make anyhow.” He kissed her on the cheek. “See you in just a little bit.”

 

Robin walked through the door and Nikolas pulled out his phone. It slipped out of his hand and hit the floor, bouncing underneath the chair. He got down on his knees and looked under the chair for it and was surprised to see to cell phones under it. He got both phones and sat back in his chair. “Who do you belong to?”

 

There was really only one way to find out so Nikolas turned on the phone and smiled at the picture that came up on the screen. It was Emma holding Hope – this was Robin’s phone. Nikolas looked at the door and then back at the phone. There was a little envelope down at the bottom of the screen showing that Robin had an unopened message.

 

Nikolas stared at the phone for a few minutes, debating what he should do. One the one hand, he had a clone of the phone so he could find out what the message was at any time but, on the other hand, he had a strange feeling that this message was important. He debated for few more moments before hitting the button and opening the message.

 

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Patrick cooed at Hope as he held her in his arms. “We are going to have so much fun together baby girl. I can’t wait to show you your first NASCAR race.” Jason had brought Hope to Patrick while Robin had her appointment. Robert would be here shortly with Emma and Anna and then the girls would be transported to a safe house.

 

After the girls were secured, the PCPD would move in to arrest Nikolas for extortion and Robin would finally be safe. The only problem was that Scott was dragging his feet on filing the charges because he wanted to make sure that all their I’s were dotted and the T’s were crossed. He did not want Nikolas to get off on a technicality.

 

“Did you get the message to Robin about what we are planning today?” Jason wanted to make sure that Robin didn’t get caught in the crossfire of Nikolas’s arrest.

 

“I texted her a little while ago. Nikolas wasn’t going into the appointment with her so she can read the message while she is in with the doctor and slip away from Nikolas through the back office door.” Patrick smiled at Hope. “And then Mommy and Daddy and you and your big sister can finally be together as a family.”

 

Hope smiled at Patrick who laughed once again, feeling better than he had in years. Jason and Sam took in the scene and smiled at each other. Just then Sam’s phone rang and she answered it. “Yes? Great – how long? We’ll be waiting.” She hung up the phone. “Robert is almost here and wants us to meet him in the back alley. Scott will be here in 15 minutes to arrest Nikolas.”

 

Patrick laid Hope on his chest and headed to the door. “Then let’s get going.”

 

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

“Everything is ready? Good.” Nikolas hung up the phone as Robin walked back into the lobby of the doctor’s office. “You ready to go?”

 

“What about Hope?” Robin was confused – earlier Nikolas was worried about leaving Hope with Jason for even a minute.

 

“You were right – I was overreacting. She is with her father and I know he will take care of her.” Nikolas grabbed Robin’s hand. “And I want a little time alone with my wife. I let Jason know that he could bring Hope home to us later this afternoon so why don’t we grab a late lunch and enjoy a little alone time.”

 

Robin couldn’t help but notice that Nikolas was rushing her out of the hospital. Before she had time to think, they were out of the hospital and in the car. Nikolas ordered the driver to leave before handing Robin a drink. “I take it the appointment went well?”

 

“Yes, I am healing fine.” Robin took a long drink and nervously tapped on the glass. She was getting more and more nervous as the car headed in the opposite direction of the house. “Where are we going – this isn’t the way home.”

 

Nikolas smiled as Robin’s eyes started to droop. “We aren’t going back to Wyndamere Robin.” Nikolas put his hand in his pocket and pulled out the phone he had found. “But then again, you weren’t planning to come home today at all, were you?”

 

The world around Robin began spinning. “What did you do?”

 

“Don’t worry – we can talk about all of this later. Right now just get some rest. We have a long trip ahead of us.” Nikolas put his arm around Robin and pulled her close. “Just go to sleep.”

 

Robin attempted to pull away but she didn’t have a chance. Moments after Nikolas pulled her into his arms, darkness engulfed her.

[cmahorror]

Chapter 47

 

“Hey baby girl, you ready for a family vacation with me, mommy and your sister?” Patrick smiled at Emma as secured Hoped into her car seat.

 

“What about Nikolas?” Emma was confused about what was going on. One minute she was at camp and the next her Grandma was bringing her home.

 

“Nikolas has to go away for a while.” Sam smiled at the little girl. “But the good news is that you and your mom and your sister are going to move back home with your dad after your trip. Isn’t that great news?”

 

Emma nodded her head excitedly. “The best!”

 

“Now you need to help Grandma Anna with Hope while mommy and I get our things together. Can you do that for us?” Patrick was grateful that Emma was too young to really question why she was being sent away by her parents. To her this was just an adventure she was going on with her grandma.

 

“Of course I will daddy.” She leaned over to give her dad a kiss and hug before buckling her seat belt. “Ready Grandma Anna?”

 

Anna smiled from the driver’s seat at her granddaughters. “You bet.” She turned to Patrick. “You call me the minute you and Robin are together.”

 

“Of course I will.” Patrick shut the door and waved to them as they drove out of the alley and onto the street, an unmarked WSB car following them closely.

 

Anna was taking the girls to a cabin in the woods outside of Port Charles. It was by a lake and had the best security there was since it was a WSB safe house. Robert patted him on the back. “Don’t worry, a few more minutes and this will all be over.”

 

“I don’t know Robert, I have a bad feeling about this. I haven't heard from Robin yet. Have you?” Robert shook his head. “What if Nikolas found her burner phone?”

 

“Let’s not borrow trouble here – maybe she just hasn’t been able to look at it yet. She knows you are sending her the details about what was going on today on that phone.” Robert was starting to get nervous but he didn’t want Patrick to know that. “Let’s go inside and wait in the lobby for her.”

 

Patrick let Robert lead him inside but the feeling of dread he had didn’t go away. He couldn’t help but feel that something had gone very wrong.

 

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Nikolas patted Robin down after she passed out to see if she had any kind of tracking device on her and was surprised to find another cell phone in the pocket of her jeans. He shook his head as he realized what had happened: in Robin’s rush to get Hope to the doctor she had put the wrong phone in her purse. The phone in her purse was the one she was using to communicate with Robert and Patrick, the phone in her pocket was the one he knew about and had cloned.

 

Nikolas scrolled through the messages as they drove to the airstrip, fury growing as he realized that Robin had known about his plans for weeks. Not only that, she was planning on leaving him for Patrick. Nikolas glared down at his unconscious wife. “Well Robin, you have certainly gotten better at lying.”

 

Nikolas took a few deep breaths to regain control and made a call. “Have all the shares been sold? And the money transferred to the account in Switzerland? Perfect.” He hung up and made another call. “Is Emma ready to go?” He clinched his fist in anger at the response. “Of course, I forgot that my wife had asked her mother to pick Emma up. Thank you.”

 

Nikolas thought for a moment and then lowered the partition between him and the driver. “Change of plans – we are going straight to the airstrip.” He raised the glass and made one last call. “Is the plane fueled? Good – we are leaving immediately.”

 

Nikolas stared out the window as they approached the airstrip only minutes later. They pulled up to the plane and, after he threw both of Robin's phones out onto the tarmac, Nikolas carried Robin onto it, carefully buckling her in to a seat. He sat down and called the pilot. "We are not going to Greece, I have a new destination in mind."

 

Nikolas gave the pilot the new destination and within minutes the plane was in the air. As the plane took off and Nikolas watched Port Charles disappear into the distance he decided that in the end he had most definitely come out on top. The Quartermaines had lost ELQ and Nikolas had destroyed the people who had destroyed his Emily and had enough money to live out the rest of his life in the style to which he was accustomed. Patrick, the arrogant son of a bitch, had lost Robin while Nikolas was heading off to start a new life with her.

 

Nikolas smiled at Robin one last time before closing his eyes, feeling the best he had all day. After all, he was a Cassadine and he had once again proved that Cassadines don’t lose.

 

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

“I thought you said they were in Robin’s doctor’s office.” Scott stormed over to the group as they sat in the lobby waiting for Robin.

 

“They were supposed to be.” Patrick looked at Robert. “She doesn’t have Hope and she wouldn’t leave here without her.”

 

“Well the nurse says that Nikolas and Robin left over a half hour ago so where are they?” Scott was not happy that Cassadine may have slipped out of their hands.

 

“The phone – Robert the GPS on the phone.” Patrick looked over to see Robert already on his phone call Frisco.

 

“We need to know where Robin’s phone is right now!” Robert kicked the wall as he got the last answer he wanted. “Are you sure? Damn it!”

 

“No,” Patrick fell back against the wall, “Robert, tell me he didn’t…”

 

“Robin’s phone is at an airstrip on the outskirts of town and it is not moving.” Robert walked over and put his hand on Patrick’s shoulder. “That airstrip housed the Cassadine jet. Frisco has men on the way there right now. We’ll get her back. No matter what it takes, we will get her back.”

 

Patrick just slid down the wall, tears flowing down his face. She was gone - all their planning and still Nikolas had gotten away with Robin.

 

He dried his eyes and stood up. No, they had come too close to lose her now. Patrick would get her back and, once he did, he was never letting Robin go again.

[ulkis]

I wrote this after Sonny threw the bomb in the water, hence the Silas appearance. I call it "Sonny saves the day some more":

"Dr. Obrecht, this patient needs one last check-up before he is released for ever for saving my daughter!" said the governor.

"But of course," said Obrecht.

"Wait a minute," said Sonny. "Isn't that a bunch of children trapped in the lab?"

"Oh, yes," said Obrecht. "I'm sure they'll be fine."

"I'm pretty sure I smell gas coming from there!"

"This ees a hospital Mr Corinthos, with a limited budget, we cannot just afford to throw money everywhere."

"Uncwe Sonny! Hewp us!" said Spencer.

"That's my nephew!" said Sonny. "I have to go save them!"

"That's disgusting," said Brad, looking on as Sonny ran towards the lab. "He's trying to hit on you!"

"He is?" said Lucas.

"Oh, come on!" said Brad. "Everyone knows rescuing children is gay foreplay!"

"I was really more distracted by Detective West, also trapped in the lab, shirtless."

"Oh no, my son ist in there!" cried Obrecht. "And he is covered with a flammable yet shiny oil that emphasizes his muscles to perfect advantage. He must have gotten it on his self when he was trying to save the kinder!"

"Wait," said Sonny. "Didn't you notice him in there before?"

"He had a shirt on then," said Obrecht.

Sonny started banging on the door with a fire extinguisher.

"Doesn't anyone else in this hospital want to help him?" said Brad.

"I would help him, but I got myself locked in the elevator somehow!" cried Morgan's muffled voice.

"Oh Michael!" said Carly. "Thank God you didn't get trapped in the elevator!" She gave him a hug.

"You know," said Lucas, "that lab leads to the Stone Cates AIDS Memorial Wing, which Sonny paid for, ALL by himself."

"I can't help," said Silas Clay. "This all reminds me of my pain over what's-his-face. It hurts." He leaned over and looked at his crossword. "5 letter word for round fruit, hmmm."

"There's something - shining in my eyes - I can't quite get the lock off - " Sonny said. Finally the knob turned. "Ucwe Sonny!" Spencer jumped on top of him. "I knew that stwupid jwail couldn't howd you fow long!"

"This kid stole my earrings!" said Josslyn. "That's how we got locked in in the first place, we were chasing him."

"I need them!" said the strange young man, patting his ears. "I just don't feel right when I'm not wearing a pair."

"Hey, that's what's his face," said Silas, looking up from his crossword.

"Uncle Silas!" exclaimed Rafe, running up to him. "I've been lost in the hospital this whole time!"

"Oh, wow," said Silas. "Sorry about that." He pursed his lips. "Do you think you can manage here for another day or so. Or maybe a week or two? Cause your cousin Kiki and her boyfriend and some baby have been squatting at my place, and I really don't think it could take another person right now."

"Well . . . okay . . . " said Rafe.

"Wow Sonny, looks like you're a hero again!" declared Dante proudly. He leaned over a bit and clutched his chest.

"Dante, are you okay?" said Lucas.

"Yeah, yeah, it's nothing," Dante explained. "Just some chest pain from the hole in my right ventricle from Sonny's gunshot that the doctor says is gonna kill me by the time I'm 40." He stood back up and rubbed his chest. "Whew, passed."

"Oh, Nasan," Obrecht said, hugging him. "Oh, shit, I accidentally lit you on fire with my cigarette. Now it is spreading to the whole hospital."

"Help me dad!" said Morgan. "I'm still locked in the elevator! There's only two buttons!"

"Come on kid!" Sonny said to Rafe. "Help me pry open the elevator, and you'll be able to live with me and Duke Lavery, a man who I don't really remember how I met him, but he hangs around my house now!"

"Now that's a true hero," Silas declared.

*

I may have posted this twice. But hey, the current writing made me forget.

Edited October 4, 2015 by ulkikis

[cmahorror]

Chapter 48

 

Robin opened her eyes and looked around the unfamiliar room. How long had she been asleep? Where was she? She heard the lock clicking on the door and sat up on the bed.

 

“Rise and shine.” Nikolas smiled at Robin as he entered her room and set down the tray carrying her supper and protocol. “Did you have a nice nap?”

 

“Where’s Hope?” Robin looked around for a bassinet but didn’t see one.

 

“Hope is with her father.” Nikolas spoke while setting up dinner on the table in her room. “We needed to have a little alone time.”

 

“Where are we?” Robin didn’t recognize anything in the room or outside the window.

 

“That doesn’t matter right now. What matters is that we have a fresh start to our marriage – no more lies.” Nikolas pulled out the chair. “I’m sure you must be starving.”

 

Robin sat down in the chair and allowed Nikolas to scoot her in. “Thank you.”

 

“You’re welcome.” Nikolas sat down and began eating. “We didn’t have a lot to choose from so I hope you like it.”

 

Robin took a bite of her chicken. “It’s fine.” She bit her lip and looked at Nikolas. “Why are you doing this?”

 

“Doing what?” Nikolas was focused on his food – he was starving.

 

“ELQ, Hope, Jason – take your pick. How could you do this to Emily’s family?” Robin couldn’t figure out why Nikolas was behaving this way.

 

Nikolas gave a short laugh. “Her family? Those people never cared about her, never loved her the way they should have.” Nikolas stared Robin straight in the eyes. “Do you know how many nights I watched her stay up studying, wearing herself out, trying to be the best doctor she could so that they would be proud of her?”

 

“Emily wanted to be a doctor and she wanted her parents to be proud of her – there is nothing wrong with that. Monica and Alan loved Emily so much…”

 

“Really?” Nikolas threw his fork down on the plate. “If they loved her so much than why did they allow her to get involved with Sonny Corinthos? Why did they allow her to still be in touch with her mobster brother?”

 

“Emily was an adult who made her own decisions. She chose to get involved with Sonny and she loved her brother very much. There are times when she was the only one to get through to him. He was devastated when she died.” Robin could understand his hatred of Jason but Monica and Alan didn’t deserve it.

 

“She died because of Jason. Diego targeted her to hurt him.” Nikolas’s teeth were clenched so tight that Robin thought he might crack a tooth. “Emily would still be alive today if the Quartermaines had protected her over their brain damaged son. You should be glad he isn’t Hope’s father.”

 

This time it was Robin who dropped her fork. “What?”

 

“Oh that’s right, you didn’t know that yet.” Nikolas picked up his fork again. “Although you probably were starting to wonder – I mean she really doesn’t look like Jason, does she?”

 

Robin began to softly cry. “She’s Patrick’s isn’t she?” Nikolas nodded as he ate his dinner. “How?”

 

“Long story short – grandmother.” Nikolas continued eating. “That isn’t important now. What is important is rebuilding this marriage so we can be a united front when we go home and get custody of the girls.”

 

“This marriage is over. It was built on threats and lies, not love. You made me believe that the only way to protect my girls was to be with you when the truth was you were who we needed protection from.” Robin reached for her protocol. “I am not your wife anymore – I am your hostage and we both know it.”

 

Nikolas wiped his face with his napkin and stood up. “I’m sorry that you feel that way but I know we can find a way to work through this. I love you Robin and I love our family. In time you will see I am right and, when you do, we will go home and be with the girls.”

 

“Just let me go home Nikolas. You have what you want – you took ELQ from the Quartermaines and you got your revenge. Take the money and let me go home. Get Spencer from boarding school and build a new life for yourselves but let me get back to mine.” Robin couldn’t understand why Nikolas was so intent on keeping her as his wife.

 

“You showed me I could be happy again Robin, fall in love again. You are beautiful, smart, caring and a wonderful mother. I would be a fool to let you go.” Nikolas opened the door and a guard came into the room and took their dishes. Nikolas smiled at Robin once more and followed the guard out the door. “Good night.”

 

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Patrick paced the floor of Mac’s house as Mac, Robert and Frisco went over Nikolas’s assets. “Cassadine Island is too obvious – he wouldn’t go there knowing we are looking for him.”

 

Frisco nodded his head in agreement with his old friend. “But that still doesn’t narrow it down. There are dozens of places all over the world where Nikolas could have gone into hiding.”

 

“Did you try Spencer’s boarding school?” The men looked at Patrick in surprise. “Maybe Nikolas will try to bring his son to be with them?”

 

Robert couldn’t help but smile at the man – Patrick had learned a few tricks over the past few years. “That is not a bad idea.”

 

“I’ll get right on it.” Frisco pulled out his phone and made the call.

 

Suddenly the front door flew open and Jason came running through it. “We need to talk.”

 

“What is it?” Patrick didn’t like the look on Jason’s face – something had happened.

 

“Nikolas’s head of acquisitions at Cassadine Industries called my mom last night and offered to sell her all the ELQ stock Nikolas had acquired.”

 

“Why?” Mac didn't understand - they all knew that Nikolas had targeted ELQ for a takeover.

 

“Nikolas wanted to sell all the shares he had acquired. The man said didn’t know what brought about Nikolas's change of heart but he suspected that Nikolas had obtained those shares through some not so legal dealings and he didn’t want to be a part of it. He agreed to sell the shares back to Monica.” Jason sat down on the couch. “She and Michael put the money together and wired it to one of Nikolas’s accounts a few hours ago. He just delivered all the stocks to the house – we have full control of ELQ once again.”

 

“And Nikolas has more than enough money to disappear.” Robert shook his head. “Where was the money sent?”

 

“To an account in Switzerland which means we cannot find out how he is accessing it or from where.” Jason had already thought of that. “I’m sorry – I had no idea what was going on or I would have made sure you guys knew about it.”

 

“I believe you Jason.” Patrick had not always liked Jason but he knew that Jason would never willingly put Robin in harm’s way. “What do we do now?”

 

“We put the tail on Spencer and we put out an international APB on Nikolas. We make it clear that he has a hostage and is dangerous.” Robert looked at Patrick. “We saved her before and we will do it again. Robin is coming home to you and your girls, I promise.”

 

Patrick nodded and walked over to a picture Mac had on the end table of Robin, Hope and Emma together at the hospital. He hugged it close to him. Robert was right – Robin was coming home and they would be a family once again.

Edited October 4, 2015 by cmahorror

[cmahorror]

Chapter 49

 

Patrick was lying on the couch at Mac’s house, trying to force himself into a nap. He needed to get a little sleep if he was to think clearly and help bring Robin home. He closed his eyes and was just about out when his phone rang. Groaning, he opened his eyes and answered the phone. “Dr. Drake.”

 

“How are the girls?”

 

Patrick bolted upright and jumped off the couch. “You son of a bitch! Where’s Robin?”

 

“Robin and I are taking some time away to work on our marriage but I want her to know that her daughters are doing okay.” Nikolas stared at the computer, watching the clock closely. He knew Patrick’s phone was tapped and he didn’t want to lead Robin’s family to their current location – at least not yet. “So how are Hope and Emma?”

 

Patrick ran into the den where Robert and Mac were going over some notes and put the phone on speaker before setting it down on the desk. “They are fine and someplace you will never find them. This is over Nikolas – let Robin go.”

 

“And give up the best wife I could hope to have? I’m not you Patrick – I’m not foolish enough to lose someone so special.” Nikolas knew that Patrick had put him on speaker phone, he could hear papers rustling in the background. “Right Mac?”

 

Mac sighed. “Let Robin come home Nikolas.”

 

“I’ll think about it. Like I said, Robin and I need to work on our marriage.” Nikolas knew his time was running short so he decided to throw one last thing at Patrick. “I do want to make one thing clear to you Patrick – even if Robin comes home to Port Charles without me, I will never give her a divorce.”

 

Patrick heard the connection cutoff. “Nikolas!” He picked up the phone and threw it across the room. “Damn it!”

 

Robert walked calmly over to the phone and picked it back up, grateful it wasn’t broken. “Careful there son – he might call back.”

 

“I’m sorry it’s just,” Patrick shook his head as he took his phone back, “why is he doing this? His plan was to get ELQ but he abandoned that plan when he left Port Charles. Robin was just supposed to be a means to an end, she was never the goal.”

 

“I think that may have changed, especially since Nikolas lost ELQ. I think he may have a new goal now.” Robert was certain the Nikolas had something else planned for Robin.

 

“But why?”

 

“Because he’s in love with her.” Mac walked over to Patrick. “A part of him has always loved Robin.”

 

“But Emily is the love of his life.” Patrick didn’t want to believe that Nikolas was in love with Robin.

 

“And he can never be with her again.” Mac went over to the window and watched Felicia as she worked in her flower bed. She was tidying up a few things before going to spend time with Anna and the girls at the cabin. “Patrick, were you and Emily ever involved? Before Robin of course.”

 

“No, I mean we had a date but it didn’t go anywhere. She started dating Sonny right after it and I was fighting my feelings for Robin.” Patrick shook his head. “That was years ago – why would it matter now?”

 

“Maybe he wants to get back at you for that?” Mac was grasping at straws.

 

“Or maybe this is his way of making sure you never hurt Robin again.” Robert turned his steely gaze towards Patrick. “Let’s face it Drake, you don’t have the best track record when it comes to my daughter. You cheated on her, ignored her pleas for help, divorced her without a second thought and have spent years hurting her, intentional or not. Maybe he thinks he is protecting her from the inevitable heartache you are going to bring her.”

 

“I love Robin. I know I have made my mistakes but, if we are talking about pain caused, I have nothing on you Robert. You abandoned her and let her think you had been murdered. For fifteen years you let your daughter grieve for you.” Patrick was tired and angry so the words flew out without hesitation. “I made mistakes and I have never denied that but I have worked very hard to be here for Robin and help her recover from her ordeal. You took off on another mission.”

 

Robert crossed the room to attack Patrick but Mac got between the two men. “Enough! This is not helping Robin. The truth is that it doesn’t matter why Nikolas is doing this. We need to figure out where she is and how to get her home. We’ll sort the rest of it out after that.” He turned to Patrick. “Go up to the guest room and try to get a little rest – we need clear heads if we are going to come up with a coherent plan.”

 

Patrick didn’t say another word, he just grabbed his phone and left the room. Mac turned to his brother. “And you – attacking Patrick isn’t doing anyone any good. Do you think he isn’t torn apart every day by his guilt? He loves Robin and it is killing him that his inaction put this whole nightmare in motion so back off.” Mac walked back over to his desk and sat down. “You were planning to go to the cabin and check on the girls so go do that. I’ll check with Frisco and see if they were able to trace the call although I am certain that they couldn’t – Nikolas is too smart to make a call if he thought it could lead us to him.”

 

“I’ll call you when I get there.” Robert knew his brother was right but it didn’t make things any easier. Robert stormed out of the room, almost running over his sister-in-law in the process. “Sorry Felicia.”

 

“It’s okay.” She walked into the room and over to the desk, wrapping her arms around Mac’s neck and kissing his cheek. “Any news?”

 

“Nikolas called Patrick.” Mac turned around and saw the shocked look on his wife’s face. He pulled her into his lap and held her close. “He told Patrick that he and Robin were working on their marriage and that…”

 

“Mac, what is it?” Felicia could see there something else going on.

 

“He said that even if Robin comes back to Port Charles without him, he would never give her a divorce.” Mac held Felicia closer. “He’s not going to let her go, not without a fight.”

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Nikolas smiled as he walked into the room. “I’ll give you an A for effort Britt, too bad you couldn’t get in touch with Patrick.”

 

Britt glared at Nikolas as she sat on her cot in the lab. She had almost made it to New York when one of Nikolas’s men had caught up to her at a rest area. Britt had made the mistake of calling her mother and telling her where she was and Obrecht had immediately told Nikolas. “He needs to know that that little girl is his.”

 

“And he does.” Nikolas laughed at the look of shock that came over her face. “No, I didn’t tell him but he figured it out anyhow.”

 

“So why am I here? The truth is out – there is no reason to keep me locked up.” Britt began pleading with Nikolas. “Please, let me go and I will stay far away from Port Charles. I will go to another country and you will never hear from me again.”

 

“I’m not done with you yet. Robin and I are here working on our marriage.” Nikolas glared at Britt. “You will stay here to be her personal physician. It has only been a month since she gave birth and I want her to have the best care possible. Your first appointment will be tomorrow. All her medical records are on the table for you to review.” Nikolas headed to the door. “We will see you tomorrow Dr. Westbourne.”

[cmahorror]

Chapter 50

 

“You ready to go?” Nikolas walked into Robin’s room the next morning with a box in his hand. “I know we don’t have an appointment per se, but I don’t want to keep the doctor waiting too long.”

 

Robin sat at the desk in the pair of sweats and a t-shirt she had found in the dresser. She had only had Hope a month ago and was still trying to get back into shape. “I just saw the doctor yesterday and she gave me a clean bill of health.”

 

“This is a first appointment.” Nikolas nodded at her outfit. “Are the clothes here the wrong size?”

 

“I am still not back to the weight I was before I got…,” Robin stopped for a second and considered what she wanted to say, “before Hope.”

 

Nikolas walked over and hugged her. “You know I don’t care how much you weigh – just as long as you are healthy.” He pulled back and handed Robin the box. “For you.”

 

Robin took the box warily and sat down on the bed. She slowly took off the wrapping paper and opened the box. She stared inside the box for a moment before pulling a book out of it. “18th Century French Fairy Tales.”

 

“It’s the companion volume to the one I gave you in the hospital.” Robin continued to stare at the book. “You know, after Tony held you hostage with Michael and you got pneumonia?”

 

Robin didn’t look up. “I remember.”

 

“I knew you would.” Nikolas wrapped his arm around her. “I think it would be great if we could teach our girls French. I think of it as our language, the one that brought us together all those years ago.”

 

“Helping you recover from the stroke.” Robin remembered getting to know that Nikolas very well but that man didn’t exist anymore.

 

“The language of love – appropriate for us, don’t you think?” Nikolas stood up as Robin shook her head. “Now we need to get going.”

 

Nikolas held out his hand and Robin took it, knowing she really didn’t have a choice. She left the book on the bed and followed Nikolas out the room and the down the hall, trying to take in everything she could as they headed towards the doctor’s office. They reached an elevator at the end of the hall and Nikolas led her onto it. “I’m sorry but this is the only way to get to the lab.”

 

After a short ride down, the doors opened into a grey basement. There was a door directly across from the elevator and Nikolas walked over to it and placed his thumb against the sensor next to the knob. The door opened and Nikolas gestured for Robin enter the room. She stepped through the doorway and saw a woman sitting at a computer. “Britt?”

 

Britt looked up at her as Nikolas followed Robin into the room. “Dr. Westbourne has agreed to be your new doctor. I will give you ladies a little time together to do the exam and I will be back so we can discuss a few things.” Nikolas backed out of the room and the door slammed shut behind him.

 

Robin sat down in a chair as Britt walked over to Robin. “I am so sorry Robin.”

 

Robin felt a wave of dizziness wash over her as a memory hit her.

 

 

Flashback

 

“It is a very simple procedure my dear and I have been told that Dr. Westbourne is tops in her field.” Helena stood over Robin as she lay on a bed.

 

“Why are you doing this to me?” Robin couldn’t understand – she had done everything she was told.

 

“You misunderstand little bird – I am doing this for you. I am giving you a wonderful gift.” Helena looked at Britt. “I expect you to be at your best – no mistakes will be tolerated.”

 

“I understand.” Britt walked over and injected something into Robin’s IV. “You will begin to feel a little sleepy.”

 

Robin’s eyes began to close as the drug took affect. Helena headed towards the door. “We will be watching you Dr. Westbourne.”

 

Britt sighed and looked at Robin. “I am so sorry Robin.”

 

Helena opened the door and walked out it. Robin could see someone else waiting on the other side of the door. It took a moment but she finally realized who it was. “Nikolas?”

 

Nikolas’s head popped up at Robin’s voice but he didn’t move to help her.

 

“Nikolas!” Robin knew he could hear her. Her last thought before everything went dark was why wasn’t he helping her?

 

End Flashback

 

 

“You did the implantation. You made sure it was Patrick’s baby.” Robin felt a combination of anger and gratitude towards the woman. She knew that Britt really didn’t have any choice but to do the implantation and at least the woman had been able to insure that Hope was Patrick’s.

 

“It at least made what I was doing somewhat forgivable.” Britt sat down next to Robin. “Helena had briefly thought about implanting you with someone else’s embryo.”

 

“Who’s?” Robin couldn’t even begin to wrap her mind around Helena's reasoning.

 

“Stavros and Lulu’s.” The look of terror that crossed Robin’s face was unmistakable. “She decided that you weren’t a viable option because of your, uh, medical history.”

 

“You mean the fact that there was a less than 2% chance that I could have passed HIV on to the baby.” Robin shook her head. “Thank God.”

 

“Robin, I really tried to do the best I could by you and Patrick.” Britt stood up and paced the room. “I tried to get back to Port Charles to tell Patrick what was going on but, thanks to my mother, Nikolas caught me before I could make it there. On the plus side, he did tell me that Patrick knows Hope is his.”

 

Robin laughed softly. “He knows?” Britt nodded and Robin smiled, tears of joy filling her eyes. “He knows.”

 

Britt was about to say something else when the door opened and Nikolas walked through. “I hate to cut this conversation short but I have a meeting to attend and I was really hoping that you had a timeline ready.”

 

Robin's nervousness reappeared at Nikolas’s words. “Timeline for what?”

 

Nikolas smiled at her. “For us to have a child of our own.”

[cmahorror]

Chapter 51

 

Robin’s heart felt like it was going to jump out of her chest. “Nikolas…”

 

“I’m not talking about today or even in the next couple of months. We need time to work on our marriage and to spend with the girls before bringing another child in to the picture.” Britt noticed what Nikolas didn’t – that Robin visibly relaxed at his words. “But we need to be planning so we can be sure that Robin is in the best health possible before she gets pregnant.”

 

Britt looked at Nikolas. “Normally I would advise waiting until at least six weeks post-partum before even attempting to get pregnant again but given what Robin has been through over the past few years, as well as her HIV status, I would like to extend that timeline to nine months.”

 

“Okay – that sounds great. Hope will be a little over a year and half then and it will give us plenty of time to deal with our marital issues. Thank you Britt.” Nikolas stood up and put out his hand, his way of signifying that the appointment was over.

 

Robin stood up at the same time as Britt and smiled at the doctor. “Yes Britt, thank you.” Robin was relieved that Britt had bought her another eight months to get away from Nikolas.

 

Nikolas led Robin back to the elevator and they rode up in silence. He then led Robin to her room. “I need to get going for a meeting but I will have lunch brought to you at noon and then we can have dinner together.” Nikolas kissed Robin on the cheek. “I will see you later.”

 

Robin watched Nikolas leave and heard the lock click into place. She went over to the window and tried once again to figure out where she was but all she saw was trees. She yawned, the morning had been an emotional roller coaster for her, and went to her bed to lie down and think for a little while. She didn’t know how yet but she would find a way to escape from Nikolas and get home to Patrick and their girls.

 

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

“Thank you for flying here to meet with me – I know you, just like me, want what is best for Robin.” Nikolas took a chair in the man’s office as he spoke to him. “Do you get back to Port Charles often?”

 

“No, I have actively avoided the place since I took full custody of my daughter.” Nikolas looked at him curiously. “Too many bad memories. But you are right, I will do anything to help Robin.”

 

“Patrick has not taken the news of our marriage well. I just want to find someplace for Robin and I to build a new life with the girls and I know that you have houses all over the world. I am interested in buying one.” Nikolas pulled out a piece of paper. “Specifically this property in Canada.”

 

“Close to home but still far enough away to have your own life – I can understand that.” The man looked at the numbers under the print out of the house. “What is this?”

 

“My offer.” Nikolas leaned back in his chair. “What do you say?”

 

The man studied Nikolas closely. Something about this whole deal wasn’t making sense – Nikolas was offering more than double what the property was worth and why come to him? There was certainly no love lost between the two men. He made a mental note to call Patrick after Nikolas left his office. “I say we have a deal.”

 

“Great – the money will be transferred to your account immediately,” Nikolas pulled out his phone and pushed a few buttons, “and I expect the deed to be signed over to me by tonight.”

 

“Of course Nikolas.” He stood up and put out his hand. “I will have it sent to…”

 

“Cassadine Industries corporate offices in Greece will do.” Nikolas stood up and shook his hand. “It was nice doing business with you Mr. Jacks.”

 

Jax smiled at Nikolas. “You too, Mr. Cassadine.”

 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

“Good evening Robin. Did you have a good day?” Nikolas walked in the door as he had the night before, carrying the tray with dinner and Robin’s protocol with him.

 

“Did you know?” The visit to the lab had brought back the rest of Robin’s memories. The months of torture at Helena’s hands: being kept away from her daughter, shown pictures of her family moving on without her and the joy Helena got from the pain it caused her. Last, but most important, she remembered Nikolas visiting her after Hope was created. “Did you know she was Patrick’s all along?”

 

“We said the truth from here on out and that is what I am giving you.” Nikolas set the tray down and began setting up their dinner. “No, Helena and I both truly thought that Britt had used Jason’s sample to create the embryo. We only discovered the truth after Hope was born. The only reason Britt was granted forgiveness was because it didn’t interrupt our plans. It really is fortunate that you and Patrick both have dark hair and eyes.”

 

“So you were willing to use me to further your own agenda?” Robin didn’t hide her tears. “You were supposed to be my friend Nikolas. One of my oldest and dearest friends – how could you do that to me?”

 

Nikolas sat down at the table and sighed. “I knew we would have to have this conversation sooner or later if we are to have a successful marriage.” He poured them each a glass of wine and gestured for Robin to sit down.

 

Nikolas waited until Robin was seated before he spoke again. “I never wanted to hurt you Robin. I can remember a time when having Jason’s baby would have made you happy.”

 

“That was years ago, before I found Patrick.” Robin couldn’t believe he was trying to justify his decision. “You knew I was being kept away from my daughter, my little girl and you did nothing to stop it.”

 

“I did what I thought was best for everyone involved. I know you wanted another child and I wanted ELQ – two birds, one stone. I always planned to bring you home to Emma and Hope so you could raise your girls and finally have the family you always wanted.” Nikolas took a bite of his food. “I already had a plan in motion so that we could be together as a family after I had secured the ELQ stocks. Once your parents brought you home I just had to tweak the plan.”

 

“So you planned all along to bring me home to Port Charles?” Robin couldn’t believe a word he said anymore.

 

Nikolas relaxed – she was finally understanding. “Yes, I didn’t want to keep you away from Emma any longer than necessary.” He reached across the table and squeezed her hand. “You understand, don’t you? It’s finally clear to you?”

 

Robin nodded her head before starting in on her dinner. “Crystal clear.”

[cmahorror]

Chapter 52

 

The rest of their dinner had been quiet. Robin was still trying to wrap her mind around the fact that Nikolas had done this to her and Nikolas was relieved that Robin knew the truth now. They finished eating and Nikolas bid her good night with a soft kiss and a promise that tomorrow they would really begin to work on their marriage.

 

Robin sat on the bed and tried to figure out her next move. She didn’t have the luxury of anger or hurt at the moment – she needed to be smart. Nikolas had told her that he wanted to go back to Port Charles and raise their family there. Maybe it was time to make him believe that she wanted the same thing.

 

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

“Thank you Jax, I appreciate the call.” Patrick hung up the phone and looked at Robert. “Nikolas just bought a piece of property in Canada from Jax. He is emailing me the specifics as we speak.”

 

“Where did they meet?” Robert was hoping that this was the break they were looking for.

 

“Near Niagara Falls. Jax said that Nikolas flew in on a helicopter and he has no idea where Nikolas is right now.” Patrick sat down on the couch, running his hands through his hair. “What do you think?”

 

“I think it is a little too easy that Nikolas contacted Jax of all people. But then again, maybe Nikolas is counting on that.” Robert shook his head. “I just don’t know.”

 

“What did Frisco say about the APB? Have they had any leads there?” Patrick knew that Robert was talking to Frisco while he was talking to Jax.

 

“We’ve hit a bit of snag – technically, the worst crime that Nikolas can be charged with at the moment is securities fraud. The truth is that, even though Frisco is the chief, he still has people to answer to and they feel that Nikolas is not that great a threat - especially when you compare him to his grandmother or uncle.” Robert hated that they couldn’t use the WSB the way that he wanted to.

 

“What about kidnapping?” They all knew Robin had not left her children willingly.

 

“We don't have any evidence to support our theory that Robin was kidnapped.” Robert sat down next to Patrick. “As far as the police and WSB are concerned, Robin left with her husband willingly for a romantic getaway and we have no evidence to prove otherwise.” Patrick glared at Robert. “We know it’s not true but we cannot prove it.”

 

Patrick’s shoulder drooped in defeat. Unfortunately, he knew that Robert was right. “So what do we do now?”

 

“I am going to take Frisco and go to the property in Canada. You go visit your daughters and we will figure out our next move once we have a little more information.” Robert stood up and walked to the door. He stopped in the doorway and looked back at Patrick. “Have a little faith – Robin is coming home to you. Until she does, you need to take care of my granddaughters.”

 

“I will Robert. Have a safe trip.” Patrick stood up and headed towards him room to pack a bag.

 

“You too Drake.”

 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

“Let’s go.” Robin was just about asleep when the door to her room flew open and a guard came in. “Your things will be sent to you.”

 

Robin jumped out of the bed and looked at the man in confusion. “I don’t understand…”

 

“We’re going to our new place.” Nikolas shot the man a look of anger for having upset Robin. Nikolas would deal with him later. He held out his hand. “Please?”

 

Robin took a deep breath and forced herself to smile at him. “Of course.”

 

Robin followed him down the hall and outside. Within minutes they were seated side by side in the car and headed away from their house. “Where are we going?”

 

“I wish I could trust you enough to tell you but…”

 

“It’s okay – I understand.” Robin looked out the window into the dark. “I just hope that we have a great kitchen. I miss cooking. Have I ever made you my Chicken Marsala?”

 

“No you haven’t.” Nikolas was watching Robin closely.

 

“I’ll give the cook the recipe so we can see if I have everything I need to make it.” Robin looked back at Nikolas. “I can understand why you don’t trust me and that is okay – I still have some trust issues with you too.”

 

“Robin…”

 

“You said what you had to say earlier – now it’s my turn.” Robin took his hand in hers. “I am not going to lie and say it doesn’t hurt that you allowed Helena to use me,” she looked away, “the way she did but I also know that you truly thought you were doing what was best for all of us and, when I think about Hope, I can’t be too angry. I may hate how she was conceived but I love her and I wouldn't trade her for anything."

 

“I think you are just telling me what I want to hear.” Nikolas refused to get his hopes up too high.

 

“I’m not saying we don’t have a lot to work through – I’m just saying that I am willing to try. I took my wedding vows seriously and the truth is I do love you and that is why I married you. You are just going to have to prove to me that I can trust you again and there will be no more talk of another child until I do. Understand?”

 

Nikolas nodded. He didn’t like it but he understood where she was coming from and was just happy that she was agreeing to work on their marriage. “Of course, I guess I was getting a little ahead of myself.”

 

“Yes but at least you were honest about it and it came from a good place.” Robin yawned. “Are we going to be in the car for much longer?”

 

“About an hour and then we will board a helicopter that will take us to our final destination.”

 

“Okay – I am going to try and take a short nap before we get to the air field.” Robin closed her eyes and relaxed into her seat. “Wake me when we get the helicopter.” She yawned one last time, leaned her head on his shoulder and appeared to drift off to sleep.

 

Nikolas wrapped his arm around her and slowly began rubbing her arm. It wasn’t much but it was a start.

Edited October 8, 2015 by cmahorror

[cmahorror]

Chapter 53

 

“Daddy – is it okay if I go down to the woods and fill the birdfeeder?” Emma loved her Grandma and sister but she needed to go outside. “I won’t go any farther than the edge of the woods – I promise.”

 

Patrick was sitting at a picnic table in the back yard holding Hope and hesitated. The reason that this safe house was perfect for them is that there weren’t cameras or guards all over the place. Emma was smart and she would have figured out in five seconds flat that something was wrong if she saw all that. Instead there was a secure fence with cameras surrounding the perimeter of the property, about a three mile radius around the cabin, far enough away that Emma didn’t have to see it but still keeping them safe. The cameras were being monitored by a private security firm that Jason had hired to help them out. “Okay but do not go into the woods – promise?”

 

Emma began jumping up and down in excitement. “I promise Daddy!” She grabbed the food and ran down to the feeder. She was almost there when she heard her sister start to cry.

 

“Emma – your sister needs her diaper changed. You can feed the birds later.” Patrick headed towards the cabin but Emma stayed right where she was.

 

“But Daddy, this is the same as our backyard at home and you let me stay out there by myself.” Emma really didn’t see the difference.

 

“There are not animals in our backyard – there are in the woods.” Patrick’s voice got stern. “Emma Grace – get up here now or you won’t get to do it at all.”

Emma’s lower lip jutted out as she stomped her way back up to the house. “Okay Daddy.”

 

“Stop pouting – it’s lunchtime anyway so we can come back out after you have eaten and maybe laid down for a little bit. Now, let’s go see what Grandma whipped up for lunch.” Patrick smiled at his oldest daughter while cradling his youngest in his arms. All that was missing was Robin for this to be a perfect moment.

 

“If Grandma is making lunch let’s hope it’s sandwiches.” Emma walked into the house with her father and sister close behind.

 

________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Nikolas sat at the kitchen table and watched Robin as she bounced around the kitchen making lunch. Finally satisfied with the dish, she took the plates off the counter and moved them to the table and joined him. “I hope a salad with some grilled chicken sounds good because that is what I made.”

 

“That sounds great. I forgot about how much you cooked when you were in Paris.” Nikolas had gone to visit Robin on several occasions when she was in medical school. He took a bite and moaned in appreciation. “Although it seems your skills have improved greatly.”

 

“Thank you.” Robin dug into her food. “I know you have a chef but I love to cook and this helps me feel a little more at home here. I was thinking Beef Bourguignon for supper tonight but I am missing a few key ingredients.”

 

“Just make a list of what you need and I will have one of the guards go to the store and get it for you.” Nikolas wasn’t even close to letting Robin go outside.

 

“Sounds great. I’ll put it together and have it ready for him early this afternoon.” Robin ate some more of her salad before speaking again. “Do you have any movies? I would love to spend the afternoon curled up on the couch watching some old movies today.”

 

“That sounds wonderful. In fact, the TV has an internet connection and access to several streaming sites so I am sure we can find something to watch. Did you any particular movie in mind?” Nikolas was enjoying this - having a normal conversation with his wife.

 

“Notorious – I’m in a Cary Grant kind of mood.” Robin laughed. “Maybe the Philadelphia Story too.”

 

“You are in luck – those are two of my favorites as well so we won’t have to look very far.” Robin looked at him curiously. “They are part of the Blu-Ray collection I have here at the house. Why don’t we finish lunch and I will get the first movie set up while you put together your list?”

 

“Sounds perfect.” Robin smiled contentedly at her nearly empty plate. “I’m stuffed.” She stood up and picked up the dirty dish. “Are you done?”

 

Nikolas handed her the plate. “Thank you.” He stood up and followed her to the sink. “Why don’t you let the maid clean up the dishes so you can get started on that list? The sooner you get it done, the sooner we can start our movie.” He ran his hands down her arms, helping her place the dishes in the sink. Nikolas then turned Robin around and kissed her. “I can’t think of any place better to be today than sitting on the couch with you in my arms.”

 

Robin smiled at him. “Then you better let me get to making my list. See you in a few minutes.” Robin gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. “Don’t start without me.”

 

“I won’t.” Nikolas left the kitchen and Robin waited until he was completely out of view before she relaxed.

 

Robin grabbed a pen and paper from the counter and began writing her list – got to keep up appearances – while making some mental notes for herself. She now had confirmation that the house had internet access - she just had to figure out where there was a computer so she could access it and get a message out to her family.

 

But before she could do that she needed to know where she was. How? Robin smiled as a thought occurred to her. She was making a special supper for her husband tonight and a special supper certainly deserves a special wine. Robin had spent a little time with Patrick visiting various wineries in the New York area, wines that would not be available anywhere else. She just needed to pick the right one and see if they were able to get it. If so, she knew she was close to home. If not…

 

Robin couldn’t think about that right now. Nikolas would want to be close to the girls so he could grab them if necessary. She considered her choices and made the final entry on the grocery list.

[cmahorror]

Chapter 54

 

“This is a wonderful dinner Robin.” Nikolas took a sip of the wine and smiled at her. “I could definitely get used to this.”

 

“Thank you.” Robin took another bite of her salad. “And thank you for getting me all the ingredients – I really do appreciate it.”

 

“But…” Nikolas could sense there was something on her mind.

 

“You know me too well. I miss my girls. How long until we can head back to Port Charles and see them?” Robin knew she was pushing her luck but it was at least worth an attempt. “I have already agreed to work on our marriage.”

 

“Yes but you may just be telling me what I want to hear.” Nikolas reached over the table and took Robin’s hand in his, playing with her wedding ring. “Are you going to tell me that you don’t have feelings for Patrick?”

 

“No because that would be a lie and we promised not to lie to each other again.” Robin squeezed his hand. “I will always love Patrick but I love you too.”

 

“Fair enough – have you forgiven me yet for my part in Hope’s conception?” Nikolas watched her closely.

 

Robin paused before answering. “No - but I am working on it. Nikolas you used my body to get what you want – that pain is not going to go away overnight.”

 

Nikolas relaxed – that was as truthful an answer as he could have hoped for. “Thank you for being honest with me.”

 

He stood up and offered Robin his hand. “The staff will clean up dinner. Why don’t you come with me – there is something I want to show you.”

 

Robin took his hand and let him lead her into the living room. She sat down on the couch and Nikolas handed her a tablet. He pushed the power button and a picture popped up on screen of her family. Emma was sitting at a picnic table drawing while Patrick fed Hope. Robin gently touched the screen. “My babies.”

 

Nikolas wrapped his arm around her and pulled her close. “Our girls are safe with their dad right now but we will all be back together soon – I promise.”

 

Tears flowed freely down Robin’s cheeks. “Thank you for letting me see them.” She leaned her head on his shoulder. “It means the world to me.”

 

He rubbed her arm and kissed the top of her head. “I would do anything for you Robin – don’t ever forget that.”

 

Robin couldn’t help but feel a slight chill at his words. She didn’t know what Nikolas was planning but she had a feeling that, whatever it was, it wasn’t good for Patrick.

 

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Frisco used his binoculars to inspect the property. “I don’t know if they are in there or not – this place is more heavily guarded than Fort Knox.”

 

“And Nikolas probably isn’t going to let her take a stroll outside anytime soon.” Robert sighed and pulled out his phone. “Mac, has Spinelli had any luck with hacking into Cassadine Industries?” Robert was hoping that they might be able to trace Nikolas’s email correspondences back to where he was holed up with Robin.

 

“Not yet.” Mac waved at Felicia as she pointed at her watch. They still had to pick Georgie and Dillon before they headed up to the cabin. “Spinelli is working on it but Nikolas is very paranoid about his corporate secrets. Spinelli said he has never seen security like that before.”

 

“Damn it.” Frisco looked at Robert who shook his head. “Well, give my granddaughters a kiss for me when you see them. How long are you staying?”

 

“I’m going to stay for a couple of days and then Patrick, Anna and I will be heading back here.” Mac didn’t want Emma to have even a clue that Robin had been kidnapped so nothing was being discussed in front of her. They needed to keep up the illusion that Robin and Nikolas were on their honeymoon and would be home any day now. “While I am gone I am having the security system here updated and the WSB has been kind enough to give me a new computer with access to the WSB server – thank Frisco for that. I also checked in with the person hired to tail Spencer.”

 

“And?” Robert was hoping for a break.

 

“Nothing. Spencer has not had any calls or e-mails from his father in weeks. The boy is a bit of a spoiled brat and decided to stop speaking to his father until he could come home. Nikolas had paid for the next three years of schooling in advance and the kid has a large allowance at the school for his living expenses.” Mac started walking to the car.

 

“So he is throwing a tantrum and Nikolas is refusing to give in - lovely.” Robert was disappointed that that lead was going nowhere. “Well I will let you go but call me tonight to let me know everyone is doing okay.”

 

Mac got into the car. “Will do. Talk to you later.” Mac hung up the phone and smiled at Felicia. “Let’s go.”

 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Patrick shook his head at Emma. “I told you we would go out and feed the birds in a few minutes but I still have to lay your sister down for her nap.”

 

Emma sat on the couch pouting. “But Daddy…”

 

“One more word and we will not do it until tomorrow.” Patrick laid a sleeping Hope down in her bassinet and then turned to Emma. “Want to tell me why you are so cranky today?”

 

Emma bit her lip and tears filled her eyes and quickly fell down her cheeks. “I miss mommy. Can I call her?”

 

Patrick grabbed the little girl and set her on his lap. He hugged her close, attempting to comfort her. “I wish you could sweetheart but the phones don’t work where they are.”

 

Emma shook her head. “You’re lying. Something happened and you don’t want me to know.”

 

Patrick closed his eyes and shook his head. “Sweetie, your mom is with Nikolas – I promise.”

 

“Promise?” Emma wiped her eyes.

 

“Promise.” He hugged her one last time. “Now let’s go feed the birds before everyone gets here.” Emma nodded so he called out for his ex-mother-in-law. “Anna?”

 

Anna walked into the room. “Yes?”

 

“Emma and I are going to go fill the birdfeeder out back – could you keep an eye on Hope for me?” Patrick stood up, still holding Emma in his arms.

 

“Of course.” Anna walked over and looked into the bassinet. “Sleeping like a rock.” She kissed Emma on the cheek. “Go have fun with your dad.”

 

Emma slipped down from her dad’s arms and grabbed his hand, dragging him out of the room. “Let’s go feed the birds Daddy.”

Edited October 10, 2015 by cmahorror

[cmahorror]

Chapter 55

 

“Jason?” Sam walked in to see her husband pacing the floor of the penthouse. “What’s wrong?”

 

“He kidnapped her Sam. He took Robin and I am doing nothing to help find her.” Jason’s guilt was overwhelming him. “Robin gave up her freedom to bring me home to you and Danny. There has to be something I can do.”

 

Sam sighed and ran her hands through her hair. “What do you want to do? Her family is calling every favor they have with every law enforcement agency in the world. Spinelli is trying to break into the Cassadine Industries computer system and the kids are hidden away – I really don’t think there is anything else we can do.”

 

Jason thought about it for a moment. “Yes there is.” Jason grabbed his jacket off the back of the chair and headed to the door.

 

“Wait – where are you going?” Sam didn’t like the look in her husband’s eyes.

 

“To see an old friend.”

 

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

“Georgie!” Emma ran towards her cousin and happily jumped into her arms. “I can’t believe you’re here.”

 

Georgie laughed and smiled at Dillon. “No place else I’d rather be.”

 

“Did you see the woods? Daddy won’t let me go out there by myself but maybe if you and Dillon are with me…” Emma looked hopefully at her father.

 

“We’ll see.” Patrick smiled at her. “But for now, why don’t you show Georgie and Dillon to their room?”

 

“Ok.” She jumped down to the floor and grabbed Georgie’s hand. “Let’s go.”

 

Georgie laughed and allowed herself to be dragged away, Dillon following them to the room. Patrick turned to Mac. “Any news?”

 

“No – Robert and Frisco have the place in Canada under surveillance but neither Nikolas or Robin have come in or out of the house since they got there.” Mac tried to give Patrick a comforting look. “We will bring her home – it is just going to take time.”

 

Patrick was about to say something when Hope began crying from her crib in the other room. Patrick moved but Felicia waved him off. “I’ll get her – you two talk.”

 

Mac sat down on the couch and Patrick joined him. “I know this is hard but we can take comfort in the fact that Nikolas loves her. He isn’t trying to hurt her, he is trying to convince her to stay married to him.”

 

“Is that supposed to make me feel better Mac? That the woman I love is with a madman who wants to keep her with him forever?” Patrick shook his head. “It doesn’t. And now Emma is beginning to suspect that something else is going on.”

 

“What did she say?” Mac wasn’t surprised that Emma was suspicious – she was a smart little girl.

 

“She wanted to call Robin and when I said she couldn’t she accused me of lying to her.” Patrick shook his head. “I told her that Robin was with Nikolas and that seemed to satisfy her.”

 

“Technically you did tell Emma the truth – Robin is with Nikolas.”

 

Patrick stood up and began pacing. “I know. I’m hoping having Georgie here will be a good distraction for her. Those two are like two peas in a pod.”

 

Mac smiled. “I know but it makes sense in a way. I mean, Georgie’s supposed death is the reason Emma exists. Those two have had been tied together since the night Emma was conceived.”

 

“I guess they have.” Patrick smiled at the memory. Robin had come to him, upset from Georgie's funeral, and just needing to be with someone she loved. Patrick hadn’t even hesitated to be that for her.

 

“We will get her home and you will be a family again – I promise.” Mac stood up. “Now where is the grill? We stopped and got some steaks and hot dogs and I think a family cookout is exactly what we need.”

 

Patrick couldn’t help but laugh. “Let me lead the way.”

 

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Nikolas watched the feed coming from the camera his man had installed near the cabin. It hadn’t taken him long to find the group – the WSB computers weren’t that difficult to break into for his IT guy – and now he watching the cabin closely so he could figure out his next move.

 

Robin wanted Emma and Hope back with her and he would arrange it somehow. In the meantime, he was moving Spencer from his boarding school to his Grandma Laura’s place in Europe. Laura had moved back to her place in Paris to do some testing with Dr. LeGrasse and make sure she wasn’t in danger of slipping back into her previous condition of psychomotor disassociation. Her treatment was experimental and guaranteeing her continued health meant extensive tests. It wasn’t Wyndamere but it was a step closer and that would have to satisfy Spencer for now.

 

Nikolas turned his attention back to the computer monitor. Today had been wonderful, almost perfect, but he still didn’t trust his wife. She was doing the right things and saying the right things but her walls were still up and showed no signs of coming down. Until he could fully trust her, heading back to Port Charles was not an option.

 

But bringing the girls here definitely was. He picked up his phone and made a call to his head of security. “Yes, I want you to start planning the rescue of Robin’s daughters from their father.”

[cmahorror]

Chapter 56

 

“Thanks for letting me stay here Mac.” Patrick was unpacking his suitcase in one of the guest rooms at Mac’s house. After three wonderful days at the cabin, they had left this morning with Anna and headed back to Port Charles. Anna was setting herself up in the room down the hall from Patrick’s.

 

Mac sat down on the bed. “We need to be working round the clock if we are going to bring Robin home so you being here just makes sense. Besides, there’s safety in numbers.”

 

Patrick nodded his head in agreement. “Have you heard anything from Robert?”

 

“Spencer was suddenly moved to Laura’s house yesterday but other than that, nothing. The place in Canada has had a few deliveries but they haven’t seen Robin or Nikolas yet.” Mac stood up and headed to his room to unpack his things. “There was a new alarm system installed while we were gone.”

 

“What’s the code?” Patrick didn’t want to get arrested just trying to enter Mac’s house.

 

“1-1-4-8.” Mac smiled at Patrick, waiting for him to catch the meaning behind the numbers.

 

Patrick thought for a moment. “1-1-4-8? 11/4/8, Emma’s birthday.”

 

“Figured it would be easy for you to remember. I’ll meet you downstairs in 15 so we can review the correspondence that led to Spencer being removed from school. There may be a lead in there.” Mac left the room and Patrick continued to unpack.

 

He was still unpacking when he heard someone beating on the front door. Mac ran past Patrick’s room. “I got it.”

 

A few minutes later Mac called for Patrick to come downstairs. Patrick hurried down with Anna close on his heels. He was surprised to see Dante there was a couple of officers. “What’s going on?”

 

Dante sighed and stepped forward. “Patrick, I am here to arrest you for kidnapping Robin's daughter Hope."

 

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Robin was sitting in the library reading an old favorite of hers, Little Women, when Nikolas came in with a couple of glasses of wine. He handed one to her. “I thought you might enjoy a drink while you read.”

 

“Thank you.” Robin took the glass from Nikolas and drank a little. “That was exactly what I needed.”

 

“Good.” Nikolas sat down next to her on the couch, nervously twiddling his thumbs.

 

Robin put down her book and looked at Nikolas. “Is there something you want to talk about?”

 

“No, it’s just that I,” Nikolas paused, “yes, I want to talk to you.”

 

“About what?” Robin took another drink of her wine while waiting for his answer.

 

“I know you have good reason not to trust me. I don’t think I can ever truly comprehend the extent of what I did to you and how much of a violation it was of you. I want you, no I need you to know that I do feel sorry for it.” Nikolas stood up and began pacing the floor.

 

Robin took a deep breath and then spoke. “You’re right – I do have a good reason not to trust you. And you are also right about the,” she closed her eyes and shook her head, “violation you did to me. I have lost so much control of my body due to my HIV. I have limitations that will never go away, that I will never be able change. So I took control of every other aspect of my body and you took that away from me. It wasn’t,” Robin paused again, not wanting to say the word but knowing she needed to, “rape but it will very close to it.”

 

“I didn’t see that at the time but I can see it now. What Helena did to you was horrific and I stood by and let it happen. Nothing I say or do could ever change it or make it better.”

 

Robin nodded her head. “That’s true but it did give me and Patrick another beautiful little girl and I cannot and will not ever regret having Hope. Just like Emma, she is a miracle.” Tears filled Robin’s eyes and she began to cry.

 

Nikolas ran over and sat down next to her. He put his arms around her and began to gently rock her in his arms. “I am so sorry Robin – so, so, sorry.”

 

“I know you are Nikolas." She cried as he held her "I miss my daughters so much Nikolas. Can’t we please go home and be with them again?” Robin’s tears soaked Nikolas’s shirt and he held onto to her even tighter.

 

“Soon Robin – we’ll all be together again very soon.”

 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

“What the hell Dante? You can’t arrest the man for kidnapping his own daughter.” Mac was furious that the PCPD was here to arrest Patrick.

 

“Legally she is Nikolas’s daughter.” Dante walked closer to the group. “Look, I know that you have a DNA test and that there is paperwork filed to change her birth certificate but, right now, Nikolas is that girl’s father and he has the right to press charges against you for taking her.”

 

“He has rights?” Patrick couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “What about Robin’s rights? He kidnapped her and yet I’m the one being arrested?”

 

“I explained to you before that unless you can give me proof that he kidnapped her…” Dante was trying to be professional but Patrick wasn’t making it easy. “Please just come with me so we can get this sorted out as soon as possible.”

 

“And did Robin also ask you to have Patrick arrested?” Anna couldn’t believe that Robin would agree to this.

 

“In the state of New York, both parents are assumed to have equal custodial rights. Nikolas doesn’t need Robin’s permission to press charges against you.” Dante looked at the officers. “Could you please wait outside while Dr. Drake gathers a few things?”

 

The officers nodded and went out the front door. Dante waited until the door shut behind them and then spoke with the group once more. “Look, the Cassadines must have a judge in their pocket because this warrant went through fast. I can’t do anything to stop the arrest but I can make things as easy on you as possible if you will just cooperate.”

 

“This is wrong Dante, you know it is.” Patrick still was in shock over the whole conversation.

 

“I know it is which is why I would suggest getting the paperwork changing the birth certificate pushed through as quickly as possible.” Dante pulled out his handcuffs. “Now please Patrick…”

 

Patrick sighed but put his hands out. Dante slipped the cuffs on, making sure they weren’t too tight. “Patrick Drake, you are under arrest for the kidnapping of Hope Mackenzie Cassadine.”

[cmahorror]

Chapter 57

 

“This is ridiculous Dante and you know it.” Patrick was furious that he had been sitting in the interrogation room for over two hours. “Just book me so I can post my bail and get back to looking for Robin.”

 

“You don’t understand Patrick – you are not going to be getting bail. This is a kidnapping charge, not shoplifting.” Dante really was trying to help Patrick out. “Have you been able to get in touch with your attorney?”

 

The door to the room burst open and Diane Miller flew through it. She set her briefcase down on the table and smiled at Dante. “Yes he has. I believe that the paperwork to amend Hope’s certificate was submitted last week, before this charge was filed, so Mr. Cassadine doesn’t have a leg to stand on. This is simply a stalling tactic to stop Dr. Drake from looking for his ex-wife.”

 

Patrick sat there is shock – he had no idea why Diane was here. “Miss Miller, Ms. Davis submitted that paperwork.”

 

“Yes she did however there is a slight conflict of interest since the person pressing charges is Ms. Davis’s nephew.” Diane winked at Patrick. “You just keep that pretty mouth of yours shut and let me take it from here.”

 

“Miss Davis, legally Mr. Cassadine is Hope’s father…” Dante knew Diane was an excellent attorney but he wasn’t sure how she could get Patrick out of this.

 

“Actually, that is not true.” Patrick’s head popped up at the news. “I spoke with the County Clerk’s office and had them expedite the paperwork based on the DNA evidence submitted and the urgency of Dr. Drake’s current situation.” Diane pulled a paper out of her briefcase. “Here is the new copy of the birth certificate.”

 

Dante took the certificate and began smiling. “Well, it seems that all charges against Dr. Drake will be dismissed. I’ll go get the paperwork processed immediately. We’ll have you out of here as soon as possible Patrick.”

 

Diane pulled another piece of paper out and handed it to Patrick. Tears filled Patrick’s eyes as he read the birth certificate. Hope Mackenzie Scorpio-Drake, daughter of Robin Scorpio-Cassadine and Patrick Drake. “Diane, I don’t even know how to thank you.”

 

“Don’t thank me – thank Jason and Sonny.” Patrick looked at Diane in shock. “They heard what happened and wanted to help. Jason wants you to call him after you get out. He and Sonny both want to help you bring Robin home.”

 

“I will do that.” Patrick held the birth certificate close, afraid it would disappear if he didn’t.

 

“Good.” Diane picked up her briefcase. “Well my work here is done so I will leave you to your search and rescue.” She smiled at Patrick. “I hope you find her – I have never seen two people more in love than you and Robin.”

 

Diane left the room. Moments later Mac and Anna joined him. “Dante told us the great news.”

 

Patrick smiled at Mac as he handed him the birth certificate. “Yes, legally Hope is my daughter which means that I have every right to have her in my custody.”

 

Anna read the certificate over Mac’s shoulder, only cringing when she saw the Cassadine attached to her daughter’s name. That was the next thing that needed to be changed. “But this filing may work to our advantage. Nikolas swore out the complaint somehow which means he contacted PCPD.”

 

“Which means there is a record of that contact.” Patrick’s face filled with hope. “He made a mistake.”

 

Anna nodded. “A big one. I am going to assume that Spinelli would have no issues with getting us the information when are looking for.”

 

Mac grinned. “None at all.”

 

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

“Emma wait!” Georgie was trying to keep up with the little girl as they headed into the woods to have a picnic. “The only reason my mom agreed to this is if you stayed by me the whole time.”

 

“Sorry Georgie, I’m just so excited to be able to get to explore the woods.” Emma was sick of staying so close to the cabin. “It is driving me crazy.”

 

“Well we can’t have that.” Georgie loved spending time with Emma – she was the little sister she had never had. “I see a clearing up there so…”

 

She stopped when she saw a movement in the woods. Reacting on instinct, she grabbed Emma and turned her around. “Emma, look at me.” Emma stared her cousin straight in the eyes, scared by her sudden change in attitude. “You need to run back to the cabin now.”

 

“Emma.” Both girls turned to see Nikolas standing in the clearing. “I’m here to take you to your mom.”

 

“Emma, do not trust him. He is keeping your mom away from you.” Georgie saw additional men coming into the clearing. “Run and don’t stop until you are with my mom again.” The little girl hesitated so Georgie screamed at her. “Run!”

 

Shocked by Georgie’s screaming at her, Emma took off running. She dove under a fallen tree trunk that the bigger man chasing her couldn’t and easily outran him while he was trying to climb over it. Within a minute she was in the backyard screaming for Felicia.

 

Felicia came running out, Hope in her arms. “Emma? What happened?”

 

“Nikolas, men in the woods,” the little girl was breathing hard and crying, “Georgie told me to run.”

 

Felicia instantly figured out what had happened and pulled Emma into the cabin, locking the door behind her. “Dillon, take the girls to the panic room.” She handed Hope to the young man and pushed them towards the doorway in the hall where the panic room had been installed. “There is a phone in there – call Mac and let him know that Nikolas is here.”

 

“What are you going to do?” Dillon opened the door to the room and walked in.

 

Felicia opened a drawer and pulled out a revolver. “Stand guard.”

 

Dillon shut the door and picked up the phone. “Mac? We have a problem.”

 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

“Sir, the little girl got away.” The man was almost out of breath as he came running back. “I’m sorry.”

 

“Damn it!” Nikolas looked at Georgie, currently being held in place by two of his guards. “I guess Robin will get to spend some time with one of her favorite cousins instead.”

 

“Yeah, she is just going to love you for kidnapping her family members.” Georgie shook her head at him. “What happened to you?”

 

“I have lost far too much in my life already – I will not lose Robin too.” Nikolas nodded at the guards who quickly tied Georgie’s hands and feet and began to carry her off.

 

That didn’t stop Georgie from speaking her mind. “She will never love you – not the way you want.”

 

“Maybe not but she is my wife and she will be my wife until the day she dies.” Nikolas followed the team to the area in the fence they had infiltrated. He smirked at Georgie as they carried her through it. “After you.”

 

Outside the fence was a van. Georgie was thrown into it, followed by Nikolas and the guards. He made sure that Georgie was buckled in before telling the drive to take them home.

Edited October 12, 2015 by cmahorror

[cmahorror]

Chapter 58

 

“Let me out!” Georgie pounded on the door of her room and tried to make as much noise as possible. Maybe she was close enough for Robin to hear her and she knew Robin would help her escape. She gave to door a good kick. “Let me out!”

 

The guard opened the door and glared at the young woman. “Don’t make me tie you up and gag you. Mr. Cassadine told you he would be down to speak with you shortly. Until then, could you please just shut up?” He shook his head at her and shut the door.

 

Georgie went over to the bed and plopped down on it, trying to figure what her next move would be. Nikolas had messed up – even he knew it so now he needed to figure out what to do with her. He wouldn’t kill her, Robin would never forgive him, but he could do what his grandmother had done to her years ago. He could put her into a cryogenic stasis and she would once again lose everything she had built.

 

Georgie stood up and began pacing the floor of the windowless room. They were still in New York, they hadn’t traveled long enough to be out of state, but she had no idea where in New York they were. They could be in the mountains or close the sea or right by the Canadian border – Georgie just didn’t know.

 

One thing she did know – that Mac, Felicia, Frisco, Robert and Dillon would stop at nothing to find her and Robin. Nikolas had lost – he just didn’t realize it yet.

 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Robin sat in the kitchen, waiting for Nikolas to return from the errand he had to run. A part of her wondered if he went to Port Charles since she knew they were still in New York - the guard had had no problems at all finding the wine she had wanted, a 2013 Nicolas Gonin Isère – Balmes Dauphinoises Blanc Classique.

 

She heard a door slam and saw Nikolas throw his coat on the chair as he entered the kitchen. She put on her best concerned face. “Nikolas, what is wrong?”

 

“What is wrong?” Nikolas shook his head. “Patrick – that’s what is wrong.”

 

Robin knew that Patrick had done something really good to piss Nikolas off this bad. “What did he do?”

 

“He got the birth certificate changed. He is now listed as Hope’s father.” Nikolas sat down at the table. “He doesn’t have to surrender custody of her to us now.”

 

Robin couldn’t help but be pleased at this turn of events. Hope and Emma were now legally Patrick’s daughters. While she was smiling on the inside, outside she was the picture of confusion. She poured him a glass of wine. “How did that happen?”

 

“Your ex-boyfriend and his mob boss buddy arranged it.” Nikolas took a drink of the wine. “I just hate that the girls aren’t here with us.”

 

“Me too but maybe this is a sign that we need to head back home so we can begin to fight for the girls.” Robin wanted to get home and she was hoping this latest setback would be the push Nikolas needed.

 

Nikolas shook his head. “Robin, we aren’t even close to ready to head back home. I don’t believe for one second that you won’t leave me the second we set foot back in Port Charles.”

 

“Nikolas…”

 

“No, I have another idea.” Nikolas gave Robin a strange little smile, one she didn’t like one at all.

 

“Nikolas, what are you planning?”

 

“Just trust me Robin.” Nikolas leaned over and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “It won’t be long and our family will be together again.”

 

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Frisco paced Mac’s living room as he spoke on the phone. “I don’t care – he kidnapped my daughter and I want an APB put out on him immediately.”

 

Robert watched his old friend with a heavy heart. Both men adored their little girls, even if they had let the girls down when they were younger. “We will find her. We’ll find them both.”

 

“I should have been protecting her instead of staking out that damn compound in Canada.” Frisco was frustrated with himself for following what was now an obvious false lead. Nikolas knew Jax would contact Patrick. He had counted on splitting the group up so it would be easier to grab the girls. His plan had failed in that respect – both Hope and Emma had been moved to a new safe house out of the country along with Maxie, baby Georgie, Anna and a half a dozen guards. Anna had protested being sent out of the way until Emma begged her to come with them.

 

“We couldn’t have guessed that he would be bold enough to approach Emma himself at the safe house. And you should be proud of your daughter – she saved her cousins from being kidnapped.” Robert was very grateful for Georgie’s quick thinking in saving his granddaughters from Nikolas.

 

“I don’t think I will ever be able to repay her for that.” Patrick came into the room followed by Dillon and Mac. “What Georgie did for my girls…”

 

“She loves those girls and would do anything for them.” Mac sat down next to his brother. “She is smart and resourceful – she is already planning a way to get home.”

 

“I know.” Frisco looked at the man who had raised the girls as his own. “You raised her well Mac, both of them actually. Thank you.”

 

“You don’t need to thank me – it was my honor to raise all three of my girls.” Mac felt tears coming to his eyes. “Now let’s see what we can do about getting them home. Has Spinelli had any luck figuring out how Nikolas filed his complaint?”

 

Robert stood up and addressed the group. “The complaint was filed by the Cassadine Industries corporate counsel but Nikolas e-mailed the request to them.”

 

“So we have an IP address to follow?” Dillon wanted to get his fiancée back just as badly as everyone else did.

 

“Spinelli is working on it. Apparently Nikolas was smart enough to have his IT department set up his line to re-route his e-mail through multiple routers around the world.” He saw disappointment cross the men’s faces. “It may take a little time but we will find out where that e-mail was sent from.”

 

“And when we do?” Dillon asked.

 

Robert winked at Patrick. “We bring our girls home.”

Edited October 13, 2015 by cmahorror

[cmahorror]

Chapter 59

 

Nikolas had considered all his options before coming to his decision. He took a deep breath and walked into Georgie’s room. “Good morning Georgie.”

 

Georgie watch Nikolas apprehensively, unsure of what was going on in his mind. “Nikolas.”

 

“I was hoping to have a little talk, maybe try and find a reasonable solution to our problem.” Nikolas sat down in a chair at the table and waved at a guard standing outside the door who wheeled in a cart with two plates on it.

 

Georgie’s stomach grumbled at the sight of the food – she had barely eaten dinner the night before. Knowing she would need her strength, she sat down opposite of Nikolas and began eating. “Thank you – this is very good.”

 

Nikolas joined her. “Yes it is – I have an amazing chef although my wife is certainly no slouch in the kitchen as well.”

 

“Where is Robin?” Georgie had no doubts that Robin was in the dark about her being here.

 

“Robin is at the main house, eating breakfast.” Nikolas smiled at Georgie. “I want to apologize for the misunderstanding yesterday.”

 

Georgie about choked on her food. “Misunderstanding? Nikolas – you kidnapped me. You tied me up and threw me into a van. There is really no way for me to misinterpret that.”

 

“You stopped me from bringing Emma home to her mother. I lost control temporarily but I know we can come up with a solution to will be beneficial for all of us.” Nikolas took a bite. “You have already lost so much time with the ones you love – I would hate to see you lose anymore.”

 

Georgie felt a chill roll down her spine as Nikolas spoke. It was clear that he was threatening her. “What do you suggest?”

 

“I think it would be best if you returned to Port Charles and told everyone you weren’t kidnapped.” Nikolas wiped his mouth and waited for her reaction.

 

“Nikolas, Emma knows what happened.” Georgie knew that this plan would never work.

 

“No – Emma knows that you yelled at her to run away.” Nikolas stood up. “All you have to say is that I came to visit with Emma and you overreacted. You apologized and decided that you wanted to come with me to see Robin and make sure she was okay. I want you to tell your family that Robin and I are enjoying some time alone with each other but we are desperately missing the girls and would really appreciate Patrick being reasonable and allowing Robin to be with her daughters.”

 

“You want me to lie for you?” Georgie knew she had to play this smart. If she agreed to quickly, Nikolas would get suspicious.

 

“It’s not a lie. I will take you to see Robin after breakfast and then you will see for yourself that she is very happy here.” Nikolas stared Georgie down. “Of course you will be blindfolded when you leave here so that our location is not disclosed but you will be escorted home to deliver the message. After that, you can go back to planning your wedding and your future with Dillon.”

 

Georgie considered what he was saying. “And how will you know if I do as you are asking?”

 

“I believe in you Georgie and I think you understand what is at stake. I want both of us to have our happy endings – I’m sure you won’t do anything to jeopardize that.” Nikolas held out his hand. “Shall we go see your cousin?”

 

Georgie nodded her head. “Yes.”

 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Robin was just finishing up breakfast when Nikolas walked into the kitchen. “Morning gorgeous.” He leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. “Did you sleep well?”

 

“Yes thank you. Any you?” Robin got up and headed to the sink with her dishes.

 

“Well, I actually wasn’t here last night – I went to get a surprise for you.” Nikolas walked over and wrapped his arms around her. “Georgie called and wanted to visit so I brought her here for a visit.”

 

Robin turned around quickly. “What?” Something about Nikolas’s story wasn’t adding up.

 

“That’s right – she is waiting in the library for you right now. I thought you two could catch up and then she could tell your family that we are happy here together. I want them to let Patrick know that it is time to let us be with the girls again.” Nikolas pulled her close, burying Robin’s head in his chest. “Georgie was more than willing to help.”

 

Robin shook her head – she was certain that Georgie was not here willingly. “Is it okay if I go see her by myself?”

 

“Of course.” He kissed the top of her head. “I have some work to do in my office but I’ll drop you off on the way.” Nikolas gently moved to Robin’s side, his arm never leaving her waist. “Let’s go.”

 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

“Robin!” Georgie jumped off the couch and hugged her cousin tight. “I am so happy to see you.”

 

Robin was trying not to cry as she held on to Georgie for dear life. “Oh, you have no idea how good it is to see you.”

 

Georgie leaned back and wiped the tears from Robin’s eyes. “Let’s sit down.”

 

The women sat down on the couch together. Georgie smiled at her. “Are you doing okay?”

 

“Yes, I am on my protocol and just about healed from having,” the tears Robin had been trying to hold back fell, “Hope.”

 

“Oh Robin.” Georgie could see how much being away from the girls was hurting Robin – why couldn’t Nikolas? “I promise you that they are both safe and healthy. They just miss their mommy.”

 

That didn’t help Robin feel better – in fact it made her hurt even more. Her crying got worse. “Robin, I promise I will do everything in my power to get you back with Emma and Hope as soon as possible.”

 

Robin nodded her head. “I know you will.” She dried her face and smiled at her cousin, well aware that they were being watched. “So, tell me how are the plans for the wedding going?”

[cmahorror]

Chapter 60

 

Patrick watched as Dillon took his turn pacing in the living room. It had been two days since Georgie had been kidnapped. Everyone assumed that Nikolas would want to make a trade, Georgie for the girls, but they hadn’t heard a word from him since Georgie was taken.

 

Patrick was so busy trying to figure out what Nikolas was planning that he nearly jumped off the couch when his phone rang. He looked at the number and was disappointed to see it was the hospital. He didn’t even try to be polite as he answered the call. “I’m on leave.”

 

“We have a patient you will want to see.” Epiphany stopped him from hanging up on her. “Trust me Drake Jr., you want to get down here as soon as possible and bring Dillon with you.”

 

Patrick knew what was going on immediately. “Is she okay?”

 

Dillon looked at Patrick who nodded at the young man. Epiphany answered him quickly. “She was unconscious when she was found but she woke up in the ambulance and seems to be doing fine.”

 

“Was she alone?” Patrick knew the answer but hoped he was wrong.

 

“I’m sorry, yes, she was alone.” Epiphany’s heart broke for the doctor, she knew he was hoping Robin was with Georgie.

 

“We’re on our way.” Patrick hung up the phone and looked at Dillon. “I’ll drive – call Mac and Robert and have them meet us at the hospital.”

 

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

“Georgie!” Dillon ran to his fiancée and kissed her as she sat up in her hospital bed. “Are you okay?”

 

“Yes, I’m fine.” She kissed him back, thrilled to be home with Dillon once more. “I promise.”

 

“I’ll feel better when the doctor gives you a full clearance.” Dillon sat down next to her and pulled her close.

 

“Georgie!” Mac came running into the room followed by Robert. Within a few steps he next to her and hugging her close. “Don’t do that to me ever again.”

 

Georgie nodded her head. “I am so sorry.”

 

“What happened? How did you escape?” Mac was hoping that Georgie would be able to lead them to Robin.

 

“I didn’t escape – Nikolas had me brought home.” Everyone looked at Georgie in confusion.

 

Robert stepped up to the foot of Georgie’s bed. “You’ll have to clarify this for us dear – we thought that Nikolas kidnapped you.”

 

“No, I asked him to take me with him so I could see Robin.” No one believed a word she was saying – it was obvious by the tone of her voice that she was scared. “Robin’s doing great – on her protocol and almost fully healed from having Hope.”

 

Patrick walked into the room as Georgie was talking. “You saw her?”

 

“She wanted me to tell you that she is where she wants to be and that she wants her girls back.” Georgie’s eyes filled with tears. “She misses them so much.”

 

Patrick nodded and looked at Georgie. “Your chart looks good. I do see traces of a sedative in your bloodstream.”

 

“I don’t really remember anything after I saw Robin.” Georgie looked at Patrick. “All I can tell you is that she seemed like she was doing good except for missing the girls. I’m sorry.”

 

“That’s fine.” Patrick turned to his ex-father-in-law. “Could I speak to you for a minute?”

 

Robert headed towards the door. “It’s good to have you back darling.”

 

“Thank you Uncle Robert.” Georgie leaned on Dillon and closed her eyes. All she wanted was to put the last few days behind her. “I’m sorry I couldn’t be of more help.”

 

“It’s okay – get some rest and we’ll be back later.” Robert followed Patrick into the hallway. “What do you think?”

 

“I think she is being threatened to say that Robin is happy and that she wants to be with Nikolas.” Patrick shook his head. “She’s scared Robert – surely you can see that.”

 

“I can. I think we need to send her and Dillon to stay with Felicia and the girls at the safe house. It will do Emma good to know that Georgie is okay.” Robert looked at Patrick. “Did she have any marks on her body? Any chance that a tracking device was implanted in her body.”

 

“Nothing noted on the chart. We have her clothes and personal affects so you can check them out before we send her to the island.” Patrick stood up. “I’ll go get them for you.”

 

Robert stopped him. “Hey – we are going to bring her home. You need to believe that.”

 

“I do Robert but…”

 

“But what?” Robert didn’t understand Patrick’s hesitancy.

 

“We can’t charge him with kidnapping Georgie – she says she went willingly. We can’t prove that Robin is being held hostage by Nikolas and, even if she does return home, Nikolas is not going to give her up – not without a fight.” Patrick took a deep breath. “Let me get those…”

 

“Wait a second. Maybe what you are saying is true but I have never known you to walk away from a fight – especially when it comes to my daughter.” Robert stared Patrick straight in the eyes. “Robin loves you and wants to be with you. We will bring her home and we will extract her from this mistake of a marriage she got herself into. You cannot give up now. You owe it to her and you owe it to your daughters to fight and save her from Nikolas.”

 

“Thank you Robert.” Patrick rubbed his neck and headed towards the ER. “Let’s go get those clothes.”

 

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

“Did she do as she was told?” Nikolas sat in his office finding out how Georgie’s return went.

 

“Yes,” the orderly reported his findings to his boss. “Dr. Drake was complaining that the girl said she went with you because she wanted to and that meant that they could not press charges against you.”

 

“Good. Let me know when they release her.” Nikolas hung up the phone, grateful that Georgie was behaving.

 

He had put a lot of thought into fixing the mistake he made in kidnapping Georgie. The situation had gotten a little out of control but a little quick thinking and a talk with his tech department had solved the issue for him.

 

Soon he would know where the girls were and he would be able to reunite Robin with them. Nikolas, Robin and their children would be a family again – soon.

[cmahorror]

Chapter 61

 

Nikolas stared at the little red dot as it blinked steadily on the map. The tracking device he had had implanted in Georgie’s engagement ring hadn’t moved in hours – a sure sign that she was at her final destination.

 

Nikolas picked up his phone and made a call. “Get the plane ready – we are headed to Paris.”

 

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Spinelli entered Mac’s house and began speaking quickly. “I have done it – the Jackal has discovered the originating point of the e-mail the evil prince sent.”

 

Patrick had been chatting with Emma on the computer and held up his hand. “Emma, I need to go now but I love you.”

 

“Who’s the evil prince?” Emma had heard Spinelli loud and clear.

 

Patrick threw Spinelli an irritated look. “A character in a book Spinelli is writing. I will talk to you tomorrow, okay sweetie?”

 

Emma began pouting. “Fine but I want a long talk tomorrow.”

 

“The longest.” Patrick smiled at his oldest child. “Give Hope a kiss from me. Love you baby girl.”

 

“Love you too Daddy.”

 

The screen went black and Patrick leaned back on the couch. “Now what were you saying?”

 

“I have found out where the e-mail came from.” Spinelli set his tablet in Patrick’s lap and pointed at it. “It is near a small town in upstate New York, about a four hour drive from here.”

 

“This is only a little ways from the safe house Georgie was taken from.” Patrick couldn’t believe that Robin had been so close the entire time. “Do you have the

exact address?”

 

“No but this is a heavily wooded area so my guess would be there are not many dwellings to choose from.” Spinelli pointed to the area as he spoke. “I will contact fair Maxinista’s birth father and see if there is a satellite I can use to get a closer look.”

 

“And I’ll tell Mac what we found out.” Patrick ran towards the stairs. “Thank you Spinelli.”

 

“Anything for the dear doctor Scorpio – she is my daughter’s family too.” Spinelli smiled at Patrick and then picked up his phone to call Frisco.

 

Patrick bounded up the stairs and pounded on Mac’s door. Dante flung it open and Patrick smiled at the men. “Spinelli found her.”

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Robin was in the kitchen cooking when Nikolas waltzed in. She watched him carefully over the stove. “What has you in such a great mood?”

 

Nikolas walked over and put his arms around Robin’s waist. “I have wonderful news – I have found the girls.”

 

Robin dropped her spoon into the pan – this was the last thing she wanted. “Really?”

 

“Really.” Nikolas turned Robin around and smiled at her. “By this time tomorrow our family will be together again.”

 

“That is wonderful news.” Robin was hoping that she sounded happier than she was about this turn of events. “Where are they?”

 

“That doesn’t really matter.” He pulled Robin closer. “All that matters is that the jet is almost ready to go and I will be heading out after supper to go and pick them up.”

 

“Can I go with you?”

 

Nikolas shook his head. “I love you but we still have some work to do on trust. You have been behaving yourself but I still think you will try to go back to Patrick if I take you with me. No, you stay here and get the girls rooms ready.”

 

“Of course – I understand.” Robin tried to turn back to the stove but Nikolas wasn’t done with her just yet.

 

“I’m doing this for us – for our future.” Nikolas gently stroked Robin’s cheek. “Someday you will understand that.”

 

Robin finally managed to turn back around right before the tears she had been fighting filled her eyes. “Are you ready to eat? I made stuffed salmon tonight.”

 

Nikolas leaned in close and pulled the hair away from the side of Robin’s neck. He gave her a soft kiss on the side of her throat. “I am not really hungry.”

 

“Nikolas, I haven’t been cleared by the doctor to do anything.” Robin was trying desperately to control her fear at the moment. “It’s still too soon after Hope’s birth.”

 

Nikolas rested his chin on Robin shoulder and sighed. “Of course it is. Only one more week and we can get back to normal.” He walked over to the table and sat down. “Dinner smells wonderful –let’s eat.”

[cmahorror]

Chapter 62

 

Nikolas watched the safe house from his room across the street. The tracking device he had placed in Georgie’s engagement ring had worked better than he had thought possible. Once they had figured out exactly where the family was holed up, Nikolas had bought the residence across the street from the safe house and quickly had his men installed there. So far no one had come out of the house but they couldn’t stay locked up in there forever. Eventually, the children would have to come out of the house.

 

Almost as if she were reading his mind, Anna stepped out of the front door. Moving carefully, she pulled an old fashioned baby pram out the door and walked it to the sidewalk. Nikolas smiled and turned to his men, a plan already formed in his head. “I want you four,” he pointed to one of the small groups of men, “to go and collect Hope from her grandmother. The rest of you come with me and we will get Emma. I want both girls with me and on the plane headed back to Robin by tonight.”

 

The men nodded their assent and headed off to their assignments. Nikolas took one last look at the safe house and smiled. It wouldn’t be long now. Soon Robin would be reunited with her daughters and they could be a family once again.

 

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Georgie was looking behind and under every piece of furniture in the living room. “Where did you go Emma?”

 

She looked at Dillon but he just shrugged his shoulders and continued looking for Georgie’s cousin. “Emma?”

 

Georgie heard a sound come from the hall closet. She put her finger to her lips and tiptoed over to the closet, careful not to make a sound. Dillon did the same, putting himself on the opposite side of the door from his fiancée and reached for the door handle. Silently he held up his hand and held up three fingers. He took them down slowly as he counted down: 3, 2, 1…he threw open the door.

 

“Gotcha!” Georgie reached in and tickled a laughing Emma. “Thought you could hide from me, huh?”

 

Emma continued laughing as she pulled herself out of the closet. “It is called hide and seek.”

 

“True.” Dillon shut the closet door. “I think Felicia might have a snack for us.” He held out his hand to Emma. “Want to go and see?”

 

Emma nodded as she took Dillon’s hand and then grabbed Georgie’s as well. “Let’s go.”

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Robin was in the garden before dinner, trying not to think about what Nikolas was doing. She picked a pink rose from one of the bushes as she said a silent prayer that her parents had a plan in place and would stop Nikolas before he managed to get his hands on Emma and Hope. The last thing she wanted was to have the girls dragged into this mess.

 

She walked around and finally sat down in the gazebo in the center of the yard. Normally, Robin would have been thrilled to be in such a beautiful setting but all she felt was alone. Slowly, she pulled the delicate petals off the rose and spoke the words she had taught Emma to say. “He loves me,” she pulled off a petal, “he loves me not.” Another petal. “He loves me.”

 

She kept this up until she reached the last petal. Just as she was about to pull it off she heard a voice behind her. “Trust me babe – he loves you.”

 

Robin’s breath caught in her throat at the sound of the voice, the same voice she heard in her dreams every night. She was almost scared to turn around, afraid that she was imagining the voice of the man she loved, that her mind was playing tricks on her.

 

Patrick could feel the fear rolling off of Robin’s body so he put his hand on her shoulder. “It’s okay Robin. I’m really here.”

 

Robin reached up and touched his hand. The moment she touched him all fear went away. She jumped up and threw herself into Patrick’s arms. “You’re here.” She reached up and touched his face, tears of joy flowing down her cheeks. “You’re really here.”

 

Patrick couldn’t stop himself – he leaned down and kissed her. “Does that answer your question?”

 

Robin nodded happily but the fear quickly returned. “The girls! He was going after our girls!”

 

Patrick pulled Robin close. “It’s okay – they are safe I promise you.”

 

“But…”

 

“Do you trust me?” Robin nodded her head. “Then trust me when I say that your parents and Frisco have the situation taken care of.”

 

Robin relaxed once more and hugged Patrick close. “He wanted us to be a family.”

 

“I don’t care what he wanted. You, me and the girls – that is our family, not his.” Patrick kissed the top of Robin’s head as he held her in his arms. “So let’s go get our girls and go home.”

 

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

The guards cleared the hall as Nikolas made his way into the safe house. Moving carefully, the small group of men made their way down the hall to the living room. They saw a small shape underneath a blanket on the couch and Nikolas quickly ran over to it. “Emma, it’s time to go home.”

 

Nikolas pulled off the blanket and saw a bunch of pillows there instead of Emma. He turned around and saw that they were surrounded by a larger group of men that Nikolas could only assume were WSB agents. The agents slowly parted to allow a silver haired man through.

 

Robert smiled at Nikolas as he held on a gun on his son-in-law. “For once Nikolas, you and I are in complete agreement. It most certainly is time for my granddaughters and daughter to head home. You, however, are headed someplace else entirely.”

 

Robert nodded his head and Frisco walked over and handcuffed Nikolas. “Nikolas Cassadine, you are under arrest for the kidnapping of Robin Scorpio.”

Edited October 17, 2015 by cmahorror

[cmahorror]

Chapter 63

 

Robin was at the kitchen sink washing Hope’s bottles when she felt an arm slink around her waist. Smiling, she leaned back into Patrick’s arms. “What do you think you’re doing?”

 

“Enjoying a little time with the mother of my children.” Patrick kissed her neck. “Need some help with the bottles?”

 

Immediately after they collected the girls from the safe house, Robin and the girls moved back into the house with Patrick. The love they had for each other had never died and they both knew life was too short to let it slip through their fingers again. Both of them wanted to focus on their family and creating a normal, simple life for their girls.

 

Robin placed the last bottle on the drying rack and shook her head. “No, all done.”

 

“Good, then maybe we can take advantage of the fact the girls are both asleep.” Patrick kissed her neck again, purposely hitting that special spot he knew drove her crazy. “You did say Kelly gave you a full release, didn’t you?”

 

Robin turned around and reached her arms around his neck. “Yes she did.”

 

Patrick smiled at her. “Come here.” Patrick bent down and picked Robin up.

 

She wrapped her legs around his waist and tightened her grip around his neck, pulling him as close to her as she could. “I love you, so much.”

 

“I love you too, so much.” Patrick carried Robin up the stairs to their room. They had a good 3 hours before Hope would be up for her next bottle and they weren’t going to waste a moment of it.

 

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

“How long can we continue to fight the divorce?” Nikolas sat on the couch in his living room talking to his lawyer. Thanks to his money and connections, Nikolas had managed to be released on bail. He had no plans to run – he still had unfinished business in Port Charles. “I will not let Robin go without a fight.”

 

Miles Wilson was a brilliant attorney and wanted to make his client happy. “Years – I am already filing a petition for couples counseling and I think we have a good shot at getting the judge to order at three months worth of sessions.”

 

“And the paternity test?” Nikolas had decided to try and fight for Hope. He loved that little girl and she was born during his marriage to Robin – she was as much his as she was Patrick’s. He was sure he could get his grandmother to assist him in fixing the new results. “After all, there has not been a consistent test yet.”

 

“Since Hope was born during the marriage, I think we can present a credible case for that.” Miles looked at Nikolas. “I can even petition to have the birth certificate Patrick and his attorney pushed through deemed invalid. I think that the fact that a local mobster pressured the circuit clerk to issue it based on a single lab test will be enough for a judge to reinstate the previous birth certificate until a new DNA test is done. Then we can get you visitation with Hope.”

 

“Great.” There was no way that Robin would let him just take Hope by himself, she would insist on being there for the visit. “Can we force Patrick to move out of the house?”

 

“No – he is not a threat to the girls and he is Emma’s father.” Miles poured himself a glass of bourbon and then turned back around to Nikolas. “We have another, more pressing matter – the kidnapping charges.”

 

“Can’t you get the charges dropped? Robin is my wife and I took her on a belated honeymoon – that’s all.” Nikolas had used the same explanation since the moment he was arrested. He and Robin were on their honeymoon and had decided to bring the girls home. Patrick had refused to let the girls see their mother, so Nikolas went to bring them home. This was all a huge misunderstanding and he was certain the courts would see it the same way. "As for Georgie, she wanted to come with me to visit with her cousin. They had a nice visit and then I arranged for her to come home."

 

“Your wife has said that she wanted to leave and you wouldn’t let her.” Miles sat down in the chair. “Look, they have absolutely no basis for the kidnapping charge – we have video footage of Robin getting in the car with you at the hospital willingly – but they may go for unlawful restraint and even that will be a tough to prove. The guards will all testify that Robin never tried to leave the premises or ask for help. We have grocery lists she made out for dinners she made you and witnesses who saw the two of you enjoying each others company during the whole time she was at the house.”

 

"And Georgie?"

 

"Again, no proof and you arranged for her to come home safely." Miles had reviewed Georgie's statement. "She claims she was tied up yet there were no ligature marks on her wrists or hands. Sure, there are ways to prevent that but it is once again your word against hers and she has recently been under psychiatric care. I can take care of Ms. Jones."

 

“What are we looking at if they decide to...?” Nikolas was worried this would negatively affect his decision to fight the divorce.

 

“In the off chance that they decide to pursue charges?" Nikolas nodded. "At worst, suspended sentence and probation.” Miles tapped on the glass. “You are upstanding citizen, royalty and the head of an international corporation.” Nikolas still had control of Cassadine Industries and his sale of ELQ back to the Quartermaines had given him enough cash to get the company back on track.

 

“And Jason’s threat to pursue charges of corporate espionage?”

 

“It’s his word against yours. All Mac Scorpio heard was that Jason wanted to do a second DNA test before telling Robin that he could possibly be Hope’s father – that’s it. You paid for his shares, just like you paid for all the other shares, and all shares have been returned to their original owners. I don’t think it's going to happen.” Miles was confident in his ability to keep Nikolas out of jail.

 

“Great.” Nikolas stood up and walked to the fireplace. He took a moment to look at a picture on the mantle of him and Robin with the kids. Losing ELQ had put everything into perspective for him. Robin was worth more than a dozen corporations and he was not going to let her go – ever.

[cmahorror]

Chapter 64

 

“Look Daddy.” Emma laughed as the penguin dived under the water and swam up to the glass.

 

Patrick smiled as he knelt down next to her to see better, careful to help Robin get the stroller in a position where Hope could see too. Sure, Hope had no idea what she was looking at but she still smiled at the sight. “I see baby.”

 

Robin sighed with contentment as she enjoyed the moment with her family. Patrick had the day off from work and they decided to take the girls to the zoo for a family day out. She leaned over and smiled at Hope. “Do you see the penguin?”

 

Emma began waving at the bird and was delighted when it moved back and forth, following her motions. “He’s waving at me!”

 

Patrick tickled Hope’s feet and smiled up at Robin. It had taken a while but they were finally a family again and he would fight anyone who tried to take it away from him. He stood up and put his arm around Robin’s waist. “I love you.”

 

Robin leaned into him as she watched Emma directing the penguin. “I love you too.” Suddenly her phone buzzed in her pocket. She pulled it out and looked at the caller ID. “It’s Diane.”

 

Patrick watched Robin closely as she answered the phone. “Yes, I understand. We’ll be there.” Robin hung up the phone and looked at Patrick. “Nikolas’s lawyer has been in touch. Diane needs to see us as soon as possible.”

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Robin and Patrick sat in Diane’s office waiting to hear an update on her divorce. Nikolas had been served with divorce papers weeks ago and they had not heard a word from him until now.

 

Diane walked through the door and sat down at her desk. “Thank you for coming in so quickly. We have a few things to discuss.”

 

Robin tensed up. “He’s fighting it – isn’t it?”

 

“Oh he is doing more than fighting it – he is filing every motion he can to stop it. He has even requested marriage counseling.” Diane decided to start with the small stuff and work her way up. This was a huge mess and she saw no reason to pretend otherwise.

 

“I’m sorry – marriage counseling?” Robin couldn’t believe this.

 

“Yes, he believes that what is going on is a simple issue of miscommunication and can be resolved with some counseling.” Diane knew Robin had a completely different view of the situation.

 

“Miscommunication? He kidnapped her.” Patrick was getting angry now. “He tricked her into marrying him and then kidnapped her when she was getting ready to leave him!”

 

“Nikolas’s attorney is claiming that he and Robin were simply on a belated honeymoon.” Diane took a deep breath before continuing. “Robin, did you try to escape or ask for help while you were with Nikolas?”

 

“Well no, I was playing along until I could figure out a way to escape.” Robin’s heart sank as she realized what was going on. “Which is exactly what he will say in court if we don’t drop the charges – damn it.”

 

“The WSB handed Nikolas over to the Port Charles Police Department and they are in the process of re-evaluating the charges. It looks like the kidnapping charges will be dismissed.” Diane had to admire Miles’s work – the man was good.

 

“What about Georgie?” Robin couldn’t believe that Frisco would let Nikolas get away with that.

 

“There is no proof that Nikolas kidnapped her. Physically, she was completely unharmed and she has a history of memory problems.” Diane could feel the tension rising in her office.

 

“What the hell Diane!” Patrick stood up so fast that the chair he was sitting in almost fell over. “So he gets away with it?”

 

“Unfortunately, there is no evidence to back up Robin and Georgie’s claims. I believe you but that just isn’t enough in a court of law. I really am sorry.” Diane watched as Robin reached up and took Patrick’s hand. One touch was enough to calm him down. That was good – Diane hadn’t got to the worst news yet. “There is one more thing.”

 

“Seriously?” Robin tightened her grip on Patrick’s hand. “What else could there be? He’s going to drag out this divorce for years and he isn’t going to pay for what he did to me or Georgie – what else is there?”

 

“Nikolas’s lawyer petitioned the court to have the birth certificate revoked that names Patrick as Hope’s father and the court agreed.” Diane was not a compassionate woman by nature but her heart actually broke for the couple in her office. “The original certificate naming Nikolas as Hope’s father has been declared Hope’s legal birth certificate until a new DNA test can be done comparing Nikolas and Patrick.”

 

Robin was livid. “This is unbelievable – I was pregnant before I married him.”

 

“But you were married to Nikolas when she was born. Legally, he was the father and has the right to demand a new DNA test.” Diane knew nothing she said would make this any easier. “The basis of his complaint is that there are two separate DNA tests naming two different fathers for Hope and, since Patrick has access to the hospital lab, he could have altered the test to name himself as her father.”

 

Patrick knelt down next to Robin and wiped away the tears she was crying. “It’s ok – we know who Hope’s father is and we will prove it.” He looked at Diane. “What do we do now?”

 

“Nikolas’s attorney will work with the court to set up the DNA testing. Until then, he has requested visitation with Hope.”

 

Robin shook her head. “No, he’s not her father.”

 

“I would advise you to let him have supervised visits with Hope for the time being. The attorney has even drawn up a schedule and suggested several neutral meeting places. Their only condition is that Patrick does not accompany you when you meet with Nikolas.” Diane was pushing to get the DNA test done as soon as possible. “Until we can prove Nikolas is not Hope’s father, you have to play by the rules. I will try and get the marriage counseling petition rejected and push for a trial date.”

 

“What are the odds of that happening?” Patrick wanted to know what they were up against.

 

“Not good – Nikolas wants to fight this divorce and will use every legal maneuver at his disposal to do it.” Diane smiled at the couple. “Fortunately, you have me as your attorney and I love a good fight.”

 

Robin just nodded and stood up. “I’m almost afraid to ask – is there anything else?”

 

Diane stood up and shook her head. “No. I will work with Nikolas’s attorney to get the testing, as well as the visitation schedule, set up and send you the details.”

 

Patrick wrapped his arm around Robin and pulled her close to him. “Thank you Diane.” He turned to Robin. “Ready to go home to our girls?” Mac was watching Emma and Hope while they met with Diane.

 

“Absolutely.” Robin hugged him close. “Thank you Diane.”

 

Diane watched the couple as they walked out of her office hand in hand. Somehow, she had to help them get Nikolas out of their lives for good.

[cmahorror]

Chapter 65

 

Nikolas laid Hope down on the blanket and tickled her belly. “You have gotten so big baby girl.”

 

Robin laid down next to her daughter and tried not to roll her eyes. Robin and Patrick were trying to work within the system so that Nikolas wouldn’t have any leverage against them in court but it wasn’t easy. Robin smiled at her mom as she kept watch over the girls and then looked at Nikolas. “Of course she has – that’s what babies do.”

 

Nikolas ignored the comment. He smiled at Hope and she smiled back at him. “That’s right Hope – you missed your daddy.”

 

“You are not her dad – Patrick is.” Robin may have to do these visitations but no one said she had to be nice to Nikolas.

 

“Now, now,” Nikolas kept up a sing-song voice, “we need to be nice. After all, we don’t want Hope to see mommy and daddy fighting.”

 

Robin just rolled onto her back and watched the clouds roll by. The park was a beautiful, neutral place for Nikolas to have his visitation with Hope. It also gave Anna, Mac and Robert plenty of room to circle the couple and make sure Nikolas didn’t try anything. She listened to him cooing at the little girl and had to admit that he had never once been anything but loving to Hope. Sighing, she decided to play along. “I apologize.”

 

Nikolas turned his attention to his wife and smiled. “Apology accepted. So I was thinking that our next outing should be at the zoo or maybe the aquarium – I want to show Hope the fish.” He turned back to the little girl and tickled her belly once more. Hope smiled at him before shutting her eyes.

 

Nikolas picked the baby up and held her to his chest. “Getting tired Hope?” He began rocking her gently.

 

“Maybe we should head home?” Robin sat up and reached for her daughter but Nikolas turned away.

 

“Robin, she is perfectly fine. I miss holding her while she sleeps.” He looked down at Hope and kissed the top of her head. “It feels like everything is right in the world when she is sleeping on my chest.”

 

Robin saw a brief flicker of her old friend, the man she used to know, at that moment. “I know what you mean.”

 

“You do?” Nikolas was happy to see Robin react positively to him.

 

“Yes, it just seems like nothing can go wrong when she is asleep on my chest. That the world isn’t such a bad place.” Robin reached over and gently rubbed Hope’s back.

 

Anna watched the scene unfolding before her carefully and saw the look on Nikolas’s face when Robin did that. Unfortunately, she recognized that look quite well – it was the same look Faison got on his face whenever he thought he was getting through to Anna.

 

She would have to talk to Robin after the visitation. Anna knew that Robin wasn’t intending to, but that one little move had given Nikolas hope that there was a future for them. That hope would make Nikolas dig in his heels and fight even harder to keep Robin by his side for good.

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Nikolas buckled Hope into her car seat, sad that the visit was over. “How about I take you out to lunch or maybe we could go back to Wyndamere…

 

“I’m afraid that our daughter and granddaughter need to be headed home.” Robert and Anna appeared behind Robin and Robert reached over and picked up Hope’s car seat. “I’ll take her to the car.”

 

“Thanks Daddy.” Robin smiled at her father and turned back to Nikolas. “I need to get my daughter home. Goodbye.”

 

“Robin wait – can we please talk for just a moment?” Nikolas looked at Robin pleadingly.

 

Robin took a deep breath and looked at her mom. “It’s okay – I’ll be there in just a minute. Go make sure Dad isn’t trying to teach Hope how to pick locks. I want to do it.”

 

Anna hugged Robin while glaring at Nikolas. “Mac is still over there – don’t try anything.”

 

Nikolas shook his head. “I just want a moment alone to talk to my wife.”

 

“What do you want Nikolas?” Robin kept her distance from the man.

 

“I want my family back. I admit, I have made some horrible mistakes but I still love you.” Nikolas reached for Robin’s hand but she pulled away. “I love you and Hope and Emma. I love our family.”

 

“But that family was a lie. You used me and created this family so that you could steal ELQ away from the Quartermaines. This was never about me – it was about money. Well you’ve got your money so let me go and live the life I want with the man I am in love with. Let me and Patrick be a family with our daughters.” Robin couldn’t help but cry as she begged with Nikolas to end the marriage. “Please, sign the divorce papers and relinquish all claims on Hope – for all our sakes.”

 

“You and Hope are my family – I made the mistake of letting Emily walk away without a fight and I will not make that same mistake with you.” Nikolas sighed. “I will see you tomorrow at 10 – please don’t be late.”

 

Robin rubbed her neck and tried to relieve some of the tension building up in her body. Nikolas had won the right to drag Robin into three months worth of marriage counseling and their first session was the next day. “I’ll be there but it won’t change anything. All you’re doing now is just delaying the inevitable. I will stay with Patrick and I will never be with you again whether we are divorced or not.” Robin turned on her heel and headed back to the car.

 

Nikolas took a deep breath and stopped himself from chasing after her. He pulled out his phone and made a call. “Is it being done? Good.”

 

He hung up the phone and smiled. One way or another, Patrick would pay for trying to take Robin away from him.

 

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

“So he behaved himself?” Patrick was standing at the nurse’s hub talking to Robin on the phone.

 

“Yes, I tried to reason with him – to get him to drop all of this and just let me and Hope go but he refused.” Robin was disappointed she wasn’t able to convince Nikolas to end their marriage. “I’m sorry.”

 

“You have nothing to be sorry for.” Patrick looked at the clock. “Look, I have a consult to get to but I will be home right after. I love you.”

 

“I love you too.”

 

Patrick hung up the phone and shook his head. He appreciated Robin trying to reason with Nikolas but he had known it would be hopeless. Nikolas was not giving up Robin without a fight. It was just a mattered of being prepared for the next punch.

 

“Dr. Drake?” Patrick turned around to see a man in a dark grey suit standing behind him. “Dr. Patrick Drake?”

 

“Yes, how may I help you?” Patrick didn’t recognize the man.

 

The man handed Patrick an envelope. “Consider yourself served.”

 

“What?” Patrick opened up the envelope and shook his head. “Son of a bitch!”

 

Epiphany heard the outburst and instantly admonished the man. “Dr. Drake – this is a place of work.”

 

Patrick ignored the nurse as he ran to his office and slammed the door shut. He picked up his phone and called Diane. “We have a problem – Nikolas is suing me for medical malpractice for a tumor removal I did for him in 2008. He is claiming that he has headaches daily and suffered a personality shift that has negatively impacted his life.” Patrick was reading directly from the paperwork in his hand.

 

Diane was shocked. “But that surgery was done over seven years ago – the statute of limitations for medical malpractice is 2 ½ years from the date of the surgery…

 

“Or from end of continuous treatment rendered by the party or entity you intend to sue for a particular condition.” Patrick knew the law well. “I was doing regular check-ups with Nikolas to make sure that he was free of the tumor until 2014, when I gave him a full medical release.”

 

“This is obviously an attempt to discredit and destroy you – revenge for your reconciliation with Robin.” Diane shook her head. “Drop off the paperwork at my office and then go home to Robin and tell her what is going on.”

 

“But Diane…”

 

“Do you want her to hear it from you or somewhere else?” Patrick didn’t respond so Diane took that as a yes. “Good – the sooner I get the paperwork, the sooner I get this ridiculous lawsuit thrown out.”

 

Patrick hung up the phone and grabbed the envelope off his desk. He took a moment to look at the photo on his desk and him and Robin with his girls before heading home.

[cmahorror]

Chapter 66

 

“Mr. and Mrs. Cassadine, I want to thank you both for being on time for your session. It shows a commitment to the process.” The therapist smiled at the couple.

 

“It’s Scorpio.” Robin sat in her chair and ignored Nikolas completely.

 

"Excuse me?" The therapist was confused.

 

“My name – it’s Dr. Scorpio.” Robin smiled at the woman. “Or you might recognize me from my former name, Dr. Robin Scorpio-Drake.”

 

The therapist looked at Robin and excitement filled her eyes. “Dr. Scorpio-Drake! I love your work. I read several of your papers on the traumatic brain injuries and they were absolutely brilliant.”

 

“Thank you and please, call me Robin.” Robin favored the woman with another smile before continuing. “Let me make this clear – there is no hope for this marriage. I am only here because the court ordered it.”

 

Nikolas shook his head. “Robin, you said you would try.”

 

“No I didn’t. I said I would show up since the court ordered it and I don’t want to go to jail for contempt of court.” Robin was still furious about Nikolas’s decision to sue Patrick.

 

“Robin is upset because her ex-husband is being sued for malpractice.”

 

Robin glared at Nikolas. “By you. I cannot believe that you are suing the father of my children.”

 

The therapist interrupted. “I thought Nikolas was Hope’s father.”

 

“He’s not – he is just trying to steal her away from Patrick because he thinks it will keep me with him.” Robin’s hostility was palpable.

 

“Okay – we need to take a minute here and calm down.” The therapist looked at Nikolas. “You are suing her ex-husband for malpractice?”

 

“Yes, he removed a brain tumor and I have constant headaches and I have experienced a personality shift.” He looked at the woman forlornly. “I did some things I am not proud of and Robin is upset with me for them. The truth is that Patrick’s error may cost me the woman I love and drive her back into his arms.”

 

Robin rolled her eyes and shook her head. The therapist noticed. “Robin, is there something you would like to say?”

 

“Yes. I am in love with my ex-husband Patrick. I have always been in love with him and I always will be. Those mistakes Nikolas is talking about include helping his grandmother perform medical experiments on me, kidnapping me and tricking me into marriage. These are not small issues – he didn’t forget my birthday or miss an office dinner. He arranged for me to get pregnant so that he could steal a company and then was upset when he discovered that my ex-husband was the father instead of the ex-boyfriend he had planned.”

 

The therapist sat there in shock, just trying to digest what Robin was telling her. “Dr. Scorpio…”

 

“Oh wait –there’s more. He told me that his grandmother was planning to kidnap me, again, and that the only way I could be kept safe was to marry him. Then, when I discovered what he had done, he kidnapped me and dragged me away from my children. I played along with him so I could find a way to escape and he used that to get out of the charges.” Robin reached down for the glass of water she had been given when she first entered the office. “Did I mention that he also kidnapped my cousin and was caught attempting to kidnap my girls?”

 

Nikolas hadn’t said a word during Robin’s entire speech but now he felt the need to speak up. “I wasn’t kidnapping them – I was bringing them home. Drake and your parents are the ones who convinced you it was kidnapping.”

 

The therapist looked at both people sitting before her and made a decision. “Mr. Cassadine – I’m sorry but I really don’t think that this is going to work out. It is quite obvious that your wife really wants to end your marriage and there is no hope of salvaging it. I am going to recommend to the court that all counseling session be ended.”

 

Robin stood up and offered her hand to the woman. “Thank you.” After shaking the therapists hand she grabbed her purse and left the room.

 

Nikolas sat there in shock, unsure of what had just happened. He looked at the therapist and got a sly grin on his face. “It looks like we have some time left. There are a few things I would like to discuss with you.”

 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

“So you just walked out?” Patrick sat on the couch with Robin and held her close.

 

“Well the therapist did say that there was no hope for the marriage so I really didn’t see a reason to stay.” Robin cuddled in closer to her ex-husband. “Besides, I can think of much better ways to spend my time than being in a therapist’s office.” She leaned over and kissed him, already working on getting his shirt buttons undone.

 

“Why Dr. Scorpio, are you trying to seduce me?” Patrick had already untucked her shirt and was kissing her neck.

 

“Feels like I am doing better than trying.” Robin’s giggle turned into a moan as Patrick hit that perfect spot on her neck. “Should we head upstairs?”

 

“Definitely.” Patrick was just about to pick her up when Robin’s phone rang.

 

She looked at the caller ID. “It’s the therapist.” She answered. “Hello?”

 

Patrick watched Robin’s face and knew something had happened before she even spoke. “But I don’t understand – you said that…” Robin’s face fell. “Of course – I will see you both next week.”

 

“Robin?”

 

Robin buried her head in Patrick’s chest. “He convinced her that I was just overreacting and that it was my family’s influence that caused me to say the things I did.” She looked at Patrick with tears flowing down her cheeks. “She has revised her decision and may even add sessions depending on how I behave in them.”

 

Patrick ran his hands through her hair and kissed her. “It’s going to be okay. This is just a minor setback.”

 

“It’s never going to end, is it?” Robin placed her head on his chest and curled up into a ball on his lap. “He is never going to let me go.”

[cmahorror]

Chapter 67

 

Diane smiled as Miles Wilson entered her office. “Please, have a seat Mr. Wilson.”

 

“Thank you and please call me Miles.” Miles sat down and smirked at her. “I must say that your reputation precedes you. I will be honored to face you in the courtroom if this case gets that far Diane. It is alright if I call you Diane?”

 

“Of course it is.” Diane was impressed with the man’s credentials but thoroughly unimpressed with his attempt at flattery. “Now I think we have a few things to discuss.”

 

Miles leaned forward in his chair. “My client will not discuss a settlement until all avenues for reconciliation have been exhausted. He loves his wife very much and wants to stay married to her.”

 

“Yes, he has been very clear about that but my client will do everything she can to secure this divorce – starting with this.” Diane handed Miles a piece of paper. “What is this?”

 

“This is a sworn statement from the therapist that she changed her recommendation regarding marriage counseling after she was offered a very nice bribe by your client.” There were times when dating a mob enforcer came in handy. Once Robin had told Diane what had happened Max had gone to see the therapist and convinced her, with the help of some of Sonny’s money, to come clean about what had happened in her office after Robin had left.

 

“Obviously the woman is lying – my client would never to that.” Miles knew he was lying through his teeth – this was exactly something Nikolas would do.

 

“Nevertheless, the judge agreed that this was a sign that marriage counseling was not a viable option and has rescinded the order for marriage counseling. Now, on the matter of the paternity test…”

 

Miles interrupted her. “We have already spoken to the lab at General Hospital and…”

 

It was Diane’s turn to interrupt. “The test will not be run at General Hospital. I have spoken to the judge and we have agreed that the test needs to take place at a lab that has no connection to General Hospital or Cassadine Industries. Therefore the samples will be taken by a court clerk and taken to a secure facility of the judge’s choosing. Neither party will be made aware of where the testing is being held and the results will be sealed until the judge opens them.”

 

“Fair enough.” Miles had expected this and had no intentions of fighting it. “Is there anything else?”

 

“Yes, are you representing Mr. Cassadine in this frivolous lawsuit he has filed against Dr. Drake?” Diane already knew the answer before she asked the question.

 

“You know I am and it is certainly not frivolous. Mr. Cassadine is in permanent pain and may lose the woman he loves due to Dr. Drake’s incompetence.” Miles voice raised a little bit at Diane’s accusation.

 

“Then why didn’t he complain about the headaches at any of the dozens of appointments he had with my client or his other doctors in the last seven years?” Diane already had Nikolas’s records from Patrick but she was guessing about the other doctors. “I have no issue taking this to trial since I am certain that my client will be exonerated. Are you sure that you want to pursue this?”

 

“Not only are we pursuing it but we also plan to file a complaint with the state medical review board so we can have Dr. Drake’s license to practice medicine revoked. This is not the first time he has come under investigation for malpractice. If I’m not mistaken, you were the lawyer for a family that sued him – the patient was a Briana Hughes?” Miles smirked at him but Diane just shook her head.

 

“Then you are aware that the issue wasn’t that Dr. Drake made in error in treating her, it was that he allowed a less experienced doctor handle the surgery. It is a moot point anyhow – the suit was dropped when it was discovered that Miss Hughes was murdered and no doctor could have saved her.” Diane felt almost triumphant in that moment.

 

“But he did operate on Rafe Kovich, Jr., didn’t he?” Miles was well prepared for the case. “The young man responsible for killing Dr. Drake’s son? It is my understanding that Dr. Drake was put on administrative leave because there were concerns that he had purposely botched the surgery to get revenge against the young man.”

 

“Dr. Drake was cleared of all wrong doing and reinstated at General Hospital.” Diane was quick to answer the man. “Dr. Drake has a long and successful career. He has performed hundreds of surgeries with not a single complication including one that brought a child back from a near permanent coma.”

 

“And declared another child dead who wasn’t after that groundbreaking surgery. I can’t wait to hear the explanation for that one.” Miles stood up. “I will let Mr. Cassadine know about the cancellation of the marriage counseling but I can guarantee you that he will still want to fight the divorce.”

 

“Of course he will.” Diane stood up and put out her hand. “I’ll have the court notify you about the paternity test. You may as well know that I have already filed a motion to dismiss the malpractice suit.”

 

“I figured you would.” Miles shook her hand. “Although it is pointless – this case will go to trial and Dr. Drake will lose. Maybe then Mrs. Cassadine will see the kind of man he truly is and how lucky she is to have Nikolas fighting for her.”

 

“Trust me, Robin knows exactly what kind of men Patrick and Nikolas both are.” She sat back down. “Have a good day Miles.”

 

Miles headed to the door. “You too Diane.”

[cmahorror]

Chapter 68

 

Patrick stood still as the court officer took the DNA sample from his mouth. “Thank you Dr. Drake.”

 

“Do you already have Mr. Cassadine’s sample?” Patrick wanted to make sure that the two samples were not switched on their way to the lab.

 

“Another person is retrieving Mr. Cassadine’s sample and sending it to the lab. Please verify that this is your information.” The man held up the tube with the swab in it and placed a label with Patrick’s full name and birth date on it. Patrick nodded. “Good – please initial the label.”

 

Patrick took and pen and initialed the sample. “Is that all you need?”

 

“No, I am supposed to take samples from,” the man looked at his tablet, “Hope and Robin Cassadine while I am here as well.”

 

Patrick cringed. Legally, the man was using the correct names but it still hurt to hear them. “Of course.” Patrick walked over to the staircase and called out for his ex-wife. “Robin – they need you and Hope down here.”

 

Robin came downstairs holding a wriggling Hope in her arms. “Someone is really wanting to see her Daddy.”

 

Patrick reached for the little girl and Hope almost immediately stopped wriggling and snuggled up close to him. “Hey baby girl, this nice man is going to take a DNA sample but I promise it will be quick and it won’t hurt.”

 

The court officer took out the swab and quickly swiped the inside of Hope’s cheek. The little girl jumped but quickly calmed down as soon as it was over. Patrick laid her on his shoulder and gently rubbed her back. The officer looked at Robin. “Ma’am, would you please verify the information for your daughter?”

 

Robin walked over and read the tube. “Yes that is Hope’s name and birth date.”

 

“Please initial.” Robin took the pen and initialed the tube.

 

The procedure was repeated one last time with Robin before the officer left the house. Patrick sat down on the couch with Robin and held her close while still cradling Hope in his arm. “It’s almost over Robin.” He kissed the top of Robin’s head.

 

“I just wish my mom and dad would find Britt.” Robin sighed. She had told her parents about Britt’s involvement and they had assured her that they would find the OB and rescue her from Nikolas. “She created the embryo and could testify to the fact that she used my egg and your sperm to create it.”

 

“That’s a great thought but Britt has lied about the paternity of a child before and she was engaged to Nikolas. He ended things and it was not a very good break up. I don’t think she would be a very good witness.” Patrick appreciated that Robin was thinking of every angle she could to end this mess.

 

“But she could testify to Nikolas’s involvement in both of our kidnappings.” Robin looked at Patrick. “I need to do something. There has to be a way to end this – soon.”

 

“I like the way you are thinking and hopefully we will be able to press charges when Britt is found but, until then, you and the girls are safe and home with me – that’s all that matters.” Patrick was learning to cherish these small moments. “I love you.”

 

Robin snuggled back into Patrick’s chest and gently rubbed their baby girl’s back. “I love you too.”

 

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Max watched the man leave Patrick and Robin’s house and get into his car while talking on his phone. “Yeah boss, the guy is just leaving.”

 

“Good – I want you to follow him and make sure nothing happens to those samples before they get to the lab.” Sonny owed Robin a chance to be happy. “Make sure that Nikolas’s men do not interfere with those test results.”

 

“Will do.” Max hung up the phone and put his car in gear.

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

“Thank you for doing this.” Nikolas shook the officer’s hand. “How long until the results will be ready?”

 

“Four to six weeks is the estimated time before we get the results but it could be as soon as two weeks. The judge will notify your attorney when the results arrive.” The man took the tube with the swab in it and headed towards the door. “Good day Mr. Cassadine.”

 

“Good day sir.” Nikolas walked back over to the couch and sat down, thinking. He pulled out his phone and made a call. “Yes, the car I need you to follow is leaving the dock in 20 minutes. I need to know its final destination.”

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Sonny picked up his phone and made one last call. “Max is following the guy that was at Robin’s house.”

 

“And I have this guy.” Jason watched as the launch idled up to the pier. “Thank you for doing this Sonny.”

 

“I promised Stone I would always take care of Robin – it’s time I make good on the promise.” Sonny looked at an old picture of him, Robin and Stone together. “Let me know where it is so I can arrange for someone to come and relieve you and Max. I should have a schedule worked out by the end of the day so that the lab is constantly covered. I’ll talk to you later.”

 

Sonny put down his phone while staring at the picture, remembering how happy they all were at that time, right before Stone’s diagnosis. It seemed like it was a lifetime ago and he had failed Robin so many times since then – this was a chance to at least start to make amends. He couldn’t take Nikolas out the way he would want to – Robin had always hated that part of Sonny’s life and would never want anyone to die on her behalf – but he could make sure that Nikolas didn’t mess with the test results. Patrick and Robin were Hope’s parents and Sonny and Jason were working together one last time to make sure everyone knew it.

[cmahorror]

Chapter 69

 

“No!” Robin was lying on the couch with tears in her eyes. “Please stop.”

 

Patrick and Emma both started laughing and began tickling her again. “Give in now Scorpio – you can’t win.”

 

Robin started laughing and put up her hands in defeat. “I surrender.” She took advantage of their stopping and quickly grabbed Emma and hugged her close, tickling the little girl at the same time. “Sneak attack.”

 

Emma was laughing. “Daddy, help me.”

 

Patrick reached between the two and kissed Robin quickly. Her hands stopped tickling Emma and their daughter slid off the couch and left her parents kissing on the couch. “I’m going to go watch my movie.”

 

“Okay baby.” Robin saw Emma run up the stairs at of the corner of her eye and then wrapped her arms around Patrick’s neck. “She’ll be busy for the next hour and a half and Hope is napping – what should we do? Dishes? Laundry?”

 

Patrick leaned down and kissed Robin on the neck. “Oh I can think of a much better use of our time.”

 

Robin was about to ask him to give her details when her phone rang. She looked at the caller ID. “It’s Diane.”

 

Patrick got off Robin and listened in to his wife’s side of the conversation. “I understand, we’ll be there as soon as I get a sitter for the girls.” Robin hung up the phone and looked at Patrick. “Nikolas’s attorney has asked for an emergency hearing and the judge granted it. We have two hours to get to court.”

 

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Robin sat next to Diane in the courtroom, nervously rubbing her hands together as they waited for the judge. “Do you have any idea what this is about?”

 

“Yes. I heard from Max that Nikolas’s men attempted to enter the lab a few nights ago – Jason politely told them to leave.” Diane smiled at Robin. “Nikolas has realized that he can’t alter the tests and is dropping the petition for custody of Hope.”

 

“That’s great.” Robin smiled broadly at Diane. “Is there anything else?”

 

Diane shook her head. “Yes, he is trying to delay the divorce hearing but I don’t think it will happen.”

 

Robin was about to ask Diane for details when the door behind the bailiff opened and the judge walked in to the courtroom. “All rise, family court of Port Charles is in session, the honorable Judge Walters presiding.” Everyone stood up as soon as the bailiff began speaking.

 

“You may be seated.” Everyone returned to their seats while Judge Walters sat down behind the bench. “We are here in the matter of Cassadine versus Cassadine. I understand that the defendant has two motions he wants a ruling on?”

 

Miles stood up. “Yes your honor. We would like to withdraw the petition to have a paternity test run on Hope Cassadine, Robin Cassadine’s infant daughter. Mr. Cassadine is willing to admit that Patrick Drake is the biological father of the child in question.”

 

Robin felt herself relax at the news. She turned back and smiled at Patrick who had tears of joy in his eyes. Robin turned her attention back to the judge as he began speaking again. “I may as well tell you that the DNA results from the court-ordered test were delivered to my office only an hour ago. Based on the results of that test, I will reinstate the birth certificate listing Patrick Drake as the biological and legal father of Hope and legally change her name to Hope Scorpio-Drake.”

 

Robin began to stand up when she heard Miles speak. “And regarding the other motion your honor?”

 

Robin looked at Diane in confusion. Diane looked at the judge and waited to hear what he had to say. “It says here that you have filed a motion to delay the divorce hearing until the completion of Mr. Cassadine's lawsuit against Dr. Drake for malpractice?”

 

Robin tensed back up as she listened to Miles explain the motion. “Yes your honor. As Mr. Cassadine’s lawyer, he has asked me to personally represent him in both matters and I felt I could not in good conscience concentrate on the malpractice suit and the divorce hearing. Since the malpractice trial is already on the docket and the divorce case has not been scheduled yet, we are asking for a delay to the start of the divorce case.”

 

“Your honor I object.” Diane stood up. “This divorce could be settled in just a matter of minutes if Mr. Cassadine would just sign the papers. Delaying it for any reason is unnecessary.”

 

“On the contrary your honor, my client has made it very clear that he intends to fight for his marriage. We are filing a motion for a second attempt at marriage counseling and he wants to make sure all attempts at reconciliation are exhausted before he agrees to the divorce.” Miles looked at Diane. “If Mrs. Cassadine was so intent on getting this divorce, she should have filed for a no-fault divorce. Since she has filed for divorce on the grounds of cruel and inhuman treatment, my client has the right to defend his actions and save his marriage.”

 

Robin shook her head as tears streamed down her face. She had filed for her divorce right after she was rescued and Nikolas was arrested – he was in jail and under investigation for his crimes. A no-fault divorce hadn’t even crossed her mind. She thought back and briefly remembered Diane mentioning it but Robin had wanted Nikolas to know how much his actions had hurt her. Now he had gotten out of the charges and was using her decision against her.

 

“Miss Miller, are you representing Dr. Drake in his malpractice case?” Judge Walters stared Diane down.

 

“Well, yes your honor, I am but…”

 

“Then I have no choice but to agree with Mr. Wilson. Given the circumstances, I will grant the motion for delay of trial and the divorce hearing between Nikolas and Robin Cassadine will be delayed until after the conclusion of the malpractice trial against Dr. Drake.” Judge Walters banged his gavel. “Court is adjourned.”

 

Patrick quickly ran over to Robin and pulled her into his arms. “It’s going to be okay – I promise.”

 

Diane turned to the couple. “I know this seems like a setback but we did get a huge victory today. You have full custody of Hope, the correct birth certificate has been reinstated and, best of all, there will be no more visitation with Nikolas.”

 

“I’m sorry Diane, I should have listened when you mentioned the no fault divorce it’s just…” Robin buried her face in Patrick’s chest, completely ignoring Nikolas and his lawyer as they left courtroom.

 

“I understand – you wanted to make sure Nikolas was aware of the pain he has caused you and your family.” Diane smiled at Robin. “We will get this lawsuit thrown out and then we let the world know exactly what Nikolas did to you – the medical experiments, the lies, the times he held you hostage in your own home and the kidnapping. Everyone will know exactly what kind of man Nikolas Cassadine is.”

 

“Thank you Diane.” Patrick rubbed Robin’s back. “Let’s go home and see our girls.”

[cmahorror]

Chapter 70

 

“Come on baby girl – you can do it.” Robin watched as Hope pushed up on her legs and hands and tried to crawl.

 

Hope’s face was a picture of focus as she looked at her mom from across the room. It was only about five feet but Robin could see that her little girl was determined to cross the floor on her own. Hope rocked back and forth for a few moments, testing her own limbs, and then slowly shuffled forward. “Patrick!”

 

Patrick came running in and sat down next to Robin. Adding her father into the mix only made Hope more determined to get over to her mom. The little girl seemed to almost smirk at her parents as she slowly made her way to them. Within a minute she was across the room and had crawled into her mother’s lap.

 

Robin hugged Hope close. “You did it!”

 

Hope giggled and Patrick gave the little girl a kiss on the cheek. “Emma will be so surprised when she gets home from school. Soon you’ll be walking and then…”

 

“I don’t even want to think about that yet – let’s just enjoy this moment.” Robin leaned into Patrick as Hope clung to her mom. Hope was a momma’s girl and Robin wouldn’t have it any other way.

 

“How about I get you some applesauce to celebrate?” Patrick tickled his daughter’s belly and she giggled happily.

 

Robin smiled at Patrick. “I think that’s a yes.”

 

“Me too.” Patrick stood up and helped Robin and Hope off the floor. They were just about to head into the kitchen when the doorbell rang. “Expecting anyone?”

 

“No.” Robin handed Hope to Patrick and walked over to the door. She looked at the monitor over the alarm keypad and saw Diane standing there. Robin quickly disarmed the alarm and let the woman in. “Diane, did we have a meeting?”

 

Diane shook her head and watched as Patrick sat down on the couch with Hope. Robin quickly sat next to them as Diane took the chair at the head of the coffee table. “No but I wanted to tell you that Nikolas has been granted another continuance.”

 

Patrick tried to hide his frustration. “This is ridiculous Diane – this is his fourth continuance in 6 months.”

 

“I agree, as does the judge which is why he made it clear that this would be the last continuance he will grant. If they are not ready for trial by the next court date, which is next week, the case will be thrown out.” Diane really hoped that the judge would do just that – this whole case was nothing more than a way to stall Nikolas and Robin’s divorce.

 

“So no matter what, we will be in court in next week?” Robin liked seeing a light at the end of the tunnel. It gave her hope that his whole nightmare was almost over. The malpractice suit would get thrown out, Robin was certain of it, and then she could get her divorce and remarry Patrick.

 

Patrick had proposed to her three months ago, presenting Robin with a new engagement ring for a new life together. The evening had been perfect with Emma handing her mother the box as Robin held Hope in her arms. It was more than just Robin and Patrick reuniting, it was their family becoming whole once again.

 

But their remarriage could not happen until Robin secured her divorce from Nikolas. Nikolas had filed several continuances since the original trial date due to his experts needing more time to review the evidence. Diane had tried several times to get the case thrown out but was denied every time. It was frustrating but they had agreed to handle the matter legally so they could be free of Nikolas with a clear conscience.

 

The one thing Diane had been able to get done was to get the medical review board to agree not to censure Patrick until this matter was settled. The review board agreed that if the case was dropped or Patrick was found not guilty then the matter would end there without any involvement from the board - Patrick’s record as a surgeon was beyond reproach.

 

“I wanted to ask you if your parents had had any luck tracking down Dr. Westbourne?” Diane really needed the woman’s assistance if Robin’s divorce went to trial. “She is the only witness who can verify your story that you were being held by Nikolas against your will.”

 

“No,” Robin sighed and pushed a lock of hair behind her ear, “either Nikolas has her well hidden or…”

 

“She has been eliminated so she can’t tell anyone what Nikolas has done.” Diane shook her head. In a lot of ways the Cassadines were like the mob – ruthless and willing to eliminate anyone who might ruin their plans. “I will continue to try and get the divorce case back on the docket as soon as this ridiculous malpractice suit is thrown out.” Diane stood up and favored the family with a sincere smile. “We will get you your divorce and then you two will have the wedding to end all weddings – with me in the front row enjoying every moment.”

 

Robin stood up and followed Diane to the door. “We are planning on a small ceremony but you will most certainly be invited. We are leaving the grand affair to Georgie and Dillon.” The younger couple would be renewing their vows in just a few days.

 

“Sounds wonderful.” Diane headed out the door to work on another motion to dismiss as Robin locked the door and reset the alarm.

 

Robin turned back around and found Hope squirming in her dad’s arms, anxious to crawl to her mother once more. Patrick set her on the floor and the little girl took off like a shot, making it over to her mother in no time. Robin picked her up and kissed her little girl on the cheek. “There will be no stopping you now, will there?”

 

Patrick stood up and joined them. “Nope, our little girl is now on the move and will not slow down.” He kissed Hope on the top of her head and then kissed Robin. “Now I believe I promised our daughter some applesauce.”

 

“Yes, you did.” Robin smiled as Patrick wrapped his arm around her and led them to the kitchen.

[cmahorror]

Chapter 71

 

Robin raised her glass and smiled at Patrick. “To end of your malpractice suit.”

 

“And the beginning of your divorce trial.” Patrick clinked his glass with Robin’s and smiled, scooting closer to her on the couch. “I still can’t believe that Nikolas’s lawyer asked for another continuance today.”

 

Today was supposed to be the opening statements of Patrick’s malpractice suit. But when Miles stood up and asked for another continuance, the judge lost it. He berated Nikolas for wasting the court’s time and threw out the lawsuit as baseless and without merit.

 

Robin set her champagne down on the coffee table as a contemplative look crossed her face. “Diane told me that if all went well than we could get a court date in the next month. If all goes well, we will be able to remarry before the end of the year – if that’s still what you want?”

 

“Robin, how could you even ask that? Of course I still want to marry you.” Patrick wondered what had led to Robin’s mood change. “Robin…”

 

“Patrick, you almost lost your license to practice medicine because I was stupid enough to trust Nikolas. And what about the divorce hearing? It’s going to get ugly – I have no doubts that Nikolas and his attorney plan on dragging your name through the mud. Your history with women, Sam, Sabrina, the fact that we have been living here together since I left Nikolas,” tears filled Robin’s eyes, “I’m just saying that I would understand if it was too much for you to deal with.”

 

“Robin,” Patrick set his glass down and pulled Robin into his arms, “we have been through hell and back to be together – do you really think a few nasty questions from Nikolas’s lawyer is going to change my mind?”

 

Robin didn’t know why she was so worried about this – Patrick had proved himself time and again since her return. “I’m sorry. I love you so much and I just don’t want to lose you, to lose us, again.”

 

Patrick took Robin’s face gently in his hands. “And you won’t. We will fight Nikolas and we will win.” He kissed her. “Now I think we need to celebrate our victory. What do you say Scorpio?”

 

Before Robin could answer, Patrick began kissing her neck and Robin was left speechless. Patrick pulled away and looked Robin in the eyes. “I love you.”

 

“And I love you.” Robin pulled Patrick close and kissed him again. “And right now, I am going to show you just how much.”

 

Patrick picked Robin up and carried her up the stairs so they could properly celebrate their victory.

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

“Is everything ready?” Nikolas was on the phone making arrangements for the next part of his plan. The reality is that he knew he would not be able to successfully sue Patrick, the man had not messed up his surgery, but he needed the extra time to get things ready for his and Robin’s reunion.

 

Nikolas had called on one of his grandmother’s many cohorts to work with him and get everything ready. There were several steps to his plan. The first and most important step was to get Patrick out of the way so that Robin and the girls were free of his overbearing presence. Only then could he, Robin and the girls be a family once again. Everything else would fall in place once Patrick was gone.

 

“Perfect. See you in a couple of weeks.” Nikolas hung up and smiled. It was almost over.

 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

“Really – that’s who he contacted?” Robert smiled at Anna as he talked to Frisco on the phone. “Let me know when you get him into custody so that we can finally put the prince of darkness behind bars for good.”

 

Anna watched Robert as he walked over to the bar cart and poured himself a drink. “Robert? Come on, just tell me.”

 

“Nikolas has contacted an old associate of Helena’s to try to and get Patrick out of the way. Frisco is working on tracking the man down but the man was using a burner phone and it was destroyed immediately after the conversation ended.” Robert took a drink of the bourbon he had poured. “The WSB has a general area but they are working to narrow it down. If nothing else, it looks like he will be in Port Charles before the divorce trial starts.”

 

“I am assuming that the plan does not involve just putting Patrick in a safe place until after the trial?” Anna had no doubts that Nikolas would eliminate anyone who stopped him from achieving his goals.

 

“No, it’s a hit.” Robert shook his head. “I don’t want anything said to Robin or Patrick just yet. She is scared to death about this trial and I could see her promising to halt the divorce proceedings if Nikolas will guarantee Patrick’s safety. Our daughter is completely selfless although I am still not sure where she learned it.”

 

“It’s just Robin – she has been that way since the day she was born. It’s what makes her a great doctor and even better mother.” Anna smiled as she looked at a picture of Robin with Patrick and the girls that she had on the desk in her room. “So, who is this mystery man that Nikolas has hired to get rid of Patrick?”

 

Robert finished his drink and gave Anna his best smirk. “You’re not going to believe this one.”

[cmahorror]

Chapter 72

 

Patrick took Robin’s hand as they prepared to leave the car and head into the courtroom. “It’s going to be okay Robin – this is almost over.”

 

“I know but…”

 

“No buts.” He leaned over and kissed her. “Now, are you feeling any better?”

 

Robin had been nauseous for the past few days thanks to the stress of the trial. “I’m fine, I just want to be able to have a normal life with the man I love and our children.”

 

“And we will. There will be thousands of mornings like this morning – you, me, Emma with syrup all over her face after four pancakes. Just wait until Hope can join in on the fun.” Patrick smiled at Robin. “I guess I have to pass down the recipe to both our girls now.

 

“Yes, you do.” Robin smiled at him. “Patrick, are you sure…”

 

“I am positive.” Patrick squeezed her hand. “You ready?”

 

Robin took a deep breath and nodded her head. “Ready as I’ll ever be. Let’s get this over with.”

 

Patrick got out of the car and went over to the passenger side to get Robin’s door for her. He had no sooner gotten to the other side when shots rang out. “Robin, get down.” He barely got the words out before he fell to the ground.

 

Robin had slid down to the floorboard of the car the moment she heard Patrick calling out to her. “Patrick!” She opened up her phone. “My name is Robin Scorpio and I am in the garage next to the courthouse and someone is shooting at me and my husband.”

 

She hung up the phone and noticed that the shots had stopped. She opened up the car door and crawled to Patrick. She rolled him over and saw red covering his chest. “Patrick!” She shook him but he didn’t respond. “Patrick!”

 

Robin felt for a pulse and began to frantically scream for help. “Someone please help us!”

 

Nikolas came running down the aisle towards the couple. “Robin! Are you okay?”

 

Robin looked at him. “Your jacket, give me your jacket.” Nikolas quickly pulled it off and handed it to Robin. “I have to stop the blood.” Robin took it and pushed it down on Patrick’s chest as she talked to her fiancée. “Don’t do this to me. Don’t leave me.”

 

The ambulance and police cars came soaring up the ramp and Nikolas flagged them down. “Over here.”

 

The paramedics took over care of Patrick as Nikolas pulled Robin into his arms. “It’s okay Robin, I’m here.”

 

“He has to be okay, not for me but for our girls.” She watched the paramedics as they did a quick exam, looked at each other and then shook their heads. Slowly, they began to pack up their supplies. “What are you doing? You have to help him!”

 

Nikolas tried to hold Robin still but she pulled away and went to Patrick. She ripped open the drop kit and grabbed some gauze out, trying to dress Patrick’s wounds. “We need to stop the bleeding and get him to the hospital.”

 

One of the paramedics gently began to pull Robin away. “Ma’am, I’m sorry.”

 

Robin shook her head. “No.” The tears she had been holding back were finally falling over. “No, you will take him to the hospital and he will be fine.”

 

“There is nothing we can do for him ma’am.” The man took Robin’s hand in his and gently patted it while his partner went to speak to the police. “I am very sorry for your loss.”

 

Nikolas knelt down next to Robin and pulled her close. “God Robin I am so sorry.”

 

“No.” Robin finally collapsed against Nikolas, trying desperately to deny the truth. Her tears flowed freely, soaking Nikolas’s shirt.

 

“He’s gone Robin.” Nikolas held Robin close and rubbed her back softly as the medics draped a sheet over Patrick’s body. “Patrick’s gone.”

[cmahorror]

Chapter 73

 

Nikolas shut the bedroom door and left a sleeping Robin alone while he spoke to the doctor. “Thank you for coming over on such short notice – my wife was nearly hysterical following her ex-husband’s murder.”

 

“Understandable – the sedative I administered should help her sleep for a little while.” The doctor took a look around the house. “If you don’t mind me asking – why are we here and not at Wyndamere?”

 

Nikolas looked around Robin’s current home and sighed. “The children are being brought here in a little while to have everything explained to them. This is their father’s home and we were hoping that it would be a little more comforting to tell Emma here.” Anna was picking up Emma from school in a few minutes.

 

The doctor had seen a picture of Patrick and Robin with two girls as he walked into the house. “And the other child?”

 

“She is with her uncle at the moment. Hope is a baby and won’t understand what is going anyway and besides that, Robin needs a little time to herself. Thank you again for your assistance.” Nikolas led the doctor to the door. “Good bye.”

 

The doctor barely got a chance to repeat the sentiment before the door shut in his face. Nikolas took a deep breath and made the call he had been waiting to make. “Everything is a go – come on over.”

 

His cohort in this crime would be here in a few minutes to help Nikolas take Robin and leave the country. They would take Robin to Cassadine Island and collect the children later after everything had calmed down. He looked at a picture on the mantle of Patrick with the girls and sighed. “You should have just left Robin alone and let us be a family.”

 

There was knock on the door and Nikolas opened it. He was shocked to see Dante and Nathan standing there. “Can I help you?”

 

“We need to talk to you about what happened today. I understand that you were in the parking garage when Patrick was shot?” Dante watched his brother-in-law’s reaction carefully.

 

“Unfortunately yes. It was horrible.” Nikolas shuddered as he spoke, appearing visibly shaken. “Poor Robin is a wreck.”

 

“Ok well, I need you to come down to the station so we can take your statement.” Dante was the picture of professionalism.

 

“Can it wait? Robin is taking this really hard and I don’t want to leave her alone right now.” Nikolas had really been hoping to get Robin out of town before the questioning began.

 

Nathan pushed his way into the house. “I’ll stay with Robin until you get back. After all, the important thing is finding out who killed the man Robin loves.”

 

“Of course it is.” Dante smiled at Nikolas. “It shouldn’t take long and I will bring you right back here so you can take care of Robin.”

 

Nikolas sighed. This was not going the way he planned but he needed to get it over with so he and Robin could leave town. “Fine – I’ll meet you down there.”

 

“Why don’t you just ride with me? I have to come back here to pick up Nathan anyhow.” Dante stepped to the side of the doorway. “After you.”

 

Nikolas thought arguing with Dante for a minute but decided against it. The sooner he got this over with the better. “Fine.” He turned to Nathan. “The doctor just gave her a sedative so she should be asleep until I get back. Hopefully this won’t take that long.”

 

“Don’t worry Nikolas – I’ll take good care of Maxie’s cousin.” Nathan headed up the stairs to check on Robin as the other two men headed for the Port Charles Police Department.

 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

“Let me get this straight – there are 6 levels to the parking garage and you just happened to park on the same level as Robin and Patrick?” Nikolas nodded. “Why didn’t your driver drop you off in front of the courthouse?” Dante had been questioning Nikolas for about a half hour and wasn’t making any progress.

 

“I felt like driving – today was the start of our divorce hearing and I wanted to clear my head before we went into court.” Nikolas’s eyes kept going to the mirror behind Dante. “Look, I am really worried about Robin and the girls – this is going to devastate them and I need to be there for my wife and her children.”

 

“I promise, I only have a few more questions for you.” Dante leaned back in his chair. “I understand that you were fighting the divorce?”

 

“Look, I don’t want to give up on my marriage and I have been honest about that but what does that have to do with Patrick’s murder?” Nikolas ran his hand through his hair in frustration. Every minute he was here was a minute away from Robin.

 

“Nikolas, you are a prime suspect in this murder – with Patrick out of the way maybe you could convince Robin not to go through with the divorce.” Dante hated that Lulu’s brother was capable of such a horrible act.

 

“That would hurt Robin and the girls. Why would I do that? I love them and all I want is for them to be happy.” Nikolas shook his head. “I submitted to your gunpowder residue test and I have been answering your questions but I think now it is time to exercise my right to remain silent.” Nikolas stood up. “If you have any further questions for me, contact my lawyer. Until then I am going to go and take care of my wife.”

 

Dante stood up. “Fine. I still need to take your official statement about what happened today. Let me get you a pen and some paper and then you can get back to the woman you love. I will be back in a minute.”

 

Nikolas watched as Dante left the interrogation room. He started pacing the small gray room while waiting for Lulu’s husband to return. He needed to get out of here as soon as possible so that he could get back to Robin and get her out of Port Charles. He heard the door open and started talking. “Let’s get this over with – I need to get back to Robin.”

 

“Oh you are not going anywhere near Robin ever again.”

 

Nikolas turned around in shock and stared at the tall, lanky man before him. “You can’t be here”

 

“Why not Nikolas?” Patrick smirked at Robin’s soon to be ex-husband. “Oh that’s right – I’m supposed to be dead.” He sat down in the seat Dante had vacated. “Well you know what they say – if you want something done right, you need to do it yourself.”

[cmahorror]

Chapter 74

 

Nikolas sat down across from Patrick. “This is wonderful news – Robin will be thrilled.”

 

“Please Nikolas – cut the crap.” Nikolas looked up to see Robert walking into the room. “We all know that you arranged for the hit on Patrick.”

 

“I wouldn’t do that.” Nikolas leaned back in his chair. “And you can’t prove otherwise.”

 

“Actually, we can. You really need to pick your partners a little better.” Robert sat down on the edge of the table and glared at Nikolas. “After all, Jerry Jacks is hardly known for his loyalty - unless, of course, you count his loyalty to himself. Once we discovered you had contacted Jerry it didn’t take us long to track him down and get everything we needed to go after you.”

 

“Jerry is a psychopath who tried to kill me – why would you believe a word he said?” Nikolas took a moment to try and regain control of the situation. “The man is a liar.”

 

“Ironic words coming from your mouth.” Robert stood up. “You know we can prove a connection between the two of you.”

 

“I have no idea what you are talking about. I haven’t seen Jerry Jacks since the last time he was in Port Charles, you know after I helped rescue Robin from him again.” Patrick rolled his eyes but said nothing else as Nikolas continued talking. “Right now the important thing is letting Robin know that Patrick is alive. She is going to be thrilled.” Nikolas was trying desperately to hold on the illusion of innocence. “Maybe we should go and tell her together.”

 

“Robin already knows I’m alive.” Patrick thoroughly enjoyed the look of shock that crossed Nikolas’s face. “You didn’t really think I would let her believe for one second I was dead, did you? I know firsthand the kind of hell that puts a person through. No, Robin was in on the whole thing.”

 

“What whole thing?”

 

“The fake hit of course.” Robert leaned back against the wall and crossed his arms. “You see, once we found Jerry we were able to get all the details out of him including the day and time of the hit and where it was to happen. All it took was a bulletproof vest with some blood-filled squibs and a really good marksman, that would be Jerry, and suddenly Patrick was dead.”

 

“So Jerry admitting to shooting Patrick. It's not surprising, the man has shot many people in the past. I was there the day he shot Robin, I watched him do it and was unable to stop it." Nikolas turned his attention back to Patrick. "After all, I was the one who carried her out of the Metro Court and to safety after that bastard tried to kill her.”

 

“That was a long time ago,” Patrick glared at the man, “and don’t forget who actually saved her life. I was the one who talked Emily through the surgery.”

 

Robert began speaking again. “Jerry was also more than happy to tell us about the jet you had fueled up and that is waiting for you at the airport right now. You were planning to kidnap my daughter and whisk her out of the country while she was grieving the loss of the love of her life – that's low, even for you.”

 

Nikolas shook his head. “You can’t prove anything.”

 

“Well Jerry has confessed to everything and implicated you as the person who hired him so we can at least have you arrested.” Robert reached back and knocked on the mirror.

 

A minute later Dante came in with a pair of handcuffs. “Nikolas Cassadine, you are under arrest for conspiracy to commit murder.”

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Robin and Nathan came running into the station just as Patrick and Robert left the interrogation room. “Patrick!”

 

Robin threw herself into Patrick’s arms and he happily picked her up, holding her close. He set her back down on the ground and kissed Robin. “Are you okay?”

 

“Yes, a little groggy from the sedative but I am okay. What about you?” Robin had noticed he winced a little when she hugged him.

 

“A few bruises from the shooting but other than that – I am great.” Patrick held Robin close and set his head on the top of her head. “It’s over Robin. Nikolas is going to jail and we are finally free of him.”

 

Neither one of them saw Nikolas being led out of the interrogation room by Dante. Nikolas glared at Patrick. “This isn’t even close to over yet Drake.”

 

Robert stepped in between the two men. “Get him out of here Dante.”

 

Dante dragged Nikolas down the hall while Robert turned back to Patrick and Robin. “And you get her home – I sure you have some celebrating to do.”

 

“That is the best idea I have heard all day.” Patrick kissed Robin once more. “Let’s go home.”

[cmahorror]

Chapter 75

 

“Toast and milk, my lady.” Patrick set the breakfast tray on Robin’s lap as she giggled softly. “Let’s hope this stays down better than the banana did.”

 

“Thank you.” It had been a week since Nikolas’s arrest and her stomach still hadn’t settled down. She took a bite of the toast and swallowed carefully. “Patrick, did you get it?”

 

“Yes and we will get it done right after breakfast.” Patrick sat down next to Robin and held her close.

 

“If it’s…” Robin started crying and Patrick gently stroked her arm.

 

“It’s going to be alright Robin – I promise.” Patrick was about to say something else when Robin quickly moved the tray off her lap and ran to the bathroom. Patrick followed close behind her and held her hair back as she got sick. He rubbed her back and tried to soothe her fraying nerves. “It’s okay – I’m right here and I am not going anywhere.”

 

Robin finally leaned back, done for the moment, and smiled at him. “Thank you.”

 

Patrick pulled her into his lap and held her close. “Never a problem.” He ran his hands through her hair and kissed her cheek. “Should we get this over with?”

 

Robin nodded her head. “Let’s do it.”

 

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Robin was sitting on the couch reading a book when she heard the front doorbell ring. Patrick came running in from the kitchen with a dish towel in his hand - he had been washing Hope's bottles. “Don’t even think about getting up Scorpio.”

 

Robin pouted but didn’t move. “Fine.”

 

Patrick looked at the monitor. “What the hell is he doing here?”

 

Patrick opened the door and glared at the man standing there. “What do you want Mr. Wilson?”

 

“Aren’t you going to invite me in?” Miles smiled at Patrick. “I have some news for you regarding the divorce.”

 

“Well then by all means, please come in.” Patrick stepped to the side and allowed Miles into the room. Miles sat down in one of the chairs as Patrick sat down next to Robin on the couch. “Let’s make this quick – Robin hasn’t been feeling well and she needs her rest.”

 

“There have been a few developments regarding the case against my client.” Nikolas had been in jail since his arrest the week before – the judge had considered him too great a flight risk to grant him bail. “Jerry Jacks has escaped custody.”

 

“What!” Patrick couldn’t believe this. “When?”

 

“Late last night – he escaped from his cell and there is security footage of him at the Port Charles airport boarding a plane bound for Croatia under the name James Craig.” Miles shook his head at the couple. “The plane landed a few hours ago and since Croatia does not have an extradition treaty with the United States…”

 

“The key witness against Nikolas is gone.” Robin shook her head. They had hoped that Patrick’s reappearance after his ‘death’ would have shocked Nikolas and gotten him to slip up in the interrogation room but he had kept his cool. Now their only chance to get a conviction was gone. She should have known that Nikolas would find a way out of the charges. “So what happens now?”

 

“Given that the entire case against Nikolas was based on Mr. Jacks’s testimony, I am going to request a full dismissal but I need your help to do it. You agree not to go against the motion to dismiss and my client will sign the divorce papers – it’s as simple as that.”

 

“When?” Patrick wanted to marry Robin as soon as possible.

 

“The dismissal hearing is in the morning. If the charges are dismissed then Nikolas will sign the papers right there and we will file them immediately.” Miles pulled out a copy of the divorce papers from his briefcase and set them on the table. “You’ll see that everything is in order. I’ve had a copy of the papers sent to Miss Miller’s office and she is reviewing them as we speak.”

 

“We’ll do it.” Patrick didn’t even need to think about it.

 

“Patrick – he tried to kill you.” Robin couldn’t believe what she was hearing.

 

“And he is going to get away with it because of who he is – I can accept that. What I can’t accept is being given an opportunity to get you away from him and not taking it.” Patrick reached up and gently cupped Robin’s cheek in his hand. “All that matters is that you are away from him and here with me and our children.”

 

“That is wonderful news. I will see you both at the hearing in the morning.” Miles stood up and headed for the door. “I hope you feel better soon Robin.”

 

Patrick followed the man back to the front door, resetting the alarm as soon as he shut and locked the door. He walked back over to the couch and sat back down next to Robin. “What?”

 

“I just hate that he is going to get away with trying to kill you. Patrick, if my parents hadn’t…” Robin began crying and Patrick wrapped his arms around her.

 

“But they did. They did and now Nikolas is out of our lives for good.” Patrick kissed her and heard a sound coming from the baby monitor. He touched his forehead to hers and smiled. “Sounds like someone is waking up from her nap – I’ll go and get her.”

 

Robin nodded and watched as Patrick ran up the stairs. She smiled as she listened to Patrick talking to Hope through the monitor. Patrick was right – soon Nikolas would be out of their lives, her and Patrick would be remarried and then they would officially be a family again.

[cmahorror]

Chapter 76

 

Diane sat down behind her desk and pulled out the paperwork that had been delivered to her earlier that day. “Well I have had a chance to review the divorce decree and it looks like everything is almost in order.”

 

“What do you mean almost?” Patrick held Robin’s hand. “What is Nikolas trying to pull now?”

 

The couple had called Diane after lunch and arranged for an evening meeting to go over the divorce papers. Robin was ready to sign just as soon as she was assured that Nikolas didn’t throw any curve balls at them. Grandpa Robert and Grandma Anna were at their house with the girls, ready to celebrate when the couple returned.

 

“It is just a small matter and one that will not affect your plans to remarry.” Diane wanted to be careful with her wording. “Nikolas and his lawyers have insisted on adding in spousal support to the settlement.”

 

Robin shook her head. “I don’t want anything from him.”

 

“He acknowledges that in the paperwork and that’s why, in lieu of spousal support, he will be making monthly donations to the Stone Cates Memorial AIDS wing.” Diane opened up the divorce papers and handed them to Robin. “You will see the amount listed at the bottom of the page.”

 

Robin was reading and almost dropped the papers when she got the money Nikolas was donating. “Oh my God, this is double the funding they just lost.” One of the center’s benefactors had just cut off funding – they were hit hard by the economic downturn and had not recovered enough to maintain their donation. “We were worried we would have to close our doors and this…”

 

“What’s the catch Diane?” Patrick didn’t like Nikolas’s sudden burst of generosity. Something was not quite right. “Does Robin have to wait a certain amount of time to remarry?”

 

“No – you are free to remarry whenever you want. The papers will be signed by both parties and the judge tomorrow. I should have a copy of the divorce decree in your hands by the end of the day.” Diane was thrilled that the couple was finally getting their happy ending.

 

“Then what is it Diane?” Patrick hadn’t read through the papers yet.

 

“Robin will need to meet with Nikolas once a month to discuss the funding. As long as she continues to meet with him, the AIDS wing gets the money.” Diane knew Patrick would be upset but it was for a good cause. “Also, you cannot come with her to the meetings.”

 

“Son of a bitch.” Patrick ran his hands through his hair.

 

Robin considered the offer. “Can I bring someone else with me?”

 

“I thought you might ask that – yes, the only stipulation is that Patrick not be allowed to accompany you.” Diane looked at the clock. “I need to get going but Miles will want to know before the hearing what your decision is.”

 

Robin took Patrick’s hand and squeezed it tight. “It’s only a few hours a month and I am very sure that my father or my mom or Uncle Mac will be more than willing to go to the meetings with me.”

 

“I know but I just thought that he would be out of our lives after tomorrow.” Patrick couldn’t help but feel that Nikolas was planning something else and the monthly meetings were just the beginning.

 

“It will be okay.” Robin smiled at Diane. “Do you have a pen?”

 

Diane handed Robin a pen and pointed to the areas she needed to sign. “I really do think that this is a great settlement. Now, when can I expect the invitation to your wedding?”

 

Robin handed Diane back her pen and then stood up with Patrick. “Maxie is already getting everything set up for this weekend. She will have an invitation for you and Max at the courthouse tomorrow. It won’t be anything lavish but it will be fun.” Patrick and Robin had decided to invite Sonny and Max to the wedding as a thank you for their help in getting Robin away from Nikolas.

 

“Sounds wonderful.” Diane stood up and followed the couple out of her office. “I will see you two in the morning. Smile Dr. Scorpio, by this time tomorrow – you will be a single woman once again.”

 

Patrick wrapped his arms around Robin as they walked outside to the car. “And by this time next week you will be Dr. Robin Scorpio-Drake.”

 

“Again,” Robin got on her tiptoes and kissed her fiancée, “and I can’t wait. But for now, I just want to go home and tuck our girls into bed. Take me home Dr. Drake.”

 

Patrick kissed Robin one last time before helping her into the car. “Your wish is my command.”

[cmahorror]

Epilogue

 

“I love it!” Georgie took the onesie and held it up to her bulging stomach.

 

“I thought green would be a good color since you two aren’t find out what you are having until the baby is born.” Sam was gently patting her little girl’s back, trying to get her to burp. Alana Jane Quartermaine was born a month ago with her mother’s dark hair and her father’s blue eyes. “Although if it is a girl, you are more than welcome to any of AJ’s clothes – she should be outgrowing them just about the time your little one is ready for them.”

 

“And if you have a boy than you can have Robbie’s old clothes.” Robin smiled at the HIV-negative 4-month old little boy in her arms with his father’s dimples and his mother’s eyes. Robert Malcolm Drake was definitely a surprise but a happy one. Hope walked over and smiled at her little brother while drinking her sippy cup. She leaned over and kissed her little brother on the forehead before walking back over to her dollhouse.

 

It had been a year since Robin’s divorce from Nikolas had been finalized and life was blissfully normal. Robin still met with Nikolas once a month but he had stopped trying to convince her to come back to him after he discovered she was pregnant. Robin was certain that Nikolas had realized that it was fruitless to try and take her away from Patrick again. The Drake family was happy, healthy and together and that was how it was going to stay.

 

Georgie giggled at the sight. “I can’t wait to have this baby and then, hopefully, we can give him or her a brother or sister. I love having an older sister.”

 

“Of course you do – I help keep you in fashion and I will do the same for this little one whether it is my niece or nephew.” Maxie patted her little sister’s belly and tears briefly filled her eyes. Two years ago she thought her sister was dead and now she was at her baby shower. She turned and smiled at Felicia. “Right mom?”

 

Felicia wiped off cake off her granddaughter Georgie’s face and smiled at her girls. “Look at your daughter, of course her cousin will be the best dressed baby around.”

 

Georgie gave Felicia a kiss on the cheek and then turned to her mom. “Can I play with Hope?”

 

“Of course you can sweetie.” Maxie smiled at her mini-me as she ran over to play with Hope. Maxie had managed to finally get custody of her daughter after she went back to work at Crimson. Now the lead fashion editor, Maxie Jones was a successful single mother who was currently being wooed by her former husband. Matt Hunter had been release from prison and was rebuilding his life in Port Charles. His love for Maxie had never faded, he was wonderful with Georgie and the two were slowly working their way back to each other.

 

“Anyone want any more cake?” Robin was always the perfect hostess.

 

Everyone shook their heads so Robin got up to get the plates when Emma jumped up. “I’ve got it mommy.” Emma was thrilled to be a part of the adult’s party and not hanging out with the little kids.

 

Robin beamed with pride. “Thank you Emma.” The door bell rang and Robin got up. “Since you are helping me with the plates, I will get the door.”

 

Robin handed Robbie over to Georgie with a smile. “You need to practice.”

 

Georgie happily set the little boy on her shoulder as Robin answered the door. “Nikolas – what are you doing here?”

 

“I actually wanted to talk to you for just a minute if that is alright with you of course.”

 

Felicia immediately stood up and walked over to the door. “Robin, is everything okay?” Felicia was still furious that Nikolas had gotten away with everything he had done to Georgie, Robin and Patrick.

 

“It’s fine Felicia.” She heard Robbie cry out. “Sounds like he is hungry – could you get the bottle ready for Georgie?”

 

“Sure. I’ll be right back.” Felicia glared at Nikolas and then headed to the kitchen.

 

Robin took a breath and looked at Nikolas. “So, what do you need? We aren’t scheduled to meet for another three weeks.”

 

“That’s actually what I wanted to talk to you about.” Robin looked at him curiously. “There have been some problems at boarding school with Spencer and his attitude so I have decided to pull him out and spend some time with him on Cassadine Island. I will continue funding the Stone Cates AIDS wing but I won’t be able to meet with you until I get this taken care of.”

 

“I understand completely.” Robin felt a great sense of relief at Nikolas’s news – the monthly meetings were still a source of stress between her and Patrick. “I hope everything goes well.”

 

“You hope what goes well?” Patrick walked past Nikolas and kissed Robin. He then stood behind her and wrapped his arms around his wife protectively. “You aren’t supposed to meet with Robin for another three weeks.”

 

Nikolas ignored Patrick. “Please send me any notes you feel are important and I will review the invoices and let you know if I have any questions. Goodbye Robin.”

 

“Goodbye Nikolas.” Robin watched Nikolas as he got into his car and then turned to her husband. “He’s going back to Greece.”

 

“For how long?” Patrick didn’t want to get his hopes up that Robin might finally be done with Nikolas.

 

“I don’t know but it sounds long term so I don’t have to meet with him for awhile.” Robin wrapped her arms around Patrick’s neck. “Enough about him – want some cake?”

 

“Not now,” Patrick leaned down and whispered in Robin’s ear, “but maybe later, after we get the kids to bed…”

 

“That is the best offer I have had all day.” Robin whispered to him. “I love you.”

 

“I love you too.” Patrick kissed her again. He looked up and saw Nikolas’s car still sitting there. He pulled Robin into the house. “Let's go inside - right now I want to spend a little time with our family.”

 

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Nikolas watched as Patrick pulled Robin into their house and shook his head. Despite what Patrick may think he was far from surrendering, this was just a little retreat to come up with a new plan.

 

Slowly but surely Nikolas was starting to break down Robin’s defenses and get her to trust him once again. The baby had been a slight curve ball but Nikolas was enamored with the boy – just like Emma and Hope, Robbie was a part of Robin and he loved him.

 

“Yes grandmother – I will be leaving in a few hours.” Nikolas nodded at the driver who had finally started the car and left Robin’s house. “Is Spencer all settled in?”

 

He listened as Helena assured him that Spencer was happily settling in and exploring the island. “Great and the lab is ready?” Nikolas smiled and looked back at the Drake home one last time. “Perfect – I’ll see you tonight.”

 

Nikolas hung up his phone and looked at the pictures on his phone of Robin, Emma and Hope. It would take some time but eventually he and Robin would be together again. They would be the family again and this time there would be nothing Patrick could do to stop him.

 

 

The End

[cmahorror]

My own little twist on the current story line - this one will be a lot shorter then my other stories as it is meant to be an exit story for Scrubs (Now that Kimberly is coming back and it may be to help usher Jason off screen). If it salvages Scrubs and Anna onscreen and gives them a happy ending - at least that's something.

 

Warning - this one is super soapy lol.

 

Enjoy!

 

Cristina

 

 

Chapter One

 

“So, we’re agreed – we go to the courthouse on Friday and just do it.” Patrick smiled at Sam they laid together in bed. “Just you, me and Emma, no big wedding?”

 

“Yeah,” Sam smiled at him. “I was never a whole big wedding girl anyhow. Jason and I got married in a Chinese restaurant in jeans so a courthouse wedding will be just fine with me.”

 

“Alright but will you at least wear a dress?” Sam raised her eyebrows at him. “What? I like the way you look in a dress and it is our wedding day.”

 

“I think that can be arranged.” Sam snuggled in a little closer. “I love you.”

 

“I love you too.” Patrick wrapped his arms around her and held her close. He couldn’t wait for Friday.

 

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Robert stared at the building as he talked on the phone. “I am positive she is here. How are things going on your end?”

 

Anna stared out the window of her room at the Port Charles skyline. “Yes, no one suspects a thing. Most people believe that Robin is living it up in Paris.” Anna rolled her eyes at the very notion. “I think we may be able to link Nikolas to this whole mess very soon.”

 

“Of course he is involved – he’s a Cassadine.” Robert had never trusted Robin’s old friend. “Do you think he knows about Robin?”

 

“I want to say no but his actions lately lead me to believe otherwise.” Anna sighed. “We need to end this and do it soon. I can’t stand Emma thinking for one more day that her mother abandoned her. I still can’t believe Patrick bought that story about Robin and China.”

 

“Yeah, well I never thought the man was good enough for our girl and this just proves it. If that man had truly loved her…”

 

“We can’t worry about that right now. Mac and Felicia are waiting for the word and have a room ready for Robin at their place. All we need to do now is get her away from Helena and home to Emma. Let me know when we are ready to move and I will fly out to meet you.” Anna hung up the phone and called Mac to let him know the latest developments.

 

Anna had not always been the best mother but she still had a few maternal instincts and those instincts had told her something was very wrong when Robin did not show up for Duke’s funeral. First she had gone to Mac with her suspicions, filling him in on everything Robin had said and done in the past year. Mac was furious that she had waited to tell him what had really happened in the last year but instantly agreed to do whatever it took to bring Robin home.

 

A phone call to Robert had been the next step in Anna’s plan. Robin’s father has spent the past month searching for his little girl, finally getting the lead that had brought him to a Cassadine compound in the French countryside. Now he was waiting for final confirmation before calling everyone in for the rescue.

 

Anna stared at a picture on her desk of Robin and Emma and smiled. Soon they would get Robin away from Helena and home to her little girl. Soon, they would be a family again.

 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

“This just isn’t making any sense.” Robin rubbed her eyes and shook her head. “No matter how many times I run the experiment I still cannot get the same results.”

 

Her lab partner rubbed her shoulders. “It’s okay – we just need to do what you always suggest.” Robin looked at him curiously. “Go back to the beginning and go through your notes again. Take it line by line and, eventually, we will see what we are missing.”

 

Robin grabbed her file and began reading through her notes one more time. Recreating the cure for polonium poisoning was proving far more difficult then she had thought it would be. Last time she only had to create one dose but now Helena wanted multiple doses for multiple patients and it was just not going fast enough for her liking. “Maybe if I…”

 

“Look at me.” Robin turned around and pouted at him. “Don’t pout. I know you want to get home – so do I – but we have to be careful. It would kill me if anything happened to you again. We need to be smart and work together to figure this out.” He looked at the clock on the wall. “It’s late – why don’t we go to bed and start fresh in the morning. If we’re tired, we can’t think clearly and then we’re no good to anyone.”

 

He held out his hand and Robin yawned before taking it. “As much as I hate to admit it, I think you’re right.”

 

He led her through the doorway and into the connecting room. He shut the door and they both undressed and laid down next to each other on the bed. Robin sighed as his arms wrapped tight around her. “I just want to get home to my little girl. I miss her.”

 

He pulled Robin tighter in his arms. “I know – I do too but this cure seems to be the best way we can get home to her. I love you Robin.”

 

Robin closed her eyes. “I love you too Patrick.”

[cmahorror]

Chapter 2

 

“I know mom and I promise we will wait for you to get there before we walk down the aisle.” Sam rolled her eyes at Patrick as she talked to her mom on the phone. “Yes, I want you and Molly there. Julian and Lucas too.”

 

Patrick began making preparations for their honeymoon while Sam finalized their plans for the wedding. Everything was moving smoothly and by tomorrow at this time they would be man and wife. He was so involved in his plans that he didn’t notice Emma coming downstairs with her backpack on. She walked over and tapped Patrick on the shoulder. “Daddy – we need to get going.”

 

“Get going where baby?” He continued typing on the computer while talking to Emma.

 

“Uncle Mac’s – I’m spending the weekend, remember?” These plans had been in place for weeks and Emma couldn’t wait.

 

“But what about the wedding? Don’t you want to be there to see me and Sam get married?” Emma had seemed excited about the marriage when they got engaged.

 

“Aunt Felicia can bring me.” Emma didn’t see why she couldn’t stay at her uncle’s house.

 

“Of course she can.” Patrick stood up and walked over to Sam. “I’m taking her to Mac’s but I will be right back.”

 

“Yes mom, you can get me flowers. Love you too, bye.” Sam hung up the phone and smiled at Emma. “Are you sure sweetie? You can stay here and come with us to the courthouse tomorrow.”

 

“I’m sure.” Emma didn’t want to say anything but she wasn’t as happy about her dad marrying Sam as she was acting. She missed her mommy and wanted her home. “See you tomorrow Sam.”

 

“Okay.” Sam was a little confused about Emma’s attitude but decided to let it go. “See you tomorrow.” She kissed Patrick and watched as he headed out the door before sitting down to review her notes. They had purposely chosen tomorrow to get married since the majority of Port Charles would be attending Liz’s wedding to Jake. This way they could get married quickly and quietly without a lot of attention.

 

Sam took a deep breath. While she couldn’t deny there was an attraction between her and Jake, a connection almost, he was marrying Liz and she was marrying Patrick. Finally she would have a normal life with a nice, normal guy and Danny would have a stable father figure in his life.

 

Standing up, Sam walked over to the closet and pulled out the burgundy floral dress she was wearing tomorrow for her wedding. No, this was the best decision she had made since Jason’s death and she was done having second thoughts. Tomorrow she would become Patrick’s wife and they would begin a new life together.

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

“Have fun baby. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Patrick watched Emma run into the house and pulled away once she was safely inside. He had never expected to enjoy being a father as much as he did but Emma and Danny were the best kids he could have ever hoped to have.

 

He drove back to the house and began thinking about the future he and Sam would have now that they were getting married. By this time tomorrow everything would be as it should be – he and Sam would be man and wife and their future was limitless.

 

He parked the car and took one last look at himself in the rearview mirror. He entered the house and smiled at Sam - thrilled to have a little time alone with his fiancée.

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

“It’s her.” The guard counted the money Robert handed him as he spoke. “She and the other doctor are trying to recreate some cure for some disease.”

 

“What other doctor?” Robert had assumed Robin was being held by herself.

 

“I don’t know his name but they seem really close.” He looked at Robert and handed him a piece of paper. “Here are the alarm codes – make sure I am long gone before you use them.”

 

“Understood – thank you for your assistance.” He watched the man leave the bar and then picked up his phone. “It’s time – I want everyone here in four hours.”

 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Robin sighed in relief as Patrick worked on the knots in her neck. “You know, I give the best massages but you are definitely a close second.”

 

“Who are you kidding? You know I give the best massages.” He kissed her cheek. “How’s that feel?”

 

“Wonderful.” Robin focused on the computer screen again. “Now, I think if we…”

 

An explosion of gunshots interrupted her. Patrick grabbed Robin and pulled her into their bedroom. He looked around and pushed Robin towards the closet. “Hide!”

 

“But Patrick…”

 

Patrick kissed her and shoved her in the closet. “I would never forgive myself if you got hurt.” He slammed the door and grabbed a lamp off the desk. Holding it in front of him, he stood in front of the closet and stood guard, waiting to see who was coming into the room.

 

He didn’t have to wait long. He heard the lab door slam open and people run in. He heard a voice that he hadn’t heard in over a year yell that everything was clear and he dropped the lamp. “Anna?”

 

Patrick let out a soft grunt of pain as the closet door pushed into him. Robin came out and looked at Patrick. “Was that my mom?”

 

“Yes sweetheart.” The couple turned around to see Robert and Anna standing in the doorway. Robert took a moment and glared at Patrick. “Who the hell are you?”

 

“Dad, it’s Patrick.” Robin didn’t understand why her father was acting this way.

 

“No, Patrick is in Port Charles with Emma.”

 

"No!" Patrick looked at Robin, grabbed her hand and began running to the door. “We need to get to Emma.”

 

“Wait just a second there – how do I know you are the real Patrick Drake?” Anna had been in Port Charles and had spent time with the man there claiming to be Patrick. She was certain he had been Robin’s ex-husband but, then again, she had also been fooled by Faison posing as Duke.

 

Patrick ran his hands through his hair – they didn’t have time for this. “Fine.” He thought for a moment. “The first time you came back to Port Charles after Robin was shot at the Metro Court you came in on a rope through the skylight of my apartment. You were wearing all black and you were there to see Eli Love at a benefit concert for LifeBeat.”

 

Patrick had been upset with Anna and Robert both for not being there for Robin when she was shot and as she recovered. A small part of him felt that Jerry Jacks would have never been able to force Robin to break up with him if her parents had bothered to come and be with Robin during that time.

 

Anna relaxed as she realized that Patrick was truly standing before her and then instantly stiffened up again. “If you’re here with Robin, then who is…”

 

The four adults looked at each other in understanding and ran out of the room. They needed to get to Emma and they needed to get to her now.

[cmahorror]

Chapter 3

 

“Mac is going to keep Emma at his place until we get home.” Robert sat down across from the couple on the plane and glared at Patrick. “Now, you want to tell me what the hell is going on?”

 

“What’s the date?” Patrick was still holding Robin in his arms.

 

“November 5th, why?” Robert wasn’t ready to trust the man quite yet.

 

“Over a year – we’ve been away from our daughter for over a year.” Patrick shook his head as Robin leaned her head against Patrick’s chest while they hugged each other. “And you said that there is someone in Port Charles claiming to be me?”

 

“Yes.” Anna still wasn’t sure what was going on.

 

“She told us that everyone thought Patrick had joined his father for a tour of Doctors Without Borders and Emma was staying with Mac.” Robin sighed. “We were shown pictures of Emma with Mac and you, mom, and told as long as we behaved they would leave her alone.”

 

“She?” Robert still wasn’t quite she he believed what Patrick was saying.

 

“Helena.” Patrick set his chin on Robin’s head. “I couldn’t shake that last call, the one where Robin said she was broken, so I started trying to contact her, starting on Robin's birthday. Something wasn’t right. Helena must have realized I wasn’t going to give up because less than a week after I started trying to contact Robin I was grabbed from the house and brought here. Emma was staying the night at a friend’s house and I recorded a message that explained that my dad needed me and asked Mac to take care of Emma the same way he took care of Robin.”

 

Patrick rubbed Robin’s back as he continued his story. “When I saw Robin and realized what had really been going on, I had never known I could feel so guilty. I mean, my God, I sent her divorce papers…”

 

“You didn’t know Patrick.” Robin reached up and gently caressed his face. “We’ve talked about this.”

 

“I know, but I still should have known.” He smiled down at her. “Anyway, Helena felt that Robin might work a little better with an assistant and since surgery may at times be necessary for her plans it made sense to grab me.”

 

“Patrick and I have had a lot of time to talk and work through our issues. A year alone in a lab will do that to you.” Robin leaned her head back down on Patrick’s chest and smiled at her parents. “We are more determined than ever to be together and raise our children together.”

 

“That’s all well and good but we have a slight problem – the Patty Boy in Port Charles is engaged to Sam McCall and getting married tomorrow.” Mac had filled Robert in on what was going on in Port Charles during the phone call.

 

“Sam and Patrick are getting married?” Robin shook her head. “But what about Jason? He’s alive – we escaped together the night of the explosion. In fact, Patrick is pretty sure that he came to GH as a patient – some kind of car accident.”

 

“Jake?” Anna was starting to put the pieces together. “Jake Doe! Of course, he and Sam have always seemed close. He’s marrying Liz Webber tomorrow.”

 

“How soon until we get home?” Robin held Patrick tight.

 

“We should be home in the morning – why?” Robert could see the wheels turning in his daughter’s head.

 

“Good that will give us enough time.”

 

“Time for what?” Patrick gently lifted Robin’s chin with his hand and smiled lovingly at her.

 

“To reunite with our daughter and stop two weddings.”

[cmahorror]

Chapter 4

 

Patrick paced outside the courtroom. “I don’t understand Sam, why won’t they answer their phone?”

 

Sam felt horrible for Patrick. Mac and Felicia were supposed to be bringing Emma to the courthouse for their wedding but so far no one had showed and neither one was answering their phones. She handed Danny off to her mom and walked over to him. “Maybe we should wait.”

 

Patrick was about to say something when his phone buzzed and he saw a message from Mac. He read it and sat down on a bench by the courthouse door, head in his hands. Sam sat down next to him. “Patrick – what is it?”

 

“That was Mac – Emma is refusing to leave the house. He says she is upset about the marriage.” He looked at Sam. “She didn’t say anything to me about that – you?”

 

Sam shook her head. “No, but she has been a little more quiet over the past few days. Maybe she was fine with it while we were engaged but now that we actually had a date…”

 

“I don’t care – she should have said something before now - not thrown a fit and refused to come to our wedding.” He ran his hands through his hair. “This doesn’t change anything.”

 

Sam watched him stand up and head towards the courtroom door. She quickly followed him. “What do you mean this doesn’t change anything? Patrick, your daughter needs to be here when we get married.”

 

“Sam, I love Emma but I finally have a chance to be happy again and I am not going to let her change that. I love you and we are getting married today. Emma will regret missing it but maybe it will teach her that she is not in charge – we are.” Patrick had a look in his eyes that Sam didn’t recognize. “Let’s get married.”

 

Sam wasn’t sure what to think of Patrick’s attitude but maybe he was right – Emma was a little girl and they were the adults. What they were doing was best for everyone involved and someday Emma would understand that. She smiled at her mom and waved her family into the courtroom. It was time to get married.

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

“You ready?” Nikolas walked into the bride’s room at the church and smiled at Elizabeth. “In less than 3 hours you will finally get what you have wanted for years.”

 

Liz glared at him in the mirror. Although she was committed to never telling Jake that he was Jason, she still felt enormous guilt over it. “Go away.”

 

“Not quite the response I was expecting – shouldn’t you be giddy with joy? The blushing bride?” Nikolas smiled at his former lover. “Isn’t this what you have been working for all these months? Jason is finally yours. Of course, you had to lie to him about who he really was to get him to marry you but still…”

 

“Shut up! Jake loves me and only me.” She turned around and shook her head. “I am not proud of what I have done but it is what is best for all of us.”

 

“I agree which means that I hope you remember how much you stand to lose if the truth comes out.” Nikolas walked to the door but stopped to wink at her. “See you at the wedding.”

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Patrick took Sam’s hands in his. “I, Patrick, take thee, Sam, to be my lawfully wedded wife. To have and to hold, from this day forward, forsaking all others for as long as we both shall live.”

 

Sam smiled at Patrick as the judge instructed her to repeat the same words to Patrick. “I, Sam, take thee, Patrick, to be my lawfully wedded husband. To have and to hold, from this day forward, forsaking all others for as long as we both shall live.”

 

The judge smiled at the couple. “Do you have the rings?”

 

Suddenly the door to the courtroom flew open. “Stop!”

 

Everyone turned around and they were shocked to see Robin running through the door. She ran straight up to Sam and stared her in the eyes. “Sam, you can’t marry him.”

 

Sam glared at Robin. “Why not?”

 

“Because he’s not who you think he is.” Patrick walked through the door with Robert and Anna right behind him.

 

Robin smiled at her Patrick. He had gotten held up behind Anna and Robert at security and she had run ahead to stop the wedding. She turned her attention back to Sam. “I don’t know who this man is but he isn’t Patrick.”

 

Sam looked at the man who she was just about to marry and studied him closely. “Oh my God – who are you?”

 

The man shook his head and then grabbed Robin, pulling her into a corner with his arm tight around her neck. “Nobody move or I will snap her neck.”

 

Robin struggled with the man while Robert held Patrick back. “What do you want? Why are you pretending to be me?"

 

The man laughed. “What do I want? I want the life I should have had – the life you stole.”

 

“What are you talking about?” Patrick was confused about who this man was and why he was doing this.

 

“He never told you – did he?” The man shook his head and tightened his grip around Robin’s throat. Leaning down, he whispered into her ear. “Did you hear that - Noah never told him about me.”

 

“What are you talking about?” Robin’s eyes never left Patrick as she asked her question.

 

“It’s not surprising – Noah has a habit of doing that. After all, he didn’t tell you about Matt, did he?” He glared at Patrick. “It’s amazing how some things run in the family – height, eyes, hair color, even a natural aptitude for medicine. A few nips and tucks and suddenly I am the spitting image of the chosen one.”

 

“Oh my God.” Patrick felt sick as he realized that Noah had another son he had never known about.

 

“That’s right. Helena found me and I came here to take what was yours – your family, your friends, your career. The life I was supposed to have. Sam was an added bonus but I think I can make do with this one.” He kissed Robin on the cheek. “Now, if you will excuse me…”

 

“No.” Patrick shook his head. “It’s over – there is nowhere for you to go.”

 

“I have to disagree.” He reached in his pocket and pulled out a gun. “It’s amazing what can be done with a 3D printer. Now back up and let me and the missus leave.”

 

Robert looked at Anna, unsure of their next move. They had both been forced to give up their weapons at the entrance of the courthouse. “Be smart – she is the daughter of two international spies. Do you really think you are going to get very far with her?”

 

“I have many allies thanks to Helena. I can get farther than you would expect. The important thing is I take at least one thing from Patrick – Robin certainly fits that description.” He moved towards the door. “Now everyone over to the other side of the courtroom so we can leave.”

 

“Stop!” Patrick held out his hand and tried to get the man’s attention. “Please, take me.”

 

“No, this is much more torturous for you and fun for me.” He smiled as he ran his free hand down Robin’s body, enjoying the look of pure disgust forming on his brother's face. He suddenly stopped when he got to her stomach. Robin was still dressed in her loose fitting scrubs from the night before and the man reached under the top as a bigger smile grew on his face. “And it looks like I get a bonus as well. Oh, this is better than I could have imagined.”

 

Robin started to cry but he wrapped his arms around her and dragged her to the door. “It’s been fun but we’ve got to go.”

 

Before anyone had a chance to move, he dragged Robin out of the courtroom.

[cmahorror]

Chapter 5

 

“On the roof in 5 minutes? Got it.” The man with Patrick’s face pushed Robin up the stairs after hanging up the phone and making sure that the door locked behind them. “To the roof and no tricks or the first bullet goes into your belly.”

 

Robin walked stoically up the stairs while rubbing her stomach. She had to protect their child, no matter what. “You are Noah’s son? What’s your name?”

 

He scoffed. “Technically, yes. He slept with my mother while his wife was pregnant with Patrick. She tried to kill herself after he refused to leave his wife – overdose. She was committed and Noah had me thrown into foster care – didn’t want to have me around his precious baby boy. And my name is Tyson.”

 

“Tyson, what Noah did was horrible but it has nothing to do with me, Patrick or our children. We didn’t abandon you and Patrick, Patrick would have welcomed you into the family with open arms.” Robin was trying to reason with the obviously unstable man.

 

“Cause that worked out so well for Matt?” He laughed. “How much longer does he have in prison?”

 

“It was an accident…”

 

Tyson pulled Robin close once more. “I have been watching Patrick for years. It was no accident when he slept with Lisa and set everything in motion. Patrick’s actions led to years of misery for everyone who loves him and yet you still forgave him and are having another child with him.” He pulled open the door to the roof and saw the helicopter landing. “You should be grateful that I am saving you and your child from being stuck with an egotistical bastard for the rest of your lives.”

 

“No!” Robin began struggling. She would not be separated from her family again.

 

“Stop!” He turned Robin around so she was facing him. “You don’t get it. You will never be safe – you are too brilliant to ever be left to your own devices. Helena will always need you and she will use everyone you love to get what she wants. At least this way you have your child and me to keep you company and Patrick and Emma will be left alone.” He stroked her cheek as tears rolled down it. “Who knows – you may even find that you like it.”

 

Robin spit in his face. “Never.”

 

He slapped her hard and Robin fell to the ground, having enough time to turn so she landed on her back instead of her stomach. Suddenly shots rang out.

 

Thinking quickly, Robin crawled across the roof and away from Patrick’s doppelganger, praying that she could avoid the gunfire and find the people trying to rescue her before the madman found her.

 

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

It took every ounce of restraint Patrick had to not run to Robin the minute he saw her fall to the ground but Robert and Anna held him back. The cops on the roof with them fired a few shots at the man standing over Robin and Patrick watched as Robin took advantage of the distraction to crawl away. Anna nudged him. “Go - get her.”

 

Patrick crawled on the roof towards her as the cops continued to shooting. He saw the man with his face fall to the ground and stood up, running to Robin. “Robin!”

 

Robin finally looked up and saw Patrick. She looked back and saw Tyson on the ground so she stood up and started running. Behind her she could hear the helicopter taking off. “Patrick!”

 

Less than a minute later she was in his arms and he held her closer than he ever had before. “Are you okay?”

 

“I’m with you – of course I’m okay.” She smiled at him. “We’re okay.”

 

“No!” Tyson sat up and attempted to raise his gun but the multiple bullet wounds to his arms prevented him from doing it.

 

Robert walked over and casually kicked the gun out of the man’s hands. “I told you that you weren’t going anywhere with my daughter.”

 

Tyson just laughed. “I’m not but make no mistake – she will disappear again and no one, not even you, will be able to stop it.”

 

“Excuse us sir.” Robert saw several EMT’s standing behind him. “We’ve been told that the scene is safe so we need to treat this patient.”

 

Robert stepped aside and let the men do their work as he thought about what the man had just told him.

 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

“We need to tell Sam about Jason.” Robin’s head was burrowed in Patrick’s chest as they walked down the stairs and back into the courthouse. “She needs to know.”

 

“Needs to know what?” Sam stood there with her mother and Julian – Molly had taken Danny back to the penthouse. “What is going on and who was that guy?”

 

Robin turned around without leaving Patrick’s arms. “That guy was Noah’s son. Noah abandoned him to stay with Mattie and Patrick.”

 

“And he was the one I was marrying today – not Patrick.” Sam felt like a complete fool but suddenly a lot of things made a lot more sense. Sure, she and Patrick had known each other for years and even shared a couple of kisses but she had never thought of him that way until recently and now she knew why – he wasn’t Patrick.

 

“Sam, I am so sorry but it doesn’t matter now.” Patrick held Robin close, resting his hand on the slight swell in her belly. “What matters is getting to the church and stopping Jake from marrying Liz.”

 

“Why would I do that?” Sam asked the question but in her heart she had already figured it out. She knew from almost the minute Robin came through the courthouse doors.

 

“Because his name is not Jake, it’s Jason – your Jason.” Robin smiled and reached her hand out to Sam. Sam took it as Robin spoke. “I saved him and now it’s time for you two to be together again.”

 

“But how?”

 

“Does that matter now?” Robin couldn’t help the tears that started flowing again. “What matters is that the love of your life is alive and waiting for you. All we have to do is stop him from marrying the wrong woman.”

 

“But…”

 

“Sam,” Robin squeezed Sam’s hand, “let’s go get your husband.”

 

Sam smiled at Robin as she realized everything Robin was saying was true. The connection she felt with Jake, his and Danny’s instantaneous relationship, it all made sense now. “He’s alive! Jason’s alive!”

 

“Then we need to get to the church.” Robert came out of the stairwell with Anna and smiled at the group. “Anyone need a ride?”

Edited November 1, 2015 by cmahorror

[cmahorror]

Chapter 6

 

“Let’s go Spencer.” Nikolas yelled up the stairs and then nodded at Alfred. “Get the bags to the launch. Is the plane ready?”

 

“Yes sir.” Alfred picked up the two small bags and headed to the door. “Will there be anything else?”

 

Nikolas shook his head. An hour ago he received word that one of the Cassadine facilities had been raided and two of their scientists had escaped. He had no idea who these scientists were, he had no interest in that side of Helena’s escapades, but he knew it could lead back to him and his takeover of ELQ. That meant that it was best to take Spencer and retreat to Cassadine Island. “Just close up the house after we leave please.”

 

Spencer came down the stairs pouting. “But I wanted to say goodbye to Emma.”

 

“You can send her an email when we get to the island.” Nikolas smiled at his son. “Come on Spencer, it’s time to go.”

 

Spencer sighed but did as he was told and followed his father out of Wyndamere and away from Port Charles.

 

________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

“Do you, Elizabeth, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband? To have and to hold from this day forward, keeping yourself only unto him for as long as you both shall live?” The preacher smiled at Liz as he spoke.

 

Liz looked at Jason and took a deep breath. This was it, the moment she had been waiting for and yet it felt wrong. It would be one thing if he had his memories and still chose to be with her but like this? No, she would never feel safe, never relax because she would always be waiting for the other shoe to drop – for Jason’s memories to return. Being married did not guarantee that Jason wouldn't leave her once everything came out.

 

Jake was surprised at Liz’s hesitancy – he thought this was what she wanted. “Liz?”

 

“I, I’m sorry. I can’t do this.” Liz could barely believe that she was saying what she was saying but she knew that this was the right thing to do. “I can’t marry you – not until you know who you really are.”

 

Liz let go of Jason's hands and turned away from him as the doors to the chapel flew open and Sam came running in. “Jake!” She came running down the aisle to the alter and stood in front of Jake. She looked at him for a minute, truly studying him for the first time since they had met. “Jason.”

 

Robin and Patrick entered the church hand in hand, her parents right behind them. Jason turned around and, seeing Robin, headed down the aisle. He met the couple halfway. He studied Robin and reached out to his hand to her. “I know you.”

 

Robin took his hand and squeezed it. “Yes you do.”

 

“You’re Robin.” Jason smiled at her. “You were there when I woke up after the accident. You were there when I was hurt.” He squeezed her hand and pulled her close to hug her. “You saved me after Duke shot me.”

 

Anna shook her head. “It was Faison, not Duke. Faison tried to kill you but our girl saved your life.”

 

“I had to get you home to Sam and Danny.” Robin pulled back and leaned back into Patrick’s embrace. “I had to get you home to your family.”

 

Jason turned around and smiled at Sam. “How could I have not remembered?” He reached out and stroked her cheek as tears filled her eyes. “It’s all so clear now. I’m home.” Jason pulled her close and gently kissed her. “I’m home.”

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Liz stole out the back door and watched from a distance as Sam and Jason reunited. Tears streamed down her face but she knew in her heart she had done the right thing. Even if she had married Jason, eventually he would have left her for Sam – it was inevitable.

 

She went back to the bride’s room and quickly changed out of her dress, leaving her engagement ring on the dressing table. The boys were supposed to stay with Laura this week so maybe she should take advantage of the time to reconnect with the one person who knew her better than anyone – the one man who had always loved her no matter what.

 

After thinking about it for a minute, she finally picked up her phone and made the call. “Lucky? It’s Liz.”

[cmahorror]

Chapter 7

 

Mac sat down on the couch and smiled at Emma. The little girl’s face was in full determined mode as she sat at the coffee table, working on creating the perfect picture with her crayons and paper. “What you doing Em?”

 

“Making Mommy a picture – you said she was coming home today?” Emma was scared it wasn’t true but relaxed when her uncle smiled at her and nodded his head.

 

“Yes sweetheart, she is finally home.” He and Felicia had sat the little girl down this morning and explained that the bad people had taken her mother away again and that Grandma Anna and Grandpa Robert had found her and were bringing her home.

 

“And Daddy isn’t marrying Sam?”

 

“No, he isn’t.” They hadn’t told her about the double who had taken Patrick’s place – that was something her parents needed to explain to her. “You don’t seem that upset – I thought you loved Sam.”

 

“I do but…” Emma got up and sat in her uncle’s lap. “Daddy isn’t daddy with Sam.”

 

“What do mean?” Mac wasn’t surprised that Emma had noticed something was off with the fake Patrick – she was a Scorpio after all.

 

Emma looked away, she didn’t want to get her dad in trouble. “Nothing.” She started to get off Mac’s lap but he hugged her close.

 

“You know you can tell me anything Emma – I promise you that it will be okay and I won’t be mad.” Mac needed to make sure that his great-niece was okay.

 

“He just, he didn’t talk about work and he forgot about mommy. I thought he loved mommy but he wouldn’t let me talk to her. He said I had Sam now.” Emma’s lips trembled as tears came to her eyes. “I love Sam but I want my mommy.”

 

Mac rubbed the little girl’s back and slowly rocked her back and forth while trying to control his anger at the imposter and the Cassadines. He was about to say something else when he heard the front door open.

 

“Emma?” Robin and Patrick stood in the door together. Both of them had tears in their eyes as they looked at their little girl for the first time in over a year.

 

“Mommy?” Emma jumped off her uncle’s lap and ran over to her parents. Patrick bent down, picked her up and hugged her close as Robin wrapped her arms around them both. “Mommy!”

 

Patrick kissed her cheek and pulled Robin closer as Mac joined the family and hugged Robin. “Oh sweetheart, I have missed you. I thought I told you not to do this to me again.”

 

“I’m so sorry Uncle Mac.” Robin began crying as she wrapped her arms around her uncle. “I don’t mean to…”

 

“I’m just happy you’re home.” He led the group to the couch and they all sat down – Emma on Patrick’s lap as Robin scooted as close to the two as possible. “Where are your parents?”

 

“At the hospital questioning Tyson.” Patrick was furious that his father had once again hid something so major from him and that Noah's past had put him and his family in danger.

 

“Who’s Tyson?” Emma didn’t know anyone by that name.

 

Robin turned to Emma and gently ran her hand down the little girl’s cheek. “Emma, sweetie, there is something we need to tell you.”

 

“Yes mommy?” Emma held her mom’s hand, so happy to have her home again.

 

“You know how Daddy has a brother named Matt?” The little girl nodded her head – Uncle Matt was away on a trip but Daddy had promised she would meet him someday. “Well it turns out that Daddy has another brother and he looks just like Daddy.”

 

Emma looked at her mom curiously. “Like a twin?”

 

Robin nodded. “Yes but they have a different mommy.” Robin considered her next statement. She looked at Patrick who nodded as tears filled his eyes. “Anyway, he was helping the people who had taken me away and they decided that I needed your dad to help me with my work in the lab so they brought your dad to me and had his brother come here to take care of you.”

 

“So that wasn’t daddy who was going to marry Sam?” Emma was a little confused but things were making a lot more sense now.

 

“No baby, I love your mommy.” Patrick reached out and took Robin’s free hand.

 

Emma looked at her dad. “And you were with mommy?”

 

“We wanted to be home with you so badly but the bad people wouldn’t let us leave.” Robin’s tears were streaming down her cheeks. “We knew that Uncle Mac and Grandma Anna were here with you and helping take care of you and that helped but we missed you so much Emma. We love you.”

 

“I love you too.” Emma hugged her mom tight.

 

Patrick wrapped his arms around both of his girls and held them close. The family sat there like that for a moment, just enjoying being together again before Patrick finally let go and smiled at Emma. “There’s one more thing your mom and I want to tell you.”

 

Emma wiped away the tears of happiness she had started crying. “What is that daddy?”

 

Robin took Emma’s hand and placed it on the slight bulge in her stomach. “You’re going to be a big sister.”

 

Emma shrieked in delight and placed her other hand on her mom’s belly. “Really?”

 

Robin looked at Patrick and laughed as Mac hugged her from behind. “Yes sweetie, in about five months your brother or sister will be here.”

 

Emma clapped her hands and leaned into her dad. “This is the best day ever!”

 

Patrick pulled Robin close once more as he held the two most important women in his life in his arms. He smiled at Mac. “Yes it is.”

Edited November 2, 2015 by cmahorror

[cmahorror]

Chapter 8

 

“Do you have any idea where Helena Cassadine is at this moment?” Robert had been questioning the man for hours and he was getting tired of interrogating Tyson – he was an arrogant son of a bitch who wasn’t cooperating with the spy at all.

 

“I said it before and I’ll say it again, no and even if I did know – I wouldn’t tell you.” Tyson looked at the handcuff on his right wrist and rolled his eyes. “Is this really necessary? I have bullet wounds in both arms and legs – it’s a miracle I am still alive.”

 

“Maybe not but it gives me a little peace of mind to know you cannot just walk out of here.” Robert turned his steely eyes towards the man. “You held a gun to my daughter’s head and threatened her and my grandchild. You helped keep her away from her daughter and tried to keep her away from the man she loves – for those reasons alone, I should kill you.”

 

“But you won’t because you know it won’t change anything.” Tyson smirked at Robert. “Let’s face it – you know I am right. Robin will not have a moment of peace as long as there is a Cassadine alive, especially Helena. You better enjoy this time with your daughter while you can – it’s not going to last.”

 

Robert glared at Tyson one last time and left the room. He looked at the agent guarding the room. “He’s all yours.”

 

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

“She is finally sleeping.” Robin laughed as she sat down on the couch with Patrick and she curled up against him. “I can’t believe Emma wouldn’t let us leave as long as she was awake.”

 

“Well she knows she hasn’t seen us in over a year. I think she is afraid that she is going to wake up and you will still be gone.” Patrick rubbed her shoulder. “I know I am.”

 

“It’s over Patrick. We’re home with our little girl, we’re getting remarried and we are having a baby. I would say life is just about perfect.” Robin smiled at him before giving him a kiss. “By the way – was Mac able to get in touch with the judge?”

 

“Yes, he will be here at three tomorrow with the license. Maxie is coming over in the morning to take you and Emma so you can get dresses and Felicia is already working on the food.” Patrick and Robin didn’t want to waste a moment of their second chance. Patrick wrapped his fingers through Robin’s and held her hand tight.

 

“I will go with Robert and get our rings from the house and Anna is getting the flowers. By this time tomorrow we will be man and wife again.”

 

Robin snuggled up to her fiancée. “Are you sure you want to do this?”

 

Patrick put his other hand on Robin’s belly and put his chin on her head. “Robin, I want this more than anything. I love you, I love our children and I love our family. The sooner we can make it legal again, the better. What about you? Are you sure you don’t want the whole big church wedding thing again?”

 

Robin shook her head. “Absolutely not – last time was for everyone. This time is for us and our family. I can’t think of anything better than being married here at my Uncle Mac’s house with just our family. Are you sure you don’t want to try and track down your dad?”

 

Patrick tensed up a little bit. “My dad is part of the reason I was away from my daughter for over a year. If he had been honest and faithful to my mother or if he had bothered to take care of the children he created than Tyson would have never gone with Helena.”

 

“Have you even tried calling him?” Robin hated to see Patrick in pain again because of his father.

 

“No and I’m not going to. I called the prison and spoke to Matt so that he would know what is going on. He sends us his best and told me to lock it down with you ASAP.” Patrick loved the little giggle Robin gave as he passed on the message. “He said he loves you and can’t wait to meet the newest member of the family.”

 

“Me neither.” Robin rubbed her belly. “It’s over Patrick. We are home and together and we can finally be a family again.”

 

Mac stood at the kitchen door and watched his niece and Patrick on the couch. He wished he could relax and just enjoy her being home but there was a feeling in his gut that, no matter what Robin thought, this wasn’t over – not by a long shot.

 

He stepped back into the kitchen and pulled out his phone. “Hey Robert are you done at the hospital because, if so, we need to talk.”

[cmahorror]

Chapter 9

 

Robin and Patrick were happily dancing in the living room. Patrick took his ring and gently clinked it against Robin’s. “I love that sound. How does it feel to be Dr. Scorpio-Drake again?”

 

“Wonderful.” Robin laid her head on his chest and sighed in contentment. “I loved everything about today but the best part is that we are officially a family again. I love you Dr. Drake.”

 

Patrick kissed the top of her head and wrapped his arms tighter around her. “I love you too Dr. Scorpio-Drake.”

 

Mac watched the couple from across the room and couldn’t help but still feel worried for them. Helena was still out there somewhere and no one believed she was done with Robin just yet.

 

He walked over to Robert and Anna. “Could you two help me out in the kitchen for a moment?”

 

Neither one had to be told twice – they knew what Mac wanted to talk to them about. The trio went into the kitchen and continued their conversation from the night before. “What did they say?”

 

“The WSB has no idea where Helena is at this time. Nikolas is back on Cassadine Island but we still cannot connect him to what Helena was doing.” Robert looked at Mac. “The general consensus at the bureau is that Helena will stay in hiding until she has a clear shot at Robin again.”

 

Mac shook his head. “I hate this Robert.”

 

“Me too Mac.” Robert’s phone went off and he saw he had a text. “It’s from Frisco.” Robert read the text and cursed. “Damn it.”

 

Anna looked at her ex-husband. The look on his face scared her. “Robert? What is it?”

 

“There was an attack on the ambulance that Tyson was being transported in.” The WSB had decided to move the man to a maximum security hospital where he would recuperate from his many wounds before being brought to trial for his many crimes.

 

“Dead?” Mac was praying the Tyson hadn’t escaped.

 

“Unfortunately, no. He escaped.” Robert shook his head. “He can’t get near her again. That man will not hesitate to kidnap Robin and keep her and the baby away from Patrick.”

 

Mac studied his brother closely. “If you are thinking what I think you are…”

 

“It may be the only way to keep her safe.” Robert hated that it had come to this but the safety of his daughter and her family was the most important thing.

 

Mac sighed. “At least give them tonight. We’ll talk to them about it tomorrow but let them have at least one happy night before we tear their lives apart.”

 

Robert didn’t say anything – just nodded in agreement. He wrapped his arms around Anna and hugged her close. “What do you say we go out and have a piece of wedding cake with our daughter and granddaughter?”

 

Anna just nodded and wiped away the tears forming in her eyes. “Sounds wonderful. Mac?”

 

“I’ll be there in a minute.” Mac needed a few minutes to himself – Felicia would know something was wrong if he walked out looking the way he did at that moment.

 

“Of course.”

 

Anna headed out the door but Robert hung back for a moment. He put his hand on Mac shoulder. “Mac…”

 

“It’s okay Rob – I’ll be right out.” He went to the cabinet and pulled out some champagne flutes and got a bottle of sparkling cider out of the refrigerator. He held them up and smiled. “I have a toast to make.”

 

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Mac held up his champagne glass and smiled at Robin and Patrick. “I have something to say. I have been in the unique position of having witnessed every moment of this love story since the beginning. I have watched these two push and pull, fight and make up, break up and break down so many times I lost count. But one thing has been constant through all these years – the love that these two share is rare and wonderful. That love has faced and conquered more obstacles than I have ever seen any couple survive. This love has given them, and us, Emma and this second child. They are proof that soul mates do exist and I know that this love will see them through anything that comes their way in the future.”

 

Robin saw the tears in her uncle’s eyes and smiled at him. “Mac, I don’t know what we would have done without you.”

 

“I love you Robin. It has been an honor and a privilege to be a part of yours and Emma’s lives. To see you so happy, married to the man you love and raising your children with him is more than I could have ever hoped for.” He walked over and raised his glass to the couple. “To Robin and Patrick.”

 

The group smiled at the newlyweds and raised their glasses. “Robin and Patrick.”

 

Everyone took a drink and Mac hugged Robin close. “I love you sweetheart.”

 

Robin hugged him back. “I love you too.”

 

“Good - now we have a surprise for you and Patrick.” Mac handed the couple an envelope. “It was the best we could do on short notice.”

 

Robin opened the envelope and smiled. “How did you know?”

 

“Please – I was a cop after all.” He winked at the couple. “Emma, you got your back packed?”

 

Emma nodded and ran to the closet. “Yep!”

 

“What are you talking about?” Patrick hadn’t seen what was in the envelope.

 

“You two are getting a honeymoon night.” Anna picked up Emma while Robert grabbed Emma’s backpack. “Emma is spending the night with us and we will meet back here tomorrow morning. Now go – there is a car waiting outside to take you.”

 

Robin ran over and hugged her parents. “Thank you!” She kissed Emma. “Be good for your grandparents.”

 

Patrick hugged them but was still confused about what was going on. “Robin, where are we going?”

 

Mac laughed. “Jax said congratulations and he promises that no one will bust in on you tonight.”

 

Patrick smiled at Robin. “You mean…”

 

Robin nodded her head. “Yes, our cabin.”

 

“What are we waiting for?” He swept Robin up in his arms. “Let’s go, my wife. We’ll see everyone in the morning.” He practically ran to the door, eager to start his honeymoon.

 

Patrick was just about out the door when Robin stopped him. “Mom!” Anna turned around and smiled at her daughter. “Catch!”

 

Anna’s reflexes took over and she grabbed the bouquet Robin threw at her before even realizing she was doing it. She looked over at Robert who winked at her. Anna rolled her eyes in response. “Thanks luv.”

 

Robin’s laughter followed her out of the house and into the car. Patrick kissed her one last time before he helped his wife into the car and off to their honeymoon.

Edited November 3, 2015 by cmahorror