Jason wasn't sure where he was going. The last confirmation they received was that Carly had taken a bus from Pine Valley to Pittsburg. The trail went completely cold from there. No one remembered seeing her get off the bus in Pittsburg and no one recognized her at the bus station or the taxi drivers. Pittsburg was a big city and it would take time to search. His gut was telling him she was not in Pittsburg. She was leading them on a wild goose chase. Sonny and Alcazar were falling for it, but he wasn't. Carly was probably right under their noses. He would start by searching every town the bus stopped at between here and Pine Valley. More than likely Carly had doubled back to one of those towns.

Not knowing where she was ate at him everyday. It was like part of his soul was missing when he came out of the surgery and realized she was gone. For months she was a stranger to him. He knew her name, but that was it. Then he woke up from surgery and all the feelings he had for her were there. Carly was the constant in his life. She was the earth beneath his feet and now she was gone. He felt like he was falling into a bottomless pit. He needed her in his life. He knew he was being selfish after everything she had gone through and faced without him, but he was ok with it. If was selfish of him to need her than he was a selfish man, because he could not endure any more days without knowing she was safely home. If she needed to work through things they would do it together like they always have. There was no reason for her to stay away any longer when he was well again. She needed to come back to him.

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Carly lay curled up on the couch in Zach's arm. His hard body felt good underneath her cheek. She had fallen asleep on the movie. She looked up to find Zach was watching her. She whispered his name and he brushed his hand through her hair. She said his name again and he answered her in a whisper of his own. "Yes." He continued to brush her hair. She didn't look up at him she just whispered the secret, "I went crazy back in Port Charles. I mean literally. Living that life drove me insane. I was just released right before I came here." Zach remained silent he just continued to rake her hair with his fingers. Carly went on, "So many things happened to me. I was kidnapped for months while I was pregnant. Was shot in my head while I was giving birth. My oldest son was kidnapped and presumed dead. I even had a funeral for him. My best friend came back from the dead for revenge and stole my husband. It was all too much for me and I cracked. Now I'm afraid if I go back there it will happen again. I'm afraid to go home."

Zach reached down for her chin and positioned her face so she could see him. "You have been through more that any human being should have to endure. The fact that you lasted so long without cracking is amazing. The fact that you are here now whole and sane shows how strong of a woman you are. Being afraid it will happen again is a realistic fear that will keep you from putting yourself in that situation again." His accent was growing thick as he tried to make his point. "I have only known you for a short amount of time, but I have come to realize you have a will of steel and will not be moved when challenged. If you remember how and why you got here, you will never repeat those mistakes again." He pulled her into an embrace and he could feel the tears damp on her cheeks. She pulled away and snuggled back up in his arms. Her head lying on his chest and tears she had been holding back for awhile began to stream down her face. Zach felt the wetness against his shirt and ignored it. He didn't want to make a big deal of her crying. He just wanted to be there for her so he sat back in the chair took her head and placed it on his lap and brushed her golden locks as she wept.

Carly woke up a little groggy the next morning. It took her a few minutes to obtain her bearings. Then she felt Zach underneath her and she remembered. She had opened up to him. She wasn't sure why. It may have been because he had trusted her with his past or the fact that she felt safe with him, but either way the deed was done. She had told him about her fight for her sanity and he had not judged her for it. Her movement must have woken Zach because he began to stir. He looked down at her. "Good morning." He said and stretched his upper body. She could only imagine how uncomfortable he must have been all night. She slowly raised herself up till she was sitting next to him. His golden brown eyes pierced her soul. It was like they shared an intimate connection now that they have both shared a part of themselves not many others saw. "I'll get out of your way." She said and then began to get up. "I know you have to get ready for work." Zach took her by her hand. "I'm the boss remember. I can take the day off if I want too." He pulled her towards him and their faces were inches apart. "Ask me." He whispered in a breathless voice. Carly hesitated and then obliged him, "Kiss me." She said and she barley got the words out before Zach had captured her mouth and made it his.

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Jason had stopped at a couple of towns on the route and at first glance he knew Carly wouldn't spend more than five minutes in the town. She may be trying to avoid them, but she had certain standards. He decided to go straight to Pine Valley and then work his way backwards. At least people had seen her there and they were sure she stopped there. At least for one night. He would scour the hotels and see if anyone remembered her. He was determined to find her.