Chapter 25

Patrick stared out the window of his room and played with Robin's rings – Epiphany had given them to him before she went into surgery and he hadn't put them back on her before she was kidnapped.

There was still no news on Robin and Emma. Mal, Stephanie and RJ were safely ensconced at their new safe house across the country. Felicia and Sam had gone with them while Mac stayed behind to help with the search. Jason had discovered that one of the guards was bribed by Jerry to reveal their location. The man was currently being thoroughly interrogated by Robert and Anna.

Jason knocked on the door of Patrick's room. "Can I come in?"

Patrick nodded. "Any news?"

"Possibly. Anna and Robert have convinced the guy to call Jerry and arrange a meeting with him. Hopefully we can follow Jerry back to Nikolas or at least get a tracking device on the car." Jason knew it wasn't much but it was at least a lead.

"Why did he betray us?" Sid wasn't one of their personal guards but he was still in Jason's employ.

"His wife has Alzheimer's and there is a special facility he wanted to get her into and he was afraid to ask me. Jerry took advantage of his fear and offered him the money he needed in exchange for the safe house location."

Patrick thought about it for a moment. "I wish I could say I didn't understand but I do. Are you going to help him?"

Jason nodded. "Yes – I actually contacted Tom to get a list of facilities that might be better suited for her as well as places for him to stay so he can be near her and visit."

Patrick sighed and looked at Jason. "I can't stand this – I feel so helpless. My daughter and my wife are both missing and what am I doing – standing here in my room staring out the damn window." Overcome with frustration, Patrick punched the wall.

Jason rushed over to him. "What are you doing?"

Patrick collapsed to the floor. "I'm sorry, I'll pay for any damages."

"Forget the wall, I'm worried about your hand. You are still a surgeon and Robin will break my hands if I let you break yours." Jason was trying to calm the man down but he also understood what led Patrick to do what he did – nothing was worse than feeling helpless and he needed to vent that frustration.

Patrick laughed emptily. "I guess she would."

The laugh turned into a sob and Jason stayed by his friend's side as he cried over his missing wife and child.

Nikolas led Robin to her chair and helped her sit down at the dinner table. He then took his seat right next to her and held her hand in his. A few minutes later Emma and Spencer were led in another door.

"Emma!" Robin felt a mixture of happiness and fear when she saw her oldest child come in the door. She was thrilled to see Emma but upset that Nikolas had managed to kidnap her.

"Mom?" Emma ran over and hugged her mom tightly. "Are you okay?"

"Doing better every day. Are you okay?" She gently pushed a piece of hair behind Emma's ear.

"I'm fine mom, I promise."

"Of course she is Robin. I take excellent care of my guests." Nikolas turned to Emma. "If you will take your seat please, over there next to Spencer."

John glared at his father, he hated being called Spencer, but quickly put a smile on before Nikolas could see him. "Father, is Emma's room ready yet?"

Nikolas smiled at him. "Not enjoying having a roommate?" John just looked at him. "Yes, Emma will be going to her own room after dinner."

Nikolas turned his attention to Emma. "You will find clothes waiting for you and you have your own bathroom. Let me know if you need anything."

Emma just nodded, not sure what she should do. Robin nodded at Emma and cringed as Nikolas tightened his grip on her hand.

"Our other guests will be joining us shortly but I wanted it to be just us so I could tell you why we having this dinner. This is a celebration and I am thrilled that our two oldest children are here with us to be a part of it."

Emma looked at her mom and noticed she was just as confused as Emma was. John finally asked the question on all three prisoners minds. "What are we celebrating?"

Nikolas smiled at the children and then turned his attention to Robin. "Our engagement."