Chapter 25

"And the papers will be served today?" Nikolas was talking to someone on the phone when Dr. Brines walked in. He held up his finger to let the doctor know his conversation was almost done. "Good. I will talk to you later."

"I take it things are going the way you want them to." Brines was well aware of the fact that Nikolas had not only requested a restraining order against Patrick, he had also filed for full custody of Emma on Robin's behalf. Of course, Robin didn't know any of this but Patrick's stunt last week had put Nikolas on the offensive.

"Yes. Drake won't know what hit him." Nikolas wanted Patrick out of the way in the worst way. Trying to kill the man had put Robin in danger so Nikolas had decided to go a different route and legally separate Robin and Emma from the man.

Brines shook his head as he sat down in the chair to talk to the man. Helena had flown in as soon as she found out about the accident and had personally seen to Robin's latest round of memory changes and had asked for a bonus: Robin would get severe headaches if she even attempted to remember what happened after the accident - her price to pay for betraying Nikolas. It was cruel but Brines had gotten used to it. "I have the results of Robin's latest blood test."

"Is there a problem?" Nikolas was trying to figure out his next move.

"I wouldn't call it a problem but we need to plan our next steps carefully." Brines took a deep breath. "We don't want a repeat of what happened before."

"You don't mean…" Nikolas stared at the man.

"Yes, Robin is pregnant." Brines had thought Nikolas would be thrilled but instead Nikolas stood up, walked over to the bar, grabbed a glass off it and threw it into the fireplace.

Nikolas took a few deep breaths and a smile slowly grew across his face. "Dr. Brines, I need you to do something for me."

"I have a delivery for a Dr. Drake." A man in a three-piece suit walked over to the nurse's station with an envelope in hand.

Patrick had been working on a chart at the hub and spoke while barely looking at the man. "I'm Dr. Drake."

"Dr. Patrick Drake?"

"Yes." Patrick finally looked up from his chart.

"Good." He handed the envelope to Patrick. "You have been served."

"Served with what?" Patrick tore open the envelope. "What are these?"

The man rolled his eyes. "Talk to you lawyer – I just deliver them."

Patrick immediately got on the phone and made a call. "I need your help as soon as possible."

"One is a restraining order instructing you to keep at least 100 feet away from Robin Scorpio-Cassadine at all times." Diane reviewed the paperwork. "The second is a temporary custody order giving full physical custody of Emma Grace Scorpio-Drake to Robin Scorpio-Cassadine and the third is a summons to appear in court to determine the permanent placement of Emma Grace Scorpio-Drake."

"How can he do this?" Patrick couldn't believe that Nikolas was trying to take his daughter.

"The restraining order is based on an incident that supposedly happened at Wyndamere last week. Nikolas is claiming that you yelled at your ex-wife and then grabbed her and kissed her. She pushed you away but you refused to leave. Nikolas says that he came into the room and found Robin upset and in pain and that she had to be sedated. After Robin was taken to her room, Nikolas told you to leave. He says that you finally left but you said as you left, and I quote, that you would be back for her and soon." Diane looked at Patrick. "Are you denying this happened?"

Patrick looked at Mac, who had accompanied him to Diane's office. "It wasn't like that."

"In what way is this report wrong?" Diane stared Patrick straight in the eyes. "Did you yell at your ex-wife and force her to kiss you?"

"I was trying to get her to remember what happened between us at the cabin." Patrick ran his hands through his hair. "He is messing with her mind and I was hoping that…"

Mac put his hands on the doctor's shoulder. "Patrick, we need to be smart about this." He looked at Diane. "What do we do now?"

"You need to stay away from your ex-wife. I have no doubts that Nikolas will have you arrested if you go anywhere near her." Diane was matter of fact about what Patrick needed to do.

"And Emma? What is the basis for taking her from my custody?" Patrick didn't want to lose his little girl.

"They are claiming that the car accident you and Robin were in was an attempt on your life – probably from a scorned lover, another Lisa Niles. The claim is that Nikolas and Robin can keep Emma safe and you can't." Diane read through the papers. "It says here that you are claiming that the brakes were not working which is why you crashed."

"Yes, but…"

"Then I am afraid you will have to relinquish custody of Emma to Nikolas and Robin for the time being." Diane smiled at him. "I am sure Dr. Scorpio will be more than willing to arrange visitation with Emma but, until I can get the restraining order rescinded, you will have to play by the rules. Doing so proves that you are willing to work with the couple and respect their marriage."

Patrick was simmering with rage. "Are you kidding me?" He stood up and began pacing the floor. "I am supposed to just hand over my wife and daughter to that man!"

"Dr. Drake, losing your temper will not help this situation in the least." Diane could see Patrick's short fuse was going to be an issue. She turned to Mac. "Would you be able to be the intermediary for Patrick and Robin?"

"Yes." Mac was willing to help out in any way possible.

"Perfect." Diane stood up. "Why don't you let me work on your objection to the restraining order and file a motion for joint custody while Mac works on arranging visits with Emma?"

Mac stood up and gently guided Patrick to the door. "I'll take care of it – thanks Diane." Patrick started to say something but Mac stopped him. "We'll be waiting for your call."

Mac pushed Patrick out the door and to the car. As soon as they were in the car Mac turned to Patrick. "We need to be smart."

"But Mac…"

"Patrick, trust me. You need to do what Diane said – play by the rules and keep away from Robin. I will arrange for you to see Emma as much as possible." Mac started the car. "It's going to be okay Patrick. We will figure out what is going on and we will get Robin and Emma home."