Chapter 28
Cam sat at the bar, nursing his drink. He didn't want to be here but his mom had guilted him into coming with her. Ric was out of town on business and Liz had insisted that Cam needed to get out of the house.
Liz came over to the bar and sat down next to her son. "Do you want to maybe come play a hand of poker with me?"
Cam smiled at her but shook his head. "Mom, I appreciate what you are trying to do but nothing is going to get my mind off the fact that the woman I love is being held hostage by some madman."
Liz nodded. "I know but this cause means a lot to Robin and you know how much Emma respects and loves her mom. I was hoping that being here would help you feel closer to them."
Cam thought about what his mom was saying. The truth was that Emma had a great respect for her mom's devotion to this cause and was proud that her mom was so involved in this charity. Robin had actually suggested a casino night event and let the board take it from there. "Maybe a couple of hands – I'm sure I can lose enough to help the cause."
Liz laughed. "Or maybe win enough to get your girlfriend a nice welcome home present because Cam, Emma is coming home to you."
They headed to the table, passing Lulu and Maxie on the way. The two women were taking everything in. Maxie sighed. "Robin would love this."
Lulu nodded in agreement. "I know. I just can't believe that Nikolas is doing this to her again." Even though Nikolas was Lulu's brother she was firmly on Robin's side. Nikolas had stopped being the brother she knew years ago when he tried to blackmail Robin into marrying him. Now he was so far gone that he had not only kidnapped Robin and her daughter, he also had taken his own son.
Maxie shook her head. "Nathan said that Jason has private security working with the police on finding them. Mal, Steph and RJ and in hiding with Felicia and Sam – I just wish there was more we could do to help."
Dante and Nathan were at the station running down leads tonight. Both of their wives had gladly given them permission to miss the benefit – finding Robin and the kids was everyone's first priority. Lulu smiled at her friend. "Well, we can help get more money for this cause. Come on, let's go play roulette."
The ladies headed to the roulette table, smiling at Dr. Tom Hardy and Epiphany as they went by. Tom was thrilled with the turnout and he smiled at Epiphany, who agreed to be his date for the evening. Milo was deep in the search for Robin and the kids but had insisted the nurse go to honor her friend's cause. The two talked shop and people watched, neither one had any interest in gambling.
The main room was filled with people from the hospital and community. Michael Quartermaine had come with Dr. Jessica Bishop, the new pediatrician at the hospital. Alexis Davis-Jerome and her husband Julian were attending with Julian's son Lucas and his husband Brad. Last but certainly not least, Tracy Quartermaine walked in with her son Dylan by her side. The night was in full swing when an hour later the boat suddenly stopped.
Maxie looked at Lulu. "Was it supposed to do that?"
"No, it wasn't." Lulu got up to check with the captain when they suddenly heard gunfire erupt through the room. Looking up they saw a dozen men in black outfits and ski masks standing around the edges of the room, completely surrounding them and holding guns. One of the men took a few steps into the room and took off his mask.
Jerry smiled at the group, so many familiar faces. "Hello everyone. Are you ready for a party?"
