Chapter 35

Patrick rubbed his eyes and went over the formulas again. It had been over 24 hours since Jerry Jax had given him the counteragent and Patrick still hadn't been able to figure out the precise protocol. There was one chemical he was missing but he couldn't figure out what it was. Exhausted and furious at himself for not being able to figure it out, he grabbed a beaker and threw it across the room.

"Calm down there Drake, those things are expensive." Jason walked into the room just in time to see Patrick's tantrum. "I brought you some lunch."

Jason put the bag from Kelly's on the counter while Patrick grabbed a broom and dustpan and cleaned up his mess. "Thanks but I'm not hungry."

"Patrick you need to eat and get some rest." Jason was trying to reason with Patrick.

"Rest Jason? How can I rest knowing that Nikolas has her and she's hurt?" Patrick threw the shattered glass into the trash and walked over to the table. "I can't rest without her. I close my eyes but I can't sleep, not really."

Patrick began pacing. "I should feel better because Emma is safe and in a way I do." Cam and Emma were moved to the safe house yesterday. John had stayed behind to help with the search. He wouldn't rest until Robin was returned to her family. "But my children need their mother and I need my wife."

"How can you help her if you are so exhausted and run down that you can't think straight?" Patrick glared at him but knew Jason was right. "Eat your burger, lay down in the on call room for a couple of hours and then get back to work. Otherwise I will call in Tom and have you admitted for exhaustion."

Jason looked Patrick straight in the eyes. "You will be able to figure this out once you have a clear head. Trust me."

Patrick didn't say another word, just sat down at the table and ate the food Jason had brought him. Jason was right, he needed to clear his head so he could figure this out. He would take a short nap and then he would dive back into his work. The answer was there, he just had to find it.

Nikolas walked into Robin's room while Emily was examining her. "How is she doing?"

Emily waited until she was finished with her exam and then answered him. "She's stable but she really needs to be in a hospital – the chance of infection is too great here."

"She's not going anywhere and you know that. You tell me everything you need to get her well and I will get it for you, no matter what it takes." Nikolas stationed himself by Robin's bed, not even looking at Emily while he spoke to her.

"Fine, I'll put together a list for you and have it to you in an hour." Emily took one last look at them and then left the room.

Nikolas took Robin's hand in his and sat down on the edge of her bed. He was gently stroking her face when she moved. "Robin?"

"Patrick?" She looked at the man sitting next to her and smiled. "What happened?"

"You were hurt but it's going to be okay now, I promise." He continued stroking her face.

Her eyes were barely open. "You promise?"

"Yes, so just rest now, okay?"

Robin gave him a weak smile. "Okay, I love you."

Nikolas smiled at her with tears filling his eyes. "I love you too."