Chapter 38
December 24, 2008 - Port Charles, NY - 8 AM
"It's Christmas Eve, Anna. I'm in an unwrapping mood." Robert tugged playfully at the edges of Anna's blouse.
"I can tell. Close your eyes, Robert." instructed Anna.
Robert closed his left eye. "If I do, I get my present?
"You'll get nothing if you don't."
Robert closed his eyes and felt soft material sweep over his eyes. It was securely knotted behind his head. "Are we trying something new, dear?"
"Nothing ventured, nothing gained."
"Adventure was always our middle name."
"Risk and danger are the best aphrodisiacs." Anna's hand slid sinuously from Robert's shoulder to his hip. She leaned over him. He heard a click.
Though blinded, Robert could feel the heat of her body as it invaded his very personal space. Guessing distance, he lunged forward and planted a kiss on her cheek.
"Still frisky I see." Anna felt Robert's forehead. "Warm?"
"A little."
"Let's make you more comfortable then." Anna grasped the zipper and pulled it downward. "How's that?"
"Please more."
"Still contricted ... I ought to unzip it all the way. Would you like that, Robert?" said Anna coyly.
"I'm all yours."
"I know." Anna replied with a cheeky grin. The zipper moved smoothly the rest of the way and off. She kissed him softly as she parted his clothing. "Ready for a ride, Robert?"
"Will it take long?" His hands found her waist and he tried to pull her to him.
Anna evaded his hands. "Long enough. Sit back and relax."
Anna checked Robert's jacket once more to see that he was still warm despite the jacket being open to the car's cool air. She closed the passenger side door. She slid in behind the wheel and started the car. Its engines purred to life.
###
December 24, 2008 - The Metro Court Hotel - 8 AM
The front desk at the Metro Hotel had seen its share of high maintenance customers. However, the hotel manager suspected that their newest guests would set the already high bar a few notches higher still.
"I know it was last minute but I am certain that the reservations are in there somewhere. Look again." Long, perfectly manicured nails tapped the computer console.
The manager consulted the computer. "I don't see a reservation for you. And we are completely booked."
"It's Donely D-O-N-E-L-Y. Where are the owners? I demand to speak with them."
"That would be Jasper and Carly Jax, madam." said the manager.
"Who?" asked Tiffany Hill Donely.
"Check under the company name DigiMaze." said Sean.
The hotel manager did so and immediately his entire demeanor changed. "Ah, yes, there it is. Mr. and Mrs. Sean Donely plus one guest. Our best penthouse suite is waiting for you. A bottle of champagne will be sent up shortly. And, a full spa treatment has also been reserved for you and Miss Donely whenever you wish to take it."
Two bellmen pushing two luggage carts escorted the Donelys to their suite. Tiffany surveyed the elegantly furnished room while Sean tipped the bellmen generously.
Tiffany was impressed. "I'm liking that young man more and more. He knows how to treat a lady with style."
"What young man, Mama?" asked Belle peering out the window and getting her first glimpse of a snow-covered Port Charles. She had visited often when her father had business with Uncle Mac. However, this was the first time in winter.
"A new business associate of your daddy's, sugar dumpling."
"You two get settled. I've got to make some calls." Sean disappeared into the bedroom.
###
December 24, 2008 - Port Charles, NY 8:45 AM
Anna led a still blinded Robert by the hand. "Up one step now." Robert stepped up as ordered. He heard the jangling of keys then the creak of a door opening. "Walk three steps, Robert."
As he took the last step, Anna removed the blindfold. "Welcome to Villa Scorpio!"
Robert blinked a few times to clear the spots from his eyes. He found himself in a large living room with a trussed ceiling of thick oak beams. Under his feet were the welcoming warmth of Tuscan tile. A small fire burned in a massive fireplace to his right. The chimney reached past the ceiling. Two conversation areas were marked in the room. The leather couches and seats beckoned to be touched.
"That door there leads to another room that I thought would do well as a den." Anna pointed to a door to the right of the fireplace. "It has a great view."
Anna led him happily through an archway and down six steps into an inviting Italian style kitchen. Modern applicances gleamed in the sunlight pouring down from a skylight. In front of a fireplace, a trestle table fit for eight completed the room.
But Anna wasn't through. Another archway and four steps down led them to a dining room where a round mahogany table that could easily seat a dozen held pride of place. Straight ahead were four glass doors that led to the loggia. The house seemed to be on a hill because all Robert could see from where he stood was trees and sky. To the right was a short staircase that led to another level.
"What's upstairs?" asked Robert.
"Three ensuite bedrooms and a small lounge area." Robert began to move towards the stairs but Anna held him back. "Our bedroom is over here. Much more private." Anna led him in the direction of a huge door to his left.
Inside, sumptuous carpets lay over the parquet flooring. A queen-sized, four poster bed was situated directly opposite a cozy fireplace. Anna stoked the fire higher to chase away a slight chill in the room. Robert walked out to the balcony. The house was on a hill. He could see the loggia, a pergola or gazebo and what looked like a formal garden that had seen better days. The rear sloped downward toward the river. He spotted a long wood dock and a boat house.
"Is the dock included?" Robert asked.
"Yes. One of its more interesting features. It's actually at a deep point in the river so the Kestrel should have no trouble docking. It includes nearly a mile of river frontage." said Anna. "Do you think Andrew would like it?"
"Need you ask. He'll love it." said Robert approvingly. "How did you find this place? This wasn't one of the ones we reviewed. I would have remembered."
"You didn't come with me to see the last house two days ago. As I was driving back from there, I saw the For Sale sign for this place. Mrs. Watkins didn't select it for us because it needs some work, it's a little further out of town and we weren't looking for a farmhouse with acreage. The house was originally built about 1880 by Italian immigrants. Over time they added and added as the family prospered." Anna came out to the balcony. "Look, over there you can still see the first orchard. I haven't explored everything yet but I suspect some of the fruit trees are still viable."
"Farmland? How many acres?"
"Lots! There is more than enough tramping room." said Anna.
"Are we going to be in hock for the rest of our lives?"
"I sold two of my jade pieces to pay off the back taxes and put a sizable down payment on this place. We'll be fine handling the balance."
"Oh, Anna, you loved those pieces."
"I loved this place the first time I saw it. It felt like home." said Anna. "You do realize we're going to have invest a small fortune to rehabilitate it. The last descendant died without an heir. The property has sat here neglected for nearly three years. Do you like it? It's not grand architecture or proper like the Quartermaines or anything. And the cleaning! I've only dusted and cleaned a few rooms. The entire place needs a thorough going over."
"It feels the way a home should feel. Filomeno would have been right at home in the kitchen." Robert led Anna back into the bedroom.
"Yeah, she would have." agreed Anna. "I've told Andrew he can dock anytime he wants to. Salim and his men will do some cleanup. There's a barn somewhere. I think it could be made of some use by Salim's crew.
"Good idea. Andrew can stretch his legs. I could tell he was getting cabin fever in the boat."
"By the time they're back from their honeymoon, this place will be put to rights. I want to tell the family about Andrew here."
"No better place."
"One more thing," Anna cupped Robert's face in her hands. "If you feel yourself losing control, you have to tell me. And I'll take us right back here. You can battle your demons in private but not alone. Promise me."
"Promise. I've felt rather good actually. Thanks to the expertise of Nurse Feelgood."
"I am a professional. I have standards to uphold."
"Oh, you do. In every possible way." said Robert. "Now, before we explore the rest of the house, there is one thing we need to address."
"And what would that be?"
"Within the last forty-eight hours, you've found and arranged the purchase of this place plus helped me with our other errands. You must be exhausted." Robert slipped off Anna's coat then removed his own. "I think that we should rest up. We have a busy night ahead of us."
"Yeah, I think you're right. We should conserve our energy. We're not as young as we once were."
"However, we are young at heart." Robert bounced on the bed experimentally. "Bed feels solid. Will you join me for a little nap?"
"I'm not the least bit tired, Robert." Anna perched herself on his lap.
"Neither am I." Robert unbuttoned the first button on Anna's blouse then the next. "I do think that if we get more comfortable, we can eventually achieve the desired state."
###
December 24, 2008 - Metro Court Hotel - 1:30 PM
Robert eased the Jaguar to the front portico of the hotel where the Donelys waited. Anna fell into Tiffany's outstretched arms. Robert and Sean hugged as brothers would. Belle stood to the side a little nervous.
"My god, you look good, mate!" Robert exclaimed.
"Not as good as you. I didn't believe you when you said you were here but here you are." Sean embraced Anna hard. "And, Anna, wow!"
"Come here, handsome," Tiffany gave Robert a big smack on the lips. "Let me look at you. Are you sure you're really fit to be out of treatment?"
"I'm in remission, Tif, and I mean to stay there," said Robert.
Belle cleared her throat loudly. She was unused to seeing her parents so effusive and relaxed but then Uncle Robert and Aunt Anna were their oldest friends.
Tiffany placed an arm around her daughter. "Robert, Anna, this is our daughter Annabelle Scarlett. Belle, for short. Sweetie, this is Robert Scorpio and Anna Devane, our dearest and oldest friends."
"It's a pleasure to meet -" began Belle.
Belle didn't finish as Anna pulled the young girl close to her. "Hi, there, I have wanted to meet you for so long! Look at this girl, Robert, she's just wonderful. And probably very bright and shrewd."
"Well, I have to admit we think she's all those things and more." said a proud and beaming Tif.
"That is a fact. There is no bias involved at all." added Sean.
"I don't doubt that for a minute." Robert hugged Belle. "I could tell you some stories about both your parents that would -"
"Hush! I'll do the same with Robin."
"Too late. she knows nearly everything about us already." said Anna. "We have so much to catch up on."
Sean caught the unsaid thought. "Just nearly everything?"
"For now but that'll change soon."
"That's why we brought in the big guns!" Robert hugged Sean again. "So good to see the both of you."
"Come on! Lunch is waiting. Robin, Patrick and Emma will join us for lunch. Then we'll babysit Emma the rest of the day until dinner." said Anna.
"And we'll open presents!" added Robert with boyish glee.
###
December 24, 2008 - Port Charles, NY - 2 PM
Sean and Tiffany entered the Scorpio house and found themselves smothered by the dynamo named Robin Scorpio Drake. Hugs and kisses everywhere.
"I couldn't believe it when I saw you come out of the car!" cried Robin.
"Surprise!" said Sean hugging his goddaughter. "You can thank that Aussie elf over there."
"Aunt Tiffany! You look marvelous. And this is Belle?" Robin looked at the girl who was the spitting image of Tiffany but for her piercing green eyes. "The last time I saw you was before I went to Paris. You were about two years old."
"Where is she? Where is Emma?" asked Tiffany imperiously.
Patrick stood by the fireplace with Emma in his arms. He grinned shyly and said. "She's just waking up and wants to meet everybody."
Robin half dragged and half led her godfather towards Patrick. "Uncle Sean, this is Dr. Patrick Drake, my husband to be and our baby, Emma Grace. Patrick, this is the one and only police chief Sean Donely, godfather extraordinaire."
"Ah, Sean Donely of the secret room fame." Patrick shook Sean's hand firmly. To Patrick's credit he did not look away from Sean's intense appraising gaze.
"Robin's been telling tales," said Sean.
"Instead of fairytales, it's SpiesRUs." answered Patrick.
"You know, Patrick, Robert and Anna are my best friends. Robin is as special to me as if she were my own daughter." Sean said the words in such a charming way but Patrick heard the real context in his voice and saw the meaning in Sean's cold, no-nonsense eyes. "I want her to be really happy."
"I'll do my best, sir." Patrick swallowed. Most bridegrooms only had to worry about the bride's hulking brothers. Robin had no brothers. Instead she had an assortment of males, father figures and ex-flames, who were all trained to kill.
Robin continued with the introductions. "Honey, this is my aunt Tiffany Hill Donely. We watch her on the news all the time."
Unashamedly, Tiffany gave Patrick the up and down once over. "Hmm, my, my, you have good taste, Robin. He's scrumptious. Ooh, and a doctor." She hugged Patrick then said quite seriously. "You better treat her right, Patrick, or I'll want to know why not."
"Yes, ma'am." Robin's male relatives may intimidate him but her female relatives and friends terrified him. He didn't stand a chance against Anna, Monica, Bobbie and now Tiffany. They wouldn't kill him. They would take turns stomping on his sorry carcass then they'd make his life truly hellish forever. Unconsciously, he brought Emma a little closer to him. His little girl would protect him.
"And this pretty girl is their daughter Annabelle Scarlett or Belle." said Robin.
Belle didn't give him the same obvious review as her mother had but nonetheless Patrick felt he'd been dissected and found suitable. "Do you have a younger brother, Patrick?"
"Uh, yeah, Matt, half-brother. He's a doctor, too."
Robin warned. "Matt's a bit too old for you, Belle."
"I like to aim high." said Belle. "At some point, an age difference won't matter much. I mean Daddy's older than Mama."
"A lot older, sweetie," said Tiffany making funny noises at Emma. Patrick handed Emma to her. "You are simply darling. Yes, you are. Oooh, she's smiling."
"My dad is older than my mom." said Robin.
"Not by much!" Robert yelled from the sofa. "And your mother's never complained."
"Too late to complain. I'd already been swept off my feet." Sitting next to Robert, Anna gave him a quick kiss.
"Would you believe they've been like this for days?" said Mac to Sean.
"I can believe it. They've always run warm, hot or boiling over." said Sean. He sat down next to Anna. "Patrick seems a stand up guy."
"They really love each other. They've been through so much." said Anna gazing lovingly at Robin and Patrick.
"And you and Robert? Don't answer that. You're both glowing. That's answer enough."
Patrick looked at his watch. "Robin, we have last rounds."
"Right." Robin looked at Anna. "Mom, Patrick and I are leaving Emma with you and Dad. Remember, no more hostage crisis, bank robberies or other random street crime."
"We're staying put the rest of the day." assured Anna.
"The bank robbers gave up without a fight yesterday. And as for that purse snatcher, well, was I suppose to just stand there and let that thug get away with the purse?" added Robert. "Why rob from innocent people? Just get a job!"
"Dad, you chased him halfway down the docks, got the purse then tossed the guy into the river." Robin pointed out. "He's a Zaccaro man. You keep this up and they'll declare a blood feud on you."
"Your old man can take care of himself." said Robert. "As a precaution, I did get Emma a Kevlar-armored baby carrier. It's verified shock-proof, bulletproof and waterproof. Perfect for strolling on the docks."
"What do you know about blood feuds, Robin?" asked Anna looking at her only daughter thoughtfully. "How do you know he's owned by the Zaccharos? Is he a made man or just a little guy?"
"I hear things, Mom. He works for the Zaccaros. Odd jobs. Straight stuff."
"And he lifts things on the side? Upstanding guy." observed Robert. "You know the lingo real well, too, sweetheart."
Anna shot a quelling look at Robert and he subsided. "I've settled a few feuds in my time. If they declare one, fine. I'll speak to the capo and be done with it. Who's the local boss these days?"
"Sonny Corinthos."
"Corinthos? Mike's boy from Bensonhurst?"
Shocked Robin could only nod her head.
"Maybe I'll pay him a visit." said Anna. "We can talk about the old days."
"Not without me you're not," insisted Robert. "Who's Corinthos' enforcer? He has to have one."
"You were in the mob?" exclaimed Patrick.
"I wasn't IN the mob, Patrick. I just ran it for a little while." said Anna. She tossed the comment like she would a harmless feather instead of lobbing it like the grenade it was.
Mac called out. "Okay, that's it. No mob talk at Christmas. I'm going to make it a rule from now on."
"Sorry," said Anna contritely.
As Patrick helped Robin with her coat, he whispered. "Anna was a mob boss like Sonny. That I can't believe."
Robin laughed. She whispered back. "Honey, Mom and my stepdad Duke ran the Jerome organization. It was a lot bigger than Sonny's coffee empire. Mom can take on Claudia Zacarro with both hands tied behind her back and half asleep. And, before we came to Port Charles, Mom worked as a fence of fine art and jewelry in New York City."
"No freaking way!" Patrick said as they left.
"I dare you to ask her. Double dare you." shot back Robin.