Chapter 2
Surfland, Florida
Early Saturday morning, Laura walked out of her room at the cheap motel she had just checked into. She looked both ways down the street. She didn't know which way to go to start her search. Turning left she started to walk. The buildings in this section of town were really run down. It was a perfect hiding place. Jennifer would never think to look for her here. Or would she?
As she walked along, she had a strange feeling that someone was following her. She quickly stopped and looked behind her. There was no one in sight. She started walking again after deciding that she was just imagining things. She passed an alley and stopped again to decide which was to go.
Suddenly someone grabbed her from behind, placing their hand over her mouth. She was pulled into the alley. Her attacker turned her around so she was facing him. Her eyes grew wide as she recognized a face she had not seen for years.
"Laura? It is you, isn't it?" he said as he released his grip on her.
"Hutch! I am so happy to see you," said Laura as she gave him a hug. "What are you doing here?"
"Hiding from the police, as usual. I might ask you the same question. I never expected to see you here. How have you been? Where's Luke?"
"Oh, Hutch. Luke is in trouble. Frank Smith's daughter, Jennifer kidnapped him and is holding him somewhere here in Surfland," said Laura. She was talking quickly and her words were starting to run together. "I don't know where he is. What am I going to do?"
"Slow down. Tell me everything from the beginning."
"I don't have time. She may have already killed him or worse," cried Laura.
"What could be worse than killing him?"
"She could have forced him to marry her. She has tried that once before."
"Marry her? Well it wouldn't be valid, he is already married to you isn't he?
"No, not anymore, Hutch," said Laura sadly. "We are divorced."
"That is impossible; you two were so much in love. What happened?"
"I will explain that later, right now I have to find Luke."
"You still love him don't you? Otherwise, you wouldn't be here trying to rescue him," said Hutch.
"Yes, I still love him. We have worked out our problems and we are going to be remarried soon."
"That's good to hear. Look, tell me what you know about where Luke is. Maybe I can help you."
"Help me? Why? Won't you be putting yourself at risk of being caught?"
"Maybe, but I owe you and Luke a lot. You didn't have to help me that night in the Whitaker's barn after I tried to kill the two of you. I will never forget that. I value your friendship. So if there is anything I can do to help you, I will do it, no matter what the risks."
"Thanks Hutch," said Laura smiling at him.
"No need to thank me. It is the least I can do. No what do you know about Luke. Do you have any idea where Jennifer may be holding him?"
"I don't know much. All he said was that he could see a sign that had a large number 5 on it and he could see the ocean outside the window of Jennifer's hotel room."
"A sign with a 5 on it? I think I know where that sign is."
"You do!" yelled Laura with relief.
"Shhh! Keep your voice down. I think I know what building he is in, but how do we know which room?"
"I don't know. I never thought of that. I am sure she isn't listed in the phone book."
"No, I doubt that. Give me a moment to think."
Laura sat down on the curb, her face showed how worried she was. She wondered if Jennifer had already hurt Luke. She was glad to have Hutch's help, but she worried about the danger she was putting him in.
"Laura, would you be willing to do anything to help Luke?"
"Yes. Anything," said Laura.
"Even if it involved breaking the law?"
"I guess so. Why?"
Hutch saw the uncertainty in her face. "I have an idea, but it may turn out with us getting arrested. Are you willing to risk it?"
"Yes. I would do anything for Luke."
Hutch smiled at her. "Now that is the Laura that I remember. We will put our plan in motion tomorrow morning. I still have some details to think through."
Laura was uneasy. She wanted to go to Luke right away, but she knew that Hutch was right. It would be foolish to put the plan in motion without making sure that it would be foolproof.
"Ok," Laura said reluctantly. "I guess I can wait that long."
"Let's go to dinner tonight. I want to hear all about what has happened to you and Luke since the last time I saw you in Port Charles."
"I don't know Hutch," said Laura. " I don't think I could eat. I am too nervous."
"Well then, you should be starved. If I remember right, when you get nervous, your appetite increases," Hutch said with a laugh.
Laura had to smile. He was right.
"Ok, you got me. I just don't feel right going out to eat knowing that Luke could be in danger."
"Well I also want to discuss my plan with you. So are we on for dinner?"
"Ok. I guess we can do that. What time?"
"7:00 pm, at the fish place about two blocks from here."
"Ok. See you later Hutch, and thanks," said Laura with gratitude.
"See you later. Laura, don't worry, I am sure that Luke will be fine," said Hutch.
Laura watched as he walked away, before she turned around and walked back to her motel room.