No Easy Path

Remote Mountain Location

May 11, 1992

10:47 am

This should be a peaceful location but like so many other mornings over the last several weeks, two women were arguing in the main dining hall of this remote holding facility. It was always the same argument and it always seemed to end in the same way.

"I don't understand why I am still here!"

"We can't take any chances. I've told you this."

"You keep saying that but Robert is out there. What is being done to protect him? To find him. Where is he?" she yelled.

"You know we can't tell you that," Agent Norris told Anna hoping she would calm down at least somewhat. Ronda Norris has been tasked with keeping Anna Scorpio hidden, keeping her safe. Doesn't sound like it should be a hard assignment. Except for the fact, Anna Scorpio is a trained WSB agent herself. She is also a woman that is desperate to protect her family. To find her husband and most of all make stop the man that is behind all of the threats currently against them all. Every day Anna would ask why she couldn't return to her life, why her family was told that both she and her husband Robert had been killed. Yes, the WSB had reassured Anna that her husband is in fact alive but that was all they could do. They couldn't tell her where Robert was because they didn't know. Full disclosure, they didn't know if he was still alive or not. The WSB also knew they might not be the only ones looking for him.

Robert Scorpio still believed there was a black box order out on both Anna and himself when the tanker exploded. He wasn't supposed to be there that night but his training had let him sneak on board while avoiding not only Faison's men but the WSB agents. The extraction team had gotten Anna out just before giving the signal to set off the charges. They had found where Faison had Anna locked up and she was off the boat when other WSB agents saw Robert confront Faison. They were still arguing when the first charges went off.

Both men had been knocked down, not expecting that first blast. The agents went after Faison but one had stopped and told Robert to get off the boat and that Anna had already been rescued then the agent went after Faison as well. After that, the WSB had been able to confirm that a man fitting Robert's description had been pulled from the water by some fishermen that came to help after they had seen the explosion and that he had been admitted at a local hospital. Then he walked out of that hospital even though he was suffering from injuries. Robert Scorpio hasn't been seen since. The WSB had made it very clear that Anna is not to be told the last part, all she needed to know was that Robert was presumed to be alive.

Anna looked around the room, they were in the dining hall of the compound Anna was being held at. It wasn't a prison but it might as well be. It was set up a little like a summer camp with cabins and bunkhouses with a few other assorted buildings. There were no fences, there wasn't really any need for them. Anna was allowed to go for walks and knew they were in a remote mountain location. There was no road in, only hiking paths that lead to and from the compound. The supplies were flown in by small floatplanes that would land on a small lake a short distance away.

Anna was also certain they were much more northern now than she had been when she had been Faison's prisoner. Anna knew of three other people that were being housed here. Unlike her, they were here for their safety. Two were waiting to give testimony in high-profile court cases and the third was a DVX agent that apparently says he wants to change sides. Anna didn't trust him and kept her distance at all times just in case he was somehow in contact with Faison.

Suddenly she turned back to Ronda, "Why can't I see my daughter?" Anna already knew what Ronda was going to say, she told her the same thing every day.

"We have to let people believe you are dead if we are going to capture Faison. If he thinks the WSB isn't looking for him, Faison might not be as careful as he would if he believes the WSB is actively looking for a wanted fugitive."

Yup, that was always the answer she got and Anna was tired of it. The WSB claims they are doing all of this for people's safety from Faison but Anna didn't fully believe that. There was more to it, to all of this. They told her she had been rescued but was she? It felt more like she was just moved to a different holding facility. Sure she had freedom here, but what good is that when you're so far up a mountain you can't leave unless they take you back down.

"Anna, I know you hate it here. I know you want to see your daughter. Please give us a little more time to make sure it's safe for you to do that."

"Right, because that's what you're doing." Then Anna turned and left, she was done with their conversation for today. It never changed so why keep having it over and over? She walked out and started heading back to her cabin then turned and started up one of the paths. She didn't want to have to talk to anyone else at the moment and there was a little place that so far no one had found her at where she could find a little peace.

After walking for about ten minutes Anna settled on a large rock under a tall pine tree. It was quiet, peaceful with a beautiful view. Anna liked coming here when she wanted to be alone. Anna thought she'd been here for about six weeks now. Before that, she had been on a large boat, where she was being held prisoner. She was never going to give Faison what he wanted so that meant Anna had been locked away on that damn boat. Her seasickness never got any better and that just made her time there that much worse. The day four men showed and freed her should have been a great day but instead, now she was just a prisoner somewhere else.

Robert is out there somewhere but Anna didn't believe the WSB knew where he was. Anna feared he had actually been injured that night, maybe the WSB knew where he was but because he had been injured they couldn't tell her what was happening because he might not make it. She had let herself think about that at first, for about three weeks she had let her mind go there. Now, she felt certain that if he had been injured he went on the run after being in the hospital, that is if he got treatment at all. What if he washed up somewhere and was lost and confused.

If the WSB isn't telling her where he is, that's most likely because they didn't know. There was something about all of this that didn't sit well with Anna. For now, she would have to bide her time, eventually, she would get out of here and go find him but Anna knew she couldn't rush this. Like any prison break, she has to have a plan and she would need time to gather the supplies she would need to get down this mountain.

Anna had been collecting food and water for a few weeks now. It was probably around her fourth week here that Anna realized that she was going to have to escape if she was going to be able to go find Robert. It had to be a little over two months now that she's been here. She couldn't risk taking too much too quickly and raising any suspicion so this had been a slow process. Anna knew it wouldn't be much longer before she'd make her break.

It was still rather cold at night so Anna wanted to wait just a little longer before she made a break for it. So far no one had missed the small amount of money she had been able to collect from the workers. She'd found the personal belonging of the employees a while back in a small room off the cookhouse. Anna only took what she didn't think they would notice. She would sneak in, look around for anything she could use, then get back out before anyone noticed. She had $83.85 now, it wasn't much but at least it was a little cash. Anna didn't even know where she was, the cash was all in American funds so she hoped that's where she was.

The days went by and Anna finished her preparations. She had even managed to get a bag she could sling over her shoulder to carry her limited supplies. Anna didn't know what she was heading into but wanted to be able to move through bushes if need be. The paths were going to help but she knew they could follow them just as easily as she could.

It was staying a little warmer overnight now as well so Anna wanted to leave soon. If she left in the middle of the night she could be quite a ways down the path before anyone in the compound was even up for the day. Anna had been watching them, watching the movement throughout the day. The people that were held here weren't a risk for fleeing, they were here for their protection so wanted to stay here. They are not going to expect Anna to make a run for it and hopefully, that means she will have a big headstart before they even realize she's gone.

It was three am when Anna quietly opened the door of her cabin. She looked up and smiled, this was what she had been waiting and hoping for. A beautiful full moon lit the night sky and offered a fair amount of light considering the time. With her bag over her shoulder, Anna stepped soundlessly into the night. After a quick look around Anna moved away from her cabin, she made her way to the tree line, hoping to stay out of sight in case someone was up in one of the other cabins. When Anna got to the path she felt would lead down the mountain she started to run. She knew this part of the path and with the moonlight, she wanted to move quickly. The further she could get before she was missed the better.

As the path became less familiar Anna slowed her pace some but still didn't stop. She kept moving, having changed paths twice, even backtracking a little to take a different path. Anna knew she had to keep getting lower. If the path levelled off or started to head back up the mountain she would change paths.

The sun was just starting to shine through the trees when Anna stopped for a break. She took out a granola bar, an orange and a bottle of water. As she ate she looked around, the trees were thicker here than they had been higher up. That could be a good thing if she had to hide but Anna was hoping she'd make it to some kind of road before much longer.

Anna didn't stop long before she started moving again. If she was right people were just starting to wake up. It could be another hour before she would be missed depending if they checked on her after she didn't show up for breakfast. If it was around eight now she's been on the move for about five hours and Anna knew it might be a little while before they figured out she is actually gone, not just on a walk. With that thought in her head, Anna started to jog down the path.

By nightfall, Anna had made it an area she felt was likely a recreational area. The path was now wider and there were a few trail signs she had passed, the names of the trails meant nothing to her but it did mean she was closer to inhabited areas. These are marked hiking or biking trails, even if these are the longer trails she knew she was now a lot closer to her goal than she had been that morning.

Anna was starting to get tired but wasn't ready to stop moving yet. It was about half an hour later that she came along a small warm-up shack. This must be here for winter activities, a place to warm up while enjoying nature. Anna sighed a breath of relief, shelter was a luxury she had not expected. Anna figured she's been on the move for close to fifteen hours and she was very tired. Anna knew she would have no problem falling asleep, knowing she wouldn't have to worry about the elements or wildlife while she slept put her mind at ease.

Anna slept soundly but didn't let herself oversleep. It was still dark when she had a pudding cup and a granola bar. She finished off another bottle of water, she still had three more so wasn't too worried but wasn't going to drink too much just in case. Anna pulled an apple out of her bag took a bite and stepped out of the shelter into the pre-dawn morning. The moon didn't offer as much light at this time of the morning but Anna was able to see the path well enough.

By now the WSB had to know she had escaped their compound. Did they know where she was, probably not but there could be people waiting where the different paths come out? With any luck she would come out somewhere they didn't expect but Anna knew she had to be much more careful today. People will be looking for her, people that will try to stop her, that might even take her back to where she was.

As the sun came up Anna noticed the first trial marker of the day. According to the marker, she had a 2.5-mile walk back to the start point. She didn't know if that meant a populated area or someplace hikers would drive to. Either way, Anna knew it wouldn't be much longer before she was off this bloody mountain and one step closer to being able to go find Robert. Yes, she will more than likely have to hide from the WSB but she could do that. Once she knew where she was, Anna could start planning what she did next. For right now she needed to keep moving while keeping an eye out for anyone looking for her.

It was about an hour later that Anna heard a vehicle. It was driving on gravel at a slow rate, then a short time later she heard voices when the vehicle stopped. It sounded like a couple of younger men, they were talking excitedly about their ride. After a few more minutes Anna noticed the trees were thinner ahead of her. This must be the parking area for these paths. Even if it's still more of a bush path than a road Anna knew she would start making good time as long as she wasn't spotted by the wrong people.

Anna moved into the trees and slowly started to make her way toward the voices. She wasn't too worried that they could be WSB but also knew she couldn't take any chances. Once she could see them through the trees Anna realized she had been right. Two twenty-something males were on mountain bikes and were heading off towards a different path than the one she had been on. Once they were out of sight she moved into the clearing. Quickly Anna looked for clues as to where she was. The plates on the truck were New York state, which made her happy then she saw the sign with all the trails marked on it. She's somewhere in the Adirondacks.

It had to still be rather early and since she didn't even know what day of the week it was Anna had no way of knowing if there were going to be more people showing up here. Was this a popular area? How long before the WSB was here looking to see if this was where she ended up?

Anna walked around the truck, "Oh thank you!" There, still in the bike rake was a mountain bike. Anna smiled as she realized the men hadn't bothered locking it again after taking the other bikes off. Quickly she had it down, the seat was a little high but not that bad. She got on and started pedalling, it might have been a while since she'd ridden a bike but this was going to get her down that road a lot faster.

It was clear this wasn't a well-travelled road and Anna hoped that meant this wasn't going to be the first place they looked. It wasn't long before Anna was going at a pretty good clip down the road. It seemed to have a steady downward pitch so she didn't have to peddle that hard to keep going quickly. So far there hadn't been any other vehicles on the road and she was grateful for that.

Maybe half an hour later, the road she was on came out onto a bit bigger road. It looked like it was more travelled, and after a couple more turns Anna smiled seeing a few buildings a little way down the road. She had made it back to civilization now she needed to figure out how to get away from here and back to Port Charles. She had to go there before she could go after Robert.

Anna knew she had to keep moving. It turned out one of the buildings was a little restaurant. It was just before eleven in the morning so she had ordered a light breakfast. After that, she put a thank you note on the bike and leaned it against the building, sure that the men would see it when they got down here. This might even be where they come to when they want to report it stolen. Across the road was a gas station with a small convenience store, Anna could pick up a few things then she better get moving. She can't stay here and risk being found.

Now that she was fed and had a few more supplies Anna was about to head to the road to start walking when she heard, "Hey sweetheart, are you alright?" It was a woman speaking so Anna took a chance and looked back. "Are you in trouble, sweety?"

"Um." There was a concerned look on the woman's face. Anna glanced down at herself, she couldn't deny she does look like she might be lost.

"Are you trying to get away from someone?" It was an older lady with a kind face speaking to her. "I don't mean to pry but I noticed you earlier at the cafe and just now while you were in there. You're watching your back like someone is following you. Did someone hurt you, honey? Is that why you want to get away?"

Anna realized what was actually happening, this lady believes she is an abused woman trying to get away from a bad situation. "I um, I need to get out of here. I want to get back to Port Charles but I'm not even sure where he brought me this time."

"Oh, hon. We are just outside Wilmington. How did you end up here?"

"When he'd get angry with me he would take me to remote places. I never knew if it would be the last time. If this was the time he didn't take me home eventually. I ran away while he was still sleeping." Anna started to cry, if this woman believes she is helping an abused woman she isn't going to talk to a lot of people about the woman or the situation. "Can you help me?"

"I can, I will. I'm actually on my way to Syracuse. It's not all the way to Port Charles but I'm sure we can go somewhere where you can get more help. We could get you on a bus, maybe get you home that way. Is that why you want to go to Port Charles, Sugar? Is that home?"

"I have family there. They can help me if I can get to them." Anna really was a little nervous and she desperately wanted to get away from here. Having this woman recognize that and be willing to help her was an incredible stroke of luck.

"Then that's what we are going to do. Come on, my car's right over here." Anna slowly followed the woman, she looked around to make sure no one was watching them. "Don't worry we'll be gone before he gets here. Do you have much money?"

Anna looked in her bag, "I have just over fifty dollars now. I bought some food and a few things I would need. I just knew I had to get away from him."

"You don't have to talk about any of that. I'm going to buy you a bus ticket and you should be back in Port Charles sometime tomorrow, maybe even tonight."

"Thank you so very much. I was so scared now I just want to get home." Anna didn't have to pretend, instead, she just let her emotions out. As long as, "I'm Beth, what's your name?"

"Angela."

As long as Angela believes she is helping her Anna doesn't think she is going to ask a lot of personal questions and that suited her just fine. "Thank you, Angela."

After they had been driving for a while Anna let herself relax a little more. She never fell asleep but she enjoyed sitting quietly watching the scenery go by, thankful Angela didn't seem to need to chat. It was just starting to get dark when they got to Syracuse and that suited Anna just fine.

Angela took her to the bus depot and bought her a ticket to Port Charles. "Are you sure there isn't anything else I can do for you?"

"You have done so much for me already. I need to make a phone call before I leave but I am so grateful for you and all your help. I wouldn't be this close to my family without you. You have given me so much more than you can ever know."

Angela moved her hair away from her eye to show Anna a terrible scar she hadn't noticed before. "Once upon a time someone helped me get out of a nasty situation as well. Helping you is the least I can do."

Anna gave her a hug then started to turn, "I need to make a call so someone will be there to pick me up. Thank you again, Angela." Then Anna turned and headed for the payphones. Two days ago she never dreamed she would be this close to being back in Port Charles. As Anna dialled she started speaking to herself. "Please be there. Please be back."

The line rang a couple of times then someone answered. "Hello"

"Oh thank god you're there. Hello."

"Anna?"

"Yes, it's me. I can't answer your questions right now. I'm about to get on a bus back to Port Charles. I need you to be there to pick me up so no one sees me. No one can know I'm alive or that I'm there. I'll explain it all when I see you. According to my ticket, the bus will get in at midnight. Can you meet me then?"

"You got it, chum. I'll be there."