Chapter 9

January 27, 2006

The phone on the kitchen wall trilled softly. Holly got up from the table and picked it up.

"Hello?"

"Holly, it's me. How are you?"

"Robert! I was wondering when you would call. How is the case going?" Holly leaned one foot against the wall.

"Not well. This disease is spreading faster than we can keep up with it. And you will not believe who I've just traced out of this village." Robert spoke quietly into his cell phone.

"Who?", questioned Holly.

"Luke, with a monkey in tow", replied Robert grumpily.

"Luke? What is he doing in the Markham Islands?"

"Damned if I know. But it means a trip to our old home." Robert could practically see Holly's face lighting up with excitement, "Don't even imagine it, luv. Did you hear what I said? This is a nasty, nasty virus. I do not want you anywhere near it. I could not forgive myself if you were to catch it"

"But Robert..."

"No buts. I want you to stay put and if I see you anywhere near Port Charles..." Robert's voice trailed off.

"Fine, Robert, you won't see me in Port Charles", Holly acquiesed. "You will take care of yourself, won't you? You do know that I worry about you?"

"You've always been a worrier, luv. Let's just hope that Luke is not carrying the virus and then things will be over quickly. If that's the case then no one will even have to know that I am in town."

"Oh Robert, I hope so. I can't wait for you to get home."

Robert's face softened listening to his beloved wife. The years of secret missions had hardened him, but Holly was usually able to cut right to his core. "Yeah, I'm due for a break soon. Listen, I've gotta go, my flight to New York is leaving."

"Robert, please be careful," Holly repeated. "I love you."

"I love you too, more than anything. I'll call you in a day or so."

"Good bye, darling".

Holly hung up the phone and walked over to her laptop. She saved the latest draft of the business plan for her art gallery, and started up her web browser. As quick as can be, she began checking prices on flights to Port Charles.

"Just in case..."

The End

Thanks to those of you who have made it through my first (and I should think last) fan fiction. I cannot say how much admiration I have developed for those of you who plot out 50 or so long chapters and carry it through. My little story demanded to be written, and now that it is, I'm going to sit back and return to reading.