A/N: First, thanks for the great reviews! They are truly appreciated so please keep them coming. It's hard to believe that on this date one year ago was the last time All My Children graced our televisions, computers and various other electronic devices. Personally, I still think it was huge mistake in cancelling it. Oh well, they obviously didn't ask me. This chapter picks up a day or two after where the last one left off. Hope you enjoy it!

/

"Okay, Bianca, you're going to have to explain this to me again. How in the hell did that man get out on bail?"

Bianca understood her sister's confusion and shook her head. She had informed Kendall and Greenlee about the Brennan's and everything Colleen had gone through. There was no way around it since the pair was present when Joanna asked how her sister was really holding up at the safe house. As soon as Joanna left, they asked what was going on with the woman's sister. While they sat at Marissa and Bianca's table at Krystal's, Bianca tried to answer their questions as best she could. She knew that Marissa would've done a much better job with the explanation. "I wish I understood, Kendall, but I don't. According to Marissa, there were several reasons. He didn't have any prior arrests and isn't considered a flight risk. Jesse isn't permitted to hold prisoners at the police station for an indefinite period of time. After so long, they're supposed to be transferred to the county jail, but there's overcrowding there. The most violent offenders are at the top of the list for who gets housed there."

"Don't tell me that son of a bitch isn't a violent offender, Bianca."

"Oh, you won't ever hear me say that, Greenlee. You didn't see what he did to Colleen. I'm just glad that Marissa had the foresight to have Colleen and Will moved to a safe house after his arrest. We know they're safe at least."

"Red's always thinking. She can't be happy about this. Where is she by the way?"

"She had to take a deposition for a case. Saying she's not happy is an understatement, Kendall. Well, let me rephrase that. She was okay at first. She wasn't happy, but she took it in stride. We were actually here having lunch when she got the call from Jesse letting her know that Robert Brennan had been released on bail. Needless to say, neither of us could eat lunch that day. We discussed the best way to break the news to Colleen. We decided that I would go to the safe house and tell her in person while Marissa made sure the order of protection was firmly in place. She also wanted to know what happened at his bail hearing. Something just wasn't setting right with her regarding it. I didn't see her until later when she stopped by my office. She was absolutely furious. I think I've only ever seen her that mad once before and that was when JR tried to take AJ and leave the country."

Kendall nodded. "I remember that all too well. What was it that got her so mad this time?"

"She found out the main reason he was released on bail was that the assistant D.A. assigned to the case completely bungled it."

"Who handled it or didn't handle it as the case may be, Bianca?" Greenlee asked.

"Pete Taylor is the jackass that's supposed to be in charge of the case for the D.A.'s office. That is Marissa's qualified opinion of him, and I couldn't agree with her more."

"Why is that name familiar?"

"He's the A.D.A. that was originally assigned to Sam's case, Greenlee."

The name finally clicked for Kendall. "Oh, I remember him. He's the one who expected Marissa to simply fold and hand him everything without anything in return. Isn't his dad some bigwig in the party and friends with the governor?"

"Yes, he is, and Marissa can't stand him. If he'd had his way, Sam would probably be back with that other foster family going through who knows what kind of living hell instead of starting over in a loving home with the Walkers. Actually, the D.A. can't stand him either and shares Marissa's opinion. Mike would love to get rid of him but doesn't have quite enough evidence to fire him. His being a jackass isn't enough of a reason."

"What'd he do to bungle this case, Binx?"

"According to Marissa, it's more a matter of what didn't he do. She spoke with a clerk at the courthouse and got the scoop from her. He was late for the bail hearing and completely unprepared. He smelled and looked like he just got in from an all-night bender. He was supposed to file some paperwork regarding the motion the day before when they received notice of the hearing but didn't. He forgot the pictures and hospital report detailing Colleen's injuries so they couldn't be used to show how violent Robert really is. The judge's hands were tied, and he had no other choice but to grant bail. He did set it as high as he possibly could. According to the clerk, the judge read him the riot act for being unprepared and unprofessional. Mike was fit to be tied when he found out what happened."

"I thought you said Brennan was unemployed. How'd he even post bail?"

"His mother posted it for him. She didn't believe her son could be capable of doing any of the things he was charged with so she posted it. The clerk heard something about her home being put up as collateral for the bond. She also overheard the woman mention something about maybe trying for custody of Will."

"Please don't tell me there's a chance of that happening!"

"Not if Marissa has anything to say about it, Greenlee. You see, Robert is going to be staying with her, and there's still an order of protection in place for both Colleen and Will. Robert won't be able to stay there as long as that order is active, and Marissa has no intention of letting that order lapse. My amazing partner has a few other tricks up her sleeve to keep Will with Colleen and to keep them safe."

Two police officers nodded at the three women as they passed them to sit at the table beside the three.

"I tell you, Hank, I think that was a first for that law firm."

"I think you're right, Gill. I've responded to disturbances at a few other lesser known firms, but this was the first time I've responded to one at TSMC."

Bianca's ears perked up hearing the police officers' conversation and the mention of TSMC which was short for Thompson, Stevens, Montgomery and Cortlandt, Marissa's firm. Bianca turned to the officers. "Excuse me, but I couldn't help overhear your conversation. Did something happen at TSMC? I know a few of the lawyers there."

"There was a minor disturbance there not too long ago. Witnesses told us that a lawyer was taking a deposition, and the guy being deposed lost it and started going off. I gotta say that lawyer is one tough lady. He trapped her, a paralegal and a stenographer in a conference room. The jerk's lawyer high tailed it out of there when things started going south. The jerk was threatening the other lawyer and kept demanding to know where his wife and son were, but she refused to give him anything."

Bianca's heart stopped. Her mind immediately raced to Marissa. The details she received were too much of a coincidence for it to not be her. Kendall grasped her sister's hand seeing the panicked look on her face, knowing instinctively what she was thinking.

Greenlee asked the question neither of the sisters could at that moment. "The lawyer involved, do you know her name?"

"I can't remember her name off the top of my head. She's a redhead. I've seen her around the station and courthouse before. What's her name, Hank?"

The other officer thought for a moment before releasing the information. "Tasker, Marissa Tasker."

"Was, was she hurt?" Bianca swallowed hard and held her breath.

"No, she wasn't. Not that I recall at least. She seemed fine when we saw her. The firm's security got there before things got too out of hand."

"What about the guy? Did you arrest him? Is he in jail?" Kendall asked, still holding her sister's hand tightly.

"Unfortunately, no. He got away before we got there. We've got an APB out on him. Chief Hubbard is handling this personally since he's friends with Ms. Tasker."

"See, Binx. Marissa is fine, and you know Jesse won't rest until he finds Brennan and locks him back up."

"Oh wow, you know her? Your friend is right, ma'am. Chief Hubbard was fit to be tied and has everyone on patrol looking for him. We're heading back out after we grab a quick bite. We'll find the guy, ma'am. You should know that the district attorney was hopping mad about this too. With those two on the case, he doesn't stand a chance."

Kendall nodded. "Thank you."

Bianca started to get up.

"Where do you think you're going, Bianca?"

"I have to get to Marissa's office. I have to make sure she's okay and don't say I should call or text her. It's not the same, and you know it. I need to see her to see for myself."

Oh crap. The lawyer mentioned something to the chief about wanting to tell someone named Bianca what happened before she heard it from anyone else. She was afraid of what her reaction would be. I think they're more than friends. "Ma'am, she's not down there. She was going over to the station to give a statement and to file charges. She had a few choice names for that jerk when she was talking to the chief. He didn't even have to ask if she wanted to file charges. That was one of the first things out of her mouth. I tell ya, I wouldn't want her mad at me. She's a fighter."

"You're Bianca? Ms. Tasker was telling the chief she needed to call you. Someone she called 'Jack' said he'd call you for her. He may not have had a chance yet since they were trying to get a handle on things. My partner's right, ma'am. She wasn't hurt."

Bianca nodded to the officers. "Thank you." She turned to her sister. "I'm going to the police station."

"Binx …" Kendall stopped. She saw the look on her sister's face telling her this wasn't up for debate.

Just then, Bianca's cellphone alerted her to a text. She released a huge sigh of relief when she saw it was Marissa.

"Hey. Where are you right now?"

"At Krystal's. Are you alright?"

"I guess you heard what happened?"

"Yeah. Are you alright?"

"I'm fine."

"You're not hurt?"

"Not a scratch on me."

"You swear?"

"I swear I'm okay, B. I'll tell you everything that happened. I promise."

"Where are you?"

"At the police station finishing up with Jesse."

"I'm on my way."

"No, I'm leaving in a few minutes. Meet me at home? Jack gave me the rest of the day off."

"Good. I'll meet you at home."

"You'll have to make sure the staff knows what happened. They need to be on alert. I'll tell Colleen though."

Bianca shook her head. She wasn't surprised at all that Marissa was thinking about Colleen and Will's safety. "I'll call the Center."

"Gotta go. Jesse's coming back. See you soon. Love you."

"Love you too."

"Judging from the relieved look on your face, I'm guessing that was Red."

Bianca smiled. "It was. She said she's okay and was finishing up at the police station. I'm going to go home and meet her there." As she was leaving the restaurant, her cellphone rang. She smiled when she saw who it was. "Hi, Uncle Jack. How are things at the firm?"

"So, you've heard about the incident today?"

"I have."

"From the tone of your voice, am I safe in assuming that you've spoken with Marissa and know that she's okay?"

"I just got a text from her, and yes, she told me that she's okay."

"I'm so sorry. I should have called you earlier. Things have been a little on the crazy side here. That's no excuse though. I should have called. I promised Marissa that I would. I'm sorry."

"It's okay, Uncle Jack. I know she's okay and that's what matters. She's finishing up with Jesse, and I'm on my way home to meet her there."

"Alright, I'll let you go then. I can tell you're anxious to see her. Drive safely."

"I will, Uncle Jack. Talk to you soon."

/

Bianca was anxiously waiting for Marissa to get home. She knew they would need some time alone to discuss what happened so after calling the Center and alerting her staff, she called Susan to see if she could pick up the kids from school and daycare for them. The brunette didn't want to take the chance of the kids overhearing this particular conversation. Once the kids got home, they really wouldn't have much time alone. She would have to wait until later that night after the three were in bed, but Bianca knew she wouldn't be able to wait that long. When she heard Marissa's car pull into the driveway, it took every ounce of strength she had not to bolt for the door. Instead, she slowly stood when she heard the key in the lock and walked towards the door.

Marissa opened the front door and her gaze instantly found Bianca's. The redhead set the alarm and dumped her purse and briefcase before quickly meeting Bianca halfway. The couple melted into each other's embrace for several minutes. Bianca pulled back slightly and kissed Marissa lovingly.

"Hey."

"Hey yourself."

"I can definitely get used to that kind of greeting every night." Marissa chuckled.

Bianca leaned in for another kiss. "I'll keep that in mind." She studied her partner for a moment. She just couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. "Now, are you sure you're okay? We've got plenty of time to talk. I called Susan, and she's picking up the kids."

Marissa smiled softly. She couldn't hide anything from Bianca. "Let's sit down." The couple walked into the family room towards the sofa. Marissa waited for the brunette to sit. "Please don't freak out. I didn't know about this until after I texted you."

"Okay, now I'm really worried. What did he do and why didn't you tell me earlier?"

Marissa spoke as she removed her suit jacket. "I didn't tell you earlier because I honestly didn't know. It looks worse than it is, and I swear I'm alright." When she removed her jacket, she revealed what was the beginnings of a large bruise on the upper portion of her left arm.

Bianca reached out gently to touch her lover's arm when Marissa sat next to her. "Oh my god, Rissa! He did that to you? How? I need to know what happened. How did you not know that you were hurt? Why didn't you tell me he was coming into the office today?"

Marissa calmly took Bianca's hand in her own. "Bianca, I need you to listen to me and to believe me. First, I really am okay. I know it looks bad, but it really doesn't hurt that much. I guess I didn't know because of adrenaline, because of everything that was going on. It wasn't until I had a chance to slow down, after we texted, that I noticed my arm was a little sore. I took my jacket off and saw the bruise. Jesse immediately got some pictures of it and documented it for evidence."

Bianca started to speak, but Marissa stopped her before she could say anything. "Let me start at the beginning. I told you earlier that I would tell you everything, and I will."

The brunette nodded, still gently stroking the ugly bruise on her lover's arm.

"I didn't tell you about his deposition because it was a last minute change. I received a call from the judge assigned to preside over the divorce hearing asking if we could move up the depositions. Because of the request coming so late, there wasn't time to arrange anything for Colleen's, and I simply refuse to risk her safety by throwing something together at the last minute. Her deposition will only take place after I'm able to plan her transportation and am assured that Robert is nowhere around. There's absolutely no way in hell that I'm bending on that order we have in place."

Bianca smiled softly. "Of course you're not. You wouldn't put them in jeopardy."

"Damn straight. He showed up with his lawyer, and things were going okay, nothing unusual happened. We were wrapping up his deposition when he started looking around and asking when Colleen was going to be there. I informed him that she would not be coming in today, and when she gave her deposition, he was not permitted to be present because of the protection order. He didn't like that answer and started to demand to talk to her, to see her, to know where she was. Things escalated pretty quickly when he realized that none of what he wanted or expected was going to happen. He started calling her a liar and a lot of other things I'm not going to repeat. Then, he started accusing me of putting things into her head and keeping him from her and his son. I told him I wasn't doing anything like that, but nothing I said was going to matter. He was too angry. It didn't help that his lawyer ducked out of the room when Robert started losing his temper. I could tell that the stenographer was getting nervous and so was Lisa. I'll be honest that I wasn't all that comfortable with the situation myself. The conference rooms all have a panic button underneath the table on the side that we always sit on. I pressed it."

"And that's what got security there. They weren't there fast enough though, were they? You still got hurt. How exactly did that happen?"

"He approached Lisa. He seemed to think she might give him some answers since he wasn't getting anything from me. I stepped in front of her and that's when he grabbed me to push me out of the way."

"Rissa …"

"It was Lisa, and I wasn't going to let him hurt her. Before anything else happened, security was there. Unfortunately, there was some confusion, and he got away. That's everything that happened."

"That's it? This is the only mark, the only thing he did?"

"That's it. I swear. You can do a full body inspection later to verify that if you want."

"Marissa, this isn't funny. You could've really been hurt, and I don't know what I'd do if that happened."

"I know it's not funny, and I'm really not trying to make light of this. If our roles were reversed, I don't think I would be nearly as calm as you. The fact of the matter is though that I'm alright. It's over."

Bianca shook her head. "No, it's not. It's not over as long as he's out there. I think you should consider some personal security."

"No, Bianca. I don't need my own security guard hovering around me."

Bianca was interrupted with their children arriving home. "We're not done with this conversation. We will be finishing this up later."

Marissa smiled. "Oh, I know."

Bianca whispered before Gabby ran over to join them. "After we're done talking, I might have to do that full body inspection if the offer is still available."

"It always will be."

/

"Marissa, wait up!"

"Hey, Brian. What's up?"

"Did you forget something?"

Marissa gave her friend a puzzled look. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"I'm supposed to be walking you to your car and making sure you get there safely. I'm the security compromise, remember?" Brian smiled.

The redhead sighed. Bianca and Marissa had reached a compromise. Since Robert Brennan knew where Marissa worked, the concern was that he might try and come after her there. In lieu of a personal security guard, the couple agreed to have one of the firm's security guards escort Marissa to her car. When Brian heard about this, he happily volunteered to take over the responsibility. "Sorry, Brian. I'm running a little late to meet up with Bianca and the kids. We're doing dinner out tonight."

"No problem. I don't want Bianca to think I'm slacking off though." Brian grinned.

Marissa laughed. "There's no chance in that happening."

The friends chatted as they walked to their cars. When they reached the redhead's, they stopped. "Marissa, I think you're going to be a little later than planned."

"Damn, you're right. How in the hell did I get a flat?"

"I don't know, but I'll help you change it. Don't even say it. I know you're perfectly capable of changing a tire, but I'm here and not taking 'no' for an answer. Consider it part of the services I'm providing. Besides, Stef would want me to help you out." He removed his jacket and held out his hand.

Marissa shook her head smiling as she dropped her car keys in her friend's hand. "Okay, I won't argue with you. Thank you. I better give Bianca a call and let her know I'll be a little later. Want me to call Stef for you?"

"Thanks, I'd appreciate it."

While Brian changed the tire, Marissa made the necessary calls to their other halves. As he was loading the damaged tire into her trunk, he took a moment to examine it. "Marissa, this tire almost looks like someone slashed it."

"Are you sure?" The redhead looked around.

"I'm pretty sure. I think you should let the police know about this."

"I guess you're right. I should. I promised Bianca that I wouldn't take any chances. I'll call Jesse later and let him know. Thanks for your help."

"Anytime. I'll see you tomorrow."

/

To say Bianca had been extremely concerned when Marissa told her about the flat tire after they had gotten home from dinner would be a huge understatement. While the redhead called Jesse, she called Zach to arrange security. After this latest incident, she wasn't going to take any chances, not when it came to Marissa's safety. She was adamant about extra protection for her partner, and there was no budging her on the matter this time. While she didn't like it, Marissa agreed to the added security seeing the determined look on Bianca's face and unable to fight her on the point. If the roles were reversed, she knew she would be doing the same exact thing, do whatever she could to ensure her lover's safety. The redhead did insist on the condition that it not interfere with her job. Zach assured her the guards protecting her would be discreet.

Jesse and Brot came over to their home and examined the tire. They agreed with Brian's assessment that it was slashed and took the damaged tire to be examined. They also checked Marissa's car around the wheel well for any fingerprints. If they were lucky, whoever damaged the tire might've left prints on either the car or the tire. The police were still looking for Robert Brennan. They had checked his mother's home along any of his familiar haunts with no sign of him.

The couple decided not to inform Colleen about this latest incident. She was already dealing with the heavy guilt of what had happened several days earlier at the law firm, and they didn't want to add to her burden. Besides, they weren't sure if her husband was responsible or not, and wouldn't know until the crime lab had a chance to examine the evidence.

/

Three days later, there was still no sign of Robert Brennan. His fingerprints were found on the tire and more charges were added to those already in place. The security guards Zach had recommended and Bianca had hired were discreet and very good. They trailed Marissa from home to the office, court or wherever she needed to go. Somehow, the couple was able to keep all of this from the kids. The last thing they wanted was to have their children worried or scared. They had been through too much in their young lives, and if they could avoid adding to it, they would.

"What time do you think you'll be home tonight, Rissa? Don't forget we're going out with Kendall and Greenlee."

"I won't be late, B. I don't have court. I'm just meeting with a few clients so I should be home at my normal time. I'm looking forward to our girls' night out." She glanced at the clock. "I need to go." Marissa kissed each child. "Love you guys and the three of you have a great day and learn lots of good things. I'll see you tonight." The redhead turned to Bianca and smiled. "Too bad we won't be able to meet for lunch."

"I know. I'm sorry, but it's a working lunch with a perspective donor."

Marissa grinned and gave the brunette a quick kiss. "Well, I know you'll convince them of how worthy the Center is and have no problem signing them up. I'll see you tonight. I love you."

"I love you too." Bianca smiled as she watched her lover head out.

/

Marissa waved to her security guard as she left the office for the day. "Hi, Ben."

"Good evening, Ms. Tasker. Where are we off to now?"

"I told you to call me Marissa. I'm heading home, but Bianca and I are going out tonight."

"Very good. We do have it down that the two of you are going out with Mrs. Slater and Mrs. Lavery. I'll follow you home and be ready for you to head back out."

Marissa nodded and got into her car. She waited for the guard's signal that he was ready before pulling out of the lot.

/

"Bianca, when's Mom coming home?"

"I got a text from her a few minutes ago. She was just leaving work, and depending on traffic, she should be home in about twenty minutes."

AJ smiled and took his seat at the kitchen table. "Good. I can't wait to show her how I did on my test."

"I know she'll be just as proud of you as I am."

Miranda entered the room followed by Gabby. "We're all washed up, Mom. I just saw Susan pulling up."

"Thank you, Mimo." Bianca greeted the kids' trusted babysitter at the front door. "The kids are in the kitchen starting on dinner." Just as she was closing the door, she heard someone calling her name.

"Kendall, Greenlee, you guys are early."

"Hey, Binx. We got sprung early and decided to get while the getting was good. I didn't see Red's car. She's not home yet?"

"Don't worry. She's on her way. She's looking forward to going out. We both are."

/

Marissa noticed a pickup truck had cut off Ben at the last stoplight and was now separating her from the guard. She wasn't able to make out who was driving the truck, but their actions had put on alert. Her instincts were telling her this was not just another driver. She continued to watch them in her rearview mirror. Ben tried to pass them, but the truck swerved and blocked the guard. She sped up a little and noticed they sped up as well. They were definitely following her. She had discussed with the guards what to do if something like this happened. She was to try and remain calm and avoid heading home at all costs. There was no way she was going to lead them to her home. There was no way in hell she would put Bianca and the kids in any danger by leading them to their front door. At the next light, she turned left instead of right and headed in the direction of the police station. With luck, she could get there and to safety.

Her mind raced as to who could be following her. Marissa could only think of two people who would want to hurt her. One was still in prison. The other was still on the loose. She noticed the pickup was getting closer so she sped up some more. Suddenly, the truck bumped her car hard. She was able to maintain control and sped up to put space between them. Marissa glanced around keeping an eye on other traffic when the truck rammed into her a second time. Panic began to set in, but she was able to correct herself quickly before it slammed into her a third time. This time, she wasn't able to maintain control and spun out. She glanced around quickly to try and locate the pickup and Ben's car. The redhead hadn't seen the guard's car for a while.

Marissa started to turn the steering wheel, knowing she had to move and not remain where she was, when she looked to her right. She saw the truck headed straight for her. She hit the gas but was a fraction of a second too late. The pickup slammed into the passenger's side of her car. The force of the collision caused her head to smash into the driver's side window. The pain of the impact ripped through her, stunning her temporarily. She shook her head in an attempt to clear it. Before she knew what was happening, the truck plowed into her one final time. This time, the other driver floored the pickup and drove her forward and slamming Marissa's car into a huge oak tree, driver's side first.

The faces of Bianca, AJ, Miranda and Gabby, her family, flashed before her eyes. Swimming through her rapidly clouding brain was one thought. Bianca. Then, everything went black.

/

A/N: Yeah, I left it there. I guess I'm just a little bit evil. Please don't hate me. I've had this cliffhanger in mind for a while. It's purely coincidental that this chapter happens to fall on the anniversary of the last air date of AMC. Unlike those in charge of the show's fate at that time, however, I will not end this story here. I promise I won't leave you all hanging and wondering about our girls' fates. Like I said, I'm a little bit evil, but I'm not cruel. You will have to wait a few days though. See you back here soon.