Chapter 5

Windsong Resort, the Markham Islands

Robert quickly gathered up his things and prepared to leave the resort. He had made arrangements to leave the Islands on a small boat that would take him and Holly to Argentina, without needing to pass through customs. His contacts were working on procuring identification papers for Holly. Robert made a call to MRA headquarters to report that he was leaving the Markham Islands as quickly as possible due to the outbreak of violence. He also informed them that he would be taking a little time off before his next assignment. One of the best parts of Robert's latest job was that he worked freelance. He could take breaks when he needed. He worked quite a bit, but that was mainly to keep himself busy and his mind occupied.

Holly sat on the edge of the bed and watched Robert. Her thoughts were in turmoil. She wondered what had happened to the loving, effusive man she had been married to. She no longer saw much trace of that wonderful person, just a hard shell. For only the second time since she had known Robert, Holly wondered if she could really trust him. She still worried that he was planning to turn her back over to the authorities. She also worried that telling Robert what she knew would throw him and Robin into more danger. On the other hand, she did feel infinitely safer now that she was in his presence.

She thought back to another time, when she knew a different man:

"You're unreal."

"What do you mean?"

"What did I do to deserve such an understanding man as you?"

"I don't know, but don't give up on it now."

Holly continued to ponder what had caused Robert to change so much. Lost in thought, she didn't notice him calling her name.

"Holly?"

"Holly?"

"Holly!"

"Sorry, what did you say, Robot?" Realizing her slip, she blushed furiously.

Robert raised his eyebrows at her but didn't comment on her words. "Time to head out."

The boat trip from the Islands to the Argentinian mainland went by quickly, though it felt like an eternity for the boat's occupants. Robert and Holly kept their distance on the boat, both shaken by the turn of events and not clear what to make of the other's presence.

Robert sat on a corner of the deck, trying to decide what to do next. A large part of him was still steaming over Holly's involvement with the antidote and how close Robin had come to death. He needed someone to be punished for that. Another part of him wanted to lock himself with his former wife in a hotel room, and not come out for days. His old feelings for her were smoldering, and he was scared of how little it would take to spark an inferno. He looked in longingly toward the cabin. But he couldn't allow himself to feel that way, because when this was over, Holly was going back to jail.

The thing that both confused and concerned Robert about the whole situation was Crylium's involvement. He had no idea what to make of the Crylium men smashing up his rooms at the resort. He did believe Holly when she said that she wasn't involved in the virus manufacture. "Ah Holly," he said softly, "you and your husband got greedy and these bastards are taking advantage." He figured Crylium was out for revenge where the antidote ended up being used, without anyone footing the bill. Robert certainly didn't want to aggravate Holly's situation, and he was genuinely worried about what could happen to her in the hands of Crylium. He resolved that he would get to the bottom of this, and try to make sure that her sentence was lenient.

Holly sat inside the boat. She figured that for the time being, she was safer with Robert. However, she also knew that sooner or later, she was going to have to get away from him, lest she be sent back to prison. There was nothing she would like more than to tell Robert the truth about what was going on, and if only she had the old Robert to talk to, she wouldn't have the slightest hesitation that he would sort it out. Holly sighed and waited for the boat to dock.

Puerto Santa Cruz, Argentina

The boat docked silently, late at night. Robert thanked the captain and handed him some money. Holly was too tired to really wonder when Robert had learned Spanish. Not having slept well for the days she was in prison, she could barely keep her eyes open.

"Holly?" Robert asked quietly.

"Hmm?" Holly replied, equally quietly.

"There's a hotel booked for us here. It's not far. Can you make it?"

Holly nodded and yawned widely at the same time. "My kingdom for a bed," she said longingly.

Robert put a hand on Holly's back and guided her towards the hotel.

While Holly waited in the lobby, barely able to stay on her feet, Robert checked in at the front desk. He came over to her, key in hand. She reached out her hand and looked at Robert expectantly. Robert shook his head.

"One room only."

"One room?"

"Two beds. This way I can keep an eye on things."

"Whatever. I'm too tired to complain." Holly turned and headed off to the elevator, not waiting to see if Robert was following.