ROBERT & HOLLY SCORPIO: DESTINED FOR ETERNITY

CHAPTER 14

JUNE 1983

The following morning, Holly is hesitant as she forces herself to face Robert after the incident in the sauna. She was awake most of the night trying to analyze her feelings. All she knew was that she was as confused as ever. She was totally ashamed that she has put Robert through so much. And then yesterday, she practically begged him to make love to her. He was the one to stop things before it went too far. It scared her to admit the feelings she had for Robert. They overwhelmed her when she least expected it. Taking a deep breath, Holly decided to go downstairs and apologize to Robert. She had done nothing but turn his life upside down since they married.

But she had to talk with him, she had to tell him how confused and torn she was about her feelings. Maybe he could even help her understand. Robert had that special way of always making her see things in a different light.

Once downstairs, she finds Robert in the Communications Room having a conversation on the video phone with Captain Ramsey. It is obvious that a crisis of some kind is taking place. When Robert is finally free to talk, he explains the current problem.

"There is a hostage situation going on at General Hospital," He tells her. "Some lunatic has Monica Quartermaine, Bobbi Spencer, and Bryan Phillips held at gunpoint in the cafeteria. I have to get down there."

As he walks out of the room, Holly stops him. "Robert?"

He turns to look at her. "Yes?" He asks, definitely in a hurry.

Knowing he has a job to do and doesn't have time to help her analyze her feelings at the moment, Holly says, "Please, be careful."

He comes back and gives her a gentle kiss on the cheek. "Always," He whispers. He looks into her eyes for a brief intense moment, searching her eyes closely, looking as if he wants to say something more. But he quickly turns away and heads upstairs to dress.

The hours seem to crawl by as the situation intensifies for the hostages. Brian Phillips is shot by the gunman, Vincent Larrick. Thankfully, Robert is able to convince him to let Brian out of the cafeteria for medical care. Larrick still insists that he will kill Monica, who operated on his wife that had died on the table, and Bobbi, who was the head nurse in the OR room. Robert does his best trying to keep Larrick calm, hoping to gain some time to form a plan.

Holly had been keeping informed of the situation through the news by radio and television. She had wanted to go to General, but Robert had called her and asked her to stay at home. He felt better knowing she was out of harms way.

Eventually Robert decides to enter the cafeteria unarmed, hoping to talk some sense into Larrick. Once Holly hears this news, she rushes to the hospital. Even with the support of others, Holly is a nervous wreck. She paces the corridors of the hospital, trying her best not to be scared for Robert. She keeps telling herself that he knows what he is doing, he will be fine. When Luke Spencer hears that his sister is being held hostage, he rushes to the hospital. He informs Holly that he is going to get them all out of that cafeteria. Knowing how Luke can get out of control so easily, Holly asks him to not risk the lifes of Robert and the others.

"I'm going to save them, English," He tells her in no uncertain terms.

Holly's eyes widen in alarm. "What are you going to do, Luke?"

"I'm getting my sister out of there," He declares as he walks off.

Holly has a bad feeling about all of this. She feels a disaster is on the verge of happening and prays to God to keep Robert, and everyone else, safe. As she nervously paces the floor, Luke and Bobbi's aunt, Ruby Anderson, comes over to keep her company.

"They will all be just fine," Ruby tries to convince Holly. "I know they will."

Holly tries to be positive. "Yes. Atleast Robert is in there with them. He will find a way to end this, I'm sure."

Ruby looks at Holly closely, watching her wring her hands and pace the floor. "You really do love Robert," Ruby says with sudden insight.

Not answering, and unable to look Ruby in the eye, Holly just looks down at the floor. Ruby goes to Holly and puts her arms around her. "He will be okay. He will." She wipes a tear from Holly' cheek. "Don't worry, now. Be strong."

Allowing herself to be folded into Ruby's embrace, Holly is shaking. "I am trying, Ruby. But I am scared. I don't want to lose Robert. I can't lose him."

Then, as if her worst fears were to come true, they hear a gunshot come from the cafeteria, followed by the screams of Monica and Bobbi. Holly and Ruby rush to the area where the police had been guarding the cafeteria door.

"What's happened?" Holly asks Captain Ramsey.

"I"m not sure. Larrick won't answer me."

Finally, Larrick's voice comes from behind the doors. "I will tell you what happened. I just shot your Police Commissioner!"