Chapter 4

Patrick stood on the docks staring at Wyndamere, debating whether or not to go and see Robin. It wasn't like he knew what he was going to say – would he apologize for not recognizing the signs that she was in so much pain or be angry that once again she had shut him out? And how would he explain living with Sam?

"I told you to leave her alone for now." Patrick cringed as he heard Marcus walk up behind him. "She is spending time with her daughter and it would be nice if you didn't interrupt."

Patrick turned around and gave the man a sharp look. "I was just taking a walk - I know Robin needs some time alone with our daughter. Why aren't you with them?"

"Because, as you just said, she needs some time alone with her daughter. Unlike you, I am willing to give it to her." Marcus stared Patrick straight in the eyes. "Of course it's not really surprising, is it? After all, caring about what Robin needs has never been your strong suit."

Patrick balled his hand up into a fist, dangerously close to punching the man. "How dare you! You know nothing about Robin and I."

"I know more than you think." Marcus gave a little laugh and began circling Patrick. "I know that you cheated on her. I know that you were getting remarried less than two years after she 'died'. I know that you moved another woman into her bed only months after pledging your undying love for her." Marcus spat the words at him as he finished his circle and was facing Patrick again. "I know she deserves better than you."

Patrick shook his head at the man. "Robin left me…"

"She left you to save a man's life – a noble cause you might say. She didn't have a choice, you know that."

"But I didn't know that at the time." Patrick was trying to make excuses but even he wasn't believing them.

"I think deep down you did and that is what is killing you now – you knew and you ignored it. And because you ignored it, Robin paid the price. Do you know how much guilt she carries for Gabriel's death? That she still wakes up screaming from the shock treatments they did on her? That all she wanted was for you to care enough to find out what was really going on? You didn't but I did. I saved her from the hell she was living in and I will not let anyone destroy what I have created." Marcus's steely gaze surprised Patrick but not as much as the words he was saying.

"You talk about her like she is a project, not a person." Patrick was trying to not lose it completely on the man. "Robin is a wonderful, loving, kind and beautiful person. She deserves nothing but happiness."

"And I plan to give it to her." Marcus saw the launch pull up to the dock. "There's my ride. Let me make myself clear – for the time being we are limiting Robin's contact with everyone but Emma. Robin needs to slowly assimilate herself back into her life and I will do everything in my power to make sure that the transition goes smoothly. If you get in my way, you will regret it."

Having said his peace, Marcus got on the launch and headed back to Wyndamere.

Marcus crept into Robin's room and watched her as she slept next to her daughter. Robin started to twitch and he quickly grabbed the sedative he had placed in her dresser drawer and administered it. A few minutes later the twitching stopped and Robin settled into a peaceful sleep, her arms wrapped around her little girl. Marcus smiled and gently pushed a lock of hair behind her ear before leaving her alone for the night.

Marcus retired to his room and began reviewing the notes he had made. So far things were going almost exactly as planned with one exception – Dr. Drake. He had assumed that Patrick would have not cared about his ex-wife's return but that was not the case. Patrick may be a problem after all.

Patrick walked back into the house and was grateful to discover that Sam was already in bed. He walked over to the shelf and picked up the picture of Robin and Emma, taking it with him as he sat down on the couch.

He smiled as he looked at the picture. He thought about it for a moment and went over to a cabinet and pulled out a DVD he hadn't watched in years. He went back over to the TV and placed the DVD in the player.

Patrick sat back down on the couch and pushed play. A smile slowly came across his face as he watched Robin and him celebrate Emma's 3rd birthday for her after she had fallen asleep.

Sam heard Patrick come in the house and waited for him to come to bed. She heard the TV come on but she couldn't hear what he was watching. "Well, if you won't come to me then I'll go to you."

She climbed out of bed and headed into the living room. Sam was headed towards the couch when she heard Robin's voice come through the TV. "Happy Birthday baby."

Sam took a look at the screen and, seeing Robin's face, retreated back to the bedroom alone.