The next morning, Robert was awakened by the telephone ringing. "Hello? What?! Who? Anna? I'll be right there!" Twenty minutes later, he arrived at the 12th Street Bridge, bringing his car to a screeching halt. Bert ran up to him as he opened his car door. "What's the situation, Bert?" "An officer on patrol found her and called it in. He's been talking to her, trying to keep her calm. I thought you should be notified." "Thanks, Bert," as his eyes surveyed the scene. An officer was clearly attempting to keep a female from jumping off the side rail of the bridge. Moving slowly and cautiously, he could eventually determine that the would-be jumper was Anna. She was extremely upset and crying uncontrollably. She recognized him as he was approaching and became more agitated. Robert waved the officer back. "Thanks, Johnson, I'll take it from here." "Anna, talk to me. Why are you doing this?" "Stand back Robert. You're not going to stop me!" "Can you tell me why you are here?" Robert spoke calmly in measured tones. "You were right, Robert. I am an unfit parent. What kind of mother denies her own daughter?" "Anna, I was angry that night. I said things I shouldn't have. Can't we sit down and discuss this rationally?" he said, all the while inching closer to her. "No, Robert, you were right. But I do want you to know I DO love her, and you." she said in a wistful voice. "I know you do, otherwise you wouldn't have gone to great lengths to protect her." He chose to ignore the rest of her statement. "Why didn't you try to find me when you found out you were pregnant?" "You despised me. You walked away from me in that hospital room with a look of loathing and contempt on your face. Would you have believed me then any more than you do now?" "I loved you, Anna. I couldn't fathom you throwing our love away for the DVX. I was devastated. Surely you could have tried to contact me before now?" "I did think about it, but I knew your feelings on family life and the WSB. We talked about resigning after that last case, but we know how that turned out. When I read that you had resigned and was living in Port Charles, I thought I might try for another chance with you. It wasn't until you came to New York with Holly, that I discovered you had married, and moved on with your life. I couldn't accept that. That's why I tried to frame Holly. I thought I might get a second chance with you if she wasn't in the picture. I was wrong." Suddenly, she realized the Robert was close enough to reach her and pull her down off the parapet. She quickly backed away, out of reach of his grasp. "I said, NO, Robert! You're not going to change my mind! She IS your daughter, Robert. All I ask is that when she is old enough to understand, that you tell her I loved her enough to save her from the life she has been forced to live." With that, Anna turned and stepped off the edge. Robert watched in horror, and as if in slow motion, reached to grab her, but only caught air. He watched as she hit the water without bracing for impact. The divers standing by immediately dove in the water to rescue her but she had disappeared, apparently pulled under by the current. Robert stood and watched their efforts for a few minutes. He knew her training in the WSB (and probably the DVX, as well) would make her a strong swimmer. She had demonstrated that strength and stamina when they escaped the DVX, and swam to the beach near the Italian village where they were wed. He watched for any sign up and down the river for about half an hour (it seemed longer), watching for signs that she had swum away from her rescuers, but could see none. As he turned to return to his car, Bert ran up. "I'm sorry, Robert," he said. "There was nothing else we could do, Bert. Stay here while they continue the search." "Where will you be?" "I'm going to her hotel room to see if she left any clue as to her real intentions. Have a forensics team meet me there."
Ten minutes later, he entered her hotel room, followed by the forensics team. He ordered them to dust for prints first. Then he saw a letter on the table in the middle of the room, addressed to him, and motioned one of them to start with it. After the prints were lifted, the officer handed it to Robert, who opened it.
"My Dearest Robert," it started:
Since you are reading this, you must know by now I am gone. Rest assured this is not a trick. I will not reappear to upset your life somewhere in your future. As you know, you were the first man I chose to give my love to. But know this: you were also my last. One day I hope you accept what I told you about my reasons for going on that last mission for the DVX were true, and I pray you can forgive me. I also pray one day you will be reunited with Holly. You truly were meant for each other. I've watched how your eyes light up whenever she's around and how you sense her presence whenever she enters a room and you don't see. She truly is the best you'll ever have. I envy her that.
As for Robin, go to her, Robert. She's going to need you. You could provide her the safety, security, and love I could never claim. But I ask that when the time comes, when you think she's ready, tell her about me. Don't hold anything back. Tell her how she came out of a union of love, about the WSB and the DVX. I don't want her to have any illusions that I martyred myself for her, but that I loved her enough to give her the one thing she wanted most: a family. Be her family, Robert.
"My love always, Anna"
Robert finished reading the letter, tears in his eyes. He knew he had to go to New York to meet Robin, to see her for himself. He picked up a comb he was sure had been dusted, and pocketed it. He left the officers to complete their work and drove home to make calls and pack. If Robin was his daughter, he would bring her home.
Robert arrived home and went straight to the phone, dialing the airport for reservations on the next shuttle to New York. His next call was to the NYPD. "Manhattan, New York City, Precinct 15, how may I direct your call?" "Captain Shamus Patrick, please. Port Charles Police Commissioner Robert Scorpio." He waited a few seconds before he heard Captain Patrick's voice. "Captain, I'm heading to New York this afternoon. Could you assign a couple of officers to pick me up?... No this is a private investigation. I don't think they will actually be necessary, but I want to be prepared... Thank you, captain." His last call was to Monica Quartermaine. "Monica, this is Robert. Can I see you soon?... In half an hour, at your office?... Okay, see you then." He hung up and went upstairs to pack an overnight bag.
A half hour later, he walked into Monica's office. "What can I do for you?" she asked. I know you are the medical adviser for Boolan Pharmaceuticals, but, it's your advisory position in ELQ's genome testing research facility in New York I need your help with this time." "Yes, we are doing clinical trials on DNA testing, but the final results won't be in until next year. Why do you ask?" "I need a favor." "What kind of favor?" "It's of a personal nature, but I was wondering if I could have some DNA tests run for me?" "That's a highly unusual request." "Please? I understand they may not be 100% accurate, but it's very important to me." Something about the way he looked and the way he asked spoke to his sincerity. "Alright," Monica gave in. You'll need to contact Dr. Matthew Carswell. Here's his number. I owe you one anyway," she smiled. He stopped at a payphone in the hall and called Bert. "Any news?" "Not yet, but they are still searching." "Look, Bert, the reason I am calling is that I have to make a trip to New York." "What for?" "It's personal. Can you keep things running there? I should be back tomorrow." "Sure." "You're a pal, mate." Robert left the hospital, relieved that stickiest part of his plan was behind him. Now on to the encounter that's giving him the most anxiety... meeting Robin.
