Chapter 19

Jason walked into Sonny's early the next day, "So I just had an interesting phone call from Robin," Sonny told Jason when he saw him.

"Oh really."

"Apparently we aren't the only ones that think there's more going on then it seems. Robert has requested to meet us, and he also feels we should not be seen talking. Robin gave me directions to a cottage just outside of the city limits. We have both been asked to meet with Robert, Anna, and Sean Donely."

"That is interesting, are we going?" Jason asked.

"I think we should, I have questions and they must as well. The three of them could be very helpful if they are willing to work with us to eliminate the threat against us. They want us to meet them at 2 this afternoon, Robert got released this morning."

"Do you know how badly he was injured?" Jason asked.

"Some bruised ribs was the worst of it, they kept him in an extra night just to make sure he didn't have any head trauma."

"He's very lucky, it looked like he could have really been hurt," Jason was impressed. "Did Robin say anything about why they want to talk to us?"

"Just that they have questions for us and that they believe we need to talk about a possible connection between the explosions at our businesses and what has been happening to them," Sonny told him. "Either they haven't told Robin what they want to talk about or she isn't comfortable talking about it on the phone."

"They're being very cautious, I think we should be too. We'll leave early and make sure we aren't followed out of town. I'm not taking any chances, I expect they won't be either."

...

"Anna can you please sit down. Robin said they are coming, she told them 2 o'clock so we have a little time before we should expect them," Sean told her. She was pacing around the cottage and had been since Robert went outside.

She stopped and looked at him, "Why did Robert have to be the one to check the perimeter?"

"He knows his way around out here better than either of us, he can do it quickly and be back here before Sonny and Jason get here."

"Yeah you're right I just don't like it." Then Anna started to pace again. Sean just shook his head, watching her.

Robert was just about back at the cottage when he heard a car approaching. He checked his watch there was still 20 minutes before he expected Sonny to arrive. He ducked into the trees and made his way toward the sound of the approaching vehicle.

Sonny and Jason pulled up and parked close to the cottage driveway but they didn't want to get too close yet. "Should I take a look around before we head up there?" Jason asked.

"What, do you think Robin would set us up, they requested this meeting. What do you think they're trying to pull?"

"I don't know, I'm just not sure what to expect," Jason admitted. "I'm just going to have a look around." Jason got out of the car and started to head toward the cottage.

Sonny just sat watching him, when he was out of sigh Sonny got out of the car as well. He was sure there was nothing to worry about out here. As soon as he was out of the car someone grabbed him from behind.

"Your boy seems a little jumpy, doesn't he trust us?"

Sonny knew who it was as soon as he's spoken, "Where'd you come from Scorpio?"

"I was making sure we were alone out here when I heard the car pull up. I wanted to make sure no one knows we're out here. Let's head up to the house." Robert and Sonny started walking, when they caught up with Jason he was confused about where Robert had come from. He didn't question it just joined them and they all walked to the cottage together. When they got to the door Robert gave two quick rings on the bell before going inside. "I would hate to get shot by either of the people inside," Robert told them then open the door.

Even though Robert had signaled it was him that was entering Sean and Anna still had their guns drawn when they entered. "I see you're overly cautious just like we are," Sonny said, he was impressed.

Anna put her gun away, "Can I offer you anything to drink before we get started talking?" Once they all had a drink Anna started. "Do you have any idea who's behind these explosions?"

"You don't waste time, do you? No, we have had no luck finding out anything," Sonny told her. "Do you?"

"No we don't," Robert told them. "I'm willing to tell you what we know, and what we suspect, but we want you to tell us what you know as well. You know I don't approve of your suspected profession but I feel we may have to come to an agreement. Understand we are not doing this to help you rebuild your businesses but to eliminate a common threat."

"We'll tell you what we know. I think you're right, we need to work together," Sonny agreed.

Robert accepted that Sonny was willing to hear them out. "We were interrogating Grant Putnam, the man that abducted Anna, when the second attack happened. He knew that it was another building that had been bombed as soon as we heard it. That was when we started to think there was a connection. He hadn't been taking his meds since he had been sprong from Ravinview so he was already becoming unstable. After the explosion, he said a building fell down then just started laughing and hasn't been of any use since." Sean handed a file to Jason. "That's a profile on Putnam, you should look it over so you can learn about what kind of person was being used against us."

Jason started flipping through it as soon as Sean handed it to him. After reading a little of it he looked up at Anna, "He'd kidnapped you before?"

"Yes, and I almost died trying to escape, and Robert has arrested him twice before. We aren't his favorite people. While we were talking to him he gave us a first name, Rodney, he said it was his contact here in Port Charles. We have no way of knowing if that was a real name though."

"So someone sent him, after you?" Sonny asked.

"That's what we believe yes," Anna confirmed. "Someone got him out of Ravinview then got him set up here in Port Charles."

"Why do you think this is connected to the explosions at my businesses?" Sonny asked.

"Jason, why were you watching that warehouse the other day?" Robert asked.

"I had received a call from someone saying they had information about the first two explosions."

Robert nodded then asked, "Don't you think it's odd that an explosion also happened there, do you believe that was a coincidence?"

"It could have been set up to take out the informant," Jason suggested.

"And I thought you were smarter than that," Robert said smugly. "I've been told you were watching the area, I believe you weren't the only one. That explosion was planted to take you out, but I was seen following who we believe was Rodney. His boss didn't want me to talk to him so they called him and sent him into that warehouse to eliminate him. They were probably hoping to take me out as well."

"Why do you think that was Rodney?" Sonny asked.

"We had seen that man before. While we were hiding out here Robin saw him a few times watching her. The first night we were out we ran into him and told him to leave our family alone. He made a phone call and was told to leave town. Then a short while ago Robin saw him again at Jake's, when we got there he took off out the back." Robert explained.

"That's where I'd seen him before," Jason realized. "I saw him at Jake's the night you were there with Robin and Patrick," Jason said to Sean. "He was watching the three of you so when you all left I made sure he couldn't follow you to quickly."

"Well thanks for that," Sean said. "We believe he was here before to look for Robert and Anna."

"Why would someone that wants to take over my territory, care about you two?"

"We have put a lot of people away from all kinds of backgrounds. Do you really think we've never put away mobsters before?" Anna asked.

"Someone interested in Port Charles finds out they can get revenge on you as well. Yeah, that could make sense." Sonny was starting to believe they had a point. "So what do you want from us?"

"We're getting nowhere finding leads on who this could be. Putnam is useless until his meds kick in again but even then he might not talk," Robert explained. "The man killed in the explosion could have been the lead we needed but I believe that's why he was killed. We are willing to share any information we get if you will do the same."

"We can do that," Sonny agreed. "I take it you don't want anyone to know we are working together."

"We believe it's better that way," Anna said.

"I'm sure you know that Anna and I are working with the PCPD right now but what we're doing together isn't part of that. The three of us are here asking to work with the two of you, not agents asking," Robert paused, "coffee importers."

Sonny smiled, "Yeah we can work together." They all agreed then shook hands and left the cottage.

...

Tiffany and Ann had been waiting for them to get back from the cottage and had ordered dinner for them, they had just finished eating when Mac called. They had an ID for the man killed in the latest explosion Sean and Anna both insisted on going with Robert to the station. Baker noticed the three of them walk in together, "Well now this is a treat, the gangs all here. Sean good to see you again."

"Good to see you too Baker," Sean said as he shook his hand.

"Mac called and said they identified the man I was tailing."

"Yeah they did the commissioner has the file in his office boss."

"Thanks, Frank." The three of them went to Mac's office knocked and walked in. "Hey, Mac what do you have for us?" Robert asked as they entered.

"We were finally able to get an ID, he was one Rodney Blake last known address Miami Flordia," Mac told them. "He was a small time crook, he had a few run-ins with the law, but nothing that major. We're working on trying to find out who he would have been working for now."

"That helps a little, at least now we have somewhere to start," Robert said.

"There's one more thing, there has been someone asking around about whether we've been able to ID him. So for now, we are not going to release this information. Hopefully, this guy will come around again, maybe get a make on him. He's most likely connected to all of this."

"That's good," Anna said. "Anything that helps solve this, I just want to go back to getting on with my life."

"I take it there's a picture of this Rodney in his file," Sean inquired.

"Yeah, I've got a few copied for all of you already. Sean, are you going to need to be deputized as well?" Mac asked.

"No, I still have WSB credentials."

"OK, do you guys need anything else before I go?" Mac asked.

"No this is good, thanks for everything Mac," Robert said then Mac left them alone in his office. Once they were alone, Robert turned to Sean, "The WSB does not touch this. They will not get involved and then believe that Anna or I owe them anything."

"I only keep the credentials to use their resources, but I will not use them on this," Sean assured him. "Are we taking this to Corinthos right away or are we going to see what we can come up with first?"

"I want to look into it first, tomorrow we can talk to them. This also gives them time to change their minds if they want," Robert stated.

"Let's get back to the house, I'm sure Tiffany is going to want to visit some before they have to leave, so if we're working we should at least be where they are," Anna suggested. They gathered the files Mac had given them then walked out of the office.

Ann had already gone to bed when they got back to the house but Tiffany was waiting for them. "All right you three, one of you just got out of the hospital and I think whatever Mac told you can wait until morning. I'm sure you aren't going to find anything they couldn't tonight anyway," Tiffany told them when they came in.

"I think you're right, and yes Robert needs to take it easy," Anna agreed, she looked at Robert, "I know your head is still hurting along with those ribs."

"I don't think there's any point in arguing old buddy they seem to be ganging up on us."

"Do I at least get a drink?" Robert asked.

"Not tonight," Anna took his hand and lead him to the couch. "Tonight we take a breather, do some visiting, then get started on this tomorrow. Tiffany do you and Ann have plans for tomorrow?"

"We're going to have lunch with Monica and Alan, after that, I think I might just show Ann around Port Charles."

...

"You're sure they still haven't identified Rodney?" Jonathan de Salva asked.

"Yeah, I mean I was down there just before the Scorpios and their friend got there, my guy hadn't heard anything about them coming up with his names. I don't know what kind of damage was done to his body but they aren't having an easy time figuring out who he was," Pauly told him.

"You're sure your guy knows whats going on?"

"Ya he's a cop, I paid a tidy sum and made it clear I wanted that information," Pauly assured him.

"What about Corinthos? What have he and Morgan been up to?" de Salva asked.

"They've been getting called into the police station a lot lately. I'm sure the cops have lots of questions for them. Yesterday just the two of them went somewhere, they made sure they weren't followed. I don't know if they were meeting an informant or what but Morgan sure seemed cautious when they first got in the car," Jim told them.

"Morgan may be thinking that explosion was for him, either way, that doesn't matter. I think as long as the cops are keeping them busy we have a little time to come up with a way to take Morgan out," Jonathan said. "One last thing do either of you know what's happening with Putnam?"

"I haven't heard anything lately boss sorry," Pauly told him.

"This was the day before yesterday but what I was told was he is being sedated, whenever he isn't he become very agitated and violent with the staff. If he continues like that hopefully we have nothing to worry about," Jim told him.

"Well, I hope that nut job keeps up this behavior then." Jonathan smiled it might take a little longer then he had originally wanted but everything is still moving in the right direction.

...

It was still very early when Robert woke up, "Why are you awake?" he asked, Anna was watching him sleep.

"I just can't sleep. I'm not even sure what's bothering me."

"Are you thinking about the case?"

"Actually no, I'm thinking about us," she told him.

"What about us?"

"Why is all of this happening? All I want is to have a life with you so why does it have to be so damned hard?"

"We are getting that life this time, we are. You and I both have to believe that." Robert sat up and turned to face her. "I am terrified that you are going to be taken away, that already happened but I found you. You're scared that this is all too good to last and something is going to take it all away. I could have been badly hurt or even killed by that explosion, but I wasn't. We now have somewhere to start looking for information on Rodney and who he worked for. Anna, we are going to get whoever is after us."

"We'll find them, you're right," Anna turned to face him as well. "I think I'm still a little freaked out by what happened is all. We have lost so much time together already, I just want you safe and with me." Anna took a deep breathe, "I think I was a big part of the reason your drinking got so bad and I'm sorry. If I had thought you were out there I would have gone looking for you."

"Anna, what makes you think that?"

"You said you drank to numb your pain, what would be more painful than finding out the woman you were doing everything for had moved on and married someone else? I've listened to everything you've told me, Robert, even if I had to piece it all together to fully understand."

Robert looked down, "When I found out you had gotten married I was devastated, and yes that was when my drinking started to get out of control. If I had an assignment I would reel it in some, get the job done then back to the bottle. I was so angry during that time, I was probably as mad at you then as you were when you found out I was alive. After some time I realized I had no right to be mad at you, all you had done was gotten healthy again and moved on with your life. That was when I knew you would never be mine again. If Spencer hadn't brought that virus here I would never have come back. I had accepted the fact I had lost my family, that Robert Scorpio was dead."

"So why are you so sure we aren't going to lose each other again?"

"You knew for a fact that you saw me die, just like I knew for a fact I would never be back in your life. Anna, we were both wrong. I am never leaving you no matter what happens."

"I'm not leaving you either."

"Good," he smiled at her, "now will you try to get some sleep?"

She smiled back at him, "As long as I get to cuddle in with you."

Robert laid back "You can always cuddle in, I love knowing you're right here with me." Once they were settled in again Robert watched her until Anna fell asleep then let himself go back to sleep.

...

"So what do we know about Rodney Blake?" Sean asked, the three of them were in Robert and Anna's home office.

"Besides what Mac told us last night, we have found out that he was definitely here before, that was when we all saw him. He has been seen meeting with a man named Pauly Munro down in Miami, who does have mob ties. So far I haven't been able to figure out who Munro works for though," Anna said.

"There are only a few minor crimes in Rodney's record, but in my opinion, it's things someone trying to get into a mob family would be asked to do to prove they aren't useless. Do we have any information on this Pauly Munro," Robert asked.

"Nothing so far, the police reports just lists mob activity but there isn't much more information I can get." Sean looked over the file he'd pulled up on the computer, "There is a picture," he said then printed it off.

"So Pauly Munro just became a person of interest for us. We need to find out where he is and who he's associated with. One small step at a time, when do we want to take this to Corinthos?" Robert asked.

"It should be soon, he might have some information to go with these names and photos, he may have even heard of them before," Sean offered.

"I want to tell Mac about Pauly Munro, he should be able to get more detailed information than we can. The PCPD should be on the lookout for him as well. We could see if there's anything new there, then we'll have to set up a meeting with Corinthos," Robert said as he started putting papers into a folder.

"We are going to have to come up with a way to contact each other, I'm not comfortable with using Robin as our go-between. I don't really like that they're friends, but I really hate having her involved in any of his shady dealing," Anna told them.

"Well I hope this isn't shady, but I agree completely we can't use Robin anymore," Robert agreed.

"Well, why don't we head down to headquarters, take care of a few things and with any luck we might be back here before Tiffany and Ann get back," Sean suggested.

"Robert do you need anything for pain before we go?"

"I'm OK Luv, my heads not that bad today, the ribs are more of a nuisance. I took something for the pain this morning I'll be fine while we're out," Robert told her. "Do we have everything?" They double checked then left the office.

When they got to the police station, Robert noticed Sonny was being taken into one of the interview rooms. "If one of us can get a moment with him alone do it," Robert said, Anna and Sean nodded their understanding. When they got to Mac's office they knocked and went in, "Hey Mac we've got a picture for you, he may be a person of interest," Robert told him.

"I'll take whatever you can give me at this point." They showed him the photo of Pauly Munro and told him the little bit of information they were able to find out him. "Mob activity what all does that mean?"

"We were hoping that would be something you could help with. So far we couldn't find a connection to anyone specific down in Miami," Sean told him.

"Is that where you think this is coming from?"

"Well that's where we are starting, Rodney was from there and now this Pauly Munro, it's better than nothing. If you think about it, if this is someone looking to expand their organization, getting territory further north would open up shipping routes for them," Sean said.

"It's looking more and more like this is all mob related," Anna added.

Robert reached out for a photo of Munro, "I'm gonna go talk to a few of the officers out there maybe someone has seen him around." He had actually grabbed two pictures if he had a chance one would be passed to Sonny. When he was out in the squad room he talked to few of the officers, none of them remembered seeing him around but would be keeping an eye out now. Robert made his way over to Baker's desk, "So how often do Lucky drag Corinthos in here, I keep seeing him here lately?"

"Since those explosions, it seems like he's in here every day. I don't know what he's hoping to get out of him, I get the feeling Corinthos doesn't know who's behind this. He doesn't seem as cocky about this as I've seen him in the past," Baker told him. "I think Lucky is trying to connect that explosion you were hurt in, to the other ones."

"Oh really, that's a good theory."

"You were already thinking that weren't you?" Robert just smiled at him, that was all the answer Baker needed.

"Spencer I keep telling you I have no idea who was behind them. If you insist on calling me in here every day I will have no choice to file harassment charges against you. You seem to be forgetting I'm the victim here." Sonny had just walked out of the interview room.

Baker walked over to Lucky to give him a little backup, "Mr. Corinthos we are trying to find the people responsible for these recent events at your businesses. Please be patient with us."

Robert took advantage of Baker leaving and walked out into the hallway that leads to the exit, he would stop Sonny on his way out. "You know Lucky is just trying to do his job," Robert said as Sonny came around the corner.

"Scorpio, do you get some weird pleasure of creeping up on me?"

"I have a couple names and a photo for you," Robert handed him one of the photos. "His name is Pauly Munro, out of Miami. He is suspected of mob activity there and had been seen meeting with the dead guy, one Rodney Blake. That's about all we have on either of them so far that's useful. If you need a photo of Rodney I'm sure we can get you one."

Sonny was a little surprise Scorpio was sharing this information with him so quickly. "You weren't kidding about this, were you. I actually thought you would only pass on information once you had tried to get as far as you could on your own."

"I will not live my life waiting for the next attempt on myself or Anna. We want whoever this is put away quickly. We said we would share our information with you and that's what we're going to do."

Sonny admired that Robert wasn't going to try to pull anything here, they both wanted the same outcome. "Thanks for this, I'll let you know what we come up with."

"We will not use Robin as the go-between anymore, but we will have to come up with a way to communicate with each other that goes unnoticed," Robert told him.

"I understand." Then Sonny turned and walked out of the police station.

Robert pulled out his phone and made a quick call, he nodded to a younger officer as he walked in. He didn't know him very well and just felt better if the officer just thought he was out there making a phone call. Mac had mentioned that someone had been asking around about whether Rodney had been identified, and he wouldn't even tell all of his men that they had. Robert wasn't going to take any chances either. Once he hung up he waited for Anna and Sean to come out.

"Do I want to know why you called to say you were out here waiting?" Anna asked when they saw him.

"I was able to talk to Sonny, I didn't want anyone to notice I had been out here with him. Come on we can talk more once we are alone," then the three of them left the station together.

...

"Scorpio gave you this?" Jason asked looking at the photo Sonny had just handed him.

"Yeah, apparently that is Pauly Munro. He got that to me when I was leaving the police station. They also got an ID for the man killed in that explosion, his name was Rodney Blake."

"Rodney, that was the name Putnam had given them. So who is this guy and how is he connected to Rodney?"

"Apparently they are both from Miami, the cops down there have seen them together while watching Munro, he is suspected of mob activities down there," Sonny explained. "I'm sure that Robert has already given Mac this same information, they were heading into his office when I got there. I do think we need to look into this guy, he could be the lead we need."

"Yeah, I can start looking into who this guy is, and who he works for. Does Robert think he's here in Port Charles?"

"I don't know, we didn't talk that long. I don't think he wanted anyone seeing us talking to each other, he has a way of just appearing out of nowhere. He also said we can not use Robin to set up any other meetings. We'll have to come up with other ways to contact them, I now believe they are on the up and up, about working together."

"Just because he gave you a photo and a couple names, he just wants this solved." Jason still didn't know if they should be trusting Scorpio.

"Yeah, he does want this solved. When I went to see Robin when he was in the hospital, I watched her and Anna at his bedside before they noticed me. Robin had told me so much about her parents and how happy they were just before they were taken away from her. What I saw that night and what Robert told me today proves their motivation is very simple, they want this all behind them so they can get on with their life."

Jason seemed to accept this, "I'll get to work on finding out who Pauly Munro is." Then he turned and left Sonny's.

...

"Is dad going to be back anytime soon? I came here to get to know your friends and all they are doing is working on this case," Ann said as she and Tiffany got back to Robert and Anna's.

"Hopefully they will be back soon, both Anna and Robert do want to get to know you better, but you have to understand that they are trying to find someone that wants to do them both harm."

"Yeah, I know that mom. What about Robin, do you think she'll come over to visit? I like when I get to spend time with her."

"Well I can call her, I'm sure she'd love to come over to see you," Tiffany opened the door, they were both surprised to hear the sound of laughter coming from inside. "Well, what do we have here?" Tiffany asked with a smile seeing the three of them all enjoying themselves.

"Good we hoped you two would be back soon. We are taking the rest of the day off to spend some time with you. So Ann what do you want to do tonight?" Sean asked.

"This, I want to hang out with all of you and hopefully Robin too," Ann said with a smile. Whenever she got to hear her dad's stories she just ate them up, always wanting to hear more. Now she will actually get to spend time with the three main stars of all those stories.

"Well you're in luck Robin and Patrick will be over a little later. Ann are we going out to eat or staying in?" Robert asked.

"You're letting me pick Uncle Robert? K, we are staying here, but I don't think anyone should actually have to cook?" Ann had informed Robert and Anna that she was going to call them aunt and uncle, that was how she had always thought of them. She had also told them that she had always thought of Robin as her cousin. She wouldn't admit it but she idealizes Robin. Robin had been through so much but she never gave up, she had even come to Ann's school earlier that year to talk to her class. Robin had talked about facing adversity in life and that no matter what you still had to go after your dreams. Ann wasn't sure if she wanted to be a spy or a doctor when she grew up, but she hadn't ruled out the possibility of being both.

"I agree none of us should cook," Anna said with a laugh.

"So what happened that you are taking tonight off?" Tiffany asked.

"Nothing really, we gave the information we found to two other parties that should have the resources needed to identify Munro so we'll give them time to work on that. So tonight we get to enjoy ourselves," Sean told her. "Besides I know you won't be here much longer so I want to spend some time with my girls before you leave."

"Dad, you know I would stay here, I don't have to go home," Ann offered.

"Yeah you do, I won't have you missing too much school. You've seen how busy we get, you would be very bored here anyway."

"No, I wouldn't I'd get to see you all work and Robin's here I could hang out with her."

"I'll tell you what, we will come and spend your entire Christmas break here," Sean told her hoping she would be happy with that.

Ann got up and shook her dad's hand, "Deal, and dad you know I'm going to hold you to that."

"I know, so Anna do you mind having company for Christmas?" Sean asked.

She looked over at Robert who smiled, "I can't think of anything better," she told him with a smile

Since she was up Ann went over and looked at the only photo on the mantel. "Aunt Anna why isn't there more pictures of the two of you?"

"Well, Robin brought that one over for us a while ago. I have a box of photos but I haven't looked at it in a while. I don't know what happened to most of our things. I guess we should get a few current ones as well."

Then the doorbell rang Ann let out a squeal of excitement, "Robin's here," and she ran to answer the door.

"I don't know if you've noticed this but our little girl absolutely loves your daughter," Sean told Robert.

"I was getting that impression," he said with a grin.

Ann dragged Robin into the living room, talking to her at a mile a minute. Robin had a wide grin on her face, Patrick came in after them, with a slightly confused look on his. Anna came over to him and put her hand on his arm. "I don't think you'll be getting her back anytime soon, Ann seems to worship Robin just a little."

"So that was a squeal we heard," then he smiled. "I don't blame her Robin is an amazing woman."

"Oh my goodness Robin when you called shortly after your last visit to say your dad was alive mom freaked she couldn't believe it, but then she looked at dad. Oh he knew, I don't know for how long but he knew and mom lost it. I have never heard her yell like that before, and some of the things she called him, wow. But I don't care, it is so cool that both your parents are alive, and now they are living together and back here in Port Charles where you are, it's perfect."

"Ann, slow down," Robin smiled at her. "I guess you were holding this all in the other day at the hospital."

"Yeah, I was a pretty freaked out by the fact Uncle Robert was in the hospital," Ann admitted. "The last few days all they've done is work, but when mom and I got back and they said tonight we got to visit and you were coming over, I got really excited. I told them they can't cook but we are staying in, so where's a good place to get take out?"

"Well we'll have to see what everyone feels like but I have a few ideas I'll suggest. What have you been up to?"

"Oh mom and I have met with their friends and she's shown me around we even went to the TV station she used to own, that was pretty cool." The two of them talked for a while longer, then Ann started asking questions about Robert.

"Why don't we just talk to him, he is right there," Robin told her with a smile. "Hey, dad someone wants to talk to you."

He came over and sat beside Ann, "I've been hoping to get a chance to talk to you," he told her with a smile. Ann started rifling questions off at him, and he answered each one. They covered where he had been, and why it took him so long to come home, to how he had met her parents and Anna. Robert gave her age appropriate answers. It was about an hour later when she seemed to have finally run out of questions. Robert looked up to see only Anna and Tiffany were still in the room with them.

"I hope you want Italian, we decided on that while you two talked," Tiffany told them.

"Where's Robin?" Ann asked.

"She's just in the kitchen, your dad and Patrick went out to get dinner," Tiffany told her then Ann got up and went to find her.

Anna came and sat down beside Robert, "You are amazing, all those questions and you just went along with it," then she kissed him.

"I'm not sure if that was an interview or an interrogation. Wow, when she got going I didn't think she was going to stop," he said with a smile. "I'm not sure but she may now know more about me then you do Tiff." Tiffany smiled she knew Ann could be very persistent when she wanted answers.

"She did the same thing to me the first time I met her," Anna told him.

"She didn't even give me a chance to ask her anything. Tiff, did you always call her Ann?"

"No, as a baby we started with Anna, then Sean started calling her Annie more and more, then when she was about 7 she told us if people were ever going to take her seriously she had to be Ann because Robin's mom was already Anna," she told them with a smile. "She's a lot like Robin was when she was little," Tiffany said proudly.

...

Jonathan de Salva was starting to get frustrated with the lack of news he was getting. Corinthos has been dragged into the police station almost every day since the first explosion, so was he getting anywhere in finding out who had hit him? Now that Pauly had killed Rodney how long would it take for the PD here to identify him and could they link Rodney back to him? The fact no one could answer these questions was starting to worry him. He turned when he heard someone enter the apartment. "Pauly what can you tell me today?"

"Nothing good I'm afraid."

"What does that mean?" there was concern in Jonathan's voice.

"I couldn't get anything out of my guy down at the police station, and he seemed jumpy as well. As soon as I approached him I knew something had happened to make him edgy. He wouldn't give me any information at all."

"Do you have any idea what might have happened to cause him to get spooked?"

"No, he wasn't talking, all he said was that it wasn't worth his job to help me out. Maybe someone started questioning why he was so interested in Rodney, I don't know. So far there's been nothing in the papers saying they've been able to ID him, maybe the explosion really messed him up."

"Yeah maybe, I just don't like this not knowing," de Salva agreed. "What has Morgan been up to?"

"I haven't seen him out anywhere since him and Corinthos went for that drive the other day. Corinthos is traveling with at least two bodyguards now," Pauly told him. "It's possible Morgan is worried that explosion was meant to take him out too, not just the informant he thought he was meeting."

"We can speculate all night that doesn't give me the answers I need. How the hell can I plan my next move when I don't know what Corinthos knows or the cops for that matter," de Salva yelled. "I can't risk making a mistake now that cost us everything. What about Scorpio and Devane?"

"I saw them leaving the police station earlier today, that friend of theirs was with them. After I tried to talk to my guy, I went by their house and they were all there, their kid and her boyfriend came over. I think they are happy that Putnam is out of their hair and are just visiting with friends."

"I hope you're right. The last thing I need is for them to get interested in what happened to Corinthos' Coffee." Jonathan started to pace, nothing Pauly had just told him had made him feel any better. "Where's Jim, I haven't seen him all day?"

"He had another meeting with the realtor about warehouse space today."

"Right." Jonathan had total forgotten about that, he needed to get some answers soon so he could relax and focus on the job they're here to do.

...

"Aunt Tiff when are you and Ann leaving?" Robin asked. They were all in the living room after finishing dinner.

"The day after tomorrow, that way Ann will be back in time for school on Monday."

"So I can go with you right," Ann asked excitedly.

"Yes as long as it's OK with your parents," Robin said with a smile. "I offered to take Ann to check out my research lab tomorrow."

"Please mom, Robin said she's not working and she doesn't mind spending the day with me."

"Yes, of course, you can," Tiffany agreed. "It's getting late though, so if you want to go you better get to bed." Ann happily said goodnight to everyone, then went up to bed.

"Thank you, Robin, I could tell she was getting tired of visiting my friends with me," Tiffany told her.

"I love spending time with her Aunt Tiff." Then Robin looked over at her parents, "Dad, have you been taking it easy? I was very happy when mom called to invite us over but I know the three of you are working on this investigation."

"I'm fine Robin, mostly all we're doing is making phone calls and searching for information on the internet. The worst that's happened is my ribs start hurting from sitting at my desk for too long," Robert assured her.

"Are you getting any leads?" she asked.

"Yes, and we have passed that information on to people that should be able to move forwards fasted with it then we can."

"You mean Sonny, this is all mob related isn't it?" Robin asked, the seriousness in her voice told them she wasn't going to stop asking until she got the answers she wanted.

Robert looked at Patrick, "Anything you hear here does not get repeated to anyone alright."

"Is this information dangerous for us to know?" he asked.

"No, it's just very early on in this investigation and we don't want any of this getting out," Anna told him. He nodded his understanding then Anna continued. "We believe that the same person is behind the attacks on Sonny's businesses and what's been happening to us."

"We still don't know who that is but we have gotten a few leads that eventually we could get something from but Sonny and Jason might be able to find that information faster. Since we all want to find out who is behind this we are sharing information to find out who they are. We suspect there are people here watching all of us so we can't be seen meeting with Corinthos and we want to make it seem like we aren't working on that case at all. We will not use you as a go-between and I have already told Sonny that," Robert assured her. "Until we get a name we have no way of knowing why we are being targeted and that's the most frustrating part of all of this."

"If there are people watching you won't they think it's odd that Uncle Sean stays here?"

"We are going to go and try to talk to Putnam again tomorrow hopefully he will be a little more helpful now, Sean is here helping us find out how and why Putnam got here. Whoever this is can't expect us to just be happy that he's no longer on the street," Anna explained. "If we can find out who got him out, we may be able to connect them to who went after Sonny as well."

"I still don't understand why someone that wants to take out Sonny also wants to hurt the two of you?"

"We don't either Robin, but we'll find out and stop them," Anna said, she hoped she sounded more confident then she felt.

"Hey we are not working on this tonight," Sean interrupted. "We took tonight off to get everyone's mind off of this remember."

"OK, no more questions tonight," Robin agreed with a smile.

Once the conversation was heading in a different direction Robert took Anna's hand and led her out of the living room, he had noticed the little wobble in her voice. He realized she was a lot more worried then she wanted to let on. Once they were in the kitchen he turned to her. "We're going to find whoever this is and stop them."

Anna leaned on the counter, "Then why do I feel like this is never going to end? Why should it be any different this time, we'll face one threat after another until we aren't together, till one or both of us are gone? Why did we think it would be any different?"

"Hey don't talk like that," Robert walked over to her and placed his hands on her arms. "Anna, why are you even thinking like this?"

"I don't know," Anna put her head down. "Maybe I do. My fear is getting the better of me again. Robert, I want this guy, whoever the hell they are. We have more than paid for any wrongdoing we may have done in our past, who else has lived for years in limbo, with nowhere to belong." Anna turned and started pacing, "This person, do you think they got ripped away from their family, did they lose their memory and then almost die from that same injury. No, of course, they haven't, this is some criminal that did something to deserve being put away for or their family member did. Now this coward is coming after us but has to send other people in to do their dirty work because they aren't brave enough to face us themselves." Anna stopped when she noticed the smile on Robert's face. "What are you smiling at Scorpio?"

"You. This is what we need. I want you driven and if you getting angry does that, then great. Any fear needs to be pushed out of your mind."

"Yeah, you're right. Why do I keep saying that?" she asked with a smile.

"Because I usually am." Robert walked over and wrapped his arms around her again.

"Oh is that what it is?" then they both laughed. "I love you so much."

He looked her in the eyes, "I do love you," then he kissed her. She pulled him closer a need growing in their kiss.

"Take it easy on those ribs." They stopped kissing and looked over to see Robin smiling at them. "It must be something about this kitchen. I was just wondering where you two had gotten to."

Still in Robert's arms, Anna said, "We just came in here to talk, but like you said it must be something about this room," she smiled at Robin. "I might have needed a little pep talk as well."

"Patrick and I were just about to leave so I wanted to make sure to say good night. Mom, you be gentle with him later, he's still recovering." After seeing the shocked look oh her mom's face Robin turned with a big grin on her face and started to walk out of the kitchen.

Robert was trying not to laugh, "I think that's payback for you bugging her about Patrick."

Anna smiled, "Yeah I guess so." Then they followed her out of the kitchen.

...

Sean was woken early by his phone ringing, he answered it still mostly asleep. "Donely."

"It's Corinthos, I know it's early but I have some information for you."

"Sonny? How did you get my number?"

"That doesn't matter, where should we meet?"

"The cottage, give us two hours. That gives us all time to make sure we aren't followed."

"Two hours," then the line went dead.

Sean started to get out of bed but Tiffany stopped him, "What did he want?"

"He has information for us. Don't worry go back to sleep."

"Are you sure about this?"

"Yes, we all want the same thing and he has sources we don't. We are going to get to the bottom of this." Sean kissed her then got out of bed. He grabbed his robe then went to wake up Robert and Anna.

An hour and a half later they were at the cottage. "Are you sure Kate would like that we are using this place to meet with the local mob boss," Sean asked with a grin.

"I may leave that part out next time I talk to her," Robert answered. Anna had insisted on doing the perimeter check this morning, and they had agreed knowing she needed to be doing something. They both heard the car pull up, "So do you think she'll sneak up on them?"

"Oh, of course, she will. We all get a kick out of doing it."

They waited for them guns drawn. When Anna gave the two ring signal they stood at the ready. Once the door opened and they saw it was indeed Anna Sonny and Jason they put away their guns. "I understand being precautious but is it really necessary to get the drop on us every time?" Sonny asked once they were inside.

"We aren't taking any chances, besides it's always a good idea to keep on top of your game," Sean told him, then he smiled over at Robert.

Jason noticed them smile at each other, "What's that look for?"

"Down boy, we heard you pull up and knew Anna would sneak up on you alright," Robert told him. "One of these time maybe you'll see us coming."

"Enough," Anna cut in, "Sonny you said you have some information for us."

"Yeah, I believe we know who Pauly Munro works for. Does the name Jonathan de Salve mean anything to you?"

They all looked at each other, none of them thought they knew that name. "No I don't think so," Sean said.

"Do we know if Munro is in Port Charles?" Jason asked.

"No, we haven't seen him but we wanted to get some information before we really started looking ourselves, the PD has his photo and there are a few of our guys keeping an eye out for him," Robert explained.

"What do you mean your guys?" Jason asked he still didn't like this arrangement.

"As in officers, we trust completely, that have worked for us. All three of us have been commissioner here," Robert told him. He saw the doubt on Jason's face. "Do you have a problem with us or this arrangement? We do have other ways to get this information, yeah it might take longer but we still could. I came to Sonny thinking he'd want this over sooner rather than later." Robert had walked right up to Jason.

"Back off Scorpio, I don't want to hurt you."

Anna was now right beside Robert now, "Are you threatening a man that just got out of the hospital?"

"Jason you'd better back off. You have no idea what they are capable of," Sean warned.

"Jason we're here to help each other. I told you they had given the same information to the police," Sonny said. Then he addressed the others again, "The information we have on de Salve, is he's based in Miami, he has some territory there. He had to rebuild his organization several years ago after an explosion killed some of his top men. Pauly Munro is his muscle, and Jim Conners is now his second in command."

"For some reason, I feel like should I know that name de Salva but Jonathan doesn't seem like the right first name, did he ever go by anything else?" Anna asked.

"No, as far as I know, he has always gone by Jonathan, never even Jon or Jonny," Sonny answered.

"What kind of explosion was it?" Sean asked.

"There was an explosion down in Columbia, that took out like 6 or 8 of his crew. The man he had built his business with was killed."

Robert started to get worried, "How long ago was this?"

"I think it was about 6 years ago," Sonny told him.

"This was in Columbia, what was the name of his partner?"

"Yeah, it was. I'm not sure what his name was, why?"

"I might have done it," Robert admitted. "I really need that name, but we can find that out though." Robert started to pace was this really happening because of an assignment he'd had? He ran his fingers through his hair then went over and leaned on the counter. This can't be happening, when will this de Salva stop, what will it cost him and Anna? "I don't think it was a WSB assignment. If I did it, it was for one of the other organizations that didn't care about collateral damage," he was talking to himself but loud enough everyone could hear him. Anna came over and stood beside him, she put her hand on his back. "This is my fault, Anna. He's coming after us because of something I had to do to keep you and Robin alive," he said bitterly. His anger was very obvious to all of them.

"Robert, look at me." After a moment he did, "We'll deal with this, it isn't your fault. Like you said you were forced to do it."

"I did it to save your lives, now they're in danger again because of me."

Sonny and Jason had been watching Robert closely, "What's he talking about," Sonny asked Sean quietly.

"There's a lot you don't know about what they went through while they were gone. Robert had to do things that went against everything he had ever worked for, all to keep Anna and Robin safe, even though he had been told he could never see them again. Just stay back here for a bit, for now, the only two people he'll listen to when he gets this angry are Anna and Robin, trust me," Sean said rubbing his jaw, as he remembered a night in Mexico shortly after he'd found him.

After about 10 minutes Robert and Anna came back over to the others. "Was there anything else you wanted to tell us?" Anna asked.

"No, I think that was about it, we talked to Sean a bit more about de Salva and Munro. I'll try to get that name for you. We'll have eyes down on the docks watching for Munro, if he's in town between all of us we'll find him," Sonny said.

Before they left Jason went over to Robert, "Hey sorry about before, I didn't understand why you wanted to work with us. I understand it now."

Robert had heard about everything that Jason had gone through, "A lot has changed since I knew you as a kid, I get defensive very quickly now, sorry about that."

...

"Why do I know that name de Salva?" Anna was pacing while Robert and Sean were working on the computers.

"What I've found on Jonathan de Salva is he is an entrepreneur in Miami, he owns three nightclubs, they are all very successful. He also owns a restaurant it's not as successful but does enough business to turn a profit," Robert told them. "There is nothing here about any type of mob activity, without Corinthos we would never have found him. Any luck with Jim Conners, Sean?"

"Nothing, he is listed as a partner in de Salva's restaurant. He's apparently a real estate agent. There's no criminal record for him either. Anna, can you please sit down." Sean had been watching her muter to herself while she paced the office.

"There is something we're missing, I know I should know that name. Sean did we ever have a case involving someone named de Salva?"

"Are you thinking you might have a past with him as well?"

"I don't know, but for some reason, I just feel like I should know that name."

Robert was still looking at the personal information on de Salva, "All I can find about his family is his wife Lisa. They've been married for almost 10 years, she appears to be the typical well-kept housewife. She doesn't work but is active with several charitable causes. There is nothing about any siblings or even his parents. Maybe we need to look into that."

"I'll start on that," Sean offered.

"Anna, come here, you said Jonathan didn't seem like the right first name so let's work on that." Anna sat on Robert's desk facing him. "You think that you may have had a case involving someone named de Salva?" Robert asked.

"Yes, I'm not really sure when but I think it must have been some time ago."

"Jonathan is 51 so if it was him he would have been young if it was in your early WSB days. Maybe an older sibling or his parents. That might be why he doesn't want anyone to know about his family," Robert suggested.

"That means he's gone through a lot of trouble to hide their identities. I think we need to look into some of my old cases. Maybe it was something I did, not you. Let me use your computer." Robert got up to let her get to work.

"Anyone need coffee while I'm up?"

"Yeah you might as well make another pot, I get the feeling we'll be here for a while," Sean said.

Ann was in the kitchen when Robert entered, she noticed he went straight to the coffee pot. "Another pot, that can't be a good sign. I take it me and mom are spending a lot of time alone tonight."

"Yeah, sorry about that sweety. We got some leads that we really need to follow." He started making coffee, "Oh how was your day with Robin?"

"It was great, I love that she gets to do all that research. I want to do that, but I want to use it to help solve crimes," She told him with a big smile. "If I was older and had my training I could be helping you find the information you need to solve this case. I don't think mom would want me out there taking risks putting myself in danger but I think this would keep her happy."

"You're right Tiffany would want you to do something safe. Robin was around your age when she wanted to become a spy or at least a police officer. Anna and I would have excepted her being a police officer but not a spy, but trust me we are both much happier she choose to go into medicine instead."

"Did you think it's too dangerous?" Ann asked.

"Well there can always be danger, no matter what you do, strange things happen every day," Robert said. "We didn't want her to become a spy because we wanted her to have a chance at a normal life."

"Oh," Ann had heard enough of her dad's stories to accept that explanation. "I'm gonna go tell mom we'll be on our own tonight."

Once he was alone Robert started trying to think of the names of some of the targets he's had. He remembered an assignment that had sent him down to Columbia, where he had planted an explosive in a building he believed was where people packaged cocaine for export. He thought there had been about 10 people killed in that explosion. Had that been de Salva's business and his partner? When the coffee was ready he took it back to the office, Robin was there. "Hi, honey what brings you here?"

"She wouldn't tell us till you got back here," Anna told him.

Robin closed the door behind him, "I know you told Sonny not to use me as a go-between, but he thought this was important and didn't want you to wait. He gave me a name for you dad, Fred Robson. I don't know what it means just that he said that was the name you wanted."

"Fred Robson, Robson." Robert thought about that name for a while. "Robson, he was a drug trafficker, when he died five members of his organization were killed with him, as well as four Columbian workers that were probably just there packaging the drugs."

Anna knew this had to have been one of Robert's assignments, "Was this the assignment you were thinking of earlier today."

"Yes," he leaned on his desk and hung his head.

Robin wasn't sure what they were talking about but she knew that it had something to do with what's been happening lately and that it was somehow connected to what Robert had done while he was gone. "Do I want to know what this is about?" she asked.

"We are getting closer to finding out who's behind all of this, and the reasons they are targeting us and Sonny," Anna told her.

"So this is all my fault," Robert said his head still down. "I've put you all in danger again."

Anna got up she went to Robert and turned him so he was facing her, Robin came and stood beside her. "You didn't do anything to put us in danger. When you did that you had to, you had no choice."

"Dad we're going to be fine, you, mom and Uncle Sean are going to stop this. Now you know why this is happening and who's behind it, they don't stand a chance against this team."

Robert took them both in his arms, "What would I do without you two?"

"Um, that might not be the only reason," Sean said from behind them. "Anna, you said you knew that name de Salva, does Ronald de Salva sound better?"

She turned to look at him, "Ronald de Salva, maybe that does sound better. Why, who is he?"

"He was a DVX agent in the 60's and 70's you apprehended him. It wasn't an actual assignment but he was a known DVX agent that the WSB was actively looking for and you were the one that found him," Sean explained.

Anna started trying to remember some of the details of what had happened and how she had found him and arrested him. "I just happened to find him, I wasn't expected to bring him in?"

"I'm trying to remember too, but I know you were never assigned to him."

"So who is Ronald de Salva to Jonathan?" Robert asked.

"I believe he's his father," Sean answered.

"You can't be serious. I killed his partner and Anna put away his father. How long was he in prison for?"

"It ended up being a life sentence, he died about six months before he was going to be released."

Robin was shocked, "So he wants Sonny's territory, and as a bonus, you two are here so he decided to go after you as well."

"That's what it looks like," Sean said, he was struggling with accepting all of this new information. "I don't know about any of you but I need something stronger the coffee, where's the bourbon?"

"It's in the living room, I think we could all use one," Robert said. They all left the office all with a look of disbelief on their faces, none of them could really believe what they had just learned. Robert went over and started pouring them all drinks. Without saying anything they started drinking, none of them had even noticed Tiffany and Ann were in the room.

Tiffany leaned towards Ann, "I don't know what happened but I don't like this, they all look like someone just died."

"Uncle Robert was fine when I was talking to him in the kitchen. When did Robin get here?"

"While you were in the kitchen," she told Ann. "Sean, is everything OK?"

At hearing her voice Sean turned realizing they were in the room with them. "Yeah, we know why this is all happening now."

"Then why do you all look like someone died?"

"I'll explain it later," Sean told her.

"Why can't you tell me now, are we all in danger or something?"

"No, nothing like that," Sean reassured her, "Anna and Robert are both being targeted but for different unconnected reasons."

"Do you want a drink as well, Tiff?" Robert offered.

"Yeah, I think I better have one at least." She took the drink Robert had already poured for her.

Anna was now sitting on the couch still trying to remember any details about Ronald de Salva. She hardly remembered his name how had she found him when other WSB agents couldn't? She started thinking about the different things Faison had gotten her to do while she worked as a double agent, was this somehow connected to that time then it hit her. "Robert, Sean come with me?" she got up and went back to the office and closed the door behind them. "Faison gave him to me. I wanted proof that I could trust him before I'd agree to work for him. I can't remember what de Salva had done, but Faison wanted him out of the DVX. He set him up, Faison told me where and when I could find him and made sure Ronald de Salva was there."

"Faison betrayed him?" Sean wanted to make sure that was what Anna had just told them.

"Yes, he knew the WSB wanted him. I think Faison actually wanted him dead but instead used him to gain my trust."

Robert was shaking his head, "That makes this even worse," he said in disbelief.

Sean and Anna both looked at him, "What do you mean?" Anna asked.

Then Robert started to laugh, but there was no humor in it. "I was given an assignment that I had to complete, I killed de Salva's business partner, not by choice but I still did it. Anna, you were the one that arrested his father, but only because his boss betrayed him. We are being targeted because of other peoples agendas, not because we were actually after either of those men."

"That's not funny Robert," Sean said seriously.

"No it's not at all," Robert agreed, "but at this point, I don't know what else to do. How fucked up is all of this?"

"Completly, Faison and the WSB strike again," Anna said dryly.

Sean looked at both his friends, could this really be happening to them again. "Do you two want another drink?"

Without looking at him Robert said, "Yeah we'll be out there in a minute." Sean turned and left without saying anything else, he understood they needed some time to process everything they had discovered this evening.

Once they were alone neither of them said anything for a few minutes. Robert had gone and sat in his chair, Anna stood looking out the window. Anna started to talk still looking outside, "How can this be happening? If we hadn't gotten back together we wouldn't have both stayed here. Now what, we're targets of convenience?"

Robert didn't answer, he knew they were rhetorical questions.

"Are we just kidding ourselves here Robert?" She finally turned to look at Robert.

"No Anna, we are finally doing what we should have done from the start." He got up and walked over to her. "We are telling each other everything, we are going to fight this together, no one is walking away, no one is giving up. Faison and the WSB not even Jonathan de Salva for that matter get to win this time."

"We are going to live in this house together for the rest of our lives."

"Now you're getting it."

They wrapped their arms around each other. "That's all I want, I just want to have a life with you. That when our friends come over it'll be to visit not to help us stop the latest threat. Why does it seem like that is such a huge thing to ask for?"

"Once we find de Salva and put him away, that is exactly what we'll do. We'll find some nice boring hobbies to pass our time," Robert teased.

"Oh no we are not going to get boring, neither of us knows how to do boring," Anna finally smiled. "We just need to not be in the line of fire every day."

Then there was a knock on the door and Robin poked her head in, "Hey is everything OK in here."

"Yeah we're good, come in sweety," Anna said stepping away from Robert. "We just needed time to talk about everything."

Robert walked up behind Anna and wrapped her in his arms again. "We know who we're looking for now, we know why he feels we've wronged him, and now we're going to bring him down. Once we have then we can go back to being over-involved in your life," Robert joked.

Robin smiled, "Oh good, something to look forward to," then they all laughed.