Disclaimer….I do not own GH or any of the characters…..No copy write infringement intended…Entertainment purposes only….
Author's Note: I am very sorry about the recent delays in updating this story! Unfortunately I've had a really bad streak of luck recently. Our house burned down and since it was a total lost, it's taken awhile to get everything straightened back up in my personal life. Slowly but surely we are getting back to normal in our new house. I just hope that I can now get back on a routine and get this story completed for all you loyal readers!
Thank you so much for all of you that are still hanging in there with me! I appreciate all your support and encouragement! Getting the reviews and pm's requesting an update brightened my day once I got a new computer and logged on. This chapter's kinda short but I felt you all deserved an update as soon as I could get one posted. Enjoy!
Chapter Thirty-Five
After hours spent with her hyped up daughter exploring the unfamiliar surroundings Georgie eagerly flopped down on the sofa in the owner's suite of the hotel. Baylor possessed a never ending supply of energy and the day spent touring parts of the city had been fun but tiring. Kicking off her sandals, she released her hair from the loose ponytail and hummed in satisfaction of finally being off her aching feet.
"I can't believe the amount of energy she has," Milo commented after situating himself on the love seat.
Logan just grunted in agreement.
Georgie laughed. "I warned you guys that Bay could be a handful."
"We should've just stayed here at the pool like you suggested," Logan admitted. "I never dreamed baby girl in there would run my ass ragged."
"Definitely gonna have blisters," Milo added as he glared at his shoes as if they were an enemy.
Unaware of the conversation focused on her, Baylor skipped into the main room after grabbing her stuffed elephant from her room. Climbing up onto the couch beside Georgie she wiggled next to her before settling in with a contented sigh. "Momma, I's tireds."
Running her fingers through the long strands of dark hair, Georgie hid her relief at the announcement. Nap time couldn't have come at a better time. "I know, sweetie. Come here." Gathering Baylor up into her arms, she smothered a yawn of her own.
"Where's Johnny?"
Milo and Logan exchanged glances as the little girl's softly spoken question reached their ears. He'd left for his Uncle's first thing this morning, wanting to conclude most of the business today so he could show Georgie and Baylor around. Baylor unfortunately didn't understand his absence. All morning and afternoon she'd asked for him. Her sudden neediness almost made them think she feared Johnny would disappear.
"He'll be back as soon as he can. He's busy."
"But he pwomised to take us outs." Baylor stuck her lower lip out in a pout.
"And he will take us out," Georgie reassured her. "But you need a nap until he gets back. Maybe then he'll be done working for the day."
It was the wrong thing to say. Crossing her arms and frowning, Baylor started to whine, a common occurrence when she became sleepy and fought against it. "No work! We's on cation."
The urge to grin had Logan coughing when Georgie shot him a warning look. Baylor was just too freaking cute when she pouted.
"Vacation, and yes, we are. However, Johnny needs to see his Uncle while we're here." Maneuvering the still unhappy child to the floor, Georgie pointed toward the bag that contained a few of her toys in the corner. "Go pick out a book and I will read to you, but only one story, kiddo."
Milo shook his head in amusement. "She just reminded me of your sister right there."
"Except she didn't scream or threaten anybody with bodily harm," Logan added helpfully.
Slowly getting to her feet, Georgie sighed. "Unfortunately she gets like that when she's sleepy and everything doesn't go her way. Usually Baylor isn't such a fuss bucket."
"Johnny and Wilson should be back in a couple hours. I know he mentioned wrapping things up early today."
"She'll be fine either way, Logan, but thanks. I'm gonna read to the munchkin and then probably join her for a small nap. I think the time difference is catching up with both of us."
The two guys watched as mother and daughter disappeared into the smaller bedroom in the suite.
"Is he planning on telling her about Dr. Scorpio?"
Logan grimaced thinking back on the conversation he'd had with Johnny before he left. "No."
"What about one of her family members calling her cell? You know Maxie's going to be blowing it up as soon as she finds out about Barrett."
"Somehow he talked her into leaving it on the plane. Anyone wanting Georgie is gonna hafta call him to get to her. I already know he's not gonna leave Italy until at least the end of the week, unless Morgan needs him to."
Milo snorted. "That's not going to go over well Maxie."
"You're tellin me," Logan sarcastically remarked as his phone vibrated. Seeing Maxie's picture on the screen he winced while bracing himself for the hysterical blond. Milo sympathetically shuddered while thankful it wasn't him having to deal with the drama sure to come. Deciding it wasn't worth the indigestion Logan sent the call to voicemail and shrugged sheepishly. "I don't know what to say to her," he admitted quietly.
OoOoOoOoOoOo
Beyond pissed Maxie threw her cell phone against the brick wall and took satisfaction as it busted into several pieces. Every attempt to reach Georgie was failing and they needed her home. Even though Mac wouldn't admit it, Maxie knew he'd feel better if Georgie cut their trip short and returned home.
Alexis rounded the corner and spotted the slim blond. "Any luck on reaching your sister?"
"No," she growled. "Her cell goes straight to voicemail and Johnny's does too. Logan isn't answering either. I know he went to Italy with them."
"I don't understand what is going on with Georgie. She never should've left with Robert and Anna dying. Now Mac and you need her with Robin being hospitalized and she's nowhere to be found." Shaking her head in disbelief, Alexis compressed her lips in disapproval. "Now is not the time for her to be off vacationing. Her family needs her."
"Has Sam called you back?" If Georgie wasn't going to be there to support her, Maxie could really use her friend since Coop had all but disappeared on her a couple days ago.
A feeing of apprehension shot through her at the question. Shoving it aside, Alexis focused on the problem at hand. "Sam's unpredictable at best, Maxie. She'll arrive when she checks her messages. Let's go get Mac a coffee. He hasn't left the waiting room since we got here."
Lifting his head from his hands Mac smiled in appreciation as he took the cup of coffee. "Any luck on getting ahold of Georgie?" he asked Maxie.
"No," she practically spat. "I left messages but no one is answering their phones."
Making a face at the bitter taste of the hospital coffee, Mac rubbed her shoulder when she flopped into the seat next him. "They may not check them right away, Maxie. Johnny took Georgie and Baylor on vacation. I'm sure they are out sightseeing or just enjoying the day away from Port Charles."
"She should be here, not off gallivanting around Italy," Alexis grumbled.
"Don't start," he warned his girlfriend. Mac didn't understand Alexis' sudden need to jump all over Georgie's choices, but now was not the time for her to make her feelings known on the subject. Listening to her put his youngest child down was the last thing he wanted to hear while Robin fought to survive.
"She may not even return once you get in contact with her," Patrick pointed out, sick and tired of the two women's constant complaining. "Robin's been nothing but awful to Georgie for the last couple weeks."
"She's still her family!"
"And that hasn't stopped Robin from repeatedly attacking her, Alexis."
"Robin's your wife," Maxie pointed out with a glare.
"Yes, she is. But I'm not blind to how she's treated Georgie." Patrick paused when he spotted Monica heading their way. Standing, he stilled at the grave expression the older woman's face.
"Robin's made through surgery. I did the best I could, but the damage to her left kidney was too extensive. I had to remove it and her spleen," Monica explained regretfully. "The HIV has weakened her immune system and I'm concerned about an infection setting in." She closed her eyes briefly before adding the rest. "The internal damage also affected her reproductive organs, especially her ovaries. Kelly scrubbed in and agreed with my assessment. I'm sorry, Patrick, but both ovaries needed to be surgically removed as well."
Scrubbing his hands over his face, he swallowed painfully. Even with their relationship collapsing he'd never wished any ill will on her. He may not have approved of Robin's actions toward her cousin, but he still loved her. Losing the ability to have more children was going to devastate her.
Unable to convey the depth of her sympathy, Monica gently squeezed his forearm. "She'll be moved to the ICU as soon as Kelly finishes up. Barring any complications Robin should make a full recovery."
"Thank you, Monica," Patrick gruffly spoke before catching movement out of the corner of his eye. Spotting the detective he prayed the PCPD had some information on who attacked Robin and Sean. "Mac, Harper is here."
Monica discreetly left the family and joined Elizabeth and the nurses' station. Both their heads snapped back in their direction as Maxie's wail broke through the quiet corridor. Rushing over to the distraught woman as she collapsed into Mac's arms, Monica barked out an order for a wheelchair as an orderly appeared.
Elizabeth jogged over and administered the sedative at the doctor's nod. Easing Maxie backwards into the chair, she listened as the blond sobbed hysterically before the medicine finally took hold and her head lulled to the side. "What happened?"
Mac looked stunned as he repeated what his detective had told him. "Cooper Barrett was found dead in a room above Jake's."
Harper reluctantly handed over the suicide note that he'd placed in a protective plastic bag, wishing that he was anywhere but there.
Dropping into the chair as he scanned the note for the second time, Mac closed his eyes. That he had not noticed how out of control and sick his employee had been ate at his soul. Barely hearing Elizabeth when she explained to Alexis that Monica needed to check Maxie out, he gripped the arm rest of the chair tighter. Cooper's confession of being the TMK was almost unbelievable. Maxie would never accept it. The part that scared him the most was how it affected both his daughters and their children.
"Mac?"
Jerking back to the present he looked up at Alexis and stood. "I need to go. I have to investigate the scene. Please stay with Maxie. She'll need you."
"We need to reach Georgie," she snapped.
"No! Not right now!" Wincing at the gruff tone, he took a couple deep breathes. "I'll call her and Zacchara. You just stay with Maxie, please. Patrick, keep me updated on Robin's condition."
"Of course, Mac."
Unhappy with the denial of contacting Georgie, Alexis stomped off in the direction of where Elizabeth had taken Maxie. She needed the little bitch back in the States. Too much depended on Georgie being easily accessible.
Watching from the chair he'd occupied since receiving the call about Robin's injuries, Patrick just shook his head. "And I thought my family was screwed up," he muttered.
"Aren't they all," Jason agreed, startling the doctor. "Sorry. How is Robin?"
"She'll live," he responded softly while studying the unreadable man. "Did…"
"No," he cut in, immediately understanding the man's concern. "Neither John or myself had anything to do with the attack on her and Sean. I already have my men looking into it."
Relieved by the reassurance, he slumped down in his chair, relaxing for the first time in hours. "If you can reach your partner you might want to warn him that the family is pressuring Mac to contact Georgie. Not only is Robin injured, but I guess Barrett is dead. Maxie was just sedated."
Jason's face remained impassive. "He's not gonna bring her back into the middle of this mess," he bluntly informed the doctor.
"Good. This is the last thing that she needs to be dealing with. Alexis and Maxie are being selfish. If anyone deserves a break, it's Georgie. Tell Zacchara to keep her overseas. I have a feeling whatever Mac read in that note made him want to keep Georgie away as well. He snapped at Alexis to leave contacting them to him after he read it."
Elizabeth approached the two and hugged Patrick when he stood. "Leyla and Nadine just got Robin settled into ICU 2. You can visit with her whenever you like, Patrick."
A faint grin curved his lips as he watched the petite brunette yawn. Noticing the fatigue marring her face, he gently shoved her toward Jason. "Go home and rest. I know you are supposed to be on leave. Thank you for coming in on my request. No go before Kelly boxes my ears."
"Call if you need anything or just someone to watch Emma." Patting his arm, Elizabeth turned to Jason. "Let's go. I'm exhausted."
OoOoOoOoOoOo
Slipping into the abandoned home, Diego kicked the empty water bottle across the floor in frustration. The house was empty but he'd heard the guards talking as they patrolled the perimeter. Italy. Georgie had taken off with his daughter and went to Italy with Zacchara. Her departure from the States was unexpected to say the least.
Opening the wooden box sitting on the small table, Diego lifted the photograph he'd taken from her house. Skimming his fingers over the two smiling figures he sadly shook his head. Telling himself they couldn't stay away for too long with all that was happening he tried to control the rage bubbling up inside him.
Seeing his child for the first time in person had been amazing. Baylor was the perfect combination of him and Georgie, such a beautiful little girl with a tremendous personality. Now that he'd seen her, he needed to see her mother as well. Zacchara wasn't going to be able to stop him from making contact with Georgie. The only thing that concerned him was getting to her undetected. Their conversation was long overdue and he'd tolerate no disruptions.
Sinking onto the couch and propping his feet on the coffee table, Diego closed his eyes, trying to relax. The years he'd been deprived of knowing his daughter haunted him. Especially with all the different trials Georgie had faced alone. His stupidity in thinking to reach out for Morgan's help in protecting her ultimately led to every single horrible thing she'd endured. And while Diego could own up to his mistakes, the one thing that he hated himself for was his son's death. Hearing Helena and Jerry taunting him with the information still caused him to see red. But he wasn't the only one responsible. Georgie made mistakes as well.
The need to speak to Georgie grew with every second of freedom. Too bad she hadn't been home when he snuck in and visited with Baylor. But just because they were now in Italy didn't mean all his plans had to come to a screeching to a halt. Dialing the number for one of the only people alive he trusted, his lips curved upward at hearing the warm greeting.
"I need a favor," Diego immediately stated, knowing it would be granted without hesitation. Former contacts and friendships came in handy. "Tell me what happened after I left the estate. I need as much information on Georgie's state of mind as I can get from that time period before seeing her again. Also, every piece of information you can gather on John Zacchara. I know nothing about him or his family except for what Cassadine shared."