Chapter 38

These are nice walls, but they are the same walls. Pretty curtains, but the same closed curtains as yesterday. Alex sighed, how much longer was she expected to just exist in this apartment? Alex was tired of being here. She was tired of not being able to do what she felt like doing, not being about to go back to her life. Back to her work, her colleagues. The pacing was about all she could do to pass the time. Having to stay hidden was just a fact of her life at the moment. If she was seen anywhere in Port Charles, Alex would be in just as much danger from Faison as Anna would be. Alex understood that very well.

Alex leaned back and let out a loud sigh, this was necessary, she understood that but it didn't make the waiting any easier. Visiting with Mac once in a while was nice, their chats were fun but she didn't really know him yet. Let's be honest, she hardly knew her twin sister but they had bonded during their time together. Alex had even formed a tight relationship with Robert. He had let himself be vulnerable while she helped him, added with the time the three of them had spent in hiding, it was the two of them she wanted to see. To be able to talk to about what's happening.

How were they doing? Were they getting any closer to the finish line? How much longer was all this going to take? Alex stood up and started pacing around the living room. How long had she even been in Port Charles? It has to be close to two weeks by now. Alex froze in the spot when she heard a knock at the door. Then flash, flash pause, flash. Thank you to whoever had been here before who needed these lights, it was a godsend to her now. That was the signal Mac used when he was coming in. She was not to open the door to anyone, it was unlocked with a key.

Alex turned and waited for Mac to enter but someone else walked in. A handsome distinguished man entered. Who was this? She didn't feel threatened by him but he looked a little shocked seeing her. Then he closed and locked the door, making sure it was secure behind him.

"Hello?" Alex greeted him.

"Sorry, hello. I'm Sean." Again he paused, "Sorry, this is just," Sean trailed off, unsure of what he should say.

"Yeah, it takes a minute." Alex grinned. "I am getting more used to this kind of reaction from Anna's friends."

Stepping forward, "I'm Sean Donely." They shook hands then he continued. "I've known Anna since she was in her teens, it's a little unsettling seeing her looking back at me knowing it isn't her. Add in we didn't know about you."

Alex grinned, "Hi, I'm Alex. At least you didn't run away from me."

Sean smiled and let out a little chuckle, "I heard about that." Then they both laughed a little.

"Yeah, that has been the most interesting reaction to having Anna's face I have gotten so far. Robin was the least fazed but I think that was just because she was so happy to see her parents. I was more of an afterthought than anything."

"I believe that." They settled on the couch together then Sean cleared his throat. "I came here because I wanted you to know what's happening but I also want to ask you something."

Alex appreciated that he was just saying it like it is. "Thank you. I want to be kept in the loop and if there is anything I can do to help, just let me know."

That got Sean's attention, that's the in he was hoping for. "I'm glad to hear that. For right now we are waiting. We felt sure they were getting close to the cabin but so far no one has approached or made any attempts to interact with our people there."

Alex nodded slowly, "Alright. How are Anna and Robert?"

"They're alright. They've settled in and want this over with as much as you do. Probably a little more, Robert is terrible at doing nothing."

Alex grinned, he would not let this be a serious conversation. Keep it light, she's picking up on that. "How long are we waiting? Do we need them to make another move?"

Sean was impressed. Straight forward and to the point, that is the best way to handle this. "It's not that simple. When contact is made we need to be ready to move. We can't just sit and wait though."

"What exactly does that mean?" Alex asked.

"Well, this is where you come in. I mean, if you want to help this is where you come in."

Alex sat back a little," I'm listening."

"I have not talked to Anna or Robert about this because I know what they will say but I feel this should be your choice to make, not theirs."

"Alright." Alex was interested in what this man had to say. The fact he wanted her to make her own choices meant a lot. Since that night when Faison appeared, Alex hadn't felt like she had much control of her life.

"After any contact is made I want the trail to quickly switch to Port Charles. After I have confirmation that someone has been looking around at the cabin I want Anna to be seen lurking in Port Charles. Preferably at night, maybe meeting with an old friend."

"You want us to meet somewhere to direct Faison to come here now that you're all ready for that to happen? Is that what's going on?" Alex asked.

Sean grinned, she's quick. "Basically, yeah. We are in a position of power and need to lead them into our trap. We want the big fish, Faison is the main target and that's why I need you. You fooled him once and if there are pictures sent back to him of Sean and Anna meeting Faison will believe you're Anna. That's what we need. He knows this might be his last change for some time to get what he wants."

"You believe he is getting despite?" There was a tone in Sean's voice, determination was the only way to describe it. Alex worried a little more for her sister in that moment.

"No, I don't think I would ever use that term for Faison. I do believe that he is smart enough to know that you can only be on the attack for so long before you have to pull back and regroup."

"You feel he's getting close to that point." Alex did believe she had a little understanding of Faison now. Maybe not like the others, but enough to understand why they are all so cautious.

"I do." Sean looked at his watch. "I should be getting downstairs. My wife will be here anytime and I wouldn't want her missing me."

"We wouldn't want any questions about where you might have been." They both stood up and Alex started walking him to the door. "It was nice to meet you, Sean. I heard a lot about you and it's nice putting a face to the name and voice. Please, keep me posted as to when we will start having rendezvous."

"I will. Have a good evening." With that, he was gone. Alex turned and went to see what she felt like making for dinner. She might still be stuck here but it felt nice knowing she would play a part in this plan after all.

…

It was quiet in the little cabin in the woods. Sam and Frisco had left a little over an hour ago. Felicia was set to place her fifth call to Sean from the tapes that had been left for them. There were three more left so hopefully the person they think will be listening is, and comes to see who is staying here.

It was exciting to hear what Anna had to say. It has to be Anna on these tapes, there's no other explanation. Sean plays his part perfectly, going along with the conversation. Making it sound as intense as the recorded half does. Whoever is looking for Anna would have to believe she is here if they are hearing these phone calls.

Felicia looked at the clock again, it was almost time. The short instructions attached to each tape came with the appointed time and day for each call. Taking a deep breath, Felicia picked up the receiver and dialled, hitting play as soon as she heard Sean answer.

"Hello."

"Sean, hi. I can't talk long. I'm getting worried."

"What's going on?" Sean looked down at the paper in his hand. Anna had passed along his part of the conversation. Of course, he added his own Donely flair.

"It's what's not going on. I know they were on to us. I know they have to be in the area."

"There's no way you can know that."

"Call it instincts, call it my gut. Something is screaming it's not safe to stay here much longer."

"You can't talk like that. You're just getting restless. You need to keep your head in the game. You've been through too much to get caught now."

"I want to come home."

"I know you do."

"Wait, I think someone's coming. I have to go." Again Felicia had been prepared for how this call needed to end so hung up with a little extra force ending the call.

Letting out a sign, Felicia looked down at the tape recorder in her hand. The hardest part of these calls was the fact she never knew what was going to be said so it took her a little bit of time to recover after them.

Wherever Anna is now, please let her be safe. Let her come home to her daughter.

…

The following day in a little clearing, Frisco stood dumbfounded. How had they missed this? How long had this location been used? At least a week, maybe more. Whoever had been watching them was hidden perfectly here. The cabin was not quite a mile away but with the right equipment, there was a perfect line of sight. A person could watch the comings and goings and never be noticed.

There was a part in the brush he had noticed, and the little path that led him here was not as flattened down as this little foxhole. They were limiting their movements to avoid being seen. Once they were in they stayed for a while, maybe a few days at a time. Whoever is watching them could be as well trained as their team.

Frisco was glad he was alone when he found this. He felt like he had taken enough precautions to not make it obvious someone else had been there and slowly backed away. Then made his way back to the main path. This might explain why they had seen matching vehicles at first but hadn't for a while now. They had found their target and were now watching them. Observing them. Possibly reporting back, waiting for further instructions.

Once he was almost back at the cabin Frisco pulled out the satellite phone. He was far enough from the cabin that Sam and Felicia wouldn't overhear him but he also thought he would be in sight of anyone watching from another one of those little foxholes. Time to give them a little something to report.

"Hi, WSB Agent Frisco Jones put me through to the commissioner, please."

"Hey, Frisco. Will do," said the desk sergeant.

Sean picked up the phone when it rang. "Donely."

"Hey, Sean. We've been found but they're just watching."

"For how long?"

"It's hard to say. Maybe a week could be longer."

"So not long after you saw those cars in the area."

"Yeah," Frisco looked around, then continued. "I think they located their target and have been ordered to watch and report."

"I think you're right." Sean thought for a moment. "Stay where you are for now but be ready to move out quickly."

"Alright, where are we going from here?"

"I want you close by so get set up in a little motel on the city's edge."

"Will do. I will call if anything changes here."

"Alright, and remember, keep this official. Only call the PCPD."

Frisco grinned, "I know." He hung up and started walking towards the cabin. It was time to tell the ladies to pack and be ready to move.

…

It was another beautiful day and Robin enjoyed taking Friday for walks. Today they went walking down towards the dock. This was just a walk, not a visit so to keep furface from getting too excited she made sure to stay far from the Asian Quarters. She could already hear the noise from the waterfront. Friday pulled slightly on his leash, trying to take in all the smells.

"Oh hello, Friday. Hi Robin."

Robin looked to see who Friday was sniffing and was now addressing her. "Hi, Holly."

"Out for a little walk, I see."

"Yeah, he needs the exercise and I think I like the walks as much as he does."

Holly grinned at her, "It's nice having some time to yourself."

Oh, now you get it. Why couldn't you have seen that before? "Yeah, Friday and I have gotten close. He's really been there for me." Robin reached down and patted his head.

"It's nice to see you. Maybe we could have lunch together sometime." Holly knew she had messed up with Robin before. That she had pushed when all she had needed was time.

Why are you still here? Robin felt bad just thinking that but it was how she felt. Holly will only be a thorn in her father's side when they can return publicly. "Maybe. I'll let you know. Okay?"

"Alright. It was nice seeing you, Robin." It hurt a little seeing the damage she had done to their relationship. It had been a long time since they'd had a real relationship before she had faked her death when Robin was still just a little girl. Maybe one day they can at least enjoy each other's company again, even if they aren't close.

"Bye." Robin gave her a little grin, then started walking again. She didn't like the awkwardness between them but she wasn't bothered enough by it to want to work on it either. All she hoped was that Holly didn't try to cause problems for her parents when they came out of hiding.

…

Everything was packed. Nothing would be left behind other than a little food and trash. Enough to show they left in a hurry but nothing that would give away who had been staying there. When the phone in the cabin rang they all jumped. The only time that phone was used was when Felicia placed her calls. They exchanged looks, and then Frisco got up and answered it. "Hello"

"It's time. You need to move. I want this plan moving on our timetable."

"You got it. Radio silence for the next two days."

"Alright, I expect you to check in, in forty-eight hours."

"Understood." Then he hung up. He looked over at Felicia and Sam. "It's time. Let's move ladies."

They had all packed their bags right after Frisco had told them about what he found two days earlier. No words were needed they all started grabbing their things and were out the door in five minutes. They threw their bags into the car and took off. They all knew that there was a good chance someone watched them leave. Frisco is driving and will make sure they are not followed. Felicia and Sam knew he would not take them toward Port Charles until he felt it was safe. The ladies both understood this part, a WSB agent was on a mission at the moment, and they were along for the ride. It was time to let Frisco do what was needed.

It was just starting to get dark as they left so they would see any headlights following them away from the cabin. Frisco had spent four days in the area before making his way to the cabin. Not only had he scouted out the back roads in the area, but not far from here in an old barn there was a car waiting for them to swap their current one with. Their night had just begun and they had forty-eight hours to make sure no one was on their tail and then check in.

…

The darkness served them well, a little fog would be even better. Tonight was only the first time they would meet like this and this was the only time they would meet here. Far enough from The Outback so it wouldn't be an obvious location to check but still close enough Alex wouldn't be risking being seen longer than they felt would be safe.

Sean stepped around the corner of the building. They were two blocks over from their PI office. It seemed like a likely place where Anna and Sean would meet. As he got closer to Alex she lowered her hood and exposed her face a little more. "What happened?"

"It's time to trigger the reaction we want. As we speak, the team from the cabin should be moving towards their next location."

"Are they in danger?" Alex asked, intensely concerned for these people she only knew by name.

"We don't think so. It was determined that they were being watched so it's time to kick this into gear."

"Alright. So how long are we talking?"

"We want it to seem like it was a brief meeting but I am going to take you somewhere. Don't worry. Olin is waiting with a custom and a ride back to The Outback for you."

"That's good. Where are we going?"

Sean grinned and took her arm. "The catacombs."