Chapter 2

Agent Ronda Norris walked back to the main office of the compound. How is she going to explain this situation to her supervisors?

Yesterday morning, when Anna didn't show up for breakfast Ronda had just assumed she had slept late. When she didn't show up for lunch that was when Ronda realized something was wrong, that's when she went to check on Anna.

The cabin was empty, there was no sign of Anna anywhere. There didn't seem to be anything missing. It wasn't like any of the people being housed here had a lot of clothing with them and as far as Ronda could tell, Anna was dressed warmly but didn't have extra clothes with her. She had one jacket and she must be wearing that. It didn't seem like she had taken anything extra so had Anna gone for a morning walk and gotten lost? Ronda knew she had better double-check the cabin. Anna made it clear she wanted to leave. Had she finally done that?

After Ronda had found nothing in the cabin that might suggest Anna had made a run for it she went and reported to one of the other agents that Anna might have gotten lost on one of the trails. Since they didn't know all the places Anna liked to walk, they got two other agents and had started checking all the trails that come and go from the compound. None of them had ever worried about all the walks she or any of the other people went on because they always came back. Even if they made it as far as the lake, they always came back to the compound. Had she been trying to find the way down? Had she fallen and was lying somewhere injured?

By nightfall, they still hadn't found Anna and knew the next step was reporting this to Agent Tucker. Matthew Tucker was the agent who oversaw this and two other holding facilities for the WSB. He was not going to be happy to hear they had lost one of their charges.

Today they had searched the area again. Even checking the lake, wanting to make sure she hadn't wandered there and fallen in. Now Agent Matthew Tucker was here and Ronda Norris was sitting in front of her peers, she didn't know what was going to happen next. All she knew was, Anna Scorpio is gone and she is the one that will have to try and explain how that could have happened. They all knew for sure Anna didn't want to be here but none of them actually thought she would ever try to escape. That had never even crossed their minds.

…

As the bus moved along the dark highway Anna looked out into the night. She thought about the day and the amount of luck she'd had. Today has been the perfect example of being in the right place at the right time. Why did those guys have an extra bike with them? Had Angela been planning a trip that she had happened by when she did? Anna was certain there was no chance the WSB would think she is already this far from the compound and that was very good for her.

Once she's in Port Charles Anna knows she couldn't rush home. As much as she wants to see Robin that can't happen just yet. Anna needs to lay low and see if anyone is looking for her. They might not show up at her house since they've told her family she's dead but they might still be watching it. The WSB would believe she would try to see her daughter, they might almost expect that from her. Anna knew it was a risk but seeing Robin wasn't the only reason she had to go to their house.

She read the road sign as it passed, it wouldn't be much longer and they'd be there. At one of the stops, Anna had bought herself a hat and dark glasses. Sure it was strange to be wearing sunglasses at almost midnight but Anna would rather be that strange lady people avoid than someone they could recognize because they wanted to chat.

There were only five other people on the bus, all minding their own business and that suited Anna just fine. None of them were moving so she doubted any were getting off in Port Charles. With her hat and glasses on, Anna stood up as the bus stopped and quickly stepped off when the door opened. She had only taken a few steps when someone hurried over and took her arm. "Let's split, so no one sees us."

Anna smiled and breathed a sigh of relief. Even Olin had partly hidden her face so people wouldn't know it was her meeting a passenger. Anna put her arm around the other woman and they started walking. "I am so glad you're here." They hurried away from the bus and were quickly in Olin's car.

"I have supplies. Clothes, food, blankets. Where do you want to hide out, chum?"

Anna smiled over at her friend, what a stroke of luck it had been when Frisco found her or had she found him? she thought with a smile. So many times she has helped them all out of sticky situations. Being with Olin in this situation made Anna believe it would be alright. This step of her journey would go smoothly. "I think the catacombs. Then I'm close by but can stay hidden."

"You've got it. Let's roll." Olin started the car and they were quickly on the street. "I am happy to see you. Robin is going to flip her lid. The big A is back!" Olin smiled over at Anna, she could see such sadness on her face. "Where's the commish?"

"I don't know." Olin looked over at her again, now very concerned. "I have to find him. He was right there, he'd found me. Then we were separated again. I don't know where Robert is. They reported we all died. The WSB told me Robert is alive though. They're searching for Faison, I know that much and I'm alive so Robert has to be too. Right? Robert has to be alright. He has to be, he just has to be." The last few words were lost to her slight sobs, then her tears started. Anna had held all of this in for so long. Now here, where the only person that will witness her breakdown is a trusted friend, Anna finally lets her emotions out, finally let herself worry about what Robert might actually be dealing with.

After giving Anna a little time, Olin told her, "I know you'll find him. Nothing can stop either of you when the other one is in danger. The commish is out there, he knows his hero is on her way."

For a moment Anna grinned but then, "What if he's hurt? What if."

Olin put her hand on Anna's arm, "No. Don't do that. He knows you are coming. You know he is alive. Hold on to that."

Anna closed her eyes and sighed. "I know he's out there and I know he needs my help."

"Soon, first you need to rest. Then see Robin. She and Mac, they don't believe either of you died."

"Well, Robin is going to get to know the truth. I can't risk anyone else knowing though. Not Sean, not Mac, no one can know I was here."

"My lips are zipped."

"They always are." Anna smiled over at her just as they parked near one of the entrances to the catacombs. Anna gathered up the supplies Olin had brought. "You know the spot I'm heading for down there. Come see me tomorrow. We can talk then, plan what needs to happen so I can get back out of Port Charles without anyone knowing I was ever here."

After a quick hug, Anna stepped out of the car with the supplies and silently moved out of sight then into the catacombs. Safe for another night.

…

The following day Anna was up and waiting for Olin. She had changed and gone through what all Olin had brought her. There was a small suitcase which would be perfect for travelling. A few changes of clothes, toiletries once Anna had some ID and money she would be ready to travel.

She hadn't heard anyone down here and that suited Anna just fine. It had been a while since she's had to sleep down here, she thought remembering that time. It had only been that one night for her with Robert and Robin after they were nearly killed. How long did Frisco or Sean spend down here? Anna smiled, Olin helped them as well. Anna was pacing in the small space, she had nervous energy and needed to be doing something. Thinking about different times, thinking about her friends. It helped but it only lasted as long as she could distract herself. Then she started pacing and wondering when Olin would get there.

Olin had even been thoughtful enough to have brought her a watch. The bad part about that was it only meant she now knew how slow time was passing. It was a little after two when Anna heard someone coming. She hid out of sight until she saw that it was indeed Olin. "What smells so good?" Anna asked as she came out of her hiding spot.

"I brought you lunch from Kelly's. I think maybe it makes you feel better, even just a little."

"Olin, thank you. A little taste of home before I have to leave it again."

They sat down and pulled out their lunch. As they started to eat, Anna asked, "When is a good time to go to my house? I need to get some items and I need to see Robin."

"Not tonight, if you want to see only Robin. Tomorrow they are calling for a big storm and Robin should be home alone in the early evening. That's when you go."

"Right, the Outback is closed tonight. Mac would be at the house. The WSB told me Mac is staying with Robin." Anna then went on and told Olin about the things she had been through since being taken prisoner by Faison six months earlier. What all the WSB had told her about what happened. Actually saying it all out loud helped put it in perspective. Then Olin told her what everyone here believed about the accident.

Anna asked if anyone was here looking for her yet, Olin didn't believe there was and had done a little recon work of her own before coming here. They agreed that it would be best for Anna to get out of Port Charles as fast as she can. They might not be looking here yet because they don't think she could have gotten here already without help. If she was long gone when they did get here that would suit Anna just fine. She didn't want to be alone again yet so Anna asked about her friends but it made her a little sad so Olin talked about her family for a little while then they agreed to meet tomorrow. If her luck held out, Anna would be leaving tomorrow evening. There was someone out there waiting for her.

…

The following evening Anna sat watching the house she and Robert bought. The former Webber house, now the Scorpio house. This is their home, their fresh beginning. This is their life waiting for them to come back to it. Anna will bring Robert back here and they will reunite with Robin and get to be happy. Even if that means she has to find and kill Cesar Faison so they will be safe. Her family will have peace and happiness here in the home they wanted.

It wasn't dark enough to approach. Someone might see her and if they did they could recognize her. With any luck, the thunderstorm the forecast is calling for will get here soon and give her a little extra cover. Someone running through the rain might be noticed but not that likely to be recognized. Anna wasn't here to tell people she was alive, she was here to see Robin and get a few things she would need then get out of Port Charles again before anyone came looking for her.

Anna had been watching the house long enough to know there wasn't anyone home at the moment. If she could get inside soon before anyone did get there, she should be able to find what she needs then just wait for Robin to get home. Anna's patients paid off about ten minutes later as the wind started to pick up. She looked up and saw dark clouds quickly rolling in and smiled. That should make it rather dark pretty soon, Anna thought. She waited a few more minutes then started to move out of her hiding spot. Once she was, she moved to the side of the street, keeping her head down Anna looked up and down the street then quickly crossed. She was up the driveway and around to the back entrance in a flash.

She already had the key she'd borrowed from Olin out and opened the door as soon as she got to it. As she entered the security code she felt a cold nose on her hand then a warm tongue as she was welcomed home. Anna turned and looked down and smiled. "Friday! Oh, it is so good to see you Furface." Anna bends down, petting him, then giving him a little hug as he happily wagged his tail. "You're a good boy, Friday. Are you looking out for Robin? Yes, I know you are. Oh, you're a good dog." She gave him a kiss on top of his head then stood back up. "K, come on I need to get a few things from the office."

Anna walked further inside, Friday following close behind wagging his tail all the while. She went into the den, then opened the door to the secret room. Anna quickly opened the safe and took out a set of fake IDs for her and Robert. She also noticed there was one of Robert's missing so he hadn't wanted anyone following him either. She flipped through the IDs again, Lyle Thompson was the one missing. She took a fair amount of cash and a few credit cards that matched the ID she now had. This would make the next part of this a lot easier. Once she had them tucked away safely in her bag Anna turned. Friday was standing there panting and watching her, "Alright come on, let's go wait for Robin up in her room."

Anna went upstairs and was about to go into Robin's room but stopped. She turned and went into hers and Robert's room instead. She didn't look around, she just went straight over to the closet and pulled out a box of pictures. She started flipping through the most recent pictures, there was one of her and Robert smiling happily on their honeymoon and right behind it was one from their wedding day. She took both of those, then she saw one of Robert and Robin, it had been taken at Thanksgiving, she took that one as well. Anna wanted to have them both close by her. She put the pictures with the rest of the things she had already picked up. She started flipping through the box again until she found one of just Robert and took that one too, then she left her room again. She didn't want to look around their room, Anna knew that would be too hard on her. She's not back, being back here is the goal but first, she had to find her husband.

Friday followed her into Robin's room and watched her look around a little. As soon as Anna got on the bed he followed her up and laid down beside her. He put his head on her leg then just looked at her with sad eyes. "Don't look at me like that. I am going to find him." Friday moved his head enough to bump her hand with his nose, Anna patted his head. "I want to see Robin before I go. I know you miss him, think how I feel, Friday. You're his dog, I'm his wife." After she scratched behind his ears, he closed his eyes and seemed to go to sleep. Anna sat looking around her daughter's room. Robin will know her parents are alive. Anna will not let her go on believing that lie.

About fifteen minutes later Friday's head popped up, his ears up listening. "Is that Robin?" Anna asked quietly. Friday didn't get off the bed and his tail was wagging again so Anna was sure it had to be her.

Then Anna heard her voice, "Friday, where are you?" He barked letting her know where he was, now sitting on the bed beside Anna. Robin pushed her partly closed door open, "What are you doing," The question died in her throat. Robin covered her mouth as Friday jumped up and started turning excitedly on her bed. Anna stood up and walked over to Robin, taking her in her arms. "Mom!"

"Sweetheart, oh Robin! I've missed you."

"You're back! I knew you weren't dead!" They held each other tight, grateful to finally be back together.

"It is so good to see you. I have missed you so much."

"I've missed you too." She leaned back a little and looked up at her mother's face. Something is still not right. "Where's Dad?"

"Oh Robin, I don't know, I'm sorry," Anna took her daughter's hands, "I'm not back. I'm alive and I needed you to know that." They moved back to the bed and sat on the edge. "I have been told he's alive. That's all I know. I can't stay because I have to go find your father. I don't know why the WSB wants everyone to believe we're both dead but it might help me."

"Were you really in a boat explosion? Were you hurt? Was Daddy?" Robin was still kind of in shock but wanted answers before her mom had to leave again.

"I had been on a boat, I'm not sure where that was but I know it was a warm climate."

"Argentina," Robin told her matter of factly, "That's where they told us it happened. That there had been a tanker explosion that killed both of you. I checked it out, that really did happen. A tanker really did explode."

"Okay, that's helpful." Anna thought about that for a second then went on, "I was Faison's prisoner, then four men showed up and got me out of the cell I was being held in, then I was hurried off the boat. One of the agents was talking about seeing Robert as I was put on a smaller boat. I was moved around a little then ended up in the Appalachians. I had to hike halfway down a mountain to get away."

Robin's eyes got big. "Are you serious?"

"Yes, I did end up getting a ride on the second day and that probably helped my getaway. I know that probably doesn't make sense to you and I don't have time to explain it now. It is possible someone might show up looking for me, even if they don't come right out and say they are looking for me. No one can know I was here, Robin. No one, understand?"

"I won't tell anyone, Mom."

"I took some things that I will need, I'm going to find him."

Robin understood what she meant by that. Again one of her parents is on a rescue mission. "That's what he said before he left." Robin's voice cracked with emotion as a single tear rolled down his cheek.

"Hey, look at me." Robin did, "He did find me. I had just gotten off the tanker. I was still on the water when I heard it, I could see the fire from it in the distance. I don't know if he was hurt but Robert was on that boat because he was there to rescue me. The WSB agent that talked to him told him to get off the boat and that they already had me. From what I was told, he did. The agent reported that after telling Robert I was no longer on the boat Robert followed the crew members that were all trying to get to safety."

"Do you have any idea where he is now?"

Anna shook her head, "Argentina seems like where I have to start if that's where you say the explosion happened." Anna hugged Robin tightly. "I hate to run but I can't stay. I can't risk people seeing me."

"I know. Just knowing you're alive. I feel so much better. Go get him, Mom. Bring him home."

"I will, sweetheart. I will." Anna hugged her once more then kissed her cheek, "I love you."

"I love you too, Mom." Anna started to pull away but Robin didn't let go. "How did you get here?"

"A little help from a dear friend." Anna kissed the side of Robin's head. "Bye, I have to go."

"Bye Mom, be safe." Robin struggled not to let her emotions get away from her as she watched her mother leave her bedroom.

Once Anna had made her way back to her borrowed car and was inside she dried her hair a little. Grateful that the storm was now raging, making the sky much darker than it would normally be at seven-thirty in the evening. Anna started the car then pulled out onto the darkened street. She wanted to get to Beacher's Corners as soon as possible. Olin will pick her car up there in three days and Anna wanted to be long gone before that happened.

…

Robin sat in her room, watching the storm rage outside her window. Her mother had just been here. She hadn't seen her in months. It had been so wonderful being in her arms again, even if it was only for a brief time. The WSB had told her they were both dead. Robin could never accept that, she knew her parents were still out there, somewhere in the world. Now knowing that yes her mother is alive. That she is going after her father to bring him home. Even if she can't tell anyone about this, the peace it brought her felt wonderful. That feeling that was missing is now back. There is hope, there is something to believe in. Anna Devane Scorpio will bring home the man she loves, Robin just knew it.

After some time Robin went down to the den wanting to feel closer to her parents. They are alive, her mother really had been here. Yes, her mother has gone again but it's to bring her father home and she would. Robin was sure of that. Not being able to tell anyone about this sucked but nothing could be better than knowing her parents are in fact alive. She actually felt a little gitty. Now being here in their space. The place that is just for them, well, she thought with a smile, maybe that space was actually in the secret room they had put in shortly after moving in but this was close enough to feel near them. Robin can picture them in here working on some case or just relaxing cuddled on the couch and that made her feel a little better.

Robin was sitting in her dad's barber chair when she noticed a large envelope on the desk. What is that and why's it here? Robin got up to see what it could be. As soon as she picked it up Robin knew what this had to be.

Why had she not signed them when her father had asked her to? Why had she waited? Why are the divorce papers still here? Holly might be here to help but that's only because that is what Robert had asked from her. He had also asked Holly to sign these divorce papers because he loves her mother and that's who he wants to be with.

Robin started to feel a little angry, these papers should prove her father knew what he wanted. That he chose a life with her and her mom, with his family. Holly should give him what he wants, especially since she believes he is dead. The anger started to grow, Holly should give him what he wants.

Robin hadn't heard anyone come in and was startled when Holly spoke, "What do you have there?"

Robin turned and glared at her, she wasn't surprised that she felt angry with Holly and wanted her to know she was mad at her. "Papers you should have signed by now!" Robin tossed the envelope on the desk between them. "Why haven't you signed them? He loves my mom. Don't you get that? They love each other. He picked my mom not you!" Then Robin stormed out of the room.

Holly sighed, after a moment she picked up the divorce papers Robert had given her to sign before he left to find Anna. After they had seen each other in New York they had talked. They talked through the night and they had agreed their relationship was the past. Robert had made it very clear he loved Anna and that was who he wanted to be with before he went after her. He had died trying to rescue her.

Did it matter now if she didn't sign these papers? Holly looked at the envelope again then tucked it under her arm and took it with her as she left the den. She had to do something with them, she couldn't just leave them lying around. Seeing them clearly upsets Robin and she didn't want that.