Chapter 10

Ronda followed two other agents down the hall, all on their way to the evening debriefing. It will be just like every other night. Hi, yeah nothing happened again today, okay bye. This assignment was tedious, at least when she was up in the Crow's Nest the location made it worthwhile. She had just taken a seat when Ross walked in, talking on the phone. He went to his usual spot at the far side of the room, there was a grin on his face when he hung up.

"Alright, I just got word of confirmed sightings in San Bernardo del Tuyu. Robert Scorpio is alive, there is a woman there who took in a mystery man a while back. The neighbours aren't talking much but he was definitely there recently."

"Has there been any word on Anna?" one of the other agents asked.

"There was nothing confirmed but there are other individuals in the area looking for him, one of which is a dark-haired woman," Ross explained.

That caught Ronda's attention, she hoped no one noticed the momentary smirk at hearing that. Anna was on a mission and she will find her man. She couldn't help it she liked Anna. Even though most of their interaction had not gone well she admired the other woman. Her drive, her determination and her love for her family was the most impressive part. It didn't surprise her at all how quickly she had picked up his trail. In a matter of weeks, she had ended up in the same place they just got confirmation is where her husband is.

"We still want people here to keep an eye on their home and I believe it would be their daughter that would be contacted at this point," Ross went on.

"I'll stick around and be part of the team here," Ronda offered.

"Alright, one more please." Agent Tom Sampson put up his hand. "Alright, you two, the assignment stays the same, watch, report. The rest of you will get new assignments, I should have them in the morning. We are going to find them, we need to know where they are for the plan to work. Keep that in mind. Depending on who all is left here, meet here again tomorrow night." Then Ross started to walk out of the room.

Ronda noticed that the other agents were nodding in agreement with Ross. What were they agreeing with? What plan? Had she missed something? Had Ross said something he shouldn't have? Ronda laughed to herself as she walked him walked out the door. I guess you let things slip that you shouldn't. Agent Colin Ross is up to something. She'd heard about his recent string of mess-ups and was starting to believe he was using this to regain some respect.

Ronda stood up and went over to talk to Sampson, he felt this assignment was kind of a waste of time but he was close to retirement and was okay with the easy work. They had a quick conversation to work out their stakeout schedule then Ronda turned and left as well. There just might have to be another chance meeting with young Miss Scorpio.

…

It had taken them a while but they were finally in Halifax. This had been the longest flight they'd taken and it worried Anna a little but at least she felt confident that they were not being followed. Once they were out of the airport Robert hailed a cab. "Where are we going first?" Robert asked as he slid his arm around Anna.

"We need to get to a hotel. I want a nice hot shower and you need to rest." Worrying about his health on top of everything else was probably the most stressful part. She was looking forward to getting some answers once they knew what they are dealing with she knows they will both feel a lot better.

"I could use a shower too," he said with a mischievous grin. After the other night, it was getting harder to do but they both knew why they were waiting. That didn't mean he wouldn't flirt, didn't mean she wouldn't either.

"Alright, you shower first then I'll have a nice soak while you rest." Anna grinned at him then laughed a little.

"That's not really what I had in mind."

"I know, and it makes me very happy to know that part of you is still the same. I just think we should wait and you will be looked at by a doctor soon." Sure they could have stopped somewhere along the way but Anna thought it best to get here, then see someone. It had been close to two weeks since they had left San Bernardo del Tuyu and Anna felt a lot better now, that they were far away. They can relax here, this won't be questionable healthcare. Robert will finally get some help.

A cab pulled up in front of them and they got in. Anna rested her head on Robert's shoulder as it pulled away from the curb. "I think you could use some rest as well," he whispered and kissed the top of her head. "Take us to whatever hotel is close by. We just need a place to sleep for the night, it doesn't have to be fancy," he told the driver.

"You got it," the driver said, then they were off. It wasn't long before they were stopped in front of a hotel. Robert paid the driver then Stephen and Roxanne Conner went to check-in.

Once they were in the room, it hit them both just how tired they were. Yes, they had taken breaks, resting when they needed but to be here. To be nowhere near where anyone would even think to look for them. That felt like an accomplishment. They can relax a little. Now they aren't running, they've made it. Now they need to get Robert some medical attention.

Anna stretched out on the bed and Robert smiled. "What about the shower."

"Shut up and come cuddle," Anna told him without opening her eyes.

"Well when you put it like that, how can I resist?" Robert got undressed then crawled into bed. "I hope you're getting more comfortable than that."

"Yeah, good point." Anna got up and picked up her bag. She changed into a tank top and a pair of shorts then climbed into bed.

"You know you're a tease. You won't let us do anything but you get naked in front of me daily."

"I can change in the bathroom if you'd like that better," she offered with a grin as she cuddled in beside him.

"No, you can't. I'd just have to follow you then." Anna laughed then put her head on his chest.

"Night Luv."

"Aww," Anna looked up and smiled at him. "Good night," then she leaned in and they kissed good night. They were both asleep within minutes. Finally, they were somewhere they could relax and get a good night's sleep.

…

When Anna woke up she was alone in bed. She rolled over and saw him sitting by the window. "It is so good to wake up and have you here with me."

Robert smiled, hearing her voice. He looked over and saw her in bed smiling back at him. "Good morning, Anna." Robert stood up and walked over to the bed, he sat down then leaned in and kissed her tenderly.

Anna could see that something was bothering him this morning. "What got you up so early? There's way too much going on in that head of yours."

Robert held up the picture he had been looking at. "I know this is Robin, that's she's our daughter. I know it wasn't always the way it should have been. I know I've been worried about her at times and I know we were all very happy. Why can't I remember actual things, important moments, special events? Only flashes, only images."

"We don't know how you were injured. You know more than you did when I found you."

"That's what I mean though. These are things I feel more than remember, I feel certain about facts but have no evidence in my head as to why I know whatever it is, is a fact. It's frustrating."

"You need the proof, Commissioner Scorpio. Is that what's bothering you?" Anna stroked his cheek, "You have to give yourself a little slack on this one. Once we know what's going on with you, maybe you'll know when you'll start remembering things."

"I hope you're right."

"As much as I want to suggest you get back in bed, I think it would be a better idea if I get up."

"You know this is one area I might need to question your leadership on."

"Oh really? I don't seem to remember you questioning it in the past, especially in this area," Anna said with a flirty smile as she threw the covers off and sat up.

He looked her up and down, even getting out of bed in the morning, she's beautiful. "No, I don't think I did." He leaned in and kissed her passionately once she was sitting up. When he leaned back they were both breathing heavily. "Yeah, that should wait." He leaned his forehead to hers as she stroked his hair.

"Yes, you're right. We aren't going to risk hurting you more." Anna got out of bed and started walking across the room. "Today we are going to find a clinic or doctor that will see you and won't have to ask a bunch of questions."

"Do you think that is going to be easy?"

"I don't know probably not but that's what we're doing today." Then she vanished through the door to the washroom.

"I'll go get us something for breakfast," he called, then left the room as well. They had a busy day ahead of them and needed to be focused.

…

"I think we might have to go to an ER."

Robert looked over at Anna, she'd just hung up after calling yet another clinic. "What did they tell you?"

"Just like the other clinics, they want a provincial health card cause I didn't mention Steve isn't Canadian. Without that there will be a lot of paperwork. No travel insurance, so it will come out of our dwindling funds. Maybe we could try a walk-in clinic but I think they would just send you somewhere else."

"I thought we wanted to avoid large places like hospitals."

Anna sighed and sat down, "Yeah we do but I don't think we have much choice. You need to be looked at by a doctor and preferably somewhere with the equipment to do the examinations you need."

"What if we wait a little longer. Lay low, in case our movements were noticed. I haven't been looked at yet. I know there's stuff going on but maybe it can wait a couple more days. We can figure out the best way to handle this. Maybe we can get some travel insurance for Steve and Roxie."

"That would help but how are we going to do that? We would need help and that would mean contacting someone and letting them know we're alive."

Robert knew they didn't want to risk contacting anyone. No one could know where they are. "Let's go get something to eat. You've been on that phone all day. Let's take a break, start fresh in the morning. You might even have an idea about how to handle this by then."

Anna smiled, she was tired of getting the same response and the same stumbling block to getting him looked at. Sure there would be a record of Stephen Conner being seen but who is likely to know who Stephen really is. "Yeah, alright. Let's go get some dinner."

…

Ronda knew what she was thinking of doing could get her in a ton of trouble if anyone found out. It might even get her fired but she didn't care. Sure it's only her and Sampson watching Robin now but Ross is still here and running his different teams from here. If someone saw her and reported back to him who knows what would happen.

Robin had gone for lunch with an older lady Ronda had seen her with a few times now. They parted ways when they had left Kelly's and now Robin was walking along the street, presumably heading home. Should she do this? Yes, Robin deserves to know. Ronda speed up a little and as she slowly passed Robin they made eye contact. She drove a little further up the street then pulled over to wait. It was now up to Robin what happened next.

Robin had gotten used to Ronda following her. With her, it felt more like it did when her father would insist on her having protection. Knowing Ronda was there watching her just felt like having a bodyguard and oddly it was a comforting feeling. Why had she just passed her though and why is she waiting now? As she got closer to the car she noticed the passenger's side window was down.

"If you want to talk, I can give you a ride home. No one will see a thing." Robin heard as she got close.

"What do we have to talk about?" Robin asked now standing by the still closed door.

"I think you know without me having to say."

Robin glanced up and down the street then opened the car door. "You're sure no one is going to know about this?"

"The only two still on watch, are me and another agent that should be having his afternoon nap right about now."

"Oh, so my uncles aren't any longer?" That was interesting, why the change?

"No, now that they seem to believe they know where both your parents are they don't think Mac or Sean will be contacted for help. Well, they aren't going to show up on their doorsteps, I guess is what they believe."

"Where do they think they are?" Robin asked quickly.

"San Bernardo del Tuyu, Argentina. Apparently, they have confirmation that your father was seen there within the last month and there is a dark-haired woman among the people searching for him that they assume is your mother."

"Why are you telling me this?" Robin was grateful for the update but wasn't sure if she trust it given the source.

"I don't like what they are putting you through or your parents for that matter. I think Ross is up to something and whatever he's planning Ross requires their location."

"Right, he just wants to know where they are."

"Yeah, I don't buy it either. I kind of think if he finds them first he will put them back in the kind of location Anna was in, just with a lot more security."

"So if the WSB finds them they will be taken prisoner?"

"Well not exactly but yeah."

"The organization that should be helping them is just as big a threat as the DVX. They aren't safe from anyone. Stop the car! I want to get out!" Robin hated this, she hated them. Why is the WSB doing this to them? What had her parents ever done to be treated like this?

"I can drive you the rest of the way home."

"No, I want to get out. I need to walk and calm down before I get there. Now stop and let me out."

Ronda pulled over and without saying another word Robin got out and started walking down the street. It felt good knowing her father is alive and has been seen recently. That her mom is getting closer. It infuriated her that the WSB isn't out there wanting to help them. No, locating them is only important for their plan. They only wanted to use them for some plot to trap Faison. She walked a little further, focus on the positive, she told herself. Focus on the fact her parents are out there alive and working to get back to her.

…

The next day, Anna walks into an ER with Robert leaning on her, supporting himself. It was more to help sell their story than that he actually needed to. "We need some help." Quickly there were nurses walking towards them.

"What happened?"

"He was injured a while ago but was lost at the time and hasn't gotten medical attention. We were trying to get home so he could see our doctor there but we didn't make it. He needs help, please!"

Last night, Robert had been pale when they got back from dinner. This morning he had been complaining about a headache. Anna wasn't going to wait any longer, he needed medical attention. She had no way of knowing what all the travelling had done to him and she was not willing to wait any longer to have him looked at. They had come up with Steve had been on a hiking holiday in Iceland and had gone missing. It was while they were on their way home to seek medical attention for him that Steve's symptoms got worse and that is what had led them to the ER.

Robert was quickly taken in to be examined and a nurse was asking Anna questions. She answered the best she could but there were things she didn't know, like how he was injured. After some time the questions had ended and Anna was left to wait. She had no idea how long they had been here or what was happening. A little while ago a very nice nurse had told her Steve was being taken up for some tests. Now all she could do was wait. Anna looked around the waiting area she was in. Thankful they were here not still in Argentina or one of the small places they had stopped in along the way here. What if they had ended up in some same clinic along the way and they hadn't had the equipment needed? Anna shook her head, she can't let herself think like that. They're here. This was their goal and Robert is getting the medical attention he needs now.

As Anna sat waiting for any news, flashes of the last time he had been in the hospital played in her mind. It can't be like that this time. He is not that close to death. She can't lose him. Not now, not after everything they've been put through.

Anna had lost all track of time lost in thought and didn't notice when someone came over. "Mrs. Conner."

Anna looked up after a moment, realizing she was the one being addressed. "Yes?" Anna started to stand up.

"We are just waiting for the results for some of the tests we ran but Stephen is asking for you. You can go wait with him if you'd like."

"I would, thank you." Then Anna followed the doctor down a hall. He was talking about the tests they had run but Anna only partly understood what he was telling her. She can wait until he has answers to really focus on that. Right now, seeing her husband was all Anna wanted, she needed to be near him.