Written in 28 minutes.

St. Timothy’s Church: Anteroom

There had been some thought that they’d delay the ceremony. A few more weeks, her grandmother had gently suggested. Until Elizabeth’s injuries had fully healed. Until the press had left them alone. Maybe even until the trial was over. After all, what was the hurry?

But Elizabeth hadn’t wanted to wait. Not the six months it would take for her nails to grow back or the year before a trial began because, of course, the madman who had stolen so much from them wouldn’t go quietly into the night —

So a few days before Christmas, barely four weeks after Elizabeth had tumbled over the edge of a cliff with a serial killer, she stood at the back of the church, the double doors closed. In her hands, a clutch of candy-colored tulips. She wore a pair of lace gloves to cover her healing nails.

She hadn’t wanted anyone to stand up with her, not even to escort her down the aisle, and while she’d waved slightly on that after what she and Robin had gone through together, Elizabeth had held firm.

So she stood in the anteroom alone for just another moment, took a deep breath, then reached for the handle.

“Elizabeth.”

She turned, her brows furrowed when Lucky stepped out of the shadows of the hallway. “What are you—” She tipped her head. “How did you get in?”

“I’m still Luke’s son,” he offered and she smiled faintly. “I won’t keep you. I just—Lu let it slip that it was today, and I wanted to—” He paused. “I wanted to wish you happiness. Before we were in love, we loved each other, you know?” His smile was crooked, just a corner turning up the way it had when they’d been teenagers. “You were my anchor when I didn’t think there was anything else. I want you—and the boys to be happy.” He cleared his throat. “The last time I told you that, everything was crazy and we were all so scared. I didn’t want you to think it was the pressure of the moment. I mean it.”

Elizabeth smiled, tipped her head. “I want you to be happy, too. I’ll always love you, Lucky.”

“You’d better get down that aisle before Jason starts to worry.” Lucky came forward, pulled the handle. When he opened it, he stayed behind so that no one would see him. Elizabeth turned away from her first love, then looked down the length of the aisle to her last.

Jason stood there, slightly turned towards Father Coates, though he turned when he heard the door, his smile — that sweet smile he rarely showed the world — blooming on his face.

For just a moment, Elizabeth thought maybe she could see Emily smiling behind her brother, her eyes lit with joy and mischief, but then she blinked and there was nothing behind Jason but the altar.

“Goodbye,” she murmured, not just to Lucky who had melted away again into the shadows, but to the sister of her heart who was gone but would never be forgotten. She was in the wind now, and she’d always be there. The pain of losing her would never fade completely, though it would dull with time. The love would always be there, as bright and vivid as the woman they’d lost.

She hadn’t wanted to wait one more day to marry Jason, to continue the life they’d already begun to build together. Emily would understand. The moment for grieving, for the loss, and the pain — it was over now.

It was time for everything that came next.

Elizabeth lifted her tulips to breathe in their sweet scent for a moment, then she walked into the future.

THE END

+38

Written in 67 minutes.

General Hospital: Emergency Room

Robin’s fingers were laced through Patrick’s clinging tightly, her eyes locked on the ultrasound monitor as Kelly adjusted the gel against her abdomen. “I’m okay. He barely touched me—” She looked up at Patrick, hating how thin her voice sounded, the way it shook — she believed every single word —

It seemed like such a terrible dream now — a nightmare that had blurred into existence then winked out almost as quickly as it had happened. She’d climbed into the trunk under her own power. She’d crawled through the car on her own. She’d found the gun on her own.

But there had been that moment — when he’d lunged for her, his own momentum shoving her backwards — her back ached from slamming into the stone bridge — had that been enough? Would it be just enough to steal her dream, her miracle—

“I know, honey,” Kelly said, her own voice unsteady. “But your blood pressure was elevated in the ambulance, and it’s—” She took a deep breath. “It’s early. We want to be sure.”

Tears burned through her lashes, streaking down her cheeks, and Robin tipped her head back. They hadn’t heard the heartbeat at all yet — they were supposed to come next week for an ultrasound and now maybe there never would be—

Patrick brought her fist to his mouth, pressing his lips to her knuckles. “Whatever happens,” he told her, stroking her hair with his other hand, his eyes dark, fierce. “We’ll be okay. You’re okay. You’re here.”

“The—I want the baby. I know you weren’t sure, but I am, and I just—” She swallowed a sob, not wanting to watch Kelly reach for the wand—she couldn’t look at the screen. Didn’t want to know.

“I am sure,” Patrick said, and she focused on him, and now she saw the pain and worry in his eyes. “I want this baby, Robin. So let’s just take a deep breath, let Kelly work, and—”

A sound cut him off. Tinny at first, but then it came — the unmistakable thud thud of an electronic heartbeat.

Robin twisted her head back to look at the screen, the tears falling unchecked. “That’s—that’s the heartbeat.”

“Nice and steady, Mama.” Kelly took a deep breath, and the shine of her own tears was evidence. “Just what we’d expect.” She touched the screen, gesturing at the image. “There’s your baby. Eight weeks along, you said?”

“Closer to ten now,” Robin murmured, almost absently. That was her baby. Their baby. Right in front of them. And it was okay. It was still here.

Patrick’s breath was a bit shaky as he finally took a breath. “Steady. The—she’s okay? The baby, I mean.”

“So far so good. We’re going to keep you overnight, honey. Monitor, just as a precaution, but I’m cautiously optimistic.” Kelly squeezed Robin’s lower leg. “You’re okay, honey. Both of you.”

Robin could barely breath, couldn’t speak. She was okay. Their child had made it. And maybe there was some danger, but the worst was over—

“You’re okay.” Patrick leaned down, pressed his forehead against hers, and she felt his body shudder as he absorbed it. “When I got the call, when I thought—” He paused. “You’re okay,” he repeated. “Both of you. And Elizabeth. She’s okay. It’s over.”

“Over,” Robin echoed, closing her eyes. But was it really?

Morgan Penthouse: Living Room

Spinelli hardly knew what to do with all the nervous energy. He’d needed to stay behind because of the boys, of course, and the Jackal knew exactly where his place was. Fair Elizabeth and Stone Cold needed to know Little Dude and Stone Cold the Sequel were safe—

He’d been focused then, keeping his thoughts and actions on distracting Cameron from realizing his mother was in danger. And Audrey Hardy had been a lot of help, though he’d read the worry in her face as she put Jake to sleep, and they both kept Cameron busy.

But now it was over. The killer was quiet, and all were safe.

Except.

Spinelli sat on the sofa, staring blindly at the Moby Dick paper with which he continued to struggle. It seemed silly now to have complained so much or to worry about it now.

“It doesn’t help,” Spinelli said, and Audrey glanced over from the armchair where she’d been precariously perched, watching the news coverage of everything intently. “To know the who, I mean. To know he’s caught. I thought it would.” He swallowed hard. “But it was someone I knew.”

“I didn’t realize…” Audrey straightened. “But he worked for Jason and Sonny—”

“Not that way,” Spinelli corrected hastily. “Just owned the security company. Not that there’s any other way,” he mumbled, staring at his hands.

“No, I—I heard what the news said. They contracted to the hospital, as well, Spinelli. I’m not holding Jason responsible for this. If this…” Audrey’s lips thinned. “If it hadn’t been tonight in this building, it might have been back at the hospital. Or anywhere else.”

“He knew Georgie a little,” Spinell said faintly. “Maybe that’s how he focused on her. And Emily. They both came here.” He swallowed hard. “Maybe Georgie’s dead because she knew me—”

“She’s dead because Ben Davis, for whatever reason, murdered her,” Audrey said gently. “If it hadn’t been her, it might have been someone else. We might never know what exactly happened in his brain to trigger any of this. The why might only make sense to him.”

“Doesn’t fix anything. I wanted to be relieved. To be happy. But it’s just…Fair Elizabeth and Dr. Robin are safe, this brings the Jackal joy,” Spinelli said awkwardly. “But it all feels…thin. Underneath, it’s just…numb, I guess.” He grimaced. “I’m not explaining it well.”

“Knowing that he can’t hurt anyone else, that my granddaughter and Robin are safe is a relief, and we’ll make that enough for now. But it doesn’t restore what’s been lost,” she said. She sat next to him, reaching for his hand. “For the lives we can’t bring back. For the families changed forever. But it’s at an end, my darling. At least we have that.”

General Hospital: Emergency Room

Maxie darted through the double doors, searching the crowd of people for her stepfather’s curly hair.

“Maxie, just—” Cooper tried to hold her back but Maxie wouldn’t be denied. She had to know. Had to be sure. She found him by the check-in desk and made a beeline for him.

“Mac?” She touched his arm. “Mac, they said on the news they found him. Was it—is it really—they said there were more hostages, but—”

Mac turned, brought her close. “It was Robin,” he said, and Maxie tensed, shoving back. “Robin and Elizabeth. He kidnapped and took them to another location, but they fought back. They escaped. Robin’s all right,” he added quickly. “And they caught the guy. Ben Davis. A security guy. His company contracted out to the campus.”

Maxie swallowed hard. “Robin? He had her—no one called or told me—” She pressed a fist to her chest. “But she’s okay. And the baby?” When he nodded, she took a deep breath. “Okay, okay. But you caught him. He’s in jail?”

“He’ll be transferred over in the morning. He’s in the hospital now. Maxie—”

“They caught him. It’s over.” Maxie looked at Cooper, but he was quiet, considering, waiting for her reaction. Her lips trembled. “It’s over.”

“Yes. It’s over. They nailed him, dead to rights. For the kidnapping and attempt today. It’s — it’s over, honey.” Mac stroked her hair, but Maxie stepped back.

“I thought I’d at least feel something when it was over,” she said softly. “But I don’t. There’s nothing. Georgie’s still dead, isn’t she?” Tears spilled over her lashes. “She’s still dead and I’m still here. Alone.”

She pressed her hands to her mouth, sobs wracking her frame, and sank to the floor before Cooper or Mac could catch her.

Quartermaine Mansion: Foyer

Monica emerged from the double doors of the parlor, closing the door and heading for the stairs. The front door opened, and Dillon stepped in, his face grave. Monica paused, her hand at the railing, her heart fluttering.

The last time Dillon had come to the house late in the evening—

“Dillon?”

“Hey. Um, listen—” He dragged a hand through his disheveled hair. “It’s on the news, and Lu just called — they caught the guy. They caught him.”

“Oh. Oh.” Monica absorbed this, then frowned. “There’s more, isn’t there? What else?”

“They caught him up at Rice Creek Bridge,” Dillon continued. “Um, he worked for a security company, the news said. That’s—that’s the connection. To the campus, the hospital, and to Harborview Towers.”

“Harbor—” Monica closed her mouth. “Dillon—”

“Everyone is safe,” Dillon added quickly. “But he kidnapped Robin and Elizabeth and took them to the bridge. I—I know they’re okay—” he continued as Monica flew towards the phone. “The news said so, but Lu talked to Spinelli, and she said they have to keep them both in the hospital—but they’re okay. It’s over.”

Monica clutched the edge of the table in the center of the foyer, her fingers digging into the rim. “Over,” she repeated. “The boys? They weren’t hurt.”

“No. Everyone’s good. Jason’s at the hospital with Elizabeth. I just—I wanted to make sure you knew. Or didn’t see it on the news or whatever. But it’s good. It’s over. They caught him. No question it’s the same guy.”

Monica nodded. “Okay. Okay. I should call Ned down at the gatehouse—oh, Edward already went up for the night.” She pressed her fingers to her lips, considering. “It’s over. Do—do they know the motive?”

“No. Does it matter?” Dillon asked, and she met his eyes. “I mean, knowing the why isn’t going to help. It won’t change it. Georgie will still be gone. Georgie and Chelsea and Emily—” He looked away. “I don’t care about why,” he said roughly. “He’s probably some kind of lunatic, and they’re dead. So who cares?”

He jerked open the mansion door and left, slamming the door behind. Monica exhaled slowly, then picked up the phone to call Ned.

General Hospital: Hallway

“Lucky. Lucky.”

Lucky found Nikolas jogging through the hallway, his face flushed. “Nikolas.”

“Is it true, is it? They found him—” Nikolas snagged Lucky’s arm. “Tell me it’s over.”

“Yeah.” Lucky stepped back from his brother. “Yeah, they found him. Excuse me—” he saw Mac over Nikolas’s shoulder, who had Robert following behind him. “I have work to do.”

“Wait. Wait, Lucky. Can I—”

“No.” Lucky turned away from Nikolas, uninterested in his apologies. Nikolas was good at that — being cruel in the moment, and apologizing later. But Lucky wasn’t ready to forget the pills tossed at him, to forgive the coldness.  Not yet.

“I know I shouldn’t be here. Or that I wasn’t supposed to be at the bridge,” Lucky began as Mac stopped in front of him.

“I’m sorry,” Mac said, and Lucky closed his mouth. “I already made the calls to reinstate you. To make sure the suspension or complaint doesn’t even go on the record. I’m sorry,” he said again. He nodded towards the door behind him. “I thought you might want to come in. Be part of the questioning.”

Lucky cleared his throat, turned towards the door. Behind it lay the man who had murdered five women. Who had nearly murdered two more tonight. He’d wrapped a wire around Emily’s neck and choked the life from her. He’d tried to do the same to Elizabeth.

“No, I don’t,” Lucky said finally. “Thank you. For saying you’d clear the record. But I think I need some time. I need—I need some time,” was all he could say.

“Of course—” Mac frowned, watching him walk away.

“Let’s get this over with,” Robert said grimly. He pushed open the door to find Ben Davis laying on the hospital bed, one hand handcuffed to the railing. A uniform stood up from where he’d sat next to the bed.

The killer was in traction, a leg pinned precariously up. There needed to be surgery to set it correctly, Robert knew. It would be done tonight, and he’d be moved to the county jail infirmary in the morning. Or as soon as possible.

But Robert just saw the man who’d tried to take his baby from him. Who had murdered so many.

“Has he said anything?” Robert asked the cop.

“Just mumbling about the job not being done. It didn’t make sense.”

“Hmm,” Robert nodded. He stepped up the bed. “You awake?” he asked, his voice harshly. “I have a question for you.”

Ben Davis opened his eyes, the pain in the dull brown depths reflecting back. “Hurts.”

“Why? Why did you do this? Why did you try to murder my daughter? Why did you murder those women?”

“Didn’t murder.” Ben closed his eyes again, sighed. “Saved them. My girls. All my girls. With bright smiles and bright lights. They’ll live forever now. In me.”

“What?”

“Pairs. All perfect things in pairs. Two college girls. Two doctors. Two nurses.” His lips twisted. “Didn’t finish. Didn’t do the job. My final girls. They weren’t right. Chose badly. Their lights weren’t bright enough.”

Robert grimaced, then looked at Mac standing just inside the door. His little brother stalked out of the room, and Robert followed.

“Mac—”

“Maxie—she said it wouldn’t matter. That knowing why wouldn’t fix it.” Mac met his eyes. “He’s crazy. Bright lights. Pairs. He stole my Georgie because of that? Christ—” His body shuddered. “Nearly killed Robin because of her light? Fuck that. Fuck it all.”

“It’s lunatic nonsense. The why never mattered, little brother. It will never bring you peace or happiness. The who is the only mystery that matters and we’ve solved it. It’s over. Georgie can rest. They can all rest. He can’t hurt them again. That’s the only promise we can ever make.”

General Hospital: Hospital Room

Elizabeth turned her head, resting her cheek against the thin white pillow, exhausted beyond measure. Adrenaline had drained away what little remained of her energy. And now she just wanted to close her eyes, and wish away the world.

Her hands had been bandaged — the tips of her fingers throbbed where her nails had been ripped off. Her throat was on fire, throbbing from the screaming and the thin wire—

She opened her eyes, saw Jason in one of the plastic uncomfortable chairs. Their eyes met. “Did I fall asleep?” she forced out.

“Shh, rest your voice,” he murmured. He picked up her hand, stroking the palm. “Yeah, for a little. They said if you wanted something to help you sleep longer, to call for it. The boys are all right,” he added when she opened her mouth again. “Spinelli and Audrey are looking after them. Cameron never even knew you were in danger. He thought you went to see Robin and watch a movie.”

Elizabeth nodded. “Gram. Can I?”

“Yeah. Yeah.” Jason leaned to one side, dug out his phone from his pocket. He pressed a button, then another so that the ringing echoed on the speaker phone.

“Hello? Jason?” Audrey’s voice asked.

Another tears slid down her cheek. “Gram.”

“Oh, honey.” Audrey’s voice thickened. “Darling. How are you?”

“Her throat is sore, so it’s hard for her to say a lot,” Jason said, then brought the phone closer to Elizabeth’s mouth.

“Okay, Gram. I’m okay. Love you.”

“I love you, too, sweetheart. Rest, let Jason take care of you. I’ll look after the boys.”

“Spinelli?” Elizabeth coughed, tried to clear her throat. “Take—he’s okay?”

“Fair Elizabeth, the Jackal is beyond happy to hear your lovely voice,” Spinelli said, though his voice sounded a bit further away. “She is kind to even think of the Jackal in this moment.”

Talking about himself and everyone as if they were characters again. Trying to protect himself.  “You’re one of my boys, aren’t you?” By the end of her words, her voice had faded to almost nothing.

“Of course he is,” Audrey said. “And you’ll be sure that I’ll look after Damien. I love you, Elizabeth. But you need to rest and take care of yourself.”

When they’d hung up, Elizabeth closed her eyes, then but they flew open. She looked at her hand — and her lips trembled. How silly to think of it right now, to worry about something that didn’t matter, but—

Jason took her hand, sliding the tip of his finger over the bare space where her engagement ring had rested. “I can try to find it,” he offered quietly. “Maybe it’s up at the bridge. Or in the car.”

“No,” she mouthed, the word little more than breath against her lips. “No.”

“Then I’ll get you another one. We’ll pick it out together. Or I’ll do it. Or you can. Whatever you want.” Jason brought her hand to his mouth, pressing his lips against the inside of her palm, then resting it against his cheek. “Whatever you want.”

“Robin?”

“She’s okay. Baby is, too,” he added. He exhaled slowly, then stroked her hair with his other hand, gazing into her eyes. “I love you.” He leaned down, brushed his lips tenderly against ihs.

“Ditto,” was all Elizabeth could manage as their breath mingled. “You found me.”

He kissed her again. “Always.”

+36

Written in 61 minutes.

Rice Creek Bridge

Jason didn’t even remember hitting the brakes or throwing the SUV into park. As he’d turned from the access road into the small dirt lot that served as the parking for the bridge, he’d seen Elizabeth flying away from the bridge, Ben hot on her heels. He’d thrown himself at her, tackling—

Jason was out of the SUV, the door still open, racing towards them, his heart racing, blood pounding in his ears, but they rolled over the edge before he was able to reach the edge—

He heard a scream, being cut off — but he was already throwing himself to the ground over the edge, reaching down because he knew—he knew—that if he could just get to her, Elizabeth would be there, holding on—she had to hold on—he didn’t have the room for any other ending—

She was kicking wildly, her feet not finding any purchase in the rocks that lined the edge of the gorge, and just as her hands slipped, as she lost her grip—Jason grabbed a forearm, his fingers digging into her skin so deeply he could almost feel the outline of the bone beneath the surface—

He hauled her back over the edge, her slight weight no match for the adrenaline of a man who was not going to lose one more person in his life, much less the one who mattered the most.

Elizabeth was sobbing, shaking, and trembling as he pulled her up and into his arms, clutching at her like he was drowning and she was all air he would ever need. She buried her face in his neck, and they sat there for a long moment, just holding each other at the edge.

“I knew you’d find me, I knew you’d get here, I knew—” her words were broken, shaky, but precious. Her voice hoarse, almost inaudible.

Jason drew back just enough to look at her, to find her beautiful eyes, to reassure himself that somehow he wasn’t hallucinating or dreaming — that she was really in his arms, that she was safe, and that the monster who’d tried to murder her — who had stolen his sister’s life — that he was gone, and that she was alive—

Her eyes were bloodshot, her cheeks scratched, bleeding, her lips dry and cracked, but she was there—whole and alive—

Jason cupped her face, leaned his forehead against hers. “You’re okay. You’re okay.” He repeated it to himself, thinking if he kept on saying it, he would believe it, but he was still trapped somehow, his mind still in those terrible moments, racing up the access road towards the bridge, terrified it would be too late.

“I’m okay, you’re here, and I’m okay—” She smoothed her thumbs over his skin. “You’re real. You’re real. Aren’t you? Tell me you’re real—”

He kissed her, and she sobbed her relief against his mouth, sinking into his embrace, a bit of the tension tight in her body easing.

“Elizabeth—”

He drew back, and came back to reality when he saw Robin limping towards them, her cheeks stained with tears, hair disheveled, a thin cut bleeding at her forehead.

Jason got to his feet, hauling Elizabeth up against his side. “Robin. You’re—you’re okay?”

“She saved me—” Robin’s voice broke, and she squeezed her eyes shut, pressing her hands to her mouth. “Oh, God. Oh, God. He had the wire. He was choking her—”

“You stopped him—” Elizabeth managed, and Jason looked at her again, this time seeing the thin red, angry line at her throat, and his heart simply stopped. The world went still. Those same marks had been on Emily, cold and blue with death.

“You—”

“She got out of the trunk—” Elizabeth stepped away from Jason, went towards Robin, and they collapsed into each other’s arms. “You stopped him. Thank you. Thank you.”

The squeal of brakes broke through Jason’s distraction, and he turned — Lucky and Robert were out of the car before the engine had fully gone silent, Robert racing towards his daughter.

“Daddy!” Robin was sobbing as she fell into his arms. “You came!”

Jason reached for Elizabeth again, not wanting to be away from her, still wondering somehow if he’d come to his senses and it would all be a lie. He’d watched her fall off a cliff—what if she’d actually gone over, and now—

“You—” Lucky approached them, his eyes sweeping over the scene. “Where is he? What happened?”

“I can’t—” Elizabeth closed her eyes, pressing a hand to her throat wincing. “He’s—he fell. We got away. But he fell.”

Lucky looked past her, towards the edge, then back at her, his eyes zeroing in her hands, swallowing hard. “Okay. Okay. I’ll go down. See what’s going on. Mac and the others—the paramedics—they’re on their way.”

Jason hesitated, then looked to Robert who was cataloging his daughter’s injuries, taking her pulse. “I’ll go with you. You shouldn’t do it alone. There’s no guarantee the fall killed him or injured him badly enough—” He took a breath, looked at Elizabeth. “Stay up here. With Robin.”

“All right.” She swallowed hard. “Hurry back, okay? I want to get out of here.”

“We need to be sure,” Jason said. He kissed the inside of her palm, his stomach clenching at the damage done to her beautiful hands. The fingernails had been broken on every finger, and were missing entirely from two of them.

But she was alive, and she would heal.

Jason reluctantly left Elizabeth to Robert’s care, and grimly followed Lucky down the winding path that traversed the rocky descent from the bridge down to the thin, but steady flowing creek that fed into Lake Ontario.

If it struck either of them as odd that they’d be working together on this last leg of the tragic journey, neither mentioned it. Lucky went ahead, and Jason followed. Only a month ago, they’d been in court, on the opposite sides of the aisle. Jason had walked away with the family Lucky had fought so hard to keep—

It felt like a lifetime had passed between that day and this.

On the banks of the creek, nearby the remains of a fallen tree, they found their killer.

Ben Davis lay on his back, staring up the sky. He was still alive, his breathing labored. Blood trickled from his mouth, and one of his leg at an odd angle.

Jason stared at him — this man to whom he’d given so much trust — Ben had destroyed so many lives. Not just the women whose lives he’d ended, but the people around them. Would anyone ever feel safe again?

“It would be so easy,” Lucky murmured, and Jason looked at him sharply. “Put a hand over his mouth,” he continued. “No one would look that closely. It would be over.”

“It would,” Jason agreed, and he almost agreed. Whether he or Lucky did the deed, he knew neither would ever say a word to reveal the crime. Ben had destroyed them both when he’d taken Emily from them—he hadn’t needed to target Elizabeth, the woman that they’d both loved for so long.

Lucky exhaled shakily. “But that’s not who I want to be. And that’s not who you are either.” He looked at Jason. “It’s not who we are. Not like this. Not with Elizabeth up there, bleeding and traumatized. She needs you. And it would only make me like him. Killing for pleasure.” He looked back at the barely conscious murderer at his feet. “He doesn’t get to have that power over me.”

Jason nodded. It would have been risky, he thought. And for Lucky, Jason understood. It really wasn’t who Lucky wanted be. But Jason had no such moral objection. The time wasn’t right, but it would be. If Ben Davis survived, he’d go to prison. And one day—

One day there would be retribution. There would be payment in blood.

But not today.

“I’ll stay down here,” Lucky said after another moment. “He’s not going anywhere. Go back up.” Their eyes met. “Take care of her.”

Jason exhaled slowly. “I’m sorry,” he said finally. “For my part. I never should have—”

“No, you shouldn’t have,” Lucky murmured, but he looked back at Ben. “But it doesn’t matter anymore. It’s over. All of it. All we can do now is move on. Emily would want it that way. I was angry with her at the end,” he said. “And I never told her how much I loved her. How much she changed my life.”

“She knew.”

“I hope that’s true.” Sirens echoed in the air, and Lucky looked up towards the edge above them. “Cavalry’s finally here.”

General Hospital: Emergency Room

Mac’s words still echoed in Patrick’s ears as he paced the area by the entrance of the emergency room. He’s got her. He’s got Robin and Elizabeth. We’re on it. We know where he is, and we’ll get her back.

Even the follow up call with the news that they’d been rescued — that they were alive and had somehow saved themselves — Patrick couldn’t rest, couldn’t let himself take a full breathe.

What had Robin gone through in the last hour? What had happened to her? She must have been so scared, and he’d been stuck at the hospital — and the baby. Miscarries were so common at this stage—her blood pressure, a traumatic fall — anything might trigger it.

“I won’t bother telling you to relax,” Kelly said from behind him and he whirled around to find the doctor studying him with worried eyes. “I’ll take good care of her. And do my best for the baby.”

Patrick opened his mouth, but his throat tightened and he couldn’t force any sounds past it. He pressed his lips together, dipped his head, squeezed his eyes shut.

“Robin’s tough,” Kelly said softly. She squeezed Patrick’s forearm. “You know that. Tough as nails. And any child of hers will be too stubborn—”

“That’s not how it works, and you know it,” Patrick managed. “It’s not. We’re doctors, Kelly. Don’t give me those bullshit platitudes.”

“All right, I won’t. I just—” Kelly bit her lip. “But—”

“And don’t be nice to me,” he bit out. “You don’t get to pretend like we’re still friends, Kelly—”

“Patrick—”

“No. No. You don’t get to stand here and hold my hand like you haven’t treated me like a goddamn leper for just be honest with how I felt,” Patrick continued, feeling ruthless and furious. “How many times did you and Lainey jump down my throat—well are you happy now? Are you? You told me I’d figure out what I wanted and it’d be too late, and maybe it is—”

“Come with me,” Epiphany said, dragging Patrick away from a shell-shocked Kelly. “Don’t take it out on her, either. Robin’s alive. Focus on that, you hear me?”

“I—”

“A whole lot of women went up against this madman and they didn’t make it. Robin did. Elizabeth did. So let’s see what we see. And let the rest of it take care of itself.”

He nodded, then turned at the sirens of the ambulance. He raced outside just as one pulled into the bay. The doors opened, and a paramedic jumped out, barking out information to Kelly and her team.

They slid down the stretcher from the back, and Patrick got his first look at Robin, her eyes open, her face pale. “Robin.”

“Patrick.”

“Hey. Hey.” He flicked one look at Robert, before grabbing Robin’s hand and falling into step with the rest of the team as they rolled her inside and towards a curtain. “Hey, I’m right here.” He brought their joined hands to his mouth. “I’m right here.” Whatever happens. He wouldn’t go anywhere.

A few minutes later, a second ambulance pulled into the lot, and Epiphany was relieved to see Elizabeth being rolled out next, though her breath caught at the marks on her throat. Jason hopped down next to her, refusing to let go of her hand.

“Vitals are stable enough, though blood pressure and heartbeat are elevated,” the paramedic reported, reeling off numbers. “Bruising and cuts. Nothing life threatening.”

“Hey, honey, it’s good—” Epiphany felt her eyes fill as she fell into step with the stretcher on Elizabeth’s side. The marks at the throat, the fingernails ripped from her fingers— “Hey, honey.”

“Epiphany.” Elizabeth managed a smile. “Hey. I’m okay. Don’t…don’t cry.”

“I never cry,” Epiphany said, even as the first tears started to fall. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Elizabeth managed a faint smile. “Jason. The boys.”

“I’ll call Spinelli.” He kissed her hand, his expression darkening slightly as his finger slid over her fingers. Her bare fingers. Epiphany exhaled slowly, remembering the diamond that had shone brightly just a few days earlier. It was gone now.

Jason watched reluctantly as doctors whisked Elizabeth in for x-rays, knowing he couldn’t follow. Epiphany promised to stay with her. He dug into his pocket for his phone.

“Stone Cold? Is all well?” Spinelli’s panicked, thready voice answered. “Elizabeth. Please. She’s all right?”

“She’s—” Jason took a breath. “She’s okay. She and Robin. We’re at the hospital to be sure. Is Audrey there?”

“Yes. Yes. Here—” Spinelli’s  voice faded, and then Audrey was on the line.

“Jason? She’s all right? You’re sure?”

“Some—” He had trouble forming the words, scraping his hand down his face. “She’s all right. Bruises. Cuts. But she’s okay. Can you—I mean—you’ll stay with the boys tonight?”

“Of course, darling. And please, please, as soon as she’s able, can someone—I would like to hear my granddaughter’s voice.”

“As soon as we can. I promise.”

He ended the call, and found Sonny behind him, expression concerned, his hair a bit disheveled. “Did you get my message?”

“Yeah, yeah, I know you said they were okay, but I wanted to see for myself—” Sonny swallowed hard. “What about Ben?”

“I don’t know. I didn’t wait around to find out. He couldn’t move. Broke a leg and some ribs in the fall,” Jason said tightly. They heard another ambulance siren, and looked towards the entrance. A few minutes later, a third stretcher rolled through, and it was him. Ben. His eyes were closed, and a hand was handcuffed to the side of the stretcher.  There was a small army of uniformed officers who followed after him.

Jason wanted to follow, wanted to choke the life from the man who’d stolen so many lives, and had tried to murder Elizabeth and Robin tonight —

But from the opposite direction, he saw Epiphany beckoning him towards a curtained area. “Sonny—”

“Yeah, I’ll stay on that. You go take care of Elizabeth. She’s alive — she and Robin got away. And that’s all the matters right now.” Sonny’s expression was flat. “The rest can come later.”

+34

Written in 56 minutes.

Car: Front Seat

Never again would she watch a thriller or a horror movie and be angry with the stupid girl who made all the wrong choices and ended up dead—

Then again, Elizabeth likely wasn’t going to be watching any more movies after today, but if she survived — she’d never again judge that stupid girl for running up the stairs and not out the door—

You had a split second to make your choices. Not even that really. Every nerve, every cell in her body had flooded with fear, terror. This madman—this psychotic lunatic who kept babbling about how she and Robin were his perfect girls, his finale, his masterpiece—he’d been so close to her babies. To the boys she loved more than anything on this planet, and she’d just wanted him away.

And now she was next to him, speeding along the road, Robin locked in a trunk, and Ben Davis, the security tech she’d only vaguely noticed before today, driving them towards some public place suitable for their murders.

He’d kill Elizabeth first, she knew. And then drag Robin out of the trunk and kill her, too. Could she have done something else? Maybe there would have been time to get inside the penthouse and keep him away—but what if he’d had a key? He’d been able to get in the elevator hadn’t he?

And in the elevator, in the parking garage, he’d murdered that guard and she didn’t even know his name. He hadn’t blinked. Just shot him twice — could they have run? Where? To the elevator? Through the parking garage?

No, she’d never judge that silly girl in the movies ever again.

Elizabeth licked her lips, tried to focus, her eyes darting around madly. They’d been on Harborview Road, speeding out of downtown and towards the hills — past the estates where the Quartermaines and Barringtons and other members of Port Charles society lived — public didn’t have to mean where people were, she realized now. It just meant out in the open.

He could take them into the woods and murder them. No one would know where they’d ended up, would they? She’d left her cell phone on the phone.

She caught something in the side mirror — an SUV traveling behind them, and relief flooded so suddenly she had to bit down hard on her lip, tasting the metallic tang of blood, because otherwise she might have begun to sob.

That was Jason. Somehow, he’d already found them. He knew where she was. And maybe he wouldn’t be in time to save her, but Robin and her baby —

But maybe they were due a miracle. He was there—

“Damn it!” Ben swore, and her head swung sharply, horrified to realize he’d looked in his own rearview mirror. And of course, oh God, of course he’d recognize Jason’s SUV. He probably knew the license plate from upgrading the security on it.

“Not this time,” the lunatic muttered, his fingers flexing at the wheel. “Not this time. He won’t be here to save you. Not this time.”

SUV

He’d followed the strange car for what felt like forever before Spinelli had called back, his voice tinny and thin on the speakerphone that bled out of the dashboard. “The phone signal is on Harborview Road — it’s pinging from the tower near Vista Point —

“Got it,” Jason said.

“But Stone Cold, there was a shooting,” Spinelli continued, his tone thready, laced with nerves. “Guard down stairs in the parking garage. Cameras. Wally said it was Ben.”

Ben.

Ben Davis.

He’d owned the security company before Jason had bought it out after Sonny had left him in charge all those years ago, He still did — on paper. It was easier to employ guards through the front. It looked more legit than having their private army, which was closer to the truth, and Sonny had kept the fiction alive after he’d taken back control. Ben had never been part of the inner circle, but—

He’d had access to it all long.

The man Jason had known for more than a decade had murdered his sister. Had kidnapped Elizabeth and Robin, had killed Sam —

“Okay,” Jason said, his voice flat. Toneless. He wouldn’t let the horror of it take over. Couldn’t. One focus. One mission.

He pressed on the gas pedal. He was right behind them. Nothing would hurt her. “I need you to make sure Sonny knows that. And Robert. Call him. Everyone, Spinelli. I’m on Harborview—damn it!”

Jason slammed on the brakes, and the SUV started to skid, spinning in a circle — but it was too late — he’d missed the turn —

Ben’s car had abruptly swerved onto the access road leading up into the hills, toward the bridge over Rice Creek — where Robin had spent so much time with Stone, where Jason had kissed her for the first time — where he’d taken Elizabeth and taught her to the box —

But it had been an abrupt turn and Jason had missed it — and now he was behind him — even if he sped up —

“Stone Cold?” Spinelli’s panicked voice broke through. “What’s wrong?”

“They’re going towards Rice Creek,” Jason said. “But I’m behind them now. Tell everyone.” And he cut the call. He had to focus.

He had to believe he’d be in time.

PCPD: Commissioner’s Office

“I really don’t need this headache,” Mac said, stalking away from the window and glaring at Harper. “Jason Morgan isn’t really a suspect—we’ll get the meeting set up later with Diane. I need to know where we are on our short list of suspects—”

“We need to snip this end,” Harper continued, but Mac just scowled at him. “Can you focus on what the press is going—”

“I don’t give a god damn what the press is going to do—” The phone at his belt vibrated, and Mac snatched it up. “Yeah?”

“Mac, he’s got Robin.”

Robert’s tense words flattened Mac’s world, and then everything spun. “What?”

“She’s in the trunk of a car possibly on Harborview Road—what? Wait—”

“Don’t tell me to wait, goddamn it,” Mac snapped. But there were other voices, something else happening in the background. “Robert!”

“Spinelli on Spencer’s phone. They’re heading for Rice Creek. Suspect is Ben Davis. Get everyone there. Now.”

The line went dead, and Mac clenched his hand around the phone for just a second before focusing on Harper. “Rice Creek bridge. Get every available patrol car on their way. He’s got Robin. Ben Davis is the guy.”

“Ben Davis? He’s on the short list, but how—”

“Goddamn it—” Mac’s hand flashed out, and gripped Harper’s shirt in a vicious grip. “Do what I said! Shut the fuck up and get everyone to Rice Creek! Now!” He released Harper who stumbled away, then dashed out the door.

Mac took a deep breath, then looked at his phone—and searched through his contacts until he found Patrick’s number.

Car: Trunk

“Daddy? What’s going on?” Robin’s voice trembled as she tried to get her father back on the line. Robert had been talking to her, but then his voice had become muffled, and she was terrified. What if he’d lost them? What if—

“Robin. Honey. We know where you’re going. We know where you are. We’re coming. Okay? We’re going to be there—”

“Where—”

“Rice Creek. And baby, Jason is right behind you. He was following, all right? And we’re maybe five minutes behind.”

“Two,” came Lucky’s faint voice. “Less if I can manage. Hold on, Robin. We’re coming.”

Robin felt the car begin to slow, her pulse racing. And then she yelped as she abruptly slid forward against the wall that separated the trunk from the back of the car.

Oh. Oh, no.

The car had stopped.

“Robin?”

“The car stopped.” She felt the wall with her fingers, then her heart seized when she felt a seam in the softness. “Oh, God. Daddy. I can get out of the trunk this way. I can get into the car—”

“Robin, don’t do anything stupid—”

“Shut up—” Robin heard a car door slam, then a scream. “Oh, God. Dad. He’s got Elizabeth. I have to stop him. I love you, okay? I love you. And tell Patrick I love him, too. I love you all.”

Then she hung up the phone.

Car: Front Seat

“Robin!” Robert shouted, but it was useless, too late. She’d hung up. “Spencer—”

“I heard.” Lucky never took his eyes off the road. Had to focus. Had to do this right. He’d only have one chance to make the twists and turns — one wrong move, one turn taken at the wrong speed, and he’d flip the car —

And Robin and Elizabeth might be dead before they could reach them. He wouldn’t think about Robin’s last words. That Elizabeth was already outside the car. That even Jason, closer than either of them, that he wouldn’t be able to get there in time.

Lucky refused to believe they wouldn’t make it.

This wouldn’t be one more failure for him. He would get them there in time. And Robin and Elizabeth would survive to raise their children and live long, happy lives.

He wouldn’t let Elizabeth down again.

The turn for the access road towards the Rice Creek bridge was uphead and Lucky prepared to take the turn.

Nearly there.

Rice Creek Bridge

He didn’t even give Elizabeth time to think — the car had jerked to a stop just before the bridge that rode high over the creek and he’d gripped her upper arm tightly, his fingers digging into the skin, then dragged her across the front seat.

She kicked and screamed — grasping wildly at anything she could to stop him from getting her out of the car — from being out in the open —

Because there would the wire, wouldn’t it— if he couldn’t get the wire around her neck then—

But he was stronger than her, and he got her through the driver’s door. She clawed, spit, and continued to kick, thrashing wildly, screaming — praying that somehow Jason had been able to catch up again, that he’d been able to follow them —

That someone would hear —

“God damn it, this isn’t how it’s supposed to be—” Ben panted. He backhanded her across the face, finally and Elizabeth went flying, cracking her head against the side of the bridge.

Her head spun, and there were stars and ringing in her ears — it took a moment — just one moment too long to get her sense —

But the wire was already around her neck — the thin cord digging into her skin—Elizabeth gasped, curling her fingers around it, shoving herself back and throwing him off his balance — the cord slipped just enough so she could get her fingers underneath—

“You fucking bitch! You goddamn whore!” Ben was screaming, and weeping—and then his hands were around her neck and she dug at it, her nails ripping—

Then there was a single gunshot exploding in the air, and Ben grunted, his fingers falling away.

Elizabeth, sobbing, choking, frantically crawled away, dimly realizing that somehow, Robin was standing there, her hair disheveled, her eyes wild, a gun clutched in her hands.

Ben was on the ground, his hand pressed to his shoulder. Robin re-aimed, but he was already growling, launching himself at her. Robin shot again, but he’d slammed into her and this time the bullet went wild.

They fell against the bridge, Robin’s back pressed against the stone as they grappled for the gun. He hit her hard and got the gun away from her — he tossed it over the the edge of the bridge, then reached into his pocket. The wire came out now and Robin was screaming —

Elizabeth stumbled to her feet, weaving, barely able to think as she ran towards them. She hurled herself at Ben, and it knocked him to the ground. Robin fell to the side, breathing hard, her cheeks flushed, stained with tears.

Now Elizabeth ran, rushing back towards the car and the parking lot beyond it, towards the access road — Jason was coming — he’d be there—

Ben slammed into her, tackling her to the ground. She screamed, kicking and pushing, and shoving — he was grunting, and they were rolling —

And then there was nothing. No ground below them. Elizabeth screamed, reaching out, her hands finding rocks and clinging to them —

But Ben continued to fall, his own scream cut off by a thud and a grunt.

There was a squeal of brakes, car doors slamming, but Elizabeth barely registered any of it. Her fingernails were already torn and bloody, her fingers slipping and sliding. She clung with all her grip to the side of the gorge —

But she couldn’t hold on. She had nothing left to give—her fingers slid another few centimeters, and then she was falling.

+32

Written in 60 minutes.

Greystone: Living Room

“I’m feeling a little relieved, to be honest, that Robin’s staying in the penthouse,” Sonny said, his fingers clenched around the glass tumbler of bourbon. “I don’t like the idea of this guy targeting them.”

“Any chance of us getting that short list from the PCPD?” Jason wanted to know. “We could do our own eliminating—” He tugged out his phone, even though it hadn’t vibrated or made any a sound. He didn’t like letting Elizabeth out of his sight. Not now.

But she was home, no plans to go out, and no one could get to her.

“I’m working on it, but Robert’s keeping everything locked down. Especially after the bullshit with Lucky.” Sonny made a face. “I don’t think he’s gonna work with us, even for the greater good.”

“No—” Jason grimaced, glanced down at the phone again. “Listen. I’m gonna head back. Anything comes up—”

“I’ll come to you. Go home. And stay there until this is over. We don’t take any chances.”

Harborview Towers: Elevator

Elizabeth watched as the numbers above the double doors lit up in descending order. 14, 13, 12—

Robin stood beside her, the killer’s had wrapped tightly around her arm, a gun shoved into her side. Elizabeth had tried to send Robin to safety — a mistake, she realized now. There was no way she was leaving Robin alone to face this lunatic on her own. Not when she was pregnant. Not when he’d killed so many — five women who’d never had a chance.

And all along it had been a man working for Jason and Sonny. God. Their own security company—her stomach roiled with the realization. The guard had only scared this maniac the other night because he knew Frankie. The guard would have known his name. What was it? Elizabeth had met him in passing when they’d moved in. Something short. Common.

She looked at the floors again — 9, 8, 7—

They’d get to the parking garage and there’d be other guards. But how many at this time of night? The elevators were secured by an access key. One, maybe two? And if Elizabeth tried to get help, would Robin pay the price? Would he murder Robin right in front of her?

And where was he taking them? Oh, God. He needed to do it in public. But would the parking garage be public enough? It had been for Emily and Leyla—

6, 5, 4 —

Was Jason on his way home? Please let him be downstairs. Let him be parking. Waiting for the elevator.

Because if this man got them downstairs, if he got past the guards—

3, 2, 1—

The elevator doors slid open, and the man yanked Robin forward, practically shoving her towards the door. For a brief moment, Elizabeth considered trying to get the doors to close — but would that doom Robin? Would she get them closed in time? Or would he shoot her before they could? Would he be angry that Elizabeth had ruined his plans and go upstairs to get to her boys?

Oh, God, what was she supposed to do?

Trembling, hoping it was the right decision to keep them both alive, Elizabeth followed when the man gestured with the gun.

Spencer House: Living Room

“All right, I want to head over to the Towers,” Robert said, gathering up the documents. “You think Morgan will talk to us about this guy?”

“I think if we’re not accusing him of murder he will,” Lucky said dryly. He closed his laptop, dropped it in his bag, then looped the strap over his shoulder. “I talked to Elizabeth earlier today. I think maybe I can ask her if I need it, but Jason was cooperative at every step when it was Georgie we were investigating. Even when Spinelli turned over that footage he’d hacked.”

“Okay.” Robert made a face, stopping at the door. “I’d better let Mac know where I am and the lead I’m following—”

“Maybe I should stay back—”

“Now’s not the time, Spencer. I need your computer skills. If our guy is in security, we’ll need someone to work that angle, and I’m not enlisting Spinelli,” the older man muttered. He tugged out his phone. “My brother will just have to deal with it. You’re on the team until I say otherwise.”

Morgan Penthouse: Living Room

In the playpen, Jake was beginning to fuss. He’d thrown out the stuffed rabbit three times, and Spinelli had dutifully returned it —

But it was when he finished the level on the video game that Spinelli realized that Elizabeth hadn’t returned. And that she’d been gone longer than was probably necessary for a quick conversation in the hall.

And Elizabeth wasn’t the type to just leave Spinelli alone with the boys without making sure it was okay.

It was, of course, Spinelli thought, as he set down the controller and returned the rabbit again. The kids were his family now. They were all a family, but Elizabeth hadn’t wanted to take advantage of him living there. He was entitled to a life, she’d told him when he’d offered to watch the boys.

Spinelli opened the door, frowning when neither Robin nor Elizabeth were in the hallway. He glanced over his shoulder. “Hey, Little Dude, don’t move from the sofa, okay? I’ll be right back.”

“Okay.” Cameron furrowed his tiny brow. “Snelli good?”

“I’m fine. Just gonna see when your mom’s coming back. She probably went across the hall with Doctor Robin.”

He left the door open in case Cameron needed him, expecting to find the women in the other penthouse — the door knob twisted easily in his hand — but the room was empty.

“Fair Elizabeth?” he called out hesitantly, his heart beginning to pound. “Doctor Robin?”

The penthouse was dark, eerily silent. Spinelli closed the door, stared blindly at the hallway. Robin and Elizabeth were gone. Vanished into thin air. But that couldn’t be—the Towers were safe.

Weren’t they?

Harborview Towers: Parking Garage

As Robin stepped out of the elevator — well, as she was shoved — the guard in the little stone office stepped to the doorway, his brow knitted together in confusion. “Dr. Scorpio? I thought—” He stopped. “Ben, what’s going on?”

“Emergency,” the killer — Ben, he had a name now— said. His grip was tight on Robin’s arm now. Was the gun pointing at Elizabeth? They were in a parking garage. Just like Emily. Just like Leyla. Was this where it ended?

“What kind?” The guard stepped out, hesitation in his features. “Jason’s not back yet. He didn’t say—”

The words cut off abruptly as Ben’s other arm appeared, raising the gun. There was a flash and a bang—an explosion of noise that deafened Robin for a moment—she heard screams, a grunt—

And then the guard was on the ground, writhing in pain, his hands clutched around his middle. “The fuck—”

“Sorry,” Ben said flatly. He aimed again—and Robin looked away, her hands flying to her face—she heard another shot—

And then silence.

Was this how it ended? Right now? Here? He’d killed the guard, and now it was their turn—

Robin felt lighter fingers wrap around Robin’s elbows, and she turned to Elizabeth, knowing her face was identical in that moment. Eyes too wide, skin icy pale. Body trembling. Elizabeth could have run. Could have done a thousand things to keep herself safe. But she was here, in this moment, to save others. The boys. Spinelli. Robin.

And now maybe here they stood together at the end.

“Don’t look so worried,” Ben said. He turned to them, smiling. “It’s not over yet. I don’t repeat myself. My girls deserve better than that. You’re the finale.”

“What—”

“Now, Dr. Scorpio—” He reached into his pocket, drew out a set of keys. Pressed a button. Lights flashed nearby, and a trunk popped open. “Get in the trunk so I can take you to our final destination.”

He strode forward, grabbed Elizabeth by the arm. “Or I can get rid of this one right now,” he told Robin, the barrel nuzzling Elizabeth under her chin. “And then I’ll go back upstairs and clear the penthouse—”

“They’re just—they’re babies—”

“Obstacles. Leverage. Get in the trunk,” Ben repeated. “Or have more blood on your hands. Sweet Leyla? That wasn’t supposed to be her. You know that. You sent her to die. And Sam McCall? You did that. If you’d been where you were promised to be—where you said you’d go—they’d both alive right now.”

There was a truth to that — an unfair, terrible truth — and Robin swallowed hard. It was supposed to be her three weeks ago. And this man wouldn’t stop until he’d accomplished his mission. If Robin refused — it wouldn’t change anything.

But if she got in the trunk, maybe they’d have a chance.

“Okay. Okay. Don’t hurt her, okay? Don’t—” Robin hurried to the car, shoved the trunk all the way open. “I’ll do it.”

“There’s a good girl. I knew you’d understand.”

Morgan Penthouse: Living Room

Spinelli returned to the penthouse, closed the door, then flipped the locks, his heart pounding. If Elizabeth and Robin were gone, then they weren’t safe. Not down here. He’d call Stone Cold, sound the alarm, then he’d take the boys upstairs to their room and find a way to bar the door until reinforcements came.

“Snelli?”

“Hey, Little Dude.” Spinelli turned, flashed a smile he hoped wasn’t wavering. “Go play the rabbit game with your brother. Mommy is chilling with Doc Robin, so I’m gonna call your dad. We’re out of orange soda.”

“Okay.” Cameron slid off the sofa, headed over to the playpen where Jake had tossed the rabbit again.

Spinelli took a deep breath, and went for his cell phone. His finger was hovering over the send button when the phone on the desk began to ring, the shrill sound filling the room. Spinelli yanked it off the base. “Stone Cold?”

“We’re locking down,” came the tense reply of Wally down at the front desk. “Shots were fired in the parking garage. Elevators are turned off—”

“Shots—” His stomach dropped. “Elizabeth and Robin are gone. They went into the hallway and never came back.”

“Oh, fucking hell—”

Harborview Towers: Parking Garage

Robin crawled into the trunk, and Ben shoved the lid down hard as soon as she’d curled up. Relief warred with terror as Elizabeth absorbed they had more time. He was taking them to another location —

But with Robin trapped in the trunk, if Elizabeth tried to escape, she’d still be leaving Robin behind. And escape wasn’t guaranteed—

Ben’s fingers dug into her upper arm as he jerked her forward towards the driver’s side of the car. He shoved her across the front seat, and she winced as the gear shift hit her stomach. He pushed her again, and she hit the other side of the car hard, her head rapping against the door, jolting her.

By the time she’d regained her sense, he was in the car, the engine was switched on, and he was pulling out of the parking space.

She could fight him in the car — she was still considering it— but there was the gun — and they were still in the Towers —

Even if they locked down the elevators, wouldn’t Ben have a way inside’? Wouldn’t he be able to go pass it—

No. Get him away from the building. Away from her boys. Jason would know by now he was missing, and he’d find her.

He always did.

The car squealed out of the garage, making a hard right out of the garage — taking them further up Harborview Road, towards the hills that rose of the lake.

It nearly hit an SUV waiting to turn into the lot, and Jason’s fingers clenched around the wheel, as a terrible feeling of dread filled him.

His phone rang. “Yeah?”

“He’s got them, he’s got them!” Spinelli cried. “Shots in the parking garage. Robin and Elizabeth were gone and I was going to call you, but—”

Jason swore, then hit the gas, hoping like hell he could catch up the headlights disappearing rapidly behind him. “Spinelli, I think I’m following the car. Does Elizabeth have her phone?”

“N-no—it’s here—”

“Then Robin. Robin’s phone. Don’t call it. But you can find her signal can’t you? With her number?”

“I—” He heard the other man take a deep breath. “Yes. Yes. I can try. Don’t get off the phone. I’ll try.”

“Okay. Call Sonny on the other line. I’m driving north on Harborview — and he’s headed out of town.” Somewhere public, Jason thought, but without interruptions.

And if Robin had her phone, then maybe —

Car: Trunk

She did have her phone, a fact which had occurred to her as Ben was ordering her to crawl into the trunk. If she was alone in the trunk, then she could do something —

She had it in her hands, but couldn’t see anything in the dark car. Patrick was in surgery. So that speed dial was out of the question. But her father?

Robin felt the keypad with her fingers, painstakingly feeling out the 1, the 2, then 3—she held down 4.

“Robin?”

“Dad! He’s got us! Ben — his name is Ben—” She sucked in a sob. “Dad, he works for Jason. He was at the Towers—”

“Shit—where are you? Where does he have you?”

“Trunk. Elizabeth up front, I think. He didn’t check me for a phone. I don’t know where we’re going, but I felt the car go right, so I think we made that turn and we haven’t turned again. Harborview Road.”

“I’m coming Robin. You stay on the phone with me. Don’t hang up.”

“I won’t.” Tears slid down her cheeks. Her father was on his way, and Robert Scorpio had never failed her when it mattered most. “But you need to tell Patrick. And tell him I love him, and that—”

“No goodbyes, baby. We’re already on the way. We’ll call Patrick, but you’re going to see him soon. I’m coming. Don’t hang up. Keep talking to me.”

“O-Okay. I’m scared.”

“I know. Damn it, Spencer—you better not kill us before we can catch up—who taught you to drive?”

“Never lost anyone yet,” Robin heard Lucky’s dry voice through the line and nearly laughed. “Dad taught me everything I know, so just hold on to something and stop complaining. He always said you were a terrible passenger.”

Now Robin did giggle, the sound strange as it mixed with her hiccups.  “He’s not wrong, Daddy.”

“No, he’s not,” Robert muttered. “I’m coming, Robin. Don’t give up. You keep talking me.”

+34

Written in 60 minutes.

Harborview Towers: Lobby

Robin’s smile was quick and friendly as they approached the guard behind the desk. “Wally! I can’t believe you’re still here!” She looked to Patrick. “He’s worked the desk down here since I was with Stone.”

“It’s good to see you, Miss Scorpio—” Wally paused. “It’s Doctor now, though, isn’t it? Dr. Scorpio.” He opened a manila envelope. “I have everything you need here. Keys for the penthouse, access cards for the elevator and for the parking garage—” He slid each item across to them.

“The hospital has less security,” Patrick said, even as he picked up his set of keys and cards. “That’s not a criticism of this place, but of our employer,” he added. He looped a duffel bag over his shoulder, then picked up the suitcase Robin had packed for herself.

“Thanks, Wally,” Robin called as she and Patrick headed for the elevators at the other end of the lobby.

Wally watched them until they were safely on the elevator then sat back down at his desk, reaching for the phone to let Jason know that they’d arrived safely. He glanced up at footsteps, furrowing his brow at the man standing there . “What are you doing here? We didn’t schedule anything did we?”

“Last minute call from Greystone.” Ben Davis rested an elbow on the desk. “Wanted to audit the security system and make sure no one has access who isn’t supposed to. I guess they’re getting nervous about this guy.” He shrugged. “I don’t think Mr. C has to worry about the ex. No one’s stupid enough to go after Mrs. C.”

“She’s not the one they’re worried about,” Wally said. “You can add two names to the access list unless Mr. C or Jason already told you. Penthouse 4. Robin Scorpio and Patrick Drake.”

“Penthouse 4? The boss’s old place?” Ben scratched out a note. “What’s that about? It’s been empty for almost two years.”

“I guess they’re shaken up after Sam McCall at Kelly’s. Dr. Scorpio and Miss Webber found her body. I think Jason’s worried they might be targets.” Wally shook his head. “It’s a shame after what they’ve been through, losing his sister.”

“Goes to show you no one’s really safe,” Ben murmured. He straightened. “I’ll take care of it, and report back to Mr. C.”

Ben left the security guard behind the desk and hummed a little as he headed for the Towers’s security room. It was really a stroke of luck, he thought, as he stepped inside the room and saw the wall of screens at the far side. He found the elevator to the fifteenth floor without problem and watched Robin step off with the doctor.

If he’d had any doubt about Robin and Elizabeth being his final set of girls, the ones that would fix all the mistakes, well hadn’t the universe given him a sign? Pretty Robin was now just across the hall from Elizabeth.

He’d have to live with a few adjustments to his process, but at the end of the day, the results mattered, and Ben had mistakes to correct.

All he had to do now was wait.

Harborview Towers: Hallway

As soon as Wally had called up to let them know Robin and Patrick had picked up their security information, Jason and Elizabeth headed across the hall to check on them.

“I really appreciate this,” Robin said, closing the door behind them. “Dad’s worried, and so was Patrick—” She glanced over at her boyfriend, examining the windows. “It’s weird being back here. It looks just like it always did.”

“Yeah. We left it empty in case Sonny needed it—” Jason folded his arms. “I talked to Francis about getting you a guard, but I don’t know if you still want it. They won’t let them in the hospital.”

“No, I remember. Elizabeth told me—” Robin exhaled slowly. “It’s just…it’s a little overwhelming. This just happened last night, and it feels like everything is going so fast—”

“He waited less time,” Patrick said, coming back to them. “Six weeks, then three. I still think you should ask for time off from the hospital. Both of you,” he said to Elizabeth.

“We don’t know for sure he’ll still come after us,” Elizabeth said, but her protest was only half-hearted. “But I’ll call Epiphany and see if we can rearrange shifts. I’ll volunteer to work some nights.”

“And I can see about doing some work at home. If you’ll round on my patients,” Robin told Patrick. “But locking us up in here can’t be a permanent solution.”

“I know, but—” Patrick grimaced, looked at Jason. “Your people are safe, aren’t they? I mean, you’ve vetted them.”

“The best we can. Most of the guards assigned to the Towers have been with us for years,” Jason told him. “But I’m headed over to Sonny’s now to go over a few things. There’s a few more security upgrades we can do. And there’s always the island.”

“But that’s a last resort,” Elizabeth said, more to Jason who just sighed. “I promise Robin and I don’t want to make any stupid decisions, but how long are we supposed to do this?”

“Until we catch this guy.” Jason brushed his lips against his forehead. “I won’t be long, okay? I’ll be back before you have to put the boys down for the night.”

“You could come over,” Elizabeth suggested as Jason pulled open the door. “Start your internship early—”

“I think we’re going to unpack and settle in.” Robin wrapped her arms around her torso. “Thank you. Seriously. I know my dad feels a lot better knowing I’m here.”

“I feel better,” Elizabeth said. She hugged Robin, then followed Jason out.

“I really just want this to be over,” Robin murmured. Patrick wrapped his arms around her, pulling her back against his chest. “They have to be close to catching him, don’t they?”

“I hope so.” He tightened his hold on her, as if it alone could keep her safe.

Spencer House: Kitchen

“All right, let’s see what we’re working with,” Robert said, spreading his files across one end of the table, casting a dubious glance at Lucky with nothing more than a notepad and a laptop. “I know our guy is on this list. Talk me through the ones you like best.”

“All of them match average height and build,” Lucky said, “so they could be the guy on the camera from Georgie and Chelsea’s dorm. And from the hospital. The security company covers both places, and these guys were assigned to both at various times this last year.  No criminal record—” He tapped a few keys. “Except for the owner of the company. No convictions, but he’s been questioned a few times and was on Taggert’s radar for a few jewelry store heists. He opened the company five years ago, supposedly went legit—”

Lucky stopped when his email dinged. He picked up his phone to scroll through it. “Subpoena for the security company’s client list finally came through—”

“The hospital, and the campus, right? What about Kelly’s?”

“No, Sonny and Jason handle that,” Lucky said almost absently. “Since Sonny married Carly—” He stopped. “The company handles security for Corinthos & Morgan Coffee and the Towers.”

Robert straightened. “What?”

“The company. It’s…I didn’t realize—” Lucky set his phone aside, tapped a few more keys, his  heart pounding in his ears. “It’s the front for Sonny and Jason. Their guards work for this company. Francis Corelli, Dougie Barone — that’s who was with them the other night. Max and Milo Giambetti — they’re all listed as employees.” Lucky exhaled slowly. “None of them have ever worked the hospital or PCU.”

“Sonny and Jason, do they own this company?”

“No, no. Not on paper anyway. If their money is funding it—I don’t—” Lucky tapped a few more keys, typed in a few names. “But none of our guys is on the shortlist for the Towers or Kelly’s. They’ve never been assigned there. That doesn’t mean anything—”

“But the owner of the company. He would know all of that, wouldn’t he?”

“Yeah. He would.” Lucky looked over at Robert. “Ben Davis. He’s the registered owner.”

Morgan Penthouse: Living Room

Elizabeth tried to keep her mind occupied with other things. She fed her boys dinner, managing a smile when Spinelli dug into the dinosaur-shaped nuggets with the same enthusiasm as her toddler.

“I bet you’re ready for Thanksgiving break,” she said to Spinelli as she carried Jake out to the living room after dinner, Cameron trotting after the teenager. “You’re done with that paper, aren’t you?”

“The Jackal is still in the throes of conclusions.” He dropped onto the sofa with a sigh. “The Blonde One says I must finish with a fancy flourish but I must admit, I lack the flourish. And the fancy.”

“Don’t look at me for that.” Elizabeth shuddered. “The thought of writing papers—I barely managed in high school.”

Cameron dug into his toys and began to build with his blocks. Elizabeth set Jake in the playpen, and wondered how to keep herself busy. Maybe she could give the boys’ a bath — that would definitely—

The knock at the door jarred her from her thoughts. Elizabeth headed over, smiling when she saw Robin at the threshold. “Hey.”

“Hey. Uh, Patrick got called in for an emergency surgery.” Robin twisted her fingers together. “And I was going out of my mind with boredom. Is Jason back? Does he have anything from Sonny? I mean—”

“No. Not yet. I’m going a little crazy myself—” Elizabeth glanced over her shoulder, making a face when she realized Cameron had abandoned his toys and was creeping closer. He’d taken to listening to conversations, and the last thing she wanted was for him to hear talk about a serial killer. “Cam, why don’t you ask Spinelli to help you with that video game? I’m gonna go talk to Robin in the hallway.”

“Sure. Come on over, Little Dude.” Spinelli was always happy to have a reason to avoid schoolwork, and Cameron was obsessed with the video games Spinelli showed him.

“I’m sorry,” Robin said as they stepped into the hallway. Elizabeth closed the door behind them. “I shouldn’t—”

“No, it’s fine. I just—I don’t want Cameron to—” she sighed. “I guess I’m trying to ignore it all. Because if I think about it, I think about how scared I am that they’re all right, and somehow we’re in this guy’s crosshairs—” Elizabeth fisted her hand. “And I hate it. I really do.”

“I—” Robin paused when they heard the elevator. “Oh, maybe that’s Jason.”

“I hope so. Maybe he has something—”

But it wasn’t Jason who stepped around the corner. It was someone Elizabeth only vaguely recognized and didn’t know by name. “Is there something wrong?”

The man smiled, and the hair on Elizabeth’s neck stood up. She reached for Robin’s arm, instictively wanted the pregnant woman behind her. And cognizant that just behind the door, her babies were blissfully ignorant. “Who are you?”

“I’ve been waiting so long for this moment.” His smile deepened, but his eyes were cold. Dead. Empty. “For my girls to be just where I wanted you. It was supposed to be you last night.”

Could she get them both inside and lock the door before he reached them? Oh, God. No. Maybe if just one of them ran—

But the boys — they were just inside —

Elizabeth opened her mouth, but nothing came out. Beside her, Robin was tense, her dark eyes burning.

“You killed Georgie,” Robin breathed. “And Emily. And Leyla and Chelsea—All of them—”

“My girls,” the man said with a proud smile, a horrible contrast to his dead ends. “All of them so perfect in their own way. But you, my dear Dr. Scorpio, have been a challenge.” He wagged a finger at her. “Now, it’s time for you come with me and fix the problem you created.”

“I’m not going anywhere—”

The man reached inside his suit jacket and drew out a pistol. The smile remained, but it was sharper, thinner. Meaner now. “You can come with me now or I can go inside the penthouse.” In his other hand, he dangled keys. “I can go anywhere in the building, Dr. Scorpio. Miss Webber.”

Her name on his lips jarred Elizabeth’s memory. “You work for Jason. You—you’re part of their security.”

“I am their security. I’m sorry that you had to be my final girl, Miss Webber. But you can blame Dr. Scorpio. She sent that nurse with Emily that night.” He shook his head. “So then I needed a nurse to complete the set.”

“The set,” Elizabeth repeated numbly. “We’re a set?”

“Yes. It’s very important to make sure it matches. That you fit. I didn’t want to hurt Jason. He’s been very good to me,” the man continued, “but he’ll move on. He always does, doesn’t he? And maybe—” His eyes lit up. “Oh, this is perfect. It will all match now! Sam belonged to him. No more mistakes.”

He raised his brows. “You can come with me now so I can do this right, or I can go inside and take someone else that belongs Jason. Maybe a new pair—”

“No, No.” Elizabeth swallowed hard. “You can take me. Leave Robin. You wanted a pair, didn’t you? Sam and I can be your pair. She’s already gone. We’re Jason’s fiancées. That’s a pair. Robin—”

“She has to go, Miss Webber. You both do. Now, what’s it going to be?”

+30

Written in 61 minutes.

Quartermaine Estate: Family Room

Jason stepped back from hugging Monica, touched her shoulder. “How are you holding up?”

“I’m managing,” Monica said, squeezing his hand. She gestured for him to join her on the sofa. “Some days are better than others.” She hesitated. “I’m sorry about Sam. I didn’t know her that well, but I know you cared for her.”

“I did,” Jason said, a bit uneasy. “But not the way I used to. We broke up months ago, but we were really over a long time before that.”

“That’s what makes grief complicated,” Monica told him. “Just because you’ve moved on and you’re planning a future with someone else, it doesn’t mean you have to pretend you didn’t have a history with someone else—”

“It’s not—” He stopped, considered how to put it into words. “Sam knew Maureen Harper kidnapped Jake,” he told Jake, and her expression tightened. “She saw her do it. She didn’t stop it. She didn’t say anything. And I don’t think she ever would have. Jake was an obstacle to her. Not a person.”

“Oh. Oh.” Monica closed her eyes. “Oh, how horrible. I’m so sorry, Jason. Of course that makes this so much more difficult. And then she testified against you—”

“And was trying to have me arrested for making threats against her life,” Jason continued. “That’s—it’s part of the reason why I came over. Sam—she doesn’t fit the profile. I know that Robert Scorpio has a theory to explain that, but there are cops who don’t—they’ve asked for my alibi. Last night. And for—” His throat tightened. “For the others.”

“They what?” Monica demanded, her tone low and dangerous. “They can’t seriously think you had anything to do with what happened to Emily! She was your sister! And why would you hurt Georgie? Or Leyla, or Georgie’s poor roommate—oh, I can’t think of her name—”

“Chelsea.” Jason rubbed the back of his neck. “I don’t think anyone seriously does, but I didn’t want you to hear the rumors and—I don’t know. I didn’t want you to hear about it another way.”

“It’s preposterous, and I’ll be making that clear to anyone who will listen. And your grandfather, well, he’ll go straight through the ceiling—I hope you told them to take their questions and go to hell—”

“I’m letting Diane handle it for now. I don’t want to worry you, Mon—” Jason hesitated. “Mom.”

Her face softened, and she touched his hand. “I know it’s uncomfortable for you, Jason. You don’t have to call me that after all this time.”

“I—”

“It means the world to me that you’ve let me in. That you’ve given me time with your children. Made me—and Edward—part of your future. But don’t do anything you aren’t ready for.” She touched his cheek, then smiled. “I have something for you. Give me a minute.”

She rose and crossed over to the bookcases lining the back of the room. She pulled out a photo album and brought it back over. “I thought you might like…” Monica flipped it open to a page with a photograph of Alan holding a baby. She touched it. “You were almost eighteen months old here. You’d just come to live with us, and that’s your old room upstairs.”

Jason studied the photograph of a much younger Alan holding a toddler to his chest, grinning. The child looking up at him with a matching smile, clearing adoring. He’d loved his father. “I don’t want to have the same the regrets with you or Edward that I have with Alan,” he said slowly.

“You won’t. We won’t.” Monica flipped back to the beginning. “I was upset for so long when Alan wanted these photos in here,” she said, holding the book back out to him. “I didn’t want a single reminder that someone else was your mother. But Susan loved you, too, Jason. And you look so much like Jake—”

Jason could see the resemblance now as he considered the infant in the woman’s arms. She was a pretty woman, he thought. With brown hair and a happy smile. And the baby she held really did look like Jake.

“I didn’t want you in this house,” Monica said, and he looked at her. “I nearly divorced Alan over the possibility. I didn’t want any reminders of Susan after you came to live here. I wanted to forget it ever happened. The night Susan died, I didn’t even think about where you were. I didn’t—” She took a deep breath. “I didn’t care about you.”

Jason frowned, bewildered at the turn in the conversation. “Why—”

“You told me about Sam. About seeing Jake as an obstacle,” Monica said. “That’s what you were to me, Jason. Before you were mine, I always thought of you as someone else’s. And it was wrong, of course, but I wasn’t a very good person. I regret it now. I regret every moment I wasted with you. Sending you to boarding school. Spending so much of your childhood and growing up years mired in my own personal problems. I was a selfish woman, but you were always the best of sons and you deserved so much more than I could give you then.”

“I—”

“You don’t want to have any regrets, you said. And I’m telling you that we won’t. The past—we won’t let it matter.”

Lake House: Living Room

Alexis was always far more comfortable in a courtroom than she was in her own personal life, and words always came more easily to her when she was slipping and sliding through the intricacies of the law.

Molly, thankfully, was just too young to have this conversation, and Ric had promised to keep her a bit longer, but Kristina? Oh, she was old enough. She’d loved her big sister, and now Alexis had to tell her that Sam was never coming home again.

“Thank you,” Alexis managed as Sonny closed the door behind him and stepped down into the living room. “I can do this, but I think it would just help for you to stand there. To just…” She twisted her fingers together. “To just be there.”

“I want to be wherever Kristina and you need me to be.” Sonny took her by the hand. “Ric is bringing them home today?”

“Just Kristina.” Alexis touched her forehead. “Molly’s barely two years old. God. When I think—”

“It’s okay—” Sonny stepped as the knock at the door came, and he turned to find Ric pushing the door open, Kristina in his arms. His chest tightened as always when seeing his half-brother with Sonny’s daughter, but that wasn’t important right now.

“Daddy!” Kristina wiggled and hopped to the ground, racing over to her father. Sonny swept her up, kissed her cheeks. “Daddy Ric bring me home for you! Him and Mols having Daddy-Daughter day, so I get to?”

Ric winced when Alexis looked at him. “I wasn’t really sure how to—” He swallowed. “How to explain why Molly was staying with me, so—”

“No, it’s all right.” Alexis nodded. “Thank you.”

“I better let you, ah, get to it.” Ric held Alexis’s gaze for another minute. “I really am sorry. I know you might not believe that, but—”

“I do. Thank you, Ric.”

When he’d gone, Alexis turned back to her daughter. And prepared to deliver the news.

Spencer House: Living Room

“I don’t bloody care what my brother said,” Robert said, sweeping past a surprised Lucky and into the house. “You’re still on this case until the damn end, and that’s just how it is.”

“I don’t want to do anything to mess up the case—”

“You won’t.” Robert stopped, took in Lucky’s exhausted appearance. “Mac told me you’d kicked a pain pill addiction last year. But I know it’s been a bad few months. Are you still clean?”

Lucky winced, closed the door, then faced Robert. “Yes. I’m going back to meetings though. But I’m clean. And staying that way.”

“Good. Had to be asked, of course. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. That’s the consequences of what I did. Were there any developments after I, uh, left last night?”

Robert shook his head. “Nothing beyond what we expected. If not for Robin and Elizabeth’s statements that they heard footsteps running away just as they discovered the body, if not for the tight time frame, I’d have serious doubts this was connected. Sam’s neck was broken. It was a quick death. She likely only had moments to realize something was wrong.”

“That tells us something though,” Lucky said, regret swirling. What if he’d taken Sam more seriously the week before? Or at least spoken to her? What if he’d tried hard to get her to come around to his side? Into getting on with their lives? Maybe she wouldn’t have gone to Kelly’s, maybe she wouldn’t have gone into a fight with Robin and Elizabeth.

But then maybe Robin and Elizabeth would have been the targets. There were no easy answers.

“It does. Our guy knows how to make this kill. No easy feat to break a woman’s neck and cause instant death. He’d need the strength and the knowledge.” Robert rocked back on his heels. “So we’ll apply that to the profile and see what we turn up.”

“Yeah.” Lucky sat on the arm of the sofa. “What, um, do you think about Robin being the target twice? Do we think it’s random? Or planned?”

Robert’s expression was pained. “I want it to be random,” he said slowly. “That it could have been any two women at a public place. But I think it’s important that we not let go of the possibility. I’m going over to talk to her about that.”

“Maybe it was random,” Lucky said, considering. “But a different kind of random. He could have chosen them at random, but then once he’d locked in, he looked at them differently. I can’t get over the parking garage — it was a shift change.”

“So maybe he chose them for different reasons, and then waited for an opportunity.” Robert exhaled slowly. “Which means he chose Robin and Emily. And Robin changed his plans.”

“So he chose her again, and she’s slipped away—again.” Lucky fisted his hands. “But that would mean he also chose Elizabeth.”

“And he’s lost on both of them. It’s still just a theory,” Robert cautioned. “We need to work with our shortlist, but I don’t like even the smallest possibility that Robin could be the target. And I’m sure, despite all the history, you’re not keen on Elizabeth being in his sights either.”

“No. I’m not.” Lucky waited a moment. “But Elizabeth lives at the Towers. The security is tight. I went to see her today. You can’t get to certain floors without the right access key. And the parking garage—I don’t know for sure, but I don’t think there’s any blind spots. And I know they don’t do shift changes. There’s always an overlap. I, uh, used to wash Jason’s cars when I was a kid,” Lucky said when Robert frowned at him. “I did some work at the Towers. Security got tighter. There’s a list of people with access, but I’m not on it.”

“Maybe we can get Robin to stay there until we get this guy. I’ll suggest it to her. If we take his targets out of his sight for a while—” Robert furrowed his brow. “I’d be interested in seeing what he does without them.”

Patrick & Robin’s Condo: Living Room

Robin hung up the phone just as Patrick came out of the bedroom. “Are all men just Neanderthals masquerading as humans?”

“Not sure that’s anthropologically accurate since—” Patrick stopped when he saw the irritated look on her face. “Right. Debate later. What happened?”

“My father just called, and he wants me to ask Jason if I can stay with him and Elizabeth or something until they catch this guy.” Robin made a face, and went towards the kitchen, yanking out a glass from the cabinet. “I just got done telling you that I didn’t want to be locked up—”

“You also told me that you would ask Jason for some help,” Patrick reminded her and she scowled. “And look, that penthouse is so full of people, what’s two more? Plus, the kids. Remember, we were going to simulate a newborn with—”

“We—” Robin looked at him, her eyes wide. “What?”

“Well, if he has a guest room for you, I don’t see why I can’t go. If you think I’m letting you out of my sight, you’re insane.” Patrick leaned against the counter.

“Oh. Well—” Robin chewed on her lip. “They used to keep empty apartments,” she said slowly. “It was one thing when you and I just talked about it, but Dad seems convinced I’m…” She pressed a fist to her belly. “That I’m on the short list. That I made this guy mad because he’s tried to—”

“Hearing it from your dad made it more real.”

“Yeah.” She looked at him. “No offense, but you’re just…you’re not a cop. Or a former spy. Or…I don’t know. But Dad is usually calm about these kinds of things. Or he was. But he really thinks it might be true.”

Patrick scooped up the cordless from where she’d left it. “Call Elizabeth. Or I can. But there’s no point in either of us taking chances just because we’re stubborn. It’s not just us anymore, Robin.”

“No.” Now Robin flatted her hand against her belly, thinking of the life she carried. The precious, miracle which had already saved her once. “No, you’re right. Let me call.”

Morgan Penthouse: Living Room

“Of course he’ll say yes,” Elizabeth said, glancing over as Jason came in. “Do you want to talk to him?” She pressed her hand over the speaker of the phone she held. “It’s Robin.”

“What’s up?”

“I’m passing the phone to Jason now,” Elizabeth said, and handed it over.

“Robin?” Jason asked, taking the phone with one hand, and shrugging out of his jacket with the other. Elizabeth took it from him, along with the photo album Monica had sent home.

“Hey. Hey. I’m sorry. I know you’ve got so much going on right now, and the last thing you need is to worry about me—”

“Robin, what’s wrong?” he asked, glancing around the penthouse, looking for the boys. He found Jake napping in his playpen.

“With Spinelli,” Elizabeth answered, gesturing up the stairs, and Jason nodded, returning his attention to the phone.

“Elizabeth said she told you, uh, about my dad’s theory. That we were—” Her voice faltered. “That it was supposed to be us.”

“Yeah. He did.” And it was something Jason hadn’t told his mother, knowing it would only upset her. “What can I do?”

“Dad asked if maybe—I don’t know—maybe if we can stay at the Towers. You know, because of how secure it is. And the guard—they think the guard scared this guy—” He could almost see Robin on the other side of the phone grimacing. “I hate to ask—”

“Sonny’s old place is across the hall. It’s still furnished. You can take it,” Jason said immediately. “It’s the safest floor in the building, you know that. And even more than when we lived there. I’ll leave the keys and everything else with the desk downstairs.”

Robin was quiet for a long moment. “Just like that?”

“Of course. You matter, Robin. You always will. You just tell me what you need, and I’ll make it happen.”

“Thank you. Thank—I’ll talk to Patrick and I’ll call you back with—thank you.”

He hung up the phone, looked at Elizabeth as she looked through the album. “Monica, uh, she thought you might like to see the ones from—”

“I can’t believe we got away with the lie for as long as we did,” Elizabeth murmured. “He’s your double. And he’ll just keep growing up to look like you.”

He sat next to her, and she leaned into his shoulder. “Robert thinks this guy locks in on his victims like we’re property,” she said softly. “He came after Robin again because she got away. And now—”

“Now you both did.” Jason kissed her forehead, ignoring the sliver of fear as it slid down his spine. “We’ll be okay. I’ll make sure of it.”

+31

Written in 66 minutes. Didn’t want to rush the Lucky scene.

Morgan Penthouse: Living Room

The next morning, Jason opened the door to find a grim Sonny, and frowned. “What’s wrong? I mean—” He stepped aside to let Sonny through, grimacing as he closed the door. “Other than what happened last night.”

“It’s about last night,” Sonny said. He looked around the room. “Where is everyone? Can we talk?”

“Spinelli went to class, and Elizabeth’s in the kitchen with the boys, but even if—” Jason tensed. “Are they seriously looking at me?”

“Depends on who you ask.” Sonny rubbed his thumb against his chin. “Lucky was suspended last night. Tossed off the case and sent home.”

Jason simply stared at him. “Lucky? But—”

“Sam made a report on Halloween that you threatened to kill her, and I guess she didn’t let it go. Lucky didn’t take it seriously,” Sonny continued, “and Sam filed a complaint against him. Now, with Sam being the latest victim—” He exhaled slowly. “It looks like Lucky screwed up.”

“This is—” Jason shook his head. “No. They can’t be taking that report seriously—”

“Robert isn’t. Word is he’s pissed as hell because Lucky was the second in command on the case, and has been on it since the beginning.” Sonny paused. “The rest of the PCPD? Not so much. They’re still ticked after you got acquitted a few months ago. Now, no one figures you for the others, but Sam? Yeah. There’s some talk.”

“This is bullshit—” Jason hesitated as Elizabeth emerged from the kitchen, Jake in her arms, Cameron zooming in front of her. “Hey—”

“Do I need to clear out?” Elizabeth asked, her eyes dark with worry. “Sonny?”

“Uh, no, I guess—” Sonny scratched the back of his neck, looked at Jason. “Depends on if you want this conversation in front of Cam.”

“Here.” Elizabeth handed the baby to Jason, and reached for Cameron’s hand. “Hey, buddy. Let’s go upstairs and play so Daddy and Uncle Sonny can talk.”

“Can we zoom down the hallway? On my bike?” Cameron demanded. “I wanna race.”

“We’ll talk about it.”

When they were out of sight, Sonny looked back to Jason. “I’m not worried they’re coming to arrest you. I think you should call Diane, have her contact Robert. Set up a meeting. I think he might just be worried that if they caught this guy and they didn’t fully eliminate you, a defense lawyer might create doubt. And the PCPD hates you, so that’s not news. You got the alibi here, right?”

“Yeah. Yeah.” Jason leaned against the desk, absently stroking Jake’s back. “I was with the boys. And Spinelli. I got the call from Elizabeth and left. The tapes will show that I left the building, and there wouldn’t have been time for me to…and then get back to get the call. It just—” He looked away. “She tried to have me arrested on Halloween, didn’t she? And Lucky rejected it.”

“Yeah. He gave her some lipservice — he’d take her statement, and he’d pull tapes in the morning, but that wasn’t good enough. She wanted you taken into custody. He figured she wanted to humiliate in front of the kids, and that was it.” Sonny sighed. “Hard to believe he turned away a chance to make you look bad with them.”

Jason looked down at Jake, chewing on a set of plastic keys. “I think maybe after the hearing — I think that was real. Backing down like that. Elizabeth’s testimony was…” He paused. “I think he had regrets. But even before that — he was kind to Spinelli after Georgie. He took this case seriously, Sonny.”

“And now he’s off it. Robert’s working it alone, but my big worry is that the PCPD is starting to look for scapegoats. Five women dead. And in each crime, one that they could connect to you.” Sonny’s smile was grim. “Since you’re notorious for getting away for murder, it might buy some grace with the public. Some of those guys aren’t gonna care that you didn’t do it.”

“No, they won’t.” Jason crossed the room and set Jake into the playpen, making sure his favorite stuffed animals were within grabbing distance. “I’ll call Diane. Set it up. At least I can get that off my back.”

“How you holding up otherwise?” Sonny asked. “I know things with Sam were bad at the end—”

“I don’t know what I’m feeling,” Jason admitted. “This last year—since the blackout,” he admitted, “I’ve seen a different side of Sam. Things were never the same. Not just because of Elizabeth,” he added when Sonny opened his mouth. “Although, yeah, that was part of it. But I think I always knew deep down she’d gone after Ric to hurt Alexis. To hurt me. And she wanted to get pregnant because she knew I was upset when I thought Jake wasn’t mine. After the kidnapping…after the trial—” Jason met Sonny’s eyes. “I was a mark to her, wasn’t I?”

“I don’t know. Maybe not at first,” Sonny said. He slid his hands into the pockets of his trousers, looked at Jake babbling to himself in the playpen. “But this last year? Yeah, I think she tried to use her old toolbox of tricks to keep you on the hook. And when it didn’t work, she went a little crazy.”

“I’m sorry she’s gone. No matter what she did, she didn’t deserve it. And Alexis—her daughters. None of them deserve this,” Jason said. “But there’s part of me…” He grimaced, looked towards the window, the harbor visible through the sheer curtains. “You talked to the guy at the PCPD. You know that it was almost Elizabeth and Robin. They think it was supposed to be them.”

“Yeah, that theory was passed down to me. If Sam doesn’t go first, then maybe—” Sonny nodded. “Yeah, I get it. Being relieved it wasn’t Elizabeth, it doesn’t mean you’re glad it was Sam. No one thinks that. Just like being glad it wasn’t Robin that night in the parking garage doesn’t mean anyone is glad it was Emily. Or that other woman.”

“Yeah.” Jason nodded. “You talk to Alexis?”

“Last night. I went over. She’s managing, but you know her. She holds it in — ” Sonny paused as they heard footsteps. Elizabeth came around the landing.

“Hey. I managed to get Cameron settled.” She switched on the monitor that sat on the desk, and Cameron’s voice warbled out as he played and talked to himself. “I was just worried—”

“Sam tried to file a report on Halloween,” Jason told her. “Lucky refused to arrest me, and she stormed out. She filed a complaint against Lucky, and he got suspended last night.”

“That’s horrible—” Elizabeth shook her head, looked at Sonny. “They’re coming after Jason?”

“Not in any way you should worry about,” Sonny told her. “Optically speaking, maybe. I told Jason to set something up with Robert and get it cleaned up. But Lucky’s taking the public hit.”

Elizabeth bit her lip, folded her arms. “I’m sorry for him. I know how important the job is it to him.”

“I’ll call Diane now.” Jason crossed to her, kissed her forehead. “And maybe once I get this statement in, they’ll change their mind and let Lucky back on the case.”

“Maybe. It just never ends, does it?” She sighed. “I’ll go back upstairs and play with Cam. Let me know if you have to go.”

Patrick’s Condo: Living Room

Robin switched off the television, and went over to the dining table where Patrick was seated, a stack of books to his left, each with a myriad of multicolor tabs sticking out at different spaces of the books. He had a few pens, pencils, and highlighters — and a notebook, covered in scribbles.

She sat down, rested her chin on her first, and watched him. “How much research are you planning to do on this? You look like you’re doing graduate level work—”

“It’s like a literature review,” Patrick said absently, reaching for a different book. “You look at how each book tackles the same topic — where are they the same, how are they different? How important are the differences—”

“I don’t miss those assignments. Graduation couldn’t come fast enough. Any conclusions?”

“No, not yet. But just in case—” Patrick set down his pen, looked at her. “It’s distracting me right now. Because I’m pretty sure you’re not going to let me lock you down in this apartment.”

“No.”

“Figured.” He paused. “What about asking Jason for a guard? That’s what scared this guy last night, right? Can you get one for just you?”

Robin pressed her lips together. “Patrick—”

“Second time, Robin. It was supposed to be you both times. Why aren’t you more worried about that?” Patrick wanted to know. “Maybe I need to read more about serial killers,” he said. “The methodology. Like, isn’t there research that says they spiral when they break pattern, and Sam is breaking pattern, isn’t she?”

“Yes, but—”

“You’re his pattern. Or you were supposed to be,” Patrick continued. “Yeah, call your dad. I have questions. Because maybe it was actually supposed to be you that night in the garage, but it wasn’t, and now this guy is following you around because it needs to be—”

Robin touched his hand, and he stopped talking. “I’ll talk to my dad. I’m scared. Of course I am. Emily was part of my family, and she mattered so much to the people that I love. And yes, that night, it was supposed to be me. But no one came in after I did at Kelly’s, Patrick. He wasn’t following me that night. I think it’s more likely that he’s about opportunity. Maybe he was at the hospital and overheard us making plans. Maybe he was eating dinner at Kelly’s, and saw his chance. There’s a thousand reasons—”

“I’ll ask Jason myself,” Patrick interrupted. “He likes you. I know he does. And even if he didn’t—”

“I’ll talk to him,” Robin interrupted. “Okay? I will. I’m only working a few days this week, but I can call Elizabeth and see if she has a similar schedule. We can coordinate. I’ll leave with her and her guard or something, okay?”

“Or me. You’ll be with me.” He took a deep breath. “I want—I need you to be okay. I need you to be safe. Alive and breathing. So yeah, either I’m with you, or you’re with Elizabeth and her guard—but I still think you need your own. Because his orders are for her—”

“I’ll call Jason myself,” Robin promised. She leaned forward, kissed him lightly. “I’m not going to take any stupid chances.”

“Okay. Okay.” Patrick grimaced, and she knew he would still rather she lock herself away from the world, but she couldn’t do that. But she certainly wasn’t going to pretend he didn’t have a point.

And the thought that a serial killer might be targeting her specifically only because she’d managed to slide through his grasp twice chilled her to the bone.

Harborview Towers: Lobby

Elizabeth stepped off the elevators, scanned the lobby, then approached the waiting area. “I was surprised to hear from you.”

Lucky rose to his feet, his eyes somber, his face lined with exhaustion. She searched them for another moment, wondering —

“I’m sober,” he told her, and she looked away. “You heard about the suspension?”

“Yes. I’m sorry—”

“That’s why I—” Lucky dragged his hand through his hair, leaving it more disheveled. He sat on the sofa, put his head in his hands. “I almost did,” he murmured.

Elizabeth sat in a chair near him, perching at the edge. “You almost…?”

“My grandmother’s bathroom cabinet. I just wanted some aspirin,” Lucky said. He looked at her. “But she had an old bottle of pain pills. Ancient. Probably would have needed the whole thing to get the high I wanted—” He stared at his hands. “Nearly did it,” he said again. “But I didn’t. Flushed it. I found a meeting.”

“I’m glad.”

“I wanted it to go away. All of it.” He squeezed his eyes closed, his voice raw. “I don’t want any of this. I don’t want to hate you. I don’t want to be the reason you don’t love me anymore. But I am—”

“Lucky—”

“And I’m not here to change that. I’m not. I know you moved on. I know the boys are happy. And that’s what I want for you. For all of you.” He took a breath, raised his eyes. “I loved you so much, Elizabeth. You need to know that was true. I still do. I always will. But I always thought you settled for me. I always thought you would leave me when you found someone you really loved.”

He exhaled slowly. “And you did, of course. That day at the trial, I saw the misery in your eyes when Ric asked you about Jake. About that night last year. But I also saw you look at him, and I knew that look. You used to look at me that way. You were in love with him.”

Elizabeth bit her lip, then nodded. “Yes. By that point, I was. But—”

“But not always. Not always.” Lucky cleared his throat. “I didn’t come here to do this. To rehash all of that, but I just—I saw you—and I saw you looking for the drugs—for the high, and I just—I wanted it to go away. Losing you. The boys. Emily. God, losing her—all I had was the thought that I could make it okay. That I could get her justice. As if justice solves anything,” he muttered.

“I know how hard you’ve worked on this,” Elizabeth said softly. “You came to question us, remember? And you were professional. And you were so kind to Spinelli, Lucky. I know you took care of him. Made it so he didn’t get in trouble for hacking into the college. He told me that you helped him not to blame himself. You’re a good cop, Lucky. I’m sorry for what’s happened. Jason’s going to talk to Robert, okay? And maybe when he clears it up, and they have the alibi—”

“Yeah, maybe,” Lucky murmured. “I flushed the pills, and I went to a meeting,” he told her. “But part of the process is facing the why. And you’re part of it. I want to forget that I destroyed us,” he told her. “I want to forget that I threw away my boys — that I threw Cameron away. You have to know that I regret that day in the park. I hate myself for letting my anger win. For letting it be more important than him for a second.”

Elizabeth sighed. “It’s all right—”

“It’s not. It’s not. You need to know that. I know it’s not. You were right last summer. When Jake was gone — when we were so worried, and you told me you were too tired to fix me. That I was always trying to live up to some image of myself — I wanted you to be wrong. I needed this to be your fault. The drugs. Maxie. I needed it to be you.”

“I wasn’t innocent, Lucky. I should have told you the truth about Jake. And I never, ever should have married you again. That was unfair and it was cruel.” Her eyes burned. “I’m sorry. I wanted to believe in our dream, Lucky. But it’s been over for a long time.”

“I know. I know.” He took a deep breath. “But it’s okay. It’s okay. I’ll be okay. I forgive you,” he told her. “For marrying me again. For lying. I forgive you. You did the best you could. You were scared—”

“I was selfish, too. I didn’t want to be alone,” she confessed. “And I thought…I’m sorry.”

“I forgive you,” Lucky said again. He rose to his feet, and she stood as well. “I stopped myself last night. I wanted the pain to go away. To stop thinking about Emily. To stop thinking about you and the boys, but if I lose the pain — I also lose the good. I thought I wanted to feel nothing. But eventually the bad will burn away, and all that will be left is the good. I can’t have that if I take those pills.”

“I meant what I said in court,” Elizabeth said. “I’m proud of you for staying clean. A year now, isn’t it?”

“Yeah. Yeah.” Lucky nodded. “I almost threw it away, but I didn’t.” He rubbed his face. “I didn’t throw it away.”

“I forgive you,” Elizabeth said, and he looked at her, surprised. “We both need to hear that, don’t we? We hurt each other so much and in so many ways. I don’t want that to be our story, Lucky. I don’t want to remember the bad, either. I want us to be able to look back and remember the sweet.” A tear slid down her cheek even as she smiled. “And you were the sweetest boy a girl could ever love. The perfect first boyfriend. You should know that.”

“You, too.” He reached out, and squeezed her hand. “Thank you. For listening to me. For all of it.”

“Thank you for coming to me. For trusting me one more time. If there’s anything I can do help with the department or the case—please. Just tell me.”

“I will. I should get going. I want to call my sponsor. Find another meeting. I think I need them daily for a while again.” He squeezed her hand again, then left.

Elizabeth watched him go, passing by another cluster of sofas and chairs where several people sat. When Lucky had disappeared through the glass doors, she went over to the security desk to get their mail, then went to the elevators.

At one of those sofas, a man with a newspaper lowered it so that he could watch the brunette leave. She and Robin had escaped him the night before, but there had to be a way to get them again. He’d be ready for the guard, he thought. This time — it would be different. He’d have his perfect pairs. Elizabeth and Robin were the perfect complement to Emily and Leyla. To Georgie and Chelsea. They were worth waiting for.

Even as he thought it, his fingers curled more tightly around the edge of the paper, ripping the thin material. He’d been so patient waiting for another chance — but his patience was running thin.

And their time was running out.

+33