Chapter 15

 

Anna had just returned from her morning run. She entered her kitchen and after guzzling some apple juice straight from the bottle was anxious to further invigorate her body with a hot shower. She thought there was nothing better than a nice run followed by a steaming hot shower. Actually there was one thing that was better but since that specific thing was presently half a world away there was no point in torturing herself. Maybe she ran too hard this morning because she swore she could smell his cologne in the air when she entered the apartment. "Shake it off girl, you're imagining things," Anna said to herself kicking off her sneakers and stripping away her clothing as she made her way to her bedroom in route to the shower. When she entered the room the sight that awaited her made her hope that she wasn't dreaming. Lying in the middle of her bed with the covers pulled right above his waste was the object of her affection, her beloved husband, "Zach!" she shouted in surprise.

His eyes drinking in every inch of her nude body as the sweat from her morning run glistened on her skin. "I couldn't have planned this better if I tried," he muttered his voice thick with desire.

"You're really here? I'm not dreaming?" she asked still not quite believing it as her eyes roved over his dark muscular chest left exposed from the bed sheet.

"If you're dreaming I don't want you to wake up," extending his hand to her.

She raced over to the bed wrapping her arms tightly around him as they shared a hungry kiss of passion.

"Oh god Anna I've missed you," he mumbled against her lips.

"I can't believe you're here. Why didn't you tell me you were coming? When I talked to you yesterday you didn't tell me…"

"I needed to see you. I could not go another day without seeing my gorgeous wife," capturing her lips in another kiss.

Pulling away with much hesitation, "Zach I'm all sweaty I must look a mess," raking her fingers through her matted hair. "I should take a shower first."

"Anna it's been six weeks since I've seen you, you're going to get sweaty anyway and you couldn't look a mess if you tried. I think we're doing a little too much talking. Over the last few weeks that's all we've been doing and from thousands of miles away. We're in the same country, the same state, and most especially in the same bed right now, I don't think we should be talking," threading his fingers through her dampened short blond locks.

"You do have a point," she smiled.

"I sure do," he added with a naughty smile.

"My favorite spy is definitely back," giving him a kiss. "Have I told you how much I love you."

"Not since yesterday."

"Then let me rectify that, I love you Zachary Grayson and I've missed you more than I can say."

"Then don't say it, just show me because there's only one way for me to express all the love I'm feeling for you right now," bringing her body down on top of his the duo began their show of affection.

**********

"Good morning Uncle Chris," Jack said as Chris entered the kitchen.

"You're talking to me now," Chris remarked stunned by Jack's morning greeting.

Finishing the glass of milk he was drinking, "Yes I am. I've been thinking and I realize you have a point."

"About what?"

"Columbia. It is important to me and if your offer to pay my tuition is still on the table I'll accept it. "

"Of course the offer is still on the table Jack, your education is very important to me. I told you I've already paid your tuition and I don't want to rescind it, but what about your liaison with Allison Harmon?"

"Uncle Chris things with Ally and me," considering his words very carefully as he continued, "well they're changing and these changes make it all the more clear that I can't give up Columbia. It just wouldn't be sensible."

Slapping Jack on the back in a congratulatory manner, "Well I'm glad you've finally come to your senses."

"I knew you would see it that way," Jack replied not surprised by Chris' reaction to that statement.

"It's for the best Jack."

"I think so too," he readily admitted. "I'm still seeing her but I just wanted you to know that things with us are just very different now and I foresee a big change happening in the near future."

"A Ramsey/Harmon pairing would never work anyway. Sure the girl's pretty but she's Harmon's daughter and that makes her all wrong. I always knew your interest in her was only a physical thing I'm just glad you got all that out of your system. You work pretty fast," giving Jack a little punch to the shoulder. "When you cut her loose how are you going to handle being at the same school?"

"Columbia University is huge, I doubt I'd be running into Allison unless I wanted to," Jack answered.

"You have a point; a man does have his needs," Chris grinned. "So, does this mean you understand why I had to do what I did all those years ago?"

"I understand you believe you had your reasons rather right or wrong, but we really don't need to get into any of that now. What's done is done and I'm beginning to understand with every passing day that you gotta do what you gotta do. I should also tell you that I started a job at GH a couple of days ago."

"You what?"

"I was angry with you as you know, and I needed some money. At the time taking it from you was not an option so I went to GH filled out an application and got a job in the physical therapy room. I got this job on my own and I want to keep it, this is a good experience for me."

"You've been at the hospital a couple of days and I didn't have any idea?"

"I wanted it that way for my own reasons."

"Which is why I should have heard. Nothing is a secret at GH.''

Jack had to agree with that. After one day at the hospital he learned enough secrets to choke a horse.

''Jack you didn't have to keep that from me, and you know you don't have to work. I can give you whatever you need you know that."

"I want to do this. It gives me the opportunity to gain some semblance of independence and besides I want the responsibility. I'm not a kid anymore Uncle Chris."

"I know that Jack, but are you sure you want to work?"

"Yes I am. I just wanted to catch you up on my life."

"I appreciate that, your life is very important to me as is your happiness, your true happiness. I'm just glad this thing with Allison Harmon is just a phase. I have to admit you had me a little worried there when you kept insisting that you loved her. I'm surprised that line still works. The girl's a looker, have your fun with her I'm all for that so long as you know that's all it is just fun."

"Right, all fun," Jack muttered as he tightened the ball that he'd made of his right fist to try and maintain the anger that he felt growing with every word that passed from Chris' lips. Looking down at the watch on his right wrist, "Well I have things to do, I'll see you later," Jack said as he quickly departed in the middle of Chris saying he'd see him later. Now safely outside the door Jack withdrew a deep breath while muttering a few expletives directed at Chris before getting into the elevator and making his way to see Ally.

**********

"Ellen what do you think happened?" Matt asked for the umpteenth time since last night when Ally returned from her date with Jack.

"How many times are you going to ask me that Matt?" Ellen wondered slipping her apron over her head as she began to prepare some breakfast. "For the last time I don't have a clue as to what happened. If something happened that she thinks we need to know she'll tell us," tying the apron strings around her waist.

"You mean she'll tell you and then swear you to secrecy so I'll never know about it."

"You're never going to drop that are you?"

"I will when you tell me what she said. Ellen I know she told you something about that kid, what was it? Did she tell you she was going to sleep with him?"

"Do you want oatmeal for breakfast?" Ellen asked changing the subject.

"No I don't want any oatmeal," Matt grumbled taking the hint as he picked up the paper and began to scan the headlines.

About 15 minutes later MJ arrived. "Knock, knock," he said entering his parents home as he followed the aroma of bacon sizzling. Spotting Matt at the kitchen table looking at the newspaper, "You have on your workout clothes. So does that mean you have enough energy left over to pump some iron lover boy?" he asked Matt with a playful wink before giving Ellen a kiss on her cheek while reaching over her shoulder and stealing one of the two strips of bacon she had prepared for herself.

"You don't want to start with me," Matt warned his son folding the paper and placing it on the table.

"I think a workout is a good idea because somebody's in a foul mood this morning. What did Mom get a headache last night or something?" Mulling that thought over for a few seconds as he headed to the refrigerator and poured a glass of orange juice to wash down the bacon he finished. "Nah that can't be it because she was as anxious to get rid of me as you were which means it can only be one thing." Resting against the kitchen counter, "What did Ally do now?" he asked taking a swallow of the juice.

"What do you mean what did I do now?" Ally asked as she came into the kitchen and took a seat at the table.

"Dad looks like somebody spit in his tofu and I was just wondering what the problem was."

"There is no problem," Ellen explained to them as she sat down at the table to eat her strip of bacon, scrambled egg and toast. "He just has a lot on his mind," taking Matt's hand in hers and giving it a little squeeze.

"Lately when Dad has a lot on his mind it's usually about you Ally. You must have done something," MJ remarked as he walked over to the table and took the remaining piece of Ellen's bacon.

"MJ would you like some breakfast?" Ellen asked giving him a hard stare as he munched on her bacon.

"Nah I'm about to work out this is fine," he answered once again resting against the counter.

"I didn't do anything," Ally said in her own defense. "Daddy why are you upset?"

"I'm not upset," Matt replied through clinched teeth.

MJ and Ally turning to each other, "He's upset," they said in unison.

"Look I'm not upset. It's like Ellen said I have a lot on my mind. So Ally why are you up and dressed so early on a Saturday morning? You usually sleep in until late."

"I'm having breakfast with Jack," she told him with a big smile.

"Didn't you just see that kid last night?" Matt frowned.

"That was last night Daddy. Today is another day, and remember you promised to be nice and try to like him."

"I'm being nice and I am trying," Matt replied a little harsher than necessary.

"He is trying Allison," Ellen said attempting to add more merit to Matt's words.

"If you say so," Ally said seriously doubting that.

"So, how was your first night of adulthood?" MJ asked his sister.

"It was incredible," her face lighting up so brightly it put Matt more on edge. "Jack surprised me with a moonlight picnic and he serenaded me and we talked and we danced it was just wonderful. Love is just so wonderful."

"That's really…wonderful," MJ chuckled.

"Stop teasing me MJ, I'm very happy."

"It shows. That happy in love thing has its place, Mom and Dad, you and Jack, but I haven't met a woman that's incredible enough to have me all to herself. Besides that wouldn't be fair to all the other women of the world who would be deprived of the greatness that is MJ Harmon," he said in all his arrogance as he approached the table and swiped the toast from Ellen's plate.

Handing MJ her plate in defeat, "You met a pretty incredible woman last night, and she's not impressed with that macho posturing of yours," Ellen said offering her two cents.

"Mom why do you insist on bringing up that insipid woman?" He asked before wolfing down the scrambled egg. Matt answering for Ellen, "Maybe because you couldn't keep your eyes off that insipid woman all throughout dinner, and you practically fell over yourself when you saw her at her parents table."

"That was before I knew who she was. And to make matters worse I ran into her last night at Kelly's. Seems like every time I turn around there she is."

"It must be fate," Ellen commented grabbing her cup of coffee before MJ had a chance to reach it.

"More like bad karma," MJ suggested walking back to the fridge for more juice.

"Who is this woman?" Ally asked.

"Her name is Jensyn Scorpio, she is the daughter of some old acquaintances of ours," Ellen explained.

"She must be something else to get MJ's attention to the extent you guys are saying."

"She doesn't have my attention. She's a rookie cop that wrote me a speeding ticket and said I ran a red light."

"I bet she's gorgeous," Ally surmised.

"She is," Matt and Ellen said.

"She's not all that," MJ quickly remarked. "Dad are you ready to get started?"

"Conversation a little uncomfortable for you son?" Matt questioned.

"No," MJ replied. "It's just that I didn't come here to talk about Jensyn Scorpio."

"It appears you came over to eat my breakfast," Ellen shared taking the empty plate from MJ's hand and placing it in the sink.

"Notice my state of dress,'' sweeping his hands in an up and down motion to point out his dark blue warm-up suit. ''I came here to workout. Now that that's explained I'm going to get started without you," MJ said to Matt as he excused himself and went to the family exercise room.

"He likes her," Matt remarked. "I shouldn't keep his highness waiting so I'm going to go too."

Going over to Ellen and whispering, "Talk to her before you leave and please tell me what she says. I'll see you later," they share a quick kiss before Matt departs.

"Are you going to tell me what's bothering him?" Ally asked her mother.

"His mind is wandering, but he is making an effort to be nicer to Jack," Ellen replied as she removed the apron and rejoined Ally at the table.

"I guess your belief in that would explain the 'discussion' you two were having last night," Ally offered with a little giggle.

Clearing her throat as she went back to the table and sat down, "Anyway my mind is wandering a bit too. It keeps drifting to that conversation we had yesterday and your enthusiasm to the evening you had last night. I'm not trying to get all into your business I'm just…"

"Trying to get into my business."

"Allison you did come to me first."

"Yes I did and Mom I appreciate your advice and I considered everything you said I really did. You know if there was something that I thought you should know about I'd tell you. Everything is fine just like I told you last night."

"Can you be less vague? What does 'just fine' mean?"

"It means what it means. Everything is fine so please don't worry and you can tell Daddy that too. I just remembered something I have to take care of in my room, if Jack arrives invite him in and tell him I'll be right out."

"I'm supposed to be meeting Lucy but I guess I can spare you a few minutes."

"Great," Ally said as she dashed to her room.

Moments later the doorbell rang. Ellen went to the door and opened it.

"Good morning Mrs. Harmon," Jack said warmly.

"Good morning Jack come in," she returned allowing him entry. "Ally will be right out, please have a seat."

"Thank you," sitting on the couch. A few quiet tension-filled moments pass. "Is there something on your mind Mrs. Harmon?" Jack asked.

"Actually there is," she answered taking a seat next to Jack. "I like you. I don't know you very well but I really like you, I guess that's because I see how happy you make Allison."

"She makes me very happy too."

"Yes," Ellen said uneasily. "Jack you two got very close very quickly and I don't want Ally to get hurt. Either of you but especially Allison."

"I'd never hurt Allison. I know the other Dr. Harmon doesn't believe that but it's true. I love Allison and I would do anything and I do mean anything," thinking of his earlier conversation with Chris, "for her. Yes our falling in love happened quickly but it doesn't lessen the feelings we have nor change the fact that I'll never love anyone the way I love her. All I want is what's best for Allison, that's all I'll ever want."

"I believe you Jack but you are both so young."

"We're not that young and we're not foolish either, we're just in love," Jack explained.

"That's evident," Ellen smiled. "I hope you don't think I've given you the third degree."

"Maybe a little," he said good-naturedly, "but I understand."

"I do like you," Ellen said giving him a pat on the hand as she rose from her seated position. "I have to go. Make yourself at home, Ally should be out in a second and just so you'll know her father and brother are working out on the other side of the house, but don't let that frighten you, I don't think you'll see Matt, I just thought I'd warn you anyway."

"Thank you for the warning I'll keep my eyes open."

"You're nothing like Chris, that is a compliment and I'll keep trying to get my husband to see that too."

"Keep trying to get Daddy to see what?" Ally asked.

"I'll let Jack tell you. I've got to go. Bye," Ellen said grabbing her purse and going out the front door.

"What was all that?"

"That was your mother being a good mother. She's really great, the more I'm around her the more I like her," he smiled. "Good morning beautiful," giving Ally a little kiss and hug.

"Good morning to you too. I agree Mom is great, but what was all that about?"

"That was about her looking out for her little girl. We had a nice talk. She told me she likes me," Jack beamed happily.

"I always knew she did, I'm glad she told you."

"Did you talk to her?"

"I talked to her, but I didn't tell her anything. I still don't think it would be a good idea. Trust me."

"You know I do."

"So, did you talk to your uncle?"

"Yes I did."

"How did it go?"

"Why don't I tell you that over breakfast," Jack said taking her hand as they headed out the door.

Jensyn was going over the thick pile of papers that were spread about her bed as she pondered aloud what they all meant. "Something is going to happen soon, but it's not what's expected." Fingering one page after another as she studied them, "This is far from over, they're just getting started."

She was startled by a knock on the door.

"Who is it?" she asked.

"Hi Jen it's me," Dara answered.

"One second Mum," she said as she quickly gathered the pile of papers, throwing them into a manila folder and tossing the folder into her top dresser drawer. After gaining her bearings she opened the door for her mother. "Hi Mum come in."

"What took so long?" Dara asked taking a seat on the bed.

Hedging a little, "Oh I was just tidying up a bit."

Taking a look at the disarrayed room, "Okay."

"So what brings you by?" Joining Dara on the bed.

"I wanted to have breakfast with you. I really missed you," she said taking her daughter's hand.

"I missed you too Mum, you and Dad and I'd love to have breakfast with you in fact I wanted to talk to you both about something. Where is Dad?"

"He's meeting with an old friend," Dara answered.

**********

The doorbell at the Collins' house rang. "I'll get that on my way out," Lucy shouted as she raced to the door mumbling how she was going to be so late. Her rush to get out of the house came to a sudden stop when she saw who was on the other side of the door. "Mac Scorpio."

"Hi Lucy you're looking very well," Mac said suddenly feeling very nervous.

Lucy grabbed Mac into a hug. "It's so good to see you." Looking around him outside the door, "Is Dara with you?"

"She's in town, but she's not here here. She's having breakfast with our daughter."

"With your daughter," Lucy repeated. "There is a lot of catching up to do?"

"Yes there is. Is Kevin here?"

"Yes he's right inside, come in," moving aside to let him in. "I do so want to hear what you have to say but I'm meeting Ellen and I'm running late. Tell me I'll see you before you disappear again."

"I'm sure of it. Dara and I have moved back to Port Charles."

"That's great! That is so great!" she shouted giving him another hug.

"What's so great and why are you shout…shouting," Kevin said frozen speechless at seeing the friend he hadn't seen in over two decades.

"It's time for me to go, so I think I'm going to do that and let you guys talk. It's really good to see you again Mac. Bye Doc," Lucy said giving Kevin a kiss before leaving the two men alone.

"It's been a long time Kevin," Mac said reading the shock that was still on his friend's face.

"Almost twenty-four years, but who's keeping a record," Kevin retorted.

"I know you must have wondered what happened?"

"No, all of my closest friends invite me to best man at their impromptu weddings and then disappear for years without a trace when they go on their honeymoons," he replied sarcastically.

Not surprised by Kevin's reaction, "I want to explain that."

"Good, because I really want to hear this explanation."

**********

Wrapping her arms around Zach as he held her in his arms, "Tell me you won't be going back," Anna said against his chest, holding her breath as she waited for his response.

"I wish I could sweetheart but it's a part of the job," Zach answered placing a kiss on the top of her head as he felt her release the breath. "I might have to go back sometime, but for now I'm going to be working out of Port Charles."

"The job brought you here?"

"No you brought me here," placing a soft kiss on her lips. "I was about to walk out the door when Riley called and told me this was the next stop."

"When will it be over?"

"I hope soon. It seems something is about to happen. This assignment is big and it could bring down a lot of powerhouses."

"That means it's very dangerous."

"I'm a spy Anna; danger is part of the job too. I do have something for you to hold on to though. It's not tangible but it's something you can count on. I decided that after this case is over I'm leaving the bureau." Anna sits up, "Are you serious? You're really going to give up the WSB?"

"Yes I really am. I've had enough of being away from you and once I shut the book on this case I'm done. I'm going to start that PI business you and Sean have been begging me to get into."

Wrapping her arms around him as she gave him a fiery kiss.

Catching his breath after the kiss, "I guess that means you like that idea."

"I love it and I know Daddy will too."

"It's going to happen. Once it's over, it's going to be all over and you'll see so much of me you'll get tired of me."

"Never," she said giving him another kiss lacing the fingers of her left hand with his right. "Please be careful Zach. Don't take any unnecessary risks. You said this case is big and it's dangerous I don't know what I'd do if anything…"

"Don't worry. I'm a professional. I'm going to solve this case, leave the bureau and live out the rest of my days being the happiest man alive. Besides the way you went on about your prodigy yesterday if he's all that I'll have to keep my eye on him," he offered trying to lighten the mood he saw Anna had found herself in.

"MJ Harmon is a find, but you are the man that fills my heart and my dreams. Please be careful," she implored him once again.

Pulling her into a hug and placing a kiss on her forehead, "Don't you worry about anything I'm going to be just fine," Zach said with assurance.

Anna didn't want to worry but she was worried. This overwhelming feeling of dread had come over her and it told her that something really big and really terrible was about to happen.