Hiding

Alan : "Quartermaines"
Monica: "Hello Alan"
Alan: "Sweetheart, this is a surprise, I didn't expect to hear from you until you got home tomorrow."
Monica: "Alan what are you talking about, I send the telegram saying I'd be home today, the 28th."
Alan (picking up the telegram off the desk): "The 28th? Your telegram says the 29th."
Monica : "Alan I ought to know what it says, I said the 28th.
Alan: Well I have no doubt you know what you said, you usually do, but I'm looking straight at the telegram, its says the 29th. Why the big deal?"
Monica (letting out a sigh): I guess that explains why Reginald isn't here to pick me up at the airport."
Alan: "You're at the airport, PC airport?"
Monica: "YES, Alan, PC airport.:
Alan (detecting her irritation): "Look, I'm sorry for the mix up but its not really my fault, I'll come and get you right now."
Monica: No, by the time you get here, it will be just as easy for me to rent a car."
Alan: "Are you sure, it won't take me that long."
Monica: "No, I'll be home in about an hour."
Alan: "OK... Monica?"
Monica: "Yes."
Alan: "I'm glad your home."
Monica: "Me too, see you shortly."
Alan: "Ok, bye."

Monica hung up the phone and proceeded to the nearest car rental agency. Driving home from the airport it occurred to her how dark, lonely and remote the airport was. She was stopped at a traffic light not to far from the airport exit, for no particular reason she looked down the side street and noticed two parked cars with their lights on. Four men were standing along side of them, she saw a flash followed by a bang and one of the men quickly crumpled to the ground. She became immobilized yet continued to watch in horror as a second man fell to the ground. The remaining two men got into their car and drove in her direction. She sat there as they drove past her, the passenger looked straight at her. Monica recognized him from the papers. He was a member of one of the local crime families now fighting for territory in Port Charles. She couldn't remember his name, but he was the right hand man in the Giordano family. She watched the car vanish into the night, she returned her gaze to the fallen men and drove over to them. She checked both men and they were dead. She looked all around her, she just witnessed a double murder, she was alone standing over two dead men, she quickly called 911.
Alan was starting to get worried, Monica called over three hours ago and still wasn't home. Everyone had already gone to bed, he called GH to see if any accidents had been reported.. Thankfully there wasn't any. He was just about to call the police when he heard the front door open. He went to the foyer and was relieved to see it was his wife. He gave her a bear hug.

Alan: "Monica, thank God, I've been worried sick about you, where have you been?"
Monica : "Oh Alan, I'm s"o glad to be home."
Alan: "What's wrong?"
Monica: "Where is everyone?"
Alan: "They're in bed. What took you so long?"
Monica: "I was at the wrong place at the wrong time."
Alan: "What? Please stop the riddles."
Monica : "I witnessed a murder near the airport, I've en talking with the police all this time."
Alan : "Oh my god Monica." (He gives her another hug). Are you alright? What happened?"
Monica explained the whole ordeal to Alan, and who did it. She said Mac would probably be in touch in the next day or so. Alan could tell between the trip and the murder Monica was exhausted.
Alan: "Come on, its late, you better get some sleep. We'll worry about this in the morning."
Monica: "I am tired, it will be nice to sleep in our bed tonight."
Alan smiles at her, Monica continues, "It will be nice to sleep in the same bed with you."
Alan kisses her, "I'm so glad your home."
They walk upstairs to the master bedroom together.

About six months after the trial, the Quartermaines heard that Jason left town. He didn't come to say good bye. He left no word where he was going or how long he'd be gone. With Jason gone, the Giordano family planned their revenge on Monica. One day she and Alan were walking back to the hospital from Kelly's after a late lunch, the streets were empty. There was a car parked across the street, the driver watched them walk down the sidewalk. The driver put the car in gear and slowly followed them. Alan and Monica started to cross the street. The driver floored the car, the tires squealed and headed straight for them. Alan heard the tires squeal and turned around and saw the car coming straight at them. He reacted quickly, grabbed Monica and pulled her from the on coming car. They rolled to the pavement and watched the car speed away.
Alan: "Monica are you alright?"
Monica: "Yes, how did you see that car coming"?
Alan: "I heard the tires."
Monica: "Thank God you did, are you alright?"
Alan: "Yes, crazy driver."
Monica: "Did you notice the license plate number?"
Alan: "No did you?"
Monica: "No, come on lets get back to work."
They arrived shortly afterward at the hospital and saw Mac leaving.
Mac: "Hi Alan, Monica, how are you?"
Alan: "Hi Mac, good considering..."
Mac: "Considering?"
Monica: "Some crazy driver barely missed us on Oak St."
Mac: "What happen?"
Alan: "We were working back from Kelly's and I heard the car coming at us, by the time we dove out of the way, it was gone."
Mac: "So you didn't get the license plate?"

Monica: "No"
Mac (trying not to show his concern): "Well I'm sure it was just some nutty driver who wasn't paying attention. I'm glad you guys are ok."
Monica: "Thanks Mac."

The car incident was just the beginning. One day Emily came home from school and said she noticed a car following her, and Monica was receiving calls at work, when she'd answer the phone she'd just hear breathing. What really got her attention though was a man she noticed showing up each day at the hospital. He was ordinarily dressed, nothing special about him, at first he'd come and sit in the lobby for about an hour and it wasn't every day. But as the weeks passed his presence was more noticeable. One day Monica commented to Alan about it and he said he'd have security look into it. Security questioned him and he disappeared, but then Monica noticed him hanging outside the hospital. One afternoon Monica decided to go over to the Outback for lunch with Bobbie, as luck would have it, she ran into Mac as she was leaving.

Monica: "Oh, Mac, I'm glad I ran into you, do you have a second? Bobbie will excuse us, I have my car, I'll see you back at GH.".
Bobbie: Sure, bye Mac."
Mac: "Hi Monica sure. What's up"?
Monica: "Can we speak over there (pointing to the door). I really don't want anyone to hear us."
Mac: Sure, is anything wrong?"
Monica: Well, I'm not sure. Do you remember that day you saw Alan and me, it was right after the car almost ran us down on Oak St."
Mac: "Yes, I remember it."
Monica : "Well other strange things are going on, Emily said someone followed her home from school, I keep getting hang up calls at work, and there is some guy hanging around GH almost everyday."
Mac: Its a hospital Monica, maybe he's visiting someone."
Monica: "No, Alan had security check him out, now he waits outside the hospital."
Mac: "Monica, I'll look into it, it could be the Giordano family, it could be nothing. Have you thought anymore about the witness protection program?"
Monica: "Mac, the trial was almost a year ago."
Mac: "It doesn't matter, we're dealing with mobsters and murderers, they have long memories."
Monica: "If you're trying to scare me, your doing a good job."
Mac: "You have to be more careful, these guys probably want revenge."
Monica: "But I'm Jason's mother."
Mac: "Yes you are, but Jason isn't in Port Charles anymore and they know that. Come on, I'll walk you to your car."
They walk over to the parking lot.
Mac: "Is this your car?"
Monica: "Yes, its actually Alan's, he took mine today to get new tires put on."
Mac: "Listen, I want to come over tonight and talk to you and Alan, we need to get you some protection."
They conversation is interrupted by Mac's cell phone.
Mac: "Excuse me. Scorpio."

Mac is silent and looks over at Monica, "Is he alright?" More silence, "Is he at GH or Mercy? Ok, we're on our way. I'm with Dr. Quartermaine now, I'll make sure she gets there right away." He turns off the phone and he looks grim. "Monica, I'm afraid I've just received some disturbing news."
Monica: "Mac what's wrong? Who's at GH or Mercy? Did they find Jason?"
Mac: "No, its not Jason, I'm sorry Monica, its Alan."
Monica (she looks terrified): "Oh my god Mac, what happened.?"
Mac: "Apparently your vehicle was followed and I don't know if they knew it was Alan or not, or they just assumed it was you, anyway, they passed him shooting. Alan must have been hit and drove the car off the road. He's in surgery at Mercy."
Monica: "Mercy? Why Mercy, why didn't they take him to GH?"
Mac: "Mercy was closer and they needed to get him help right away. Are you ok? Come on, I'll take you there."

Mac: "Monica, is there anyone I can call for you? Can I get you a cup of coffee.?"
Monica: "No thanks Mac. Thanks for waiting here. You'd think as a doctor you'd know what it feels like to be in this situation, but you're never prepared. I'd feel better if Alan were at GH."
Mac: "Monica, he's getting good care here."
Monica: "I know......(her voice trails off.)"
Mac: "Monica I know this is not a good time, but you need to think about that witness protection program. They almost killed Alan, next time they won't miss."
Monica: "What does it involve?"
Mac: "You basically disappear, you get a new identity, a new life, a new home."
Monica: "What about Alan and Emily and AJ or my in-laws?"
Mac: "What do you mean?"
Monica : "Do we all get new lives, or whoever stays behind, do they get what's meant for me."
Mac: "I don't understand."
Monica: "If I do this, do I go alone, or if Alan or AJ or Emily stay behind, does the Giordano family go after them to find me?"
Mac: "No one will know where you've relocated. Your family will be with you."
Monica: "Mac, come on, how do you give the Quartermaines a new identity?"
Mac: "Monica, I'm sorry, there is no other way."
Monica: "I'll need time to think about it."
Mac: "Ok, but please don't take to long."
Monica: "I won't, I promise."

No sooner had Mac and Monica finished their conversation when a medium sized intern approached them. "Dr. Quartermaine, I'm Dr. Benton, I've just finished surgery on your husband."

Monica: "Dr. Benton, how is Alan?"
Dr. Benton: "He's going to need a lot of rest, but he'll be ok. He was lucky, the bullet wounds were clean, there will be no damage and the ribs, the collar bone will heal with no problem. We're going to keep him in ICU tonight.. He didn't lose too much blood. But he's going to be very sore for the next several days. I know he's chief of staff at GH, but I wouldn't recommend transferring him for at least 48 hours."
Monica: "You've thought of everything."
Dr. Benton (smiles at her): "I try."
Monica: "Can I go and see him?"
Dr. Benton: "I don't think he's awake, but sure go ahead, ICU is on the second floor. If you have questions just have me paged."
Monica: "Thanks. Mac, thank you."
Mac: "Your welcome. Are you going to be ok? I can stay."
Monica: "Thank you, but I want to stay with Alan for a while, I promise I'll call the family and have Reginald pick me up."
Mac: "Ok, and please don't forget what we talked about."
Monica: "I won't, I'll be in touch."
Mac watched as Monica departed for the second floor. He hoped she would be in touch.

On the second floor Monica asked directions to the ICU from the lone nurse at the nurse's station. She hated being a visitor at a hospital and she hated having no control over this situation. She quickly found ICU and Alan. She let out a small gasp at the sight of him. He was asleep, hooked up to an IV and heart rate monitor. They didn't warn her about the bruises on his face. His right eye was swollen shut, and there was a nasty black and blue contusion forming around the left side of his mouth. His left arm was bandaged all the way up and including most of the shoulder. He was shirtless and his rib cage was wrapped by tape. There was a cut across the bridge of his nose. She pulled up a chair and sat down next to the bed. She grabbed his hand, her mouth formed a small smile and she summoned up the courage to talk, hoping her voice wouldn't betray how scared she was feeling inside. "Even in a car wreck, you're still one of the handsomest men I know, " she said into the room. She continued, "Oh Alan, I'm so sorry this had to happen to you." Alan didn't stir, but his breathing was steady and regular and that's all Monica really cared about. He was a live and he was going to be alright. Eventually, the stress of the day and weariness over took her, and she relaxed back in her chair and fell asleep.

Early the next morning Monica woke up and had to remember for a second where she was and why. She looked over at Alan and to her great surprise he was awake, smiling at her.
Monica: "How long have you been awake."
Alan: "Not very long, just long enough to admire you."
Monica (leaning over to give him a hug): "I'm sorry about this."
Alan: "Why are you apologizing, you didn't do this."
Monica: "Mac thinks it was the Giordano family, looking for me."
Alan: "Its not your fault, you did the right thing with that trial. Besides, I'm glad it was me instead of you."
Monica: ""How are you feeling?"
Alan: "I feel like I've been run over by a freight train."

Monica: "Close. I'm glad you'll be ok."
Alan: "Where am I? This isn't GH."
Monica: "You're at Mercy, I can have you transferred tomorrow."
Alan: "What happened I don't remember too much."
Monica: "The police said a car pulled along side of you and started shooting, then you must have been hit or blacked out and then hit a parked truck."
Alan: "Only a truck. Are you sure?"
Monica: Only a truck.
Alan: "It still feels like it was a freight train."

Monica stayed with Alan until he drifted off to sleep. She called home and let the family know what happened, and asked for Reginald to pick her up. When she arrived home, she assured Lila, Edward and Emily that Alan would be fine. She realized she was getting tired and wanted to go back to Mercy. She excused herself and retired to her room to take a hot bath and a short nap. When she woke up she realized that she could take control of the situation. The way she saw it, she had three options, she could do nothing, she could go into the witness protection program, or she could runaway. She couldn't do nothing, that would surely get someone killed. She didn't like the idea of going into the witness protection program. She was too well known and she couldn't ask her family to give up their lives for her. She remembered the time when she and Sean Donely had an affair and she kicked the entire Quartermaine family out of the mansion. Alan faked his own death and made it look like Sean Donely was behind it. Alan pulled it off too, and if he could do it so could she. It wasn't going to be easy to walk away, but it would save the family, it would save her. When the time was right she could return, of course Alan would be not only upset, hurt and angry but in time she knew he'd understand her motives. Now all she had to do is figure out how she'd pull this off.

Alan woke up at 7AM and reached out for Monica but the bed was empty. He rubbed the sleep from his eyes, he decided to take a shower, eat a quick breakfast and go see Monica at the hospital. He arrived at GH around 8:30 and went to Monica's office and found it empty. He walked down to the nurse's station to see if Amy knew where Monica was.

Amy: "Oh hi Alan, how are you feeling?"
Alan : "Hi Amy, much better, thanks. Have you seen Monica today."
Amy: "Monica? No, I haven't seen her since she left yesterday afternoon."
Alan: "Really? She left the house late last night to come and check on some patients in post-op."
Amy: "Would you like me to page her?"
Alan: "Yes, thanks."

Amy had Monica paged and she didn't answer. Amy told Alan that Michael Hastings was the physician on duty last night and maybe he saw Monica. Alan checked with him and Michael never saw Monica. Alan called home, she hadn't returned and she didn't answer her cell phone. Alan was starting to get worried, it was now almost 10 am, and there was no sign of her, he decided to call Mac. Mac normally wouldn't be worried that someone was missing less than a day, but since it was Monica and he knew the Giordano family was after her he looked into right away. He put out an all points bulletin to look for Monica, his fears were confirmed about a half hour later he received a call that Monica's car was found abandoned on Rte 240. He let Taggert handle the crime scene and he went to the hospital to see Alan.

Time past, two seasons had come and gone and the everyday task of living had resumed. The police questioned the Giordano family but to no avail. They rightly claimed no knowledge of Monica's disappearance and of course no body was ever recovered. The police were frustrated, much to everyone's dismay no arrest was made, it was still an unsolved crime and an open case as far as the police were concerned. Alan went back to work immediately after Monica's memorial service. Leila questioned him as to why but he simply told her he needed to. What he didn't tell her was he was also afraid if he didn't he might start taking pills again and he knew he couldn't do that. Gail was worried about him, he went about his daily business way to calmly and that scared her. She knew him much better than that, she knew Monica's disappearance was eating him up and he wouldn't let it show. She considered herself to be too close to be effective and objective in helping

Alan. One day she ran into him at the Nurse's station and asked him if he had time for a cup of coffee. He reluctantly agreed.
Gail: "Alan, how is everything going?
Alan: "Ok, I get through each day and no I'm not going to start taking pills."
Gail: "Good, that's good to hear. But I think you need to talk to someone about what's happened."
Alan: "I can handle this."
Gail: "Alan, I raised Monica, I was her best friend. I can't even handle this, and I'm a psychiatrist."
Alan: "Are you suggesting I talk to you on a professional basis."
Gail: "No, not me, I know you too well and I wouldn't be objective. I want you to see a colleague of mine, her name is Helen Rhinehardt."
Alan: "If I don't think its necessary?"
Gail: "I'll play dirty, I'll go the board of directors and ask that you take a medical leave of absence."
Alan (raising his eyebrows) : "I should be angry with you but .........."
Gail (taking control of the situation): "But you'll do it."
Alan: "I guess you leave me no choice."
Gail : "I'm trying to help you through this."
Alan : "I know, thank you."
Gail : "I'll have Helen call you. (she gets up and hugs Alan) I'm here if you need anything."
Alan (returning her hug): "I know, thanks."

After the first week of working on the ranch, Monica knew she wanted to return to Port Charles, every single muscle in her body ached. She wasn't use to such physical labor, but she did enjoy working with the horses. The family that owned the ranch, were good to her and luckily they didn't ask for references just a demonstration of her horse skills. She kept to herself, there wasn't much to do in Heppner. It was a small town of only about 1500 people. It was about 200 miles east of Portland, and once in a while she'd take a bus and spend the weekend nearby cities like Pendleton, or Hermston.. She also decided to save money (a new concept for her) and buy a computer. She knew she could use the Internet to access the Port Charles Gazette. This would allow her to keep up with the news in Port Charles as well as what was going on in the police investigation of her disappearance. There was no news of interest, the police were basically at a dead end with her investigation and thankfully there was no news of Alan in the society page. No news of Alan in the society page, she never really thought of that before, why wouldn't Alan date other women. She's presumed dead, Alan would become one of the most eligible bachelor's in Port Charles. She wondered what would she do if Alan decided to remarry, miraculously come back from the dead and stop the wedding. That would be something Port Charles would never forget, then she'd kill Alan for not mourning her death longer. But she realized she had to be fair, she was gone for six months already and sooner or later Alan would pick up the pieces and resume a social life. I guess every plan has a hitch and this was one Monica didn't consider. She would just have to pass that bridge when and if it happened

Alan was beginning to think that the therapy was helping him cope with his grief and he knew he couldn't use work as an escape any longer. It wasn't going change the fact that Monica was gone. He took a long weekend and spend it at their cabin, he thought a lot about his life with Monica, the good, the bad and the ugly. God knows there was the ugly, but the good always outweighed that. He knew given the same circumstances he'd do it again, it was the wildest ride of his life and he wouldn't have missed it for the world, but now it was over. He wasn't doing himself any favors by not getting on with his life, he decided to sell the cabin, it was his and Monica's and he didn't want it just for himself or to share it with anyone else. He even let himself for a brief moment think of Helen Rhinehardt. She was attractive enough and he even thought he might be finding himself attracted to her, but he wasn't sure he wanted a new relationship in his life. He was still trying to deal with his old one but if he was starting to think of Helen in a way other than professional he knew he had to stop seeing her professionally. He did just that, at his next session he told her that he felt he was now able to deal with his situation and they agreed to suspense the sessions.

Monica learned to accept her new way of life, although she often grew bored in such a small rural community. She missed the hustle and bustle of city life, she missed the opera, she missed the bickering of the Quartermaine family, she missed the action and pressure of being a doctor. She spend more of her weekends traveling to the larger cities, Pendelton was about 60 miles away, Hermston 50 and Pasco, WA. 80 miles. She spend a lot of time keeping informed on the medical community through the Internet. She knew that a convention was being held in Seattle, she wondered if Alan would go to it, but she was dismissed it quickly she knew he hated going to those things. He used to say it took him away from her and he hated being away from her. She smiled at the thought, but she wasn't there anymore, maybe he'd attend this one. The thought of seeing him again excited her and made her nervous. She'd be able to see him, but she couldn't let him know that she was there. She was willing to take the risk, maybe she could even risk letting him know she was alive, he'd be alone and he wouldn't betray her whereabouts. Monica was more determined to go to Seattle, she had to at least see if he'd show up. It would require a short plane trip but she changed her looks and she had a new Oregon drivers license, it would be a piece of cake.

Alan and Helen drove to the hotel in partial silence, he couldn't wait to get into his room.
Helen: "Alan, are you sure you're alright?"
Alan: "I'm fine."
Helen: "You seem upset."
Alan: "No, just tired, these long airplane trips are tiring."
Helen: "Do you want to go out to night for dinner, or would you prefer we stay in and eat."
Alan (he couldn't shake the voice he heard, and he didn't want to spend the evening with Helen): "You know, I'm really tired, I'm just going to pass on tonight."
Helen: "Ok, how about if I come and keep you company."
Alan (trying to be nice, smiles): "Thanks, I'm just going to bed, tomorrow night I promise."
Helen : "If that's's what you want."
Alan: "thanks."

When Alan got to his room he took a very long hot shower. He kept playing the scene over and over again in his mind. He couldn't shake the sound or tone of the voice, he knew he knew it, she was the right size, but she was a brunette, and her name was Maggie, and he never saw her face, but what if it were Monica. What if she faked her own disappearance, he even did. "If she's alive, I'll kill her for putting me through this," Alan said to himself. He got out of the shower, wrapped a towel around his waist. He looked for phone book, found a small one and started calling all the nearby hotels and motels. He hoped she was just arriving in Seattle and leaving, but even if she was, he had a name, he could hire a private detective to track here down. He was exhausting the list and finally he found an out of the way motel, of course, if she was on the lame, she wouldn't have a lot of money and it would be a cheaper hotel. He asked the operator to call the room and he asked her to repeat the room number. He " let the phone ring a few times, but hung up. He decided to go over in person. He called the front desk and asked for a cab. He needed to know for sure.

He was sweating all the way over to the motel, what if it wasn't her. How on earth would he explain his presence, he'd just have to say he had the wrong om. He paid the cab driver and found her room, thank goodness it was a motel and he didn't have to walk by a reservation desk. He found her room, he knocked on the door, he move aside, if she looked through the peep hole he didn't want her seeing him and if she looked out the window he could see her face.
Maggie (she did neither): "Who is it?" In all his nervousness Alan didn't think she'd just ask that, why he didn't know.
Alan: "I'm looking for Maggie Barns."
Maggie: "Who are you and why do you want Maggie Barns? "
Alan: "I'm an old friend of hers and I just wanted to say hi."
Maggie (cracks the door): "I'm Maggie."
Alan looks at her and tries not to show the disappointment on his face: "Oh I'm sorry, you're the wrong Maggie Barns. I'm sorry for the intrusion."
Maggie: "No problem."
Alan walked to the lobby and called a cab. He was starting to get depressed he thought for sure that voice belonged to Monica. On the ride back to the hotel he berated himself, maybe deep down inside he was still hoping that some how she was still alive. The police never did find her body, but she's been gone for 10 months, he had to let go of that hope that she'd turn up. He returned to his room and laid down on the bed, he thought of calling Helen and asking her if she wanted a night cap. He looked at his watch, it was 9:30 PM. Was he really ready to sleep with another woman? He thought he'd might be until the incident at the airport. He was still in love with Monica but she was gone and he had to start a new life, but not tonight. Tonight he was too tired and he'd think about it tomorrow.

Alan tried not to dwell on the brunette at the airport, instead he was going to allow himself to enjoy the conference and Helen. Monica stayed for the opening day, she decided against letting Alan know she was alive, she still feared for his safety. She would entered the conference late, knowing that everyone would have already arrived, she stayed in the back and would leave before lunch. She tried to find where Alan sitting, she finally spotted him and noticed a dark haired woman sitting next to him. She wondered who she was. She lost track of the time and realized when it too late that it was lunch time. She noticed everyone standing up , she almost panicked, luckily a group of people surrounded Alan, she needed to make a quick exit. Alan was talking when he caught a glimpse of her. It was the brunette from the airport, he started to make his way toward her, but he was stopped. Helen grabbed his arm to introduce him to someone, he turned around not paying attention said a hurried hello and excused himself and made his way to the back of the room. He ran into the lobby and looked in every direction. She had disappeared, he went over to the desk and asked if they had seen her and they hadn't. He went outside to see if he could find her, she seemed to have vanished. He turned around and bumped right into Helen.

Helen: "Alan what was that all about, you were rude."
Alan: "I'm sorry I didn't mean to be."
Helen: "Are you alright? You're acting strangely."
Alan : "Am I?, why?"
Helen: "Why, you run out of the conference like you were searching for a ghost."
Alan: "Look, I'm sorry, I thought I saw someone I knew and I wanted to say hello."
Helen: "Oh, I didn't realize, anyone I might know?"
Alan : "No, just someone from medical school, come on are you hungry?"
Helen: "A little."
Alan (smiles): "Let's get some lunch."
They walk down the street to find a restaurant. Monica watched them from the lobby. She hid in the ladies room and waited until she thought it was safe enough to come out. She knew that was a close call, it was time for her to return to Oregon. But she couldn't help but wonder who the woman hanging onto Alan's arm was.

Alan was seriously considering his mother's words, late one night while he was stuck at the work one night while working on the hospital budget. He poured over the facts and figures for the majority of the day and he was getting tired. He leaned back in his chair and started to rub his eyes, he was interrupted by a knock on the door.
Alan: "Come in."
Helen: "Hi, I called your home and they told me you were still here."
Alan: "Hi Helen, what keeps you at the hospital this late.:
Helen: "You."
Alan (smiles): "Well I've been working on the budget for tomorrow's board meeting."
Helen: "You work yourself to hard."
Alan : "You think?"
Helen: "Yes I do, come on how about finishing this up in the morning, let me buy you a drink."
Alan (looked at her and thought about her offer, and smiled) : "Sure why not, its just about done any way."
He gets up from behind his desk and walks over to her and hugs her, "thank you."
Helen: "It was my pleasure."
The Alan surprises even himself, he kisses her and it turns into a very long lingering kiss. They break the kiss, and Alan puts on his jacket and they start to walk out of the office and as he turns off the lights the phone rings.
Helen: "oh don't answer, you can let the voice mail handle it, besides who can it be this late at night."
Alan: "I'm chief of staff, it could be an emergency or it could be my family, I promise it won't take but a minute."
He walks back his desk and picks up the phone, "Alan Quartermaine."
Peter: "Hey Doc, its Peter Campbell."
Alan (looks at Helen and tries to pretend its a medical call): "Yes, what can I do for you."
Peter: "What can you do for me? Doc I'm the private investigator.............
Alan (cuts him short): "I know who you are."
Peter: "OK, you have someone there, I get it. Kind of late for patients don't ya think?"
Alan (shaking his head): "Yes, that's right, ah what is the prognosis?"
Peter: "Prognosis, hey I like that, you're good"
Alan (starting to get a headache): "Thanks, can you continue please?"
Peter: "Sure, sure, I found 4 possible woman that fit the description you gave me. They're all out west, two in California, one in Oregon, one in Montana."
Alan: "What next?"
Peter: "Well, I can just give you what I got, or you pay for me to fly out west and interview them."
Alan (looking at Helen and weighing his words carefully): "Yes, I want you to continue, but I want to be the one to conduct the interview. How about just getting pictures.?"
Peter: "Ok Doc, your the boss, your making my life easy. When do you want me to leave?"
Alan: "The sooner the better."

Peter: "I'll leave in the morning, it shouldn't take me more than a week. I'll be in touch."
Alan: "Thanks, I appreciate it."
Alan hangs up the phone, and smiles at Helen. "Ready to go?", he asks.
Helen: "Anything wrong."
Alan: "No, why?"
Helen: "I'm sorry I just couldn't help but hear you say you'd interview someone and you wanted pictures."
Alan (wanting to be nonchalant): "Oh its nothing, just an insurance problem."
Helen, not sure if she believes him just nods her head, "I'm ready when you are." she said.
They leave the hospital in silence.

Alan had a hard time concentrating all week, every time the phone rang he expected it to be Peter Campbell. He also didn't want to bring attention to himself or what he was doing. He kept with up his duties at the hospital and his relationship with Helen. She was finally starting to grow impatient and wanted a permanent arrangement with him. Sooner or later he'd have to give in or break it off. On Friday afternoon of the following week after he told Peter Campbell to go west, he was the nurse's station joking with Amy when Peter Campbell unexpectedly showed up. He asked Amy for Alan.
Alan: "I'm Dr. Quartermaine."
Peter: "Hi Doc, Peter Campbell."
Alan (unprepared for Peter's presence, takes by the arm and leads him to the sitting area): "What are you doing here?"
Peter: "I have the information you asked for."
Alan (not wanting to cause a scene): "Come on, we'll discuss this in my office."
Peter: "Whatever."
Alan really hated private detectives, he knew they had to be sleazy or else they wouldn't be good at what they did. Pete was both, sleazy and good. Alan looked at all the pictures and asked certain questions like which Maggie Barns lived where, if they were married, had a family, etc. Alan studied the pictures and every now and again he'd glance at Peter, luckily he had pictures of the Maggie Barns he met at the Seattle hotel. He didn't trust Campbell, the last thing he wanted to let him know which was the real Maggie Barns he was looking for.
Alan: "Ya know Peter, this is the one. (Showing him the picture of the Maggie Barns he found at the hotel in Seattle)."
Peter(nods his head): "She's the one? Glad we found her Doc."
Alan: "Ya me too, thanks."
Peter: "Any time Doc."
Alan: "How much do I owe you?
Alan was only to happy to pay him off and get rid of him. He made sure he thanked for coming to PC with the photos. After he finally got rid Peter, he said down and his desk, he rummaged through the pictures of the 4 different Maggie Barns. He found the one he wanted, "found ya, " he said. He was sure it was Monica, true the pictured showed a woman with brunette hair, sun glasses, cowboy hat, riding a horse. But he knew in his heart, it was her, she was alive. He picked up the phone and made airline reservations, he'd be on the first plane to Portland in the morning. From there all he had to do was find Heppner, Oregon.

Alan's flight left at 10 AM and he spend a good portion of the night preparing for the trip. He called the temporary assistant chief of staff Paul Hubbards and told him he was going to be out of town for a few weeks. Paul was surprised and said it was awful sudden and Alan agreed but he tried to cover his tracks by saying the last 10 months had finally paid a total and that he needed a vacation. He tried to laugh it off by saying he had been thinking of it for a while and he was so busy with paper work that the time just got away from him. He apologized for just dropping it on him, and Paul claimed he understood, in fact he didn't understand why Alan hadn't taken time off earlier. Alan thanked him for his understanding and hung up. He then left a voice mail for his secretary. He then went onto the Internet to see what he could find about Heppner, Or. He found out it wasn't close to anything. He could take a charter flight to Pasco, WA from Portland, and then he'd have to drive approximately 80 miles to Heppner. He was just about to leave for home when he realized he had to tell Helen he'd be gone. He debated how was the best way to handle her, thankfully it was very late when he finished making all the other preparations. He decided he could call her from Oregon, by the time he got home everyone was asleep. He went to his room and packed. He briefly saw Emily and Lila in the morning and told them he'd be gone for few weeks. They were both happy that he decided to go away for some rest and relaxation. Lila thought it was long over due and Emily was glad Helen wasn't going. When asked where he was going, he was vague and just said that he was impressed with the Pacific northwest when he went to the medical convention, he thought he'd go back and enjoy it some more. He said he had no real plans but he'd be in touch.

Alan's plane landed on schedule but he had to wait for his character flight to Pasco, which wasn't scheduled to take off until 4 PM. He was growing irritable by the time his flight was ready, he almost thought of driving the distance. The 55 minute flight was uneventful and upon arriving in Pasco, Alan was able to rent a car and book a hotel room without a hitch. He was too nervous to eat but he did take a quick shower. He then went down to the front desk and asked if they had a map. He quickly scoped out directions to Heppner, it was about 7 PM, he figured it would be about a hour's drive maybe a little more. He had a rough idea of where Monica lived in Heppner. He had so much time on the flight that he studied and restudied the pictures and what little information Peter Campbell gave him. He knew Monica worked on a ranch training horses, and she was followed to a small house on Ashley St. Campbell told him the house wasn't too far from town, Alan remembered Campbell saying Heppner was pretty small, you could see the whole town in less than a half hour. It was dark when he arrived in Heppner, he didn't think he ever saw a town so small. He looked down Main St and he wondered if he was looking at the whole town, there were small businesses, a bowling alley, a motel, a bed and breakfast and a diner. He drove through the town and headed to Ashley St. He did in fact find it easily. He parked his car and shut off the lights and he wondered what he should do. He sat for a few minutes and then the door to the house opened, she came to the door and he could see her perfectly. He was overjoyed to see her, but it was short lived when a tall middle aged man leaned down and kissed her cheek and left. He watch her smile at the man, he walked to a parked pick up and she closed the door. Alan waited until the pick up drove away and walked to the front door. He knocked at the door.
Maggie/Monica: "Jake, did you forget something?"
She opens the door with out checking to see who is there, her smile disappeared and she's looks like she has just seen a ghost.

Alan looks down at her, seeing her face to face wipes away the anger he felt two minutes ago watching some guy kiss her goodbye. He is over come with love and desire for her. He steps inside, picks her up and kisses her. She wraps her arms around his neck and returns the kiss. He manages to shut the door and turns and leans Monica up against the wall. The kisses are passionate and their hands are all over each other. Their breathing is heavy and Alan picks her back up and carries her to the couch and they make love until they are exhausted, finally they fall asleep in each other's arms on the living room floor.

Monica is the first one to wake up the next morning, she feels Alan next to her and is content with the memory of the previous night. She sees the dying embers of the fire and she tiptoes into the bedroom to find her robe, then she goes to the kitchen to make coffee. The ringing phone wakes Alan a half hour later, he smells coffee and bacon cooking. He turns toward the kitchen and hears Monica on the phone.

Monica: "Ah, I have company" (silence), she continues, "No Jake its not Jim, its an old friend" She leans backward and peers into the living room, Alan wraps the blanket around him and walks towards her. She smiles at him and he stands behind her and enfolds her into the blanket and kisses her neck. She starts to laugh. "Yes Jake everything is fine, well if you can't get anyone to drive the horses to Pasco, I can do it." (Silence again) "OK, but not before 10:30, bye."
Alan: "Not what before 10:30?" (still kissing her neck)
Monica: "That was Jake, he owns the ranch, he needs someone to take a couple of the horses to Pasco to another ranch. He asked if I'd do it."
Alan: "Why can't he do it?"
Monica: "He's going to hang around here and watch his sons ride in the rodeo."
Alan: " Rodeo? Is that the excitement around here?"
Monica: "On occasion."
Alan: I'm going with you, besides my hotel room is in Pasco."
Monica: "ok good, are ya hungry, I make a mean bunch of bacon and eggs. How about some coffee?"
Alan (laughs): "Sure"
In a few minutes Monica brings over two plates with breakfast and Alan gets the coffee.
Monica (gestures for him to sit down): "So how did you know I was alive?"
Alan: "I thought I heard your voice one day at the Seattle airport, some guy suffered a heart attack and when the EMT's arrived they asked what happened. I hear your voice, but I never saw your face and the name Maggie Barns didn't fit."
Monica: "You were there?"
Alan: "Yeah I was there, and I saw you leave the convention, where did you hide?"
Monica (laughs): "I ducked into the ladies room"
Alan: "of course. Why'd you do it, have you any idea what you put me through?"
Monica: "Alan I had to, after you were shot I couldn't take the chance that you or anyone else in the family would be killed."

Alan: "Monica, this is exactly how we always get us in trouble, we don't let the other one help."
Monica: "Alan I knew you'd be angry when this whole thing was over, but you need to understand that I had to do it for your own safety. So how did you find me.?
" Alan: "I hired a private investigator."
Monica : "Alan you did want?"
Alan: "Don't worry, he located four Maggie Barns, and I told him another one of them was the one I was looking for."
Monica: "Oh. So are you angry?"
Alan : "Monica, when I thought you might be alive I wanted to kill you, I still might, who was that guy that kissed you good bye last night?
Monica : "You mean Jake?"
Alan: "I guess?"
Monica (laughs) : "I can still make you jealous"
Alan (getting irritated) : "Who was he?"
Monica: "He owns the ranch I work at, he came over to do some repair work on the back door."
Alan : "Oh, as long as that's all it was, but who's Jim"
Monica: "Jim? Oh he's been after me since I got here, he owns the feed store. I can handle him."
Alan: "No doubt."
Monica: "Who was your arm decoration?"
Alan: "Arm decoration?"
Monica: "Come on Alan, that tall dark haired bimbo hanging onto you at the conference?"
Alan: "oh Helen"
Monica: "oh Helen? "
Alan: "hey its your fault?"
Monica : "My fault? my fault that you are sleeping around, you didn't even wait until I was cold in my grave."
Alan (tempers starting to rise on both parts) : "First of all, you're the one who left, you and your ridiculous plan to safe the family, what did you expect? Did you think I'd stay celibate forever? Didn't it ever occur to you I might want some companionship? And to set the record straight I never slept with her."
Monica: "First off, my plan was not ridiculous, secondly I guess I thought I'd be back before you had time to get into a new relationship and thirdly you didn't sleep with her?"
Alan : "Do you have wax in your ears? NO!!!!!!!! I didn't sleep with her.?
Monica: "Why? "
Alan : "Because I felt it would be a betrayal"
Monica: "I was presumed death"
Alan: "That's right, you were dead, there was no reason for me to find anyone else, I still loved you and wanted you. I didn't want anyone else. It wasn't like the old days, when one of us would sleep around to hurt the other. I was hurt because I never thought I'd see you again."
Monica: "I'm sorry, I thought I was doing the right thing."
Alan: "I know, but when will you learn to trust me to help."
Monica : "Now's a good time."
Alan smiles at her.
Monica: "Who's Helen?"

Alan: "Helen Reinhardt, she was a psychiatrist that Gail made me see not to long after your untimely demise."
Monica: "Gail? She set the two of you up?"
Alan: "No, she wanted me to get counseling, then after spending a weekend at the cabin, I decided to end the sessions, sell the cabin and we just started dating."
Monica: "You sold our cabin?"
Alan: "Well as luck would have it, its still on the market"
Monica : "Now what?"
Alan : "Actually, I need to call Helen before she sends out the national guard and wrecks my plans"
Monica: "You didn't tell her you left."
Alan: "No, she'd want to come along."
Monica: "How did you manage fending her off?"
Alan: "It wasn't easy, I almost caved in on the trip to Seattle, until I heard your voice."
Monica: "Do you love her?"
Alan: "Do you really need to ask that question? Would I have come all the way out here to find you."
Monica: "Or make love to me almost all night."
Alan: (smiles) : "Especially after last night."
Monica: "I'm glad you found me, I really missed you."
Alan: "So, when do I get to see the bedroom?"
Monica: (looks at him sheepishly): "Now"
She takes his hand and leads him into the bedroom. They were lying in bed and Monica noticed the clock said 9:45 am. "I have dreamed of nights like last night and this morning for the last 10 months", Monica said.
Alan: "Me too."
Monica: "I hate to break this up but we have to get ready for the trip to Pasco."
Alan: "Tell you what, tonight we'll stay at my hotel room, tomorrow is Sunday and we can stay in bed all day and order room service."
Monica: "Sounds fun."
Alan: "Come on, lets take a shower, I'll wash your back."
Monica: "Your on."

Forty-five minutes later both dressed in jeans and t-shirts, they arrived the Double J ranch, Monica explained the double J was short for Jake and his wife Joan's name. Jake and Joan seemed pleased that Monica/Maggie had a male companion and welcomed Alan. Alan didn't think it be wise to use the name Quartermaine, so he told Monica to introduce him as Alan Morgan, if Jason could use the name Morgan so could he. She laughed at him and reminded him to call her Maggie. He smiled and said he felt like he was having an affair. Monica/Maggie, told Jake and Joan she would be staying in Pasco over night and she'd be back late tomorrow night. Alan was slightly amused by the grilling Jake gave him, he wanted to know how he knew Maggie and how come he never came to visit her before and what did he do for a living. Jake liked the idea Alan was a doctor, it explains he mumbled why Alan's hand's weren't very rough. Jake asked him if he would be staying long and Alan explained he'd be here for a while. They told Monica since she was doing them a favor by taking the horses to Pasco, to take a few extra days off . She worked hard the last 10 months and since Alan was now here she accepted the offer. Alan thanked them and got into the pickup next to Monica.
Alan: "You really know how to drive this thing, with a horse trailer?"
Monica: "Piece of cake."
Alan: "Well Maggie, let's go."

They arrived in Pasco by one, deposited the horses to their new owners and drove to the hotel Alan was staying at. That night they went for an early dinner and a movie and true to their words, spend all day Sunday in bed. For this weekend, everything and everyone else disappeared, all they cared about was being alone and satisfying each other. They stayed until Wednesday, Alan checked out of the hotel and they returned to Heppner. They knew they would have to make a decision shortly about Monica's situation and when they arrived at her house the decision was clear. The house was gone, burned to the ground, Alan and Monica parked the pick up and stood in shock as they stared at what was left of the small bungalow. They drove to the Double J to find out what happened. Jake saw the truck driving up and went to meet them. He told them the house burned during the middle of the night, and they were welcome to stay at the ranch, they had plenty of room and the cottage out back was empty. Monica asked if they knew what caused the fire, Jake shook his head, he said the only thing out of ordinary was a black Cadillac that was seen. He laughed because a car like that always stuck out. Alan thanked him and said he was going to walk back to the bungalow to get his rental car. Monica said she'd go with him but he told her no, to stay on the ranch, he'd be back shortly. He got to the bungalow and found his car, he was glad they were out of town, he wasn't convinced this was a accident. When he got back to the ranch, Joan told him Maggie/Monica was in the cottage behind the main house. He thanked her and went to find Monica. She was glad to see him.

Alan: "Monica, we can't stay here."
Monica: "Why?"
Alan: "Monica, I don't think it was an accident."
Monica: "The Cadillac, you think it was Giordano?
Alan: "Look, if I found you, then maybe they've been looking for you too."
Monica : What should we do?"
Alan: "We'll drive up to Canada, and maybe we'll be safe there."
Monica: "When"
Alan: "The sooner the better."
Monica: "What do I tell Jake and Joan?"
Alan: "Tell them I've been called back home on an emergency and you're going to go back with me."
Monica: "That simple."
Alan: "The least they know the better off they'll be."
Monica: "You're right."
Alan: "Come on let's go."
They bid their farewells, Jake and Joan were worried that Maggie/Monica might be making a mistake but they knew they couldn't stop her. Alan promised them she'd be fine and that she'd come back. They headed north.

They found a phone and called Mac.
Mac (sitting at his desk doing paper work) : "Scorpio"
Alan : "Mac, Alan Quartermaine."
Mac: "Alan, what can I do for you?"
Alan: "I need your help, I have a problem."
Mac: "What kind of problem?"
Alan: "Well, I'm up in Thunder Bay, Ontario. I'm with Monica."
Mac: "Monica? She's alive?" Did you know anything about this?"
Alan: "Yes, she's alive, no I didn't. A few weeks ago I was in Seattle and thought I recognized her voice and I hired a P.I., any way its a long story and I can't get into.
Mac: "How did you wind up in Canada?"
Alan: "I flew out to Oregon to check on the information the P.I. gave me, I found Monica and we went away for a few days, when we came back her house was burned to the ground. We left and headed into Canada."
Mac: "Why didn't you call me when you found her."
Alan : " Look, I know I should have, but we had other things on our minds."
Mac: "Like what?"
Alan (getting slightly annoyed): "Use your imagination."

Mac: "Oh, well we have to get you guys back here, safely. Where are you staying?"
Alan: "Some hole in the wall best western hotel on W. Arthur St."
Mac: "Alright, just stay there, I'm going to notify the Canadian authorities, and we'll get you both home. Alan, stay out of sight. By the way what was the name of the P.I. you used?"
Alan: "Peter Campbell from NYC, why?"
Mac: "Really. We found him floating in the PC river."
Alan: "Oh god."
Mac: "Be careful, until we get there."
Alan thanked him and he and Monica walked back to the hotel. Meanwhile back in Port Charles, the Giordano family had placed a tracer on the calls coming into and out of Mac's office. They were trying to find out if Mac had received any calls from the authorities in Oregon about the fire, needless to say they weren't happy to find that Alan and Monica were both alive in Canada, but this time they knew exactly where to find them.

Mac notified the Canadian authorities and they found Alan and Monica at the hotel, they promised to protect them until Mac could come and escorted them home. Alan and Monica were informed that Mac wouldn't arrive in Canada until late the following night and the best thing was for them to stay in their hotel room. They were relieved they had police protection and they would soon be going home, it was also the first night they slept well since Alan arrived in Oregon. Mac's flight was scheduled to arrive late the following afternoon and the police were instructed to take Alan and Monica to meet him. The day was quiet and slow, Alan and Monica slept in and were in no hurry to get out of bed but the time came soon enough for them to leave.
Alan: "Are you ready to go home?"
Monica: "I was ready ten months ago."
Alan: "Everyone is going to grill you about where you've been and why you left."
Monica: "I can handle it."
Alan (smiles) : "I know you will."
They were en route to the airport with two police officers when a car pulled up behind them, it followed for several miles, when no other cars in were in sight it pulled along side and rammed into the police car. The police driver fought to keep the car under control and he swerved it back into the aggressive vehicle. The cars played the cat and mouse came for a few minutes, then the passenger of the unknown car opened the window and started firing at them soon the police was ran off the road and flipped over. The other car skidded to a stop and the driver and passenger got out, they could see the police car upside-down and the rear tires still rotating. They were getting ready to go over to the car and check for survivors when they noticed headlights coming. They got into their car and drove away.

On the way to Jason's apartment she explained everything to him, how she faked her own disappearance, how Alan found her, the bungalow burning, and how they were going to the airport to meet Mac. Jason didn't say very much but listened to everything she said and when they got to his place, they managed to get Alan into bed.
Monica: "Jason, he's lost blood and we need to get him medical attention."
Jason: "You're a doctor, can't you do it?"
Monica: "I can but I don't have the proper medical supplies and he's going to need antibiotics."
Jason: "Alright, I know a guy who can help."
Monica: "Is he a doctor?"
Jason: "Yeah, it'll be ok, I promise. Help yourself to anything you want. I'm going to call him."
Monica shook her head to indicated she understood and went back into the bedroom and stayed with Alan. She struggled to get off his shirt and went into the bathroom to see what she could use to clean the wound. She was getting impatient waiting , finally Jason entered the room with a tall blonde haired man. Jason didn't bother to introduce him and she didn't care.
Jason: "He's my father, he's been shot, Monica's his wife and she's doctor, she can help if you need her."
Man: (stops examining Alan and looks her over): "Looks like a clean wound, this won't take to long."
Alan starts to moan, Monica turns her attention to him.
Monica: (smiles and rubs her hand across his cheek): "hi, how you feeling?"
Alan: "Terrible, where are we?"
Monica: "Jason's"
Alan : (noticing for the first time both Jason and the doctor): "Jason? Thanks for your help"
Jason : "Alan, this Paul, he's a doctor, he's going to patch you up."
Alan: (looks at Monica) : "what's wrong. I don't remember anything after the other car pulled up to us and.."
Monica: "And started shooting, we were ran off the road, the cops were killed. Luckily Jason was on the road. You were knocked unconscious and shot in the shoulder.....again."
Jason: "Come on, let Paul take care of Alan:"
It didn't take long for before Paul came out and said he was finished.
Paul: He'll be ok, just let him rest for a day or two. He's going to be in pain but he refused pain medication."
Monica: "He can't, he was addicted to hydrocodone."
Paul didn't comment on it only added, "well here's a prescription for antibiotics, make sure he takes it, it will reduce the risk of infection and fever."
Monica: "I know, I'll make sure he does. Thanks for your help."
Paul: "No problem. Jason, I'll see you."

Jason: "Thanks Paul, (takes the prescription from Monica) I'll walk out with you. Monica, I'll pick up the antibiotics, I won't be long."
Monica: "Thanks"

Jason and Paul left and Monica went into the bedroom to check on Alan.
Monica: "how are you feeling?"
Alan: "Tired, is it hot in here?"
Monica: "no its fine, you've been through a lot, why don't you get some sleep."
Alan: "are you ok?"
Monica: "I'm fine, just glad that you'll be ok."
Alan: "I'll be fine, come and lay next to me."
Monica: (laughs) : "Ok, only if you promise to try and get some sleep."
Alan: "I promise."
Alan soon fell asleep and Jason returned not long after but he wasn't alone.
Jason: "Monica, I'm back"
Monica emerges from the bedroom, "Well you're full of surprises. Hello Mac."
Jason: "You said you and Alan were on your way to the airport to meet him, I figured I'd better get him before he hears about the accident on tv"
Mac: "Monica, are you alright?
Monica: "I'm fine, I guess you're ticked at finding me alive too."
Mac: "Monica, I'm glad your alive, but there was a better to way to handle this."
Monica: "I know, I'm sorry for everything I put my family and the P" police department through. At the time I thought it was a good idea, going into a witness protection program wasn't an option."
Mac: "Its done and you're alright."
Monica:(let's out a sigh): "I'm fine, but Alan keeps taking bullets meant for me."
Mac: "Where is he?"
Monica: "He's in the bedroom asleep. He's going to need it because he can't take pain medication and he's already saying he's hot, so I don't think he's going to get the rest he needs. Did you get the antibiotics Jason?"
Jason: "Here"
Monica: "Thank you, now what?"
Mac: "When can Alan be moved?"
Monica: "Maybe tomorrow, definitely the day after that. If you want to move him tomorrow I'll have the ELQ jet send up here and we can go home in that, it will be more comfortable for him."
Mac: "That's not a bad idea, that way we don't have to use a commercial airline and Giordano won't know what our move is."
Jason: "I'll call Lila if you want, I'll just tell her to send it that Alan needs it."
Alan (all three of them turn around surprised to see him leaning against the wall): "I'll call her, she'll ask to many questions and wonder why you'd be calling."
Monica: "What are you doing up, you should be in bed."
Alan: "I can't sleep. (Turns to Mac) Hello Mac."
Mac: "Alan, how are you feeling?"
Alan: "The shoulder feels like its on fire but I'll be ok."
Mac: "Monica's right, you should be in bed."
Alan: "You shouldn't say things like that in front of her, it will go to her head."

Mac laughs.
Monica: "I'm always right."
Alan: "see what I mean. Alright, I'm going to bed, but I will call Mother in the morning."
Monica: "Why can't I call?"
Alan: "You are presumed dead, and I think for now we should keep the fact that you are alive from as many people as possible. They'll all know tomorrow about your little adventures."
Monica: "I'll give in this time and don't let that go to your head."
Alan: "I wouldn't dream of it."
Monica gets up and tells him to lean on her, and she helps back into bed. She returns to say thank you to Jason and Mac.
Monica: "I'm going to give Alan his medicine and stay him. So I'll see you both in the morning."

Alan had a restless night, but managed to call home in the morning to have the ELQ jet send to Thunder Bay. It was expected to arrive late that night. Meanwhile Jason took Mac to the police station so he could find out more details on the accident and tell the police the Drs. Q were safe and now under his protection. Monica was relieved that Alan had been taking the antibiotics and he was resting more comfortably and he would be in better condition for the trip home. Jason decided last minute to fly back to the States with them, he figured the only way the Giordano family would leave Monica alone once and for all was to have a meeting with them. The plane departed Thunder Bay at midnight and all four passengers arrived safely back in Port Charles a few hours later. Alan and Monica thanked Jason for all of his help and they departed with a new understanding of each other. Mac drove them to the mansion, it was close to 4 am and the house was in total darkness, which they both welcomed. They quietly made it to their bedroom.

Monica: "It is so good to be back home."
Alan : "Its really good to have you back home. The bed 's been a lonely place without you."
Monica: "Don't worry, as soon as you're better, we'll take of that."
Alan: "I like the sound of that." (He bends over and kisses her).
Monica: "Tomorrow, I'm taking you to GH to have that wound looked at. And no arguments."
Alan: "Don't worry I'm in no condition to give you one."
They quickly got ready for bed and shortly thereafter fall asleep in each other's arms.

They didn't wake up until nearly noon and they just laid in bed enjoying being home and together.
Alan: "Are you ready to face the music?"

Monica: "As ready as I'll ever be."
Alan: "Come here (pulling her into his arms and kissing her)."
Monica: "What about your shoulder?"
Alan: "It feels better."
Monica: "Are you up too it?"
Alan: (smiles) :"Let's find out."
Monica giggles and starts to unbutton his pajama top, he leans up, tries not to winch in pain and kisses her neck, she gently pushes down on the mattress.
Monica : "Are you sure your not in pain."
Alan: "I can handle it."
She doesn't look convinced and is saved by a knock on the door.
Alan: "Dammit, whoever that is I'm going to kill."
He struggles to get out of bed, "you can handle it huh?", laughs Monica.
Alan: "I was willing to handle you only, we're not home 12 hours, and already the family is starting. Get ready its show time."
Monica: "I'm ready."
Alan opens the door irritable, from not enough sleep, having his time with Monica interrupted and for still feeling pain in his shoulder, "What?!", he shouted.
Reginald (surprised by Alan's reaction): "Ah, sorry to intrude but Mrs. Quartermaine wanted me to check to make sure you made it home ok last night and wanted to know if you wanted to have lunch with her."
Alan: (sighing): "okay, tell her I'll be down in a few minutes, I need to get changed."
Reginald (noticing he's not alone but can't quite figure who she is, meekly asks): "ah and your quest, will she be joining you too."
Alan (is bemused by it all): "Yes Reginald my guest will most certainly be joining us for lunch, so go and make the grand announcement and let everyone in the house speculate who it can be."
Reginald: "Alright, Mrs. Quartermaine is in the den."
Alan: "Thank you Reginald, we'll be down shortly." Alan closes the door in Reginald's face as he tries to peer over Alan's shoulder to get a better look. Alan turns and focuses his attention back on Monica and shakes his head, she laughs.
Monica: "That wasn't nice."
Alan: "and why not, I bet you he ran downstairs to let the whole family that I'm having an affair with someone right now. Want to switch the tables on them, you can sneak down the back stairs and knock on the door, while I make my entrance for lunch and everyone will want to know where my unknown lover went. Or you can waltz down the stairs like you own the place....."
Monica: "I do own the place."
Alan: "Oh yes, how could I forever, you remind me every chance you get. Or lastly we can just walk in together. Your choice."
Monica: "Well, I think its going to be shocking any way, so I think we better just walk in together."
Alan: "I'm sure you're right, but it won't be any fun."

Ten minutes later they enter the den to find Lila, Emily, AJ and Edward waiting impatiently for Alan. They had been discussing who Alan could have brought home and everyone assumed it was Helen. However a discussion at the Quartermaine's is never simple and soon voices were hitting the shouting level. Alan had to shout louder than any of them to tell them they were all wrong. They looked at him and then at Monica and were overjoyed to see her alive and well. Alan and Monica the spend next two hours explaining to the family where Monica was and what unfolded over the last two weeks and why they needed the ELQ jet send to Canada. Monica was finally the one to break up the reunion when she said she really wanted Alan to have his shoulder looked at. As Reginald was bringing the car around front and as they opened the front door, Jason was ready to knock. They were surprised to see him again, he just wanted to let them know that he just came from a meeting with the Giordano family, they know that Monica is still alive and that she is under his protection there was a new understanding they will no longer bother with her or the rest of the Quartermaine family. Alan and Monica thanked him and Monica kissed him goodbye, Alan extended his hand in gratitude. Jason said he was going to quickly visit with Lila and then return to Canada. They watched as Jason made his way into the den, turned and walked slowly to the car.

Monica explained her whole ordeal to Gail and was just about finished when Bob Richards found them. Like everyone else he expressed his gladness at seeing Monica alive. He talked to her about Alan's condition and told her she wanted him to keep him over night.
Monica: "Is there anything I should be worried about?"

Bobs: "Its just precautionary Monica, whoever took the bullet out did a good job, but Alan did mention that he was unconscious for a time and you guys had a world wind trip home, so I just want him to stay over night."
Monica: "Ok, where is he, can I see him?"
Bob: "Sure, he's on the 7th floor, room 714."
Monica: "Thanks Bob."
Bob: "Glad to be of help, glad your back."
Gail: "I'll go up with you Monica."
When they got to Alan's room he was already in wearing a hospital gown and in bed.
Alan: "You found me."
Monica : "I just finished speaking with Bob, he says its just precautionary."
Alan: "I know"
Gail : "ah Alan, I hate to bring this up but once it gets out that you're hear, Helen will be looking for you."
Alan : "I know that too, don't worry I told Monica about her."
Gail: "She told me. I'll leave you two alone. Monica I'm so glad you're back."
Monica: "Thanks Gail, for everything." (She hugs Gail good bye.)
Monica: (turning her attention to Alan): "So are feeling ok?"
Alan: "To tell you the truth I'm tired."
Monica: "Maybe its just as well you sped the night here."
Alan: "I'd rather be home in bed with you."
Monica: "I'd rather that too, but I'd much rather see you well."
Alan: "I hope Gail didn't upset you about Helen."
Monica: "No, I know you need to talk to her."
Alan: "Don't worry everything is going to be ok,