"Who the hell are you?!" the man shouts, slamming the door behind him.  He's a tall man, about 6'2", with shoulder length brown hair and a bushy beard.

"I -- we needed to find shelter, my -- he's really sick, and --" Jessie begins.

"This is private property." the man says, taking off his coat, which is dripping wet from the rain.

"Please -- we don't have anywhere else to go." Jessie begs, nearly in tears.  The man sighs, and kneels down on the floor next to Chris.

"What's wrong with him?" the man asks.

"He's burning up." Jessie says.  "I think he has a really bad infection, and he needs to get antibiotics.
 Do you have a phone here, we can --"

"I don't have a phone.  I'm sorry." the man says.

"Is there a hospital nearby where --"

"The nearest town is three miles out -- they don't have a hospital but we could call for an ambulance.  Unfortunately, there's no way we can get there in this weather." the man says.  He starts to check Chris over himself.  "We need to get him out of these wet clothes -- he's about my size, he can wear some of mine.  Let's get him to the couch." 

"Thank you." Jessie says, and together they move Chris to the couch. 

"Doc, I --" Lucy begins.

"I know what you're thinking, Lucy."  Lucy is uncharacteristically silent.  "I'm not crazy.  Ryan
and I are twins --- remember when I did that twin study, after he -- after the fire.  I always felt,
even back then, that part of him was still here.  Now I know why.  Lucy -- Ryan didn't die in that fire.  He's alive.  He's alive, and he's the one who attacked Eve.  And he's responsible for everything that's happened to me all these months."

"Doc, if Ryan were alive, don't you think that --"

"Lucy -- either Ryan is alive, or I really AM crazy."  Lucy is quiet again.  "You don't believe me, do you?"

"Doc, I want to, I really do, but --"
 

"You have to.  Lucy -- if Ryan is out there, you're not safe.  Nobody is.  I want you to take the twins and go stay with Charlene and -- wait, no, Ryan might find you there.  Go to Victor, he can get you out of town without a trace.  You better warn Felicia too --maybe she should go with you."

"I'm not leaving you." Lucy says.

"Yes you are.  Has there --- has there been any word on Jessie yet?"

"No." Lucy says.  "Nothing."

"What if Ryan got to her, too?  I'm not gonna let him destroy everyone I care about, Lucy.  Not again."

"Chris is -- he's been missing too, ever since he went to look for Jessie." Lucy says.

"I know, I heard.  Lucy -- what if he found her, with Ryan.  God only knows what he did to them."

"I'll call Mac -- he'll put out an APB on Ryan, and --"

"You'll do that?" Kevin asks.

"Of course I will." Lucy says.  "I'll do -- I'll do anything for you, Doc."  Lucy reaches out and pulls
him close.

"Thank you." Kevin whispers.  "Please -- I'm begging you -- take the twins and leave town.  Don't tell anyone but Victor where you're going -- not even me."

"I'll -- I'll think about --"

"Don't think about it, just DO it!" Kevin shouts.  "You're not safe here."

"Okay." Lucy says.  She kisses him softly on the lips.  "I love you Doc."

"I love you too.  This will be over soon -- I promise."  Lucy nods her head sadly and leaves the
room.  Dr. Browne is waiting in the lobby. 

"Did he tell you?" Dr. Browne asks. 

"Tell me what?" Lucy says.

"That his twin brother is alive.  He told me that, before you got here." 

"I don't -- you don't think he's -- telling the truth, do you?"

"I think he is -- the truth in his mind.  He needs his brother to be alive -- that exonerates him from all of the things he did.  Dr. Collins seems like a very good, decent man deep down, and ---"

"Oh, he is.  He's the most wonderful, wonderful man I know." Lucy says.

"Then you understand why he told you and I what he did.  Mrs. Collins, I believe that your husband might be suffering from something along the lines of --well, a multiple personality disorder."

"Kevin is -- he's never shown any other --"

"I'm still not sure -- it's far too soon to fully understand the nature of his illness.  But my theory
is that, when Ryan died, Kevin took on his personality, in order to assuage any guilt he felt. 
Twins have a rare connection that even to this day we don't fully understand in my field, and -- for a long time, Kevin was able to suppress his ‘Ryan' personality.  But eventually, Ryan took over.  And
now, Kevin wants his control back.  So when he tells you that ‘Ryan' is alive -- in a sense, he's telling you the truth.  But the reality is, HE is Ryan."

"Dr. Browne -- what if -- what if Kevin's not -- what if Ryan really IS alive, and --"

"I would say that's highly unlikely." 

"Doc wants -- he wants me to take our babies and leave town." Lucy says.

"Well, that's up to you.  Of course, you don't have to go anywhere.  But you can tell Kevin that you have, and not come visit him and just phone him."

"You -- you want me to lie to him?"

"I think that right now he's in no state of mind to deal with the truth."

"I -- I guess not." Lucy says.

"I'll call you tomorrow and let you know how he's doing." Dr. Browne says.

"Thank you." Lucy tells him, and leaves.

Jessie sits next to Chris, wiping his head with a cool cloth.  The man who lives in the cabin comes into the room carrying what looks like a medical bag.

"I knew I had this somewhere." he says.

"You're -- a doctor?" Jessie asks.

"I -- used to be." he says.  "My name is Patrick, by the way." 

"I'm Jessie -- this is Chris." she says.  "He -- he's a doctor too, a surgeon.  I'm a nurse." 

"What are the two of you doing all the way out here?" Patrick asks.

"It's -- a long story." Jessie says.

"I've got time." Patrick says, as he begins to examine Chris. 

"Here -- I think you need to see this." she says, showing him the gunshot wound in Chris' leg.

"What the --" Patrick begins.

"He was shot.  I was able to get the bullet out, but -- I didn't have much to use for sterility, and --
please, please tell me he's gonna be okay."

"Why was he shot?" Patrick asks, starting to become a bit hesitant.

"We're not in any trouble, I swear.  I -- this is gonna sound crazy, but -- my cousin kidnaped me. 
Everyone thought he was dead, but -- he wasn't.  And then Chris figured out where I was, and he came to rescue me, but -- well, he ended up in the same boat I was.  And then Ryan took us somewhere, he drugged us, and we didn't know where we were.  But we got away --
but Ryan shot Chris in the leg, and --"

"You're right -- it sounds crazy." 

"I'm telling the truth." Jessie says.

"You know what's even crazier -- for some reason, I believe you." Patrick says.  "How long ago did this happen?"

"About two or three days, I think -- we've kind of lost track of time."

"And he's been okay up until now?"

"His leg was hurting him pretty bad, but he said he was okay.  He started to feel a little bit warm after awhile though -- and then it started to rain, and we knew we had to find some shelter -- we were lost -- and then we saw this cabin, and -- we came in, and I went into the kitchen, and when I came out he was passed out on the floor."  Patrick finishes examining him.

"His vitals are stable -- we need to get his fever down.  I'll get some ice, and I can make up something to put on that wound to help it heal faster.  I'm just afraid he -- his immune system is obviously weakened from the infection, he could have caught pneumonia in that storm.  And if he did -- I don't know what I can do for that here.  He needs to be in a hospital.  As soon as the storm breaks, I'll go into town, and they can get an air ambulance out here."

"How long will that be?" Jessie asks.

"I don't know -- I've seen storms like this last awhile.  I'll do my best to help him until then.  I
was just outside getting some wood for my fireplace --you'll be safe here.  I'll get something else for you to wear, too -- you need to get out of those wet clothes as well."

"Thank you." Jessie says, sitting next to Chris and squeezing his hand tightly.  She kisses his forehead softly.  "You're gonna be okay, sweetheart.  I promise."

"Dammit!" Ryan shouts, slamming the door as he and Greg go back into their cabin. 

"Sorry, I -- I didn't know the road would be blocked from all the rain.   It should be clear in a few days, and --" Greg begins.

"We don't have a few days.  Jessie and that stupid boyfriend of hers could be in Port Charles by now for all we know." 

"Come on -- they tried to get out of here on foot.  It's at least 30 miles to the nearest town.  And with this rain -- they're probably dead by now, there's nothing to worry about."

"I hope you're right." Ryan says.  "As soon as this storm lets up, we're back out there looking -- I want to see for myself that they're out of the way. Because one way or another -- Jessie and her boyfriend are dead meat."

April 15, 2001 -- Jessie sits next to Chris, wiping his forehead with a cold, wet cloth.  Patrick enters the room.  "How is he?" he asks.

"His fever hasn't gone down any." Jessie says worriedly.  "He's septic -- we need something to treat
this infection NOW!"

"I know." Patrick says.  "I can -- there's something I can try, but there are no guarantees."

"What?" Jessie asks.

"There are several herbal mixtures that might help him -- at this point, it's all we've got."

"How much do you know about that?" Jessie asks.

"I used to be a pharmaceutical chemist -- I know plenty.  I just -- haven't done it in awhile." Patrick
says. 

"Is it safe?"

"At this point, I'm not sure we have a choice.  He needs some kind of treatment -- it's all I can do for him without the right medication."

"Well, then I guess that's what we have to do." Jessie says. 

"I can't make any promises." Patrick says.

"And I can't lose him." Jessie replies, a look of desperation in her eyes.

"Okay.  I'll do my best." Patrick says.

Lucy enters the ICU at General Hospital and heads for Eve's room.  A nurse is coming out of the room as Lucy approaches.  "How is she?" Lucy asks.

"Physically, she's improving, but -- she hasn't said a word, not since -- not since the day the police were here.  Dr. Jones has run some neurological workups on her, he -- I shouldn't be telling you this, you're not family and --"

"My husband is in jail right now because of all of this.  I have a right to know." Lucy says.  The nurse sighs.

"You can't tell anyone I said this to you.  It looks like -- she may have some sort of neurological
damage."

"You mean brain damage?" Lucy asks.

"It's the only thing that explains her unresponsiveness.  Dr. Jones thinks she may have
suffered a stroke or -- something along those lines." the nurse says.

"Can I see her?" Lucy asks.

"For a few minutes -- she needs her rest." the nurse says.  Lucy goes into the room.  Eve is awake, and makes eye contact with Lucy when she enters.

"You know, you've -- got some explaining to do." Lucy says, standing next to Eve's bed.  "Please -- Eve, please tell me -- did Kevin do this to you?" Eve is silent.  Lucy starts to cry.  "Kevin is -- he's in Ferncliffe.  He was arrested for this, and -- I don't believe he did it.  You know who did, don't you?"  Eve is still quiet.  "Kevin thinks -- he thinks Ryan is alive.  He thinks that Ryan did this."  The monitors in Eve's room start to beep uncontrollably as Eve's heart suddenly starts to race, and Lucy notices the look of fear in her eyes.  "Oh my god, he -- it was him, wasn't it?  It was Ryan."  Two nurses come rushing into Eve's room.

"You'll have to leave." one of the nurses says.  "You're upsetting her."

"No, but -- Eve, you have to tell me, did Ryan do this?"  Lucy asks.

"Mrs. Collins, please -- leave." the nurse says, pushing her out of the door.  Lucy stands in the
lobby, terrified, and races out of the hospital.

Jessie sits back and watches as Patrick gives Chris the medication he made up for him.  "There -- let's hope this works." Patrick says.

"Thank you." Jessie says, returning to Chris' side.

"You look exhausted -- why don't you go in my room and get some sleep?  I'll keep an eye on him."

"Thanks, but I don't want to leave him.  I'll be fine out here." Jessie says.  "So, you -- used to be a
doctor?  How long ago?"

"A couple of years." Patrick says.

"I don't understand -- why do you live out here, all alone?  Why aren't you practicing medicine anymore?" Jessie asks.

"I have my reasons -- they're personal." Patrick says.   "Can I get you anything?  You didn't eat anything last night and I'm sure you're pretty hungry."

"I'd almost be tempted to eat meat at this point." Jessie says.

"You're a vegetarian?" Patrick asks.

"Yeah.  Are you?"

"No, but my -- I'll get you some breakfast." Patrick says, hesitant to say any more.  He goes into the
other room.  Chris begins to toss and turn, shivering.
 

"Jessie.  Need to get home." he says repeatedly in a muffled voice, clearly delirious.  Jessie continues to wipe his forehead with a damp cloth.

"I'm right here sweetie." she says.  "Shhhh, it's okay.  You're gonna be okay."  Patrick comes out a few minutes later with some food for Jessie.

"Here you go." Patrick says, setting down the food on a table next to the couch.

"Thanks." Jessie says, starting to eat, still remaining at Chris' side.

"You're -- really in love with him, aren't you?" Patrick asks.

"Yeah." Jessie replies.  "I am."

"I can tell.  You remind me of -- someone." Patrick says.

"Who?" Jessie asks.

"Me." Patrick says.  "I'll get started on another batch of that herbal mix.  We need to give him some every couple of hours until his fever breaks -- let's just hope it works."  Patrick starts to walk toward the other room.  Jessie remains at Chris' side, holding his hand and continuing to apply a cold, wet cloth to keep his fever down. 

"You hang on, baby -- everything's okay now.  You're gonna get better, and we're gonna go home.  I promise." Jessie whispers.  Patrick watches them for a minute, then goes into the bedroom and closes the door.  He sits down on the edge of his bed and looks at the framed photo on the table next to the bed of a woman in her early 30's with long red hair. 

"I swore I would never go back." Patrick says to himself, looking sadly at the photo.  "I hope I did the right thing, Carrie -- I hope to God I did the right thing."

Lucy goes rushing into Mac's office, and Mac jumps up from behind his desk when she enters, startled.  "Oh, thank goodness, I'm so very, very glad you're here --Mac, we have to find him.  We have to find him and we have to stop him before --"

"Lucy -- calm down." Mac says, walking up behind her and leading her over to the sofa, where they sit down. "Now what's going on?"

"He's alive, Mac -- we thought he was dead, but --he's alive."

"Who's alive?" Mac asks.

"Ryan." Lucy says.  "I thought that Doc was just imagining things, and that's what Dr. Browne thought too, but -- I went to see Eve today, and I could see it in her eyes.  Mac, Ryan is alive.  He's really alive."

"Lucy -- calm down." Mac says.  "Come on -- you know I hate this as much as you do, but -- Eve ID'd Kevin as her attacker."

"But don't you see, Mac -- what if it was a mistake.  What if she was trying to tell us something, and we never got to hear the rest of it.  Mac -- what if Ryan really is out there?"

"Ryan is dead.  We all saw it happen."

"We never found a body.  He could be alive, Mac -- and my Doc is locked away in that nasty Ferncliffe, and he shouldn't be there.  Please, Mac -- you have to consider that it IS possible."  Mac sighs.

"I'm sorry, Lucy -- I don't have the manpower to go searching for a ghost.  I wish I could, but -- my job would be on the line if I even dared pursue this."

"You -- you don't believe me." Lucy says.

"I'm sorry." Mac says.  Lucy fights back her tears.

"My Doc is innocent.  And I'll prove it -- I'll prove it to everyone." Lucy says, and she leaves.

April 16, 2001 -- late afternoon.  Jessie lies asleep on the couch next to Chris, and is startled awake by a loud crash.  She sits up and turns around.  "Sorry."  Patrick says, bending down to pick up the glass he just dropped.  "It slipped out of my hand -- I didn't mean to wake you up."

"It's okay." Jessie says.  "Let me help you."

"No, I can get it." Patrick says, cleaning up the mess.  After he's done, he sits down on the floor next to the fireplace.  Jessie checks Chris' vitals, then turns and looks at Patrick.

"I think his fever is finally going down." Jessie says. 

"That's good." Patrick says.  "This storm looks like it's about over, too.  Maybe I can get out by tomorrow and get help."  Jessie goes and sits down on the floor next to him.

"Thank you for helping us." Jessie says.  "If there's anything I can ever do for you -- you know, I work at one of the best hospitals in the country -- if you ever want to go back to work again, I could put in a good word for you and --"

"I can't practice medicine anymore." Patrick says.

"Did you -- lose your license?" Jessie asks.  Patrick is quiet.  "I'm sorry -- I don't mean to pry, but -- you seem like a really good doctor."

"I thought so." Patrick says.  "I quit medicine.  And I moved out here."

"Why?" Jessie asks.  Patrick looks into the fireplace.

"I told you, it's personal." Patrick says.

"Okay.  I just thought that maybe -- you could use someone to talk to.  It must get kind of lonely out
here all by yourself." 

"Maybe it's what I want." Patrick says.

"It's okay -- forget I asked." Jessie says.  Patrick hesitates a little, then begins to talk about his
past.

"I was -- I was married.  My wife, she was -- she was a dancer on Broadway.  Her career had really started taking off -- she even got to understudy for a couple of big names.  And I worked at a hospital in New York City -- I was head of their research lab.  Everything was going great for us, and -- one afternoon, Carrie, my wife -- she took a pretty nasty fall during a rehearsal, broke her leg.  And when she had x-rays done, they -- they found something else.  There was a tumor -- it was malignant.  Turned out she had a really rare form of bone cancer.  And it was -- it was
terminal.  I just couldn't accept that -- cancer research was my main area of work.  I was determined to find a cure -- I must have spent days at a time in that lab, trying to come up with something.  I couldn't lose my wife.  I had saved hundreds of lives with my research -- why couldn't I save her?"

"You never found a cure, did you?" Jessie asks.

"No." Patrick says.  "She died -- almost two years ago.  And I -- I couldn't go to that hospital anymore.  If I couldn't save Carrie --- nothing else mattered anymore.  So I -- I quit my job, I sold my house, and -- I had this place built.  I just wanted to be alone.  I've lived here ever since."

"I'm sorry." Jessie says, taking his hand and squeezing it.  "Something tells me -- your wife
wouldn't want you to be all alone.  Don't you have any family?"

"I'm an only child.  My parents -- they died in a car accident when I was fifteen.  I went to live with my uncle -- he was a real jerk.  And he never really accepted me as family anyway -- I was adopted.  When I was eighteen, I started to look for my biological parents -- I found out my birth mother was dead, and -- well, I found my bio dad, but -- I wasn't impressed.  He seemed like a real shady character, and -- he never even knew I existed, and the minute I told him who I was he tried to hit me up for money.  I figured I was better off on my own.  Until I met Carrie, in college -- I was pre-med, and she was a dance major -- she was all the family I had until --" Patrick stops.  "I'm sorry -- you don't want to hear all of this."

"It's okay -- I think you need to talk about it.  It has to be lonely out here."

"I get into town about once a week -- I read a lot, that's how I keep myself busy."

"You don't have any friends?" Jessie asks.

"I had colleagues, but -- I was never very good at socializing, I was always too busy keeping my nose in a book or working in the lab to bother.  Carrie was everything to me.  She was the one who kept the social calendar going for us.  She was really popular, and --I was never very good at making friends."

"Well, I'll -- be your friend." Jessie says.  "And I'll start by -- asking you to really think about what
I said.  I know I didn't know your wife, but -- I don't think this is what she'd want for you.  You
should be practicing medicine, Patrick -- I can tell it's what you love."

"I loved my wife." Patrick says.  "It doesn't matter without her.  Nothing does." he says, trying to fight back tears.  Jessie reaches out to hug him.  Just then, Chris begins to open his eyes, and sees Jessie holding Patrick close.  He remains quiet and watches them. 

"I'm sorry -- I didn't mean to --" Patrick begins.

"It's okay -- I don't mind." Jessie says. 

"I'm gonna get something to drink -- you want anything?" Patrick asks, trying to change the subject.

"Maybe a glass of water." Jessie says.  Patrick gets up and goes into the other room, as Jessie stares into the fireplace for a few minutes, then returns to Chris' side, and is surprised to see him looking up at her.

"Chris?" she says excitedly.  She sits down next to him and holds his hand.  "Hey -- can you hear me, baby?  Come on honey, talk to me."

"Where are we?" Chris asks weakly.

"Oh, baby." she says, squeezing his hand tightly and wiping his forehead with a cool cloth.  "Thank God.  We're somewhere safe." Jessie says.  "We're gonna get you help, baby.  I promise."

"What happened?" Chris asks.

"You developed an infection, honey.  You've been burning up.  But we can't get into town right now, because of the rain.  As soon as it lets up, Patrick will --"

"Patrick?" Chris asks.

"He's the one who's helping us.  This is his place --we're lucky to have found it."  Patrick walks into the room, carrying two glasses. 

"Jessie, here's the --" Patrick begins, then sees that Chris is awake.  Jessie turns to Patrick and smiles.

"Look who's up." she says, taking one of glasses from Patrick.  "Here baby -- drink some of this, we don't want you to get too dehydrated." she says, offering Chris some water.

"I -- I can't sit up.  Too -- weak." Chris says. 

"I'll help you.  You need to drink this." Jessie says, helping Chris sit up enough to drink some of the
water. 

"How's he doing?" Patrick asks.

"Better." Jessie says, smiling.  "Honey -- this is Patrick -- he saved your life." 

"She's exaggerating -- Jessie's a good nurse, she deserves all the credit." he says.

"I know -- she is." Chris says.  "You know, the --Grizzly Adams look went out of style in the 70's." 
Jessie just looks at Patrick apologetically.  "Jess --I'm cold." Chris says.  Jessie looks up at Patrick.

"Do you think it'd be okay to give him another blanket?  His fever seems to be going down." Jessie
says.

"Maybe a light one -- I don't want to keep him too warm just yet." Patrick says.

"I need -- antibiotics." Chris says.

"I know, honey.  We're hoping this storm will stop soon.  Then Patrick will go into town and get an
ambulance.  He doesn't have a phone here." 

"How long have I been here?" Chris asks.

"Almost two days." Jessie says.  "You've been pretty delirious most of the time -- we've just been trying to keep your fever down." 

"I'll leave you two alone for awhile -- it's good to finally see you awake." Patrick says to Chris, and
leaves the room.  Jessie gets Chris another light blanket and covers him with it, and takes his hand as she sits on the edge of the couch.

"Are you hungry?" Jessie whispers.  Chris shakes his head no.

"Tired." he says in a weak voice. 

"Okay -- you rest.  I want you to try and eat something in a little bit -- you need to build your
strength back up."  Chris nods his head in agreement. "We're gonna get out of here -- don't worry.  We're gonna get you to a hospital, and you'll be just fine, I promise." Jessie says.

Lucy enters the ICU area of GH -- she sees Tony coming out of Eve's room.  "Tony -- how is Eve?" Lucy asks.

"Lucy, you know I can't disclose patient information unless you're a family member." Tony replies.

"Please -- I have to know." Lucy says.  Tony sighs.

"We found no sign of neurological damage." Tony says. 

"That's -- that's good, right?  That means that she's getting better, and she'll tell everyone that my Doc is innocent."

"I'm sorry, Lucy -- I wish I could tell you more. Eve's physical injuries are healing fine -- in fact,
she's being moved out of ICU this afternoon.  But her mental state is -- Lucy, since there's no medical evidence that shows the cause of her inability to communicate, we can only assume that it's
psychosomatic.  Whatever is causing Eve to remain quiet, it's not physical.  I'm no expert in this, but
-- she's protecting herself by shutting down her ability to communicate."

"But -- that can change, right?"

"She'll be assigned a staff psychiatrist to take over her case -- they'll be able to tell you more than I
can." 

"Can -- can I see her?" Lucy asks.

"She's being taken to a private room on the fifth floor -- she should be there in about an hour, you can visit with her then." Tony says.

"Okay -- thank you." Lucy says.

Greg looks out the window.  "You know, watching it won't make it stop." Ryan says.
 

"What if they made it home, huh?" Greg asks, turning around.  "You promised me you'd get me out of the country."

"You should have thought of that before you botched your assignment.  I told you not to let your guard down, and what happens -- idiot!"

"Hey -- you know, I'm sick of you insulting me all the time.  I thought we were on the same side."  Ryan sighs.

"This isn't getting us anywhere.  The rain looks like it's slowing down -- let's go." Ryan says.

"The bridge is still washed out!" Greg says.

"We'll go on foot then -- we need to find those two before they get back to Port Charles.   I'm not gonna let them ruin our plans -- I'll see them in hell first." Ryan says.

"It'd be suicide to try going out there - - come on, Jessie and her boyfriend are probably worm food right now.  There hasn't been any news reporting otherwise -- if they didn't make it home, they're toast."

"You better be right.  Because I will hold you personally responsible if our cover is blown.  And you
do NOT want to be on the receiving end of my wrath, little brother."

Lucy enters Eve's hospital room.  She sits down in the chair next to her bed.  "Well, I see you've -- got yourself a new place here, Evie.  I like this one much better, it's a lot less depressing."  Eve looks up at Lucy, remaining quiet.  "You know, as much as listening to you annoys me, I -- I need your help, Eve.  My Doc is in trouble.  And if you don't tell everyone that he's innocent -- please, Eve.  I know you and I aren't exactly friends, but -- what about the twins?  They don't deserve to have their daddy taken from them this way.  I know you're scared, but -- I will hire as much security as I need to for you, just please tell me what really happened."  Eve is still silent.  "Alright, fine -- I'm gonna be here, every day, until you tell me.  I will NOT let you do this to my Doc -- he doesn't deserve it." Lucy says, and she leaves.  Lying alone in her room, a tear falls down Eve's cheek after Lucy leaves.

April 18, 2001 -- morning.  Chris wakes up and looks around the room -- Patrick is sitting by the
fireplace, reading.  "Where's Jessie?" Chris asks.

"She's in the bedroom, sleeping.  I told her to go and get some rest -- she hasn't slept much since the two of you showed up here." Patrick says.

"She's in YOUR bedroom?" Chris asks, appearing a bit jealous.

"Yeah -- I slept out here on the floor last night.  Can I get you anything?"  Chris just glares at him.

"I'll wait for Jessie."

"Look, I'm not waking her up, she needs to get some sleep.  And you need to eat something and keep some fluids down.  I'll be right back." Patrick says.  He goes into the kitchen and comes back a few minutes later with some breakfast.  He helps Chris sit up and gives him a tray.

"What's this?" Chris asks.

"Breakfast."  Chris doesn't look impressed.  "Sorry, the menu is limited here."  Patrick remarks.  Chris reluctantly starts eating, staring at Patrick the whole time.  Finally, Patrick sighs in disgust.

"Something wrong?" he asks.

"No, nothing, I just -- I was just wondering why the hell anyone would be nuts enough to live out here in the middle of nothing." Chris says.

"I have my reasons." Patrick replies.

"Yeah, you're probably on the run for being an axe-murderer or something."

"I hope not for your sake." Patrick remarks. 

"Any idea when Jessie and I can get the hell out of this place?"

"The bridge should be opened in a couple of days --I'll go into town then and get help."

"So what, we're just supposed to stay here and play ‘Little House on the Prairie' until then?  Let me
guess, you said you have no phone, and I'm betting no running water and no electricity either."

"No." Patrick says.

"Gee, what a shock."  Chris says, just as Jessie comes out into the room. 

"Hey you -- I see you're eating, that's good." Jessie says, sitting down next to Chris and kissing him on the cheek."

"I wouldn't mind a shower either, but Pa Ingalls here says there's no running water in this place."

"Hey, sorry this isn't the five-star accommodations you're used to -- sue me." Patrick says sarcastically.

"There's a stream not too far from here -- we'll see how you're feeling later today, we can go out there." Jessie says.

"Great." Chris says, clearly not pleased.  Patrick gets up.

"I'm gonna go see if there's any sign of the path to town clearing." he says, starting to walk away.  "I
liked him better when he was unconscious." he says to Jessie under his breath, then leaves.

"Making friends again?" Jessie asks.

"Jess, the guy's a freak -- why the hell would he want to live out here like a damn hermit?  Either he's some mass murderer in hiding, or he's just some kind of nut.  Either way, I want to get the hell away from him as soon as possible."

"That ‘freak' saved your life." Jessie says.  "There is no way you'd have survived without his help.  And I think you owe him an apology."

"Oh, should I apologize for him putting the moves on you, too?" Chris asks.

"What are you talking about?" 

"When I woke up -- I saw him, he was all over you.  Then again, maybe he's not the one I should be mad at.  Because you didn't look like you were doing a damn thing to stop him."  Jessie gives him a disgusted look.

"You know, I'm offended that you would think I would cheat on you at all, let alone while you were sick.  My biggest concern has been getting you well since we got here -- how DARE you accuse me of anything less!" Jessie says angrily, and she gets up and walks over to the other end of the room.

"So what's your explanation then?" Chris asks.

"I was being a friend." Jessie says angrily.  "You should try it some time."

"Well, I just don't appreciate some social reject putting the moves on you while I'm lying here
practically dying."

"You know, if you weren't already so sick I'd be tempted to strangle you right now!  God, you can be such a JERK sometimes!" Jessie shouts.  Patrick walks in the door.

"Well, it looks like the water has gone down some more -- hopefully tomorrow the bridge will be cleared." Patrick says, then he notes the deafening silence in the room.  "Did I miss something?"

"No." Jessie says.  "Not a thing."  She turns and glares at Chris, then goes into the kitchen.  Patrick
sits down in a chair. 

"She's a great lady." he says to Chris, who glares at him.

"Yeah -- she is." Chris says, trying to hide his jealousy.

"How long have you two been together?"

"Long enough." Chris says, still glaring at Patrick.  Jessie comes back in the room and sits down in a
chair, avoiding all eye contact with Chris.  Patrick senses the tension between them. 

"I think now would be a good time for me to take a walk -- I'll let you two have some time alone." he says, and leaves.  Silence fills the room for several minutes, until Chris finally speaks up.

"Look, I'm sorry, okay?  Come on Jess, how would you feel if you woke up feeling like hell from some god-awful infection, and the first thing you saw was me hugging some other woman?"

"I would assume that there was a reasonable explanation for it.  You know why -- because I trust
you, that's why!" Jessie says angrily.  Chris sighs. 

"Jessie -- you know what I've -- this isn't easy for me.  I've been burned enough times to know not to let my guard down."

"I thought that -- we were different." 

"We are, but -- it just -- takes some getting used to.  I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings."  Jessie walks
over to him and sits down next to him.

"Nothing happened with Patrick.  He needed a friend --that's all."

"Okay, I -- I believe you." Chris says, squeezing her hand.  "But I still don't like him."

"You don't even know him." Jessie says.

"Neither do YOU." Chris replies.

"I know enough -- he's a decent guy who got dealt a really bad hand in life.  I -- I feel sorry for him."

"Well, your heart can bleed enough for both of us then.  I just want to get out of here -- I'm worried
about Eve.  With Kevin in jail and those two nuts out on the loose, there's no telling what kind of danger she's in.  Not to mention Lucy and the twins and -- we need to get home."

"I know." Jessie says.  "And you need to be in a hospital."

"I'm fine." Chris says.  "I'm feeling much better."

"I know, but -- you were never treated with antibiotics or anything, and I still want you checked
out."  Jessie kisses him on the cheek.  "I want to make sure you're okay."

"Okay -- as long as you promise that you'll spoil me if I'm stuck in bed for a few more days when we get home." Chris teases.

"Honey, if you're stuck in bed when we get home, I guarantee you'll have company -- cause I will not leave your side for a single minute." Jessie says. Chris grins.

"Well, in that case -- you know, I'm -- I'm still not feeling 100% yet, and I kind of need some extra
medical attention -- right here." Chris says with a cute, fake sad look on his face and he points to his
lips.

"Oh you do, do you?" Jessie teases.

"Yeah, in fact, I -- I think it's a matter of life or death.  You're the only one who can save me." Chris
jokes in a soft, whispery voice.

"Come here, you big baby." Jessie says, pulling him close and kissing him on the lips.

Greg comes into the cabin.  "The bridge is open!" he shouts.

"Finally!" Ryan says.  "Well, what are we waiting for? Let's go." The two race for the car, and get in. They travel about a mile, then the car stops. 

"What's going on?" Greg asks.  Ryan opens the hood.

"Dammit!" he shouts, slamming the hood down. "Battery's dead."

"Now what?" Greg asks.

"What do you think?  We go on foot." Ryan says.

"You can't be serious -- do you know how far it is to the nearest town?  It'll take us DAYS to get there."

"Well, then we better get started now -- I am not gonna let this go.  I've worked too hard to accomplish this -- Kevin needs to find out what it's like to lose for once in his life." Ryan says.

"Look -- Ryan -- why don't we just wait, I mean eventually a car will come by and stop for us -- we can just get rid of the driver and take their car."

"This area is nearly deserted -- that could be days. We're walking -- let's go." Ryan says, and Greg
grudgingly agrees as they set out on foot.

Mac waits in the visiting room at Ferncliffe, and Kevin enters.  "Mac -- thank God!" Kevin says, and the two men hug.

"I said I was here on official business -- it was the only way I could see you." Mac says.

"Do you know if she's safe?" Kevin asks.

"Who?" 

"Lucy.  I told her to go to Victor and have him help her get out of Port Charles -- did she take Felicia and the girls with her?"

"Kevin, what are you talking about?" Mac asks.

"I'm talking about Ryan -- Mac, she did tell you, didn't she?"

"About Ryan being alive?  Yeah, she told me."

"Good.  Have you found him yet?" 

"Kevin -- Ryan is dead.  He died five years ago.  We were both there." Mac says.

"Oh my God -- Lucy hasn't come to see me in a few days, so I just figured that -- she's still in Port
Charles, isn't she?"

"Look -- if it'll make you happy, I'll put a couple of officers on her, and --"

"That's not GOOD enough, Mac -- I want her out of town.  I want her gone -- and I don't want anyone to know where she is.  I want her to take the twins with her, and I don't want her to come back until he's caught."

"You -- you really think he's alive, don't you?"

"I know he is." Kevin says.  "I can feel it."  Mac is quiet.  "I'm not crazy, Mac -- I'm not crazy.  Come on, think about it Mac -- if I'm wrong, I'm stuck here anyway -- I don't have anything to lose.  But if I'm right -- this whole town is in serious danger.  Is it really worth it to you to take that risk?"

"Okay -- I'll conduct the search on my own.  I can't tell anyone about this right now, mate -- I hope you understand."

"Just make sure Lucy and the twins are safe.  And you might want to put an officer on Eve Lambert at the hospital -- if Ryan attacked her once, he might try again.  Is there any word on Jessie?"

"No.  Or Chris Ramsey.  And we haven't been able to find Greg Cooper, either since he escaped."

"My god -- what if those two somehow teamed up together.  I mean, think about it -- Cooper escapes around the same time that Eve is attacked and Jessie disappears.  And Cooper was insisting that he was my brother -- if Ryan found out about this, he'd love nothing more than to have a kindred spirit for a sibling."

"I hope to God you're wrong Kevin -- because if Ryan is alive, and if he's teamed up with Greg Cooper --God help us all." Mac says.