Breaking the Lock

Four

"He gave away your reservations?" Lulu asked for the second time.

                Maxie looked at her over her cup of tea with raised eyebrows. "Yes. I think it was sweet. TJ and Molly could use some romance."

                "So could you and Nathan!"

                "I think we're doing just fine in the romance department," Maxie returned. "Besides, it doesn't matter where we are just as long as we're together. We've spent entirely too much time apart as it is."

                "Well what are you going to do instead?"

                Maxie smiled at Lulu and shrugged her shoulders lightly. She had no idea what they would do tonight but honestly, she didn't care. She meant it when she said that all that mattered was being together. Still, Nathan did deserve to have a perfect Valentine's Day. He was probably planning something but just in case...

                "I thought we could spend the night in," Maxie said. "Some champagne, a nice dinner, and then...whatever," she added with a grin.

                "Whatever, indeed."

                Maxie chose not to respond. She took another drink of her tea and shifted the conversation away from what she and Nathan were going to do that night. "What are you and Dante going to do?"

                "Still planning to go to the Metro Court. You two are not getting our reservation so don't even try."

                "I wouldn't think of it!" She set her cup down and reached for her coat. "But I have a couple of errands I need to run before Nathan gets home tonight. I better get going."

                "Such as?"

                Maxie pulled on her coat and gave her friend a knowing smile. "Oh, you know me. Just a little shopping before tonight. Plus, I need to arrange for dinner. If you see him, don't let on that I'm doing anything for tonight. I want to surprise him."

                "I won't tell, I promise. He won't know where you are."

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                She made it too easy. She had surprised him by coming home early though. It was a split second decision to take her now instead of later. The cabin was ready for her and the distress it would cause the good detective was well worth it to him. She took in the broken picture frame and glass by the front door and started to back out of the room but he had already emerged from his corner and advanced on her.

                Her eyes widened in surprise at the sight of him and he used it to his advantage, landing a vicious punch to her midsection. She doubled over, gasping for breath. He lunged at her, pulling her head back by her hair and clapping a hand over her mouth. She tried to scream but it came out muffled.

                "Now, now," he whispered in her ear. "Mustn't bother the neighbors."

                She landed a solid kick to his shin, forcing him off balance. He kept his grip on her and they fell into the bookcase together, knocking books down on them. She tried to crawl away from him, flinging her arms wide and scrambling at the floor. He was stronger and faster though and threw himself on top of her, pinning her to the floor.

                "Come on now. There's no need to make this harder than it has to be." She struggled against him freeing herself briefly. He shifted his weight and reached an open hand back. He brought it down against her cheek, slapping her hard enough that her head bounced painfully against the hard floor. She stopped struggling instantly, falling into unconsciousness. Too easy.

                He had finished at the apartment, making sure that the detective would know that there had been violence there. He managed to get her out of the building without being seen which was nothing short of a lucky break for him. He put her in the trunk of the car and left Port Charles, pleased with himself. He hadn't meant to take her today but it had turned out well. His only regret was that he wouldn't be there to see Nathan West's face when he realized that not only was his sister in danger but now so was his precious Maxie Jones.