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Prologue--January 1, 2000 to February 7, 2000
New Year's Day in Port Charles marked the beginning of many new things for the Baldwins, the Scanlons and the Ramseys.
Scott and Lucy were able to take Christina home from the hospital after she donated bone marrow for her brother, Neil. Have discovered who Christina's biological parents were, they began to worry about keeping their daughter.
Frank and Courtney were married as quickly as possible once Neil was released from the hospital. They explained to Neil that Joe was not his father but Frank was. While Neil was upset for a while, he was excited to know that Christina was his little sister. Frank filed for full custody of Christina against Scott and Lucy.
Scott and Lucy continued to plan their wedding and offered to share custody of Christina with Frank. He refused to share and demanded they take the matter court.
Once Julie discovered that Christina had been Neil's marrow donor, she demanded that Chris tell her why. Chris explained his reasoning but Julie would hear no part of it. She immediately filed papers to have herself named officially as Christina's mother to prevent anyone from making decisions for her daughter. She also filed for divorce.
After Joe left town, Karen began spending her free time with Chris. They agree to take their relationship slow and have fun together. Lucy reminded Karen that Scott would not react well to this budding romance. Karen has avoided telling Scott about the depth of her relationship with Chris.
Chapter One--February 8, 2000
Dateline: Port Charles, New York----News broke early yesterday morning about Julie Devlin-Ramsey's escape from prison and sent shockwaves through the citizens of Port Charles. Mrs. Ramsey was convicted of first degree murder and two counts of attempted murder in December of last year. She became violent at her trial and declared that several people would be made to pay. The list of people that she has threatened includes but is not limited to her therapist, Dr. Rachel Locke; her husband, Dr. Chris Ramsey; her friend, Dr. Karen Wexler; her former therapist, Dr. Kevin Collins; and former victims Lucy Coe and Dr. Evelyn Lambert. All the citizens of Port Charles are warned that Mrs. Ramsey is considered highly dangerous. If you should spot Mrs. Ramsey or have any information as to her whearabouts, do not confront her yourself. Please call the PCPD and speak with Commissioner Mac Scorpio or Detective Alex Garcia or Detective Marcus Taggert.
Karen stepped into the on-call room and glanced at the television. She frowned as she saw the pictures from the trial all over again.
Karen: "That's on again?"
Chris: "Yeah, along with listing us as possible future victims. I sincerely hope that Julie goes anywhere but here," He said sipping his coffee.
Karen: "It would be kind of stupid for her to come back here though. I mean, you and I both have armed guards following us around thanks to Garcia and then there's my dad and his goons."
Chris: "You can't really blame your dad though. Garcia and his lackies aren't exactly the sharpest knives in the drawer."
Karen: "True," She said as she poured herself a cup of coffee and sat on the sofa, "Has Garcia spoken to you again?"
Chris: "Yeah, bright and early this morning as I was walking in the front door, actually. He said they thought they had a line on where she might be and were following it through."
Karen: "In other words, they have no clue."
Chris: "That's what I said," He said softly as he joined her on the sofa, "How are Lucy and Scott doing?"
Karen: "Nervous as you'd expect them to be. The custody trial starts today."
Chris: "We all knew it was coming."
Karen: "Yeah, we did. But who would have expected Courtney and Frank to get married like they did? That's going to go a long way in their favor."
Chris: "Maybe, but so will the fact that Lucy and Scott have been the only parents that Christina has ever known."
Karen: "I'm really kind of torn about the entire situation. Christina should know her father, but Lucy and Scott have loved her since they first saw her. She deserves that kind of love."
Chris: "Yes, she does. That's why I think she should be stay with Lucy and Scott."
Karen: "But she needs to know that Frank is her real father."
Chris: "Maybe."
Karen: "Chris, come on. Even you have to admit that Frank is great with children."
Chris: "You're right. But that's his only redeeming quality," He frowned.
Karen: "I have something to tell you," She said softly.
Chris: "Why does that not sound good?"
Karen: "I suppose it depends on how you look at it."
Chris: "Okay, just lay it on me then."
Karen: "I heard from Joe this morning. He's in Albany."
Chris: "He finally decided to check in, huh?" He said half-heartedly, "What did he have to say?"
Karen: "Not much. He didn't particularly want to talk to me, and I didn't know it was him. Mary kind of arranged it."
Chris: "Oh, so what did he say?"
Karen: "That he wasn't coming back to town for a while. He needed time to figure himself out."
Chris: "And you said?"
Karen: "That I thought it was a good idea and that I wished him well."
Chris: "That was it?"
Karen: "That was it. I just thought that I should tell you."
Chris: "Why? You don't owe me any explainations, Karen. I mean, I'm certainly glad that you did tell me because if he was coming back to town, I'd have to fight for your time," He smiled softly, "But you don't have to think that you have to report everything to me."
Karen: "I didn't feel like I had to. I wasn't worried about losing you. I just didn't want any half truths or lies between us."
Chris: "I'm glad you feel that way."
Karen: "Has Scott asked you about us again?"
Chris: "He's poked around, but I didn't say anything. That's for you to tell him. Besides, I have no wish to end up in the ER, even with a doctor as wonderful as you to take care of me," He said with a grin.
Karen: "Very funny," She said leaning over to kiss him quickly, "You still cooking dinner tonight?"
Chris: "Of course. At seven?"
Karen: "At seven," She smiled before leaving the on-call room to see patients.
Chapter Two
Chris walked across the lobby, reading over a chart as he stepped up to the nurse's station. He didn't even see Eve who walked up to him.
Eve: "Hey . . heard from that serial killing wife of yours?"
Chris: "Gee Eve, I figure we've both got an equal chance of seeing her as you were her favorite victim."
Eve: "Yeah, but gee Chris . . she loved you enough to marry you."
Chris: "Enough to divorce me too, remember?" He said with half a smile as he signed the chart and closed the folder.
Eve: "Best thing that could have happened to you, Chris," She said with a smile jotting down some notes on a chart of her own, "I tried to tell you from the beginning."
He rolled his eyes.
Chris: "Oh no.....here we go again with the 'I told you so' speech."
Eve: "I'm sorry . . . but I just think that you'll know to listen to me next time."
Chris: "Listen to this," He laughed softly, "That I'll listen to you? Yeah . . Like you listen to me even after I'm right time after time."
Eve: "Your advice sucks."
Chris: "Your's isn't the greatest Lambert."
They both laughed at one another before Chris spotted Scott coming across the lobby.
Chris: "Time for me to leave."
Eve: "You haven't told him yet?"
Chris: "Correction. Karen hasn't told him yet. It's her place to give him the heart attack. Not that I wouldn't enjoy it of course," He teased with a smile.
Eve: "Someone should tell him."
Chris: "Karen will. When he's less likely to kill me."
Scott stepped up to the nurse's station and looked directly at Chris.
Scott: "We need to talk."
Chris: "I've got a patient I need to see."
Scott: "You'll be the next patient that someone has to see if we don't talk. right now."
Chris half smiled as he nodded, walking over to the sofas with Scott.
Chris: "What's on your mind Baldwin?"
Scott: "I want to know what's going on between you and Karen."
Chris: "She's a grown woman, Scott. Ask her."
Scott: "I'm asking you."
Chris: "And I'm telling you to ask Karen."
Scott: "Look, Ramsey, I don't want you anywhere near Karen."
Chris almost laughed: "I hate to burst your bubble but she's just as stubborn as you are. You convince her to stay away from me."
Scott: "Are you telling me that you're innocent in all of this?"
Chris: "All of what? You're being paranoid about this."
Scott: "If you hurt her or use her in any way, I'll kill you Ramsey."
Chris: "Let me have you say that again when someone is in earshot. I want to have a witness that you're threatening me."
Scott: "I mean it. Stay away from her."
Scott stormed off from the lobby while Chris laughed softly.
Chapter Three
Chris opened the door and smiled when Karen stepped up to him and kissed him.
Karen: "I've been waiting all day to do that," She said with a smile as she wrapped her arms around him.
Chris: "You were able to hold out? I admire your will power," He said with a smile before kissing her again as he closed the door.
Karen: "Don't. I was barely hanging on," She grinned before kissing him again.
Chris: "Who can blame you?" He asked with a smile before kissing her once more, "Are you hungry?"
Karen: "Yes, started actually," She said meeting his eyes, "What have you cooked? It smells great."
Chris: "Chicken parmigiana. It's even better when you taste it."
Karen: "Love the lack of modesty there, Chris," She smiled, "Are you going to feed me or what?"
Chris: "I like it when you impatient," He said taking her hand and leading her to the table.
Karen: "Is that why you constantly bait me?" She asked watching him pour a glass of wine.
Chris: "Bait you? Do I?" He asked, winking at her as he poured himself a glass.
Karen: "You keep pushing buddy. See what that gets you," She warned with a grin.
Chris: "I fully intend to find out what it gets me," He teased as he served her.
Karen: "It looks good too," She said with a smile taking the first bite, "God, that's good."
Chris: "Feel free to keep the praise coming," He said with a smile, taking a sip of his wine.
Karen: "I think you have enough ego going already Chris," She smiled as they began to eat.
Chris: "Have you heard from Scott today from the custody trial?"
Karen: "Yeah, the judge tried to suggest an arbitrator but Frank refused. He's going to play dirty."
Chris: "Doesn't surprise me. Especially when Julie is trying to get parental rights to Christina as well."
Karen: "Do you think she has a chance?"
Chris: "Not a one. She's a convicted murder whose repeatedly escaped from prison and remains at large. I don't think that qualifies her for mother of the year."
Karen: "This is all so screwed up."
Chris: "Yes it is. I hate to say this but if Kevin had been smart enough to actually have Julie tested for pregnancy when she kept saying she was, al of this could have been avoided."
Karen: "That's true. Why didn't he believe her?"
Chris: "Because Kevin is a single minded idiot. If he thinks something is so, it absolutely cannot be any other way."
Karen: "Do you feel that way just because of Christina?"
Chris: "No, I feel that way because of Julie. I don't think she was ever truly delusional. Violent? Most definitely, but I think she outsmarted everyone with the Marcia Cooper story."
Karen: "You think she did it to get off easy?"
Chris: "Yes, I do."
Karen: "What made her change her mind and push for a trial?"
Chris: "Christina. I think she decided that she needed to try to get free to be a parent to her."
Karen: "And you?" She asked sitting back and sipping her wine.
Chris: "What about me?" He shrugged, "She was just using me as an instrument to get Christina out of Ferncliff. She knew that the DL-56 profits was enough enticement for me to get involved."
Karen: "But you never expected to fall in love with her, did you?"
Chris: "I'm not sure I was in love with her."
Karen: "But you felt something for her. Don't bother denying it."
Chris: "I did. I won't insult you by lying to you. But I don't think I was 'in love' with her."
Karen: "Why not?"
Chris: "Cause...." He started thinking of Eve and comparing how he'd felt for her, "Well, let's just sya that I didn't feel for her like I'd felt for someone else."
Karen: "Someone else? Are you saying that you'd been in love before?"
Chris: "More wine?" He offered.
Karen: "Don't avoid the question, Chris."
Chris: "What was the question?"
Karen: "Why does this threaten you so much? You know that I've been in love before. Why won't you tell me about yours?"
Chris: "It's just something I'm not comfortable talking about. It's not like it was a mutual thing so talking about it makes it sound like a teenage crush."
Karen: "You think I'm going to think you're silly?" She smiled, "That's so sweet. Come on Chris. Tell me."
Chris: "How about I promise to tell you about it one day? Just not tonight."
Karen: "Promise me that."
Chris: "I promise," He said meeting her eyes, "I will tell you......eventually."
Karen: "I'm expecting a very good story when this comes up again."
Chris: "In that case, you're probably in for a disappointment."
Karen: "Sounds like you were."
Chris: He nodded, "But let's not dwell on that. How about we move on?"
Karen: "Good idea."
Chris: "Speaking of moving on....you haven't told Scott yet."
Karen: She caught his glance, "No, I haven't......Why?"
Chris: "We met up in the lobby and Scott wasn't happy."
Karen: "Oh god, what did he say?"
Chris: "He said that I was to stay away from you. Period."
Karen: "Oh god....That's awful. I'm sorry Chris. I'll tell him."
Chris: "When? I'm not trying to rush you, Karen, but your father has an explosive temper and I figure it will be a matter of time before he explodes on me."
Karen: "I'll tell him. I promise I will," She said taking his hand as they walked to the sofa, "I know that he's stressed out with the custody battle for Christina and he's worried because of Julie's escape. I just don't want him to freak out and do something we'll all regret. But I will tell him."
Chris: "I believe you," He said squeezing her hand, "I just don't think we have a lot of time here."
Karen: "You're right. I will have to tell him soon."
Chris: "But in the meantime, we can just think about us," He said leaning over to kiss her.
Karen: "Hmm," She returned his kiss, placing her hand on his cheek to steady herself, "My favorite subject these days."
Chris: "Really?" He asked with a smile, moving his fingers across her cheek, "Do you think about us a lot?"
Karen: "More than I should," She said moving her eyes over his lips.
Chris: "That good, huh?" He ased watching her lips as well.
Karen: "Yeah," She said smiling wickedly as her eyes drifted back to meet his, "And that bad."
Chris: "Sounds like torture," He said moving his thumb over her bottom lip.
Karen: "It is..." She moved her tongue over the same path his thumb had taken, "But it's nice at the same time."
Chris: He watched her tongue caress her lip and he smiled softly, "I know the feeling."
Karen: "Have we been thinking along the same lines again?" She asked licking her lips very slowly as she watched him be entraced by her.
Chris: "I think we must have," He said moving his lips to hers again in a slow but passionate kiss.
Karen moved closer to him, wrapping her arms around him as he kissed her thoroughly. As their lips parted, Karen looked into his eyes as she remained slightly breathless.
Karen: "Trying to convince me to share my thoughts?"
Chris: He grinned slowly, "Maybe," He whispered before kissing her again, "maybe I'm simply sharing mine."
Karen: "Give and take, huh?" She asked with a smile, moving her hands to his tie and slowly undoing the knot, "You show me yours and I'll show you mine?"
Chris: "Something like that," He said softly before moving his hands around her waist to press her body to his as he kissed her.
Karen took the initiaitive and moved into his lap, hugging his hips with her knees as they kissed. She drew his tie from his collar and dropped it to the floor never parting from the kiss they were sharing.
Chris held her hips to his with one hand while the other moved into her hair, allowing him to deepen the kiss even further while her hands began undoing the buttons of his shirt.
"Karen," He spoke up as her hands slid inside his shirt to caress his skin. He moved his lips to her neck, placing slow calculated kisses from just below her ear to the collar of her shirt. His fingers deftly moved to the snaps on her shirt, popping open only the first few, "We shouldn't," He said softly as he placed a kiss at the base of her throat.
"I know," She admitted lacing her fingers in his thick hair as he continued to lavish attention to her throat, "I should probably go."
He moved his lips back to hers in a deep kiss as she braced herself, planting her hands firmly at his shoulders. He moved his hands to the remaining fastenings of her shirt undoing them swiftly and moving his palms against her skin. As their lips parted, he looked into her eyes and agreed, "Probably."
She moved her hands across his chest while her mouth descended on his neck, "Tell me not to go Chris."
He moved his hands to her back pressing her against him as their mouths met in another fiery kiss. As their lips parted, he looked into her eyes, "I don't want you to go."
Karen: "Then tell me not to," She said kissing him again.
Chris: "I can't do that," He said moving his mouth back to her neck to drop soft kisses upon her skin, "We agreed to go slow."
Karen: "I don't want to go slow," She said in a barely audible whisper closing her eyes to savor the feel of his mouth, "I know that we agreed......I just don't agree with it now."
Chris: "I don't either," He replied kissing her full force, "But we did make the agreement."
Karen: "Yes we did," She said breathlessly as she held him, "Free of other obligations."
Chris: "And I'm not yet. Not until my divoce is final," He said barely speaking.
Karen: "Remind me again why I made this agreement," She said trying to regain her breath, so desperately wishing that she hadn't promised herself this.
Chris: "Because you want it to be right between us. And you were right," He said, "Even though right now I wish we hadn't made any agreement."
Karen: "So do I," She breathed, "I'm sorry Chris."
Chris: "Don't be," He said moving his eyes over her skin slowly, "It's been very revealing."
Karen: She laughed softly drawing his lips to hers, "You're right about that," She said moving her eyes over his chest appreciatively.
Chris: "You are so beautiful," He said softly drawing a fingertip over her skin.
Karen: She kissed him again and smiled, "Thank you."
Chris: "No, thank you. I'll have very sweet, all be it very erotic dreams tonight."
Karen: "I give you my full permission this time," She smiled as she moved off his lap, "Because I'll be dreaming of you too."
Chris: "Maybe we'll finish this in our dreams then," He said in a soft smile.
Karen: "I'm sure we will," She smiled as she resnapped her shirt, "Meet me in my dreams?"
Chris: "I'll be there," He said kissing her again before they walked to the door.
Karen: "Chris?" She started turning back to him as she opened the door.
Chris: "Yes?" He asked as he refastened a few buttons on his shirt then looked up to meet her eyes with a smile.
Karen: "I had a good time tonight."
Chris: "I did too," He said with a smile leaning into the doorframe.
Karen: She leaned forward and kissed him one more time, "See you tomorrow."
Chris: "Tomorrow," He said smiling watching her walk around the corner before going back into the apartment.
Karen pressed the button for the elevator and smiled. She really enjoyed being with Chris and spending time with him. He didn't follow rules except those that they made for themselves. The elevator opened and she stepped inside. As she started to turn around to press the button, she was shoved into the wall of the elevator. She recovered quickly and met with the fierce penetrating eyes of Julie Devlin-Ramsey.
Julie: "Hello Karen," She said as she palmed a handgun.
Karen: "Julie," She said tenatively as she watched Julie's eyes.
Julie: "Enjoying my husband?"
Karen: "It's not what you think," Kaern started.
Julie: "It's exactly what I think. You're having an affair with my husband."
Karen: "I'm not sleeping with him, Julie."
Julie: "No, you're just having sex with him. Is that it?" She asked angrily.
Karen: "No, I haven't had sex with Chris."
Julie: "You realy expect me to believe that? After what I just saw?"
Karen: "Julie.."
Julie: "Shut up! Just shut up, Karen," She said training the gun on Karen directly, "I don't want to hear any more excuses. You and Chris planned this together. Take my money and send me to prison."
Karen: "No . . that's not it at all," She attempted to explain.
Julie: "Shut up!" She yelled as the elevator opened, "Let's go."
Karen: "Where are we going?"
Julie: "Stop asking questions. Just go to your car, Karen," She instructed walking behind her, pressing the barrel of the gun into Karen's ribs. Karen unlocked the door and opened the door before Julie brought the butt of the gun against the back of Karen's head, knocking her unconscious.