- 6 hours ago
ABC GH Spoilers _ Sam Returns to Port Charles — and Saves Scout from Drew’s Shoc
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00:00Hello everyone, and welcome to my General Hospital official channel. I hope everyone is having a wonderful day.
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00:11The sun was barely up over Port Charles when Sam McCall stepped off the launch and took her first breath of the cool morning air.
00:18The town she had once called home felt both familiar and foreign, filled with ghosts of choices made in roads left behind.
00:24Her leather jacket was the same one she'd worn years ago, back when danger followed her like a shadow.
00:30But this time, she wasn't coming back for nostalgia or unfinished business, she was coming back for her daughter.
00:37Scout was in danger, and Sam's instincts told her she was already almost too late.
00:42Jason had warned her before she left her last safe house, Drew's not the same man anymore.
00:47He's been different, darker, impulsive.
00:51Sam wanted to believe that Drew Cain, the man who once risked everything for family, could never hurt their daughter.
00:56But the messages she'd received over the past few days painted a picture she couldn't ignore.
01:02Scout was afraid.
01:04Her little girl, usually so brave, had whispered on the phone,
01:08Mom, Daddy's mad all the time now.
01:11That was all it took.
01:13Sam had packed a bag, gotten on the first transport, and didn't look back.
01:17When she reached the metro court, she barely paused long enough to drop her bag at the front desk before making her way to Carly.
01:25Carly was standing near the bar, coffee in hand, scanning emails on her tablet.
01:30She looked up, shocked, when she saw Sam.
01:34Sam?
01:34Oh my God, look at you, Carly said, her face softening with surprise.
01:40You didn't tell anyone you were coming back.
01:43Sam shook her head, her eyes sharp with purpose.
01:47Didn't have time.
01:49Carly, I need to find Scout.
01:52Where is Drew?
01:53Carly frowned, lowering her tablet.
01:57He's been off lately.
01:59Ever since that last ELQ board meeting blew up.
02:03He's been under pressure, but, Sam, what's going on?
02:07Sam hesitated.
02:09She didn't want to start rumors or accusations without proof.
02:13I think Scout's in danger, she said finally.
02:16Carly's eyes widened, all pretense of Kong gone.
02:20Danger?
02:21From Drew?
02:23Sam's silence was enough of an answer.
02:26By the time Sam reached the Quartermain mansion, her heart was pounding.
02:30Every second that passed felt like a risk.
02:34She found Monica in the sitting room, arranging flowers with a nervous look that told Sam she
02:38already knew something was wrong.
02:40Sam, Monica said softly, I was wondering when you'd get here.
02:45Sam blinked in surprise.
02:47You knew?
02:49Monica nodded.
02:51Scout's been upset.
02:53Drew's been volatile.
02:55He's been saying things about not being able to protect his daughter from the world, from
03:00what he calls the people pulling strings.
03:02I tried to get through to him, but he shut me out.
03:06I'm scared for both of them.
03:08Sam clenched her jaw.
03:11Where are they now?
03:13Monica motioned toward the back of the house.
03:16He took Scout to the old cabin on the lake.
03:19Said he needed to keep her safe from everything.
03:21The words made Sam's stomach twist.
03:25That cabin had always been a place of refuge, not fear.
03:29Thank you, Sam said, already halfway out the door.
03:33Monica called after her.
03:35Sam, please, be careful.
03:37He's not himself.
03:40The drive up to the lake was filled with memories, Scout's laughter echoing in the backseat,
03:44the smell of pine trees through open windows, the wager used to hum quietly to calm their
03:48daughter.
03:48Those images clashed with the fear that pressed at Sam's chest.
03:53She could feel it in her bones, something was wrong.
03:57As she reached the cabin, she cut the engine and stepped out quietly.
04:01The stillness was unnerving.
04:03The front door was slightly ajar, and the faint sound of a child's voice carried out.
04:09Inside, Scout sat on the couch, her small hands wrapped around her stuffed bear.
04:13Her eyes were wide, darting toward the hallway.
04:17Mommy, she gasped when she saw Sam.
04:20Sam rushed over, gathering her into her arms.
04:24Hey, baby, I'm here.
04:26It's okay.
04:28Scout clung to her tightly, whispering, Daddy's angry.
04:32He says bad people are coming.
04:35Before Sam could answer, Drew's voice came from behind her.
04:38They are coming, Sam.
04:41She turned slowly, her breath catching at the sight of him.
04:45Drew looked nothing like the man she remembered.
04:48His face was tense, eyes red-rimmed, and his hands shook slightly as he gripped a small duffel
04:53bag.
04:54You shouldn't have come, he said.
04:56You're making it worse.
04:59Sam rose to her feet, keeping Scout behind her.
05:03Drew, listen to me.
05:04Whatever you think is happening, we can figure it out together.
05:09Just let me take Scout home.
05:12Drew shook his head.
05:14Home?
05:15Port Charles isn't safe anymore.
05:18ELQ's been infiltrated.
05:21There are people watching us, people who know too much.
05:24Sam's voice softened, her years of experience with troubled men guiding her tone.
05:29You're scaring her.
05:32Drew, this isn't like you.
05:34You love Scout.
05:36You'd never hurt her.
05:38He blinked, the fight in him faltering.
05:41I'd never hurt her, he said quietly, as if convincing himself.
05:46But then his expression hardened again.
05:49But I can't let her go.
05:51Not until it's over.
05:54Until what's over?
05:56Sam demanded, edging closer.
05:59Drew looked toward the window.
06:01The deal.
06:02They said if I don't give them the access codes, they'll come for her.
06:06I thought I could protect her here.
06:09Sam's pulse raced.
06:12Who, Drew?
06:13Who said that?
06:15He hesitated, his hand moving toward the bag.
06:19Sam's eyes flickered to it.
06:20It wasn't just a duffel.
06:21She could see the glint of metal inside.
06:24Drew, she said slowly, stepping forward, put the bag down.
06:29We can talk about this.
06:31Let me help.
06:33He shook his head.
06:35You don't understand.
06:36They're listening.
06:39They've always been listening.
06:41His voice cracked, and Sam's heart broke for him.
06:45Whatever had happened to Drew had twisted his mind into knots of paranoia and pain.
06:49But right now, her priority was Scout.
06:53She glanced down and whispered,
06:55Sweetheart, go hide behind the couch, okay?
06:58Just like we practiced.
07:01Scout nodded, her little legs carrying her quietly out of view.
07:05Drew didn't seem to notice.
07:07He was pacing now, muttering under his breath.
07:10Sam saw her chance.
07:12She took one slow step closer.
07:15Drew, she said gently, remember when we used to come here to escape everything?
07:20You used to tell me that no matter what happened, we'd keep Scout safe together.
07:25That hasn't changed.
07:27Drew's eyes flickered with recognition.
07:30For a split second, Sam saw the man she used to love.
07:34But then headlights flashed through the window, and Drew snapped his head up.
07:38They found us, he yelled, grabbing the duffel.
07:41Sam lunged forward, grabbing his wrist.
07:45Stop!
07:46It's not them, it's probably Jason or the police.
07:50Drew fought against her grip, his strength catching her off guard.
07:54You don't get it, he shouted.
07:57I have to finish this.
07:59Sam struggled, trying to hold him off, but he was desperate, unhinged.
08:04The door burst open, and Jason ran in, gun drawn.
08:08Drew!
08:09Drop it, he shouted.
08:11Drew froze, his eyes darting between them.
08:15Stay out of this, Jason, he warned.
08:18You think you know what's going on, but you don't.
08:22Jason's voice was calm but firm.
08:25You're right, I don't know everything.
08:26But I know Scout doesn't belong in the middle of it.
08:30Let her go.
08:32Sam took a step back, giving Jason space but keeping herself between Drew and the child.
08:38The tension in the air was suffocating.
08:41Drew looked at Jason, then at Sam, then down at the duffel.
08:44His hands trembled.
08:47I just wanted to keep her safe, he whispered.
08:51Sam's voice cracked as she said, you still can.
08:54Let her go, Drew.
08:57Please.
08:57For a moment, silence hung heavy between them.
09:02Then Drew slowly lowered the bag.
09:05Jason moved cautiously forward, taking it from his hands.
09:09Drew sank to his knees, his shoulders shaking.
09:12I didn't mean to scare her, he said, voice breaking.
09:16Sam knelt beside him, tears in her eyes.
09:19I know.
09:21You were trying to protect her.
09:23But you need help, Drew.
09:26Let us help you.
09:28Scout peeked out from behind the couch, whispering, Daddy?
09:32Drew looked at her with tears streaming down his face.
09:35I'm sorry, baby.
09:38Daddy's sorry.
09:40As paramedics and police arrived, Jason pulled Sam aside.
09:44You got here just in time.
09:47If you hadn't come back, he didn't finish the sentence.
09:50Sam nodded, her throat tight.
09:53I couldn't ignore it.
09:55I felt something was wrong.
09:58Jason looked at her for a long moment, then said quietly, you always do.
10:03Later, at General Hospital, Sam sat beside Scout's bed as the little girl slept.
10:07The doctor said she was fine, just frightened.
10:12Sam brushed a strand of hair from her daughter's forehead, whispering, you're safe now.
10:17Mommy's here.
10:19Across the hall, she could see Drew through the window, talking to Kevin Collins.
10:24His face was pale, his expression lost.
10:27Sam felt a pain of sadness.
10:30Drew wasn't evil, he was broken.
10:32And part of her still cared deeply for him.
10:36Jason entered the room quietly, his usual stoic calm softened by concern.
10:41You okay?
10:42He asked.
10:43Sam nodded slowly.
10:46I will be.
10:48I just...
10:49I can't believe how far gone he is.
10:52Jason looked over at Drew.
10:55Whatever he got mixed up in, it ran deep.
10:58But you did the right thing.
11:00Sam gave a small smile.
11:03You always say that.
11:05Jason shrugged slightly.
11:07Because it's true.
11:09As the night deepened, the chaos gave way to quiet reflection.
11:14Sam sat by the window, watching the city lights shimmer across the harbor.
11:18Scout was safe, asleep with her bear tucked close.
11:22Drew was getting the help he needed, and for now, Port Charles was calm again.
11:27But Sam knew peace was always temporary in this town.
11:31Danger had a way of circling back, of finding cracks in even the strongest armor.
11:36Still, she allowed herself a rare moment of relief.
11:40Coming back to Port Charles had reminded her of who she was, a mother, a fighter, and a woman
11:44who never backed down when it came to her child.
11:47Tomorrow, she'd face the questions, the whispers, and the fallout.
11:51But tonight, she just watched her daughter sleep, grateful that love, in all its messy,
11:57complicated forms, had once again been enough to save the day.
12:01And as she whispered goodnight to Scout, Sam couldn't help but glance at Jason's standing
12:05guard outside the door, ever the protector.
12:08For a fleeting second, their eyes met, a silent understanding passing between them.
12:12No matter what tomorrow brought, Sam McCall was home again.
12:17And this time, she was staying, for Scout, for herself, and for whatever came next in
12:21the ever-twisting, ever-dangerous world of Port Charles.
12:24The air in Port Charles had a specific weight to it, a dense mixture of salt from the harbor,
12:30exhaust from the relentless traffic, and the lingering ghosts of a thousand personal wars.
12:35It was air that felt familiar in the lungs, not necessarily comforting, but known.
12:40Sam McCall breathed it in as she stood on the sidewalk outside of Kelly's diner,
12:44the familiar neon sign casting a faint pink glow on her face in the gathering twilight.
12:49She had been away, trying to carve out a new version of herself, a life that wasn't defined
12:53by the constant, high-stakes drama that seemed to be the city's primary export.
12:58But Port Charles, like a persistent suitor or a stubborn infection, always drew you back.
13:04Family, duty, unfinished business, it always found a way.
13:08This time, it was a combination of all three.
13:11Her daughter, Scout, was here.
13:14And so was Drew.
13:16The thought of him sent a complicated shiver down her spine, a tangled mess of old affection,
13:21fresh resentment, and a concern that had been gnawing at her for weeks.
13:25Phone calls with Scout had become increasingly curated.
13:29Her daughter's bright, bubbly chatter had developed a cautious undertone,
13:33a hesitation that Sam, with her finely-tuned maternal instincts,
13:36recognized as a sign that something was off.
13:39When she'd asked Drew about it, his responses had been dismissive, almost agitated.
13:45She's fine, Sam.
13:47It's just a phase.
13:49You're overreacting.
13:51But Sam McCall didn't overreact.
13:54She intuited.
13:56She investigated.
13:59She knew.
14:00So, she had returned.
14:03Unannounced.
14:05Her bag was still in the trunk of the rental car.
14:07Her first stop wasn't her old apartment or the metro court.
14:11It was here, the epicenter of all information in Port Charles,
14:14where the coffee was strong and the gossip flowed stronger.
14:18Pushing through the door, the bell jingling overhead was a sound straight out of her personal
14:22history.
14:23The diner smelled of frying bacon, coffee, and lemon-scented cleaner.
14:28It was, for a moment, overwhelmingly normal.
14:32Well, I'll be.
14:34Look what the tide washed in.
14:37The voice, warm and laced with a lifetime of seen-it-all wisdom, came from behind the
14:41counter.
14:42Stella Henry stood, one hand on her hip, a dishcloth slung over her shoulder, her eyes
14:47assessing Sam with a mixture of surprise and maternal concern.
14:51Hey, Stella, Sam said, a genuine smile touching her lips for the first time since she'd crossed
14:55the town line.
14:56Is the coffee still drinkable?
15:00Honey, it's the only thing in this town that's consistently strong enough to get you through
15:04the day, Stella retorted, already reaching for a clean mug.
15:07She poured a cup and slid it across the formica counter.
15:11You here for long?
15:13That depends, Sam said, wrapping her hands around the warm mug.
15:18How are things?
15:20Stella's expression tightened almost imperceptibly.
15:23A tell.
15:25Things are, things.
15:27You know this town.
15:29Never a dull moment.
15:32She leaned in slightly, her voice dropping.
15:35How's that sweet baby girl of yours?
15:38Scout's been in here with her daddy a few times.
15:42Precious as ever.
15:44She is, Sam agreed, her guard going up.
15:47How did she seem to you?
15:49Stella hesitated, choosing her words with the care of a diplomat navigating a minefield.
15:55She's a happy child.
15:57Full of light.
15:59But lately, she gets quiet when Drew's phone rings.
16:03Jumps a little.
16:04You know how kids are, they pick up on everything.
16:08Sam's blood ran cold.
16:10That was the confirmation she hadn't wanted but knew she would find.
16:15And Drew?
16:15How has he been?
16:18Stella's face became a careful mask.
16:21You'd have to ask him yourself, sugar.
16:24But between you and me?
16:26He's not the man he was.
16:29There's a tension in him.
16:31A anger.
16:33It's like he's looking for a fight, and the whole world is his opponent.
16:37That wasn't the Drew she knew.
16:39The Drew she had loved was centered, compassionate, a peacemaker.
16:43The man Stella was describing sounded like a stranger.
16:48A dangerous one.
16:50The chime on the door rang again, and Curtis Ashford walked in, his face breaking into a
16:54wide smile when he saw Sam.
16:57Sam McCall?
16:58Now there's a sight for sore eyes, he said, enveloping her in a brief, warm hug.
17:04What brings you back to the chaos?
17:07Scout, Sam said simply, and Curtis's smile faded into a look of understanding.
17:12He nodded slowly, sliding onto the stool next to her.
17:15I was gonna call you, he admitted, his voice low.
17:20Something's off with him, Sam.
17:22Way off.
17:24We had a meeting about security for the Aurora Media launch, and he was, volatile.
17:30Paranoid.
17:31He accused one of the new interns of being a plant from a rival company.
17:36The kid was 19 and terrified.
17:38It wasn't a good look.
17:41Why didn't you call me?
17:43Sam asked, a spike of fear and anger piercing through her.
17:47Because I thought it was stress.
17:49The pressure of the new merger, the media scrutiny.
17:53I thought he'd level out.
17:55But he hasn't.
17:57He's gotten worse.
18:00Curtis shook his head.
18:01He's got Scout this weekend, right?
18:05He picked her up from school today, Sam confirmed, her stomach twisting into a knot.
18:10I'm supposed to get her back Sunday evening.
18:13Just, keep your phone close, okay?
18:16Curtis said, his tone deadly serious.
18:20And if you need anything, you call me.
18:23Day or night.
18:25The conversation solidified her fears.
18:28This wasn't just in her head.
18:30The drew cane that Port Charles was seeing was not the man she had entrusted with their daughter.
18:35She finished her coffee, a plan solidifying in her mind.
18:39She needed to see for herself.
18:42She needed to go to Drew's penthouse.
18:45The penthouse was dark, save for the flickering blue light of a television in the living room.
18:50Sam used her key, a relic from a happier time that she'd never gotten around to throwing away,
18:55and let herself in as quietly as possible.
18:57The air inside was still and thick, smelling of takeout and, faintly, of whiskey.
19:04The pristine, minimalist decor she remembered was now littered with files,
19:08discarded jackets, and a general aura of neglect.
19:11She could hear the low murmur of a cartoon from the TV.
19:15Peering into the living room, her heart swelled and then immediately clenched.
19:19Scout was curled up on the large sectional sofa, wrapped in a blanket, her eyes heavy with sleep.
19:25She was safe.
19:27She was whole.
19:29The relief was so potent it made Sam's knees weak.
19:33But then her eyes adjusted to the dim light, and she saw Drew.
19:37He was standing by the floor-to-ceiling windows, his back to the room, his posture rigid.
19:42He was staring out at the city lights, but he didn't seem to be seeing them.
19:46He was holding a glass of amber liquid, ice cubes clinking softly as his hand trembled.
19:52Even from across the room, Sam could feel the negative energy radiating from him,
19:56a cloud of agitation and simmering rage.
20:00Drew, she said softly, not wanting to startle Scout.
20:04He spun around, his movements sharp and jerky.
20:07His eyes, usually so clear and warm, were dark, wide, and haunted.
20:11They focused on her with a delay, as if he were having trouble placing her.
20:17Sam?
20:18What are you doing here?
20:20His voice was rough, edged with suspicion.
20:23I came back early.
20:26I wanted to see Scout, she said, keeping her tone neutral and calm as she walked toward the sofa.
20:32She knelt down, brushing a strand of hair from her daughter's forehead.
20:36Hey, sweetie.
20:38Scout's eyes fluttered open.
20:40Mommy, she whispered, a smile of pure joy and relief spreading across her sleepy face.
20:46She wrapped her small arms around Sam's neck.
20:49You're here.
20:51I'm here, baby, Sam whispered, holding her tight, inhaling the sweet, innocent scent of her shampoo.
20:58In that embrace, every cell in her body screamed that her daughter needed to be far away from this apartment,
21:03from this version of Drew.
21:04She was supposed to be with me until Sunday, Drew said, his voice hardening.
21:10He took a step toward them, and the aggression in his movement was unmistakable.
21:15I know, Sam said, rising slowly, positioning herself slightly between Drew and Scout.
21:20But my plans changed.
21:22I thought I'd take her for ice cream tomorrow morning.
21:26We can have a girl's day.
21:28No, Drew said, the word sharp and final.
21:32We have plans.
21:34Father-daughter time.
21:36You can't just waltz in here and change the schedule whenever you feel like it, Sam.
21:41You gave up that right when you left.
21:43The accusation hung in the air, ugly and unfair.
21:48Sam felt a flash of anger but suppressed it.
21:51Arguing with him now, in this state, would only escalate things.
21:55I didn't give up any rights, Drew.
21:58I'm her mother.
22:00And I'm here now.
22:02I'm just suggesting a change of plans.
22:05The plan stays, he insisted, his voice rising.
22:09He gestured with his glass, sloshing liquid over the rim.
22:13You need to leave.
22:15Now.
22:17Scout flinched, burrowing deeper into the sofa cushions, her small face crumpling with fear.
22:22The sight of her daughter's fear was like a match to gasoline inside Sam.
22:27You're scaring her, Drew, Sam said, her voice low and steady,
22:31though her heart was hammering against her ribs.
22:33I'm not scaring anyone, he shouted, and the glass in his hand slipped,
22:37shattering on the marble floor.
22:39Whiskey and shards of crystal sprayed across the room.
22:43Scout let out a small, terrified cry.
22:47That was it.
22:48The line had been crossed.
22:51Sam's primary objective shifted from observation to extraction.
22:54She had to get Scout out of there.
22:58Okay, Sam said, holding her hands up in a placating gesture.
23:02Okay, Drew.
23:04You're right.
23:06I'll go.
23:08But I'm taking Scout with me.
23:10Like hell you are, he roared, and he lunged forward, not at Sam, but toward the sofa,
23:15his arm outstretched as if to grab Scout.
23:18It wasn't a calculated move.
23:21It was a product of blind rage and a desperate, twisted need for control.
23:26But to Sam, in that fractured second, it was a direct physical threat to her child.
23:31Time seemed to slow, crystallizing into a single, paramount objective, Protect Scout.
23:37As Drew's hand closed in, Sam moved with a speed and precision born of a lifetime of facing danger.
23:43She wasn't the damsel in distress, she was the daughter of a mob boss,
23:47a former private investigator, a woman who had stared down death more times than she could count.
23:52She didn't throw a punch.
23:54She didn't need to.
23:56She intercepted his arm, twisting her body and using his own momentum against him,
24:01shoving him hard and off balance, away from the sofa and toward the center of the room.
24:05He stumbled back, crashing into a side table and sending a lamp crashing to the floor.
24:10The shock of the impact seemed to stun him for a moment, his rage-filled eyes blinking in confusion.
24:17Sam didn't wait.
24:19She turned, scooped a sobbing Scout into her arms, blanket and all, and ran.
24:24She didn't look back.
24:26She fumbled for the door handle, yanked it open, and fled into the sterile brightness of the hallway,
24:31hitting the button for the elevator repeatedly, her breath coming in ragged gasps.
24:36The elevator doors slid open with agonizing slowness.
24:40She jumped in, jamming the L button, her ears straining for the sound of the penthouse door flying open.
24:46It didn't.
24:47The elevator began its descent, the silence broken only by Scout's quiet whimpers and the frantic beating of Sam's own heart.
24:55She held her daughter closer, rocking her gently.
24:57It's okay, baby.
25:01Mommy's here.
25:02You're safe.
25:03I've got you, she whispered into her hair, the words a promise, a prayer, and a vow all at once.
25:10The danger had been averted.
25:13Scout was physically safe, clutched in her arms.
25:16But as the elevator descended, Sam knew the real work was just beginning.
25:21The legal battle, the psychological fallout for Scout, the unraveling mystery of what had happened to Drew Kane, it was all looming on the horizon.
25:28But for now, in this sterile, descending box, she held her daughter, the one thing that mattered most, and she had saved her.
25:37The how and the why would have to wait.
25:39The victory, however terrifying and incomplete, was hers.
25:44Poor Charles had once again demanded a price, and once again, Sam McCall had paid it, proving that some bonds, especially that of a mother and her child, were the most powerful force in any universe, even one as perpetually turbulent as this one.
25:57The lobby was a blur of polished marble and artificial light.
26:02Sam held Scout tightly, her daughter's face buried in her neck, as she hurried through the sterile space.
26:06The night doorman, an older man named Frank who had always been kind, looked up from his desk, his friendly smile faltering as he took in the scene, a terrified child, a mother white-faced with adrenaline, no bags, no coat.
26:20Ms. McCall?
26:21Everything all right? he asked, half-rising from his chair.
26:26Just need some air, Frank, Sam managed, her voice tight.
26:30She didn't break stride, pushing through the heavy glass doors and out into the cool night.
26:34The city sounds rushed back, distant sirens, the hum of traffic, a couple laughing as they walked down the street, living in a world that hadn't just shattered.
26:44The normalcy of it was jarring.
26:47She fumbled for her keys, unlocking the rental car with a frantic beep-beep.
26:51She bundled Scout into the back seat, buckling her in with trembling hands.
26:55The little girl was silent now, her tears drying on her cheeks, but her eyes were huge, fixed on her mother with a trust that felt like both an anchor and a weight.
27:05We're going to go see Grandma Alexis, okay, sweetie?
27:09Sam said, forcing a calm, reassuring tone she was far from feeling.
27:14We'll have some hot chocolate.
27:15How does that sound?
27:18Scout just nodded, her thumb finding its way into her mouth, a habit she'd broken years ago.
27:24The regression was another knife in Sam's heart.
27:28Sam slid into the driver's seat, her hands gripping the steering wheel so hard her knuckles turned white.
27:33She took one deep, shuddering breath, then another, trying to steady her nerves.
27:39In the rearview mirror, she saw the imposing facade of Drew's building.
27:42No one was chasing them.
27:45He hadn't followed.
27:47The immediate physical danger had passed.
27:50But the emotional shockwave was just beginning to spread.
27:54She started the car and pulled away from the curb, driving on autopilot toward her mother's house.
28:00Her mind was a frantic whirlwind.
28:03What had just happened?
28:05Who was that man?
28:06The Drew she knew, the war hero with a moral compass of solid gold, would never, ever have lunged toward his own daughter in a blind rage.
28:15He would have rather cut off his own arm.
28:18This was something else.
28:20This was a fundamental break.
28:23She thought about the stories.
28:25The paranoia Curtis mentioned.
28:28The agitation Stella had observed.
28:30The drinking.
28:31It painted a picture, but the canvas was still blank.
28:36What was the cause?
28:38Was it the pressure of his work?
28:40Some undiagnosed mental break?
28:43Or something more, external?
28:46Her first instinct, honed from years as a PI, was to investigate.
28:51But her second, more powerful instinct, that of a mother, screamed at her to focus solely on Scout.
28:56The investigation could wait.
28:59Scout's well-being could not.
29:02Arriving at Alexis's house was like stepping into a sanctuary.
29:06The lights were warm, the garden was tidy, and it exuded a sense of order and safety that was the complete antithesis of Drew's chaotic penthouse.
29:14Sam carried a now-sleeping Scout up the walkway.
29:18Before she could even knock, the door swung open.
29:20Alexis Davis took in the scene in an instant, her disheveled daughter, her sleeping, tear-stained granddaughter.
29:28Her face, usually a mask of lawyerly composure, melted into one of pure, unadulterated maternal concern.
29:35Sam?
29:35What's wrong?
29:37She whispered, stepping aside to let them in.
29:40It's Drew, Sam said, her voice cracking for the first time as the full force of the adrenaline crash hit her.
29:47She laid Scout down on the living room sofa, tucking the blanket around her.
29:52He, he lost it, Mom.
29:53He was yelling.
29:56He threw a glass.
29:58He lunged for her.
30:00I had to get her out of there.
30:03Alexis's hand flew to her mouth, her eyes wide with horror.
30:07He lunged at Scout?
30:09Not to hurt her, I don't think.
30:12I don't know what he was thinking.
30:14He was just, out of control.
30:16Sam sank into an armchair, the strength finally leading her legs.
30:21It wasn't him, Mom.
30:24It was like someone else was wearing his face.
30:27Alexis was immediately in action mode.
30:30She fetched a glass of water for Sam in a warm washcloth to gently wipe Scout's face.
30:35Okay.
30:37First, Scout is safe.
30:39She's here, she's with us.
30:42You did the right thing, Sam.
30:44The only thing.
30:47She sat on the edge of the coffee table, facing her daughter.
30:51Now, we need to be smart.
30:53We need to document this.
30:56And we need to file for an emergency custody hearing first thing in the morning.
31:00Sam nodded, the legal reality crashing down.
31:04He's her father.
31:06A war hero.
31:08A pillar of the community.
31:10On paper, I just violated a custody agreement and assaulted him.
31:14You defended your child from an out-of-control individual, Alexis corrected, her tone sharp and legalistic.
31:22The broken lamp, the shattered glass, Scout's state of mind, it's all evidence.
31:26We'll get a statement from the doorman.
31:30We'll have Scout speak to a child psychologist.
31:33We will build a case.
31:35She paused, her expression softening.
31:38But Sam, what happened to him?
31:41This isn't the Drew we know.
31:44I don't know, Sam whispered, the mystery adding another layer of dread to the situation.
31:49But I need to find out.
31:51The next 48 hours were a blur of legal maneuvers and maternal vigilance.
31:57True to her word, Alexis had the wheels of justice turning before the sun was even up.
32:02The emergency hearing was granted.
32:05Sam gave her statement, her description of Drew's behavior cold and clinical for the court transcript,
32:10though the memory of it made her hands shake.
32:13Frank, the doorman, corroborated her distressed state and Scout's obvious fear when they fled the building.
32:18A court-appointed guardian ad litem was assigned to represent Scout's interests.
32:24Drew, meanwhile, was represented by his own high-powered attorney.
32:28The narrative from his side was one of misunderstanding and undue stress.
32:33They painted Sam as an overreacting ex-partner who had provoked the situation,
32:37downplaying the event as a simple accident with a dropped glass.
32:41They presented Drew as a devoted father under immense professional pressure,
32:44a man who was deeply remorseful for any fear he may have inadvertently caused.
32:49The judge, a stern woman with a reputation for being unsentimental, listened to both sides.
32:55She granted Sam temporary full custody,
32:57suspending Drew's visitation rights pending a full psychological evaluation.
33:02It was a victory, but a hollow, terrifying one.
33:06It made the danger official.
33:07It confirmed that the system saw Drew as a potential threat to his own daughter.
33:13In the midst of this legal storm, Scout was quiet.
33:17She had nightmares.
33:19She clung to Sam.
33:21She asked questions that were too big for a child her age.
33:25Why was Daddy so angry?
33:28Did I do something wrong?
33:30Is he going to be okay?
33:32Each question was a fresh wound.
33:35Sam answered with as much honesty as she could,
33:37assuring Scout that she was perfect and blameless,
33:40that Daddy was sick and needed help,
33:41and that she was safe, always safe.
33:44But Sam couldn't shake the feeling that just securing custody wasn't enough.
33:49Until she understood the why,
33:50Drew was a ticking time bomb,
33:52and Scout would never be truly safe.
33:54The man needed help, not just a restraining order.
33:57Her first call was to Elizabeth Weber,
34:00a nurse at General Hospital and someone who cared deeply for Drew.
34:04Sam, I've been so worried, Elizabeth said,
34:07her voice full of genuine distress.
34:10I've tried talking to him, but he shuts me down.
34:13He's been coming into the hospital with minor injuries,
34:16a bruised knuckle from apparently slipping in the shower,
34:19a cut on his temple from walking into a cabinet.
34:22It's obvious he's getting into fights.
34:24His personality, it's completely changed.
34:28It's like all his empathy, his patience, has just been erased.
34:32Did this start suddenly?
34:35Sam asked.
34:37Was there a trigger?
34:39Elizabeth thought for a moment.
34:42It's been a gradual decline,
34:43but it seemed to accelerate after he took that business trip to Singapore
34:46a few months back for the Aurora merger.
34:49He came back, harder.
34:52More driven, but also more ruthless.
34:55The pressure seemed to unlock something in him.
34:58Singapore
34:58It had to miss him.
34:59Go for응 Schnee,
35:00Go for them.
35:01Go for Привет.
35:02Go for Maintenant.
35:03Head to Bill.
35:04All right.
35:04Me CRod Rings.
35:05Go for next step.
35:05perturbation.
35:06Go for vitamin and Society.
35:07Go for natural Coca Farmctor.
35:09Go for AV gift.
35:10Go forıyorum Schnee,
35:11call us.
35:12Go forayrain serie.
35:12Go for perchance.
35:13Go for standing near payback.
35:14Go forativism.
35:15Go for Anna.
35:16Chance Kubrick,
35:17Go for Missouriczueur ash.
35:18Go for frontal advice.
35:19Go for어� מ volcanoes.
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