This story begins after Marlena has chosen John. They are happy and John has decided to search for his past.
You are listening to “I’ll Be There”
Chapter One- Here We Go Again
The early morning sunlight beamed through the open curtains of Marlena’s bedroom and directly onto the face of a sleeping John. “Damn, I thought we closed those last night.” As he struggled to wake up completely he made his way to the window and closed the curtains. As he turned back towards the bed he was met with another source of light. Marlena was positively glowing as she slept, her hair tousled around her and her lips swollen from a night filled with love making.
A smile crossed John’s face as he leaned on the wall and watched the love of his life sleep. It was still hard for him to believe that Marlena had made her decision and that she had picked him. John closed the bedroom door behind him and checked on his two sleeping angels before heading to the kitchen to make Marlena a surprise breakfast in bed.
As he walked down the stairs he saw an envelope being slid under the door. He rushed down the stairs, picked up the envelope, and opened the door just in time to see the elevator doors closing behind the mystery messenger. John closed the door and looked at the envelope, adressed to him. He sat down on the couch, read the note, and froze.
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John was still sitting on the couch thirty-five minutes later when a yawning Marlena padded down the stairs. She smiled at John as she passed by. “I need coffee. You want some, sweetheart?”
“Yeah sure honey.” John replied distractedly.
“What, no jokes about how my coffee is as thick as tar and tastes worse? Really, hon, I’m disappointed in you!”
“I’m sorry Doc, what did you say?”
“John, sweetie, are you ok? What’s that peice of paper you have?”
“See for yourself.” John said as he handed her the paper.
“You’ll find the truth in Paris. Ooooh, isn’t that nice and cryptic. We’ll find the truth about what in Paris? And where in Paris? Don’t look so worried John, it’s just some prank.”
“I don’t think so Doc. I think this may be one of Stefano’s men trying to tip me off about where to find out the truth about my past.”
“Or it could be Stefano trying to lure you into another trap. Maybe you are still hopeful because of the things you learned in Lugano and are jumping to the conclusion that Stefano wants you to.”
“I don’t think so Doc. I think this may be something. I don’t want you to worry about it though. I’ll go search by myself. You stay here with the children.”
“No John. If this does lead you to your past it will affect your future. And if your future is affected my future is affected. If you go, I’m going with you.”
“Doc, honey, what about the kids? Someone needs to stay with them.”
“Why don’t we go to Paris for ten or twelve days and leave the kids with Chelsea and Sean and Caroline. If we don’t find anything I’ll come back and you can stay if you feel it necesarry. If we do find something we can stop the search for a few days and bring the kids over and pick it up again when they are gone.”
“Are you sure, Doc?”
“I’m positive John. And I promise that if things get too dangerous I’ll come home as long as you promise to have Bo or Abe come over and watch your back.”
“I promise. Now when do you want to leave?”
“Right now. You start making plans and I’ll go pack.”
John watched Marlena admiringly as she bounced up the stairs. “Hey Doc!”
Marlena stopped halfway up the stairs and turned to face John. “Hey what?”
“I love you.”
“I love you too John. Now get busy. Paris is waiting.”
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“Ok Chelsea, Sean and Caroline will keep them over night. We just need you to pick them up after their pre-school classes. I’ll have my cell phone at all times and we’ll call you with our number at the hotel when we get to Paris. Is there anything I’ve left out?”
“Everything will be fine, Dr. Evans. I’ll take good care of the children.”
“We know you will Chelsea. Come on Doc we’re going to be late for our flight.”
“Ok just let me say goodbye to my babies.”
Brady and Belle ran into their mother’s waiting arms from the couch where they had been sitting silently. John and Marlena said their tearful goodbyes to their children, got in John’s jeep and left for the airport.
As the jeep pulled out of the garage a dark figure stepped out of the shadows. He was holding a picture of John and Marlena and smoking a cigar. “Perfect, they took the bait. Now I’ve got them right where I want them.”
Chapter Two- Luaghter and Intrigue
Marlena stepped back into the cabin of the plane, after going to the bathroom to freshen up, and saw John sitting on the couch looking out the window. That couch held so many memories for Marlena. No matter how painful the memories, however, they always led to happiness. Like the night she broke her wedding vows to Roman on that couch. That was still painful to think about but now she had a little girl who was the light of her life.
She sat down next to John on the couch and placed a hand on his arm. “Is everything ok sweethheart? You’re not having second thoughts about going to Paris are you?”
“No Doc, I’m not. If there is something to be found out about my past in Paris it is really important for me to find it. I just hope I’m not putting you in danger. I don’t think I could live not knowing you were in my present and future.”
“Don’t worry about me John. I’m a big girl and I can take care of myself. I want you to concentrate on you on this trip and stop worrying about me so much.”
“I’m sorry Doc, I can’t do that. You are what gives me the strength to search for my past. I love you so much and I would die without you.”
“I love you too John. And don’t worry. You’re never going to have to live without me. I intend to be around a very long time.”
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The dark figure from the parking garage placed the final touches on his surprise for John. He’d had John and Marlena’s plane delayed at Salem Airport to give himself time to beat them to Paris and set up their hotel room the way he wanted. They would arrive at any moment and he would watch from his suite as events began to unravel all by themselves.
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Marlena burst into the room giggling and looking for a place to hide from John. John followed close behind carrying three suitcasesunder each arm and his black windsuit pants waddedup around his ankles. Thanks to Marlena every guest in the hotel knew what color John’s boxer shorts were.
John slammed the door, dropped the bags, pulled his pants up, and set his sights on Marlena. She stood across the room with the coffee table between them.
“Oh boy Doc. Now you are going to get it.”
“No John you be nice. It was just a harmless prank.”
John made his way closer to the coffee table. He edged around the side but Marlena was careful to keep the table between them. What she wasn’t expecting though, was for John to wait until she got between the table and couch and then launching himself across the table onto the couch, grabbing her by the waist and pulling her down with him. Even though Marlena started out on top of John he soon reversed the situation and began tickling her mercilessly. John continued to tickle her ignoring her pleas for him to stop.
“Oh no, Doc. I won’t stop that easily. You are getting everything you deserve sweetheart.”
“No John, stop. Look!”
John stopped tickling her and followed her gaze. He quickly climbed off her and walked over to the small table in the corner. On top of the table was a vase of black roses surrounded by burning candles. Dead center on the table was a picture album with a note on top. John picked it up and read it to Marlena.
“Happy hunting. Whew. Hold on Doc. It looks like it’s going to be a bumpy ride.”
Chapter Three- Sightseeing
“Merci.” John tipped the room service guy and closed the door behind him. “Mmm. Smells great. You hungry, Doc?”
“No not particularly.” Marlena said as she fingered the outside coverof the photo album that now sat on her lap.
“Hey Doc, why don’t you put that stupid thing aside? Let’s eat a bite and then go sightseeing. We could go to the Eiffel Tower, then we could take a sunset walk along the Champs-Elysee, and then go on a moonlight cruise down the Seine. Then we could come back here and hold each other all night long. Let’s enjoy our first evening in Paris. We can worry about that tomorrow.”
“Aren’t you the least bit interested in what is inside this album John?”
“Not if it ruins this evening for us. Now come on. What do you say?”
“Oh allright.” Marlena laid the picture album down and grabbed her coat before John pushed her out the door.
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Marlena watched John breath as he slept. He had been right. Sightseeing in Paris had been wonderful. She looked at the new diamond bracelet on her wrist. She and John had stopped at a small botique on the Champs-Elysee and when she admired the bracelet he had insisted on buying it for her. The moonlight cruise down the Seine had given a romantic touch to the evening and she and John had come back to the hotel and made love three times before John fell asleep.
Marlena, however, had not been so lucky. She could not seem to get the mysterious picture album in the other room out of her mind. She made sure John was breathing evenly before she slipped out of bed put on a pair of sweats and headed for the other room.
She opened the picture album and smiled a picture that was obviously John around age four. He and Brady could have passed for twins. She flipped through the pages and saw pictures of ateenage John in baseball and football uniforms, at his senior prom, and in his graduation robes. She turned the page and felt her heart stop. She willed it to beat again and focused on the picture in front of her.
The picture was of John kissing a very beautiful, exotic woman. She had jet black hair, dark skin, and a slender figure. The picture would not have been so disturbing had it not been for their outfits. John was wearing a well tailored tuxedo and the woman had on a flowing gown- a wedding gown.
On the next page there were only two pictures, but they spoke volumes. The first was of John, the woman, and a newborn baby. The second picture was essentially the same only it was a different baby. The realizations hit Marlena like an avalanche. Not only did John have a wife out there but he also had two children who needed him. Devestated Marlena grabbed her pocket book and ran from the room.
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She was watching the sunrise as she walked along the bank of the Seine when she got the eerie feeling that someone was following her. She turned and saw a man coming close to her.
“What are you doing here?”
“I want you to come with me Marlena.”
“Why?”
“Just do it and don’t ask any questions.” he said as he grabbed her.
She struggled to break free and began to run. Just as he caught up with her he tripped on the cobblestone walk and fell on her. Her head struck the ground causing it to split open. He picked her up quickly not bothering to clean up the blood or noticing as her pocket book slipped from her hand into the puddle of blood on the cobblestone.
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John had woken up an hour earlier and asuumed Marlena had gone out for coffee and pastries. He was just beginning to worry when someone knocked on the door. He opened it to a police official.
“Monsiuer John Black?” the man said.
“Yes, may I help you?”
“Yes I am Lt. Pierre Renoit of the Paris Police. Could you tell me if you recognize this, Mr. Black?” the officer said handing John and Marlena’s pocketbook.
“This is my fiancee’s. Why?”
“I’m afraid I have some bad news Monsiuer Black.”
“Oh God no! Not Doc.” John said as he braced the door for support.
Chapter Four- Nightmares
“We will begin dredging the bottom of the river this afternoon.” Lt. Renoit said to John.
“You don’t actually think she could be dead do you?” John asked amazed.
“I’m afraid everything we’ve seen so far would suggest it. I’m not saying give up hope that she’s out there somewhere I’m just suggesting that you prepare yourself for the worst. Is there anything we can do for you Monsieur Black?”
“Yeah you can find Marlena and bring her back to me.” John snapped. “I’m sorry. This is very tough for me. Just keep me informed please.”
“We will Monsieur Black. Try and get some rest.”
John showed the Lieutenant to the door and went back into the bedroom. He laid down on the bed and clutched Marlena’s pillow. The scent of her perfume and the smell that was uniquely Marlena after they had been making love made their way to his nose as tears found their way to his eyes and he began to sob.
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Marlena was having a terrible dream. She couldn’t really tell what was going on though. She seemed to be in some sort of fog. Then, out of nowhere someone hits her over the head and she passes out. She was jarred awake by the dream but when she tried to lift her head the pain of her injury and a wave of naseua caused her to pass out again.
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John had fallen asleep after exhausting himself from crying. After a short fitful sleep John had awakened feeling as if his whole world was coming to an end. He needed to get some air. He grabbed his trusty leather jacket and left the hotel room.
He soon found himself wandering through the Latin Quarter. It was the oldest section of Paris, the home of intellectuals of all types, and by far Doc’s favorite part of Paris. Even with his heavy jacket on he shivered. It was as if this place held a piece of her spirit. Everywhere he looked a part of her appeared. He could smell her perfume in the air, hear her laugh in the breeze, see her smile in the smile of young lovers. Of course if it really was true and she was gone John would live the rest of his life remembering her. She would never be like the others. Even Isabella was a fleeting memory these days. Every time he passed a lilac bush he would be intoxicated by her scent, every time he looked at Belle he would see her eyes and smile, and every time he heard Sami laugh it would be her.
He roamed the narrow streets and as he neared the river he could hear a commotion. He walked down the steps the lead to the river bank and rounded the corner towards the noise. The moment he did he knew exactly where he was and it sickened him. This had to be the spot where Marlena had disappeared.
There dredging the bottom of the Seine River was a boat. He walked towards a group of police men standing by the riverbank looking on. Before he reached them, however, John saw it. He knelt down and touched the warm cobblestone stained with his beloved’s blood.
A wave of naseau washed over him and he ran to the riverbank and vomited over the side as a million thoughts ran through his head. Could his precious Doc really be dead? How would he tell their children? And worst of all, how would he survive without her in his life?”
Chapter Five – Things Go From Bad To Worse
Lt. Renoit was standing along the bank of the Seine, with the Eiffel Tower and majestic Alexander’s Bridge in the distance, watching as two boats dredged the riverbed when he heard sobbing. Renoit turned to face the sound and became saddened at the sight of John. He watched as tears streamed down John’s face as he knelt at the spot where he undoubtedly knew his fiancee’s blood stained the cobblestone walkway. Lt. Renoit could not even begin to comprehend the pain he was going through or imagine the thoughts that must have been racing through his mind.
“Monsieur Black, what are you doing here?” Lt. Renoit said as she made his way to stand next to John. “You should not be here. At least not until we have some solid information on Mademoiselle Evans.”
John wiped his tears and then stood so he could speak to the Lt. face to face. “I realize that this is the last place I should be. I didn’t even intend on coming here. I’m not even sure why I’m here. I was just drawn here.”
“Excuse me. I don’t think I understand. You were drawn here?” Lt. Renoit asked confused.
John walked to a nearby bench and sat down trying to think of a way to describe his connection to Marlena to a total stranger when he couldn’t even explain it to himself. “It’s hard to explain, but then again I’ve never really tried. I have a very deep connection to Marlena. We’ve been together for thirteen years now and it has never been an easy road. There were times that we weren’t together, times we even thought each other was dead. I loved other women and she loved other men but there was always one constant in our relationship no matter what else happened. Marlena and I were connected. Our hearts, minds, bodies, souls, and spirits belonged to each other. Nothing and no one could ever change that.”
Lt. Renoit sat down next to John trying to absorb what John had just told him. “It seems as if you two had a love beyond anything I have ever experienced. You two were very lucky.”
“We are very lucky. Don’t make it sound like it’s all over. She’s not gone. I would know. Our connection has not been broken.” John replied anxiously.
Lt. Renoit stared up into the serene Paris sky. “Excuse me Mr. Black, but how can you be so sure?”
“Let me tell you a story. Not long after Marlena and I truly became a couple I watched her get on a plane, I watched the plane take off, and then I watched as the plane exploded in mid-air. They never found any bodies, they never found anything. I stumbled through life for the next few years, caring only for Marlena’s three children and drowning myself in my work. Then I met a woman and it seemed as if I was ready to move on with my life. Then, on the night of my engagement party to my new love, I felt that connection drawing me to the pier in my hometown. The pier had been a special place for Marlena and me and I figured her spirit was calling me there to say a final goodbye so I went. I stood on the pier remembering our short time together when suddenly I looked up and saw a woman. There was something so familiar about her but the fog was thick and I chalked it up to nostalgia. I started to walk away when she spoke. She simply said, “It’s me. it’s Marlena.” It was truly a miracle, my one true love had come back to me after so many years. That is why I will never believe she is gone unless I see her body for myself.”
Lt. Renoit blinked back the tears that had formed in his eyes. “That is a truly compelling story. I hope for both your sakes that you never have to go through something like that again.”
Just as John was about to offer his thanks a French police officer ran up to them. “Excuse. Lt. Renoit they need you. They’ve found a body.”
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Marlena did not know how long she had been sleeping all she did know was that her head was pounding. She sat up in the bed and tried to remember what had caused her headache. She thought long and hard but couldn’t remember. That’s when she noticed her surroundings.
She was in a small room with ornate wall carvings. The floor was covered with a plush Persian rug and the bed was a piece of art within itself. It was a mahogany antique canopy bed. The canopy was made of burgundy velvet as was the heavy comforter. The sheets were the finest silk. The room was very beautiful and although it was very familiar it was like nothing she had ever seen before.
“It’s beautiful isn’t it?” a voice asked from the darkness. Marlena jumped at the sound and felt a cold chill go down her spine. “I hope you enjoy it. I noticed you seem to see a familiarity. You should. Welcome back to the Paris Underground Marlena.”
Marlena gasped when the person behind the voice stepped into the light. She hoped that somehow her eyes were deceiving her but she knew they weren’t. As Marlena passed out from the shock a single word escaped her lips.
“Roman!”
Chapter Six – Remembrance
Roman Brady sat in front of eleven television monitors that allowed him to see Marlena’s room from every angle. He also had a few monitors dedicated to keeping an eye on the outside entrances. Roman was prepare for anything and no one was going to ruin his chance at making Marlena his again.
Roman could still remember the day when he knew he had lost her. It had been all those years ago in that prison when his guards had shown him the video of Marlena and John together. He had thought for a moment that it would all be ok if only he could get back to her but then he had heard her call him Roman and him call her Doc. Even then though, he truly felt his chances were good. After all, he was the real Roman.
That’s what had kept Roman alive in that prison all those years. He always had that one dream, that one day he and Marlena would be reunited. When he finally made it home and Marlena left John for him he couldn’t have been any happier. He never even saw the affair coming. He thought he had a happy marriage and even a new baby. Then, it all fell apart around him. She had cheated on him and his precious baby girl wasn’t even his. All he wanted to do then was to blame someone and he made foolish decisions. He thought it was when she and John had slept together that he had lost her. Now, after many years of soul searching, he realized he never truly won her back. That’s all he wanted now. He wanted a second chance with his one true love.
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Marlena paced back and forth in her room. She had stopped crying hours ago when she realized that it was not helping her situation at all. Now she was wondering why she and John could not catch a break. It seemed as if every time they finally got on the right track one of them got kidnaped, married someone else, or died.
They had finally gotten past all the obstacles and were going to be together and now all of this had to happen. She wasn’t so concerned about Roman kidnaping her because she knew that either John would find her or she would manage to talk Roman into letting her go. What haunted her thoughts now were those photos she had seen earlier. This could possibly be the one thing that finally ended her and John, because no matter how much they loved each other the truth was that John had a wife and two children somewhere.
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John closed the door to the suite behind him slowly and made his way to the bedroom. Everywhere he looked he saw Marlena. He saw her in the living area where her clothes were scattered where they had fallen during their urgent love-making the night before. In the bedroom Marlena’s robe was draped over the foot of the bed and her jewelry was scattered across the dresser. In the bathroom her make-up and hair supplies were scattered about and a small bottle of her favorite perfume sat on the edge of the sink.
John was washing his face when he noticed the bottle of perfume. He picked it up and cradled it in his hands as if it were a fragile baby. He made his way back into the bedroom and sat in a chair, staring at the small bottle. He continued to stare at it for hours before finally closing his eyes and lifting the bottle to his nose. As soon as he smelled the soft, sweet lilac smell that was totally the essence of Marlena he was transported to another place and time.
It was a place he had never been but had visited many times before. He was with Marlena again. He could smell her perfume, feel the touch of her skin on his, and taste the sweetness of her lips. They were in a ballroom lit only by candlelight with a smoky fog surrounding them. John was wearing a tuxedo and Marlena was wearing an exquisite ivory ball gown with intricate beading on the bodice. Her hair was swept up on her head with wispy ringlets framing her face. They were dancing. For hours they had been dancing, their bodies clinging to each other, determined to let nothing and no one tear them apart.
The ringing of the telephone brought John out of his trance. He sat Marlena’s perfume bottle on the dresser and then made his way to the living area where the phone was. He wiped the tears he hadn’t even realized were falling and took a deep, ragged breath before finally answering the phone on the sixth ring. “John Black.”
“John! Hey there, buddy. How’s it going?” a voice asked from the other end.
John was still having a hard time distinguishing fantasy from fact. “Abe? Is that you?”
“Yeah John, it’s me. How’s the trip going?”
Abe’s question triggered something in John and he lost all control of his emotions. “Oh God, Abe, it’s horrible. My life is over. Marlena….” John sobbed to his best friend.
“Marlena? Did something happen to Marlena? John?” Abe asked confused and with a slight edge of panic to his voice.
“She’s gone Abe. Doc’s gone.”
Chapter Seven – Partners
John was awakened by the sound of someone pounding on the door to his suite. He tried to shake himself free of the cloudy haze that fogged his mind as he pulled his jeans on. He glanced at his watch as he made his way toward the door and was shocked that he had slept for twelve hours. He found a shirt and muttered under his breath as he buttoned it up. “I’m coming, I’m coming.” He walked to the door and opened it. “Abe!”
Abe looked at his former partner and best friend with sadness in his eyes. He looked like hell, but who could blame him. “Hey partner. I came as soon as I could.”
John led Abe into the suite and they sat on the couch in silence for a few moments. Suddenly, John broke down and began to cry. Abe put his arm around him and fought back his own tears. His heart was breaking for his friend but he had no idea what to do for him.
“Why Abe? Why does this always happen to Doc and me? Just when we seem to get on track something goes wrong and we are torn apart again. Only this time there won’t be any more chances.”
“Why don’t you just take a deep breath and tell me exactly what happened?” Abe asked. John drew in a breath and began to tell him about the past 48 hours, which had started out so promising but had wound up being the worst in John’s life.
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“Can I offer you something to drink?” Roman asked his guest.
“A brandy would be nice. Thank you.” His guest replied as he looked around the room. “I see you’ve spent my money well. This is a very professional set-up you have going here.”
Roman handed the man his drink and sat down across the table from him. “Well, that’s what years on the police force and in the ISA will do for you. Surveillance is an ISA agents greatest weapon and a police officer’s greatest weapon is this.” Roman said reaching into his pocket and pulling out a pistol.
“Ah yes. I sometimes wonder why it is I trust you. You being a former police officer and ISA agent does not put you high on my popularity list.”
“Perhaps not but this is a brilliant partnership we have formed.”
“Yes, we all win. You get your precious Doc back and I finally get my revenge on John Black.”
Roman sipped his brandy and eyed the man across the table curiously. “Why do you want revenge on John so badly?”
“Why do I want revenge? I want revenge on John Black because he took everything that was dear to me. If it weren’t for him my daughter and I would still be a family. He ripped us apart and I intend on doing whatever it takes to make him pay.”
Roman smiled at his guest. “As long as Marlena doesn’t get hurt you can do whatever you please with John Black.”
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“Are they certain the body they found was Marlena?” Abe asked after John finished his story.
“They say there is no way to know for certain. The body was too mangled by the dredging. There is not even enough left to compare dental records. It was her though Abe.”
“How can you be so sure? Why are you willing to give in when there is no concrete proof?”
“I went to the morgue to view the body. They were hoping I might recognize something that would give them a positive id. I stared at this maimed body but nothing was recognizable, nothing was distinguishable but I knew. It was her. As much as I didn’t want it to be it was. She’s gone.”
Abe didn’t even begin to know how to comfort his friend. He couldn’t presume to know how he felt losing a love like that. He could only make suggestions. “Why don’t I have the hotel pack up all of your things and ship them to Salem and you and I can get out of here. The Titan jet is fueled and ready to go when you are.”
“Why? What’s the point of going home if she’s not there?” John asked.
Abe searched the vastness of John’s eyes and saw nothing. They were only filled with emptiness. “The point of going home is Belle and Brady.”
John sat in silence for a moment and then spoke. “Let’s go home Abe. My children are going to need me.”
The Jarlena Journal 