Something To Talk About – By Jessica D and Jame J

“This is Dr. Marlena Evans, and your listening to WDOC Salem Radio. I’m hear all night long to help you with your problems, so feel free to call in and say what’s on your mind.” Marlena announced excitedly, more than thrilled for the first time in ocer a decade to have her own talk show live and on the air throughout the Midwest Riverfront town.

“Our first caller is Johnny B., from outside of Pier 29. How can I help you?”

“Hiya Doc, you see of got a really bad case of infatuation, and I just can’t seem to get over it. Got any advice?”

“Infatuation, hmm?” Marlena questioned, as she moved forward in her chair, and a devilish smile spread across her lips. “Tell me Johnny, just what or should I say *whom* are you infatuated with?”

“Well actually, *she’s* all I can think about.”

“She? Well, what is it about *her* that makes you feel this way?”

 

“Hmm, everything,” John began as he sunk in to the seat of his Ford Explorer, and began spilling his guts to the woman he loved more than life itself. “I mean, she’s intelligent, God is she smart. And on top of that, she’s got looks. Absolutely gorgeous, tall blonde, curves in all the right places. And her eyes, hazel as could be, and as bright as all the stars in the sky, ya can’t help but get lost in them. Oh, and least I forget, her smile. Not only does it light up her whole face, but when I see it, it has the power to light up my whole heart, and warm my soul. I’m telling ya, Doc, I think I got it pretty bad.”

People are talking, talking ’bout people

I hear them whisper, you won’t believe it

They think we’re lovers kept under covers

I just ignore it, but they keep saying

We laugh just a little too loud

We stand just a little too close

We stare just a little too long

Maybe they’re seeing something we don’t, Darlin’.

“I see. Well, does this *blonde* love you back?”

 

“She used to, but now, I’m not so sure.”

“And why is that?”

 

“Well, I hurt her pretty bad, I wasn’t completely honest with her on a lotta things, and it put a big strain on our relationship. But I am desperate to get her back, so any pointers ya might be able to give me, Doc, are *greatly* appreciated.”

 

“Hmm interesting, sounds like you hurt her bad, maybe even cause some permanent damage.” Marlena noted as she folded her arms across her chest. “Has she *told* you it’s over between the two of you indefinitely?”

 

“Not in so many words, but when I see her, it’s not like anything ever changed. My hearts still starts to race, my mind begins to wander, and I feel myself getting all giddy just to merely be in her presence. I dunno, maybe it’s me, but sometimes I think she feels the same way, too.”

 

“And what makes you say that?” she asked curiously, as she gazed out of the recording room window, to se Nancy Wesley laughing and winking, as well as Laura Horton nodding with approval to continue on.

 

“The way she looks at me,” he said in awe, as he recollected that all too familiar gaze. “That glossy look she’d over give me during our most romantic moments. I mean, now I see her, it’s like the first time all over again. Some way, it’s new and exciting, I am just hoping she feels the same way I do. God, we were so much in love, I can’t even imagine how something that strong could ever die. I mean, I’d be willing to start all over if she was. I’d give anything for a second chance.”

I feel so foolish, I never noticed

You’d act so nervous,

Could you be falling for me?

It took a rumor to make me wonder

Now I’m convinced I’m going under

Thinking ’bout you every day

Dreaming ’bout you every night

Hoping that you feel the same way

Now that we know it, let’s really show it,

Darlin’.

 

“Do you honestly believe you deserve a second chance? That this time, your willing to make the right choices, and gain back her love and trust?”

 

“Oh, I know I am. There’s not a doubt in my mind that I don’t love her enough to move the world just to win back her heart, and her trust in me. I’d give up everything I am for a chance to just hold her one more time, and promise her everything will be all right.”

 

John admitted wholeheartedly, as he gazed out of his car window, and over the moonlit pier.

 

“So Doc, think there’s any remedy for my ailment?”

 

“Yes, I think I do, actually.” she replied with a mischievous smile.

 

Let’s give them something to talk about

Let’s give them something to talk about

Let’s give them something to talk about

How about love, love, love, love?

 

“Really?”

 

“Mmm hmmm..”

 

“Well, what is it? Don’t keep me in suspense, Doc. I am on my last leg here…”

 

“Patience is a virtue, Johnny, keep that in mind. But, as for your problem, I reccomend a nice little surprise for this woman you seem to care for so deeply. I might take a lotta work, but are you game?”

 

“Yes! Anything!”

 

“Good,” she started, as she bit her lip to keep from bursting out in a fit of laughter, and took several moments to compose herself, before she leaned in towards the mic, and worked on her best, raspy and seductibe voice. “I want you to leave a trail of rose petals trickling from the front of your door to the foot of your bed. I want the soft, slow, sensual sounds of jazz to ooze through your stereo system, and set the mood for a night of passion, and rediscovering love. I want you to be waiting there, clad in an oh so sexy pair of silk boxers, with a grin on your face, and the biggest, blossoming boquet of lilacs you can find. And then, I want you to take me-, uhh, I mean *her* to bed, and the rest? I’ll leave the rest up to your imagination.”

 

She finished with a wink, and gleam in her eye.

 

“Sound good, Johnny? Johnnny? Hello?”

 

Marlena continued to call through the microphone, until she head the sounds of the jeep speeding away through the receiver, and she knew, her foolproof plan had paid off.

 

Marlena giggled to the girls across the hall, as she watched them clap and bow, shaking her head at their gestures, as well as taking enjoyment in her own actions.

 

“This is Dr. Marlena Evans, if I can cure Johnny’s problems, I can cure yours. You’re listening to WDOC radio, our lines are open all night, or until our own special surprise arrives, with a Johnny attached to the end of a trail of roses. So, feel free to dial in, and let’s talk about everyone’s *favorite* four letter word, *Love*!”

 

Let’s give them something to talk about

A little mystery to figure out

Let’s give them something to talk about

How about love, love, love, love?

Honey, I’m home!” Marlena’s voice echoed throughout the penthouse, as she kicked off her shoes, and smiled delightfully when she saw exactly what she’d been expecting.

The tips she’d given John had paid off and ten fold at that. She came home to find her home gorgeously banked in endless boquets of flowing yellow roses, symbolic of being sorry and a romantic ask for reprieve. God, it was so good to see a glimpse of the man she fell in love with shining through again. He still had such a way with the little things that could make her swoon and fall head over heels in love with him all over again. The scent of lilacs, also set in various vases around the room, was invigorating, and only coaxed her further into his haven of love. The clincher, was the trail of roses starting at the doorway, and creating a path up the stairs, her own special touch from earlier this evening.

Giggling to herself, she slowly ascended the stairwell, and although she knew what was to be expected, part of her was as giddy as a little girl on Christmas, getting ready to open the best present of all, a second chance with the one she loves.

Ooh…ooh…

Oh…oh…

Ooh…oh…oh…yeah

Mmm…mmm…mmm…mmm…

Slowly opening the door to the master bedroom, Marlena gasped at the sight placed before her. Endless arrays of candles illuminated dull section of the budois, and beside it, a boquet flourished. Smiling at such a sight, Marlena didn’t even take notice as John entered from the bathroom, a mere black bathrobe clinging to his perfectly sculpted body.

“Like my surprise?” he asked proudly, as he licked his lips and arched his eyebrow.

“Mmm hmmm. Did you think of this one all by yourself?” Marlena teased, as she took a few steps closer to him.

“Well, I had a *little* help,” he grinned, as he made a gesture with his thumb and index finger.

“Oh you had a *little* help, did you? And who may I ask, helped you, little at that, with this ever so brilliant idea.”

“Some shirnk-a-dink radio show I happened to catch the tail end of…” he shrugged, as he walked over to the bottle of champagne he had chilling and proceeded to open it.

“Hmm, sure it wasn’t a love doctor? This doesn’t seem like a *shrink’s* work, and I think I’d know that better than anyone, don’t you?” she asked with a grin.

This will be

An everlasting love

This will be

The one I’ve waited for

This will be

The first time anyone has loved me, oh…oh…oh…

‘Well, ya see, this *shrink* is special. I mean, aside from curing what ails you physically, she’s pretty damn good at mending a broken heart.”

“Is that so?”

“I speak only the truth,” he assured, as he poured her a glass, and raised his to hers in a toast. “So, here’s to smart shrink’s and romantic surprises.”

“I’ll drink to that,” she smiled brightly, as they clanked glasses and sipped away.

I’m so glad

He found in time

And I’m so glad that

He rectified my mind

This will be

An everlasting love for me, whoa, ho

“And speaking of romantic surprises,” John interrupted, as he took Marlena’s glass from her, and sat it on the bureau, as he reached for a box on the nightstand, and handed it to Marlena. “Just a little something to make you feel a little more comfortable,” he winked, as she accepted the gift, and looked at him curiously.

“Something to make me more comfortable, huh? Or is it something you’ll feel comfortable seeing me wear?”

“Ahh, so you do know the method to my madness!”

“What can I say? Ya can’t fool us smart shrink’s,” she winked, as she eyed the box and then him, shaking her head as she replied “Ah, fine! Since you went through all this trouble, and sat through my talk show, the least I could do is indulge you a little,” she grinned devilishly, as she moved herself within inches of his face, and whispered in a low, sultry voice. “I’ll be right back.”

“Oh and believe me, I’ll be *right* here waiting!”

Loving you

Is some kind of wonderful

Because you’ve shown me

Just how much you care

You’ve given me the thrill of a lifetime

And made me believe you’ve got more thrills to spare, oh

This will be

And everlasting love, oh, yes, it will now

“Doc, are you almost done?” John called impatiently to the bathroom, as he paced in anticipation.

“Keep being so damn impatient and I won’t come out at all,” she yelled back. “Unless you’d rather shashay around for me in a little number *I* pick out.”

“Take all the time ya need, Doc,” he replied quickly, “I’ve waited to have you back this long, I guess I can wait a little longer.”

“There’s my boy!”

You’ve brought a lot of sunshine into my life

You’ve filled me with happiness I never knew

You gave me more joy than I ever dreamed of

And no one, no one can take the place of you

“I’m ready!” she exclaimed from the bathroom.

“And I’m waiting!” he called back sarcastically, as he moved across the room to freshen the flutes of champagne, turning around when he heard the opening of the door.

“Tell me,” she questioned as she walked over to him “Did your *shrink* suggest this, too?”

Too caught up in the sight before him to answer, all John could manage was gawking at this gorgeous creature standing before him. There she stood, in the short white satin negligee, with a lace trim and matching pegnoir that he himself had picked out. Compared to the hanger it sat on at Ballistix, was *nothing* to the sight his beloved with created, as if the outfit was made to accentuate her body’s every curve to perfection.

“I dunno about any other’s shrink’s, Doc,” he began as he regained his composure, and wrapped his masculine arms around her slender waist. “But if I knew you wearing that was going to make my heart stop, I woulda consulted a cardiologist instead.”

“Ohhh, I missed your corny jokes!” she laughed, as she wrapped her arms tightly around his neck.

“Yea, well, I missed *you*,” he replied with a smile, as he slowly lowered his face down to hers, and caught her lips with his in a passionate kiss.

This will be, yes, siree, eternally

Huggin’ and squeezin’ and kissin’ and pleasin’ together forever through

rain or whatever

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, you and me

So long as I’m livin’ true love I’ll be givin’, to you I’ll be servin’

cause you’re so deservin’

“Mmm, I think you should *definitely* take tips from this shrink more often,” Marlena kidded, as she and John pulled from their liplock.

“If it helps you to kiss me like that, I’ll be sure to do it on a daily basis.”

“Good idea. So, what did your shrink say happens next?” she asked coyly, as she batted her eyes at him.

“I dunno, it’s a family show, Doc,” he grinned.

“Very funny, so what then?”

“I don’t think we need a shrink to tell us the rest, Marlena. I think the way you’re looking at me right now, and the way I am looking back says it all.”

“I think you’re right,” she nodded, as she smiled up at him with a gleam sparking in her hazel orbs.

“Oh, I know I am,” he winked, as he scooped her into his arms, and placed a light kiss on her lips as he walked towards the bed. “I love you, Doc.”

“And I love you, always and forever.”

Hey, you’re so deservin’

You’re so deservin’, yeah, yeah, yeah

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh

The love, the love, the love, the love, the love, the love, love, love, love, love The love, the love, the love, the love, the love, the love, love, love

From now on, from now on, from now on, from now on

From now on, from now on, from now on, from now on

From now on, from now on, from now on, from now on

“Hmm, I think you should take the shrink’s advice more often,” Marlena laughed, kissing his lips softly as they laid together in bed, the morning sun shining into the master bedroom. “I could definetly get used to this treatment.” Marlena ran her fingers through his hair, propping herself up on an elbow, staring into his heavenly blue eyes. “You know you’re eyes are so bright today, I never noticed that.”

John looked up at her, a smile enhancing his face. “You’re the million reasons why, there’s love reflecting in my eyes,” he whispered, placing a feather kiss on her lips.

“Aw, that is so sweet. John, I’m sorry . . .”

“Hey, you have *nothing* to apologize for. Listen, I don’t want to go back in the past, I just want to move on, start a future, do you think we can?”

“Of course,” she smiled. “So what are we doing today? There is a huge sale at Ballistix and since you ripped my negligee last night and ruined my new dress by throwing a pound of whipped cream at me, well I think you owe me some clothes,” she giggled, sitting up.

“Um, I can’t today,” John said quietly.

“Why? Are you planning more surprises for me?”

“Doc, look, there is something we need to discuss,” John said seriously, playing with the wedding ring that was lying gently on his ring finger. “Over the past several weeks, Abe and I have been in negotiation . . . he wants me back on the force, there is a new case which is a copycat of a one I handled when I was captian. I busted the operation all those years ago and he and I both want the same thing to happen this time. I know you probably hate the idea . . .”

“Hate?” Marlena interrupted, “I don’t hate the idea John, I *despise* the idea,” she screamed, getting out of bed, grabbing her silk robe which was on the chair beside the bed. “You know I hated you involved in all of that, to have the fear that everyday you may not come back because some criminal will stab you, shoot you, *kill* you! Do you even care that I despise it or are you going back to ‘I do what the hell I want when I want it, John Black,” she yelled.

John got out of bed, the anger rising in his chest. “That is wrong and you know it Marlena!”

“Is it? I mean you lied to me for months on end and you did it because you didn’t want to get caught!”

“Why bring up the past? You just don’t want my time spent on something beside you and you know it! Damn it Marlena, I love you, but I need to do something while you do that talk show of yours. And I seem to recall a time when I told you *not* to do it because you already had a stalker on your hand at one time.”

“Yeah John, I’m sure Jake Kosichek is coming back from the dead to stalk me again!” Marlena said sarcastically. “Radio is radio, I am on airwaves, no one is trying to kill me. But I see what this is all about. You’re jealous because I’m the one who is sucessful and you’re trying to top that!”

“That is such shit and you know it Marlena. I’m doing this because I am trying to stop a criminal and you’re too selfish to try and realize this.”

“I’m selfish?” she yelled back, “Ugh, why I even came back to you is beyond me! Do me a favor John, forget last night ever happened and forget the number to my talk show because if I find out you called, I will hang up on you faster than you can say ‘I’m an idiot.'”

“Oh yeah Marlena, you’re acting really mature right now,” John exclaimed rolling his eyes.

“I’m not the one who started this, but I plan on being the one who ends it. Goodbye John,” she said slipped on an overcoat to hide her robe and stormed out of the house, slamming the door behind her.

“Damn him for making me late!” Marlena complained, as she gathered her purse and other belongings from the passenger side of the car and headed quickly into the station.

****

“This is Nancy Wesley and that was the latest info concerning things at University Hospital. Remember to be sure and buy tickets to our benefit to raise money for our newest wing. You can E-mail myself at NWesley@SalemUH.org or visit The Brady Pub, and they’ll hook you up, along with a nice heaping bowl of Brady Chowder,” Nancy stalled, as she watched Marlena run into the studio, mouth an I’m sorry and quickly threw on her head phones.

“Now, with out further ado, it’s time to ‘Dish with Doc’, so let’s get those switchboards lighting, and spill your guts to everybody’s favorite shrink, Marlena Evans-Bla-,” Nancy began, as Marlena shook her head no on the second surname and just went straight to the first call, not wanting *any* memory of John to be brought up after the news he’d just broken.

****

“Hey Partner,” John called to Abe as he walked into the station, a cup of coffee in one hand, a bag of doughnuts in the other.

“Hey, things are going to well with you and Marlena, huh?” he asked as he pointed to the radio and then flipped through some files.

“Very funny. She’s not too thrilled about me coming back, I’m not too thrilled about her new show. Just when it looked like we were gonna be together for good, *this* happens.”

“Don’t stress it too much, Buddy,” Abe reassured, “You and Marlena have been through a lot more than this and I know you’ll get over it eventually. You two can only keeps your hands off each other for so long before it starts to take a toll,” he laughed.

“Hope you’re right, Abe, I hope your right,” John smiled as he sipped his coffee “So, what’s with this new case?”

****

“Okay, next call is from Kyle on the riverfront. How may I help you today.”

“Hello, Dr. Evans. It’s been a long time.”

“Long time?” Marlena asked confused, “Have we met before?”

“No, but I know the story, and I am back to finish something that started long ago.”

****

“John, come in here for a second!” Abe called out through the station, as John laughed with the guys.

“In a few, Abe.”

“No John, now. It’s Marlena.”

****

“Finish what?” Marlena asked as she inhaled deeply and looked over at Nancy, who also had fear building in her eyes.

“What he started, Marlena. The wrong one was taken away, and now I have to make it right. It was a mistake, I mean the resemblance, it was *uncanny*.”

“What resemblance, Kyle?”

“You know Marlena, think back. Jake Kositchek…your apartment. She was coming to visit from Colorado, Marlena. He thought it was you, and he killed her. He killed Samantha instead of you, and now, two are dead, and you’re still alive, but not for long, Doc. I’m gonna pick up right where the strangler left off.”

“Dear God,” Marlena whispered, as tears of fear streamed down her angelic cheeks.

****

“Dammit! Abe we gotta get to the docks and I want a trace on that line ASAP,” John demanded as he and Abe rushed to University Hospital.

****

“Nancy, go to commercial,” Marlena pleaded under her breath as Nancy shook her head no and informed her of the trace.

“Keep him on the line, Marlena. John’s on his way.”

“What’s the matter, Doc? Cat got your tongue?”

“Why are you doing this? Why?” Marlena cried.

“It’s the way it should be, Doc. The way it should be. I promise you, it will all be over soon and it will be quick and painless. There’s nothing to fear, Marlena. This is inevitable. And there’s not a damn thing you or Salem PD can do to stop it. So don’t try Marlena, cause if you play with fire, you get burned, or should I say, if you play with a physco, you die.”

Before Marlena could answer, a dialtone was buzzing in her ear. She untwisted the mic from her ear and threw it onto the table, her hand shaking as she leaned her head onto the cool table, her head beating rapidlly, a large headache forming in between her eyes.

“Doc?” John rushed into the room, out of breath as he ran over to Marlena. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, whatever, I’m fine,” she said, her voice becoming stable. She refused to let John have his way by not doing the show anymore. It was probably just some joke, threats were made all the time it didn’t mean anything would happen.

“John, did you trace the call?” Nancy asked, moving to sit next to Marlena.

“No, he hung up before we could get a direct location. I sent men down to the riverfront, just in case and they’ll search and get back to me and Abe. Marlena, I need to take you down to the station, just formal questioning and all that. I have the car outside, let’s go.” He was about to grab for her hand when she pulled back.

“I’m not going anywhere with you. If I need to go down to the station then Nancy will take me, won’t you?” she asked looking at her, her eyes pleading for her to take her to the station.

“Um sure, I’d love too,” Nancy smiled, unaware of John and Marlena’s newest fighting issues. “Let me just grab my coat and we’ll be on our way.” Nancy left the two of them alone as Marlena began walking to the door, John grabbing her arm.

“What the hell is wrong with you?” he asked, gripping her arm.

“You,” she shot back, breaking from his grasp to meet Nancy in the lobby.

****

“Okay, Marlena, what exactly happened?” John asked, leaning back in his black leather chair, a pad sitting firmly on his lap, a pen positioned in his mouth.

“Well someone called me, said they were going to kill me and hung up. I actually want to meet them, maybe they can kill you instead of me,” she said sarcastically, rolling her eyes as she played with the silver bracelet on her wrist.

“Yeah, Marlena, putting your fears onto me is really going to help. Why don’t you try acting like a human being and tell me you’re scared! You don’t have to be brave with me, Doc. I know you better than I know *anyone*, you’re petrified.”

“Don’t tell me what I am,” she mumbled, “You don’t know me anymore and I’d like to keep it that way. If the cops need to be involved with this stupid prank then put Abe on the case or Roman but I refuse to work with you, got it?”

“What I don’t get is what the hell is wrong with you? Yes, you don’t like the idea of me on the force but you know what lady, I told you I hated the idea of you doing this show and now you have a stalker after you and you are still acting like you were right! Damn it Marlena, put away some of that stupid pride of yours and stop this show!” John yelled, becoming frustrated with his stubborn wife.

“Why, so you can be right? No way! This is probably a joke, it happens all the time. Actors get stalkers and they don’t quit the business! I’m telling you right now, if you stand in my way, I will fight back and I mean that John. So back off,” she said snidely.

“So is this how it’s going to be between us now? You’re going to be stubborn and fight me off when you know you need me? Have it your way.”

“I do *not* need you John Black and by the way, your head is swelling, try to keep your ego deflated a little, believe me, you have nothing to show off,” she said, walking out and slamming the door for the second time that day.

“Ugh, it’s *so* good to be home!” Marlena exclaimed as she entered through her front door, kicked off her heels, and set her alarm.

Walking towards the table in her living room, she stopped to flip through mail and check messages, as she made herself comfortable on the couch.

“You have 3 new messages. .”

“Mom, it’s me, I am sleeping over Mimi’s tonight, didn’t want you to worry. See you tomorrow. Love you.”

“Hey Mom, it’s Brady. Going out with Chloe tonight, I’ll be in later. Love ya.”

“Hello, Marlena. Remember me?”

As the final message began, Marlena felt a chill cascade down her spine as her breath caught in her throat, and tears of terror formed in her hazel orbs.

“You thought you almost had me with the cops tracing the call. Just remember, Doc. I’m always one step ahead, so watch your back, or uhh how about your *neck*? See ya soon.”

Panicking instantly, she had no idea where to turn. He could be anywhere, he could be watching her, and she was helpless. Why did she turn John down? Why was she so stubborn? Why couldn’t she just swallow her pride?

With not much thought, she gathered her coat and purse, and headed for the door, not making it very far when someone bumped into her on the other side.

“Ahhh!” she screamed as horror, as she looked up to see John’s concerned baby blues gazing back at her. Clinging to her for dear life, Marlena threw her head in his chest and sobbed, as he felt her body tremble under his touch. Whispering in her ear, he lightly stroked her head, and comforted her fears.

“Shhh, Doc. It’s okay, I’m here, nobody’s gonna hurt you,” he reassured, as he rocked her back and forth.

“He called John, on the… machine,” she wept almost incoherently, as she continued to clutch to him.

“Son of a bitch!” He said angrily “I shoulda been here to protect you, that shouldn’t have happened! Dammit!”

“John I wouldn’t let you be here,” she said as she pulled away, and looked up at him with a tearstained face. “This is all my fault.”

“No it’s not, Doc. You try to help people, and this physco comes along to play with your head, but I promise he will *never* hurt you, not as long as I am alive and breathin,” he vowed, as he extended his hand to hers, “Come on, let’s get you calmed down.”

****

“Feel any better?” John asked wholehearterdly, as he handed Marlena a warm cup of tea.

“Yes, thanks,” she smiled, as she took a sip, and wrapped herself tighter in her afghan on the sofa.

“I wanna take that tape down to the station, give it to Abe for evidence, okay?”

“Yea,” she nodded, as she sunk back into the couch. “I’m sorry I was so stubborn about letting you protect me, guess I learned my lesson.”

“Like I said, Doc, this is not your fault, so stop blaming yourself,” he insisted, “But, now that this has happened, I won’t be letting you out of my sight, and as for the talk show, I want you to stay on it. This shouldn’t stop you from helping the good people, and if the bastard calls back, we could trace him faster.”

“But he knows when we’re listening, John. He’s so clever.”

“Not very, since we know he likes to go to the Riverfront, his name is Kyle, and he is sculpting his plan around Jake Kostichek’s profile. That’s more to go on then you realize, Doc.”

“Maybe,” she replied, a little unsure “I’m just glad I have you here now. As much as I denied it before, it does make me feel a lot better.”

“That’s what I am here for, to ease your fears,” he smiled, as he gently caressed her face. “If ya want, I’ll sleep on the couch tonight, just to make you feel safe.”

“No,” she replied quickly as she shook her head, “I don’t want you sleeping on this sofa, that doesn’t help me at all.”

“Okay, I’ll just stay until Brady gets home then.”

“No,” she replied once more, “I want you to sleep in my bed tonight. I want you to hold me. That’s where I feel safest, in your arms. I know that’s the *one* true place where nothing could ever hurt me.”

“You’re right about that, Doc,” he smiled, as he leaned in and placed a light kiss on her lips. “So come on, let’s go to bed.”

John walked down the stairs, fastening his belt around his waist. He walked into the kitchen to find Brady sitting there, the paper in front of him as he read over last nights sports scores. He looked up at his father and smiled, folding the paper over.

“So, you slept in bed with mom last night? That’s impressive,” Brady smiled as he took a sip of his juice. “Is she okay? Belle filled me in this morning, she stopped by to drop her stuff off and then left again with Meems, but when she went past your bedroom she saw Mom in your arms and she was crying. I’m worried about her dad.”

“I know you are Brade, I am too truthfully, but I plan to be her shadow until this guy is caught. Don’t worry, she’ll be okay,” John said reassuringly.

“Good to know I have a knight in shining armor,” Marlena joked walking into the kitchen. She went to the fridge, grabbing a bottle of Poland Spring and walked over to Brady, kissing his forehead. “And it’s great to know I have a son who cares,” she smiled. She turned towards John and raised her eyebrow in question. “You ready? If you’re going to shadow me, you got to follow my time schedule,” she laughed. “Let’s go.”

“All right, I’m ready. Bye kid, have a good day, doing nothing,” John joked.

“Adios,” Brady replied as he watched his parents leave and went back to reading the paper.

****

“My advice is work things out with your husband,” Marlena said as she sat back in her chair, her voice sent out on the airwaves. “If you got married, then you obviously love him and love will always conquer all despite what has happened in the past. Just speak to him, tell him how you feel openly and honestly and everything will work out.”

“Thank you Dr. Evans, I’ll try that,” a female voice returned as Nancy switched over to a new call.

“Hi, this is Dr. Marlena Evans and you’re on live, what’s your name and dish your dirt,” Marlena smiled as she watched John in the next room.

“This is Kyle and I was wondering what the easiest way to slash a pretty doctor’s neck would be. You know Marlena, you can have that hubby of yours protect you all he wants but it’s not going to work because I know what can get to you and *no one* not that that cop of yours can fight.”

His voice came out deep and Marlena felt as the chills started seep into her skin. Tears started to fight their way down her cheeks as her eyes pleaded with John’s to let her hang up and get away from the whole mess that had started to take over her life again. He shook his head no as he quietly phoned into Abe to trace the call and whispered to her to keep talking. She nodded her head gently and exhaled, rubbing her hands upon her neck.

“What makes you think I’m going to believe you?” Marlena asked, her voice becoming more stable as Nancy gripped onto her hand. “I mean, for all I know, you could have read up on this and decided it would be fun to play a little joke on me. So give me one good reason, why I should believe this.”

“Because I want to slash you just like your sister was! The cold steel knife up against her neck, the blood trickling down her skin, blood that was meant for *you!* You should have died Doctor, you should have been the one sliced and diced and now I am going to have you pay! So do you ever think about Samantha? Ever think how she felt when the knife went through her?” Kyle asked, his voice serious with hatred.

Tears ran down Marlena’s cheeks as she felt pain soar through her chest. She motioned John over, covering the microphone as he leaned down next to her. “John, I have to get off, I can’t do this, screw tracing the call, please,” she pleaded, “Please let me hang up.”

“Not yet Doc, not yet, we almost have him, just a few more minutes, just talk, please.”

“What’s wrong Doc, you scared?” Kyle laughed. “Well I’m sure Samantha was too when that knife was stabbing the life out of her! Just remember I know where you live, I know everything about you and most of all, I know that you’re going to be seeing your sister very soon!”

The dialtone rang in Marlena’s ears as she threw the mic off and ran past the doors, bumping into John.

“Doc, I am so sorry, we didn’t get him, we couldn’t get a connection and . . .”

“And nothing,” she screamed as her tears continued to flow, “I told you to let me hang up! He’s right, I’m the reason Sam is dead, I’m the reason . . .” she yelled as she ran off.

Flipping through old photo albums, Marlena sat curled up on her sofa, tears trickling down her angelic face as she browsed pictures of herself and her late twin, Samantha. So much baggage between the two of them, and a history which still had no closure. At one point, they’d been so close, best friends, and inseperable. As the years passed, the distance between them increased, and both went their seperate ways. Marlena studied her at her dreams to become a successful physciatrist, and Sam practiced long and hard with the Drama club, with high hopes of becoming a successful actress. After falling into the wrong crowd, her dreams were almost shattered, as her sanity was questioned, and her relationship with Marlena was put to the test.

After a lot of struggle, and a trip to the BayView Sanitarium, Sam was cured and on her way to start anew. Until that time was cut short but one quick slice of the blade meant for Marlena.

How she recalled that night all too well. The man they’d caught, thinking it was the Strangler, was a mistake, and the real pepetrator was still on the loose. Sam was on her way into town to meet Roman, the man her sister couldn’t stop talking about, and wanted her twin’s seal of approval on. She had her on key. Let herself in the apartment innocently enough, awaiting her sister’s arrival, completely unsuspecting that what she was not about to meet was future brother in law, but instead, her untimely demise.

“Sam, if only I’d known what was going to happen,” Marlena wept, as she ran her hand over a photo of the two of them, laughing and having a good time. “I would have traded places with you in a second.”

“Doc?” John called as he poked his head in through the front door of the penthouse to find her curled up in a bathrobe on the sofa, and crying hysterically.

“Haven’t you done enough for one day?”

“Doc, about earlier, I am *so* sorry,” he apologized, wholeheartedly, as he gazed at her like a lost puppy, and shut the door behind him. “I became so obsessed with catching the SOB trying to hurt you, that I forgot about your feelings. I didn’t mean to bring up demons of the past, Marlena. I know how hard dealing with that is for you.”

“Obviously you didn’t know *how* much since you kept me on the phone with that maniac and let him crush me with the memories of my sister’s death! A death brought upon her cause the murderer thought he was putting that knife to *my* throat and taking life from my body! Do you *know* how guilty I felt about that and how much of a battle I went through to realize it truly wasn’t my fault that Jake Kositchek took Sam’s life! Now this physco replays it for me, detail, by gruesome detail, and I have to go through that all over again, John! This is killing me! If not physically, then emotionally!” she yelped, as she began to sob once more.

“Marlena, listen to me!” John demanded, as he knelt beside her on the couch, and placed a comforting hand on either side of her face. “Whatever happened is *not* your fault, and deep down you know that and I know Sam knows that! Your sister loved you, Marlena! She’s watching over you right now and she wouldn’t want to see you cry! You’ve fought so hard and gained so much strength to get past thart ordeal that you can’t turn back now! I promise, if it kills me, I will find this heartless bastard and make him *pay* for the pain he is causing you and for digging up these memories. You have my word on that. I love you, Doc. Whatever I do, it’s not to hurt you intentionally. I swear, I’ll find some other way to find him, you don’t even have to talk to that nut on the phone again and I am sorry I ever made you do that in the first place.”

“You were only trying to help me,” she wept, as she wiped several stray tears from her eyes. “I know Sam would want me to stay strong and get this guy for her. She was amazing like that. It’s just, I dunno anymore. I’m so scared, John. I am *so* scared that he’s going to get me. He says he’s one step ahead of you and-“

“No Doc,” he interrupted as he shook his head, and took on a firm tone of voice. “He *thinks* he’s one step ahead, but the truth is, I am right with him through every twist and turn of this plot, and he’s *not* going to get the chance to play this thing out. When he gets ready to make his big move, I’m going to put him in check and that you can’t count on, Doc. That you can count on.”

Marlena sat in bed, a remote in one hand, a cup of coffee in the other. She leaned back against the pillows, flipping through the TV finally settling on a movie with Courteney Cox and David Arquette. As moments passed, she saw the blood and guts and laughed. “Wow, a movie where people slash each other, that’s the *perfect* movie for me right now,” she said sarcastically. She leaned back and closed her eyes, drifiting off into a light sleep.

****

Marlena was jolted from bed, when the sound of her phone next to her woke her up. She rolled over in bed, glancing at the time and signed when the red lights shone 3:30 AM.

“Hello?” she answered groggily.

“Hi Marlena . . .”

The voice made goosebumps form on Marlena’s arms as she realized who it was . . . Kyle. His voice was like a knife all by itself. It was deep and cruel, almost as if some device made up what his voice really was. She felt as her body started to shiver as she pulled the blankets up higher and exhaled, letting her words come out as calm and rational as possible.

“Kyle isn’t it?” she asked, wishing that by some miracle John would come sashaying into the room to protect but after tonight’s incident, she knew it would never happen and she’d have to handle this madman alone, no matter what it took.

“Oooh you’re a swift one Doctor. I know you’re all alone without John tonight. Sure those two kids of yours are there but do you honestly think they can protect you from a madman?”

“John will be here and you aren’t one step ahead of him,” Marlena said nervously, as she got to grab a pair of scissors, holding them firmly in a fist.

“Don’t treat me like an idiot Dr Evans. Madmans aren’t as stupid as you think, in fact we’re a lot smarter than anyone will ever give us credit for. I mean look at all the madmen . . . the unibomber, Charles Manson, even Jake Kosicheck . . . but see Jakey dearest messed up in his killings, he should have known that Marlena Evans had a twin, that she was parading herself off as you, he should have done more research, *but* I’m here now to finish what he tried to start and this time, I plan on killing the right, the *only* twin left. And Marlena . . . you never know when I’ll be right next to you, just waiting to slash that pretty neck of yours, bye hon, I’ll be seeing you soon, you can bet your life on that one.”

With that he hung up, the ringing of the dialtone fresh in her ear. With her hand shaking, she put down the phone, her heart beating rapidly as she leaned back against the pillows. She took several deep breaths until a crashing in the bathroom, startled her, jumping up, the scissors still firmly in her hand. She stayed quiet for a moment moving towards the bathroom door, suddenly hearing a soft whisper from inside.

“I’m here, Marlena, right here and I’m going to kill you . . . kill you . . . kill you . . .”

“Noooooo!” she screamed as she shot up in bed, sweat pouring down her face. The lightswitch turned on, revealing Belle at the door, her blue eyes frightned for her mother, a cup of steaming tea placed in between both of her hands.

“Are you okay?” she asked quietly, moving to the bed, placing the tea down, bringing her mother into her arms. “I couldn’t sleep so I decided to go make myself some tea and when I was on my way up, I heard you screaming. I’m scared mom, I’m scared for you . . .”

“I’m okay,” Marlena whispered, taking comfort in her daughter’s arms. “I just had a bad dream, that’s all. I’m scared too Belle, I’m scared too.”

“Mom, do you remember when I was maybe seven or eight, I was watching Beverly Hills 90210 and there was that episode where Brenda got robbed when she was at the Peach Pit?”

“Sure, how could I forget? You were so scared you actually had to sleep with me and daddy,” Marlena laughed.

“Even though it was only TV, I was so frightened that someone was going to come rob us so that night, I lined up all my stuffed animals around me in bed, hoping they would protect me and I slept that way until I was almost 13. And no matter how stupid that was, I actually did feel protected because nothing bad ever happened to me. Well during that time, you gave me something that you always held when you were scared because your mom used to give it to you when you were younger and were frightened. Well, I think you should take it back . . . I brought this in here earlier when you were asleep and left it on the chair . . . I want you to have Brownie back,” Belle said handing her mother a soft small brown teddy bear. “Now, he can keep you safe, like he did for me all those years.”

Marlena wiped the tears from her eyes and held the teddy bear tightly. “I almost forgot about this little guy, I used to tell you that if anyone bad ever came he would fight them off . . . but you and I both know that a stuffed animal can’t do that.”

“Maybe not,” Belle shrugged, “but it’s a source of comfort at the most. I love you mom, I hope you know how much I admire you and how much faith I have in you, how much faith I will *always* have in you. Now you’re looking a little tired, maybe you should get some rest, if you want I can sleep in here tonight, I can go wake up Brade and we can have a little slumber party,” Belle smiled, wiping the hair off her mother’s forehead.

“You don’t have to sleep in here, baby, but can you do me a favor?” Marlena asked, leaning back against the bedpost.

“Of course, what?”

“Call your father at Uncle Abe’s, tell him I need him . . .”

“Doc?” John whispered, as he slowly opened the door to her bedroom to find her at the balcony, gazing blankly up to the late night skies.

“I had a nightmare,” she sobbed as she turned to face him, tears streaming rapidly down her face. “He called me and said this time he’d kill the right twin. I woke up, and it was all so real. Belle came to stay with me but…nothing seemed to help…oh John, please, just hold me!” she pleaded, as she ran and threw herself into his arms, sobbing uncontrollingly, as she buried her head in his masculine chest, and he instinctively wrapped his arms around her waist in support.

“I should’ve been here,” he replied sadly, as he shook his head, and shut the door behind him, “Damn that bastard for scaring you like this. My God Doc, you’re trembling,” he said upset, as he felt her body shiver beneath him, as her moist tears seeped through his shirt.

“All that matters is that you’re here now and that makes me feel better already,” she continued to weep, as she looked up into his concerned baby blue orbs and ran her fingers through his hair. “Just hold me, okay? Just hold me?”

“I’ll hold you forever if you want, Doc,” he whispered wholeheartedly, as he lifted his hand to caress her cheek lovingly “I’ll hold you forever.”

****

The sun slowly crept it’s way over the streets of Salem, as dawn began to break on the riverfront town. John stood by the window in time to witness the strong ray of light kissing the top of the city skyline and a new day approaching.

Marlena had fallen asleep in his arms several hours before hand, but he couldn’t seem to do the same. He had the strange feeling that if he even closed his eyes, just for a second, she’d be vulnerable pray of a madman. Standing there in nothing more than a pair of blue jeans, he watched as she lie in a tranquil slumber. He took comfort in seeing her be able to rest, but still, an uneasy feeling lie in the pit of his stomach. What if next time, it was more than a bad dream? What if he was wrong? Was he truly one step ahead of this maniac or one step behind? All these questions raging in his mind were enough to send him off the deep end. Just when it seemed like things would be perfect for he and his beloved, all this began, and there wasn’t a damn thing he could do to stop it and that’s what frightened him the most.

“You’re up early,” Marlena noted in a raspy morning voice, as she stretched along her bed.

“Couldn’t sleep, I was too busy watching you,” he smiled, as he walked over to place a light kiss on her lips.

“Watching me?” she asked curiously “Or watching *over* me?”

“Same difference.”

“No, it’s not, John,” she said firmly, “I know that look in your eyes, that look of fear, of desperate need to hold on to what you love. You didn’t sleep cause your as afraid of Kyle as I am, aren’t you?”

“I can’t hide anything from you, can I?”

“No, and I wish you wouldn’t since *that* was the reason we were separated in the first place,” she noted, as she sat up, and looked straight into his eyes.

“I’m sorry, I was just trying to be strong for you.”

“Hey, I love you so much for being my knight in shining armor, but John, we all have a weakness and it’s okay to let that side show,” she smiled, as she placed a hand on either side of his cheek, “You’re only human, don’t get me wrong, your an *amazing* man, but you still have your flaws, we all do. Now, I really do appreciate you putting on a brave front for me, but I don’t want any secrets, okay?”

“Okay,” he smiled back, as he lifted her hands from his face and held them in his own. “But I still intend to be your knight in shining armor, which includes slaying this dragon who’s spitting it’s fire.”

“I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

“Good, cause I promise you, this story *will* have a happy ending. There’s no way I’m gonna let him win, Doc. No way, you can *count* on that!”

Marlena walked down the stairs, fastening the robe on her belt tightly around her waist. She looked at the granfather clock on the wall and sighed, knowing she wasn’t going to get anymore sleep and walked into the kitchen surprised to see Brady sitting there eating breakfast.

“What are you doing up kiddo, it’s five in the morning, shouldn’t you be asleep dreaming of Yasmine Bleeth or something,” Marlena teased, sitting down next to him.

“Come on mom, get with it, it’s Britney Spears this week,” he joked back. “I would love to be asleep right now, believe me but unfortunatly, I open up the store this morning and I have to organize all the guitars and that garbage so lucky me gets to be up before the roosters,” he said sarcastically, taking a sip of his orange juice. “So the question is why are *you* up now? I thought dad stayed with you last night.”

“He did but I just had a lot of trouble sleeping so I figured I’d come and watch some TV but I’d rather talk to my gorgeous son.”

Brady blushed and leaned back in the chair looking his mother. There was something about her that was different . . . he knew the happy front she was putting on was an act. There was something in her eyes, a glimmer of terror that shone instead of it’s usual delightfulness. Her eyes had large black bags under them evident from no sleep and she looked paler than usual. “Mom, are you okay?” Brady asked carefully, not wanting to upset her any further.

“Sure,” she said, plastering on a smile, not wanting to worry him.

“Such a bad liar,”Brady laughed. “Come on Mom, I’m your oldest child, when I was little I used to tell you everything that frightened me even the corny stuff that if I told anyone else, I would have been made fun of forever but you . . . you never judged me and I know you never would. So this time let me be the one to help you. I’ve picked up some pointers from you all these years,” Brady smiled, trying to lighten the mood.

“You know you amaze me,” she smiled, running her hands through his blonde hair. “If you want the truth, yeah I am lying. I am scared out of my mind but what am I supposed to do? I can’t just ask this guy to stop calling me or to leave me alone. But I guess in a lot of ways I also believe it’s a bluff . . . you’re Aunt Samantha didn’d die by her neck being slashed, she died by being strangled. If this guy was serious, he would know an important detail like that, you know?” Marlena asked, knowing in a way she shouldn’t be discussing this with her son but felt the need to do so anyway.

“Yeah, but what if he’s doing it to throw you off? He can call and threaten and say he’s going to . . . well you know and if he changes details, amybe he’ll think that you’ll think he’s not as serious, you understand what I am saying?”

“You’re saying that if he messes with details, he’ll think I think he’s bluffing and I’ll get the cops off my back and stop having your father protect me 24/7, right?”

“Exactly,” Brady said, thinking through the details throughly. “It actually makes more sense now . . . look Mom, I’m not trying to scare you or anything, it’s just that you should follow through on everything this guy says to you because if he’s serious . . .” Brady decided not to finish his sentance and looked directly at Marlena. “Look, just follow one rule okay? Always look beyond the obvious but *never* overlook it! Promise me that?”

Marlena laughed and took her son’s hand in her own, squeezing it gently. “I promise. Where did you learn this stuff anyway? I’m not raising a homocidal maniac am I?” she teased.

“I live off of horror movies, what can I say,” he smiled. He glanced down at his watched and rolled his eyes, standing up. “Look, I hate to cut this convo short but your little boy has got some work to do. I should be home around 8 tonight, maybe later if I decide to just pick up Chloe right afterwards. I’ll have my cell though so if you need me . . .”

“You’re so protective,” she said getting up to hug him, “just like your father. Just call me, if you’re not coming straight home, I’ll know not to keep dinner. I love you baby.”

“I love you too mom. Adios,” he said walking out of the kitchen.

Marlena moved to the counter, pouring water into the coffee pot, in hopes some caffine would wake her enough to start some paperwork that she had left till now to do. As she was about to pour the coffee into the maker, the doorbell rang startling her.

“Ugh, as much as I love that boy, he really needs to remember all of his things . . . including his key,” Marlena mumbled, walking into the living room to answer the door. When she opened it, there was no one there, just a long box sitting in front of the door. She picked it up curiously and opened it gently a scream escaping her lips. A dozen black roses sat inside with red writing on the other side with the words ‘I’m right behind you’ carved into the box.

“I’m right behind you.”

Those words stopped her dead in her tracks. Feeling as her body froze, her knees began to tremble, the room started to spin. She was so terrified, she found difficulty in breathing as tears poured down her pale face. Inhaling deeply as she took a step backward, she slowly pivoted her foot to turn and face her fate…

“Ahhhhhhhhh!” she screamed in horror as she swung around, simultaneously with the ringing of the phone behind her.

Trying to compose herself as well as she could, she wiped away her tears, and reached for the receiver.

“Hhhello?” she called in a shaky voice as she sighed deeply.

“Did I scare ya, Doc?”

“You sick bastard!” she screamed into the phone, as she sobbed uncontrollably, “Why are you doing this to me? Why can’t you just leave me alone!”

“Because being good is bo-ring, Doc! That’s why I have to finish out the master plan of draining the life from your body. Your dull, no fun. Now Samantha on the other hand, she was a real firecracker, she was. Loads of fun! It takes a real slick one to lock her twin up in a sanitarium and then take over her lifestyle. That is *pure* genius. Too bad her life was wasted when it coulda been you. So, this time, I will make sure the same mistake doesn’t happen twice.”

“I hope you rot in hell for the way your sick and twisted mind plays out scenarios so *taintedly*.”

“Ha! I’ll see you there, Doc! Maybe you me and Sam can discuss the 20 best ways to slash and strangle, as chronicled by the Evans sisters!”

“I hate you, leave me alone you son of a bitch!”

“Over my dead body! Hmm, or should I say yours! Ahahaha, get it? Yours, I crack myself up!”

“I don’t find you humorous,” she seethed.

“Oh lighten up, Doc. Think of this as the first day of the rest of your life and pretty soon, it will be the last. Buh bye.”

As the dial tone clicked from, the other end, Marlena felt a fit of rage rising in her gut, as she picked up the phone and sent it sailing at the wall in frustration.

“Dammit!” she yelped, as she began to cry once more.

Hearing the commotion, John stormed down from the bedroom, pulling on a pair of jeans as he flew down the stairs and placed a comforting arm on Marlena’s shoulder.

“Doc? Honey, what’s wrong?”

“Kyle Parks! That’s what’s wrong. He sent me flowers this morning John, black roses!” she wept, as she showed him the arrangement and attached card. “Along with that.”

“He was here? Goddammit! Did you see him?”

“No, he called on the phone. Reminded me once again that *I* should’ve died and not Sam. Then told me I was coming soon to the last day of my life.”

“Oh God, Doc. I am so sorry,” he said sadly, as he moved his arms to tightly envelope her waist and pulled her into a strong embrace, wanting to ease her fears. “But that SOB, isn’t going to get to you, I promise. If anyone is killing anyone, it’s gonna be me choking the life out of the maniac for what he is putting you through.”

“Just hearing you say that helps me more than you can know,” she whispered, as she buried her head in his neck, and continue to cry.

“Good, because I want you to feel safe, Marlena. Before that psychopath ever has a chance to touch you, he’ll have to get through me first.”

“But how?” she questioned, as she pulled away to look up into his baby blue orbs. “He’s mad John, how can we conquer a madman.”

“The closest thing in this world to madness, is love, Doc. And God knows my love for you knows no boundaries. Whatever it takes, I will stop at *nothing* to make sure he doesn’t get to you.”

“I know,” Marlena nodded in agreement, as tears threatened to spill from her eyes once more, “And I think *that* is what scares me the most.”

Marlena sat outside Java Cafe, carefully sipping her mocha latte. Thoughts kept running through mind . . . thoughts of her sister, thoughts of Kyle and his threats. She felt as a large headache began to form between her temples and she began rubbing them with her index and middle finger.

“Miss, can I get you anything else?”

Marlena looked up at the waitress that stood before her and gasped, her flushed skin turning a whiter shade of pale as she took in the sight before her. The blonde hair, the piercing hazel eyes . . . she was staring back at the mirror imagine of herself.

“Sa . . .Sam?” she cracked as her eyes became mezmorized on her person before her.

“Excuse me?” she asked, confused. “I’m sorry, you must have me confused with someone else. My name is Hattie. Are you okay?”

Marlena snapped out of her daze and smiled gently. “Um, yeah, I’m sorry. You just look like my . . . well you just look exactly like my sister, look I’m sorry, you probably think I am insane,” Marlena laughed.

“Nah, I noticed we looked alike when you first came over here so I asked another waitress to switch tables with me. It kind of intirgued me how similar we all. Sorry, I startled you,” Hattie said sincerely. “I’m about to take a break, can I treat you to another latte on the house?”

Marlena looked surprised and smiled. “That’s really sweet of you, but I’m all set. But I have about 15 minutes until I need to be at work, would you like to join me?”

“Sure,” she replied sitting down. “Look, Mrs. . . .”

“Black,” Marlena smiled, “Marlena Evans-Black . . .”

“Oh, so you’re the famous Doctor huh? See, I’m new here to Salem, I had a law firm back in Seattle but due to lack of clients, it had to be shut down. I came to Salem, hoping to find some work but for now all I could find was this measly waitressing job. Anyway, I heard you on the radio the past couple of nights, I’m really sorry about that person who is calling and saying threatening things, that must be horrible.”

“Yeah it is,” Marlena stated honestly, “but I’m trying not to worry. My husband is a cop, he is pretty smart when it comes to these things. I just hope he can catch this guy before it’s to late. But I’m trying not to worry about it so much. I have two kids to take care of, a life, a career, a husband . . .anyway enough about me. Tell me a little about yourself . . .”

*****

John sat at his desk, flipping through old newspaper clippings. He came across a file that held Samantha Evan’s report. He opened it up and stared down at the women in front of him. The golden blonde hair, the hazel eyes with always gleaming stars in them . . . anyone could have mixed her and Marlena up and someone accidently did and now years later, there was hell to pay. He started to skim articles, all basically saying the same thing. ‘Dr. Marlena Evans’ twin died, strangled by Salem Strangler . . .” He pushed the file back on his desk, closing his eyes and inhaling slowly. He was about to get advil before going back to work when the phone next to him rang.

“John Black.”

“Well, well well, Mr. Black, are you looking into my case now? Dectective, you can look as much as you like, but that pretty wife of yours ain’t gonna make it, I promise you that much. I hate to break this to you Johnny Boy, but I have my own ideas that will just blow you away when you find it out! Did you ever see Scream, Mr. Black? Number two rule: Always look beyond the obvious, but *never* overlook it. Good luck figuring that badboy out, you idiots at Salem Police take years to crack one case . . . but your wife won’t be here in a year so if you want to save that precious *doc* of yours I’d hurry up, Goodbye Black, see you soon,” Kyle laughed as he hung up the phone, not giving John a chance to speak.

“Damn it, he screamed, storming out of the office.

“And that’s basically when I came to Salem.” Hattie concluded, as she sipped her Latte.

“I see, well I am glad you found some place nice to work here, but if you ever decide you want better, please let me know. We’re always looking for a good temp at my radio show.” Marlena answered, as she swirled the straw around her cappucino.

“Thanks,” Hattie smiled “But I don’t know how long I will be in Salem, I really do appreciate your offer though.”

“Anytime, but I must admit, it’s selfish on my part.” She said as she looked down at the table.

“What do you mean?”

“It’s just, you remind me so much of Sam, and with everything going on right now, I feel in away that a part of her is here with me. I dunno, it’s comforting I guess.” Marlena blushed “Yea, you probably think I am deranged.”

“Not at all,” Sam said shaking her head “Marlena, I think you are an amazing person, who is being forced to relive a *tragic* ordeal, and the only one who is deranged is this madman trying to hurt you. As for reminding you of your sister, I am glad I can serve as a sort of peace for you.”

“Thank you, that means more than you can know.” Marlena smiled

“My pleasure.”

“Doc,” John called as he saw her sitting at the table, along with another woman he couldn’t recognize from the back.

“John Honey, I want you to meet Hattie, she’s new in town, and we just ran into each other.”

“Hello John,” The woman said with a smile, as she turned around to face him, extending her hand to his.

“Oh my God,” John said in shock, as he instantly noticed the uncanny resemblance to Marlena.

“Sweetie, you can lift your jaw up from off the ground now,” Marlena chuckled “Her apperance had the same affect on me.”

“Umm, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to be so rude, it’s just that, it caught me off guard to see two Marlena’s.”

“Well, there’s a song about 3 of us, but she’s not Marlena.”

“Right, sorry again. Nice to meet you, Hattie.” John smiled, as he shook her hand.

“Likewise.”

“Well, I hate to interrupt, but I think we need to talk, Doc.”

“Why? What’s wrong?” Marlena asked worriedly

“Nothing major, just that I got a call from Kyle at the cop shop today, and I thought you had a right to know.”

“Oh dear God, is this ever going to end?” Marlena questioned sadly, as tears formed in her hazel eyes.

“Yes it will, Doc. You have my word on that.” John consoled, as he walked over and placed a hand on either shoulder, massaging them lightly.

“Well, I should be getting back to work. I will leave you two to talk. And Marlena, I truly am sorry for this whole mess. You will be in my prayers.”

“Thank you so much, Hattie.”

“No problem, See you soon. Nice meeting you again.”

“Same here.”

John and Marlena replied in unison, as they watched her walk off, and then John vacated her seat.

“She seemed nice, but I gotta admit, Doc. The way she looked like you freaked me out a little.”

“That makes two of us,” Marlena commented, as she sighed “Ya know, it’s kinda like having Sam back in someway. Which makes this mess so much harder.” She sighed

“I know Doc, but I promise this nightmare will be over soon.”

“Yea,” She said as she looked at him with tear filled eyes, “Then why do I get the feeling my nightmare has just begun?”

John sat at his desk at Salem Police Station, skimming over the lastest clues they had to Kyle’s whereabouts. No one knew what he looked like, only the sound of his voice and a few traceable calls that led down to the docks. John skimmed over the files, only to be interrupted by the knocking of the door.

“John?” Abe asked, walking in.

“Hold on a sec,” John said, deep in thought. “Abe?” he asked looking up, “I think we’re missing something in this case. Kyle keeps calling from the same place, each time a little longer, it’s almost as if he wants us to find him . . .”

“John, he’s also not exactly the smartest guy in the pack. He keeps saying how Samantha was stabbed but she wasn’t, she was strangled. He’s a wanna be and we’ll get him. I put men down on the docks to stake out for the rest of the night just in case he calls tonight during the show.”

“But he keeps saying he’s one step ahead and what if he is . . . he’s trying to throw us off so he’s saying Sam was strangled and he keeps calling from an obvious location, I just think . . .”

John was interrupted by the ringing of the phone next to him. “Hello?” he asked picking it up. “What? You’re kidding? No, thank you, I’ll let her know right away. Yeah, I’ll tell him. Okay, bye.”

John hung up the phone looking up at Abe. “They got him,” he said solemnly.

“What? John, that’s great! Why do you look so upset?”

“Because, I still feel like we’re missing something, hopefully, I’m wrong . . . I have to call Doc, let her know before she gets on air.”

****

“John, that’s great,” Marlena exclaimed into her cell phone, “maybe you becomming a cop again isn’t so bad,” she smiled.

“Oooh so now it’s okay,” he teased. “Listen, I have to get back to work, need to search a drug lord but I’ll be listening. I love you baby.”

“I love you too, bye sweetie.”

“Marlena?”

“Ahhh,” she screamed as she stood up, spinning around. “Oh my God, Hattie,” she said breathlessly, placing her hand over her chest. “My Lord, you scared me, I’m sorry.”

“No I am, you look quite happy though,” Hattie said, noticing the smile on Marlena’s face.

“Well my husband just called . . . they caught my stalker.”

“Really? Wow, Marlena that is great! Look, I don’t know if you were serious when you offered me a temp job, but I would really love the chance to just sit here and watch what goes on in the radio world. I always wondered what it would be like to be a V-Jay, do you mind?”

“No,” Marlena smiled, “not at all. It’s not as thrilling as it may seem though, just dishing advice to those who need it. I must say I love it though. There is such exilleration knowing you are helping so many people out there.” She glanced down at her watch and sat down in her chair, checking the mics. “Well you ready?”

“Definetly,” Hattie smiled as she took a seat next to Marlena.

****

“My advice is to tell your mother that you are indeed having sex. You may be young but she has a right to know,” Marlena said, leaning back in her chair. “As a mother of a teenager daughter, I can’t promise that she’ll be happy but if you just sit her down and explain that you are taking safety percautions and you do love him, well maybe she won’t be as mad.”

“Thanks, Dr. Evans. I’ll try that and I’ll get back to you.”

“Good girl,” Marlena laughed. “All right, next caller.”

“Hey Marlena, just so you know the cops caught the wrong guy and I’m still out here, so I’d watch my back if I were you . . .”

“Dammit! Cut to commercial!” Nancy instructed, as she motioned for Marlena to stop.

With tears forming in her hazel orbs, Marlena ripped the headset from her head, and threw it down on the table.

“Why? Why is this son of a bitch still out there!” she yelped, as she threw her head in her hands and paced the studio nervously.

“Marlena, I am so sorry,” Hattie consoled as she offered a shoulder to cry on for the distraught Doctor.

“It’s not your fault,” Marlena reassured, as she wiped the stray tears from her face. “It’s just, I thought my nightmare with this madman was over, and now….it’s just begun.”

****

“Doc!” John called out, as his Jeep Cherokee pulled up next to hers in the lot of Salem University Hospital.

“Good work down at the cop shop, Honey. You and those boys do a *fine* job of putting those copycats behind bars where they belong. Too bad the real thing is too tough,” she seethed, as she proceeded to get into her car, and head home after a long day.

“Dammit, Marlena! I knew he wasn’t the real thing, I told Abe that. He is *too* clever to be caught that easily, but obviously, not clever enough!” he replied defensively.

“What the hell are you talking about?” she asked curiously.

“I’m talking about *this*,” he instructed, as he handed her a large manilla envelope. “I went down to the pier, kind of to think things through about this case, after I heard your talk show today. While I was there, I heard sounds coming from that little room off the to the side of the docks. Almost as if someone *wanted* me to go in there. So, I used my detective instincts, got my gun ready, and snuck in. All I found was an empty room, and those clippings gracing the walls.”

Flipping through the old newspaper and magazine articles, Marlena felt chills cascading down her spine as she glanced over the gruesome and all too familiar headlines of the past.

“Harper Deveraux named as the Riverfront Knifer. Worst catastrophe in Salem since Strangler got to Samantha Evans; Salem Stranglers misses mark with wrong Evans twin, Samantha Evans murdered after being mistaken for her sister; Still no answers as copycat vows revenge for the death of Samantha Evans; Local Psychiatrist falls prey to the overpowering hands of Kellam Chandler; Salem Slasher attacts Dr. Evans, but escapes death; Jake Kostichek commits suicide after last attempt to destroy Marlena Evans.”

Reading aloud caused more emotions to rise to the surface, as she began crying for the second time that day. Flipping through story by story, picture by picture, so many clues, yet so many questions to be answered.

“What does all this mean?” she questioned, as she looked at John who was now out of his car and standing at her side.

“I’m not quite sure, but whatever this guy has planned, Doc, it’s something big,” he forewarned, as he raised his hand to caress her face. “You see, his goal is not just to copy Jake Kostichek, it’s to copy *all* the great criminals that come out of Salem that have mentioned you and Sam. You see, all those cases got solved before the climax, before their goals were achieved, this guy’s intention is to pick up where they left off….and that’s with trying to get to you.”

“And he’s going to,” she muttered, as her eyes locked gaze with his and tears once more brimmed her hazel orbs. “This time, he’s going to have his way.”

“Marlena, stop that! He’s *not* getting to you. Not as long as I am alive and breathing,” John insisted, as he pulled her closer towards him and locked her in a secure embrace.

“How John?” she asked as she continued to sob, “How can you stop a madman who has not only succeeded in being one step ahead of you, but was also able to throw you off course once. He knows what he is doing. He set it up so you would find clues because he *wants* you to know his plan. He wants to be obvious because it’s usually overlooked. He gives you just enough rope to sniff out clues, but has the ability to pull you back into his grasp whenever he feels like it. You can’t play with fire, John. Cause you’re only gonna get burned.”

“No, Doc. He’s the one playing with fire.”

“That fire is *my* life. He could be ready to strike at anytime John and we don’t even know-“

“The Hospital fundraiser,” John said as his eyes widened in revelation.

“What?”

“That’s his plan! Doc, he’s going to go after you the night of the fundraiser. He wants to make this big grand finale, and there’s no place better for him today that then Salem’s biggest night of the year…..June 19th.”

“Oh my God!” Marlena exclaimed as her eyes grew wide.

“What, Doc?” John asked worriedly, as he noticed the instant change in her appearance.

“He *is* going to strike at the hospital benefit, June 19th, oh my, why didn’t I think of this before?” she questioned herself, as her whole body began to tremble.

“What’s June 19th? Why are you so sure of that date, Marlena?”

“Because,” she began as a large lump developed in her throat. “That’s the anniversary of Sam’s death.”

Marlena sat in her office at University Hospital going through a patients file when memories of Sam began to flood her mind. Although she hadn’t been there, she could hear her sister’s screams, her cries for help. Marlena felt her throat start to tighten as if she was being strangled and began to cough for air, moving to the window, inhaling the breezy spring air. She leaned her head against the cold glass of the window, as her eyes closed, her breath becoming even once more. A knock on her office door jolted her back into reality. She looked towards the door and watched as Hattie walked in, her golden hair tied up in a ponytail, her waitress uniforn hanging on her body.

“Hey Hattie,” Marlena smiled as she sat down in her chair, “How are you?”

“Besides having to go wait on people who leave me fifty cent tips for the next six hours, I’m going great,” she laughed as she sat down on the couch across from Marlena’s desk. “But you don’t look so hot, are you all right?”

“I guess so. So what’s up?”

“Well I was wondering if you wanted to do a little number at the talent show in a couple weeks. I know it’s short notice but I would really love to do something for it and I would feel kind of awkwar without a staff member. So what do you say?” she asked hopefully.

“I can’t,” Marlena said quickly, pulling all her files into one pile. “I’m not going.”

“Why not? You helped organize it, didn’t you?”

“Hattie, Sam died on the 19th and that’s the night of the ball. I just can’t be there knowing someone is going to be there trying to kill me. Plus there is supposed to be a West Wing marathon on that night anyway. I’ll catch up,” Marlena said shrugging her shoulders.

“Wow Marlena, that sounds absolutly thrilling,” Hattie said sarcastically. “Why not just watch the Disney Channel all night and catch up on Zenon and Wish Upon A Star.”

“Maybe I will, my daughter looks like Zenon,” Marlena teased. “Come on, you should understand why I don’t want to do this.”

“Yes, I do understand but don’t you see you are giving this guy what he wants! He wants you to be scared Marlena, he wants to frighten you and you are giving him the amunition to do just that! And if he was planning to get you on the 19th and you don’t show up, you think he is just gonna stop? You have to face this head on and plus I need a partner, please,” Hattie pouted.

“Fine, fine,” Marlena replied, throwing her hands up in the air, giving in. “So what exactly is our musical number?”

“Hmm, well I haven’t thought of that yet,” she laughed. “Hmm what can we do . . .”

“I have no idea but I’ll tell you what I do know, I need to make a run to Victoria’s Secret. Damn bras are killing me,” she muttered.

“That’s it,” Hattie screamed, startling Marlena.

“What’s it?”

“Otto Titsling!”

****

“I don’t care,” John screamed as he stood inside a cops meeting, “I want you to have every man at that ball ready and armed. This is my wife we’re talking about here and you all can care less, you’re more worried about who is going to make the donut run at midnight! Well if you get all the men there, I’ll buy out all of Dunkin Donuts, do you understand me?”

Abe watched as all the cops stared at John in disbelif and cleared his throat. “All right guys, you can get out of here, we’ll keep you posted. John, I’d like to speak to you.”

John rolled his eyes and sat down, watching as everyone left. When they all had, Abe turned around, fury burning in his eyes.

“I don’t want to hear it Abe, because if this was Lex, you would be doing the same exact thing and don’t you dare tell me otherwise. I’m sorry I lost my temper but these idiots care more about jelly donuts than about this case and I won’t stand for it,” John exclaimed.

“I understand you’re upset, Buddy, I would be too but you can’t do this. If you want to make it through this you need to stay calm and collected and not lose your head!”

“So do you want me to wait until Marlena looses her’s? Literally! I’ve let her down way to many times before Abe and I won’t let her down now and if I cop an attitude, than damn it I will! But I will save her Abe, I *have* to save her because without Marlena, I have no life!”

Before Abe could respond, the phone rang, John picking it up angrily. “Hello?!”

“What’s wrong, Johnny? Frustrated cause you can’t find me? Well don’t worry, we’ll meet soon enough and before you figure out how to spell ‘police’ that pretty blonde you married will be gone . . . see you soon!”

“All right, we’ve got one week for this show, people!” Nancy Wesley exclaimed nervously to the restaurant full of various acts performing in the hospital benefit. “When you jump, I want you to jump an extra mile, when you sing, I want you to kick it up a few extra octives, and when you dance, I want you to shake it like ain’t nobody watching. Got it?”

“Nancy, this isn’t American Bandstand!” Chloe replied as she rolled her eyes. “People will give money if we’re awesome or if we sing Mary Had A Little Lamb. And if not, John Black will donate whatever extra we need anyway, so chill!”

“Hmm she does have a point,” Marlena smiled, as she walked over to try and ease the tension between mother and daugther.

“Either way, if this turns out into a cheesy shindig, I will get a reputation and it won’t be a good one. So please, for me, just *try* your best?”

“Okay, Sweetie, but only cause I love you and if things don’t go well, I’ll get my own Daddy Warbucks to save your umm *assests*” Marlena said snidely with a grin, as she walked away to practice her number with Hattie.

“Very funny,” Nancy said with a laugh. “All right people, places! Let’s take this from the top!”

****

“And now, they’re Salem High’s resident heartbreakers and he’s the one thing that could come between their game of love ’em and leave ’em. Give it up for Belle Black, Mimi Lockhart and Shawn Brady with ‘The Boy is Mine!” Nancy called out from the podium, as the 2 girls sang and danced across the stage, with Shawn in the middle, smiling and looking as suave and dashing as ever. Things went smoothely until Belle accidentally shoved Chloe away and leaned on Shawn. Needless to say, a small catfight broke out. The boys were able to break it up, but it wasn’t until Nancy warned if they pulled that stunt again, they were out of the show. The next try went over a lot better.

****

“Watch out Laurel and Hardy, you ain’t got nothing on this dynamic duo of the incompreble duo of Marlena and Hattie performing the infamous work of the devine Miss Midler herself, from the tear jearker, Beaches, ‘Otto Titsling’.

Sashaying to the stage, Marlena began to belt out a few lines, with Hattie close behind, mocking the motions, and providing the use of props to get in full character for the comedic act that had all the others in tears from the laughter.

“This next story is a true story. It concerns two of my favorite subjects: industrial theft . . . and-a t-ts! Mmm, what a combo! This is the story . . . The inventor of the modern foundation garment that we women wear today was a German scientist and opera lover by the name of Otto Titsling! This is a true story. His name was Otto Titsling. What happened to Otto Titsling shouldn’t happen to a schnauzer. It’s a very sad story. I feel I have to share it with you.”

Otto Titsling, inventor and kraut,

had nothing to get very worked up about.

His inventions were failures, his future seemed bleak.

He fled to the opera at least twice a week.

One night at the opera he saw an Aida

who’s t-ts were so big they would often impede her.

Bug-eyed he watched her fall into the pit,

done in by the weight of those terrible t-ts.

Oh, my god! There she blows!

Aerodynamically this bitch was a mess.

Otto eyeballed the diva lying comatose amongst the reeds,

and he suddenly felt the fire of inspiration

flood his soul. He knew what he had to do!

He ran back to his workshop

where he futzed and futzed and futzed.

For Otto Titsling had found his quest:

to lift and mold the female breast;

to point the small ones to the sky;

to keep the big ones high and dry!

Every night he’d sweat and snort

searching for the right support.

He tried some string and paper clips.

Hey! He even tried his own two lips!

Well, he stitched and he slaved

and he slaved and he stitched

until finally one night, in the wee hours of morning,

Otto arose from his workbench triumphant.

Yes! He had invented the worlds first

over-the-shoulder-boulder-holder. Hooray!

Exhausted but ecstatic he ran

down the street to the diva’s house

bearing the prototype in his hot little hand.

Now, the diva did not want to try the darn thing on.

But, after many initial misgivings,

she finally did.

And the sigh of relief that issued forth

from the diva’s mouth

was so loud that it was mistaken by some

to be the early onset of the Siroccan Winds

which would often roll through the Schwarzwald with a vengeance!

Ahhhhh-i!

But little did Otto know,

at the moment of his greatest triumph,

lurking under the diva’s bed

was none other than the very worst

of the French patent thieves,

Philippe DeBrassiere.

And Phil was watching the scene

with a great deal of interest!

Later that night, while our Brun Hilda slept,

into the wardrobe Philippe softly crept.

He fumbled through knickers and corsets galore,

’til he found Otto’s titsling and he ran out the door.

Crying, “Oh, my god! What joy! What bliss!

I’m gonna make me a million from this!

Every woman in the world will wanna buy one.

I can have all the goods manufactured in Taiwan.”

“Oh, thank you!”

The result of this swindle is pointedly clear:

Do you buy a titsling or do you buy a brassiere?

“Ohhh! Thank you!”

****

“Our next act for this evening really needs no introduction. They’re 3 of Salem’s most beautiful residents. You know them best as Shawn, Brady, and Chloe, but tonight, you’re gonna know them as ‘Brady Black Lane’, performing their own rendition of Blondie’s ‘One way, or Another!’

One way or another, I’m gonna find ya

I’m gonna get cha, get cha get cha, get cha

One way or another, I’m gonna win ya

I’m gonna get cha, get cha get cha, get cha

One day mayber next week I’m gonna meet cha,

I’m gonna meetcha, I’ll meet cha

Brady worked his magic on the guitar as Shawn glided ovet the piano keys and Chloe put one helluva show, singing and dancing across the stage, as everyone watched and cheered on their local talent.

I will drive past your house

And if the lights are all down

I’ll see who’s around

“Those kids really are something else, aren’t they?” Hattie asked as she sippd her bottled water, and walked over to stand with Nancy and Marlena.

One way or another, I’m gonna find ya

I’m gonna get cha, get cha get cha, get cha

One way or another, I’m gonna win ya

I’ll get cha, I’ll get cha

One way or another I’m gonna see ya

I’m gonna meet cha, meet cha, meet cha, meet cha

“Yes they sure are,” Marlena replied, as Nancy nodded in agreement.

“Ya know, I think this show might be successful after all,” Nancy smiled proudly.

“Good, then John could buy me some nice diamond earrings to match the necklace I got for Christmas.” Marlena teased.

One day mayber next week

I’m gonna meet cha,I’ll meet cha

“Doctor Evans, there’s a call for you up front, they said it’s urgent,” the host of the Penthouse Grille informed her.

“I’ll be right there,” Marlena said, as she excused herself from the other ladies, and headed into the lobby.

And if the lights are all out

I’ll follow your bus downtown

See who’s hangin’ round

“Hello?”

One way or another

I’m gonna lose ya

I’m gonna give you the slip

A slip of the hip or another

I’m gonna lose ya

I’m gonna trick ya I’ll trick ya

One way or another

I’m gonna lose ya

I’m gonna trick ya, trick ya

Trick ya, trick ya

One way or another

I’m gonna lose ya

I’m gonna give you the slip

“Hello? I’m sorry, you have to speak up, I can’t hear your over the music!” Marlena yelled, as she tried to cover her eyes and block out the external sounds.

I’ll walk down the mall

Stand over by the wall

Where I can see it all

Find out who you call

Lead you to the supermarket

Check out some specials and rap

Then get lost in the crowd

“One day, next week, I’m gonna find ya, I’m gonna kill ya, kill ya, kill ya, kill ya.”

“You son of a bitch!”

“Haha, hello to you, too, Doc! Did ya miss me? I missed you!”

“You’re not gonna get to me, John won’t let you!” she sobbed into the phone, as tears streamed down her angelic cheeks.

“Oh ya wanna bet? ‘One way or another, Doc, I’m gonna find ya, I’m gonna getcha gethca getcha getcha.'”

One way or another

(Where I can see it all

Find out who you call)

I’m gonna get cha, I’ll get cha

I’ll get cha, get cha, get cha, get cha

Belle Black walked out of the main room in the Penthouse Grill in need of air. She had spent the last hour working on her Britney Spears imitation while trying to keep Chloe off of Shawn as much as she could. She was about to walk to the elevators when she heard sobbing in the corner, tiptoeing over to see who it was. The tears were faint at first, getting louder as she became near. The woman sat hunched in a corner, her blonde hair falling over her face as she sat with her head in between her legs, her body shivering despite the heat inside the building.

“Mom?” Belle asked softly as she moved towards her.

Marlena looked up, her costume still woven onto her slender body, dark black mascara running down her cheeks as moisture pooled in her hazel eyes. She looked as if she was seven, alone in the world, lost from all she had known. Belle sat down, stroking her mother’s hair, letting her arms wrap around her.

“You okay? Do you want me to call Daddy?”

Marlena shook her head and took a deep breath, pulling her daughter closer. “No, he can’t come running to me every second. I’m so sorry you have to be put through this. I’m supposed to be protecting you and all I have done is feel sorry for myself and worry you even more. I’ve been a pretty lousy mother lately huh?” Marlena asked, kissing her daughter’s golden hair.

“You’re never a lousy mother, Mom. You couldn’t be. And sure I’m worried but I’d be a horrible daughter if I wasn’t. There has never been a time in my life when you weren’t there for me, with the exception of that softball game you missed when I was seven cause you were with a patient,” Belle teased. “But even then you tried so hard to make it. You may be my mother but you aren’t the one who always has to protect me. Maybe, I should be the one protecting you and if I knew how, if I knew what to say or do to help you I would. I’ve never really told you this Mom, but you’re one of my best friends. I know that is so cheesy because you’re my mom but you aren’t like most moms. You listen when I talk, you gossip with me, you shop with me and without you I would be so lost. I love you,” Belle whispered, tears falling from her blue eyes.

“I love you too baby, I love you too,” Marlena cried as she rocked her daughter in her arms, scared for both of them because in her heart she was to scared to try and fight off this madman.

****

John sat inside his bedroom, his laptop on his lap as she scrolled through the latest stock quotes. It had been a slow day at the cop shop and Marlena had rehearsal for another hour. The ‘You’ve Got Mail’ sound alerted him as he jumped up, his hand moving instantly to his heart.

“Oh my God, that can give someone a heart attack,” he muttered, pushing the little button on the top of his screen. “Who do I have mail from anyway, I have no friends.”

He opened his email from an unknown name and watched as a picture started to unravel before him. He stared at it for a second, baffled, as he scrolled down to see if anything was written. The email was blank besides the picture as John looked at the two women intently. One was of Marlena, the blonde hair, the hazel eyes but there was something about her that was different . . . the glaze in her eyes was not the sparkle of Marlena’s. It was more evil, more mysterious . . . and the face on the right was unrecognizeable. There was something that seemed familiar but John couldn’t put his finger on it.

“What the hell is this supposed to mean?” John asked shutting off the computer and grabbing his car keys in search of some answers.

“Doc,” John called out as he stepped slowly into the darkened bedroom. He had rushed home as soon as Brady had called with the news from the rehearsal. He cursed himself over and over again for not being there, but at least the clue he had received on line was something to go on, even if it wasn’t much.

“I told Brady not to call you,” she replied as she walked in from the bathroom, clad in a bathrobe and pajamas. “I didn’t want you to worry.”

“Marlena, how could I *not* worry about you with this maniac on the loose?” he questioned, as he took a few steps closer towards her. “I love you *so* much sweetheart and I’ve almost lost you too many times over stupid mistakes, I am *not* about to let that happen again. I have come too far to let anyone stand in our way, including Kyle Parks,” he pledged with assurance, as he wrapped his arms around her slender waist and kissed her forehead lovingly. “Please believe that, baby.”

“How can I?” she asked, as tears began to well up in her hazel orbs. “How can I when I have this sick bastard calling me and telling me detail by detail how he intends to slash my throat in revenge of my sister’s death, a death *I* caused!” she screamed, as she pulled from his embrace, and turned towards the terrace.

“Stop it!” he yelled back, as he used his strong grasp, to fling her back in his direction, “You are *not* responsible for Samantha’s death, Marlena! That was Jake Kostichek’s doing, *not* yours!”

“He thought he was killing *me* John! She died because of *me*!”

“No she died because he was a *sick* and *twisted* individual with a vile plan gone wrong. You had *no* control over his actions, Marlena. And ya know what? If it was your fault, you wouldn’t feel such guilt and turmoil about it happening. You’re just such an *amazing*, emotional, and caring person, that you’re blaming yourself for other people’s actions. Honey, you didn’t hurt Sam. You didn’t hurt Jake Kostichek, and you sure as hell did not hurt Kyle Parks. None of those things are your fault. *None*.”

John spoke in a firm tone, making sure their gazes were locked in such a way that she could stare deep into his soul and see his vulnerability, knowing every word he’d just uttered was the complete and absolute honest truth.

“Then why do I feel so guilty?” she asked, as she sniffed back the tears, “Why can’t I go to sleep at night?”

“Because you’re scared, Doc. And you have every right to be. This son of a bitch has brought up so many painfully gruesome memories of the past, and now, he’s making you fear the future,” he consoled, as he once again pulled her into his warm embrace. “But you know what, Marlena? We can’t fear the future, we can only pray for the best, and prepare for the worst. But I promise you, as long as I am living and breathing, I will *not* let that bastard get to you. I love you too much to let something happen to you. I won’t let you live in fear anymore, baby. I won’t do that to you.”

“Hearing you say it makes me believe it,” she said with a smile, as she wiped the stray tears from her eyes.

“Good,” he nodded, his heart filling with joy to see her smiling again. “But now, I have to ask you about something I got on line today. Think you’re up to it?”

“Was it from *him*?” she asked, as a lump began to develop in her throat.

John nodded, as he reached for the manilla envelope he had set on the dresser and handed Marlena the photograph that rested inside.

“Doc, I need to know when you took that photograph?”

Surveying the picture slowly, Marlena ran her fingers across the printed surface, staring in utter disbelief. Feeling as chills cascaded up her spine, and the tears once again formed in her eyes, she replied to his question, in a voice that was almost incoherent over the sobs that had overtook her body in an instant.

“That’s not me John,” she cried, as she began to break down hysterically, and threw herself into his arms, burying her head in his shoulder, and trembling in his grasp. “It’s Sam.”

Marlena sat in her bedroom, fingering the picture of Samantha. They looked so much alike . . . growing up they would always switch places to trick other people, if a boy had broken one of their hearts, the other would fight him in defense of her sister, but in a whirlwind, the two halves became two seperare people. But as time passed and they got older things began to change . . . Sam had run off to wherever to try and persue acting and Marlena had stayed in Colorado eventually moving to Salem to start up her career. Her thoughts were interrupted by the opening of her bedroom door, John walking in, clad in a tux, his hair buzzed along his neck. Marlena spun around, managing to smile.

“Well, don’t we look handsome,” she teased, getting up to straighten out his tie. “You ready to see my duet tonight? It involves a bra and some underwear and nothing else,” she winked laughing.

“Now ain’t that sexy,” he grinned. “But seriously, Mar, are you sure you want to do this? Kyle will most likely be there and . . .”

“And nothing,” she interrupted him, sitting down.”Look John, if Kyle doesn’t get me tonight, he gets me another night, I’d rather be somewhere where all of Salem will be, including the captian and commander of the police department. Are you afraid?” she asked honestly.

“No,” John shrugged, “Whatever, we’ll get him, it’s no big deal.”

Marlena turned his head towards her and smiled, running her fingers along his cheek. “You can’t lie to me. It’s okay to be scared baby, it shows that you care. I’m afraid,” she said quietly. “I mean I know you, Abe, and Roman will be there and you know I trust all three of you with my life but evil seems to always win out over good in this town.”

“That’s not true, I mean look at us, Doc. Stefano has tried for so long to break us apart and yeah he has succeeded but in the end, we always come back to each other right? Don’t be afraid Marlena, because I would give my *life* to protect you,” he replied honestly.

“I guess that’s what scares me, what if he comes after me and you try and protect me and . . . and something happens to you,” she whispered as tears began to form in her eyes.

“Hey,” he said, lifting in her chin, “Listen to me okay? *Nothing* is going to happen to me, God would not let me leave you, not after all of this! I promise you baby, I will be here, never, *ever* doubt that! Promise me that?”

“I promise,” she whispered, taking her hand in his own. “Now what do you say we get outta here. Belle and Brady are already at the Grill practicing, may as well get tonight over with as soon as possible.”

“I’ll be right down,” John smiled, watching as she walked from the room. He walked out onto the balcony, looking up into the sky as the clouds began to roll in. “Please God, please keep her safe . . .”

“Hey Partner,” John called out as he and Marlena stepped off the elevator to the Penthouse Grille, both dressed exceptionally well for the occasion.

“Hey you two look great! Lex is already backstage helping everyone get ready. Things look wonderful tonight, I am sure everything will go well,” Abe acknowledged with a smile, as he shook hands with his dear friends.

“I hope so, I really do. This is for such a great cause. So if you gentlemen will excuse me, I need to go primp for my big number. Later, boys.” Marlena bid goodbye, stopping to give John a light kiss and patted his shoulder lovingly.

“Hey, just be careful baby,” John asked worriedly.

“Of course I will and I have you here to protect me,” she replied, as she blew one last kiss, and then headed off.

“Still worried this guy is gonna strike tonight, aren’t ya buddy?”

“I’m almost certain, Abraham. I am almost certain.”

*****

“Mom, you’re *finally* here!” Belle called out giddily, as she ran over to embrace her mother.

“Oh my sweet baby girl!” Marlena cried with joy, as she looked at her gorgeous daughter standing before her in full costume. “You look so beautiful. My little baby is all grown up!”

“Mom!” Belle exclaimed, as tears welled up in her mother’s eyes.

“I’m sorry, Sweetie. I won’t cry, I promise,” she said as she sniffled and lightly dabbed her eyes. “See, I’m fine.”

“Good, cause we have a show to do and tonight is gonna be something that Salem will *not* soon forget.”

“Oh baby,” Marlena sighed, as she wrapped her arms around her little girl. “I just hope they remember it for the good things. I pray for that.”

****

“So far, so good,” Abe reported, as he took a seat beside John, who’d drifted off into his own dream world.

“What was that?” he asked, as he woke himself from the trance.

“I said so far, so good security wise. And since everything is okay here, I need to run back to the station for another case. I should be back in a few hours, try to relax Partner. We got this under control.”

“Ha, I wish I could. But I won’t rest until that son of a *bitch* trying to get to Doc is behind bars.”

“He will be, you can count on that.”

“Yea I know, but is that before he strikes or after?”

*****

“Marlena?” Hattie called, as she knocked on the door of her dressing room.

“Hattie, come in honey!” she smiled, as she set her make up aside, and fastened her robe as she walked towards the door. “Are ya nervous?”

“Just a little, I should be better before tonight though. At least, I hope I am.”

“Oh, don’t be silly! You will do fine, just like the rehearsal!”

“Yea, but I feel the pressure of messing up on the real thing, ya know?”

“Yea. But, I just try to focus on our performance. Get my mind off the bad things,” she replied sadly, as she reached for the photograph of Sam on the vanity and looked at it sadly.

“What’s that?” Hattie asked curiously.

“It’s a picture,” Marlena said as she extended her hand towards her friend, “It’s of-“

“Me.”

****

“Dammit, John! Pull yourself together!” he yelled at himself, as he threw cold water on his face and took a long, hard look at his reflection in the mirror. “Marlena can be strong and you have to be strong, too. They won’t hurt her. *You* won’t let them.”

Taking a deep breath, he stood there solemnly. Trying to compose his thoughts, mentally racing over all the clues in a desperate search to find the *one* missing piece to this puzzle.

“Never overlook the obvious,” he mumbled in frustration as he paced the deserted restroom. “What the *hell* am I so obviously overlooking!” he questioned angrily as he pounded his fist into the counter, and then gazed into the mirror once more, unkowningly about to embark on the *one* thing staring him in the face all along.

There it was, pasted to the wall of the Men’s room. The poster. “SALEM UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL FUNDRAISER, FEATURING THE DUET OR DR. MARLENA EVANS-BLACK AND HATTIE MASROF.”

That’s what it said, clear as day. Nothing suspicious to the human eye, until you saw it through the looking glass. At that moment, John turned back to the mirror, making sure his eyes weren’t deceiving him.

“MASROF, for Sam.”

Uttering the words that faced him on the other side, his mind began to race with all the events of this past several weeks, as everything *slowly* fell together, piece by piece.

The obvious, he’s after me. Trying to make up for Sam’s death. It was my fault. Nice to meet you, Likewise. Never overlook the obvious. I’m gonna getcha, getcha, getcha. MAROF, for Sam.

The words, the warnings, the threats, the headlines, *finally.* it all made sense.

“Dammit!” he yelled as he reached for his cell phone and dialed it as quickly as possible. “Abe? It’s John I want everything you can find on Hattie Masrof, and I want it *now*!”

****

“No, Hattie.” Marlena said with a laugh, “That’s my sister, Samantha.”

“I didn’t mean that one, Marlena,” Hattie replied, as she shook her head no, and pointed to a small, slender, brunette in the background, with a slight smile draped across her face. “I mean *that* one.”

Looking at her in confusion, Marlena took one last look at the picture, and then Hattie before she finally understood what was about to happen. Tears trickled down her frightened face, as she pleaded to the only person who could save her now.

“Oh my, God..”

Marlena felt as the cold pistol met the tip of her temple as Hattie held a gun to her head, chills running throughout her body as Hattie dragged her outside the dressing room into the large ballroom. One by one, all eyes started to focus on Marlena and Hattie, a couple people laughing knowing that Marlena and Hattie were the ones to open up the talent show, just thinking it was some type of joke, that was until John Black ran into the room, a gun placed firmly in his hands.

“Put it down, Hattie,” John screamed as the entire ballroom looked on, Belle and Brady both in fear of both their parents lives.

“You come anywhere near me Black, I’ll shoot your precious wife,” Hattie sneared, putting her fingeron the trigger.

“Why are you doing this to me?” Marlena cried as she bit down on her lower lip. “What did I ever do to you?”

“You lived and my best friend died,” Hattie explained, bringing Marlena up on the stage. “When I was seven I was put into a mental institution. Do you know how cruel that is to a seven year old? They doctors said I had some mental disorder, I was seven and they put me into a padded room with nothing but restraints to keep me down. I stayed in that damn place until I was 30! I lived a life in a padded cell and I hated my parents for doing that to me, but when I was 29, I met the best friend a girl could ever have. Samantha wasn’t insane, she was just misunderstood and when she got out she swore she would never lose touch with me. The day I got out, the *day* I was able to live again, I promised I would find Sam but do you know what the first thing I saw when I got out was? DO YOU?” she screamed as Marlena whimpered, her heart rate rapid. “I saw your sister had died because they all thought she was *you!* And I knew, I just knew one day I would get my revenge on you, it’s what kept me sane . . .” Hattie laughed and threw her head back. “Well I guess I shouldn’t say sane, but you know,” she winked.

“But I was with you when Ky . . . when you called. I heard the voice, it was a male’s voice, how . . .”

“The male voice was a machine, it was such an amazing trick, who would ever think it was a female doing all this? And the calling was set to a timer, done purposly everytime I was with you. Now who would ever think it was me when I was right beside you helping you through this horrible ordeal in your life,” she mocked.

“But Hattie, I didn’t kill Samantha, how could think I’d want my sister to die?”

“I don’t care what you wanted,” she replied snidely. “I care that the *one* person who was there for me when I had no one else died when it should have been have been you! I hate you for that and you’re going to pay for it.”

“Leave my mother alone,” Belle screamed, tears streaming from her eyes as she started for the stage, Brady pulling her back in his arms.

“Shhh,” Brady soothed, gathering his sister as she fell into his arms. “Dad, will take care of this, I promise,” he said.

“Aw, I’m so sorry kiddies, but your father can’t take care of this! Good old John Black is nothing but a wanna be a cop. I mean, how dumb are you? Did you not figure that there was something a little strange with me looking *extactly* like Samantha? This was so much easier than I had expected,” Hattie laughed.

“What the hell do you want Hattie?” John asked moving foward, the gun still in his hand. “Do you really think you can get away with this? This place will have cops crawling in about five minutes, all lined with guns do you really want to risk that? Just let Marlena go and we’ll make a deal of some sort.”

“A deal?” she replied snidely, a laugh escaping her lips. “What deal is that John? To bring Sam back? The only deal I want is the deal I promised Sam and that was to kill her sister! You know Marlena, you really are just a petty doctor, but I must say you’ve had your moments in which I thought maybe we could be friends. You remind me a lot of Sam and there were times I felt like I was with her . . . but then I remembered why I was here in the first place and I will not let you get away with that! So goodbye Doctor Evans,” Hattie said pulling down on the trigger.

“Noooo,” John screamed, “Doc, watch out.”

John postioned his gun in place as he held the pistol up. Hattie realized what he was doing and moved the gun from Marlena’s temple to John. “Nevermind, Johnny Boy is going first,” she yelled as two shots were heard in the room.

“Dad!!” Belle screamed as her father fell onto the ground, blood oozing through his shirt. She looked towards her mother and Hattie and noticed them both on the floor blood surrounding them. “Brady, I think they’ve both been shot,” she yelled as she ran over to her mother, while Brady ran to John, both of them unsure if their parents were alive or what was about to follow.

“Oh dear, God!” Belle cried out, as tears streamed down her face, and she flung herself over her mother’s frail body.

“She’s dead,” Brady said as he swallowed hard, and moved over to examine his father. “She shot him, and he shot her.”

“What about, Mom?” she asked as she glazed over Hattie’s lifeless body.

“She’s not bleeding from a gunshot wound,” Brady informed, as he gently tapped the small trickle of blood from her forehead. “She must of hit her head during the fall.”

“And Daddy?” she asked, choked up, “Is he?”

“He’s still breathing. She got him in the shoulder. He should be okay.”

“Brady!” Abe called as he and the squad moved in to take over. Stopping in front of the pool of blood in the middle of the room, as the onlookers glared in shock of what had just erupted in the last several moments.

“I want everyone to clear the room! You will all be taken outside for questioning. In the mean time, everyone out, now!” Abe instructed, as he sent the paramedics to tend to the three injured.

****

“Craig, how are my Mom and Dad?” Belle questioned anxiously, as she and Brady watched the Doctor emerge from ICU.

“Well, your Dad lost a lot of blood from the gunshot wound. We managed to get the bullet out of him, but he needed a transfusion. We’re monitoring his condition for the time being.”

“What about Mom?”

“Marlena suffered a light concussion from the fall, she’s resting now, but she should be better in no time.”

“May we see them?”

“Sure, but not too long and one at a time, okay? This has been a very traumatizing night. For *all* of you.”

“Ha, who you telling?” Brady asked with an ironic laugh.

“She’s in room 319. He’s in ICU2. Fifteen minutes, okay? You can see John more in the morning,” Craig noted, as he quickly jotted on his chart.

“Okay, thank you.”

“I’ll see Dad first and you Mom?” Brady asked Belle, as she nodded in acceptance, and the two headed off to visit with their beloved parents.

****

“Dad?” Brady called, as he walked into ICU to see his father there, monitors beeping all around, the color drawn from his face, as he turned to look at him, and smiled weakly.

“Hey, Sport.”

“You okay?” he asked worriedly, as he pulled a chair up beside the bed.

“Never been better,” he teased, in between deep breaths.

“Very funny, tonight was uhh, unforgettable, to say the least,” Brady acknowledged, as he shook his head still in disbelief of the events.

“Yea, but all that’s over now. Hattie’s gone. Marlena is safe. And from here on out, life is a fairytale,” he said, with a bright smile. “We’ve gotten past the obstacles, so let’s just sit back and enjoy the happily ever after.”

****

Opening the door slowly, the young girl crept into Marlena’s room, to find her asleep, with a bandage attached to her forehead, and sighs of pain escaping her lips.

Walking towards the bed slowly, Belle smiled and said a silent prayer to God for watching over her parents, and saving them on this fateful night. Brushing the hair from from Marlena’s face, she leaned down and placed the sweetest, most tender of kisses on her mother’s forehead.

“I love you forever, like you always, as long as I’m living, my baby, you’ll be,” Belle quoted from their favorite book, as she pressed her cheek to Marlena’s and smiled.

“Mmmm?” Marlena groaned, as she began to toss and turn in her sleep, causing Belle to pull away and stand beside Brady. “Hatties’, she, Ky, sh did it,” Marlena moaned as she slipped in and out of consciousness, with Belle behind her gently caressing her face.

“Shh, we know, Mom,” she whispered, as she walked back towards the bed. “It’s over now, we won.”

****

Meanwhile, in the gloomy dark night sky of Colorado, the clouds bathed over the earth, and the downpour of rain threatened to spill at any given moment.

Alone, a single person crept through the shadows of the night, making their way through the run down cemetery. Clad in a trenchcoat, clutching but a mere black rose, almost as death itself were paying a visit to one already resting in peace.

It stopped at it’s destination, and wiped the fallen leaves and dirt from the cold, faded tombstone. Reading aloud the words engraved, as the placed the rose along the headstone, and vowed one final promise.

“Samantha Evans….Died 1980. Marlena Evans…..Died 2000.” The monotone, and erie voice spoke firmly, as it laughed after it’s last shocking, and frightening comment.

“You may have won this time, *Doc*. But next time, not even the Lord can save you from the hell you’re gonna face. They thought Hattie was a shock, wait til I *really* give ’em something to talk about.”