Killing Time – By GearJamGranny

“So who’s going to call him?” Hope rolled her eyes at Bo.

“I will, since I’m the only one in the room who thinks she’s innocent.” Hope stalked out of the hospital cubicle and left Bo and Lexie staring after her. She crossed the corridor to the pay phones and dialed the cell phone number.

“John Black.” Hope hesitated slightly.

“John, it’s Hope. You need to come to the hospital right away.”

“What’s going on?”

“Just please come through the ER entrance. I’ll be waiting for you.” She hung the black phone back in the cradle and walked to where the other two were.

“He’s on his way.”

 

John turned the jeep around and headed for the hospital. He schooled his features and when he arrived he asked the nurse behind the desk where Hope was. She met him in the hallway.

“Hope?”

“John, it’s Marlena. She was brought in shortly before I called you.”

“Is she all right?” Hope hesitated again. “Dammit, Hope, is she all right? What’s wrong with her?” Hope’s eyes filled with tears.

“I don’t know how to tell you this, but she’s dead John.”

“Where is she?” He followed Hope to the curtained cubicle where the pale death mask lay over the woman in the bed. Her throat was bandaged with blood soaked gauze. It was the only imperfection John could find on her. He stared for a long moment and turned to Bo.

“Tell me everything.” John was doing his best to keep it together.

“Her throat was slashed. The coroner estimates that she died within ten minutes of being stabbed. When she was brought in they did a preliminary examination on her. Results should be back soon.” John was staring at the bed, not really seeing anything.

“Where did you find her?”

“The alley behind Salem Place. Almost the same spot where Jack was killed.”

“Poetic justice if you ask me.” John shot daggers at Lexie.

“No one did.” John gave a look of thanks to Hope.

“If anything this should prove that my wife is innocent.” The curtain was pulled back even farther.

“No one would listen to me, and now my mom is dead. That bastard killed both my parents. Uncle Bo, why is he still here, arrest him, send him to the gas chamber, let me kill him myself.” Bo had a hold of Sami. When she looked at the woman lying on the bed, all else was forgotten. Sami broke into hysterical sobs, and John wanted nothing more than to wrap his arms around her, but he knew she would never allow it. “Peanut, I am so sorry. I hope when this is all over, you’ll be able to forgive me.” Another person entered the small space then. Lexie addressed him.

“Jim, do you know anything?” The pathology doctor introduced himself.

“Yes, I do. I’m Dr. Norton.” He turned to John and extended a hand. “Mr. Black?” John nodded. “I’m sorry we’re meeting like this. We found quite a bit out with the little time we’ve taken. Of course we’ll be more extensive once the body is released to us from the family.” Sami’s sobs grabbed everyone’s attention. Hope placed a hand on the younger girl’s shoulder. “We know from the angle of the knife wound that Dr. Evans was killed by someone her own height or slightly shorter. Also, the skin fragments under her fingernails were tested and the DNA is female. We have no matches in the computer however. And we did a DNA match, just to be sure that the victim was Dr. Evans. It was conclusive. The woman in there is indeed Dr. Marlena Evans.” Sami had been staring at Dr. Norton since he announced that the person responsible for her mother’s death was a woman.

“You must be wrong. John Black killed my mother.” The doctor shook his head.

“I know my DNA young lady. The person who struggled with Dr. Evans just before her death was a woman.” John stared into space, trying to collect his thoughts, trying to keep a tight rein on his emotions. He walked to the bed, leaned down and stroked the pale face.

“I promise to find the person responsible for this.” He turned on his heel and was almost to the door, when Bo’s voice made him turn around.

“Don’t even think of trying to interfere in a police matter, John.” John’s fists clenched reflexively at his sides.

“If you had done your job in the first place Bo, she might not be here awaiting an autopsy. I will find out who wanted my wife dead, and if I have to bulldoze over you in the process, then so be it.” With that John headed to the penthouse. He took a deep breath before turning the key in the lock and entering the silent apartment that hadn’t been shared by him and Marlena for months. As he surveyed the room, his mind replayed memories of happier times.

“Baby, I promise to find this monster. I’m going to put an end to this madness.” His thoughts were met with an overwhelming quiet.

Not able to take where his thoughts were going, he left the penthouse for Salem Place. He was having coffee at the Java Café when he saw her. John shook his head at her attire, and then a thought struck him. He approached her and took her by the elbow.

“I need to talk to you.” She swung her arm out of his grip, knocking him in the shoulder with her palm.

“We got nothin’ to discuss.” Her mouth was chewing the pink bubblegum furiously. John swallowed his pride.

“Please, Hattie. Look, you’ve got every right to be angry with me for thinking that you were the serial killer, but I will do everything and anything to clear my wife’s name.” They had a small group of people trying to look inconspicuous as they listened to the unfolding drama. Hattie gave him a retiring look.

“Yeah, well, tryin’ to pin it on me was a stupid move. Look, I’ve got shoppin’ to do.” She turned but John grabbed her elbow again. Hattie tried to free herself, but John’s grip was more intense this time. He saw fear in her eyes, and for a minute all he wanted to do was erase it. He shook his head to clear the cobwebs of confusion.

“What if I pay you for your time, and the help I need?” The mention of money got her attention.

“Barty Boy told me you were pretty rich. What are we talkin’ here? A few grand?”

“We can set that up later. Will you help me?” She couldn’t tear her eyes away from his, so intense were they in their determination.

“Yeah, but you gotta treat me with respect. I am a human being after all.”

“Fine. Let’s go.” John ushered her to his Jeep, carefully watched by a hidden person. John knew Bo was there, but chose not to confront the man who thought he was being so cloak and dagger.

 

“Ruis, this is Brady. I want a tail on John Black…Yeah, 24-7…put another tail on Hattie Adams…Yeah, I thought she was gone too, but I just saw her with John and I want to know what they’re up too…report in every two hours.” Bo clicked off his cell and went back to the hospital to check on the autopsy.

 

When they arrived at the penthouse, John watched as she set her purse on the table and took off her shoes, placing them on the bottom step. The actions were so incongruous with her clothing he laughed out loud. She turned to him, her head cocked to the side in bewilderment.

“What are you laughing at?” He couldn’t help himself; he took her in his arms with all his strength.

“I was just watching you as you ran through your normal habit after coming home, but the way you’re dressed just doesn’t quite fit the routine.” She glanced down at the low rise jeans, tight green shirt, and leather jacket.

“No, I guess the clothes aren’t really me, are they? How long do you think I’ll have to pretend?” He took her hand and led her to the couch. He sat down and placed her between his straddled legs, holding her close.

“I wish I knew.” Marlena looked up at him.

“You haven’t told me yet. How did Hattie die, and how did you know before Hope called you?” John looked into his wife’s eyes. There was no accusation. His mind rewound to the alley behind Salem Place.

“I was cutting through the alley behind Salem Place and I found her. At first I panicked, thinking it was you, but then I remembered that I had just spoken to you and you were here. I had to be sure though, because she was dressed like you, so I checked her purse; the ID said Hattie Adams. I took the ID and some other things out of her handbag, and then tossed the bag in the dumpster. Doc, I felt bad leaving her there like that, but I knew that if everyone thought that you were dead, it would buy me some time to prove your innocence. Sami was so devastated at the hospital, and I wanted so badly to tell her, but I couldn’t. I can’t risk it.” Marlena ran her hand over his cheek.

“How did you convince them that it was me at the hospital? I would think that Lexie would have ordered a DNA test.”

“She did.” Marlena looked at John, a million questions in her eyes. “I called in a favor with Shane and he hacked the mainframe at the hospital.” Marlena made John look at her then.

“John, you still didn’t tell me how or why Hattie died, but if she was dressed like me, then maybe that means…”

”Yeah. Someone thought it was you. Doc, her throat was slit, and there was nothing missing, so it wasn’t a botched robbery. Whoever did this wanted you dead. That’s why you got that frantic phone call from me. I didn’t…” They heard the elevator then and jumped apart. John started pacing, and Marlena plopped herself on the couch facing the front door, her face set in a scowl. The door opened and Belle went flying into her father’s arms. She hadn’t noticed the woman on the couch.

“Dad, why didn’t you call me? Shawn told me about Mom.” She was sobbing uncontrollably and it took everything in Marlena’s power not to run to her baby girl. John was stroking her hair.

“Shh. I’m sorry baby; I was trying to piece everything together, and I came here and got lost for a while. Finally I had to leave, so I went to Salem Place and was going to call you, but again got side tracked.” Marlena spoke, just to stay calm.

“Who you callin’ a side track pal?” Belle looked over John’s shoulder.

“What is she doing here?” The contempt in Belle’s voice was evident.

“I asked for her help. Maybe she can give me information that’s been overlooked. Belle, I’m desperate to clear your mom’s name.”

“I know, I just feel weird around her.” Marlena knew from what John had told her that Hattie would have made a crude remark to Belle, but she just couldn’t do it. She figured that with the state that Belle was in she wouldn’t notice “Hattie’s” silence anyway. Marlena couldn’t take Belle’s pain any longer and went to the balcony for some air.

“Dad, what happened? Shawn didn’t tell me much, not that I would have listened to him bash Mom anyway.” John held his daughter while he explained his theory. Never once during his explanation did he call the woman who was killed Marlena; he used the word “she”. Belle backed out of John’s embrace.

“So you think that the serial killer murdered Mom?” Sami walked in then; she looked defeated, scared, and more vulnerable than either John or Belle had seen her in a very long time. John nudged Belle toward Sami, knowing that she would still probably reject him, but also knowing as a father does, that she needed comfort. The two sisters embraced and cried together. Marlena stayed hidden on the balcony, her heart breaking for her family.

“I’m going to go out on the balcony and let you two talk for a while.” John disappeared through the French doors, closing them behind him, so the girls wouldn’t hear his conversation with Marlena.

 

Belle and Sami sat on the couch, lost in their own remembrances of their mother.

“I called Eric and Carrie. They were the two hardest phone calls I’ve ever made. Eric blamed himself for not being able to give a Mom an alibi. He keeps thinking that if he did, maybe she would still be alive.” Sami was rambling, but Belle let her, knowing that Sami was dealing with her own guilt. “I spent so many years being mad at Mom for choosing John over Dad. I treated her like garbage, but she always loved me.” Sami bolted off of the couch. “Where the hell did it all go wrong? How did I turn into the person I am? Why did Mom even give a damn about me?” Belle looked at Sami for a long moment as the older girl continued to pace, not expecting answers to her questions.

“Sami, we all love you. Sometimes you’re hard to like, but we’re family.” They both laughed a bit at Belle’s answer. Sami’s tears were still coursing down her cheeks.

“I miss Daddy so much, and I was so terrified that John was going to kill Mom that I couldn’t think of anything else. Now she’s gone and it wasn’t John’s fault.” Sami lapsed into silence again. Belle stared at her father through the glass doors. She could see him talking to “Hattie”, but couldn’t hear him.

“Dad would never have hurt Mom. He loved her more than anything else in this world, and now she’s gone.” Sami’s answer surprised both of them.

“I know.” She and Belle looked at each other. “I need to go. I’ll call you later Belle.” Sami was in emotionally foreign territory and her easiest course of action was to retreat. She gave Belle a quick hug and practically ran out the door. Belle stared after Sami in bewilderment. She shook her head and knocked on the balcony doors. John opened them and came back into the apartment.

“Did Sami leave?”

“Yeah, she and I were talking and then she just ran out.”

“Was she all right?”

“As much as any of us. It was like she was afraid of what she was feeling. We were talking about how you would have never hurt Mom and she agreed with me, and then she left.”

“I’ll try calling her later. Don’t know if it’ll help.” John shrugged his shoulders. “So how are you holding up?”

“I feel like there’s a part of me missing.” John took her in his arms.

“I know what you mean. Whenever your mom and I are apart, I feel like a part of me is gone. I just don’t function the same. What do you say we grab dinner later, maybe invite Sami along?” He kissed her forehead.

“I’d like that. I’ll talk to you later.” She headed out the door, but stopped and took a look around at everything that was so reminiscent of her mother. “I’ll see you later Dad.”

When she was gone, Marlena came back into the living room, her face streaked with tears. John enfolded her in his arms.

“I’m sorry this is so hard for you.”

“I just hate seeing them in so much pain.”

“I know, me too, but hopefully it won’t go on for too long.”

 

The phone at the Kiriakis mansion rang, and Nicole picked it up on the second ring.

“Hello?”

“It’s done.” There was no point in telling her that Dr. Evans was already dead when he found her. It was the easiest fifty grand he had ever made. “When do I get my money?”

“Tomorrow, on the pier behind the Brady Pub. Be there at ten p.m.” She disconnected and a small smile crossed her lips.

John gave Marlena a kiss on her temple, then picked up the phone to call Sami.

“Hello?” Her voice was thick with tears.

“Sami, it’s John.” He paused, wanting to judge her reaction. There was very little.

“Yes?” John took a deep breath and plunged ahead.

“Belle and I were talking after you left. I’d like to take you both out to dinner tonight. I know how you feel about me Sami, but your mother deserves a memorial service and I would like, she would have liked for you to help with it. I’m sorry, I know this is hard, and I’ll understand if you don’t want to come to dinner…” John was stumbling for words, and Sami smiled slightly in spite of her hurt.

“I think I would like to help plan Mom’s service.” It wasn’t “I’d like to see you.”, but it was enough for now.

“All right. Would you like me to pick you up, or would you like to meet us at the Penthouse Grille?” Sami hesitated.

“I’ll meet you. What time?”

“How about six?”

“I’ll be there.” There was another pause. “Thanks John.” She disconnected before John could say anything. He held the phone in his hand for a moment before placing it on the table. Marlena wrapped an arm around his shoulders. She noticed the small pools forming in his eyes.

“John?” He looked at her and couldn’t hold back any longer. He crushed her to him and sobbed into her hair and shoulder.

“Oh, golly. I never thought about how hard this would be for you. Honey, I’m so sorry.” His sobs started to subside and he pulled back, bracing her face in between both of his palms. His face was damp with the fallen tears.

“I’m walking between two worlds here. In one, you’re alive, but I can’t celebrate that life. I need to keep you hidden so that I don’t lose you to frantic mourners, over zealous cops, or some psychotic murderess. In the other life, you’re dead and I’m lost and alone, and all I keep thinking about is how much time we’ve wasted lately. Doc, I have lived my life without you before. I won’t do it again. I can’t. I have to do everything I can to ensure your safety, and that means lying to our children, our friends, to myself. I keep asking myself if I’m doing the right thing, if the end justifies the means. Your life, your freedom, that’s all that matters.” He pulled her back into his arms and kissed her temple, her cheek, and finally her mouth. It was a soft kiss, full of tenderness, love, and trust. The months of abstinence from each other ignited their passion and the kiss became carnal and possessive. With great difficulty, John tore his mouth from Marlena’s. They sat there with their foreheads connected, their fingers intertwined as their breathing slowly returned to normal.

“Why did you stop?” He traced her jaw with his index finger.

“Baby, believe me, I didn’t want to, but I hurt you, big time, and I need to make up for that, otherwise I’m going to feel like I’m taking advantage of you. Does that make sense?” She placed her fingertips over his lips and traced them gently.

“Yes, but I think I would enjoy the way you take advantage of me.” He smiled into her twinkling amber eyes.

“Soon. Once we see the light at the end of this mess.” He kissed her again and then ran upstairs to get ready for dinner with Sami and Belle. Marlena sat on the couch, her faith in her husband fully restored, and knowing that he believed in her with every fiber of his being.

 

John picked Belle up and they met Sami at the Grille. The two girls hugged, but John held back and just rubbed Sami’s shoulder in greeting.

“I’m glad you’re here Sami.” He could see her emotions fighting behind her blue eyes.

“So am I John. Thanks for including me.” He shook his head.

“I still consider us family. Including you comes naturally.” The host chose that moment to seat them, sparing Sami from her emotions. During the course of the meal, they discussed Marlena’s favorite songs, poems, places, flowers, and colors. While John knew it was necessary, he felt guilty with every tear Sami and Belle shed as they remembered silly things about their mom. His own tears came from the thought of losing Marlena and that thought is what kept him strong. The service would be held in two days, and John was hoping that he would have a significant lead by then. Shane was working furiously from his end, and John knew that he could get Bart to spill his guts, but that would wait until morning. Tonight was a night for family.

“Carrie and Eric said you called them earlier today. Sami, I’m sorry, I should have been the one who called them. It must have been really hard.” Sami looked down at her barely touched dinner.

“Those were the two hardest phone calls I’ve ever made in my life. I just needed to talk to Eric and Carrie. They were the only two who knew how I felt. Belle, I’m sorry. I know this is really hard on you too, but this is the first time you’ve lost Mom. I’ve been here too many times before, and it gets harder every time. The worst part is, is that this time is permanent. I know that I’m never going to see her beautiful smile again, I will never hear her call me her baby girl again. I’d even let her scream at me, slap me, tell me off, if it meant that she would walk through that door right now.” The tears were falling rapidly down Sami’s cheeks, and John reached across the table and took her hand in his. She didn’t pull back, but wrapped her fingers around his and held on for dear life. John stood, not letting go of her hand and went and knelt beside Sami’s chair; he took her in his arms and rocked her back and forth, smoothing her hair and softly whispering words of comfort to her. His mind wandered back to 1987 and the memory of then was not unlike the reality of this night. The only difference was the size of the girl he was holding. Belle watched, the tears coursing down her cheeks as well, knowing that for the first time in her life, her sister and her dad had a chance at being father/daughter again. Sami was hiccupping softly as she dried her tears with the handkerchief John offered her. John gave Belle’s hand a squeeze before returning to his seat and the three of them continued with their remembrances of Marlena. Sami looked at her watch.

“Oh my gosh, I need to get home. I promised Will I would be there before he went to bed tonight and it’s already almost nine.” She looked John directly in the eye before speaking to him, and swallowed the lump in her throat.

“John, you know how hard it is for me to admit when I’m wrong, but I need to now.” She blinked rapidly and forced herself to continue. “I was so wrapped up in Celeste’s prophecy that I said some really awful things to you and about you. I even shot at you.” Belle’s head snapped around, but John put a hand on hers to keep her quiet. “I’m sorry. Maybe if I had listened to you, I could have helped you prevent Mom’s murder, but I was too busy thinking of myself, as usual, and now Mom’s gone, and I’ll never be able to tell her how sorry I am.” She swiped angrily at her tears. “But I can tell you. I’m sorry for so much. I know that you’re going to keep trying to clear Mom’s name, and I want to help, however I can.” John reached across the table and took Sami’s hand again in his.

“I’ll let you know about the helping part. As far as the apology, it’s accepted. Hell, I was scared too, I still am. I can’t…no, I won’t fail your Mom again.” Sami smiled slightly at her erstwhile father.

“You didn’t fail her John. You loved her.” Before she knew what was happening, she was enveloped in John’s strong arms.

“Thank you for saying that Peanut. I need you to know that I will love your mom, even after my dying breath.”

“I know that now.” Belle came up and wrapped her arms around them both, all of them drawing strength from each other.

John and Belle drove back to the loft in relative quiet. Finally he reached over and took her hand.

“I know tonight was really hard on you. How are you doing?” Her voice caught, but no more tears fell.

“I’m hanging in there. It might be easier if Shawn wasn’t still acting like Mom was the killer, but he’s still right in my face about it. At least Meems believes that Mom didn’t do it, and she said that she would stick around more to keep me company.” As he stopped the Jeep, he leaned over and kissed her temple.

“I’m glad you won’t be alone. If you get a hold of your brother, tell him to call me. I tried all afternoon, but he wasn’t at Vic’s and his cell was off. That’s why he didn’t join us for dinner.”

“I will Dad. I love you.”

“I love you too sweetheart. I’ll see you tomorrow.” She shook her head as she got out and ran into her building.

 

When John got home, he found Marlena curled up on the couch. He walked over to her and sat on the floor in front of her, his chin propped on his knee, just marveling at her beauty. She looked at peace, as though her entire world were perfect. There was the tiniest smile on her face, and sensing John’s presence, she opened her eyes.

“Hey there sailor. What time is it?”

“A little after nine.” He leaned over and kissed her softly on the cheek. “Did you eat?” He wanted to make her something before he left, but she wouldn’t let him.

“Just some soup and toast. I don’t have much of an appetite.” He ran his thumb along her jaw, then took her hand, pulling her into a sitting position. John scooped her up and carried her upstairs to their bedroom.

“We’re going to bed early. It’s been a long day and the next couple of days will be even longer.”

“John, I can’t sleep in our bed with you. What if one of the kids comes in and we don’t hear the door?”

“Taken care of. I’ve got a sensor in the hinge of the front door, so if it opens a beeper next to the bed goes off. You’ll have time to get to the guest room before anyone gets upstairs.”

“Isn’t that risky?”

“Doc, if you’re not comfortable sleeping in the same room with me…” Marlena put a finger to his lips.

“John, I trust you, and I’m so sorry for ever making you move out. I don’t know why I did, but there is no doubt in my mind as to your love and support. I love you, and I’m glad that I finally remembered that it’s that simple. I love you.” He smiled as he remembered her vows to him.

“I love you too. I never stopped.”

“I know.” He entered the bedroom and placed her gently on the bed, then kissed her forehead. John turned around and flipped the switch on the small beeper sitting on the nightstand. He leaned down to her eye level.

“Do you want anything to help you sleep? Hot tea, warm milk?” She shook her head.

“No, sleeping in your arms will be perfect.” He kissed her quickly again and pushed her toward the bathroom for her nightly ritual.

 

She emerged a few minutes later in her silk pajamas; John was already under the covers in his lounging pants. As she slipped under the comforter with him she curled naturally into his shoulder and stretched her limbs out against his. Her hand found its resting place on his chest and she absentmindedly began running her fingers through the hair.

“I’ve missed this.”

“My chest?” She pulled at some of the crinkly hairs.

“Ouch.”

“No, lying in your arms before falling asleep. I didn’t sleep well the entire time you were at the Salem Inn.” She didn’t voice her fears that her lack of sleep came from a buried guilty conscience.

“I didn’t sleep either. Tonight will be the first time in months that I’ll actually make it through the whole night without pacing.” He took in a deep breath and lifted Marlena’s chin to lock hazel with blue. “Doc, I have no idea what the next few days will bring, but no matter what you hear me say, or how crazy I may act, remember that I love you, and I believe in your innocence, beyond the shadow of a doubt.” He leaned down and kissed her thoroughly, leaving no misgivings in her mind.

 

The next morning John woke to an unfamiliar noise. The beeper next to the bed was sounding. He scooped a still sleeping Marlena into his arms and took her quickly to the guest room. He ran into Brady on the stairway.

“Hey Son, what are you doing here so early?”

“I just needed to feel close to Mom.” John nodded his understanding.

“Where were you yesterday? I tried calling everywhere I could think of.”

“I spent a lot of time on the pier.” John noticed that Brady was short on conversation.

“Why don’t you go up to your room? I’ll make us some breakfast.” They both jumped at the crash from the end of the hallway.

“What was that?” Brady ran off down the hallway, but John caught his arm.

“Brady, that was Hattie Adams.” John could have knocked his son down with a feather.

“What the hell is she doing here?”

“Let me go make sure she’s all right, and then I’ll explain.” John knocked before entering the room.

“Hattie, are you all right?” The door opened a crack and John went in. Marlena spoke in a hushed voice.

“I’m fine. I guess I was still pretty out of it when you brought me in here, and I knocked the clock off of the nightstand. Who’s here?”

“It’s Brady. I’m going to go make us some breakfast. When you’re ready why don’t you join us?”

“We’ll see.” He wanted to kiss her, but didn’t risk it. Instead he mouthed “I love you” and headed downstairs to the kitchen. He didn’t even make it through the door before Brady pounced on him.

“So, Dad, what is the psycho clone doing here?” John gave Brady a pointed look.

“God knows Hattie isn’t my favorite person either, but she and Bart are the only two people right now who can help me clear Marlena’s name. I told her she could stay here so I could keep an eye on her, and I’m going over to Stefano’s later to pay Bart a friendly visit.” Brady sat there for a minute.

“Nicole might be able to tell you something too.” John stared at his son.

“Are you going to elaborate?”

“It might be nothing.” John was losing his patience with Brady’s need to protect his grandfather’s widow.

“Spill it already will you?”

“I heard her on the phone last night with someone, and no, I don’t know who, but she told whoever it was to meet her on the pier behind the Brady Pub tonight at ten.”

“Brady, I want you out of the mansion.”

“Dad, I can’t move out now, she’ll get suspicious, and you don’t know that she’s done anything wrong.” John just shook his head and ran a finger over his brow.

“I’m not going to go that road with you again. I don’t trust her and I don’t want to lose you too.” Brady’s eyes filled with tears that didn’t fall.

“I’m sorry Dad. I miss her too.” John turned toward the refrigerator to get out the juice.

“Yeah.” Just then “Hattie” came into the kitchen. She plopped into a chair.

“So what’s for breakfast?” Brady couldn’t help himself from staring. With the exception of the attire, she was the image of Marlena.

“Take a picture, it’ll last longer.” She turned her head so she didn’t have to see Brady’s eyes. “Brady, I’m so sorry.” She fiddled with the salt shaker, as Brady tried to calm his temper.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be rude. I guess I just didn’t believe everyone when they told me how much you looked like my mom.” Marlena bit the inside of her cheek to keep the tears at bay.

“Yeah, well, the stares are getting on my nerves. Listen, kid, I’m sorry about your mom, it’s hell to lose someone you love.” John broke in to save them both.

“Anybody want more than toast and coffee?” Brady shook his head.

“Toast and coffee? You call that breakfast? They fed me more than that at the fat farm.”

“You want more, you can fix it yourself.” John was staring at her, trying not to laugh at her expressions. For as serious as this whole situation was, Marlena was going to kill him with her portrayal of Hattie. Seeing his wife in such a different skin was vastly amusing to him.

“I just slopped it, I didn’t make it. You got any peanut butter? Maybe that’ll stick to my ribs until lunch.” Brady decided to leave before he said something he would regret and that may cost Marlena the restoration of her name.

“Dad, I’m going to take off. Do you want me to come with you tonight?” John pursed his lips and nodded slightly.

“Yeah. I’ll call you later.” John and Marlena took their coffee into the living room after they heard the front door close behind Brady. John could see the emerald sparks start to fly behind his wife’s topaz eyes.

“God, I hate talking to people like that. I hope everyone can forgive me when this is all over.” John moved a little closer to her, so he could wrap his arm around her shoulder.

“I think they’ll be so overjoyed to have you back that they won’t care what you said to them.” He kissed her cheek and finished his coffee.

“I’m going to go shower and then I want us to go pay a visit to Barty Boy.” Marlena smiled.

“That’s one performance I don’t think I’ll mind giving.”

It took Bart forever to answer the door when “Hattie” rang the bell.

“It’s about time.” She pushed past him and just as Bart went to shut the door, John walked through it too.

“Um, Mr. Black. How nice to see you again.”

“Cut the crap Bart, you know you’re just scared to see me.” Marlena almost laughed at the look on Bart’s face.

“Ooh, Mr. Tough Guy.” “Hattie” rolled her eyes. Bart grabbed her arm and pulled her into the formal sitting room, and out of John’s earshot.

“What are you doing with him, and why are you dressed like that? You know you’re supposed to be dressing like Dr. Evans.” She hit him to get him to let go of her arm.

“Get a grip Igor. I’m dressed like me because you obviously didn’t hear that someone whacked the wacky doc. I’m not letting someone think I’m her. My momma didn’t raise a dummy. As for the muscle outside, he just kinda latched onto me.” Bart wiggled his eyebrows at her.

“Latched onto you huh?” She smacked him, hard.

“Bart, don’t go there.” She rolled her eyes and cracked her gum. “So, why was I supposed to start dressing like the dippy doc again anyway?”

“I don’t know. I got a note in the mail and I followed the instructions.” Under “Hattie’s” make-up, Marlena turned pale.

“Who was the note from Bart?” She didn’t think she wanted the answer.

“I don’t know, but I’m still being paid, so I’m still following orders.” The sarcasm was back.

“What a good toady you are.” Bart just stared at her. “Can I see the note Bart?”

“Oh, yeah, sure. Follow me.” He started toward the stairs. Both “Hattie” and John followed him. Bart mustered his courage and turned back to John.

“Mr. Black, you can’t come down here.” John just smirked.

“Wanna bet?” Bart’s voice was a little more tense.

“No, no, I’m not much of a betting man.”

“Good choice.” “Hattie” stared John down.

“Bully.” He just smiled. Bart led them to the secret room which was filled with Rolf’s computer equipment. John looked as closely at it as he could, but when Bart found the note, John focused on that. He just looked at Bart.

“You follow the orders of a non-descript piece of paper?” John just rolled his eyes and let the matter drop, but he stuck the paper in his pocket.

“Um, excuse me here, but that note has my name in it. Care to share, Kojak?” “Hattie” was holding her hand out impatiently and tapping her foot.

“Fine. I won’t be able to get prints off of it anyway.” John handed the paper over and “Hattie” read it aloud.

“It’s time for Hattie to do her job.” She looked at Bart. “I hate to agree with him, of all people, but Bart you are definitely not working with a full deck.” Again she got the blank stare. “Bart, do we even know what my job is? And, how am I supposed to do it now that Dr. Evans is dead?” Bart shrugged his shoulders.

“I guess we wait for further instructions.” “Hattie” threw up her hands in disgust.

“Great, I’m outta here.” She made her voice snooty. “Are you coming James?” John rolled his eyes again and shook his head. “You are having way too much fun with this Doc.” He followed her and John turned back to Bart.

“I’m sure I’ll be back soon.” Bart gave John a half wave.

“Great, can’t wait.” Bart actually breathed when John walked out the front door.

 

When they got back to the penthouse, John put the note in a plastic bag and a large padded envelope, addressing it to Shane Donovan. When he looked at Marlena, he noticed she was far away.

“Doc? Are you all right?” She came back from where ever she had been.

“I’m not sure.” Some tears spilled down her cheeks, causing the over done mascara to run. John grabbed the box of Kleenex on the desk before going to his wife’s side.

“Talk to me Baby.” She pulled out a couple of tissues and dabbed at her eyes.

“John, what if I really did kill our friends, our family? I don’t remember any of it. Bo is so hell bent on making me the killer, and maybe I am.” John pulled her to him, running his fingers through her hair.

“Doc, don’t talk like that. I know we can’t explain why Alice thought you were at her house, or the powdered sugar in your gloves, or even the whole terrace thing.” She shuddered at the thought of trying to make John jump, even though it was foggy in her mind. John took her chin and locked his eyes with hers. “I know you Marlena, better than I know myself, and I believe that there is another explanation. Where it is or what it is, I haven’t figured that out yet, but I am absolutely positive that you are not a killer.” She smiled at her white knight, sadness still in her eyes.

“What if the fall from the balcony just gave me selective amnesia? Like when Sami was hit by the car and blocked out her life after our affair. John, I still don’t remember everything about when I was possessed, but I was. The only reason I’ve been able to live with myself is that I wasn’t myself…and nobody died.”

“Hey, if, and this is a big if, you are somehow responsible, it isn’t the real you. The Marlena Black that I know is kind, good, loving, ethical, beautiful, and generous. I could keep going but you’re nodding off on me.” She half-laughed through her tears. “There we go. That’s better. I’m going to find the answers. I promise you.” She nodded to him and laid her head back into the crook of his shoulder. The abrupt ringing of his cell phone made him start, but Marlena didn’t move. He answered as quietly as he could.

“John Black.” He smiled as he heard the formal British accent on the other end.

“John, it’s Shane. How are things there?”

“Quiet for now. “‘Hattie’ and I paid a visit to Bart today.”

“Did you find out anything useful?”

“Yeah. I’m actually mailing you a note. You should have it within a day or so.”

“A note? What was in it?”

“It only said ‘It’s time for Hattie to do her job.’ If there was an envelope, I didn’t get it from Bart, and fingerprinting this would be useless, but you might be able to get something from it.”

“I’ll be looking for it then. How is the family doing?”

“Devastated, but I’m sure you expected that.” They didn’t go into further detail. Even though John knew that Shane had called on a secure line, he left nothing to chance.

“Yes, well, give everyone a hello from me. I’ll be in touch.”

“Thanks Shane.” John clicked off the phone and kissed Marlena’s temple. A sleepy voice mumbled from his shoulder.

“How’s Shane?”

“Good. Anxious to get the note, so I’m going to get it in the mail. Would you like some tea before I go?” She smiled up at him.

“No, I’ll get it. Thanks.” She watched him as he left, and he turned at the door and mouthed, “I love you.” She was leafing through an old photo album, tears running down her face, when the front door opened. Marlena wiped her cheeks quickly and moved to the terrace.

“What the hell are you doing in my mother’s home?” “Hattie” whirled around to find ice blue fire flashing at her from Sami’s eyes. Lucas was standing behind her, confusion on his face. Trying to look bored already with the conversation, Hattie replied.

“I was invited. Who the hell invited you?” “Sweet baby girl, please understand.”

“John would never in his right mind have brought you into this house.” “Hattie” tried to redirect the conversation.

“So Shortstop, how ya doin’?” Before Lucas could utter a sound, Sami was back on the rampage.

“Don’t you dare think you can avoid my question. What are you…”

“I forgot my…” John stopped short when he saw the scene in front of him. “Hey Peanut, what are you doing here?” Sami pivoted on one heel to look at John.

“What am I doing here? I think the better question is what is SHE doing here?” John walked all the way into the penthouse and shut the door. He laid the envelope on the desk and walked toward Sami.

“I asked her to stay here.” Sami’s jaw dropped.

“Why would you do that John? Stefano wanted her to take Mom’s place so he could get to Mom and now you have her living here?” “Hattie” cracked her gum.

“Hey, I got an idea. Why don’t you talk about me like I’m not here.”

“As far as I’m concerned, you’re not.”

“I wish you weren’t.” John held up both hands.

“All right ladies, enough.” John rubbed at his eyebrow, trying to find the right words to keep Sami calm. Under the circumstances, he could completely understand her ire.

“Sami, come sit down, please.” She grudgingly followed him to the couch, and Lucas followed, perching himself on the corner next to her. Sami looked at him gratefully. John just raised his eyebrow, as did “Hattie”.

“I found ‘Hattie’ in Salem Place yesterday and thought that she might be able to help me find some sort of evidence to clear Doc’s name.” Sami started to interject, but John held up a hand to forestall her. “I know Hattie had an alibi for every murder, but she also worked closely with Bart and that mad scientist.” He turned to “Hattie”. “What was his name again?” She rolled her eyes and popped her gum. “Hey, Hattie, what was the mad science guy’s name?” She came around the couch.

“Oh, are you talking to me now? Sorry, I was pretending not to be here.” This time Sami rolled her eyes.

“Pretend a little harder will you?” John tried to keep his temper in check.

“Samantha!” She just flopped against the back of the couch. John turned back to “Hattie”.

“Will you please remind me of the scientist’s name?”

“Oh, that would be Rolf.”

“Thank you.” He returned his attention to Sami and Lucas. “As I was saying, I figured that maybe ‘Hattie’ could give me some insights I wouldn’t otherwise have. I can’t just sit around here waiting for the Salem PD to do anything, and even though…” John’s voice cracked at the thought. “Even though she’s gone, I still need to clear her name.” John pinched the bridge of his nose, and Marlena turned her back to the couch. Sami slipped her hand into John’s, surprising them both, but it felt natural.

“John, I’m sorry. I know how hard this is on you.” He squeezed her fingers lightly.

“It’s hard on us all.” John contemplated how much to tell Sami, and decided that what he knew was fine to share. He didn’t want any of the children to feel completely out of the loop, considering the major secret he was keeping from them.

“I…we, went to see Bart today.” Sami looked at John with confusion. Lucas volunteered the information.

“The really weird guy that kept kissing Hattie in the hospital.” “Hattie” chimed in from across the room.

“Weirdo is right on the money about Barty Boy.”

“He got a note that said that it was time for Hattie to do her job. Apparently she was supposed to start imitating Marlena, but then the murder happened.” Sami finished the thought.

“And it wasn’t necessary.” John just nodded his head.

“The weird thing is though, that Bart didn’t seem to know about it. When we got there this morning, he was mad at ‘Hattie’ for not dressing like Marlena.” Lucas was keeping up with John’s train of thought.

“So, whoever sent Bart the note, hadn’t heard about the murder, or Hattie was dressing like Marlena before she was killed.” “Hattie” clapped her hands together.

“Hey, hey you’re pretty smart there Shortstop. Bart got the note before the good doc… um, before Dr. Evans was killed.” Sami had a million questions, but only voiced one for the moment.

“So what does that mean John?” John shook his head.

“I’m not sure yet Sami. What I do know is that the evidence against your mom is pretty damning. Yeah, it’s all circumstantial, but if I had to guess, I would say that somehow, Stefano manipulated all this, and was planning on Hattie taking the fall, as Marlena.” John craned his neck toward the woman sitting on the stairs. “Why else would you have to ‘do your job’ now?” “Hattie” tried to look horrified.

“You mean, I mighta gone to the death chamber for something I didn’t do?”

“If fate hadn’t intervened, you just might have. God knows that most of the Salem PD isn’t looking at facts right now.” “Hattie” stood up.

“I need a drink.” Sami looked at the woman incredulously.

“Isn’t it a little early? It’s not even lunch time.” This earned Sami the “God, you’re pathetic look” from “Hattie”.

“I meant a drink of water Blondie. Who stuck the pole…”

”Hattie!” The warning tone in John’s voice sent “Hattie” straight to the kitchen.

“John, how long is that horrid excuse for a human being going to be here?”

“As long as I need her. To be honest, her life might be in danger too. She no longer seems to have a usefulness to whatever this elaborate plan was. She might be uncouth, but she doesn’t deserve to die.” Sami looked down at her shoes.

“No, I guess you’re right.” She stood to leave, but snapped her fingers and punched Lucas in the arm.

“What was that for?”

“For not reminding me why I came over here in the first place.” Lucas just rolled his eyes at her. “John, Eric called me earlier this morning, and he’s coming home. He’ll be here tonight.”

“That’s extra good news. I sent the Black Hawk for Carrie late last evening, so she should be here by tomorrow morning.”

“Will she make it in time for the sevice?”

“According to my pilot, yes, she’ll be here about two hours before it starts. She’ll have some nasty jet lag, but she can sleep on the plane.” Sami tried to stop her tears, but they fell of their own volition.

“I wish they weren’t coming home for Mom’s funeral. I wish it was for a wedding or a Christening or Arbor Day, anything but the real reason.” Lucas put an arm around Sami and she leaned into it. John watched with interest.

“Yeah, I know. Together we’ll get through this Sami. There’s a light at the end of the tunnel somewhere.” Sami gave him a wry laugh.

“Are you sure it isn’t a train?” John returned the chuckle.

“I’m sure.” He pulled her in for a hug. Her initial response was to stiffen up, but she stifled it and put her arms around John, drawing strength from a man who had never given up on her. He kissed the crown of her head before releasing her to Lucas’ care.

“I’ll see you tomorrow Peanut, unless you want to come back over when Eric gets in.” “I’ll call you. I’m not sure that Eric will want to meet your house guest.”

“Yeah. Well, maybe I’ll drop by your place then. Is Eric crashing on your couch?”

“Either that or at my place in Will’s room.” Lucas had been more than happy to offer the spare room to Sami’s brother. Although it was more likely that Eric would sleep in Will’s room at Sami’s place and Will would stay with Lucas.

“All right, well, call me when he gets here.”

“I will. See ya later John.” He waved as they got onto the elevator and then went to the desk where he knew Marlena kept the emergency numbers. He found what he was looking for and dialed.

“Hello?”

“Lucas? It’s John. Don’t let on to Sami that it’s me.” Marlena wandered back into the room and listened to her husband’s half of the conversation.

“What can I do for you?”

“Answer a question honestly.”

“O.K.”

“You’re in love with her aren’t you?” Lucas coughed to hide his discomfort, and he had no idea why, but he decided to be honest with John.

“Yeah…yeah, I am.”

“I thought so. Do me a favor?”

“Name it.”

“Take good care of her. Everything is hitting her really hard, and sometime soon, she’s going to crack. Right now she’s trying to be strong, but don’t let her do that around you. She needs to know that she can let her defenses down around someone and you should be that person. Let her trust you Lucas. Can you do that for her?” Lucas looked at Sami and nodded into the phone.

“I can definitely do that.” John sighed a big breath of relief.

“Good. Thanks Lucas.” They broke the connection simultaneously, and John turned to his wife.

“I think for once, Sami has the right man in her life. She’s going to be just fine.” He walked over to where Marlena was standing and put his arms around her.

“What I told Lucas applies to you too. You don’t have to be strong around me.” She placed her hands on his chest and looked into the blue eyes she loved so much.

“If I recall, I wasn’t earlier.”

“Yeah, but this is a different situation. I know it kills you to not be yourself around your kids, to see them in pain. It’s going to get tougher too. You already know that Carrie is coming tomorrow, but Sami just told me that Eric is flying in later tonight. I just hope he’ll be able to stay until we get this resolved.”

“Me too.” He gave her a little squeeze.

“What do you say we have some lunch and then I’ll go mail that envelope off to Shane?” She nodded and they headed into the kitchen together.

Later that evening, John and Marlena were sitting and quietly talking when the doorbell rang. Marlena headed toward the kitchen while John answered the door. His face turned to granite when he saw who was there.

“Bo? What are you doing here?” Bo figured he wasn’t on John’s favorite list right now, but he didn’t care.

“We need to talk.” Bo pushed past John and entered the room. John let it slide but tucked it into the back of his mind, along with the rest of Bo’s recent indiscretions.

“If you’re here to bash my wife, you can save it. I’ve heard more than enough from you already.” Bo’s hackles went up.

“Fine, I was going to try to break this to you gently, but forget it. The DA wants to charge Marlena with nine counts of murder posthumously. I came here to warn you as a friend, but I can see it was pointless.” John took in a deep breath.

“What’s the point of charging her now? Of all the asinine things…” John trailed off when he heard the crash from the kitchen. Unfortunately, John was followed by Bo, who dropped his jaw when he saw “Hattie”. “Damn it. Doc, I hope you can handle this.” He should have known better.

“What the hell are you doing here?” “Hattie” put her hands on her hips and loaded both barrels.

“That seems to be a phrase with you Bub. ‘Who the hell are you?’ ‘What the hell are you doing here?’ It’s a good thing you went to the police academy ‘cause you never woulda made it in a real school. Not with your limited conversational phrases.”

“Nice.” He turned to John, who was biting down hard on the inside of his cheek.

“Why is she here?” John tried to measure his words, but decided to just let them fly.

“Because I thought she might be able to help me, and since I’m on my own in thinking my wife is innocent, I’m pulling out all the stops.” Bo smirked.

“So the kids don’t believe in her anymore either, huh?” John pulled Bo up by his collar.

“The kids believe in their mother unconditionally, but they’re kids and won’t be able to help me much, not with the theory I’ve got. Hope might be able to though.” John knew he shouldn’t push his luck, but he also knew that Hope believed in Marlena.

“Don’t bring my wife into this John. I’m warning you.”

“Warning me about what? Letting Hope make up her own mind? Seems she’s already done that. The four of us have a lot of history Bo, but right now you’ve lost sight of everything but revenge. Revenge is not a good enough reason to mar a woman’s reputation or her legacy to her children, and I won’t allow you to railroad her memory into the mud.” The two men stared each other down and finally the tinkling of glass brought them back into the room.

“Hey, don’t worry about that.” “Hattie” was sweeping up the glass that has shattered earlier.

“It’s o.k., I used to do this all the time at the diner.” She crooked her head at him. “You gonna take this outta what you’re payin me?” He smiled at her.

“No, it’s just a glass. Don’t cut yourself.” The phone was ringing and John ran to answer it.

“John Black.”

“Hey John.” The older man beamed at the voice on the other end.

“Eric! How are you? Where are you? Are you at Sami’s?”

“Whoa. Slow down. Yes, I’m at Sami’s, and I’m starving, so we’re ordering pizza. Want to join us?”

“I would love that. Give me a few minutes to finish some things here and I’ll be over.”

“Cool, see you soon.” John was still smiling as he re-entered the kitchen.

“Who gave you a happy pill?” John smiled at the comment, but just simply said,

“Eric’s in town.” “Hattie” had to feign indifference, but Marlena was overjoyed.

“Came back for the murderer’s funeral, but not his dad’s huh?” John could take no more and he let his right fist fly, catching Bo right between his cheek and eye.

“Get out of my house.” Bo dabbed at the small cut with his fingers.

“John, you can’t go on living in denial. One of these days you’ll have to face the fact that your wife was a murderer.” John’s face was red with righteous fury.

“Never. Now get out.” John followed Bo to the door and slammed it behind a man he once called brother. He stood there for a long time, staring at the wood, but not really seeing anything.

 

John knew she was there before he felt her arms wrap around him.

“Doc, I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. Bo is Bo, and you and I have seen his temper before.” John turned around and took her face in his hands.

“Don’t defend him. Nothing has ever caused him to be this vindictive and short sighted before. It’s one thing when he wants to go after someone like Stefano or Ernesto, but not you. He has no right.” She still tried to smooth things over.

“Honey, he lost his mother and brother, quite possibly by my hand. Can’t you see where he is coming from?”

“No. No, I can’t. Marlena, I lost my best friend, a woman I thought of as my mother, and all of the same people Bo did, but I believe in you. He is not looking at who you are or who you were before this all started. Maybe if you were laughing about this all or still trying to make me jump from the terrace, I might feel differently, but Doc, there is something deeper here than just these murders, and Bo doesn’t want the truth. All he wants is a hanging, and you won’t be his sacrifice.” John’s voice had risen significantly and his last five words were enunciated clearly and slowly. He was still holding her face between his hands, staring right into her soul. Impulsively she kissed him. Marlena parted her lips and felt as the tip of his tongue touched hers, then retreated. They teased each other repeatedly and finally he took her whole mouth and made it his. He gave her tiny kisses until his lips met her ear.

“I don’t want to leave you here by yourself.” She pulled back and gave him a blinding smile.

“I’ll be fine.” Her eyes welled up with tears. “Give Eric a hug from me o.k.?” He crushed her to him.

“Soon you can give him one yourself.” He kissed her hair. “I love you, so much Doc.”

“I love you. I’ll see you soon.”

“Yeah, I won’t be too long.” He gave her another quick kiss and headed to Sami’s.

 

The apartment was noisy when he knocked, but Eric answered the door pretty quickly. Without thinking John wrapped Eric in a hug. When he let the younger man breathe, he apologized.

“Eric, I’m sorry. I didn’t think, I was just so happy to see you.” Eric smiled at a man that he still sometimes thought of as a father.

“It’s o.k. John. At least I know you missed me.” They laughed together and sat down to catch up and devour the hot pizzas sitting on the kitchen counter. John had been at Sami’s for about a half hour when he got a sinking feeling in his gut. He, as unobtrusively as possible, went into Will’s room and called home. When the answering machine had gone through its message, John started talking.

“Hey, if anyone is there, pick up the phone.” He breathed a sigh of relief when he heard,

“Yeah, whaddya want?” He curbed his love and relief.

“Just checking in.”

“What, you think I’m gonna take off? No way. I want my payment.” Her voice had dropped an octave and John couldn’t help but guess what kind of payment she wanted. He cleared his throat and Marlena smiled at the other end.

“I’ll be back soon.”

“Whatever.” With that they disconnected, but John’s uneasiness did not abate. He went back into the living room, but couldn’t sit still. Everybody noticed.

“John, you’re going to wear a hole in my rug.” He looked at Sami.

“What? Oh, I’m sorry. I guess I’m a little preoccupied.” Eric stated the obvious.

“John, you don’t pace like this unless you’re worried about something. Give it up.” John smiled at how well the kids knew him.

“Well, the first thing is this killer thing hanging over all of us. Bo stopped by today to say that the DA wants to charge your mom posthumously for the murders.” Lucas grabbed Will and headed for his apartment.

“I think we’re going to go for right now.” John looked apologetically at Sami, Lucas, and Will.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said anything right now.” He turned specifically to Will. “Buddy, I know how much you miss your Grandma Marlena. I’m sorry.” Will walked over to John and threw his arms around him.

“I’m doing o.k. Grandpa John. I’m sorry for you.” He followed Lucas out the door then. John stood there with tears in his eyes and choked on his next words.

“Sami, you have one hell of a kid. Thank you for letting him call me Grandpa.” She walked in front of John and slipped her hand into his.

“I think it’s about time don’t you?” John cleared his throat and finished his rant about the DA.

“But how can they charge someone who can’t defend themselves?” This from Brady, with Belle talking right over him.

“Dad, this doesn’t make any sense.”

“I know, but they want this case closed, and they think your mom is guilty. All I know is that I have to find the proof to prove her innocence.” They stood there in silence for a long moment, none knowing where to go next.

“Listen, I’m going to take off. I have some things I want to look into tonight.” He handed out hugs all around, saving Brady for last. “Hey Son, can you run that errand for me tonight and get back to me?” Brady looked at his dad in confusion.

“I thought you wanted to be there.” John shook his head.

“I do, but I have a bad feeling right now and I need to look into it.”

“Sure Dad. I’ll take care of the other thing.” John pulled Brady a little farther out of earshot.

“Do not let her see you or try to talk you into believing that she is innocent. I know that Nicole is guilty of something, but I can’t prove it yet. Don’t think for a minute that she is innocent.” John was emphatic and Brady felt like a child being admonished for something he had done wrong.

“I get it o.k. Dad.” John just shook his head.

“No, you don’t Brady, that’s the problem. Just don’t buy into her game because this is Marlena’s life we’re talking about.” With that John was gone, and Brady had a lot to think about.

John walked into the penthouse with apprehension. The soft snick of the door seemed like cannon fire in the quiet apartment. John moved as quickly as he could through the downstairs rooms, gun drawn. When he found nothing and no one, he stole up the winding staircase, carefully avoiding the one creaky stair. He peeked into Belle and Brady’s old rooms, but found nothing out of place. Before checking the master bedroom, he looked into the guest room, and again was met with emptiness. His heart was thumping loudly and he tried to control his breathing so as not to give himself away. The door to the last room was slightly ajar. He pushed it open slowly and relief flooded him when he saw Marlena asleep in the bed. Taking no chances however, he circuited the room and the adjoining bathroom, but found nothing. John holstered his gun and sat on Marlena’s side of the bed. He shook her gently.

“Doc, I’m home.” She didn’t respond, so he shook her a little harder and raised his voice. “Doc? DOC?” Finally she slapped at him, fighting him in her sleep and screaming at him to get away from her.

“Leave me alone. No, no, I don’t want to. Please, stop.” John took both of her shoulders firmly in his hands and shook her.

“Doc! It’s me John. Baby, come on. Snap out of it.” He slapped lightly at her face, and she finally calmed down, but didn’t open her eyes. “O.K., that’s it. Are you awake? Are you all right? Doc, can you hear me? It’s John.” She blinked repeatedly, trying to get her bearings.

“John?” He breathed a loud sigh.

“Yes, it’s John. Are you all right? Do you want a drink of water?” He started to stand but Marlena’s grip on his hand was vice-like.

“Don’t leave me. I don’t want him to come back.” John pulled her into his arms.

“Who? Doc, was someone here?” She pulled away from him a bit and rubbed her forehead. Marlena shook her head slightly to clear the fog.

“I don’t know. I must have been dreaming.” She scratched the back of her head, trying to recapture the images that were effectively evading her. “I knew him, I think, but I can’t see him anymore.” John was rubbing her arms trying to get her to stop shaking.

“When I tried to wake you, you were telling him to leave you alone, to stop something. Does that make sense?” She shook her head again.

“No. It’s all gone now. John, why can’t I remember?” Tears were spilling onto her flushed cheeks and she clung to John for strength. He ran his fingers through her hair and over her back.

“I don’t know Doc, but I’m here now. You’re going to be o.k.”

“I don’t think I am.” John held her for a long time, trying to reassure her, but not understanding anything.

 

Brady arrived at the pier at quarter til ten. He wanted to be hidden before Nicole and whomever she was meeting showed up. He just hoped that they chose to stand somewhat near him so he could hear their conversation, if there was any. Shortly before ten he heard a woman’s footsteps coming down the wooden steps. As she paced in front of the water, he caught a glimpse of Nicole. Her features were hardened, but he sensed fright as well. His dad’s words came back to him. “Don’t buy into her game. This is Marlena’s life we’re talking about.” Brady shook his head, but snapped back to attention when he heard a heavy thumping coming from the opposite direction of Nicole. He couldn’t see anyone, but he heard a male’s voice.

“You got my money?”

“Yeah. Nobody better ever be able to trace this back to me.”

“Don’t worry about it. She ain’t talkin’ no more, and fifty grand’ll keep me quiet for a long time.”

“It better.” Nicole walked toward the voice. Brady still had doubts about the exchange until Nicole uttered her last question.

“Couldn’t you have made it easier on her though? A quick shot to the heart instead of slicing her throat?” Brady swallowed the renegade bile and hoped that these two would leave soon.

“Nah, wouldn’t have been as much fun. You ever need me again, you know where to find me.” Brady again heard the heavy thumping on the pier. The angry part of him wanted to run out and attack Nicole, but for once he listened to his mind and stayed hidden until he heard her retreating steps up the wooden planks. When he was sure she was gone, he ran to the edge of the pier and let go of his stomach’s contents. Still shaking from what he had heard, he dialed the familiar number.

“John Black.”

“Dad?” Brady’s voice cracked. “She did it. She hired someone to kill Mom, and it sounds like it’s the same guy who killed Granddad.”

“Nicole? Did you say guy, as in a man?” John’s head was spinning, trying to piece it all together.

“Yes, Nicole met a man down at the pier and she gave him fifty thousand dollars for killing Mom, and the way he talked it sounded like this might not have been their first arrangement.”

“Brady, you need to stay somewhere other than the mansion tonight. Please.”

“I will, I can’t go there anyway. I don’t know what I’ll do when I see that bitch.” Brady inhaled and exhaled loudly. “Dad, I’m sorry. I should have seen it sooner. Maybe Mom would still be alive.”

“Hey, hey, there is nothing you could have done to prevent this. Where are you going to stay?”

“Probably at Belle’s.”

“All right. Brady, don’t mention this to anyone. Let me figure out where to go from here, and Son, I’m sorry. It must have been hard for you to hear how she really died.”

“Yeah. I gotta go.”

“Brade, I love you.”

“I love you too Dad.” Marlena slipped her hand into John’s and turned her questioning hazel eyes to his. He told her everything that Brady had just told him.

“John, Hattie was killed by a woman. Whoever that man was must have found her either before or after you did and let Nicole think he did the killing.”

“I know, but who? I don’t think that this guy killed Vic; electrocution is more of a woman’s MO. Dammit, how do all these puzzle pieces fit?” He smacked the pillow with his fist. Finally he turned to his wife.

“Doc, I’m sorry. I wanted to have this solved before tomorrow, but I don’t think it’s going to happen.” He ran a hand through his hair. “Are you going to be all right? I’d like to go call Shane and run all this by him, and find out if he’s found anything out about that note; if he’s even gotten it yet.” Marlena kissed him softly.

“I’m fine. Maybe talking to Shane is a good idea.”

“Yeah.” He kissed her and got out of bed. When he got to the door, he looked back at her. Returning to the bed he kissed her again.

“I love you Mrs. Black, and I am going to figure this out.” Her eyes welled up with new tears.

“I love you so.” She ran her fingers down his face and watched as he left the room. Marlena sat there for a long moment before finally settling down into the comforter and falling asleep.

John returned to the room and watched his sleeping wife bathed in moonlight. He sat there for long moments, just watching her even breathing and her peaceful face. A couple of stray tears escaped his eyes as his thoughts flashed through the last few months.

“Abe, Jack, Maggie, Caroline, Cassie, Roman, Tony, Doug, and Alice. Then Vic gets thrown in the mix, but not by the same killer. How? How do the other nine fit together, and why start with Abe? Or does it go back to Hope and Bo? And if it does, how have they survived so far? Sami got attacked too, but she survived, and Shawn, or someone that the killer thought was Shawn. So, who the hell was that, and why didn’t he or she come forward?” John ran a hand over his forehead, but nothing made sense. “I know what I saw at the cemetery and I know that Alice would never lie or be so confused that she didn’t know who Marlena was. I also know that it was my wife who pulled my gun on me and told me to jump from the terrace, but now she’s the woman I fell in love with again. She doesn’t remember any of it. Hell, she doesn’t even remember her dreams. God, please give me something tangible to go on here. She isn’t possessed, she doesn’t have any medical condition that would warrant the blackouts and ‘amnesia’, and she was positively giddy when she told me to jump. Yet, now she is so sad, so remorseful for what she might have done. Sleep, John, sleep might help.” He spooned up behind Marlena and hugged her close to him. He was almost into a deep sleep, when his thoughts took him to places he hadn’t thought of in months. Flashes of skin and soft touches flooded his senses, along with fragments of places he and Marlena had been. Paris, New Orleans, Aremid, Las Vegas, right in their own bed, and on their couch. He could see her, her arms wrapped around his back, pulling him closer, her leg tightening around his bottom, grinding him farther into her. Audibly he groaned with want, and his hands started to retrace those touches of long ago. One hand snaked under the satin pajama top and kneaded her breast, gently rolling her nipple between his finger tips. The other hand ran the length of her thigh, rolling her slightly back toward him and parting her legs. When John’s hand perused the inside of Marlena’s thigh, he could feel the heat eminating from her center. Slowly he slid his hand inside the elastic waist and groaned again at the silkiness of her bare skin. Marlena was in the state between dreaming and wakefulness, but she knew that what she was feeling had to be a dream. It had been so long since she had felt her lover’s hands on her body, and the few kisses they had shared did nothing to dampen her pent up longing. If anything they fueled it because of their carnality and complete possessiveness. She wanted so badly to turn into him, but was afraid that the dream would go away if she did, so she stayed still, letting John’s hands wander at will, but a soft moan escaped her, and John’s hands became more insistent. The hand that was reshaping her breasts unbuttoned her top from the inside and pushed it aside, while the hand inside her pants delved deeper. He ran his middle finger over the sensitive nub of flesh, then circled her wet opening, just barely dipping inside. Marlena’s hips moved instinctively into his hand and she moaned again. Suddenly John stopped, coming fully awake and cursed himself for what he was about to do. Marlena’s passion laden voice reached him.

“Why did you stop?” He turned shame filled eyes to her.

“You know why. Doc, I lost faith in you, in us, and I need to make that up to you. As for what just happened, I feel like I’m taking advantage of you. The only reason you let me back into the penthouse is because Hattie was killed, and everyone thinks it was you. I can’t make love to you when I know I wouldn’t be here under different circumstances.” Marlena sat bolt upright and took John’s face in her hands, forcing him to look at her. He was startled by the fierce passion and anger he saw.

“Don’t you dare tell me that you lost faith in me. Right now you are the only person in the world that truly believes in me other than the children, and you are the only one that can save me. Maybe you got confused there for a bit with everything that happened after Doug’s death, but you never stopped loving me, you never stopped trying to find that one single thread of hope to prove my innocence, and I’d be dead right now if it weren’t for you. I wanted you in the penthouse, not just because you could protect me, but because I love you so. I’ve never stopped, and I never will. John, I love you, and I want to show you how much. Please, make love to me, reconnect with me and make me feel like only you can.” Both had lost the battle of the tears and were wiping one another’s cheeks before their lips met and again they lost themselves in the feeling of the other.

“Doc, I love you, and I’m so sorry.”

“Honey, there’s nothing to apologize for.” She locked hazel with blue. “Now quit talking.” Marlena took John’s mouth with hers and poured all of her love and trust into what she was doing to him physically, knowing that it would reach his soul. As she slowly explored every crevice of his mouth, his hands resumed their earlier preoccupation with her breasts. Finally he tore his mouth from hers and let it replace one of his hands. Her fingers tangled in his hair, her leg locked over his and drew him closer, and she ground her hips against his.

“Oh God, Doc, why do we still have clothes on?” She giggled.

“I have no idea.” Quickly they divested themselves of their clothing, but before John attacked his wife again, he took the time to appreciate her beauty in the moonlight that was streaming in through the French doors.

“You are, without a doubt, the most beautiful creature on Earth Doc, and I’m so lucky that you’re mine.” She smiled up at him and held her hand out to him.

“I could argue that beautiful creature remark, but I think I’ll just share the honor with my incredibly handsome husband. And I’m not lucky; I’m blessed. To have you and the children standing by me is a miracle.”

“We love you Doc. It’s that simple.” They came together then, the entire world ceasing to exist. They kissed with abandon as their hands sought every pleasure spot and their bodies melded into one. There was an audible gasp from both of them as John entered Marlena for the first time in months, and neither moved as they tried to prolong the inevitable. Finally their bodies dictated their need and the reunited lovers rocked together in a rhythm that time and distance could not erase. As their breathing became more erratic and choppy, Marlena whispered in John’s ear.

“Deeper. Please, I need you closer.” She adjusted her legs and he delved as far as he could into her.

“Doc, baby, I can’t…” But he didn’t finish his sentence over Marlena’s cry of release and he followed her into the afterglow, loving being in her arms again. They lay entangled for a long time, neither one wanting to break the embrace.

“I’ve missed you terribly. I’ve missed feeling as close to you as I can get.”

“Doc, I’ve missed you, more than I could ever tell you or show you.” They kissed again softly and fell asleep, perfectly content in their private world. If only tomorrow would never come.

John had the alarm set to go off early. All of the kids were coming by for breakfast before the memorial service and he wanted to make sure that “Hattie” wasn’t still in Marlena’s room when the house filled up. Since Marlena was still in a sound sleep, he picked her up and carried her to the guest room. He tucked her into bed and kissed her forehead lightly.

“I love you Doc. Thank God I know that today isn’t real. I don’t think I could handle it if it was.” He left her quietly to go shower and dress. A little after eight the doorbell at the penthouse rang. John ran to answer it but Sami was unlocking the door with her key. She walked in with Lucas, Eric, and Will.

“Hey, come on in. You’re the first ones here.” Sami looked at him in surprise.

“I’m impressed, but then again, I don’t think Belle’s been early except for when she was born.” They all laughed, and then Eric commented on John’s attire.

“Going a little casual John?”

“No, I just didn’t want to get my suit dirty when I was cooking. I’ll change before we leave.” At the mention of going somewhere else the levity disappeared. Sami changed the subject.

“So, did you hear from Carrie yet?” A slight smile broke across John’s face.

“Yeah, she should be here any minute.” Just then the door opened and Brady, Belle, and Carrie came through it.

“Look who we found in the lobby!” Carrie ran to John and flung herself into his arms.

“I missed you so much.”

“Oh, Punkin, I missed you too.” He set her down. “Let me look at you. Yep, you got more beautiful.” Carrie blushed slightly and turned to the rest of the room. She gave Eric a huge hug.

“It’s so good to see you. Oh my gosh, how tall are you now?”

“A lot taller than you.” Again laughter filled the room. Carrie found Sami, hanging back a little, not knowing how she felt about her sister’s arrival.

“Sami. You look wonderful. I really like your hair like that.” Carrie made no move to hug her sister. She didn’t want to put her on the defensive, today of all days.

“Thanks. You look good too.” Sami was fidgeting and finally, after debating it back and forth between her head and her heart, reached out her hand toward Carrie. The older woman grasped it and they embraced, crying together for the mother they both loved and the time that they had lost. Once he regained his composure, John ushered them all into the kitchen for a family breakfast. Just before following them, he looked up the staircase and blew a kiss to the woman hiding in the shadows with tears flowing down her cheeks.

 

John ran upstairs to change his clothes and hold his wife before he went to the church to say goodbye to “Marlena”. She was in the guest room dressed as Hattie, just in case anybody came upstairs. He knocked and then entered.

“Hey, how are you holding up?” Her eyes were still red-rimmed from her earlier tears, and all of the ones she’d cried since.

“It’s so wonderful to see them all together, and to see that some of the animosity is gone. I hope it stays that way once they find out I’m alive. I hope that my being alive doesn’t make them hate me. Oh John, they’re all hurting so much, and they don’t have to be.” He took her into his arms.

“If they’re going to take this out on anybody, it will be me, and that’s fine, because I know that I’m doing the right thing. Keeping you alive and clearing your name is all that matters here.” He kissed her forehead and looked into her amber eyes. “I need to go. I love you. Will you be all right?” She nodded.

“Yes.” He pulled her close to him again before heading back down to the family. “I love you John.”

“I love you too.”

 

John rented a limousine for the ride to the church. He wanted everybody to be together instead of driving separately. They all filed into the church, and John noticed that there were quite a few people there that he had not expected to see. Carrie and Eric were busy talking to the Brady family, while Sami, Lucas, and Will pretty much stayed to themselves. Belle was tactfully trying to avoid Shawn, and Brady sat down front by himself, lost in thought. John stood in front of the casket, and stared at the portrait of Marlena. To him it was disconcerting, knowing that his wife was at home, safe, while her picture and her memorial service were at St. Luke’s. John jumped when he felt a hand on his shoulder.

“John, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you.”

“It’s o.k., Hope. I guess I just didn’t expect anyone to give me any sympathy today. To be honest I’m a little surprised at the number of people here.” Hope folded her arms around her.

“I think a lot of them are here for closure. They think that Marlena killed someone that they loved and they want to see her buried.” John just shook his head. “I’m sorry. John, I don’t believe that Marlena was capable of killing her friends, her family, but we don’t have any other leads.”

“Well, I do, and my wife’s name will be cleared. I promise you that.”

“You can’t clear someone who’s guilty as sin John.” John gritted his teeth and turned toward Bo.

“For today, just for a few hours, will you please shut up and leave my wife alone?” John’s voice was low and filled with restrained venom. Hope pulled on Bo’s arm and railed at him in a hushed voice.

“What are you doing Brady? The man just lost his wife for God’s sake. Show him a little empathy, will you? And if you can’t say anything nice, just don’t say anything at all.” She walked away from him, not wanting to start an even bigger fight. Eventually Father Jansen entered the Sanctuary and performed the Catholic ritual over the casket.

“Before the service concludes, Marlena’s children and her husband would like to speak.” He turned the lectern over to Carrie.

“You know, I didn’t think I’d have to do this until I was much older, and I’m not sure it would be any easier then. I know that a lot of you are sitting here today, wondering why I’m up here speaking on behalf of a woman that I wasn’t even related to, especially since most of you are convinced she killed my dad. I can’t believe that Marlena would ever hurt anybody, especially the people that she loved. She took me in when I was five years old and loved me, regardless of the fact that she didn’t give birth to me. Why I never called her Mom, I don’t know, because she was more of a mom to me than my mother was. Marlena was the one who taught me right from wrong, and to stand up for my convictions regardless of what the crowd was doing. She taught me that I could be both feminine and strong, and she reminded me every single day what unconditional love is all about.” Carrie wiped her eyes and her voice broke as she started the next sentence. “There will always be an empty spot in my heart where Marlena used to be. Yes, there will be the memories of all that we did together, but memories aren’t the same as the real thing, and I know that not a day will go by that I won’t think of her and miss her terribly.” Carrie placed a sprig of lilac on the casket and as she made her way back to the pew, Sami gave her a hug before walking up the steps and taking the spot that her older sister had just vacated. Sami was in tears before she even started her eulogy.

“I never in a million years thought that this would be so hard. I spent so long being angry at Mom for things that were out of her control that I got out of control, and no matter how horrible I acted or how destructive I was, my mom loved me. I cheated, I lied, I even stole my baby sister. I was so horrible to so many people, but there were four people who loved me through it all. And three of them are gone. So, Grandma, Daddy, Mom, I hope that you can hear me, because I am so sorry. I’m so sorry.” Sami was sobbing so hard that she couldn’t move, and Lucas went to help her back to her seat. She stopped him though.

“I have one more thing I need to do.” Sami walked to the casket supported by Lucas and talked directly to her “mother”. “Mom, you always sang to me when I was scared, and well, I’m scared now, but you aren’t here. You know, one of my most cherished memories is sitting next to you in my jail cell, while you sang Rock-a-Bye Sami to me. The last line is about me being God’s dearest angel, but Mom, my whole life, it’s been you. You are the angel who didn’t deserve all the crap life gave you, but you kept going, and now, we all have to learn to live without you.” She started sobbing again as she placed the lilac sprig next to Carrie’s. Lucas took Sami’s arm and walked with her. As he was sitting down he caught the cold glare of his mother from the other side of the room. He kept his arm around Sami, despite the look on Kate’s face. Eric took a deep breath and slowly made his way to the lectern. He surveyed the people sitting in front of him, and he grew angry at the faces staring back at him. He didn’t mean to but suddenly Eric took all of his frustration and anger over his mother’s loss out on the onlookers.

“I can’t believe that I am standing here today, my heart torn to ribbons, and all I see on the faces of long time friends and family is satisfaction and resentment. Mom lived in Salem for almost thirty years, helping you, being a friend, a daughter, a sister, and yet all of you have forgotten how kind and good she was. Not one of you has bothered to ask why or how she might have…might have done what you think she did.” Eric couldn’t bring himself to say that his mother may have murdered people. “My mom had one of the hardest lives of anyone I know, and she always survived because of her love for her family and friends. How can any of you honestly think she would repay your love and support with death?” Eric shut his eyes and tried to regain his temper. Slowly, he turned to the casket. “Mom, I’m so sorry that I blew your alibi for Uncle Abe’s murder. I have no idea what happened, but I know that you would never hurt him or anyone else. I wish I could have told you that before now. I love you so much, and I’ll miss you every day that I live without you.” Eric wiped his eyes and placed the lilacs on her casket before returning to his seat. John and Carrie both put their arms around him. Brady was already speaking when Eric finally looked back up.

“For the last two days, my brain has been flooded with memories of childhood. All of the fun things Dad, Mom, Belle, and I did. Like football in the park, picnics in the living room, seeing Santa, and then I grew up and my whole world changed. I changed. I came home from school and I was so angry at Mom, and I still don’t understand why. All I know is that she loved me, even when I was horribly cruel to her. She got angry with me, she doubted my character, and she had every reason, but I could still tell that she didn’t want to give up on me or on our relationship. I would catch her looking at me sometimes with so much sadness in her eyes, but I ignored it because I wanted to be angry, and finally she just broke that barrier down. She was like a battering ram; she didn’t give up, and now I’ve run out of time to make up for my actions.” Brady too turned his back on the congregation. “Mom, I know that you know I love you, but I just needed to tell you one more time. I’m sorry for all the time we lost, and I wanted to make it up to you, but now it’s gone. I love you, and I’ll miss you.” Brady sat again next to his dad after putting lilacs on the casket, and Belle walked to the lectern. It took her a few moments to compose herself.

“Mom, I don’t have anything to say to anybody else in this room. The ones who love you and believe in you know what I would say, and the ones who don’t, well, they wouldn’t listen to me anyway. What I want to say to you is that I’m sorry. For the past couple of months, all I’ve been focused on is my problems and how all of this horror in Salem is affecting me, when you are the one who’s been affected the most. I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you the way you’ve always been there for me. I’m sorry all I did was complain about how our family wasn’t the same anymore or how things just didn’t seem to be working in my life the way I wanted them to. Mom, you’re the best, and no one and nothing will ever convince me that you could do anything to hurt someone intentionally. I know that you’ll always be watching over us from Heaven, but it won’t be the same down here without you. I love you.” John sat for a minute after Belle sat down. He knew he had to get through this, but he wasn’t sure if he could. Even though he knew it wasn’t real, his heart broke with the thought of actually losing Marlena, and he knew that he had to keep that from happening. Finally he approached the steps, but rather than standing behind the lectern, he sat on the top step and ran his hand over the leg of the easel holding Marlena’s portrait. He spoke to it rather than the casket.

“Doc, I’m going to do the same thing as Belle, and for the same reasons. The last few months have been tough on us.” He laughed slightly. “I guess the whole time we’ve known each other has been filled with a lot of strange situations. The one thing that has never changed though is our love, our commitment to each other, except for the fact that it got stronger over the years. Even when we were apart, that bond remained. I always knew that I could count on you and you knew I’d move Heaven and Earth to keep you safe. Doc, I failed. You’re not safe, but I’m trying really hard to make sure that your name is restored, and no one is going to stop me from finding the truth. I’m going to make them all see that you are the same beautiful, wonderful woman that they have known for so long. I love you – eternally.” He kissed his index finger and placed it over her painted mouth. The man in the back pew fought his urge to stand and applaud John’s tribute to his wife, and then stood silently and slipped through the door.

At the conclusion of the service, the gatherers milled around outside in the warm spring air. John avoided Bo at all costs, as he tried to do with most of the people there. When he felt a strong hand on his shoulder, he relaxed a bit at the familiarity.

“Shawn. How have you been?”

“Gettin’ along. How’re you doin?”

“Getting along.”

“John, I been doin’ a lot of thinkin’ an’ I’m sure that Marlena isn’t the one responsible for all this.” John bowed his head, thankful for the man in front of him.

“How are you sure Shawn? All the evidence points to my wife.”

“Doncha believe it, not for a minute. Marlena was too good a person. People like her don’t just snap.” Shawn felt an icy stare on his back and when he turned his eyes locked with his younger son’s. “Excuse me Son, I need to be seein’ to Bo.”

“Thanks again Shawn.” John was standing fiddling with a newly opened tree bud when Julie approached him. She didn’t touch him, but stood slightly to the side of him.

“John, I’m sorry for what you’re feeling right now, and I wish I could say that I’ll miss Marlena, but I can’t.” John cut her off.

“Then why don’t you just not say anymore, all right Julie? Excuse me.” Julie stood there watching him walk toward Sami. Abruptly he stopped, and his gut wrenched the same way it had at Sami’s the night before. John ran to Hope, the only person he could think of who may help him.

“Hope, I need to borrow your car. Please.”

“Where’s yours?”

“I don’t have it. We all came in the limo. I’ll explain later, please.” She tossed him the keys and he sprinted for the parking lot. Carrie, who was standing close by, asked Hope about the situation.

“What was that all about?”

“I don’t know Carrie. I think he might need help though.”

“Should we follow him?”

“I don’t know where he went.”

“He’s got his cell phone.” Carrie pulled hers out and dialed. John was a bit breathless when he answered.

“John Black.”

“John, it’s Carrie. Is everything all right?”

“I don’t know Punkin.”

“Where are you?”

“Headed to the penthouse. I gotta go.” He hung up on her.

“He’s going to the penthouse.”

“I want to help him, but he took my car.”

“The limo’s here. Let’s go.” On the way, Carrie rounded up her brothers and sisters and they all headed toward the unknown.

 

When John came flying through the door to the penthouse, he again was greeted with silence. He skipped the first floor and went directly to the master bedroom. His gun clicked audibly as he released the safety and jammed it into the temple of the man standing over “Hattie”.

“So, the phoenix rose again, huh old man?”

“John, how good to see you again.”

“Cut the pleasantries. Why are you here and what have you done to her?”

“I’m trying to save her.” John released a harsh laugh.

“You never save anybody but yourself. Try again.” Stefano shoved the gun way from his head and took a step away from John.

“I beg to differ. Was it not I who took you to the flowers that saved Roman’s life?”

“All for your own purposes, your own agenda. It was you however, who threw me to the sharks in Hawaii. Now I want an explanation.” John wanted so badly to check on Marlena, but he had no idea if Stefano knew who she was. He didn’t want to risk blowing her cover if his enemy was still in the dark. Stefano saw John’s eyes dart quickly toward the still form on the bed.

“John, are you not curious as to why your wife became a cold blooded murderer?”

“My wife did not kill all those people, and you will never convince me that she did.”

“Perhaps, but I am surprised that you have stood by her through all of this, especially after she tried to kill you.” Suddenly light dawned behind John’s eyes.

“You bastard. Your game plan was to make me hate her, send her to the death chamber, and then you would ride in and save her or let it look like she died and then whisk her away again, and no one would be the wiser.” Stefano’s smile widened.

“Very good John.” John cut his nemesis off.

“But you always underestimate the love between Marlena and me, don’t you old man? Time and time again you’ve tried to keep us apart. It never works. Maybe you should just give it up.”

“Never.”

“Was it worth it Dimera? Your own son was killed by this experiment of yours.” John decided to test the waters. “And now Marlena is dead too.” Stefano let go of a huge laugh.

“Don’t play me for a fool John. I am not Bo Brady. Hattie is the one who was killed, not my queen.” John had Stefano against the wall with his arm locked under the other man’s chin.

“She is not your queen; she is my wife, and you will undo whatever it is you’ve done to her.”

“I will not. I can not.”

“You always leave yourself a back door. Whatever you did to Marlena can be undone.” John still had his arm wedged across Stefano’s neck when Hope barged into the bedroom, gun drawn.

“Oh my God.” John didn’t even turn his head.

“Hope check on her.” He didn’t give a name simply because he didn’t have time to explain.

“She’s breathing, and except for a small cut on her thumb, she’s fine. John, why is Hattie here?”

“No time right now. Dimera, this is your last chance…” He didn’t get to finish his sentence before he was pulled backward by his wife who went after Stefano with every ounce of her strength. John pulled her off of the stunned man and tried to get her to calm down.

“Doc, come on. Look at me.” Marlena was fixated on Stefano, her eyes blazing with fury and hatred.

“He has to die John, and I have to kill him.” He forcibly took her face in his hand and locked sparking hazel with icy blue.

“Doc, why. Talk to me.” He saw movement from the corner of his eye. “Hope keep an eye on him.” She trained her gun on Stefano, but kept part of her attention on the couple to the side of her.

“Doc, what has Stefano done to you?”

“I don’t know.” She was shaking her head, trying to make sense of it all. “John, he’s the one in my dreams. I couldn’t see his face, but when Stefano came into the penthouse earlier, I knew that he was the one in my dreams.”

“Tell me about them.”

“I don’t remember much, just flashes of memories really. It’s like someone is using my brain as a television but changing the channels really fast. I can’t ever focus on one image for very long.” John was holding her hand and rubbing his fingers over her knuckles. He looked at Stefano, loathing oozing from every pore.

“How did you cut your thumb?”

“Stefano did that.” Again John pounded Stefano against the wall, his arm like a vise across the man’s throat. Stefano managed to croak out,

“John, it is only a pin prick.”

“And you’re going to be a dead man for hurting her. Tell me now what you’ve done to her.” Stefano remained silent. John shoved his arm into the other man’s throat a little more forcefully and challenged him to look at Marlena. She was glaring at her arch enemy.

“See that Dimera? She hates you, so no matter what you say, no matter what you do, she will never want you to rescue her, especially if she knows that you made her responsible for killing nine people. Even if you do fake her death and take her away, she will despise you until your last miserable day. Your only hope here is to tell us what you did and undo it.” Stefano stood transfixed by the diamond hard anger coming from Marlena. In that moment he realized that he had created the monster that killed his son. The slight part of his heart that was reserved for his children broke.

“Fine, I will do what I can to repair the damage. But you must understand that nothing may ever be the same again.”

“I want to know everything. Sit down.” John motioned to the chair in the corner of the room. Stefano obeyed and readied himself for the tale. John called Shane and put him on the speaker phone, so that he too could hear Stefano’s story. Hope ran downstairs to give everyone a really short version of what was going on upstairs.

“O.K., I need to get back up there, but everything is kind of under control. Stefano is here, so call Bo and have him get here as quickly as he can.”

“Stefano, what the hell is he doing here?” Sami was ready to do battle, but Hope stopped her.

“The best thing we can do right now is let John handle this. Please, everyone, stay down here.” Hope headed back up the stairs while Eric called Bo.

 

John sat next to his wife, their hands intertwined, and waited for Stefano to enlighten them. Hope stole quietly back into the room and stood guard at the door.

“Shane, can you hear us all right?”

“Loud and clear John.”

“Let’s go old man. Start talking.”

“Where do I even begin?” Marlena was frustrated with his stall tactic.

“How about the beginning Stefano?” His face softened as he looked at the object of his obsession.

“The beginning, but of course. La belle au bois dormant.” Marlena gasped form her spot on the bed.

“The pillow.”

“Yes, the pillow, and the pin.” Marlena was rubbing her forehead.

“I don’t understand. You left me that pillow over a year and a half ago.”

“Yes, but giving you the pillow alone would have accomplished nothing. The pin prick was the key.”

“But how did you…I even forgot about it.” John was looking at her questioningly.

“Doc?”

“I pricked my finger on a pin left in the pillow. I never thought much about it, until now.”

“Stefano, you just cut her finger again. What does that have to do with all of this?”

“John, patience.”

“I’m out of patience Dimera. Dammit, what have you done to my wife?” A disembodied voice tried to soothe John.

“John, we both know that Stefano will get to his point in his own time. Patience my friend.” John sucked in a deep breath. He was sick of that word.

“I know you’re right Shane. I’m sorry, I’m just so frustrated.” Stefano chuckled at the by-play in front of him.

“May I continue?” Marlena laid a hand on John’s arm.

“Please.”

“The pin prick or other small jabs that you encountered over the past several months have been the conduit for me to access your past. Have you ever seen the splendid movie ‘Somewhere in Time’?” John and Marlena both looked at each other, not understanding this shift in thinking. Hope spoke from behind them.

“It has Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour in it right?”

“Yes, very good Hope.” He turned his attention again to John and Marlena. “In the movie, Christopher Reeve’s character is very much in love with a woman, Jane Seymour, who lived in the past, so he submerses himself in her surroundings. The hotel in which she stayed, the movies she made, her life as he knew it, and then he found a way to travel back in time to meet her. In doing my own research, I found that the technique he uses, a type of self hypnosis, actually worked.” Marlena looked at Stefano, horrified.

“You’ve traveled through time? For what purpose?” She asked the question, although she was afraid she already knew the answer.

“For you of course. You see Marlena, there are things in your past, our past, that have kept us apart. By changing those things, I knew that we could be together, that you would return my love for you.” John was furious.

“You don’t love her; you’re obsessed with her.”

“I could argue the same for you John.”

“I am only obsessed with keeping her safe. You on the other hand are obsessed with possessing her, owning her.” John ran his free hand through his hair, while his other hand still clung tightly to Marlena.

“Stefano, obviously whatever it is that you did, didn’t work. I’m still with John, and I always will be. We’re soul mates, destined to be together, even beyond death.” Stefano’s response was vehement.

“No, that is unacceptable.” Marlena tried to reason with him.

“How many times have you gone back?”

“Five, but each time it somehow it all spun out of my control.”

“That’s precisely my point. You can not control people. Stefano, please, I’ve hurt and destroyed so many people. I need you to fix this. If you don’t, I won’t be alive much longer. The courts will make sure that I die.”

“But I can save you Marlena.” She shook her head empahtically.

“No, you can’t. You might be able to take me from Salem, but I will never love you,a nd I will never forgive myself for hurting so many people that I love. What will you do? Keep me in a cage again, locked away from the world like your many antiques. Will you really be able to watch me waste away day after day, longing for sunlight and the love of my family? Stefano, you’ve tried so many times, and failed. Please just let it go, let me go, or at the very least, repair the damage, please.” Stefano sat there silently for a long moment, and then Marlena played her final ace.

“Maybe if you change the past, Tony will still be alive.” Stefano’s eyes actually glossed over as he thought of his son.

“All right.” For probably the only time that John could remember, Stefano had a defeated look in his eyes.

“Stefano, I want to know exactly what you are going to do. I won’t take any more chances with Marlena. What is she going to go through?” John was trying to keep a tight rein on his temper.

“She will behave much the same way you have already seen. A headache, blackout, and vivid dreams.”

“Why?”

“As I change her past, all of the memories that she has made because of that change are erased and altered. Marlena described the television, and it is very accurate to what she sees behind her eyelids. The brain can not discern between dreams and reality, so what she is envisioning is real to her, even though she can not grab hold of any one vision for very long.”

“Is that why I don’t remember very much about any of the murders or my fall?”

“Yes.”

“When were the five times you changed my past?”

“Both before and after the Basic Black fashion show, after the murders of Abe, Jack, Maggie, and Caroline, after Cassie and Roman’s deaths, and again after Tony, Doug, and Alice were murdered.”

“Oh my God. Marlena is the one who attacked Bo and me?” Marlena was still trying to understand why Stefano chose certain murders to try and fix things.

“So, you tried to fix things after certain attacks or murders. Why?”

“I never thought that you would be capable of hurting anyone, but when you attacked Bo and Hope, I thought that I needed to fix what I could, and then you turned on Abe and the others.”

“But after Caroline, Roman, and Alice?”

“You would have died if I had not changed things after Caroline’s death. I altered the poison in the dip so that it was less toxic and would not be fatal, but it would take suspicion off of you.” Marlena and John tightened their grip on one another.

“Are you telling me that Marlena died after eating that dip originally?”

“Yes, John, I am.” He paused for a moment to let the truth sink in. “I went back after Tony was arrested to make sure that he did not go to jail for crimes that he did not commit, and again after Alice died to keep Marlena from dying in that fall from the terrace.” They sat there in stunned silence, their minds trying to grasp the unbelievable.

Marlena surprised herself with her next request.

“Stefano, once you fix everything, will I remember any of these past few months?”

“Most likely not, but you may have flashes of memories like you have already experienced.”

“Then before you rectify this, I need to know what motivated me to kill my friends and family. What in my past could have made me do such unspeakable things? Since you seem to know everything I’ve done, I will assume you know the answer to this.” Stefano looked at her, contemplating his words.

“Ah, well, why should I lie at this point? You will not remember it anyway.” He paused again. “You had a distinct motive for each attack.” Stefano took in a deep breath, but Marlena urged him on.

“I want to know everything.” Her knuckles were white from holding John’s hand so tightly.

“Very well, but do not say that I did not warn you. Your attack on Bo and Hope at the fashion show stemmed from your honeymoon.” They all heard Hope gasp softly behind them but didn’t turn around to acknowledge it. “You were still very angry over the circumstances, and even though Zack was not biologically John’s he was a constant reminder to you that your husband slept with Hope.” Marlena’s voice was quiet but confident in her statement.

“But it wasn’t John and Hope; it was Gina and your mercenary, two people that were created by you for your own gain.” Stefano smiled at Marlena’s bravado.

“Your head tells you that, but your heart tells another story, and it is your heart that you listened to that night.” Marlena had tears coursing down her cheeks, her head bowed in shame for her actions.

“Go on.”

“When I went back to try and rectify things after that first attack, nothing was the same. I could not get the past the same as it had been, and it had a horrible domino effect. Abraham was hell bent on catching the criminal responsible for Bo and Hope’s attack, and he was keeping Samantha away from Brandon. You came home early from Colorado and shot him, hoping that somehow Brandon would come back to Salem and he and Samantha might reconcile.”

“But why? Sami lied to Brandon, I knew that his leaving was permanent and that she needed to face the consequences of her actions.”

“Again Marlena, that is your head speaking, not your heart. Do you remember when it was that Samantha began acting so destructive and irrational?” She looked at her husband with a tear streaked face.

“After the affair. Oh God, it was my fault that my baby girl…” John forced her to look back into his eyes.

“No, Doc, don’t do this to yourself. Sami acts like Sami wants to, and she is finally beginning to grow up and accept things for the way that they are. Don’t let him play head games with you.” He turned icy blue eyes on Stefano.

“Don’t make her go back there Stefano. She went through hell and made it out.”

“John all I am telling her is what I know. Her guilt and anger over her inability to control certain events in the past have led to this.”

“No old man, your manipulation of our lives led to the events of the past. None of this is Marlena’s fault. It’s yours.” Again Marlena laid a restraining hand on John’s arm.

“I need to know the rest.” She looked at John and the anguish in her eyes broke his heart. He nodded slightly to Stefano to continue, still not quite believing everything the man was saying.

“The next three murders were a direct result of Abraham’s. Jack, Maggie, and Caroline all knew somewhere in their mind or would eventually discover that you killed Abraham.” She shook her head, trying to focus on one particular image.

“But I was hypnotizing Maggie at one point and the killer was in the room with her. I was outside my locked office door, pounding to get in. How is that possible?” Stefano retraced his steps into the past.

“It must be that somewhere in your mind two images have fused themselves together and what you remember is not truly the way that it happened.” John interjected.

“So, why is it that Doc is the only one who has these flashes? Why aren’t all of us as confused as she is?”

“Because it is not your past that I have directly affected. To the rest of the world things are going on status quo.”

“So, after Caroline’s death, you saved my life by changing history again?”

“Yes. Because you did not remember being the Serial Killer, you did not know that you should not eat the vegetable dip, just like Hope. I could not let you die, so I traveled back for the third time and changed things again.”

“But then why didn’t you put things back the way that they were truly supposed to be? Why only change parts?”

“That is all that I could do.” The disembodied voice of Shane spoke again and startled them all.

“John, he knows more than he’s telling you right now.” John’s eyebrow shot up.

“I was thinking that too. What clued you in?”

“High tech equipment. I have a voice scanner attached to the phone. It acts much like a polygraph, but gauges only the decibel level of the person talking, and not their heart rate as well. For obvious reasons.” Stefano grimaced at the invisible person.

“Thanks Shane.” John looked at Stefano. “Care to elaborate?” Stefano stared John down.

“No. I will tell Marlena what she asked of me and that is all.”

“Maybe you should rethink that decision.” The new voice made them all turn to the door.

“Ah, if it isn’t Detective Brady. To what do I owe the honor of your presense?”

“I’m just here to find out the truth.” Before he could say any more, Hope took a hold of his arm. He looked at her and nodded, but kept his silence. Marlena and John returned their attention to Stefano. Marlena’s eyes filled with tears again as she prodded the man in front of her to continue.

“Why did I kill Cassie? I thought of her as a daughter; how could I have killed her?”

“Yes, you did think of her as a daughter, but by that same token, she was a reminder to you of the years you lost in San Cristobel. You wanted nothing to bring back such memories, so you eliminated one of the triggers. Add that to the fact that she figured out you were the killer and she did not stand a chance.” Her eyes met his.

“So why didn’t I kill Rex too?”

“That I do not have an answer for Marlena. Perhaps, given more time, you might have tried.” Her voice caught as she whispered the next name.

“And Roman?”

“In your mind he was not Roman.” She shot him a confused look and John’s eyebrow went up again. “Marlena, when you killed Roman it was to protect who you thought was Roman.”

“Stefano, I don’t understand.” Stefano took a deep breath and forged ahead.

“Your memories were so confused by this time that the man that married Kate that night was not Roman in your fragmented mind. You called him Roman because that is what you were expected to do, but in your heart John was still Roman. Somehow you had confused all of the events of 1991 and John was truly Roman, and the real Roman was an imposter that you needed to get rid of. You saw him as a threat to your husband.” Stefano choked on that last word, and Hope went to the bathroom for a glass of water. He nodded his thanks and continued. “Do you have any recollections of your conversations with Roman before he married Kate?” Marlena sat for a moment, concentrating. When the fog cleared she looked at John, horrified.

“I told him he couldn’t marry Kate because I still loved him, and I wanted things to be the way that they used to be when we were a family.” She was still looking at John, both of them in tears, as he tried to understand why his wife would say she loved another man.

“Stefano, I am in love with John, why would I tell Roman that I loved him? Especially if I thought he was a threat to John.”

“This is where your memories fused together again. You were not in love with the Roman that wanted to marry Kate. You were in love with the Roman that you are married to.” There were five very loud gasps in the room. Bo couldn’t keep silent any longer.

“Are you telling us that John is Roman?” Stefano held his hands up to quiet them all.

“No, no, John is not Roman, but in Marlena’s confused mind, she still saw her husband as the man she was married to in 1986, the man she wanted to be married to in 1991.” John tried to piece it together and spoke to his wife, confusion still evident on both of their faces.

“Then that’s why you kept saying that your husband was dead after Roman was killed. You tied the name and the death together, and your mind registered the ‘imposter’s’ death, but the name Roman made you think ‘husband’. Well, that’s clear as mud.” John rubbed a hand over his forehead in frustration.

“John, suffice it to say, that whatever Marlena did to Roman, she did out of love for you and her children.” Marlena half laughed, half sobbed.

“That’s so comforting Stefano. Thank you.”

“Shall I continue or have you heard enough?” Marlena’s head was spinning. John didn’t want to push her any farther.

“I think we’ve heard enough.”

“No, John, I need to hear it all.” John shook his head.

“You’re as pale as a sheet. I don’t want anything to happen to you.” She stared at him, her eyes filled with the horror of her actions.

“Something has to happen to me. John, I took the lives of innocent people. I brutally attacked and killed them, and if Stefano can’t fix this, I need to pay for those crimes.” John pulled her to him again, trying to put all of his confidence in her into his embrace.

“Don’t say that Doc. It isn’t your fault. If Stefano hadn’t played with your past, you never would have done the things that have been done.” She shook her head sadly against his chest.

“But he’s tried to fix it and couldn’t. Maybe that means that I really am as horrible as everyone thinks, maybe I’m unredeemable. God, John, I’m a monster.” He rocked her back and forth as she sobbed bitter tears for the people whose lives were irrevocably altered by her actions. Behind them Hope was trying to keep from crying while Bo thought of all that he had heard and tried to process it.

“Finish the story Stefano so that we can make this right for Marlena.”

“Very well then, but I do not wish to discuss Tony. He is dead, and that is enough.” He eyed each of them individually, daring them to contradict him. When he was satisfied that they would let him continue, he did. “Doug was killed because he knew that you were the killer. Why he did not go to the police, I do not know. Perhaps he thought that he could reason with you because you had been friends for so long. Then he left a note at the graveyard, written in his own blood, with your name on it. Alice found it by her late husband’s gravestone and that is why you killed her. She is the one you had the most trouble with, both from your conscience and because she fought you every step of the way. Alice knew you would come after her and you did not have the element of surprise on your side.” For several minutes the room was quiet, except for the slight hum of static from the speaker phone. Finally Bo spoke to Stefano.

“You never mentioned Victor. Does that mean that Marlena didn’t kill him?”

“No, Victor was killed by someone else.”

“Do you know who?” Stefano shook his head negatively, but Marlena answered.

“Nicole and Jan.” All eyes riveted on her.

“Doc, how do you know that? And Jan who?” She was still trying to piece it together.

“Because I ran into them in the rain, the night Alice was killed. Nicole had Jan kill Victor so that no one would suspect her, and to make doubly sure, she handcuffed herself to Brady.” John asked about Jan again.

“But Jan who?”

“Jan Spears. She’s been back in town for a few months.” Hope was livid.

“That girl has been back for this long and you never mentioned it? Why? She almost ruined Shawn’s life.”

“She was seeing me as a patient and asked me not to tell anyone that she was in town. I couldn’t break that patient confidentiality.”

“But you would have let Victor’s murderer run free, is that it?” Bo’s voice had risen a few decibels.

“No, I don’t think I knew until that night, and then John and I fought, and I fell from the terrace, and I forgot everything. Bo, I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.” She burst into tears again, and John held her. He talked to Bo over Marlena’s sobs.

“Listen Bo, I had Brady follow Nicole last night because he overheard her talking to someone about a meeting on the pier behind your parent’s pub. I was going to go, but I was needed here, so I told Brady to go for me. He saw Nicole hand the man she was with fifty grand and thank him for a job well done. Bo, Nicole paid this guy to kill Marlena because she knew that Nicole and Jan killed Victor.”

“But Marlena isn’t dead, and the woman who is was killed by a woman.”

“Yeah, Hattie is the one who is dead, and now I have no idea who killed her, but Nicole thinks it’s the guy she hired.” Hope chimed in.

“But the DNA…”

“Was altered by me. Hope, Bo, we’ll fill you in on that in a few minutes. I think right now we need to concentrate on getting Marlena out of the jam she’s in.” Hope looked contrite while Bo brooded.

“Shane, you’re right. John, Marlena, I’m sorry.”

“It’s all right Hope. This is a very convoluted mess.” They all turned their attention back to Stefano. John squared off visually with his enemy.

“I’m going to say this only once old man. Marlena is my only priority here. Her life and well-being is the only thing that matters, so don’t mess with her any more. Go back and put the past exactly as it should be, or so help me, I will not be held responsible for my actions. You and I both know that Doc doesn’t deserve what has happened to her or what will happen to her because of you. If you screwed it up, you can fix it, and by the look of things, I’d say you’ve only got one more shot.” Stefano looked at Marlena, her eyes red rimmed, her spirit broken with all that she had heard.

“For once John, we are in complete agreement.” Marlena put her hand on John’s arm.

“Would you all give us a minute, please. I need to talk to my husband.” Bo and Hope led Stefano from the room, and John hung up the phone, telling Shane they would call right back.

“John, I need you to promise me something.” He sat back down and she took his hands in hers.

“Anything.” She took a steadying breath.

“I need you to promise me that if something goes wrong, you’ll let me get the punishment I deserve.” He wiped her tears with the pads of his thumbs.

“Don’t say that. Doc, regardless of what happens next, you can’t be held responsible for the killings.”

“John I have to be. I killed them; I killed them all, and no matter what Stefano did, I made the choice to kill, oh God, how could I have done that? Why would I ever think that taking someone else’s life could erase my own guilt or absolve me from my own sins?” She put a hand over her mouth as John engulfed her in his strong arms.

“Please, John, if Stefano can’t undo this, then you have to let me go. You must let justice be served.”

“I can’t Doc. I will make you any promise in the world, but I can’t sit back and let you be fed to the wolves. I love you too much for that. Let’s just see what happens and go from there.” He kissed the top of her head and she looked into the blue eyes she loved so much. With one hand she cupped his cheek.

“I love you so. Nothing in my life was ever more perfect than what you and I shared.”

“Doc, don’t talk like this is the end. It isn’t, I won’t let it be.” He kissed her hard with all of his feelings unleashing themselves into his embrace. When they parted, he kissed her again, ever so softly. A knock on the door, brought them crashing back to the reality of the situation. They each nodded imperceptibly and John gave permission for the others to come in, hoping that whatever was about to take place would keep his wife by his side, and in his arms.

John redialed Shane as Stefano got comfortable in the chair and readied himself for his trip back in time.

“Shane Donovan.”

“Hey Shane. It’s John. I think we’re about ready to get started here again.”

“I’m ready at this end.” John took his seat by Marlena, but she turned to Bo and Hope before they began.

“How are the kids doing?”

“We didn’t tell them that you were in here Marlena. It’s too long of a story, and this way they aren’t as worried thinking that it’s Hattie with Stefano instead of you.” Both John and Marlena nodded, agreeing with the decision.

“Thank you.” She asked Stefano what she should do to prepare herself.

“What do we do from here?”

“I will take myself back to where I need to go. For you, the best thing would probably be to lie back and relax. This way you are not caught off guard by a blackout or headache.” John fixed the pillows behind her and helped her get into a comfortable position in his arms. He kissed her temple, willing himself to think only good thoughts.

“I love you Doc, no matter what.” Her eyes glossed over.

“I love you too John.” Stefano cleared his throat and gave a few last minute instructions.

“I need it to be quiet. I do not know what would happen if I were to be distracted.” He stared at Marlena for a few moments, a look of regret shadowing his face.

“Good luck my fair queen. I will do what I must to restore your life.” With that parting remark, all was silence.

 

Stefano soon found himself ensconced in the Paris underground. He watched as a younger Stefano taunted Marlena with the sounds of a very young Belle, and then as the other Stefano ripped up the diary in which Marlena professed her love for John.

“This is what I need to change KP. I need to fix it all. Nothing I did made Marlena love me as I loved her, and in the future she will be executed for crimes that are unspeakable. I can not allow that to happen.” The Keeper of the Past shook his head slowly.

“Stefano, you know what must be done. Each time you have come back you have made subtle changes. Like the tearing of the diary, but even such seemingly meaningless alterations can have dire consequences on the future.” Stefano looked at his chaperone with sad eyes.

“Is there no other way?”

“No. You must relinquish all ties to this woman. You must give up the very thing that you were trying to accomplish by coming here.” Stefano stood silently for a moment.

“For over twenty years I have had a love-hate relationship with the fair Marlena. Somehow I always thought that someday she would love me, and now, even by changing the past, I can see that she will always choose John.” A wry chuckle escaped his lips as he thought of the man he had essentially created. “A true Dr. Frankenstein story. I created a monster, but the love of a woman made him human. And now, I have created another monster, but nothing can save her, unless I sacrifice a lifelong dream.” Cold determination entered his face, as he weighed his decision. “KP, I will do whatever it takes to save Marlena.”

 

As the two set about making things right, Marlena began having memory flashes. She thrashed about, trying to make sense of the constantly moving pictures. John held her as tightly as he could without hurting her. And just shortly before Marlena came to, Stefano faded from the chair he had been sitting in. As Marlena awoke she clung to John as though she would never see him again.

“Whoa. Hey there. That must have been some dream. Are you all right?” Her voice was shaky and she had a fist tightly wrapped around a portion of his dress shirt.

“Yes, I’m fine now.” Hope went to get her a glass of water, and Shane asked about her over the phone.

“Is everything all right there?”

“It seems to be Shane.”

“If you don’t mind John, I’ll leave you to explain the Hattie switch to Bo and Hope. I have a few people I need to contact.”

“Not a problem, and Shane thank you. You helped save Marlena’s life.”

“My pleasure. Take care.” They heard the dial tone and Bo switched the phone off.

“So we know that Nicole paid someone to take out Marlena, but whoever he was, didn’t get to Marlena, or Hattie, first.”

“That’s a fact. Dr. Norton said that the DNA collected was a woman’s but there was no match in the computer.” Hope was handing the water to Marlena.

“So do you think that the Serial Killer got Hattie?” Bo scratched his head.

“It’s a possibility, but why would the killer try to frame Doc then decide to kill her instead?” Marlena took a deep breath, knowing that her husband would object vehemently to her suggestion.

“What if we bring me out of hiding? I could…”

“Absolutely not! I will not risk you that way Doc.” Bo and Hope agreed with John.

“But you would be here to protect me.”

“Yeah, the way we protected Ma and Roman? Marlena I won’t let you do it. I know that I gave you a hard time in the courtroom at Tony’s hearing, but I still think of you as family, and I won’t lose anyone else to this monster. Suddenly Marlena slumped in John’s arms and shook violently as more memories invaded her brain. She made no sense of them, but pieces here and there began to form a gruesome picture. When she opened her eyes again, the other three were staring at her.

“Doc, what is going on with you?” She rubbed her forehead and hoped that it was nothing.

“Maybe since I did the profile on the murderer, I keep flashing to things that I think she might have done. I do know that she has been with each of the victims even after they’ve died, and she…” Marlena trailed off as she put the pieces together. Her head shook from side to side and her eyes grew wide as she realized the horror of the situation. John grabbed both of her shoulders and forced her to look at him.

“Doc, come on baby, talk to me. What’s going on, where did you just go?” Tears ran down her face as she said just one name.

“Lexie.”

Sitting in one of his many hideouts, Stefano sipped Brandy as he stared at a portrait of Marlena.

“Oh, my queen, I wish that it did not have to be this way, but I could not sacrifice your life. Someday we will meet again, and perhaps, you will find it in your heart to forgive me for what you do remember. At least now the past is as it should be.” He kissed two fingers and waved them toward the portrait in a farewell salutation.

 

“Doc, what about Lexie? You don’t think…” Marlena shook her head sadly as Bo, Hope and John looked at her stupefied.

“It all fits. It’s the only explanation.” Hope was the first to find her voice.

“Marlena, it couldn’t be Lexie. I was at the church with her when Abe was killed. She couldn’t be in two places at once.”

“No, that’s true, but she could have had someone do it for her.” Marlena paused for a moment. “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but where did Lexie come from every time someone died, or most of the times?” She looked at each of the other three in turn. “She almost always came from the hospital, yet at two of those times, the ambulance couldn’t get through for whatever reason. So how did she?” Bo wasn’t sure he could accept this.

“Are you saying that Lexie is the one who attacked Hope and me, killed her own husband, Jack, Maggie, Ma, Cassie, Roman, her brother, Doug, and Mrs, H.? Why?” Marlena looked at Bo, anger flashing in her eyes.

“Bo, why are you questioning whether or not Lexie is capable of these heinous crimes? When you found my gloves with sugar on them after Alice’s death, you were ready to string me up with no questions asked. You didn’t believe me when I told you that I’d lost them at the hospital. In fact, it took questioning three nurses at the desk where lost and found articles are kept before you would believe me. And Lexie knew that I had lost those gloves.” Bo stuck to his pride, but gave her a grudging reply.

“Fine. So, give me more reasons, motives, anything.”

“Zack.” Again all eyes were drawn to her. “Oh, come on, you know how you felt when you had to give JT back to Glenn and Barb. You still love him and send him presents. Hope you went and visited him over the summer. The difference is you did what was right for the child. Lexie would still have Zack if Glenn and Barb hadn’t come along and you know it.”

“Yes, but she has Theo now.” Marlena shook her head.

“Just because you have another child doesn’t make the loss of the first one any less painful. I still miss DJ terribly and wonder what he would be like if he had grown to adulthood, what his children might look like. It’s a loss that never goes away. Does Zack completely fill the spot where JT left an impression on your heart?” Both Bo and Hope answered with a quiet no.

“All I’m saying is let’s look at the possibility that Lexie attacked the two of you because of Zack. Abe was ready to make an arrest, so she had someone kill him for her. She worried about Jack, Maggie, and Caroline figuring it out, and then Cassie was trying to get to the police with the identity of the killer, Roman was very close to solving it, and Tony was grandstanding in the big top. Doug had figured it out and Alice must have as well.”

Finally John spoke.

“Then how did Lexie and Celeste get caught between the killer and the tiger at the circus?” Again, Marlena shook her head.

“I don’t know, but if Bo can attack me for crimes I didn’t commit, why can’t he go after Lexie too?” Bo shifted his weight.

“Fine. I’ll look into it.” John gave Bo a pointed look.

“Does this mean Doc is no longer a suspect?” Hope answered instead.

“She never should have been.” She turned to her husband. “I think we have a lot to look into tonight. Let’s go.” She pulled Bo through the door.

 

When they were finally alone, Marlena asked John about the kids.

“Please, may I see them? John this is so unfair to them. We’ve gotten through the memorial service, and you said that would be the toughest part. I can’t go on letting them think I’m dead.”

“Doc, I just don’t want any of them to slip.”

“I know, but maybe Bo and Hope will get this whole thing solved by morning, now that they have something to go on.” John embraced his wife.

“I hope so, because it’s already gone on too long.” He kissed her temple and pulled away from her. “Let me go first and prepare them all, somehow.” They both laughed a little.

“Yeah, you’d think they would all be used to people coming back from the dead. It seems to be an everyday occurrence in Salem.” He kissed her again and tried to figure out what to say to the kids on his way down the stairs. Sami saw him first.

“John, what’s going on around here? Why did you take off like that from the funeral?”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to alarm anyone, but I just had this gut feeling to come home, so I did.” Eric piped in.

“So what was the big emergency?” Sami added a smart remark.

“Did Hattie need more doughnuts or something?” John smirked, remembering the bawdy woman’s actions in the hospital.

“No, in fact, Hattie is dead.” Five pairs of eyes went wide with disbelief. Belle freaked out.

“Did she die here? Was she murdered? Is that why Bo and Hope were here?” He held up his hands to forestall any more questions.

“No, she was not murdered here. She was murdered three days ago in the alley behind Salem Place.” Sami didn’t get it, nor did the rest of them.

“But I just saw her here after Mom died…No, I didn’t, did I?” John shook his head negatively as Marlena came down the stairs and all five of her children rushed to her, realizing with Sami’s words that their mother was still alive. It was chaotic, but Marlena relished the noise and fuss that the kids were making over her. John just stood back, pride in his wife evident on his face. Finally, once the commotion had softened to a low roar, John asked about dinner.

“How about Chinese?” Everyone agreed and for the next few hours, everything was right with the world.

 

About nine the phone rang. John rushed to answer it.

“John Black.”

“John, it’s Bo.”

“What’s going on?”

“Hope and I found Lexie at the hospital earlier and asked of we could talk to her. We did it under the premise of trying to find more clues, but something in her snapped. Hope mentioned Zack and how badly she felt that he would never get to know Mrs. H, and Lexie flipped out. She told Hope that it was our fault that all of these people were dead, and if we had just left well enough alone, no one would have had to die. Right now, she’s sedated, but it looks like Marlena was right.” John sucked in a long breath and locked eyes with his wife.

“So, what do we do from here?”

“Once she wakes up we’ll question her further. I’ll get back to you.”

“We’ll be here.” They disconnected, and John went back over to the couch to sit by his wife. He gave her a kiss on the temple and whispered in her ear.

“It looks like you were right.” Tears formed in her eyes, and the kids mistook them for tiredness. Collectively they headed for the door, saying their goodbyes and hugging their parents tightly. Carrie had been nominated the spokesperson for “the speech”.

“I need to say this at least once in my life to you Marlena, and it isn’t that I don’t feel like this all the time, but your given name is what I’m used to calling you. For right now though… Mom, we are all so glad that you’re alive. We understand why you needed to keep it a secret, and we aren’t really mad, but please, please, don’t do this again.” John stepped up and took the responsibility.

“It wasn’t her idea, and I told her that if you were angry, you needed to blame me.”

“We don’t John, simply because we know that you were only doing what you felt you had to, to keep Mom alive.” Marlena’s eyes were overflowing with tears at Carrie’s choice of names.

“This is why I told John I needed to see you all tonight. I needed you to know that I was still around, that you were still stuck with me for a long time.” The sound of laughter filled the room as the kids all left, promising to be back the next day.

 

When all was quiet, John and Marlena talked about the ramifications of Lexie being the serial killer.

“John, I kept hoping that I was wrong, that it really wasn’t someone that we knew. How could she kill her own husband, the father of her child?”

“I don’t know Doc. Bo said he’d call with more news later.” She leaned into his arms, needing his strength, wanting to feel his love and protection. For a long time, they just sat on the couch, content to be in the other’s embrace. When they finally decided to go to bed, they spooned together, knowing that the next day might bring intolerable pain to so many of their friends and family.

They woke the next morning still spooned together, but Marlena shifted so that she could rest her head on John’s chest. He kissed her forehead as he wrapped his arms around her tighter.

“Morning beautiful. Did you sleep well?” She took in a deep breath.

“About as well as can be expected, but it was wonderful being in your arms. I still can’t believe I would make you leave for so long.”

“Doc, we were all scared about everything, and Celeste’s premonitions were all on target. I don’t blame you for what you were feeling.” She kissed him just below his collarbone.

“Thank you. I don’t deserve you, you know.” He took her chin between his index finger and thumb and turned her head to look into those gorgeous tawny eyes.

“No, I don’t deserve you.” He kissed her to stop any protests, and as his tongue found entrance into the warm recesses of her mouth, the phone rang. They parted reluctantly.

“I’m going to be really angry with whoever is on the other end of this line.” Marlena stifled a giggle as John reached for the phone.

“John Black.”

“John, it’s Bo.”

“Bo, what’s going on?”

“Lexie’s coming around but she isn’t making any sense.”

“Can I come see her?”

“Yeah. Is anybody coming with you?”

“Yeah, I’m going to bring Hattie with me, just so I can keep an eye on her.” Marlena stuck her tongue out at John in true Hattie fashion and as Bo rambled, John pulled her close to him and whispered in her ear.

“Don’t stick it out unless you’re going to use it.” His words came back to haunt him as she swirled her tongue around one of his nipples. John hissed a breath in as he tried to pay attention to Bo.

‘…psychiatric wing at the hospital.” John hoped his reply would make sense.

“Um, we’ll meet you there in a little bit.” He hung up abruptly and rolled his wife onto her back, slanting his mouth over hers. His hand ran down the length of her, one finger circling her breast and then trailing down her side to her hip. Just as he was about to follow the crease of her hip and abdomen, he pulled back and got off the bed. Marlena lay there, trying to regain her senses.

“Where do you think you’re going Sailor?” He turned around and came back to the bed, kissing her softly on the lips.

“We need to go to the hospital and see Lexie. When we get home, we’ll finish what you started.” She gave him a fixed stare that he knew very well.

“We most certainly will.” Suddenly something in her brain clicked. “Wait, you said you were bringing Hattie to the hospital with you.”

“That’s a fact.”

“No, I’m going as me.”

“Doc, I don’t want to argue with you about this. Hattie is dead because she looked like you; I won’t lose you again.”

“John, if Lexie is the killer then I’m safe, and I’m with you, so I’m safe.”

“You just said ‘if’. What if she isn’t? Please Doc, humor me.” Marlena stood there thinking.

“Alrighty then. I guess being Hattie is better than being dead.” He kissed her hard on the mouth.

“That’s my girl.” She pushed him away.

“Hey Bub, no kissing.” He laughed.

“That’s Bo’s name remember?”

“Yeah, Hattie gave him all the good ones – Tonto and Bub. Guess I’ll have to come up with something fun for you too.” John just rolled his eyes as his wife went to the guest room to shower and dress.

 

An hour later they were walking onto the secure floor for psychiatric patients. The nurse at the desk had John sign in, but wouldn’t allow “Hattie” access.

“I’m sorry Mr. Black, but I can’t allow unauthorized visitors behind the door.”

“I understand Kim. Thanks.” John turned his attention to the woman next to him.

“Are you going to be all right out here?” She rolled her eyes.

“I’m a big girl. I think I can manage to sit in a chair by myself thank you.” John just shook his head and waited to be buzzed through the heavy metal door. When John found Lexie’s room, he stopped short at the sight before him. Lexie was completely disheveled, her hair hadn’t been combed, and she was strapped to the bed. He motioned for Bo and Hope to join him in the corridor.

“What is going on with her?”

“She won’t let anyone do anything for her and she refuses to clean herself up.” Hope looked around.

“Where’s ‘Hattie’?”

“Kim wouldn’t let her beyond the nurse’s station.” Bo started walking toward the door.

“Then let’s go out by her because I’d like to talk to her.” “Hattie’s” head snapped up when she heard the door slam shut.

“Hattie, I’d like a word with you.” She rolled her eyes and stood so she wouldn’t feel looked down upon.

“I ain’t got nothin’ to say to you Bub.” Bo’s mind flashed back to the real Hattie and it was hard at this point to remember that it was actually Marlena standing in front of him.

“Listen, get off the attitude ride all right? I’ve got questions and you’re going to give me answers.”

“I ain’t the local Radio Shack, so leave me outta your whole Barney Miller routine.” She started to walk away when John took a hold of her arm. She fought to get it loose and he finally let go.

“What is it with you all wanting to manhandle me? Hands off pal.” John took a step back before making his suggestion.

“Why don’t we all go to Doc’s old office? It’ll be quiet there.”

“Man, does everybody in this town have a hearing problem? I already told you that I’m not goin nowhere or talkin to nobody.” Hope stepped up.

“Hattie, please. This is important. You may be able to help us.” “Hattie” pulled back a bit and thought about it.

“Fine. But I’m only goin ‘cause Slim here remembered the magic word.” Bo and Hope led the way to Marlena’s office, while John followed “Hattie”. He was hoping no one was watching closely because he knew his eyes were riveted to the sway of her behind in her low rise leather pants.

Ensconced in the privacy of her office, Marlena was free to be herself.

“So, Bo, Hope, how is Lexie? Has she said anything at all?” Both shook their heads.

“No, she hasn’t made any sense except to tell Bo and me that it was our fault all of this happened.” Marlena ran her fingers over her forehead. John posed the next question.

“Do you think she’s talking about JT and Zack?” They all looked at Marlena. This had, after all, been her theory.

“That would be my guess.” Suddenly a thought occurred to Marlena. “Does anyone else know that she’s here as a patient?” Hope answered.

“Celeste thinks that Lexie has been asked to take over another doctor’s shift and we only called her because someone had to take care of Theo.” John’s eyes lit up with an idea.

“So then most people still think that Doc is the number one suspect?” Bo shrugged.

“I suppose. I mean we haven’t officially cleared her. Her ‘death’ kinda stopped things.”

“John, what are you getting at? Why is my being the suspect important?”

“If Bo and Hope keep up the premise that they only need more information, maybe Lexie will let her guard down.” John paused for a minute. “Would hypnosis work in a case like this Doc?” Marlena took a deep breath and rubbed her forehead.

“Lexie would have to be willing to be hypnotized, and if she is still sedated, I wouldn’t recommend it. Also, anything she says under hypnosis is inadmissible in court.” John nodded his head.

“I know, but she might say something that would lead us to the clues needed to piece everything together.” Bo and Hope were thinking the same thing, but Hope actually said it.

“John, you should have stayed on the force.” John looked directly at Bo and replied.

“There wasn’t any room for me.” Bo looked at his shoes and the conversation dropped. Marlena brought them all back to the matter at hand.

“Who would you have hypnotize Lexie? I can pretend to be Hattie, but Lexie would know if I tried to take her under that it was me. I would say Laura, but she’s out of town at a conference, again.”

“Tek.” John rolled his eyes as he remembered being hypnotized. Bo dialed the number for the station.

“Hey it’s Bo, I need to talk to Tek…Hey man, can you come to University Hospital?…I’ll let you know when you get here…I need you to hypnotize someone…no, don’t tell anybody, just get here…meet us in Marlena’s old office…all right, see ya.” He turned to the group.

“He’ll be here in about fifteen minutes.” John looked at his wife.

“Why don’t you tell us what all we need to do Doc, since once Tek gets here, you have to be in Hattie mode.” She thought for a moment.

“Alrighty, first, make sure that Lexie is lucid. If she is still under the effects of the sedative, she might not be physically able to handle hypnosis. She might go under too deeply. Make sense?” They all nodded, and Hope called the nurses station just to make sure that Lexie was not given any more drugs. “Next, make sure that whatever questions are asked will not tip her off as to being a suspect. Hypnosis will not make her tell you anything she doesn’t want to, it will not make her relinquish all control, and it most certainly is not an exact science. Oh, and when she’s under, let her out of the restraints. This way she won’t feel trapped.” They heard a knock on the door and Tek entered. He stopped short when he saw “Hattie”. She repeated the words she had told Brady not too long ago.

“Take a picture it’ll last longer o.k.?” The other three stifled their grins as Tek held his tongue.

“Bo, you weren’t kidding about her looking just like Dr. Evans.” “Hattie” started to say something but was cut off by Bo.

“Yeah, we’ve heard the ‘I’m not anything like her’ speech already.” “Hattie” bit her tongue and glared at Bo’s back.

“Thanks for coming down here Tek. I need you to promise me absolute silence here. No one can know about what’s going on right now, got it?”

“Sure, but what is going on?” Bo filled Tek in on everything but Marlena, making it seem as though John had come up with the idea of Lexie being the killer and having an accomplice for Abe’s death. Tek was standing there shaking his head by the time Bo finished.

“Man, that’s as bad as believing that Dr. Evans was the killer. Is she off the suspect list?”

“Not officially, and she may not be if we don’t get the right answers from Lexie.” This earned Bo a glare from John, but he held his tongue, for the moment.

“I don’t know. She was pretty convincing when I confronted her at her penthouse a few days ago, but I guess most serial killers are good at getting around the system.” John’s temper flared.

“Are you saying that you still believe that my wife is a cold blooded murderer?” Tek backed away a step, still able to feel John’s hand around his throat from their last altercation.

“I don’t know what to think right now John. I do know that the one piece of solid evidence that we have belongs to your wife, and even though she’s dead, it won’t absolve her of her crimes if she is indeed guilty of nine, possibly ten murders.” John raised his hands then let them fall at his sides.

“She’s innocent, and I’d stake my own life on it.” Tek’s eyes once again landed on Hattie.

“So why is she here anyway?” John glanced at the woman who was avoiding looking at him at all costs.

“She’s in my protective custody.” Tek laughed out loud.

“What does she need to be protected from?” John’s answer was simple but effective.

“Stefano.” The room was silent and then they all moved to the elevators that would take them to the secure floor once again. When they got there, Kim was still on duty and Bo gave permission for “Hattie” to come with them. She decided it would be best to wait in the corridor however. In a hushed whisper she protested being in the room.

“You ain’t getting me in there with that crazy Dimera woman. Uh, uh, no way.” John just shrugged.

“Fine. Wait in the hallway where you may be exposed to other patients.” “Hattie” chomped even harder on her gum.

“I’ll take my chances. At least they don’t know me. For all I know that doctor wannabe might try to take me out like her daddy wants.” John knew what Marlena was really saying. She didn’t want to put Lexie on the defensive or cause her any confusion. To keep the admiration for his wife out of his eyes was next to impossible, so he just moved into Lexie’s room, letting the others follow. John and Bo stood in the corner so that Hope could talk to Lexie. They figured if any of them could get through to her it would be Hope. Tek stood off to the side, ready to begin whenever Hope gave him the go ahead.

“Hey Lex, it’s Hope. Are you awake?” Lexie’s eyes fluttered open and she stared at Hope, as if trying to figure out who she was. When recollection dawned, Lesie’s voice was flat.

“What do you want?” Hope tried to make her voice as nonchalant as possible.

“I’ve got some questions Lexie, and I think you’re the only one who can answer them.”

“About what?” Hope took in a deep breath.

“Lex, I know this is hard for you, and I’m sorry, but I think you might know who the killer is. I think it’s buried somewhere. We need to find out if Marlena really killed all those people. If she did, we can close the case, but if not we have to find the real killer.”

“Why do you think I know anything?”

“You’re a doctor and were with all of the victims either just before or just after they died. Maybe there’s some sort of clue that we’ve missed, but you know about without realizing it. Lex, I’d like to have Tek hypnotize you, but ultimately it’s up to you.” There was a long silence before Lexie answered.

“I’d like my mother to be here with me.” Hope cocked her head in wonder.

“Fine. I’ll have Bo go call her. Who would you like us to call to take care of Theo?”

“Have Mom call the nanny.”

“O.K., why don’t you rest up for a few minutes and we’ll take care of it.” They all filed out of the room and down the hall to the lobby. “Hattie” stood within earshot but far enough away to seem disinterested. Every once in a while she noticed John’s eyes wandering over to her. Once, when she was sure no one was looking, she winked at him.

“Why do you think Lexie wants Celeste here?” John ran his finger over his eyebrow.

“I don’t know Hope. Maybe just for moral support, maybe to give her some vibes on what we’re up to.” Hope rolled her eyes.

“John, that’s not funny.”

“Look, I know you buy into all this, but I still, even after seeing a pretty good show myself, haven’t been able to completely accept Celeste’s ‘gift’.” Bo came walking up then and told them that Celeste would be there shortly.

“So, Tek, we want you to put her under, and then Hope is going to ask the questions.”

“Sounds like a plan.” He looked behind him. “Is she just going to stand in the hall the whole time?” John shook his head.

“No, after you get Lexie under, I’ll bring Hattie into the room. She might be able to help us with something. She did spend time with Dimera after all.” They turned collectively as the elevator doors opened and Celeste rushed toward them. She took Hope’s hand.

“Darling, why is Alexandra on this floor. What has happened to her?”

“She broke down last night Celeste. Bo and I were asking her some questions and she started screaming at us that all of this was our fault. She was really hysterical so we had her sedated, but the nurses said she kept coming out of the sedative and thrashing about so they brought her here and kept her restrained through the night. I’m sorry we didn’t tell you sooner, but we weren’t sure what was going on, and we didn’t want to worry you needlessly.” It was a partial truth.

“Why is she still here then? What is the matter with Alexandra? I can tell you are not being completely truthful with me, no?” Her head was cocked to the side and she was staring at Hope intently.

“Celeste, we really don’t know what’s going on with Lexie right now, but she asked you to be with her when we hypnotize her.”

“Hypnotize her? For what purpose?” Bo stepped up and filled in the gaps.

“Lexie was the doctor for all of the victims, and maybe she has some sort of clue that can lead us to the murderer.”

“But Marlena is your suspect is she not?” John interjected.

“You, yourself said Marlena was innocent Celeste. I want the truth, and I want my wife’s name cleared. Lexie may be able to do that, but we need to hypnotize her.” Celeste was shaking her head back and forth.

“No, no, no. I will not allow it. If Alexandra remembers then she will become the killer’s next target, and I will not allow Theo to grow up as an orphan.” Bo tried to keep his voice down.

“Celeste, you don’t have any say in this. Lexie has already agreed to go under, and she just wants you here for moral support.” Suddenly Celeste stiffened and slowly turned around; she came face to face with “Hattie”. Celeste gazed intently at the woman before her. She took in the clothes, the attitude, and the face. Almost imperceptibly Marlena nodded her head. Finally, content with her assessment, Celeste faced the group again.

“Why on Earth is this woman here?” John breathed a sigh of relief.

“She’s in my protective custody.” Again Celeste looked puzzled.

“From what darling?”

“Not from what, from whom.” She gasped.

“Stefano.” Bo was getting impatient.

“Let’s get on with this all right?” In Lexie’s room, Bo and Tek stood in the corner, while John waited outside with “Hattie”. Hope stood back so that Celeste could talk to Lexie for a minute.

“Hello Darling. How are you feeling huh?”

“I’m fine, just tired. How’s Theo?”

“Just wonderful. He was very happily chewing on his teething ring when I left him with the nanny. Now, why did you call for me?”

“Mom, I just needed you to be here. Suddenly I feel like my world is spinning out of control and I needed someone beside me. I’ve held it all together so well since Abe died, but I don’t think I can do it anymore. I need to know who killed him, and if I know something, well then I need to find out what it is.” Hope walked up to the bed.

“You ready Lex?”

“I guess so. I do have a request though. Please don’t bring me out without letting me remember what I’ve said.” Hope gave Lexie a small smile.

“Sure thing. Tek, you ready?” He walked to the other side of the bed.

“Yep.” Concentrating on Lexie, he started talking to her softly.

“Lexie, just concentrate on my voice. There you go. Let everything else go, clear your mind, let your eyelids fall as you relax. Good. I’m going to count back from ten and as I do, with each number, your eyelids are going to get heavier and heavier, until by the time I get to one you won’t be able to keep them open any longer. Here we go, 10…9…8…7…6…5…4…3…2…1…Good job Lexie. You’re completely relaxed, and Hope is going to ask you some questions now o.k.?” Lexie just nodded slightly and Hope took a deep breath.

“Lexie, I’m going to ask you some questions about some of the murder victims all right?”

“O.K.” John and “Hattie” quietly entered the room and stood behind the bed, out of Lexie’s sight.

“Do you remember the day that Abe was killed?” Tears came to Lexie’s eyes.

“Yes.”

“Can you tell me about that day?” Lexie recounted getting ready for Theo’s baptism and Celeste’s prophecy, then waiting impatiently for Abe to show up.

“…but he couldn’t come because he was lying on our front lawn, bleeding to death.” Lexie stopped there and Hope looked at Tek.

“Ask her a more leading question. She’ll answer.”

“Lexie, do you have any idea who shot Abe?”

“Yes.”

“Can you tell me?”

“No.”

“Why?”

“It doesn’t matter anymore.” Hope glanced around the room at all the shocked faces that matched her own.

“Why doesn’t it matter?”

“She’s dead too.” The silence in the room was deafening.

John laced his fingers with Marlena’s as they all waited to see if Lexie would give the name of the dead woman who shot Abe. Not even a breath was taken as Hope asked the next question.

“Lexie, if the woman is dead, then it shouldn’t matter who she is right?”

“Right.”

“So, will you tell me? Please?” Lexie shifted anxiously in the bed.

“No, I can’t.” Hope reassured Lexie as quickly as she could.

“O.K., it’s all right. No more questions about Abe. Can you talk to me about Jack?”

“Yes.”

“Good. What do you remember about Jack just before or after he was killed?” Lexie talked about how he had been taunting the killer on TV and then took the day off to be with Jen, but he ended up dead instead.

“…she was so devastated to have to take him off life support. And Abby, she worshipped her daddy, but now he’s gone and Jen’ll probably lose the baby too…just like I lost mine.” Hope was going to continue questioning Lexie, but Tek motioned to her to be quiet, to let Lexie keep talking if she wanted.

“Lex, do you want to talk about your baby?” The steel with which Lexie answered took Hope aback.

“Not with you. You’re the reason I lost my baby in the first place.” Hope and Celeste looked at each other. With a slight nod from Tek, Celeste spoke to her daughter.

“Alexandra, will you talk to me? I know you are in a great deal of pain right now, and I would like to help. Please let me.” Lexie stared blankly at the thin blanket that was covering her. She was shivering and shaking her head back and forth.

“Oh, Mom, where did it all go wrong? How did I end up so much like him? Why did I end up like him when I was raised by such good people?” The change in Lexie’s demeanor did not go unnoticed.

“Like who Darling? Who are you speaking of?” Lexie looked right at Celeste, but didn’t really see her. Her answer to the question was laced with venom.

“Stefano.” Celeste immediately tried to remind Lexie of all the good things.

“Alexandra, you are not like Stefano. He is evil and only wants what will benefit him, the rest of the world be damned. You are not like that at all. You are a healer, kind, giving, compassionate…” She was cut off by Lexie, who was thrashing about on the bed.

“No, I’m not. You don’t understand. I’m not that person at all. I can’t be, not when he’s controlling me, not when I do what I do to help him get revenge, to get revenge myself. I’m not, I’m not at all.” She was sobbing hysterically and Celeste tried to hold her daughter but Lexie pushed her away.

“I don’t deserve your love, your trust. I’ve destroyed everything.”

“Alexandra, I don’t understand. Please, tell me what you have done. It can be fixed.” Lexie was shaking her head again.

“No, Mom, this can’t be fixed, not ever.” Suddenly, she was calm again, as if something in her snapped and her mind regained control of the situation, even under the hypnosis. Hope decided to try some more questions.

“Lexie, can you tell me anything about Maggie’s death?”

“No.” Hope was determined.

“Caroline’s death?”

“No.” Each answer from Lexie was angrier than the last, and Hope kept pushing.

“Cassie?”

“She deserved it.” That deafening silence was again present. Hope swallowed hard.

“What do you mean she deserved it?”

“Just what I said.” When it was obvious that she was not going to elaborate, Hope kept on her.

“So, someone deserves to be stabbed numerous times and stuffed into a piñata so that innocent children can be scared out of their minds when a bloody corpse falls to the ground?” Hope knew she was being cruel but she needed to break through to Lexie somehow and if making her angry or getting some sort of emotional reaction out of her was the only way, then so be it.

“I didn’t mean to scare the kids. I was just so angry.” Hope blinked back tears and John squeezed Marlena’s hand tighter. Bo and Tek both ran their hands over their faces, and Celeste was about ready to faint. Tek grabbed the chair from the corner and made Celeste sit down.

“Angry about what Lex?”

“She didn’t know it was me. I told her that Abe knew she and Rex weren’t Tony and Marlena’s, that he was going to tell Roman and Kate they had children together. She was furious and scared; she hated Roman and Kate and wanted nothing to do with them, so she came up with her own plan. Abe didn’t know anything, but Cassie didn’t know that. I knew she was volatile, but I didn’t think she would ever figure out that it was me. That stupid little twit tried running to the police. It was her own fault.” The others in the room were in various stages of distress. Marlena had tears streaming down her cheeks, while John stood next to her stoically, relieved that this admission cleared his wife, but still mourning his best friend and the loss that Theo faced. Bo was leaning against the corner of the room, needing the support of the plaster behind him, and Hope just tried to keep her throat clear of tears so she could continue the questions. Celeste was still in complete shock.

“Lexie, how did you know that Cassie and Rex were biologically Roman and Kate’s?”

“I just knew.”

“Stefano told you didn’t he?”

“I don’t want to talk anymore.” Hope asked one last question, knowing that they would get no more from Lexie right now.

“Lexie, do you know how Marlena died?” Lexie again went through what they all knew about “Marlena’s death, but gave them no new information.

“So, you don’t know who killed Marlena?”

“No, but I wouldn’t mind thanking her. Marlena almost ruined everything.”

“Lex, what do you mean she almost ruined everything?”

“I told you, I’m done talking.” Lexie started shaking her head trying to clear the fog. Tek started speaking to her quickly, trying to bring her out of it.

“Lexie, listen to me. It’s Tek, I’m going to bring you out and you’ll remember everything. I’m going to count to three, and when I get to three you’ll be awake. 1…2…3…” Lexie blinked her eyes, trying to gain focus on what she said and what she did, but she said nothing. Celeste was the only one in the room who tried talking to the woman in the bed.

“Alexandra, are you all right Darling?”

“Please, just leave me alone.” Tek called the nurse in and they all filed out except Celeste. In the lobby one collective sigh was heard. Bo and Hope and John and Marlena had their arms around one another for comfort. Of course it did not go unnoticed by Tek.

“So, ‘Hattie’, you and John are pretty chummy huh?” He was angry at the scam, but somewhere deep inside he understood. John didn’t let go of Marlena while explaining the situation to Tek.

“You’ve got to keep this here Tek. Especially now that we have no idea who tried to kill Marlena. I won’t let some lunatic take another shot at her.” Tek turned to Bo and Hope.

“Obviously you two knew about this?” They both nodded their heads.

“But not until after the memorial service yesterday. We agree with John about keeping ‘Marlena’ dead until we can figure out who tried to kill her.” John was still royally ticked with Bo for his treatment of Marlena lately, but he nodded his thanks to the man for the help he was giving right now. John reluctantly let go of Marlena as he voiced his next idea.

“Let’s go back down to Doc’s office where we can speak in private.” Hope pushed the elevator button and John turned to the nurse’s desk.

“Hey Kim, can you tell Dr. Carver’s mother that we’ll be in Dr. Evan’s old office if she wants to talk with us?”

“I sure will Mr. Black.” He gave her a blinding smile.

“Thanks.” He knocked on the counter and then got into the elevator with the rest.

“So where do we go from here dammit?” John was pacing, trying to figure out who would want his wife dead. “When you convicted Marlena without a trial Bo, you made her a target for every looney out there, and now we aren’t any closer to finding out who took Hattie out.” Marlena tried to calm John down, but it was pointless, and she was almost as frustrated as he.

“Look man, I was just doing my job.” John rounded on the other man.

“Your job involves looking at the facts and finding more facts to substantiate what you already have. No where in your job description does it say to berate and belittle the suspect, especially when you have no solid proof.”

“I had proof.”

“You had circumstantial evidence that wasn’t going anywhere and you know it. You treated my wife worse than you treated Tony Dimera. And now, because you were so hell bent on putting her on death row, someone else decided to speed up the process.” The two men fell silent but kept glaring at one another. Finally the staring match ended when Celeste walked in.

“I’m so sorry. I interrupted something, no?” Hope was quick to reassure her.

“Nothing that won’t keep Celeste. How is Lexie? Did she say anything else?”

“She is sleeping now, but was quite agitated after you all left.” John had to ask.

“Did she say anything else about Marlena’s death?” Celeste gave him a half smile.

“Why would Alexandra know anything about a death that did not occur?” John shot back.

“But a death did happen Celeste, and Lexie may have information about it. She said that my wife deserved to die, and I want to know why.” Bo knew that Celeste didn’t want to hear this, and frankly he didn’t want to say it, but it was inevitable.

“Celeste, from the way Lexie was talking, it sounds like she may have been the one who killed Cassie, and if she killed Cassie, it’s a good bet that she killed the rest.”

“But why Bo? Why would Alexandra kill her own husband? She was devastated by Abraham’s death.” Hope put a hand on Celeste’s arm.

“The only reason we can come up with is Zack. Marlena is actually the one who came up with the theory.” Celeste looked at Marlena.

“And why not if it takes suspicion off of her?” Marlena stepped forward.

“Celeste, I did not kill my friends and family, nor do I want to think that Lexie did either, but it makes sense. And after what I heard just a bit ago, I’m convinced that Lexie had something to do with at least some of the killings. She refused to answer certain questions under hypnosis and that to me is a red flag. I’m so sorry, but I think that Lexie knows more than she is telling us.”

“Perhaps, but it is a mother’s job to protect her child, no?” Marlnea took Celeste’s hand.

“I understand perfectly.” When Marlena tried to take her hand back, Celeste had it held tightly.

“Celeste? Are you all right?” The woman was not answering; she was caught in a trance. Marlena tried to shake her hand free to no avail. Finally Celeste came out of it.

“Marlena, you are still in great danger. You must not reveal yourself.” John came up behind his wife and put his hands on her shoulders.

“Celeste, do you know who my wife should be afraid of?”

“I am sorry John, I do not, but I sense that it is the same person who succeeded in killing Hattie.”

“That’s it. No one breathes a word about Marlena still being alive.” She turned to John.

“I’d really like to go home. We aren’t going to accomplish much more today anyway.” John kissed her temple and gave her shoulders a little squeeze.

“Bo, Hope, Tek, keep me posted on what you find out. I know you don’t have to, but I’d appreciate it.” Hope didn’t care what her husband thought at this point.

“John, you and Marlena have been through hell because of all of this. Of course we’ll keep you updated.” Marlena smiled her thanks to Hope then turned to Celeste.

“Celeste, I’m so sorry. I do know what you’re going through.”

“I know you do Darling, thank you, and stay safe.” Marlena looked over her shoulder at her husband.

“I will.” To the rest of the crowd, she said, “Feel free to use ‘Marlena’s’ office whenever you need it.” John dropped his hands from her shoulders and they exited the room into the corridor. They ran into Belle and Shawn on the way out.

“Hey Belle, Shawn, what are you doing here?”

“We came to see Shawn’s parents. Someone at the police station said they were here.”

“We just saw them in your mom’s office.” “Hattie” was standing back blowing bubbles and looking bored. One popped really loud and Shawn made a comment.

“You know, that’s really rude. We’re trying to have a conversation.” His distaste for “Hattie” was evident.

“Well, golly gee Beaver, I’ll make a note of it.” Belle just pulled on Shawn’s arm, trying to lead him away before “Hattie” really lit into him.

“Shawn, let’s just go find your parents.” “Hattie” smiled at Shawn.

“Yes, please tell Tonto hello for me.” She said it in her regular voice and as uppity as she could manage before slipping back into “Hattie’s” voice. “See I got good manners. Now take your girlfriend’s advice and scram.” She turned on her heel and stalked to the elevator, John on her heels.

“I’ll see you later sweetheart.”

“Bye Dad.” They were in the Jeep before John let out a howl of laughter.

“And just what is so funny?

“Beaver, as in Beaver Cleaver? Where did you come up with that?” She shrugged her shoulders.

“I guess Shawn has just always been the good little boy next door, although lately he has me really angry at the way he’s treating Belle. How can he profess to love her one minute and then push her away the next. If I’m the killer he’s not going to forgive her, but if I’m not, then they’ll be o.k. Love doesn’t work like that and if Shawn thinks that it does then he is not the right person for our daughter. There is no gray when it comes to love. It has to be something that you feel from the bottom of your soul, something that can never be shaken, never be broken, and that will never lose faith.” They were entering the penthouse as she spoke her last words. “Like how I feel about you. There is nothing in this world that would ever make me doubt you or lose faith in what we have.” As the door snicked behind them, John grabbed Marlena and kissed her until they were both breathless. Their mouths melded together as their bodies complimented each other, hard against soft. John’s hands were tangled in Marlena’s already tousled hair, and her hands were cupping his taut backside, pulling him closer. As he pulled away and rested his forehead against hers he let her know just what kind of agony he was in.

“I have wanted to do that since this morning. Have you noticed that I walked behind you all day?” A lecherous smile crossed her face.

“Is there a reason, Mr. Black?”

“Um, hm.” His tongue was busy drawing lazy circles down her neck, and her voice was raspy as she asked her next question.

“Are you going to tell me what it is?”

“Your ass is pretty saucy in those leather pants, and it was fun watching you swing it as you walked.” She kissed him again and took his hand, leading him to the stairs.

“Maybe you’d like to watch it one more time on the way to the bedroom then?”

“You read my mind.” John followed his wife up the stairs, his eyes glued to the sway she slightly exaggerated as she ascended the steps leading to their final destination. At the last stair, she turned around and met her husband’s gaze. With a devilish glint in her eyes, she threw him the final straw.

“So I guess maybe it’s a good thing I didn’t tell you earlier that I’m not wearing any underwear huh?” He groaned loudly as he took her face in his hands and crushed his lips to hers. His tongue thrust in and out of her mouth, trying to take complete possession of it, of her. Stepping up one step, he scooped her into his arms and carried her to the bedroom. Setting her down gently, he stood back and gazed at the woman in front of him.

“Doc, you are one hell of a sexy woman all the time, but there is just something about you being dressed in leather and lace that really turns me on.” When he mentioned the lace, he ran a finger along the edge of her black bra and she shuddered at the light touch.

“Well, to be honest, there’s something about the way you look at me when I’m dressed like this that really turns me on.”

“Would that be the ‘oh my God, I’ve got to fuck you now’ look?” She threw her head back and laughed.

“That’s it, that’s the one.” She took off the leather jacket and threw it on the chair behind her. “So why don’t you?” John, mesmerized by his wife’s cleavage, lost the conversation.

“Why don’t I what?” She slapped his arm as she laughed at him.

“You are as bad as a high school boy getting into his first peep show.” She wrapped her arms around him and stood on her tip toes so her mouth was by his ear. As she breathed the words, she ground against him lightly.

“Why don’t you fuck me now?”

“Jesus Doc.” He took her hips in his hands and pulled her hard against his erection and fused his mouth with hers. She held his head in place as their tongues battled and they tried to get even closer than they were. The kisses were dizzying and when they finally parted, neither one was breathing very steadily.

“You have no idea what it does to me to hear those dirty words come out of that lovely lady-like mouth of yours.” She gave him a seductive look and made his insides quiver with her next choice of words.

“Hmm, I guess you’ll really love what this lady-like mouth is going to do to you next then.” Marlena unbuckled his belt and whipped it through the loops. After tossing it across the room, she unbuttoned the fly of his jeans and opened his boxers. Locking hazel and blue she dropped to her knees in front of him and took him fully into her mouth. He tangled his hands in her hair as her hot, wet mouth enveloped him. Marlena swirled her tongue around his shaft and sucked lightly as she pumped him. Moving to the more delicate skin below she ran her tongue over his balls and sucked at them lightly, eliciting a groan of animalistic pleasure from her husband. Not quite satisfied that he felt good enough, she ran her tongue up the shaft one more time and impaled her mouth on him, using her hand to stroke what her mouth couldn’t take in. John’s knees almost buckled at the sensations she was causing him, and he pulled her up so that he could kiss her once more.

“I want you naked…now.” They undressed each other, laughing as they kept bumping arms or trying to get a shirt off an arm that was in use. When they were finally standing before one another with nothing at all between them, the electricity crackled and they stared at each other, knowing that they were about to succumb to each other’s greatest weakness. John led Marlena to the bed and they lay down together, their mouths once again melding together. John traced the curves of her body with his finger, running the circle of her breasts and down to her belly button, before teasing her most sensitive spot. His lips followed his finger and he ran his tongue along the crease of each leg stopping short of her center. A small frustrated moan escaped Marlena’s throat. Rather than tease her any more, John thrust his tongue as far into her as he could and then nipped at her nerve bundle. Marlena’s back arched involuntarily and John repeated his movements. She chanted his name as she came with the rhythm of his tongue. John slid his body along hers and barely gave her time to come down from her high before he entered her.

“Oh God, you feel good.” They lay there for a long time, neither one moving.

“Baby, I don’t know how much longer I can last. You have me so close.” She looked him in the eye.

“Just go hard and fast and I’ll be right there with you.” A ragged breath escaped him as he pushed her to the extreme. With a deep thrust they both let go and couldn’t hold back their moans of ecstasy. Marlena took all of John’s weight on top of her as they both struggled to regain their breath.

“There isn’t anybody else in the world who can do to me what you do.” She slapped playfully at his arm.

“There better not be.” She kissed him on the neck. “But I know exactly what you mean. Oh, I just love you so.”

“I love you too Marlena Black.”

They awoke a short while later from their little nap wondering what to do with the rest of their day. Marlena looked at John seriously.

“Honey, I know what your answer is going to be to this, but please hear me out, all right?”

“I think I know what my answer is going to be too, but I’ll be quiet for a few minutes.” She kissed his lips lightly.

“Thank you.” She shifted positions so that she could look at him while they talked then laced her fingers through his. “John, we’re pretty sure that Lexie isn’t the one who tried to kill me, although she probably did kill Cassie, and we know that she’s happy that I’m ‘dead’, but we still need to figure out who really did try to kill me and why. I don’t think that we’re going to come up with the answer as long as I stay dead. Someone needs to see a ghost or the real me so that she tries again and we can catch her. Honey, I know that you don’t want to put me at risk, and believe me, I don’t either, but I don’t see any other way.” John looked at the amazing woman sitting next to him and just smiled at her.

“I love you.” That was all he said. Finally she laughed a little.

“I love you too. Aren’t you going to say something about where we should go from here?” He nodded.

“Yeah. I think you are the bravest woman I know, and I can’t believe that I’m about to say this, but I agree with you. We’re at a dead end, no pun intended. Lexie probably won’t give us much more information and you can’t stay dead indefinitely. Each day it

gets riskier and I’d rather be prepared for something than have it blindside us. Let me

think about it for a bit o.k.?” He wrapped his arms around her and brought her back down into the circle of his arms. “Right now though, I just want to keep holding you.”

“Oh, you have the best ideas.” John’s fingers were making a light trail along Marlena’s collarbone and as he ran them just a bit lower, his palm brushed over her breast. She inhaled slightly and snaked her arm around his neck, their lips meeting in a passionate kiss. Her tongue skated around his lips, sipping at them, tasting him, teasing him. She pulled herself up on her elbow so that she was leaning over him and pressed her chest onto his. A low moan escaped him and she swung her leg over his hips, pushing her thigh into his already bulging manhood.

“Doc…” He was robbed of words as she slid her body over his and impaled herself on him. Marlena braced her hands on either side of John’s arms and rocked her hips slightly, eliciting another moan of delight from her husband. She lowered herself down to whisper in his ear.

“So, would you like hard and fast, or slow and erotic?” Her hips were still moving ever so slightly and John was having trouble concentrating on anything but the way it felt to be buried inside his wife. John brought Marlena’s mouth to his and slowly pried her lips open with his tongue, running it along the roof of her mouth. He loved the little moan she let out when he did that. John kissed his way to her ear and whispered back.

“Why don’t we go for earth shattering and see what happens?” Before she could respond, John pushed her into an upright position and rocked her hips faster with his strong hands. She could feel him all the way at the gate of her womanhood and she was powerless to hold back the tidal wave of intensity that overtook her. He pushed her even farther by rubbing her swollen nerve and thrusting his hips against hers. It didn’t take much for her to shudder and cry out from the force of her orgasm. When she collapsed against him and finally found her voice, she admonished him.

“You don’t play fair Mr. Black.” He just kissed her cheek.

“Guilty, but loving every minute of it.” She wiggled her hips slightly just to try and torture him a bit, but he quickly got the upper hand by rolling her over and covering her body with his. He braced her hands above her head with one of his hands and let the other roam down her side. They were still connected intimately and John’s free hand brought one of her long legs up around his back. Marlena arched her back to take John in more fully and he thrust a few times before pulling completely out of her. He laughed at her pouty look.

“Miss me already?” She swatted his arm and pulled him down for a searing kiss that left them both breathless.

“Does that answer your question? Now finish what you started.” He sat up on his knees and brought her up into the sitting position with him. He laughed at the little gasp that escaped her as she felt him fill her completely.

“My pleasure Doc.” As they moved together, the passion they shared erupted into an all consuming fire that left them both quaking. As John laid Marlena back onto the pillows, they snuggled together, their heart rates slowly returning to normal. She traced small circles around John’s still erect nipples.

“I think that you finishing what you started was my pleasure Sailor.” He chuckled.

“Let’s call it a tie.”

A couple hours later they were sitting in the living room when all the kids came to visit, as promised. John and Marlena caught them up to speed on what was going on, with the exception of Lexie. They didn’t want to state anything without having more facts.

“So, how are you going to bring Mom back to life John?” John looked at Eric honestly.

“I don’t know yet. If we had any idea who might have wanted your mom dead, it might be easier to come up with a plan, but right now I’m stumped.” Sami piped in.

“What about some sort of party, where you tell everyone that Mom really wasn’t the one killed?” John smiled at Sami.

“I thought about that, but there would be too many people there. I don’t think that I could keep a close enough eye on your mom.” All of them were thinking of Roman and Kate’s wedding when they were sure that they had Roman protected but the killer still got to him. Carrie had an idea too.

“John, what Sami said could work if we just throw a small family party here, but we all ‘slip’ and say things to a few people. You know that word will spread like wildfire, but by just having family here, it will be easier to monitor who comes and goes, and who hasn’t been invited.” Sami gave Carrie a questioning look, but just shook her head when john started talking again.

“That’s a good idea, but I’m going to need you all to help me pull it off.” They got started on the preparations right away and John called Bo and Hope to let them know what was going on. John was a little relieved when Hope answered Bo’s cell phone.

“Bo Brady’s phone.”

“Hope, it’s John.” He went through the plan with her and she was eager to help.

“Just let me know when and where.”

“Probably about eight tomorrow night at the penthouse, but I’ll call back and let you know for sure.”

“Talk to you then.” The kids were all getting ready to leave when John pulled Sami aside.

“Have you talked to Will about this yet, Peanut?” Sami shook her head.

“No, I wanted to, but I didn’t know what to do. I didn’t want him to slip at school or say something to Kate or anyone else.” John gave her a quick kiss on the forehead.

“Why don’t you and Will come by later tonight? I don’t want him to be shocked tomorrow night, and bring Lucas with you if you’d like. It might help Will to have you both here.” Sami looked at John thankfully, but she said nothing.

“You all right Sami?” She blinked back tears.

“Yeah. I just can’t help but wonder why I hated you all these years. All you’ve ever done is love us.” John pulled her to him for a hug.

“Hey, don’t go back there. What’s done is done, and I really screwed your lives up for a while. Unfortunately we can’t change the past, but we can make up for it. I’m glad that you and I are back to talking again.” She looked up at him.

“So am I. I’ll bring Will back with me later, and probably Lucas too.” Sami ran over and gave her mom a kiss before bounding out the door to catch up with the others. John stood staring at the door for a few moments, a small smile on his face. He felt Marlena’s arms wrap around him from behind.

“A nickel for your thoughts.”

“A nickel huh?”

“Inflation.” He smiled at his wife as he turned into her arms.

“I’m just glad that Sami and I aren’t on opposing sides anymore, and I’m sorry that you had to ‘die’ for it to happen, but I’m not sorry for the outcome.” Marlena kissed John softly.

“I was hoping that she would come around some day.”

Sami, Lucas, and Will walked into the penthouse for a quiet dinner, and John joined them in trying to prepare Will for the fact that his Grandma Marlena wasn’t actually dead. Both Sami and Lucas left most of the explaining up to John, since they didn’t know everything and they expected that John would want certain things left unsaid.

“Hey Pal, come sit by me for a minute.” Will walked over to the couch and John turned so he could look at Will as they talked. “Will, I need to talk to you about something, but I’m probably not going to be answer all of your questions about it.”

“About what Grandpa John?”

“Your Grandma Marlena.” Marlena was on the terrace, listening and hoping that Will would be all right after this whole ordeal was over. She was extremely proud of the boy sitting in there and of the way Sami and Lucas were raising him. She made a mental note to tell both of them later. Will’s young voice brought her back to the conversation at hand.

“Grandma Marlena didn’t really do all of that awful stuff did she? I mean there have been a lot of people at my school who’ve been saying really mean things about her.” Sami got tears in her eyes as she thought about what her son had to endure at school each day, and Lucas wrapped his arm around her. John looked right into Will’s eyes.

“No, Will, your Grandma Marlena is not guilty of the crimes the serial killer committed, and I’m so sorry that you’ve gone through everything that you have the past few days. Will, I lied to you, I lied to everybody.” Will’s face scrunched in confusion.

“What do you mean? How did you lie to me? Just now? Did Grandma Marlena really kill all those people?” John tried to stop Will’s questions.

“No…no…Will, stop and listen to me for a minute. Will, your Grandma Marlena is not the Salem Serial Killer, and she did not do any of the horrible things that people are accusing her of. What I had to lie to you all about was her death.” John took a deep breath. “Will, another woman who looked like your grandma was killed and I didn’t want Marlena to really end up dead, so I got a friend to make it look as though your grandma died, but she didn’t. I’m sorry to put you through all of this, but it was the only way I knew how to keep her safe.” Will thought for a minute.

“Does that mean that someone was trying to kill Grandma Marlena, but killed the person who looked like her instead? Do you know who?”

“No, Will, I don’t know who yet, but I’m gong to find out. I wanted to tell you now that your grandma is alive so that you have time to come to grips with it before tomorrow night. I’ll tell you about that in a minute.”

“So is she here? Can I see her?” On cue, Marlena walked into the living room and sat down next to Will. She took him in her arms and held him for a long time.

“Will, I’m so sorry that this hurt you. Please forgive me.” Will wiped his eyes.

“I understand. I’m just glad that you’re alive. Grandpa John said you aren’t the one who did all those awful things. Why would people say you did if you didn’t?”

“Oh, that’s a tough one. There have been a lot of people who have been accused during this whole awful ordeal. Your Uncle Rex, Grandma Kate, Tony, and me. I don’t know exactly what is going on Will, but I promise you that I didn’t hurt anybody.” He hugged her again then turned and hugged John.

“We’re trying to figure out what’s going on Will, and that’s what tomorrow night is all about. We’re going to have a party just for the family so that people know your Grandma Marlena is still alive.” Will kind of half laughed.

“You’re not going to tell me anymore than that are you?” John laughed out loud, as did the rest of the room.

“Nope, I’m not. You’re a pretty smart kid. Now what do you say to some pizza?”

“Cool. Just no fruit and no fish!” John ruffled Will’s hair.

“Now there’s a kid after my own heart. Why don’t you come in the kitchen with me and you can help me order.” John and Will headed to the kitchen while Sami and Lucas sat on the couch opposite Marlena.

“John was really good with Will; it reminded me of how he used to deal with Carrie, Eric, and me.” Marlena smiled at her daughter.

“Oh sweetie girl. I’m so proud of you. You amaze me a little more each day.” Lucas chimed in.

“Me too.” The two of them exchanged a meaningful look. Finally Marlena broke the silence.

“I want to tell you both something before John and Will come back. When Will was first born, I loved how much you loved him Lucas; I think somewhere in the recesses of your mind you had an idea that he could be yours, but then everything changed and for a long time I was terrified of Will being caught in the cross hairs of the animosity between you and Sami, but I never questioned how much the two of you loved him, just how much he was hearing and seeing that he shouldn’t. I need for you both to know how much I admire how you’ve changed things between you for Will’s sake, and for your own. I’m very proud of both of you for putting aside your differences and concentrating on what’s best for Will.” Sami got up and flew into her mother’s arms.

“I’ve needed to hear that for so long, and I’m so glad that it was you who thinks that I’m doing a good job with Will. I know that I’ve screwed up so many times, but I love Will more than anything. He’s the one thing that is right in my life.” Marlena looked at this child that she still saw as her baby girl with tears streaming down her face.

“Oh sweet girl. You are a wonderful Mom.” They stood when they heard John and Will coming back into the room, and Marlena took Lucas into her arms and whispered to him.

“And you are a wonderful father. Thank you for taking such good care of both of them.” Lucas blinked back the tears that he didn’t want to fall and turned to Will.

“So, what kind of pizza did you order for us buddy?”

“We got a thick crust with sausage, Canadian bacon, and black olives on it, and then we got a hand tossed veggie pizza.”

“Sounds great.” After the pizza had been demolished and the three younger people went home, John and Marlena sat quietly on the couch, talking about the “party” set for the next evening.

“Doc, I’m not letting you out of my sight from now until we catch this maniac, so prepare yourself.”

“Hmm, I think I might be able to handle that. I missed too much time with you these past few months.” John turned her face to his and his breath caught.

“What?”

“You still take my breath away Doc. You are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever known.” She laughed a bit.

“And you’re good for my ego.” He leaned down to separate the inches between them and gently brushed his mouth over hers, lightly running his tongue along her lips. Their foreheads pressed together, he told Marlena almost the same thing he told Sami earlier.

“Doc, we can’t change the past, so let’s not keep going back to the last few months. We’re together now and I won’t ever take that for granted again.” He got off the couch and carried her upstairs to their bedroom.

The next morning dawned crisp and clear, and John reached for his wife, but her side of the bed was empty. An adrenaline surge went through his body and he jumped out of bed. He laughed ruefully when she opened the bedroom door with two cups of coffee in her hands. She looked at him with a smirk on her face.

“Um, are you all right John?”

“I am now.” He crossed the room and took one of the steaming mugs from her, giving her a quick kiss also.

“So, can I ask why you were streaking around the room?” It was then that he remembered he had on nothing at all and reached for his robe. Marlena winked at him.

“Don’t cover up on my account.”

“Fine.” He dropped his robe back on the bed and drank his coffee. She laughed, trying valiantly not to be affected by the sight of her gorgeous husband wearing nothing but a lecherous grin. She cleared her throat.

“So, ahhmm, what were you doing when I walked in with the coffee?” She scratched the nape of her neck and noticed that it was quite warm, and then she came up with a brilliant idea.

“I was looking for you.” Marlena deposited her robe on top of John’s. “Doc, what are you doing?” She looked at him as innocently as she could.

“It’s pretty warm in here wouldn’t you say?” She had just removed her nightgown and John could only stare at the naked beauty of his wife.

“John, you were pretty frantic when I came in.” He shook his head to clear it.

“Yeah, usually I wake up before you and when I rolled over and you were gone, I guess I freaked out a little bit.”

“Oh.” She was perched on the edge of the chair, her glasses on, reading the paper, and John was beyond turned on at the sight of her. He cleared his throat and she looked at him over her glasses.

“Doc, is there a reason we’re playing this game?” She looked at him as innocently as she could, but her mouth kept turning up in a smile.

“What game would that be Sailor?” He crossed the room and pulled her out of the chair, but didn’t touch more than her hands. He locked hazel with blue and his voice was an octave deeper than normal.

“The one where we’re both standing here naked, wanting each other, trying to hold out so the other one makes the first move.”

“Is that what we’re doing?” She dropped to her knees and ran her tongue along his erect shaft slowly circling the head and taking him in as fully as she could. He tangled his fingers in her hair as she sucked, licked, and stroked him and finally brought him to a mind shattering climax. Marlena stood back up, her eyes glowing with the conquest of her husband.

“Darn, I guess I lose. I touched you first.” John pulled her into a searing kiss and she felt him harden again against her middle.

“Doc, I need a shower. Care to join me?”

“I thought you’d never ask.” He laced his fingers with Marlena’s as they walked the short distance to the bathroom. John turned on the heated towel rack and started the shower. When he turned around, Marlena was right behind him.

“Hi.”

“Hi there. I just didn’t want to give you time to escape on me.” John leaned down and completely ravished her mouth.

“Baby, you’re naked and about to join me in the shower. I’m not going anywhere except inside you.” She shuddered at the tone of his voice and pushed him backward into the glass stall. As they both let the water run over them, they kissed and touched, but avoided the more intimate spots, waiting until they could hold back no longer. Their anticipation was peaked as they lathered one another up and washed each other’s hair. John was impatient for the necessities of the shower to be over with and attacked his wife the minute the soap was out of his hair. Marlena tilted her head back as John kissed his way down her neck, around her collarbone, and farther to her breasts. His tongue took a turn with each one, driving Marlena insane with want. As she whimpered softly, John ran a finger around her opening before slowly thrusting two fingers into her. Her hand wrapped around his hardened shaft and stroked in time with his fingers. Their mouths never broke the electrifying kiss between them and Marlena jumped slightly as her back touched the cool glass behind her. John pressed his hardened body against her softer one and ground his hips against her. She finally broke the kiss and in an almost inaudible whisper asked John for what she wanted.

“Please, I need you now.” He responded by taking her mouth again and sucking her tongue lightly before entering her, matching his strokes to the kiss.

“Oh God, John.” She was on her tip toes as he thrust over and over again into her. They both came at the same time and leaned on one another for support. John kissed her lightly before turning off the shower and grabbing the warm towel for her. John grabbed her for another kiss before letting her leave the bathroom.

“I love you Doc, and I love starting the day with you.”

“Yeah, I can definitely tell people I had a good morning. I love you too John.”

The upcoming evening was weighing heavily on both of their minds throughout the day.

“John, I don’t want to believe that someone I know and trust wants me dead. Oh God, how did we get here? How did it all get to this point, this horrible nightmare that none of us can wake up from?” John wrapped his arms around Marlena as they sat on the couch. There was nothing for them to do, the kids were taking care of it all, and that meant that there was nothing to occupy their minds but the event that was now only a few hours away.

“Doc, I have no idea where it all went wrong. Stefano overplayed his hand and it led to the destruction of his daughter. Until Lexie decides to tell us more though, we don’t have any concrete answers.” The doorbell rang and John bounded across the room to answer it.

“Hail, hail the gang’s all here.” All five kids, plus Lucas and Will came into the apartment to get it set up for the party. Hugs were doled out and the boys carried the grocery bags into the kitchen.

“Thanks for doing all of the cooking tonight. I didn’t want to trust a caterer.”

“John don’t worry about it. As long as you don’t let Mom near the kitchen we’re in good shape.” Eric easily ducked the punch his mother threw at him.

“Oh you. Why is it that my cooking is always a topic of conversation?”

“Because it’s the one thing you don’t do well Mom. We have to have something to pick on you for.” Marlena placed an arm around Sami’s shoulders.

“I’ll remember that. So, where do we start?” Belle looked at her mom.

“You don’t, we do. Tonight is all about us giving a little something back to you for all you’ve done for us over the years.” Marlena put her arms around her youngest daughter.

“Thank you sweet girl.” She looked at all of them in turn. “I love you all so much. I hope you never doubt that.” Carrie wiped her eyes.

“This is a party, remember, no more tears.” Eric piped up from behind her.

“Aye, aye captain.” With that all of the kids headed to the kitchen, leaving John and Marlena alone once again.

“So now what?” The phone rang and Marlena answered it.

“Hello?”

“Marlena, it’s Hope.”

“How are you?”

“Good. I hope it’s all right, and I know I should have asked John about this, but I asked Shawn to come with Bo and me tonight. He’s been so lonely without Caroline and I thought it would do him some good to spend time with his grandchildren, especially Carrie and Eric since he hasn’t seen them in so long.”

“Hope, please don’t apologize. This is a family party and John and I still consider Shawn family. I’m so glad you asked him.”

“Well, we’ll see you soon then.” As they disconnected, Marlena’s tears fell.

“Hey, hey pretty lady. What’s going on here?” She fell into John’s arms.

“I’m just feeling so sad for all them, and for me. I think it must be survivor’s guilt or something like that. There are so many gone John, and it’s horrible, especially if it is Lexie. I think it might be easier to take if it was someone we didn’t know, but we lose someone else we love if it is her. Does that make sense?”

“Yeah, it does.” He kissed her temple and turned her face to his. “Doc, please, let me protect you tonight. I have no idea if anything is going to happen, but I don’t want you out of my sight for a minute.” Marlena smiled up at her white knight and kissed him softly on the lips.

“I’ll stay right next to you all night then. I love you.”

“I love you too Doc.” They shared another soft kiss and then headed toward the kitchen to try and get early dibs on the food, but the peeling of the doorbell made them go back to the entryway. John opened the door and found Hope, Bo, and Shawn standing there. Shawn and John shook hands, while Hope entered the room and gave Marlena a hug.

“Oh hi there. I’m so glad you’re here.” Hope smiled at Marlena.

“So am I.” John and Bo were no longer snarling at each other, but they had a long way to go to get back to being friendly. Shawn walked over and gave Marlena a long hug.

“I told John the other day at your wake that I knew it wasn’t you. I’m glad ya proved it lass.” Marlena’s eyes welled.

“Thank you Shawn. We still need to find a bit more though because almost all of the circumstantial evidence still points to me.” Shawn wagged a finger at her.

“Doncha be worrying none, that husband of yours’ll find whatcha need.” They sent Shawn in to spend time with the kids in the kitchen while John and Marlena were brought up to speed with the investigation. John was anxious about any more confessions from Lexie.

“So, has Lexie said any more?”

“No, and I’m getting the feeling she doesn’t know any more than what she’s told us.” Marlena was confused.

“But if she killed Cassie, which she pretty much admitted she did, then it makes sense that she killed the others also.” Bo was aggravated.

“Nothing about this case makes sense.” For once John agreed with him.

“I agree Bo, but we’ve got to keep digging. The victims’ families are counting on some closure here.”

“Don’t you think I know that? I’m family to almost all of the victims, either by marriage or blood.” Hope tried to get Bo to calm down.

“Bo, he knows, he’s just trying to help.”

“Yeah, help his wife out of a murder rap.” Marlena’s voice was quiet but edged with steel.

“Perhaps it would be best if you went home Bo.” He turned around.

“Why is that Marlena?” She shook her head slightly.

“Because I don’t know you anymore. I understand being angry and frustrated by the loss of lives, but for you to throw all of the years we have known each other out the window for your vendetta scares me. Bo, you can’t make sure that justice is served while you are so blinded by hate and vengeance. Can you look me in the eye and honestly tell me that you think I killed Caroline and Roman? Even if you disregard the others right now, can you honestly believe that I would kill your mother and your brother?” Bo couldn’t meet her eyes, but he didn’t let go of his anger.

“I don’t know what to think.”

“That’s right, you don’t, and until you do know something one way or the other, please stop treating me like Charles Manson, especially in my own home.” Bo looked at all three of them.

“For tonight I’ll let it go.” They were saved by the kids and Shawn coming back into the room. For a while it was almost as though nothing had been plaguing Salem, and then the doorbell rang again. John’s gut wrenched, knowing that all the invited guests were there already. Both Bo and Hope perched on the edges of their chairs, not knowing what might be coming. The doorbell peeled again as John finally reached the light oak door and pulled down on the brass handle.

“Kate? What are you doing here?” She was standing there with her nostrils flaring, and John knew she was angry.

“Is she still alive?” John decided to play dumb.

“Who?” Kate rolled her eyes.

“Marlena, that’s who.” She tried to brush past John, but he didn’t budge from the doorframe.

“Kate, we are having a private family party, and I would appreciate it if you would go away.” Kate backed up a step and tried another tact.

“John, I thought we were friends. Why won’t you let me in to at least talk to her?”

“Because someone already tried to kill her and I won’t let whoever that was succeed.” Lucas came up behind John.

“Mom, it might be better if you went home. I’ll call you later.” She threw both men an exasperated glance.

“John, at least let me come in to talk to my son.” Lucas walked past John.

“Mom, I’ll come in the hallway. We can talk there.” Lucas closed the door behind him as Kate lit into him about being at the penthouse. The people gathered inside tried not to flinch as Kate’s voice became louder with each argument she gave to Lucas. When it was quiet again, John answered Lucas’ knock to be let back in.

“I’m sorry about that. Mom was pretty upset about everything. She’s headed home now though, and hopefully she’ll feel better tomorrow.” Lucas was mildly impressed when Sami held her tongue. They were just getting settled again when the fire alarm for the building went off. John, Bo, and Hope automatically pulled their guns, and John told the rest of the group to head down the stairs and out of the building. He pulled Marlena back for a quick kiss and then told her to stay in the middle of the group.

“I’ll meet you outside. I love you.”

“I love you too. Stay safe.” Eric, Brady, Shawn, and Lucas closed ranks around her and the rest of the women and Will and as a unit all moved toward safety. Bo was just hanging up his cell phone when he and Hope joined John in the hallway.

“Fire department says that one of the wall alarms got pulled. There are two trucks and a squad car on the way.”

“Well, if it is a false alarm, at least we’ve got some back-up.” Hope looked at John.

“You’re thinking this was a way to get Marlena out of the apartment?” John raised one eyebrow.

“Seems pretty obvious to me. I just hope it isn’t Kate. She was pretty ticked when she left, and she didn’t leave all too long ago. Let’s split up and see what we come up with.” They each picked a set of floors, John taking the lower ones to be closer to Marlena, Hope in the middle and Bo working his way down.

 

Outside, it was chaotic, but the large group managed to stay together. The only thought in all of their minds was protecting Marlena, who was worried about her husband.

 

Ensconced in the shadows was a woman just waiting to make her move. “I wanted you to die the same way my husband did, but you escaped me. This time you won’t be so lucky. And as soon as I get a clear shot, you will be rotting in hell.”

Inside the building, John was getting a bad feeling that he was on a wild goose chase. He raced through the last two floors as quickly as he could and headed out to where the others were waiting. Red lights were reflecting from the glass windows and the blare of the sirens was almost deafening. Hope and Bo exited the building almost immediately after John and with the same results. Nothing. They watched as John ran to the small group huddled by the large red hook and ladder. No one knew what happened right then, and for everyone it would come back in small pieces and only after agonizing over the event repeatedly. Marlena saw John running toward them and ran for him at the same time. Belle tried to catch her mother’s arm, to keep her within the safety of their circle, but at that moment the blast from a gun rendered everyone immobile and when John finally raised his head to assess the situation both his daughter and his wife were lying motionless on the blacktop, the red blood obliterating the white parking lines.

“Oh my God, Doc, Izzy. I need a paramedic over here. Somebody help us.” John was kneeling in front of them, trying to figure out where all the blood was coming from. Marlena stirred slightly and rubbed the sore spot on her forehead. Her hand came away red from the gash to her hairline.

“John…John, what happened.”

”Baby, just lie still. I don’t know yet.” John didn’t want to move Belle, who was lying on top of Marlena but he couldn’t see who, if either of them, had been hit by the bullet. The paramedics brought a spotlight with them and that’s when John saw it, the huge blood stain off of Isabella’s left shoulder. Her shoulder had been turned down toward the pavement and only when the light hit it was it noticeable. John tried not to panic, to stay calm for both Marlena and his daughter.

“My daughter’s been shot. Help her first.”

“Oh my God, Belle.” Marlena struggled to sit, but couldn’t.

“Doc, take it easy. You’ve got a nasty gash on your head.” They heard another ambulance pulling in and Brady motioned for it. Before Marlena was loaded into the second ambulance, the first was on its way to University Hospital, and by the time John and Marlena arrived Belle was already in surgery. John stopped one of the doctors in the corridor.

“My name is John Black and my daughter was just brought in. Gunshot victim. Do you know anything?”

“No, Mr. Black, I don’t, but I’m just getting off duty. I’ll be happy to check for you. Where will I find you?”

“In the ER with my wife, Dr. Evans”

“I’ll be back as soon as I can. I’m Dr. Morgan.” John hurried back to the ER to check on Marlena while Dr. Morgan checked on their daughter. In the curtained cubicle one of the doctors on duty was just butterflying the gash to Marlena’s head.

“How are you doing pretty lady?” He brushed his lips over her temple that the doctor was not working on.

“How’s Belle?”

“I have a doctor checking on that right now. Now, how are you?”

“I’m o.k. Just a small bump to the head.” John looked at the doctor for confirmation.

“She is really all right. Had whatever she hit gone just a bit deeper however, I would have needed to stitch her up. I’ll have the nurse give you some instructions for the next few days and something for the headache.” Marlena was agitated by this time.

“She can find me by the OR. Right now I just need to be near my daughter.”

“I understand.” John helped Marlena to her feet and held her steady as she fought off the wave of dizziness. Knowing he wouldn’t be able to persuade her to lie back down, he didn’t even try. They found Sami, Lucas, Eric, Brady, and Carrie already in the waiting room when they got there. All the children were relieved to see Marlena on her feet, but the look of distress on her face brought them all to tears. Sami approached her mom first.

“Mom, how’s your head?” Marlena wiped her tears away.

“My head is fine, but my heart is breaking. Have the doctors been out here yet?”

“No, not yet.” Just then Dr. Morgan came up to John.

“Mr. Black, I’m sorry I missed you in the ER.” He turned to Marlena. “Dr. Evans, I’m Dr. Morgan.” Recognition flashed in her face.

“You just came on staff last month right?”

“Yes. I have some news about your daughter.” John stood behind Marlena, his hands on her shoulders, her hands over his, while the rest of the kids crowded around.

“The bullet just barely missed her heart and her aortic artery. In that respect she was very lucky, but there was major tissue damage and one of her lungs collapsed due to the injury. Right now the surgeons are working on getting the bullet out, stabilizing her, and stitching up what needs repair. The nurse I talked to said that surgery should be another couple of hours. I’m sorry I don’t know more.” John spoke over the lump in his throat.

“Thanks Dr. Morgan.”

“Good luck.” Both John and Marlena shook their heads slightly and she turned into him and sobbed uncontrollably.

“My baby. John that bullet was meant for me, I should be lying in there, not my sweet Belle.” Both Bo and Hope got off the elevator and headed straight for the family.

“How’s Belle?” Eric filled them in while the others tried to find ways to occupy themselves for the interminable wait. When Eric was finished, John fired questions at the two newcomers.

“Did you find the shooter? Do you know why? Was it the person who pulled the fire alarm? Is there…” Bo held up a hand, and for the first time, Marlena noticed that Hope had been crying.

“Hope, are you all right?” Hope couldn’t speak, she just shook her head negatively. Both John and Marlena felt the pall that threatened to overtake the room.

“Bo, what is going on?”

“We found the shooter. She wasn’t far from the sight and she was extremely disoriented. Apparently when she saw Belle go down, she knew that something had gone horribly wrong.” Bo was still trying to come to grips with the identity of the woman.

“Dammit Bo, who is she?” Hope took a ragged breath before answering.

“Julie.”

Marlena would have fallen over if John hadn’t had his arm around her waist.

“Julie? But why? What was her…” Marlena didn’t finish as Julie’s motivation hit her. “She slit Hattie’s throat, thinking she was killing me the same way she thought I killed Doug.” Marlena walked away from them all then. “Why?…Why, why, why, why, why, why, why?” She turned around and hugged Hope. “I’m so sorry. I wish that none of this had happened.”

“I know, me too. When we found her she was talking to Daddy and singing their song to him. Marlena, it was so sad.” Hope couldn’t go on and Bo wrapped his arms around his wife. Finally Marlena spoke again.

“When I know that Belle is out of surgery and doing well, I need to see Lexie.”

“Doc, how is that going to help. She wants you dead.”

“I know, but I don’t know why, and maybe if she sees that I’m still alive, it will shock her into admitting something, anything that will help us. I don’t know what else to do.” John walked over to her and enfolded her in his strong embrace.

“None of us do.” The surgeon approached them all and John and Marlena met him halfway.

“Dr. Spencer, how is Belle?” The doctor removed his surgical cap and tried to repair the matted hair on his head.

“She is holding her own at the moment. You have a fighter that’s for sure.”

“So she’s going to be o.k.?”

“It’s going to be touchy for the next twenty-four hours, Dr. Evans. Belle lost a great deal of blood and had some major tissue damage from the angle that the bullet entered her back. We also had to re-inflate her left lung so she is still on the respirator right now. To be honest, for as bad as this was, she could have been much worse off. That bullet missed her heart and aortic artery by a hair.”

“Can we see her?”

“She’s still in recovery and then she’ll be moved to ICU. At that point, you and Mr. Black may go in for about ten minutes each hour. Her brothers and sisters may visit one at a time for five minutes every hour. More than anything right now Belle needs rest.” John grasped the doctor’s hand firmly.

“Thank you for saving our little girl’s life.” The doctor smiled slightly.

“I just did the technical stuff; your daughter is the one with all the fight in her.” He turned and walked back toward the OR. Both John and Marlena let out long breaths and held each other tightly. The older children had been within earshot and they too were talking and relieved at the outcome. Marlena turned to John.

“Belle will be in recovery for at least a half hour. I want to go see Lexie.”

“Doc, it can wait.”

“No, John it can’t. Eleven people are dead and our daughter was almost killed tonight because of this…this insanity. We need answers, and I want them now.” She was headed for the elevator before he could stop her. Bo and Hope followed, hoping that whatever Marlena had planned would work.

 

“Dr. Marlena Evans to see Lexie Carver, please.” The night shift nurse just stared at Marlena.

“Dr….Evans?” Marlena smiled slightly. “Coming back from the dead is so over-rated.”

“Yes, Judy, it’s me. Hattie Adams was the one who was killed. May I please see Lexie?” Just then the elevator behind her opened and the other three stepped out as Judy unlocked the heavy metal door. Bo and Hope flashed their badges and nodded their approval for John too. Marlena outlined her plan just before entering Lexie’s room and then pasted a smile on her face. She stood at the foot of Lexie’s bed and waited for recognition to dawn.

“Oh my God. Marlena?”

“Yes Lexie. It’s me.”

“But I pronounced you dead. I checked the autopsy reports. You were truly dead.”

“No, that was Hattie Adams.” Lexie was trying to put the pieces together and staring at the starched white blanket over her lap.

“But you were truly dead.” Marlena looked at Lexie in confusion.

“No, Lexie. It was Hattie Adams. Do you remember her? The woman John brought in when it looked as though I was guilty?” Finally Lexie looked hard at Marlena.

“Of course I remember her. I’m not stupid.” Marlena jumped a little at the vehemence with which Lexie addressed her.

“Alrighty. You just kept saying that I was dead, that’s all.” Lexie averted her eyes immediately.

“I know.” She was fidgeting with the blanket. “Can you go now? I’m really tired.” Marlena nodded slightly.

“Sure. I just wanted to see how you were doing.” Lexie mumbled something incoherent as they all left the room. Back in the lobby, Marlena spoke with Lexie’s attending psychiatrist.

“Dr. Logan, I know that you have the final say in this, but I would really like for you to recommend to Lexie that she is ready to go home.” The older man looked at his collegue quizzically.

“Dr. Evans, you know that I hold your skills in the highest esteem, but frankly I am baffled by this request. You and I both know what Lexie has alluded to under hypnosis. Are you willing to risk more lives?” Marlena let out a deep breath.

“I don’t think that will happen. And if anyone’s life is at risk, it’s my own. Please don’t ask me to go into detail right now. Believe me, I wouldn’t ask this if I didn’t feel it were absolutely necessary.” Dr. Logan pondered the request for a long moment.

“Fine. I will talk with Lexie in the morning, but I need for you to know that I am against this wholeheartedly and it is only my respect for you that is allowing me to say yes.” Marlena gave him a grateful smile.

“Thank you. I promise once this is all over I will explain my train of thought to you, if you haven’t figured it out by then.” The two couples descended in the elevator once more and Marlena and John headed to ICU to check on Belle. The other kids were all outside of the room waiting for John and Marlena to come back. Marlena asked the nurse at the station about seeing her youngest child.

“Sarah, can John and I see Belle now?”

“Sure Dr. Evans, but just for ten minutes all right?”

“Of course.” She and John clasped hands and walked into the room together. Marlena took in a sharp gasp at the sight of her child hooked up to all the machines. The only noises in the room were the beeping of the heart monitor and the rhythmic whoosh of the respirator. Marlena closed her eyes and leaned against John for strength. Belle had a respirator tube in her mouth, an IV drip in her arm, wires hooked to her chest to monitor her heart rate, and she was propped slightly so that she wasn’t lying on her wound. Her face looked even more pale than usual framed by her pale blond hair. Finally Marlena composed herself and approached the bed, John at her side.

“Hi there baby girl. The surgeon told us how hard you fought in surgery. I’m so proud of you. You just keep hanging in there. Both Daddy and I are right here, and Carrie, Sami, Eric, and Brady are all outside waiting for you to wake up.” John stepped up next to the bed and covered the still hand with his.

“Izzy, it’s your dad. I want you to know how proud I am of you. You just keep fighting, all right? Your mom and I will be back to see you as soon as we can. We love you.” He leaned down and placed a soft kiss on her forehead.

John and Marlena slept fitfully on the couch and a bed that was brought into her office that night. Neither one wanted to be far away from Belle, and they both wanted to be there when Lexie was allowed to leave the hospital the next morning. Every hour John and Marlena alternated going to visit Belle just so she would know she wasn’t alone. Neither said much, they just held her hand so she could get the rest she so desperately needed. At seven a.m., they both were exhausted but got up anyway to make sure they knew when Lexie left the hospital. Marlena had already showered and John was just emerging from the bathroom when Bo and Hope knocked at the office door. The smell of coffee permeated the air.

“Mmm, that smells wonderful. You didn’t get it from the cafeteria did you?” All of them laughed at Marlena’s question.

“No, we stopped by the Java Café and brought some muffins too.” They all attacked the food and washed it down with the hot coffee. Hope put a hand on Marlena’s arm.

“How’s Belle this morning?” Marlena and John both gave her a tired smile.

“She’s holding her own. Not much better, but not any worse either.”

“I’m glad. Shawn wanted me to ask if it would be all right if he came by later. I think he was extremely embarrassed over the way he treated both you and Belle the last few weeks and didn’t want to face you just yet.” John’s temper flared and he spoke before he could contain it.

“He should be embarrassed.” Marlena put a hand on his arm. “But when Belle wakes up, if she wants him to visit, he has my permission.” Bo’s face tensed at the unspoken dressing down of his son and he got right to the point.

“Any idea when Lexie is going to be released?” Marlena shook her head.

“I called up there just before you got here, but Dr. Spencer was with another patient. I left word for him to call me here after he speaks with Lexie.” Both Hope and Bo nodded.

“We have four plain clothesmen in four unmarked cars set to tail her at various intervals so that she doesn’t get suspicious with the same car constantly following her.” John nodded his agreement.

“Smart move.” Just then the shrill ring of the phone interrupted the conversation.

“Dr. Evans.”

“Good morning Dr. Evans, this is Dr. Spencer. How is Belle doing?”

“Oh, um, she’s holding her own, thank you. Has Lexie been released?”

“I’ve told her that she is free to go if she chooses, and she is getting ready to check herself out right now.”

“Dr. Spencer, I know that I am asking a very unprofessional question right now, but if you will, please answer me.”

“All right.”

“What is Lexie’s state of mind this morning?”

“She seems nervous, but in control. And that’s all I will tell you.”

“I understand. Thank you very much.” They hung up and Marlena addressed the group.

“She should be leaving shortly. Dr. Spencer said that she seemed nervous but in control so I have no idea what to expect from her at this point.” Bo nodded.

“I’ll tell the officers to be ready.” The door to the office came flying open and Sami ran in.

“Mom, John, Belle’s waking up.” The parents flew toward their daughter’s room, hoping that this meant she was out of immediate danger. They sat on either side of her, each one holding a hand, and Marlena moved the stray hairs off of Belle’s forehead.

“Hey there Izzy. It’s about time you decided to wake up. It’s not Saturday you know. C’mon, you can do it, just open those pretty blue eyes of yours.” Her eyes fluttered slightly, but didn’t open, however, neither John nor Marlena was discouraged.

“Sweet girl, it’s Momma. I’m here with your Daddy and all your brothers and sisters are outside just waiting to make sure that you’re getting better. You gave us a scare, but you’re doing just great.” Belle’s eye lids fluttered again and this time she kept them open. Marlena took in a sharp gasp of joy.

“There’s my girl.” She noticed Belle trying to talk. “No, don’t try to talk sweetie. You’ve got a ventilator tube in your throat. We’ll ask the doctor if it can come out soon o.k.?” Belle nodded her head slightly and her eyes closed again. John saw Bo standing outside the window motioning to him, so he excused himself from Marlena and shut Belle’s door quietly behind him.

“What’s up?”

“You’re never going to guess where Lexie ended up.”

“Where?”

“The Lafferty Farm House.” John’s jaw dropped.

“Did your people see anything other than Lexie going inside?”

“No, but I’m putting a team together to go in.” Bo paused for a minute and swallowed his pride. “I’d like you on that team.” John held his hand out to the man that he still thought of as a brother, despite their recent conflicts.

“I’m in. Thanks Bo.” Bo took John’s hand and shook it.

“Yeah, well, you’ve got an inside track that none of the guys around here have, so I’m making you the point man. They’re following your lead because between you and me, nobody knows Dimera better, but he trained you.” John’s eyes clouded over.

“Don’t remind me.”

“Sorry man, I didn’t mean for that…” John held up his hand.

“No offence taken, it’s just a part of my life that I would rather not think about. So, where do we go from here?”

“First of all, how is Belle. I heard one of the kids say she’s waking up.” John’s eyes lit up.

“Yeah, she opened her eyes when we were in there. Marlena’s going to talk to the doctor to see if she can be taken off the ventilator.”

“That’s good news.”

“Yes it is. Listen Bo, I’m going to go talk to Marlena for a few minutes and let her know what’s going on. Are you going to be here?”

“Yeah, if I’m not, I’ll be on the phone with Hope figuring out when we strike.”

“Let’s not wait too long; if the old man is holed up there, he probably already knows we’re on to him.” John disappeared into Belle’s room where the doctor and a nurse had just finished removing the huge tube from her throat and had outfitted her with the small nasal tube for oxygen.

“How’s that feel young lady?” Belle tried to talk but her throat was too scratchy so she just nodded yes.

“I want you to try and get some more sleep right now all right? I’ll be back to check on you soon.” Again she nodded.

“Belle, honey, Daddy and I are going to go outside for a bit so you can rest. We’ll be back soon.” Marlena leaned down and gave Belle a kiss on the forehead, and John followed suit.

“Be back soon baby. I love you.”

 

Out in the corridor, John filled Marlena in on what Bo had told him and what Bo wanted John to do.

“So, what do you think Doc?”

“I think I’m scared for you, but I know you need to do this. Just promise me that you’ll be careful.”

“I will.” He pulled her into his arms and practically crushed her to him, but she didn’t complain. She needed to feel his strength. Marlena looked into his blue eyes and could already see the anger boiling below the surface. She took his chin and forced him to look at her.

“John, you must stay focused on who you are now. No matter what you find at the farm, no matter what anyone tells you, you are my husband, my love, and my best friend.” He took her mouth in the sweetest of kisses. The clearing of Bo’s throat behind them broke them apart.

“We gotta go.” Bo walked away to give them a little privacy.

“John, I love you. Remember that.”

“I love you too sweetheart.” He gave her another quick kiss and took long strides to reach Bo. The gnawing feeling in Marlena’s stomach grew with each step he took.

“Stay safe, my love.”

John adjusted his earpiece so that he could communicate with his teams and checked the rough drawing that they had of the farmhouse.

“All right, I want teams one, two, three, and four surrounding the house itself. I want five stationed outside the barn, and I want six and seven around the perimeter. Take your positions now and wait on my signal.” Bo watched in amazement as the men disappeared.

“You put those teams together really well; I can’t see any of them.” John nodded.

“That’s the point. I called in a few favors and got some of the best men from the neighboring areas. I figure we need every advantage since we don’t really know what we’re up against.”

“Good point.” John gave Bo a strong stare.

“So, you ready?”

“Let’s do it.” They ran for the farmhouse under as much cover as they could and separated at the corner of the house. Bo headed toward the front door and John snuck around to the back door. Bo waited for John’s signal.

“NOW!” Both front and back doors were kicked in simultaneously and John and Bo stormed the house. The lower floor was silent and they backed each other up as they ascended the stairs to the second level. Again they found nothing.

“Dammit, it’s abandoned.”

“It can’t be Bo. Lexie is here. They must be in the basement.”

“John, this is an old farmhouse. What kind of basement will there be?” John just gave Bo a raised eyebrow.

“Bo, we’re talking about Dimera here.” Bo just motioned for John to lead the way. About halfway down the steps, they drew up short as a shadow moved across the wall. Because of Bo and John’s position, their shadows were on the wall next to them and they went unseen by the person on the first level. Neither man moved, afraid to make the old stairs creak under their weight. The moving shadow disappeared, unaware that it had been detected. John whispered as softly as he could to the men outside.

“We have movement in the house. Standby.” He motioned for Bo to follow him and they tentatively descended the remaining steps. Making sure that the first level was secure, they approached the door leading to the basement. Both poised themselves for an attack and John flung the door open to emptiness. He muttered under his breath.

“Damn, I hate playing cat and mouse.” Bo started down into the dark dampness. Hanging overhead was a single bulb, but it was lit and Bo and John knew that they would soon find the occupants of the house.

“Team one, move into position.” The stealthy movements of men convening into the foyer on the first level wasn’t heard from below and John and Bo readied themselves for what they would find behind the heavy wooden doors.

“John, I can guarantee those doors weren’t originally here.”

“Nope. You ready to find out what’s behind door number one?”

“Let’s go for it.” John looked quickly at the door to see which side the hinges were on so he would know whether to push or pull then tried the handle and to his amazement was able to pull it down. His gut wrenched at the easiness of it all. Suddenly he let go of the handle.

“What’s the matter?” Bo was whispering but it seemed loud in the small space.

“I got a bad feeling about this Bo. It’s too easy.” John thought for a minute then gave more orders over the radio. “Team four move to the barn. Teams six and seven, close ranks. All teams go to high alert.” John gave Bo a terse nod and they stormed the room. In side they found Lexie talking to someone but they could only see a shadow in the dimly lit room. Lexie looked up in terror as Bo and John trained their guns on her. John glanced around quickly and gave the order for the barn to be stormed.

“Teams six and seven go in.” As John’s order reverberated through the cluttered room, the unknown shadow came into view. Both John and Bo fell back a step.

“Oh my God. But how?”

“Surprised little brother?” John actually laughed as Bo tried to regain his bearings.

“What kind of sick joke is this?” Lexie was still paralyzed with having been caught, but the man with her strode forward to confront the two shocked men before him.

“This is no joke.” He turned to John. “You know, you have been a thorn in my side for far too many years. It’s about time I did something about that.”

“What the hell are you talking about?”

“You and Marlena and your damn undying love. Stefano always underestimated it, and I’ll be damned if I didn’t walk right into that same trap. But you know what? Her love can’t save you this time, nothing can.” Bo needed answers and lost his temper.

“What the hell is going on here? Are you in on this whole killer thing? I watched them zip you in a body bag, but you’re standing here very much alive. I want answers.”

“Bo, I’m not in on the killer thing, I AM the killer thing.” He laughed long and hard before giving them any more information. “It was all so brilliant, until you decided not to give up on your precious Doc. She should have been here with me by now, but she’s not, thanks to Julie and Hattie. Why are there so many loose canons in Salem? Stefano has had to deal with his fair share, and I assured him I wouldn’t, but damn, here I am.” Both Bo and John sensed the slight unraveling of the man before them and rushed him at the same time. John ordered the teams to close in and soon both Lexie and the mastermind were in custody. As they walked into the sunlight outside the house, both John and Bo nearly fell over as they beheld Abe, Jack, Maggie, Caroline, Cassie, Tony, and Doug standing amongst the camouflaged team members. Bo ran to his mother and held her tightly as John searched for answers from Abe.

“What the hell happened to you all? How are you alive?”

“I don’t quite understand it all John. We were never really dead. We were given the newspapers so we could see the accounts of our deaths, but none of us was even harmed, except for Cassie and knowing that our loved ones thought we were gone forever.” His eyes clouded over as he thought of the role his wife had played in the deception. “Lexie was the attending physician for us all and she made you all believe that we were dead. It was a long thought out plan and I still have no idea what the end game is.” John took him into a strong hug.

“It’s just good to have you back, Part.” Both men wiped the moisture from their eyes as Bo and the rest of the group approached them. There was a mini reunion as John and Bo greeted those who were back from the dead. John just shook his head as he thought about the chaos he was about to unleash on Salem.

“This is going to be one hell of a reunion party.” John’s eyes turned dark with sympathy as he looked at Doug. He pulled the older man aside to speak with him privately about Julie and her decline after Doug’s “death”.

“So much destruction, and we still don’t know why.” John placed a strong hand on Doug’s shoulder.

“Not yet, but Bo and I won’t rest until we figure this all out. Doug, I’m so sorry.”

“So am I John, for everything that this has cost you too.”

On the way back to Salem, John and Bo called everyone involved and told them to meet them at what was now Alice’s Bar. Bo whispered to John as he dialed Mickey’s number.

“Poor Maggie is going to go into cardiac arrest when she sees what Bonnie did to Tuscany.”

“I think everybody is going to have apoplexy when they find out that they didn’t actually bury anyone. I just wish I could figure out what the hell the motivation is behind all of this. Lexie, I know, but the other is beyond comprehension.”

“Yeah, I know.” They got to Tuscany with about a half hour to spare and had everybody in the kitchen, including the two prisoners and their guards.

“I’m really sorry that we’re keeping you in the kitchen, but it just seems easier to announce it and then have you all come out rather than having to try and explain it repeatedly. More than anything you all deserve just to go home and be with your families.” Maggie put a hand on John’s arm.

“Thanks to you and Bo we will soon.” Her tears started again and John gave her a warm hug. Bo approached Doug.

“Doug, I called Hope, and even though I didn’t give her any more information than we gave the others, I asked her to bring Julie with her. I really felt she needed to see you with the others rather than in her cell.”

“Thank you Bo. That means a lot to me.” They heard someone calling John’s name and Bo and John left the group to go into the restaurant.

“John, are you here?” She ran into his arms and crushed him to her as he came through the doorway.

“Hey Doc, whoa there. What’s this all about?” Tears were sliding down her cheeks.

“I had this terrible feeling that something horrible had happened to you.”

“I’m fine. Nothing happened. Hey, it’s o.k.” She was still trembling in his arms as some of the others started to drift in. Bo directed them to tables and had them sit, knowing that it was in their best interests. Finally everyone involved was there, with the exception of Brady who stayed at the hospital with Belle, and John began what would be the strangest tale he ever told.

“Thank you all for coming on such short notice. I’m going to get right to the point and it will shock you all. Bo, Hope, Marlena, and I have been investigating who we thought was the murderer for a few days now. Today, Bo and I infiltrated the Lafferty farmhouse and found the two people at the root of all of these horrible events.”

“Two of ‘em? You mean ta tell me that there was two of ‘em murdered my Caroline and Roman?” Bo put a hand on Shawn’s shoulder.

“Pop, calm down. Let John finish explaining.”

“Not only are the two at fault shocking, but we found something else out when we entered the barn.” John ran a hand over his forehead. “This was pretty unbelievable, but…” Bo was standing at the door to the kitchen getting everyone ready to enter the room. “…no one was actually killed.” As expected there were tears of joy and loud gasps as the believed dead found their way to those that missed them most. John held Marlena close while he and Bo both watched with tears in their eyes as Abe cuddled Theo in his arms, Jack gently touched the slightly protruded belly of his wife as he held both Jen and Abby close, Maggie and Mickey embraced with tears flowing from their eyes, Shawn kissed Caroline softly as he held her, Rex held onto Cassie for dear life as Mimi watched with tears of happiness running down her face, Tony was embraced by the twins also as Rex apologized for not believing him, and Hope launched herself into her father’s arms as Julie looked at him, confusion evident on her face. Kate made her way to John and Bo, as did Carrie, Eric, and Sami.

“John, where is Roman? Why isn’t he with the others?” John cleared his throat.

“This is the really hard part.” Bo had the guards bring in the two who would stand trail for kidnapping and false imprisonment. “Lexie and Roman are the two who kept your family from you. We don’t know why yet, but we will soon.” Roman laughed from behind them but stopped short when he saw the faces of Carrie, Eric, Sami, Kate, and Marlena.

“Is this true Roman? Did you fake your own death and try to make me take the blame for it? Why?” He looked Marlena right in the eye.

“So you would be mine.” She shook her head in confusion.

“I don’t understand.” He gave her a half smile.

“You never did.” John’s patience was on a thin line and it took all of his strength not to snap.

“Then enlighten us.”

“I couldn’t just kill me, no one would have ever believed that Marlena killed me, and I could never have planted enough clues, but by taking a person here, a person there, eventually there were enough clues to lead to Marlena. She would forgo a trial because that’s just the type of person she is, not wanting to cause anymore pain than she already had, Lexie would have been the attending physician at her ‘death’ and then she would have been with me and no one would have been the wiser. Lexie, Marlena, and I would have disappeared, but you would have been led to where the others were kept.”

“And you think they wouldn’t have told anyone what you did?” Abe spoke up.

“We didn’t know John. Roman stayed with us in the barn, and we were ushered one by one into the farmhouse every other day for a shower. That must have been when he made the contacts and the plans. The only one we had a clue about was Lexie, and it hurt me to think that she had a part in this. Why sweetheart, why when we finally had everything?”

“But we didn’t Abe, don’t you see? We still lost a child because of Bo and Hope. You never understood that.” Suddenly light dawned in his eyes.

“You’re the one who attacked them at the fashion show?” She averted her eyes and didn’t answer him. Marlena had to ask another question before turning her attention back to Roman.

“Lexie, when you were under hypnosis, you made it sound like you were the one who ‘killed’ Cassie. Obviously she’s not dead. What were you talking about?” Again Lexie didn’t speak so Marlena turned her attention to Cassie.

“Honey, do you know why Lexie would have been so angry with you?” Cassie hesitated, but finally spoke the truth.

“I, um, I was really angry with Abe because Lexie told me he was going to tell Kate and Roman that Rex and I were theirs instead of yours and Tony’s.”

“But I didn’t know that.” She looked at Abe.

“I know that now, and Abe and I talked about this while we were at the farm. I’m the one that shot Abe. Or at least I thought I did. Lexie had me so scared and so angry and she told me that Tony would hate me forever for lying to him, so the best thing for me to do would be to shoot Abe. I didn’t know who it was that kept calling me until later and then when I threatened to go to the police, I called Roman and he must have called Lexie because I ran into her at Salem Place and then I ended up ‘dead’, but as a warning she did actually stab me a couple of times. I’m so sorry, I know that I shouldn’t have gone after Abe, and I know that you’re going to have to punish me somehow, but I just didn’t know what else to do.” Rex was holding her and Abe came over and put an arm around her also.

“Cassie, I’m going to do everything in my power to make sure that this turns out all right for you. You are as much of a victim in this as the rest of us.” Kate approached Roman and tried to take his hand.

“Roman, I still don’t understand this. You said that this was all an elaborate plan to get Marlena, but what about us?” There was no feeling in his eyes when he looked at Kate.

“What about us?”

“Roman, you were killed on our wedding day. Are you saying that the whole thing was planned, you never intended to spend the rest of your life with me?”

“Nope Katie, I didn’t. It’s always been about getting Marlena away from him.” Roman looked at John as he said it. Marlena picked up on the last word.

“Always?” He smiled at her and it sent chills down her spine.

“How do you think I escaped from San Cristobel in 1991? How do you think Kristen found me in 1997, just in time for your wedding? It wasn’t coincidence Doc.” Marlena grasped John’s hand as she and the children looked at Roman in horror.

“Are you telling me that you worked for Stefano for all those years? He sent you back to Salem to break John and me up, after he sent John there in the first place? Roman this makes no sense.”

“John was never sent; John is the one who actually escaped.” John’s temper finally snapped and he grabbed Roman by the shirt collar.

“Spell it out man. I’ve lost my patience with you.” An evil smile crossed the shorter man’s face as he stuck his manacled hand out to the man holding him by the collar.

“Let me introduce myself to you. My name is Joe Briggs, and yours is Roman Brady.”

Pandemonium swept the room and the only voice of logic was John.

“What the hell kind of game are you playing Roman?” John’s head whipped around as Eric caught Kate and Bo caught Marlena. John was immediately at her side.

“Baby, come on. Wake up. Doc?” He tapped lightly at her face and she came around.

“John?” She blinked her eyes rapidly as she tried to focus.

“Yeah, it’s John.”

“Did Roman just call you Roman?” John looked over his shoulder at the smug looking man.

“Yeah, he did, but it isn’t true. It can’t be.”

“And why is that Roman? Why can’t you be Roman? You have all of his memories.”

“I also have quite a few of being John Black, before I came to Salem, so the memories prove nothing. I also have a DNA test proving I’m not Roman Brady, or did you forget about that?”

“Come on Roman. You know that DNA tests can be switched. Just ask Sami.”

“Oh my God! Now I know it’s true because my father would never have spoken to me that way! He loved me no matter how many wrong choices I made. Who the hell are you?” John went to Sami and placed a hand on her shoulder.

“Peanut, I’m sorry, but I am not Roman Brady, and that person over there is your dad. I have no idea what happened to him, but I have another DNA test that proves I’m not him, and I know that this one was not tampered with.” All eyes went to John with this statement and the man claiming to be Joe Briggs blanched just a bit.

“What proof could you possibly have? Stefano never leaves any trails he doesn’t want found.” John just smiled.

“Another one of those loose canons you talked about. Although I wouldn’t exactly call him that.”

“Get to the point would you?”

“What’s the matter Roman? Does it bother you to not have the answers this time?” He felt a hand on his arm.

“John, I’d really like to know how you know for a fact that you are not Roman. What if you are? What does that do to us? What if…” John turned around and kissed his wife thoroughly and passionately.

“Because what you and I share is absolutely, without a doubt, the most incredible love ever to exist, and there is no way that you would have chosen to stay with Roman when he came back the first time if I had actually been Roman. You would have known that the man from San Cristobel was not the father of your children.” He wiped away Marlena’s tears and was still holding her close as his eyes settled on Rex.

“Rex, you and Cassie are my concrete proof that I am not Roman Brady, simply because I’m not your father.” A loud guffaw came from behind him.

“Is that the best you have? So what that you aren’t their father? That doesn’t mean your name isn’t Roman Brady.”

“Oh, but it does. When Rex did his DNA analysis, he compared the DNA of Belle and Sami. We know for a fact that I am Belle’s father, but Rex’s DNA didn’t match Belle at all, and because it didn’t match up with Belle, Rex figured out that Marlena could not be his mother, nor could I be his father. Rex and Cassie are related to Sami however, through you. If you are trying to tell me that I am Roman Brady then Belle’s DNA should have matched Rex as well, but it didn’t. You are Roman Brady and I am John Black and I have no idea what kind of sick game you’re playing but the people standing here deserve answers.” Marlena disentangled herself from John and stood right in front of Roman.

“Why? What are you trying to prove here? Roman, what happened to you?”

“You want to know what happened to me? I was left for dead on a beach by my own brother and Stefano took me and imprisoned me.”

“Roman, I went to get help. I couldn’t…”

“Save it little brother. No excuse in the world will make up for those seven years I lost. And what did I get to watch as I was locked in that cold, dark cell in San Cristobel? I got to watch my wife move on with an imposter, I got to watch my children call someone else Daddy, I got to watch my family accept this man as me.” Marlena inturupted him.

“But for almost five of those years I was in a drug induced coma on the same island.” “Yeah, but I didn’t know that then. And as I sat there, day in and day out and I got angrier and angrier, I realized that the only way to make things right again was to help Stefano. I came back in ’91 to try and see if I could make my life fit again, but every time I turned around John Black was in my face, in my house, helping my children, and eventually he even ended up with my wife. So I disappeared under the guise of going back to the ISA and plotted my reappearance. It was wonderful that it coincided with John and Marlena’s wedding. Send John off into the jungle, never to be seen again, and dammit Doc, we would have been married if Stefano could have kept John and Hope away just a little longer. I would have of course made a miraculous recovery and we would be living happily ever after. And what better way to bring down the Bradys than with a Brady?” Bo was looking at his brother in disgust and Shawn and Caroline were seated, their hands clasped so tightly together that they both had white knuckles. John was the only one who could speak.

“So the last six years have been some scheme to destroy the family that raised you, gave you love, gave you everything? How sick and twisted is that?”

“No more sick and twisted than you taking over my life, taking my wife to bed, and fathering a child that should have been mine.”

“Oh my God man! All you ever talk about is you, how Stefano’s machinations turned your life upside down, how you lost this and you lost that. What about what everyone else lost? Your wife lost a man that she loved, your children lost the man that raised them and were suddenly in a house with two virtual strangers, and I lost an entire family, my wife, and three kids that I loved more than my own life, so don’t go down the road of ‘poor Roman’ with me anymore because I am through feeling sorry for you and I am through feeling guilty for loving Marlena and the kids. You had the chance to make a new life for yourself with Kate and you didn’t want to. You used her to try and make Marlena jealous, but it didn’t work, so you had this whole scenario planned out to kidnap MY wife and take her away. I can’t even begin to understand this. People keep telling me how much alike you and I are, but I don’t see it. Not anymore. You’re demented and you deserve to spend the rest of your life behind bars.” He ran a hand through his hair and took a deep breath. “I just have one more question Roman. What did you hope to accomplish by making me you again? Why would you want to give me back your life since you hated the fact that Stefano gave it to me in the first place?”

“Just one more thing to make your life a little bit unbalanced, to shake you out of your perfect little world, and believe me, your world would have been in chaos for a little while if I hadn’t forgotten about the boy genius over there.” John shook his head.

“So that was just some sort of really bad last ditch effort on your part to come between Marlena and me? Roman, it doesn’t matter what my name is, Marlena and I will always be together because she and all five kids are at the center of my world, which is exactly as it should be.” He looked at the guards. “Unless anyone else has anything to say, I think these two should be taken out of here.” There were no arguments and the guards led both Lexie and Roman away.

Marlena came up and wrapped her arms around John.

“How does such a good man end up so twisted with evil?” John kissed the top of her head and looked down into her eyes.

“I would have ended up just like Roman if it weren’t for your love. You saved me Doc, when my whole world was bleak, you brought me light and love and happiness.” He saw her eyes darken and took her chin in his hand to make her look at him. “Doc, Roman had your love and a life to live with you, but he didn’t think it was enough. He wanted more, and he wanted you to be someone that you aren’t. It doesn’t matter what you would have done, Roman still would have returned to Stefano. You can’t blame yourself. Promise me?” She gave him a small nod and stood on her tiptoes to place a light kiss on his lips before they walked to where the children were still standing, dumbfounded.

“How is everybody over here?” Eric was the first to answer.

“Not so good. What do you think happened to him Mom? Why did he give up on us?” She wrapped her arms around him.

“Oh, Eric, I think he gave up on himself more than anything. And Stefano is very good at manipulating your mind, making you think things that aren’t true.” John glanced over to where Tony and the twins were still standing.

“Speaking of Stefano, I’ll be right back.” He placed a small kiss on Marlena’s temple and made his way to his half-brother.

“Tony?”

“Yes, John.”

“First of all, I’m glad that you’re all right. I know we’ve had our differences, but we do share the same blood.”

“Thank you. It is good to be alive.”

“You sounded just like the old man.”

“Did I?”

“Yep. He’s still alive isn’t he? Pulling the strings, making us play his games.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Wrong answer Tony. I think you were in on this somehow, and I’m going to prove it.”

“I was never in on anything John.” Cassie walked over to them.

“That’s true John. Tony didn’t know what was going on. He was shocked when he came out of the drug and found himself in the barn with the rest of us.”

“John, I’m going to do something I swore that I would never do, simply because I know that you will never find him and because he used me and that makes me very angry. You are correct to assume that my father is alive, but I do not know his whereabouts or his next plan. I would however keep a close watch on Alexandra and Roman. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go home.” Many of the others left shortly after, but John, Marlena, Carrie, Eric, and Sami stayed to talk for a while.

“John, I owe you an apology, again. Tonight you made me realize for the first time that I have been just as selfish as my father.” John raised an eyebrow. “For so long all I saw when I looked at you was the man who took my dad’s place and I felt so bad for him and for the time we missed with him that I didn’t even think about how much you would miss us or even how much I would miss you.” Sami wiped at a few errant tears. “I really did though. Miss you. I didn’t want to, but ever since Mom’s ‘funeral’, I’ve been reminded a little more each day how much you really did love me. And you shouldn’t by now, you should hate me.” This time John wiped away a tear that was coursing its way down Sami’s cheek.

“I could never hate you Peanut. Yeah, you ticked me off once or twice, but I still love you.” They all laughed at the comment and Sami moved into John’s arms. Eric put a hand on John’s shoulder.

“I know that you and I pretty much made our peace by the time you and Mom got married but I want to thank you for including us in your family. When you were talking before, you mentioned that all five kids were the center of your world, and it was nice to hear.”

“Eric, what I feel for you never changed, just the circumstances did. I love you just as much as I do Brady and Belle.” Carrie kind of corralled everyone and they took a few minutes for a family hug. On a night full of terrible revelations it brought a small amount of healing. Marlena swiped at the tears on her face.

“Why don’t you all come over tomorrow for a late breakfast before we go see Belle. They’re moving her out of the ICU into a private room, so she can have a few more visitors at a time. Let’s say ten o’clock?” Carrie couldn’t resist.

“Is John cooking?” Marlena tried her best to look offended.

“Oh you. When do you go back to Israel?” They were all laughing as Marlena put her arm around Carrie’s shoulders. They noticed the change in Sami’s demeanor and Eric put an arm around his twin.

“What’s the matter?” Sami shook her head.

“It just feels strange to laugh again. I mean I know that I have to have laughed since Abe’s murder, but I never really noticed it, like I didn’t really feel it. But tonight with everyone back from the dead, the whole world just seems a little different. Even with knowing that Dad was the…” She couldn’t finish and Eric held her more tightly. “He was always my hero, the one who defended me no matter what. Maybe that’s why, because he did things that were so much worse than what I ever did, he could understand.”

“Oh sweet girl, your Daddy loved you, no matter what he said tonight Sami, Roman loved all of you so much. Tonight he just wanted to make people hurt as much as he was hurting.” Carrie’s voice was quiet but her message was clear.

“John never did. He was just the opposite. The more we hurt him, the more he reached out to us. He was there for me more than Dad ever was. And now I see why.” John squeezed Carrie’s hand and cleared his throat.

“Well, it’s been a long night, and I think we all need some sleep.” He kissed Marlena on the temple. “What do you say Doc, should we go home?”

“I think that sounds good.”

They walked into the darkened penthouse in silence. John flipped on the lamp.

“No, turn it off please.” He did and they were once again surrounded by the night. John followed her to the terrace and wrapped his arms around her from behind.

“You were quiet on the way home.”

“I don’t know what to say. I don’t know how to feel.” He heard the catch in her voice and squeezed a little tighter.

“I’m so sorry this mess happened. I’m glad everyone is alive, but it’s all a little surreal.”

“Yeah, and Roman was behind the whole thing. John, how could I have been so wrong about him?” John turned her around to face him.

“You weren’t wrong about him Doc. When the two of you fell in love the first time, you fell in love with the real Roman. Stefano changed him, time changed him, and hate changed him. He made a choice and it ultimately cost him everything he loved.”

“It just makes me sad to see what became of him.”

“As long as you don’t blame yourself. We’ve both done enough of that to last us three lifetimes.”

“This time I don’t. I know that regardless of what happened to get you and me to this point in our lives, this is where we belong. I am yours, and you are mine, and nothing could have stopped that.” John pulled Marlena into his strong embrace.

“I love you Mrs. Black.”

“And I love you too, Mr. Black.” John bent his head and sipped at his wife’s lips, but deepened the kiss when her tongue darted between her lips to taste him more fully. One of his hands slid down her back, over the slight curve at her tailbone, and pressed her lower body into his. Her soft curves melded against his hardness and both of them began breathing a little more raggedly.

“Why don’t we take this inside before we give some of the neighbors a free peep show?”

“None of them better try peeping at my gorgeous wife.” She laughed as she took his hand and led him to the stairs. She was on the first one when he turned her around and kissed her senseless. She had one leg wrapped around his waist and he was supporting her so she wouldn’t lose her balance. When they finally came up for air, her lips were full and red.

“Hmmm, I think kissing you on the stairs has become one of my new favorites.”

“Yeah, I couldn’t stop thinking about the kiss the night before you left for Colorado, and it made me miss you and want you so badly. The time you were gone was sheer torture. This time though, you aren’t going anywhere in the morning, so I can keep you up as late as I want.” She gave him a sly smile.

“And just what do you have planned that will keep me up so late?” He swept her into his arms and carried her up the stairs.

“Why don’t I show you?” He set her down next to the bed and kissed her again. Her mouth parted to his questing tongue and one hand stayed tangled in his dark hair, while the other hand roamed from his strong back to his taut buttocks. John broke the kiss to undress her and they laughed as their arms got tangled in the mission to get one another undressed. When they were completely naked, Marlena pulled John to her and reveled in the feel of skin on skin.

“I love the way the heat of your body warms me up.”

“Funny, I was just thinking the same thing, but if you’re cold, I have more ways to warm you up.” Marlena was about to ask a coy question but lost all train of thought as John’s lips once again claimed hers. He walked her backward to the bed and pushed her slightly, watching as her hair fanned around her face.

“You are so beautiful.” He made a trail of kisses from her belly button to her chin. “Let me love you.” Again her coherent thoughts were interrupted by the feel of his rough tongue wrapping itself around her nipple.

“Oooh, John.” His hand traveled down her belly to her hip and he pulled her leg over his and pressed himself against her. John left his place at her breast to kiss her mouth again and snaked his arm under her neck, placing his hand between her shoulder blades to draw her closer to him. He pulled her hips toward him and slid his hardened member over her wet center. He continued to tease her until she let go of her control and guided him into her. They both gasped at the first sensation of their coupling. John slid in and out of her slowly, letting the feeling build as he ground against her. The intensity continued to build and John rolled them over so Marlena was on her back. She pulled her legs up and squeezed his sides between her thighs as John rocked them harder toward their release. In an intense explosion, they both cried out and Marlena drew John down on top of her, relishing in the feel of his body covering hers. His hot breath in her ear made her skin break out in gooseflesh.

“Take a little nap, because I plan on waking you up again soon.”

“How am I supposed to go to sleep when all I’m thinking about is making love to you again?” He laughed a little and the shivers went down her spine again.

“That’s your problem, mine is keeping my hands off of you and making you wait.” She swatted his bare bottom but regretted it as he flinched and sent an electric jolt through her. Her insides were throbbing again with want and she tried to shift her hips to get John to the breaking point, but he withdrew.

“Ah, ah, ah. You need a little sleep.” She glared at him through passionate lashes.

“You are in so much trouble when you let me touch you again.” He kissed her hard.

“Who said you get to touch me?” He laughed at her expression of mixed anger and lust.

“Now get some sleep.” John rolled her over on her side and spooned up behind her, holding her a little more tightly than usual.

“I’m so glad that you’re mine. I love you Doc.”

“I love you too.” They were both thinking that there would be no sleep any time soon.

John had drifted off a bit but Marlena’s thrashing quickly woke him. She was talking in her dream and John knew that what ever she was seeing behind her closed lids was scaring her.

“No…no…please, don’t go, I can’t…” He tried waking her, but she was too submerged in her subconscious.

“Doc, Baby, it’s John. You’re safe. C’mon honey, wake up. It’s just a bad dream.” He was shaking her lightly, trying not to scare her more than she already was. She had tears streaming down her cheeks and finally John did the only thing he knew to do. He lifted her off the mattress and held her tightly against him, crooning to her ear softly.

“Noooooooooooo, you can’t take him…” She was beating on his chest as she tried to get free.

“You’re safe Doc. I’m not going to let anything happen to you. Baby, it’s John, wake up.” Suddenly she clutched at him tightly and the force knocked the breath from him.

“Hey, hey, I’m right here.”

“Don’t let go, please, just don’t let go.”

“I’m not going anywhere. You’re safe.” She pulled back just a little so she could look at him in the darkness. She cupped his cheek with one hand, running her thumb over his lips and her index finger over his brow.

“You’re here, with me, and you’re you.” He looked at her rather perplexed, as she continued to stare at him.

“Doc, it’s me. Who else would I be?” She took in a deep breath that shook her whole being.

“Roman.”

“Roman?” Marlena shook her head. “Tell me about it. Can you talk about it yet?” She nodded again.

“We were at Tuscany, just like we were earlier, and Roman was taunting us with the fact that you were really Roman, and you were trying to tell him you couldn’t be, but no one was listening to you. Everyone in the room was chanting ‘Roman, Roman’ and then Roman’s face changed and your face changed and I tried to find you, but I couldn’t.” She was crying again and John pulled her to him.

“Hey, it was all just a dream.”

“I know, but it was horrible, especially when you disappeared. Roman turned into Stefano and you turned into Roman, and I lost you, and all Stefano kept telling me was that I would never see you again.” She clung to him again, afraid that if she let go, he would disappear. He placed a light kiss at her temple.

“You’re safe, and you’re going to be seeing me for a long time. In fact, you’ll probably get sick of me.”

“Never. I just don’t know what I would do if I ever lost you.” He laughed a bit.

“Hey, that’s my line, and you’re not going to lose me.” He placed another kiss on her hair. “I love you; are you all right now?”

“I’m a little better. I just love you so, and I can’t imagine my life without you.”

“You don’t have to.” He pulled her closer. “Hey, you’re still trembling.” John wrapped the comforter up around them and snuggled down into it with her. He was running his hand along her arm when she wrapped it around him and pulled his face to hers. Marlena kissed him tentatively, and he waited to see where she wanted things to go. She deepened the kiss, draping her leg over his hips and lining his jaw with tiny kisses.

“John, make love to me. Make me feel the way that only you can.” A low growl of need came from deep in John’s throat as his possessive nature kicked in and he claimed her mouth with his. John rolled into her and pulled her hip closer to him, grinding against her lightly. He fondled her breast, kneading the soft flesh and rolling the dusky pink nipple between his fingers. Her soft moan urged him on and he ran his hand down her stomach to the front of her hip, his thumb running along the edge of her soft curls. His tongue was making lazy circles around her breast and Marlena’s head was thrown back in ecstasy. She tightened her thigh’s hold across John’s hip and John took the opportunity to move his hand around to her back. His fingers roamed to her behind and softly stroked between her legs. Marlena felt him breathe a little quicker when he felt how ready she was for him.

“John, please, I need you.” He kissed her hard, letting her know that he wanted her as badly as she wanted him.

“Soon, I want to taste you first.” He quickly nibbled at each of her breasts as he made his way down her body. Marlena’s heart beat increased with the thought of what she would soon feel, but her entire body spasmed when she felt John’s tongue lightly lick her center. He flicked at the swollen nub and grazed her opening before delving inside and making her scream. As his tongue continued to work her bundle of nerves, he slid two fingers inside to stroke her. From his position between her legs, John watched as Marlena’s face contorted with the force of her orgasm. The sheer rapture of her expression almost made him lose control and he took a few cleansing breaths as he slid up along side her.

“You are so beautiful.” She just shook her head as she tried to recover her voice. John placed his full weight on top of her and readied himself to enter her. He kissed her softly, sipping at her lips, entering her mouth slowly and just barely touching her tongue with his. As John toyed with Marlena’s mouth he slowly slid inside her, relishing the feeling of their bodies becoming one. When at last he was completely sheathed within her he let out a muffled groan.

“John, I love the way we feel together.” He kissed her slowly, moving his hips in time with his tongue and their erotic rhythm built the intensity between them to a fevered pitch. Finally neither could hold back any longer and they rocked hard until they went careening over the precipice simultaneously. They were both still breathing harshly as John spooned behind Marlena and held her tightly to him, placing light kisses on her neck.

“Hold me until I fall asleep again.” He smiled into her hair.

“I plan on holding you for the rest of the night, unless you have any objections.”

“No, that sounds heavenly.” Securely ensconced in her husband’s arms, Marlena slept a dreamless sleep.

 

~~~~~

 

The next year passed quickly as the residents of Salem picked up the pieces of their lives and put them back in order. Lexie was sentenced as an accomplice in seven counts of kidnapping and false imprisonment. She was also stripped of her medical license for the falsification of legal documents in dealing with Jack’s faked organ donation and Cassie’s faked cremation, along with the forged autopsy results of Caroline and Tony. Abe was moving forward slowly, just enjoying every day with his son and with his friends. He had been reinstated to Commander, much to Bo’s relief, and had given the promotion of Captain to Hope after careful deliberation.

 

Jack and Jennifer welcomed a healthy baby boy into the world and named him Steven William. Abigail was flourishing in the little family atmosphere and all animosity toward her mother was gone. Jack and Jennifer also decided that “In the House” was a better project for other people to tackle and gave it up, much to Bill’s dismay. Once he was able to come to Salem and see his newest grandson however, he didn’t mention the show again.

 

Mickey and Maggie slowly returned to normal as they continuously sidestepped Bonnie. Maggie returned Tuscany to normal, but she and Mickey invested in a small bar on the outskirts of town and gave it to Bonnie to run. There were strict guidelines to follow, and Maggie watched the inventory like a hawk, but surprisingly “Alice’s Bar and Grill” did very well for itself the first few months in business.

“After all Mickey, she did take pretty good care of you while I was gone.”

“I’ll say this, I was never bored.”

 

Things between Caroline and Shawn continued as though she was never gone, with the exception of taking a little more time for themselves.

 

Cassie settled back into life in Salem, but her edge was gone. For Rex’s sake she was trying to get along with Kate, who was still reeling from Roman’s betrayal, but her children rallied around her and kept her spirits up. Eventually, she moved to Europe to spend time with Billie and work for the Basic Black European division.

 

Roman was sentenced for seven counts of kidnapping and false imprisonment along with obstruction of justice and the hindering of a police investigation, and he was banned from the police force.

 

Tony went on with life, and tried to keep a low profile but Abe, Bo, and John always knew where he was.

 

Doug had a hard time adjusting to life without Julie, but he relished the time he had with his two grandsons and his daughter. Julie was serving time at Bayview and still had not comprehended that Doug was indeed alive. The doctors weren’t sure that she ever would.

 

John, Marlena, and the rest of their little family moved on as a family. Carrie flew back to Israel about a week after things settled down and Eric was in New York but planning to move back to Salem soon. Sami and Lucas were moving forward but had a long way to go and John and Marlena were glad that they were taking things slowly. Once Nicole had been arrested for the murder of Colin Murphy, and for hiring someone to kill Victor and Hattie, Brady decided to move to Europe to spend time with Chloe. Both John and Marlena were sad to have him so far away but knew that it was for the best. And Belle recovered from her gunshot wound without any complications. She and Shawn had called it quits and she and Phillip were spending a lot of time together but refusing to call it a relationship. For once in her life she was independent and did not intend to give it up any time soon.

 

On their anniversary John and Marlena were dancing at Tuscany, enjoying the relative quiet that had settled over their life. John bent his head and captured his wife’s lips with his.

“Happy anniversary, Doc. I’m so glad you married me.”

“I’m glad you asked as many times as you did. I love you.”

“I love you too. So things have been pretty quiet lately.”

“Hmm, I’m not complaining. I enjoy all the extra time with you.” He brushed his lips against her ear.

“Why don’t we go home and find a way to put that extra time to good use?”

“I love the way you think.” He gave her one last searing kiss on the dance floor and led her to the jeep, anxious to get her home for a private celebration.”

 

~ The End ~