The Family Dysfunction
Prologue: Samantha Brady Wells has mourned the loss of her son for over a year. Ties with the Brady side of the family, and her mother are broken. Her life now revolves around EJ and the twins. However, soon things will change forever as another player moves onto the chessboard. EJ is changing as he evolves into the power player Stefano groomed him as..is the change for the better? This is written sort of tongue in cheek, so please do not take it all too seriously!
Chapter I
Kneeling, and intent on the conversation she was having with Will, Kate was impervious to the person standing three headstones back of her.
"Will, I want you to know your Dad is doing ok, I don't see much of him, but he talks with Roman quite a bit, and he is working through all of this. He and Philip have been doing some work on setting up a new development company. Neither of them are having much to do with me yet, but that will change I am sure, so you don't worry about us. Me, well, I still have my job with Mythic, sometimes, I don't know why I stay there. EJ has seen to it that my position is marginal, at best. As for your mother, well, of course she has those two new children, so I bet she doesn't give you a thought, but I do, Will, I think about you every day. No matter what your mother said the day we buried you, everything I ever did was for your best interest! You have to believe me and forgive me, Will, I don't know what I would do if I didn't believe you forgave me". Kates' eyes were bloodshot, it was early, and she had drank late into the night. The shadow of the figure passed over her, and she heard the crunch of the snow under the footsteps.
"I am so sorry for your loss Kate, is there anything I can do?" Tony Dimera stood over her like the ancient phoenix he identified with, and his voice was solicitous..
Kate dropped the bouquet she had brought, and stumbled as she tried to get to her feet. Tony reached to help her footing in the snow, but she fought against his help, a horrified look on her face. His arm still steadied her, "Easy, easy, don't worry. I have no intention of doing you any harm Kate, quite the contrary actually!"
'How the hell did you get out of prison?!" she spat the words at him, remembering his part in the maiming of her son, Philip.
"Aaah, yes that. It is so easy to be charged these days with false crimes, then imprisoned in foreign prisons, it seems no one cares about your rights! You really should be more concerned with this Kate, someday it might be you or someone you love who has these injustices perpetrated against them! Suffice to say, I was able to persuade people of influence of the absurdity of the charges against me." Tony's smile had all the sinister charm he had always had an excess of.
"Bought your way out! Of course, isn't that what a DiMera would do?" Kate was contemptuous of him, but afraid also, so she did not go too far in her words.
His laughter was her answer. "Kate, let me buy you a drink, and we can talk over old times". The way his man came forward to grab hold of her other arm told her that the only acceptable answer was yes, and she let herself be led towards the black sedan waiting at the edge of the cemetery.
Breakfast at the Wells household was a messy affair with the two babies. EJ was cutting up a bit of marmite toast to hand off to Justin, who held out a chubby arm in anticipation of the treat. Jessica also gestured for one, and EJ, looking doubtful cut her a small piece too. While Justin stuffed his into his mouth, smacked with glee then began a grasping motion indicating he wanted more, Jessica as usual sniffed hers then gave a grimace before dropping hers to the floor to a grateful Inky who accepted with a wagging tail.
"You know you don't like this, little Trouble, why do you always ask for it?" EJ was smiling at the little cherub, with the curly blonde hair and cornflower blue eyes.
"Because she adores you, and figures if it is good enough for you, it is good enough for her. But adore or not, it still smells like it smells" Sami bent down to kiss EJ, pet Inky, then ruffle the hair of Justin. She exchanged a wink with Jessica, knowing she had an ally in the marmite wars for years to come. Jessica squinched both eyes back in reply.
A headline caught her eye as she sipped her coffee. Che Rouge Hit With E Coli Scare "EJ, Maggies restaurant has been shut down! E Coli was found in the salad greens!"
EJ looked noncommittal "Imagine that, however as careless as the woman was in just keeping her reservations straight, is it any wonder she has this kind of problem".
Sami looked at him suspiciously, remembering the embarrassment Maggie had given them one time when EJ had tried to take her to dinner there. It was never a good idea to cross her husband, Sami knew. He never forgot a favor or forgave a slight.
"One patron almost died, and twenty others were sickened before the Mythic Medical Lab was able to bring the epidemic under control with the new patented experimental medical treatment they have perfected." Sami read aloud, " Nice work honey! How much will this make you?"
"Darling, we never worry about how our profits are affected when we act in the common good. And our concern should not be how much we have made, but how much Maggie has lost..poor girl, how will she ever recover from this? Oh, before I forget, give Chandler a call today, she would like to have you on again before you finish the screenplay..don't forget darling", EJ finished the last of his eggs and toast, stood to give her a kiss and hug his son and daughter before going off to the office like any normal husband and father.
Chapter II
The decanter of brandy was the first thing Kate reached for when she got inside her suite. Tony, however, took it from her hands, replacing the stopper for her. "Kate, I need you to have a clear head, I plan on this being a very long conversation." He moved in closer to her, cupping her face in his hand. "I had forgotten how very beautiful you were, Kate, and it would be a shame to let alcohol ravage those features."
She shook off his hand, ignoring the fluttery feeling his touch had set off. "What do you want to talk to me about, and you better make it quick. Once John and Roman know you are back, you are a dead man!"
"Not to worry Kate, not to worry! I have already given an interview to 'The Spectator' which will be out in tomorrow's issue..it gives the whole story about how I was entrapped within the war zone while on a business trip, and held hostage by the enemy. When the forces of "so called good" came upon the fortress where I was being held, they simply misunderstood why I was there. You know this new government policy, and how you can be held, or even sent to another country to be imprisoned without trial..terrible stuff, so un-American you know. Then, well things just got out of hand. Being the forgiving soul that I am, I am not going to hold it against the country, or the estimable members of the Salem P.D. I am just glad to be home. This is my home you know." Tony was smooth as ever, but she knew every word was a lie.
"Alright, assuming I believe your bull crap story, and I do not! What do you want with me?
"Kate, all I want to do is help you. I want to help you get a relationship back with your sons. I want to help you get Victor back to good health..I want to help you settle things with Samantha Brady." Kate suddenly looked up, ".yes, I thought that would get your interest, I gather she now has a life she always deceived people to try and get, and that angers you doesn't it Kate? Good, I want you angry!"
"She destroyed Lucas! Of course I hate her! He has nothing, she has everything! It is not right!".
"Yes , I understand. And your new company, Mythic Communications, looks to be doing well, and so many other entities entwined..medical reearch, television, movies, publishing, Nascar, I am impressed!"
"Don't be, basically I show up and sit in an office all day, nothing that is done is ever run by me. I sit and collect a check, EJ Wells makes sure of that!"
"Why would he waste a woman of your talents Kate? Come on darling, give me the details". Figuring why not? Kate filled him in.
Sami got Chandler on her first try, which was amazing. The woman usually had to play phone tag for at least three times before making contact with anyone!
"Chandler, this Samantha, EJ said you needed to talk to me".
"Wonderful to hear from you..say could you meet me for lunch today? The Pub would be fine, say around 12:30?"
"Sounds good, I will let Nanny Bea bring the kids and they can go for a walk in the park. The sun is shining, they will love it. See you then!"
Harris and Nanny Bea bundled the two excited babies into the mini van. The twins knew if the pram was going, it was going to be an excellent day! Of course the adults never knew the conversations these two had, but they really had a world of their own! "Mommy looks so pretty today huh, Just?"
"Yup, but I don't think she is going with us, she is dressed too nice, we must be going to the park with Nanny! And Harris is going with us too, I saw he has his gun! He must think there will be bad guys!"
"Don't try and scare me! Just be glad we are not going for any shots!"
"Goodness you two, jabber, jabber, jabber!" Sami looked at the two of them with prideful adoration, as they babbled to one another in baby talk.
Nanny and Harris loaded them into the pram outside the pub, and Sami kissed them both saying "have a nice walk, little prince and princess, when you get back, Grandpa Sean and Grandma Caroline will want to see you!" She gave Harris instructions to have everyone back in an hour.
John Black was on his way through the park, when he saw the babies being minded by Harris and Nanny. He had seen the babies at a distance several times before, but always with Samantha and EJ in attendance. Standing where he was, Harris could not see him, so John took this time to admire the children he had never been given the chance to meet. Sami was still stubbornly refusing to have anything to do with her family. He smiled at the babies who were sitting up and charming anyone who walked by into stopping and noticing them. They were quite beautiful he had to admit. The girl had Samis curly blonde locks and exuberant personality. The boy, with EJ's darker coloring, was more reserved with people, preferring to look them over before giving away his smiles, while the girl giggled to everyone! Hoping she would make it in time, John dialed Doc's number and told her to meet him at the park.
Harris saw Dr. Evans and John Black walking towards them. He knew Mrs. Wells would want him to take the babies and leave, but he did not. The twins were not involved in this feud; they might want to know their grandparents. He let them approach. The gesture was not lost on John who simply said "thank you, this means a lot to my wife."
"Justin, look, this lady is the picture mommy has in her Will closet.." lately Sami had taken to bringing the twins into Wills room with her.
"I know! Wonder who she is?" the baby talk caused Marlena to smile in enchantment.
She knelt down to look each one of them in the face, as tears sprang to her eyes. She had thought Sami would relent, but she had not. This was the first time she had seen the twins except for a brief glance at the hospital nursery before Sami had given instructions that no viewing would be allowed.
"John, look, she looks just like Sami at this age. And this little guy looks just like his father too.' She still had trouble with Sami being married to EJ. The more that was learned about EJ made her even less inclined to sanction this marriage. Then again, Sami did not want her sanctions, did not want her period. This saddened Marlena, since it now seemed Samantha had grown up into the person they had always wanted her to be, but never thought she was capable of. Marlena was secretly proud of Sami's talents as an author, finding in her writing the way to understanding her daughter as she had never been able to before.
"I'm sorry, Dr. Evans, but we have to go now.' Harris was polite but firm as Nanny made the preparations to leave. "We have to take them back to the pub and pick up their mum."
John and Marlena had watched as the babies had been pushed away, and she turned into John's chest to cry. "Doc, Sami will come back, just read her books, you can tell she wants to, you know it, it is in her writing..you said it yourself. She just took Will's death so hard, she really is not blaming you, she is blaming herself and throwing it out on the rest of us..but don't worry, she will come back to you. I know it!"
Chapter III
EJ pulled his car into the space marked reserved at the facility. He always had a spot saved for him. He made his way through the private entrance with his own key, and proceeded to the office marked Hospital Administrator. Dr. Andrea Soules office was empty, as he sat and waited for her return. The business he was here to discuss had important implications for the future of Mythic Labs.
The whole atmosphere of the place was eerie. The smells, the sounds, all had an effect on him that was disturbing, and he did not like it on the days he was forced to visit here. As a skilled nursing facility, given to the care of elderly, or victims of medical or accidental mishaps it served a purpose and it was known to be the finest facility of its kind in the state, one that Victor Kirakis was lucky to be in, and miles above the caliber of the one his family had originally put him in.
"Mr. Wells, nice to see you again." Dr. Soules avoided looking at the manila envelope placed on her desk, just glancing at it quickly enough to see it seemed to be of the usual size.
"And you too, how is our patient doing this week" EJ believed in getting to the point.
"The machine is still working quite well, we seem to be able to bring him in and out with no harm done at all. He does not remember anything other than the last day he was in his office when we bring him up, and so far all brain wave patterns remain normal."
EJ was lost in his thoughts, analyzing all of this information and putting it into perspective on where and how it fit into the plan. He stood, then shook her hand lightly,
"You have done excellent work! If all goes well, we may be bringing Mr. Kirakis up for a full draught of air very soon! And the medical community will be hailing another breakthrough from our research labs! Now, I should like to see him if you please!"
Sami's lunch with Chandler was just about finished when Harris came in pushing the pram next to Nanny. Harris could not stop his admiring gaze from landing on Chandler, and she returned the compliment. Chandler had a presence that carried her well, a posture that made her seem taller, with chestnut hair that was always combed into a classic pageboy style. Her no nonsense business suits did not camouflage a figure that attracted many admiring glances. The looks passing between the two of them were not lost on Sami and she pursed her lips in anticipation. Could not be helped, as a romance writer she was always on the lookout for new ideas. The idea of the prim and proper looking Chandler throwing off her glasses, and loosening the tie of the equally staid Harris made a picture in her mind that words were already forming to bring to life!
"Chandler and I are just finishing up, EJ is going to be happy, the promotion is going especially well, and the screenplay was accepted as is." She shook hands with Chandler, and the talk show host also turned to Harris to say goodbye. When she shook his hand, her card with her private number was clasped in her hand and transferred to him. He smiled a half smile for her. This was his highest approval.
"Well, lookee here, it's the best surprise ever!" Grandpa Sean and Caroline were coming out to pick up one baby each and twirl them around happily up above their heads.
"They better watch it, I feel a drool coming!" and Justin opened his mouth to let it fly!
"You are so gross sometimes!' Jessica scolded him.
"Hey, I'm a baby, it's what I do, speaking of gross, is that you?" His nose twitched as he looked at her.
Nanny also sensed the problem, and started to take Jessica, but Caroline insisted on doing it, "I just don't see them that often, let me help you..sit down, have some tea!" and Caroline grabbed the diaper bag and headed for the back.
Sami decided to follow Caroline, it may be the only time she would talk with her privately. "Sami, they are just growing like weeds, I showed Roman the pictures, I hope you don't mind"
"No, that's ok. Gram, I know he is their grandfather, honestly, if I really thought he gave a damn, I would give him a chance to see them. But I don't. He cares about Carrie, and that's it I just talked to Eric, and he says Dad hasn't called him in months. Mom either, so what are we supposed to think? I mean they may have things against me, but Eric never did anything wrong!" To Sami, it was not equitable that she had cut things off, she felt they should still be trying to reestablish ties with her. The lack of contact with Eric further enforced her feelings. Eric, however was not bothered. For some reason, he just did not feel things the way Sami did.
"Gram, he didn't even send a card when the twins were born"
"Sami, you sent everything back remember?"
"I said he didn't send one! Not that I wouldn't have sent it back!" Sami was keeping track, and that fact gave Caroline a glimmer of hope.
"Sami, you know you have done a lot of things that make it hard for Roman to.."
"You think I don't know what I did when I was what? Fifteen, yeah I get it! I'm supposed to forever atone for things I did, but he isn't supposed to feel guilty for a really bum parenting job all his life! And what I did was protect Will from Lucas..well I think we are even, ..so getting to Carrie..I am very sorry, if I could take it back I would, but as it turns out, she got what she should have taken for herself in the first place..doesn't anyone ever think of that? Austin wanted her, she wanted Austin, all she had to do was grab the brass ring! I lost my son forever, I do not have the chance to tell him I love him, or I'm sorry..and Mom and Dad helped Kate in that regard. All they had to do was take me back in..but nope..I was pushed out until I decided to push back! Thank God EJ accepts me the way I am, and that makes me a better person Gram..just knowing I could do anything and he would forgive me!"
"And what about EJ? Do you feel the same way towards him, could you forgive him anything?"
"Of course!" Sami knew she would forgive him anything, there was no question in her mind.
EJ and the Dr. walked into Victors room. Nico nodded to the two of them, then left the room. Changing sides had been somewhat of a problem for Nico, until he was assured he would still be in charge of security for Victor Kirakis. The small drop of liquid he had been provided for Victors coffee that morning had done its work well. Now, he awaited the day when Victor was to be made whole. The money he had been paid for this was staggering, and the assurance that Mr. Kirakis would suffer no permanent harm other than the loss of his fortune made his decision easier. Mr. Kirakis should have paid him better!
Dr. Soules adjusted a few of the dials on the Mythic Phoenix, a machine designed to safely maintain medically induced comas. It had been patented as a short term device, but research had promised it could someday be used to maintain the correct body chemical balances to ensure long term coma patients who showed signs of sentience could be brought out of the comas, without the wasting syndrome associated with it. Victor was now proving some of that research. The twitching of a toe was the first sign, then his whole body seemed to wake before the fact totally registered with his conscious, and his eyes fluttered open.
He always appeared slightly confused each time this happened, but with no memory other than that of sipping a bit of coffee, then a blackness descending, Victor looked about for the presence of Nico. He found the weak voice, but it grew stronger as he called "Nico..Nico!"
"He's just outside, Mr. Kirakis, remember, you had a heart attack, then another stroke, but you are doing fine..just fine.."Dr. Soules used her best soothing professional voice.
"What the hell are you doing here!?" Victors alarm as he saw EJ registered on all the machines, so Dr. turned the dials again, and EJ watched as the agitation on Victors face was replaced again with the deep
"And he won't remember I was here the next time?"
"No, he will not!. Dr. Soules was adamant in the defense of her research.
"Then I will leave you to it, good day Dr. Soules".
Nico came back in and gave a respectful glance to EJ. Then took his post guarding Victor Kirakis once again.
Chapter IV
Kate rolled over in bed, and Tony reached for her once again. This had not been part of the arrangement, but it did have benefits. Kate was a passionate woman, more so, when the passion held the promise of getting money, power, and revenge against Sami Brady Wells!
Never understanding what a man like EJ Wells saw in that tramp, she still knew she had to keep her mouth shut around him. As it was, she was treated like nothing more than a file clerk..hell! Chelsea was given more responsibility. It was humiliating, but she was trapped. John Black would not take her back, Titan was under EJ's control
"Now, Kate, I think I have tamed the shrew!" Tony looked down at her, smiling at her contentment.
"Don't be so sure of yourself, a lot of men have, and they regretted it", Kate teased back.
"We are going to make a great team!" Tony was delighted with her!
EJ pulled into his garage, looking forward to seeing Samantha and the babies. Each day, this moment was what he lived for. Every ugly thing disappeared and his soul felt clean and free. He walked in through the kitchen entrance, and found them all together in the family room area. Samantha handed him a glass of wine, and they both stood for a moment watching the twins squabble over the same toy.
"There is two of everything, why do you suppose they do that" the question hung in the air while he reached forward to kiss Samantha.
"Justin, this one is mine, you know it! Let go! Get the other one!"
"No, this one is mine, yours is over there, you left it there..gimme this now!"
EJ decided he better rescue his daughter who was losing the tug of war. "Hey little Trouble! How about you play with this one instead?" But the sight of their absolute favorite toy, Daddy, made them both let go and crawl up to him. Samantha was left out of this, she was old news! She had her joy in watching how much they loved him, and how much he loved them back. Soon he was lying on the floor, covered in baby love. Jessica would lie and just look at his face in adoration, patting and cooing to him, while the more rambunctious Justin would use EJ's body as an obstacle course, climbing up his shoulders, and rolling off his back to the floor, finding the game a never ending source of amusement, he would do it again and again. While EJ played with his children, Sami took the time to make the arrangements with Tippin for dinner, and to change into something she hoped would please EJ.
Nanny came down to take over, as Samantha had wanted an evening alone with EJ. He looked in approval at the candle lit table, fresh flowers, and the special wine that was already open to breathe. Samantha looked beautiful, wearing the color he loved best on her, a blue that reminded him of the Mediterranean Sea. Her eyes would seem to give off electric sparks in that color. This dress also had another interesting feature, he would have to compliment Trey on, next her saw him. The straps criss crossed front to back, each one secured by a silver button!
They enjoyed the meal, the wine, the conversation. The two of them made the perfect companions for each other. Something just worked. She told him about the meeting with Chandler, and how she suspected Harris had a thing for her!
That was news! EJ asked for elaboration. The screenplay was discussed. She talked about how Grandma Caroline had tried to get her to approach Roman. The pediatrician wanted to see both the twins next week, so she asked him to make sure it was on his schedule at work. "I'm so sorry honey, I have totally monopolized this conversation, what did you do today?"
"Oh, not much, spent some time in the office, spent some time in a meeting, looked into the medical area for some new developments taking place, rather boring next to my famous authoress wife who is about to make a movie! I am so proud of you darling, the world is getting a gift with you in it!"
Their lovemaking that night was intense as always. He still had the power to make her dizzy with his kisses, her knees buckling, and he would catch her up, and carry her to the bedside. His eyes never left her face as he would undress her, kissing each bare spot that appeared. Sometimes the experience would leave her face tear stained as she could find no other way to express the emotions inside her. The words "I love you", did not match what she really felt. It was more than that.
For EJ, she was his island. A place that felt so safe, he could never express what it meant fully either. So he expressed it in a physical way, a worship of her that he never tired of. The only bad moments came when sometimes in her dreams, Will would be back. He could sometimes comfort her back to sleep, but others she would still tremble with the silent sobs she tried to keep him from knowing about. Those were the ones that hurt most of all.
He had never imagined the absolute happiness a family could bring. His family life had certainly never brought him any. This life though, was perfection. Coming home to a wife and children, a warm and comfortable home, this was what he had replaced an empty life with. All the racing groupies, the women who had thrown themselves at him, the parties, the adoration of fans, nothing compared to one hour of play with his babies, and a night spent alone with his wife. This is what he had sought all his life, and he swore silently he would never lose this!
Chapter V
John opened the newspaper as he took his first drink of coffee, a habit that never changed. When he read the headline, the coffee spewed from his mouth! "Tony DiMera, Freed from Island Prison, Back in Salem!" Marlena tossed him a napkin as he choked. Then she had the same reaction as she read what had affected him. As each resident of Salem read the news, a feeling of dread, and foreboding settled over the town. Once again, it appeared, another DiMera was escaping justice.
Roman , Bo, and Abe each ran into the office of the other trying to be the first to give one another the news, making a comical appearance of bedlam as one voice after another wanted to be first heard. The only thing they could be certain of was that this was not good for the people of Salem, but with no charges to be filed all they could do was wait out what Tony had in mind. .
EJ Wells however, read the news with a calm demeanor, glad that Harris had already left with Sami for a meeting with her designer, Trey. He had been anticipating Tony's return, and wondered when he would call for a meeting with him. He placed a call to Harris, letting him know to be wary, and especially watchful of Samantha.
Nanny Bea was giving the children their oatmeal, and both were giving it right back to her!
"I don't know why she gives us this stuff, we spit it out as fast as she puts it in!" Justin was stubbornly tonguing it out as soon as the spoon went in.
"Me neither, where's Inky? He can have mine!" Jessica looked down as the food spilled from her mouth to the floor. Inky dodged it, then went to lie in a corner.
"He won't eat it either! I'm gonna cry! I want some peaches!" Justins face screwed up, and his mouth opened in a wail of protest at the injustice of oatmeal with no fruit!
"Yeah, good idea, make her listen!" and Jessica joined in chorus.
"Nanny, maybe if you gave them some of the peaches in the oatmeal, they might take it better" EJ softly suggested. Nanny Bea was ready to try anything, so put generous spoonfuls of the peaches in the next offering.
"That's better!" this time Justin accepted the spoon. Jessica also looked interested again.
Nanny looked relieved! "Yay, whose our daddy?' the babies cooed to each other.
"You know what they always say about a spoonful of sugar right Nanny?' EJ winked at her, then kissed each child on a non oat smeared spot on their faces as he left for the office.
Tony DiMera read the same article, chuckling to himself as he pictured how EJ must be quaking in fear. How the whole damn town was probably quaking in fear! This was so much better than he had imagined! Kate was now on his side, Lucas was working with him, soon Philip would join them! The beauty of it was he was using their family fortune to get back his family fortune. When he was done, they would still have nothing!
Trey had brought several portfolios of his designs for Sami to look over. Her figure was back to that size four he had tried to starve her out of before, and he threw up his hands at her ever being the two he envisioned her as. It was such a treat to just sit and dish with her now, the insecure woman he had first met was now replaced by one who could talk with anyone, about nearly everything. "This is perfect for the trip out to Hollywood, you will look like a star yourself!
"Trey, I want you to come with me ok, I need to know I look right all the time, and you give me that confidence! And..I have been thinking, I want to see if Belle will come too! What do you think?"
"Well, great, I guess. Have you started speaking to her again." Trey had been at the funeral.
"No, but I sent her an email, and I am hoping she will want to talk. The thing is, I think my kids deserve to be able to play with their cousin, and Claire does too. Truth is, I miss Claire a lot! Belle and I were starting to get close before I almost married Austin, it would be nice to have a sister relationship that I can manage to not screw up!"
"I would love to come, and love to dress the both of you! It would be a privilege, let me know and I will schedule the time out for you chickie! And I just bet you and Belle are gonna be fine!"
Belle opened her laptop at her desk and got the mail signal from Sami. At first she thought it might be a prank, and started to delete the file, but curiosity overcame her nervousness. As she read, a small smile spread across her lips.
'Hi Belle:
Bet you never expected this huh? I want you to know I miss you, and would like to see you and Claire. I have attached a couple of pictures of Justin and Jessica, who would also like to see you and Claire. How do I know? Well I have brilliant children, and I heard them talking!
I wish I had never decided to talk to you that way, I know you were there to say goodbye to Will and I was hurting and wanted everyone else to hurt too. Some of them deserved what I said, you did not. I am sorry for that every day, but it cannot be unsaid. It can probably never be forgotten, and if you can't do that, I only ask that you forgive and remember that I was in a great deal of pain that day. I am still in that pain, only someone who has also lost a child can ever really understand, so I know you do.
So, what do you say? Can I send Harris for you and Claire for lunch next week with me at the house? Let me know.
Love,
Samantha
Without hesitation, Belle replied that she would love it!
Chapter VI
Lucas rose from the bed, and tossed four one hundred dollar bills on the night stand. He looked down at the sleeping figure as she lightly snored, then at his watch. Damn! Late! At that very moment the knock on his door signaled that someone else knew he was late. He opened the door to find the massive presence of Jules in his doorway.
"Mr DiMera wants you now. I am waiting downstairs, you have ten minutes.'
"Good to see you again Lucas, and good choice, she was always one of my favorites too. I see you still like the petite blonde type". Tony said, as Lucas settled into the Limousines seat. Kate was sitting next to him, and his hand was resting possessively on her thigh. Lucas looked at that, trying not to let the disgust show.
Kate however, was ready to unleash her own opinions of what was disgusting. "Lucas, you have to stop this! It is self destructive behavior, it will not bring Will back, and it certainly is not the way to get back at that tramp and the man who probably killed your son!" The last part of her diatribe was something that had gnawed at her since the day of the funeral. Why would Will take off tearing up a hill without the safety gear unless someone was after him? She was sure there was more to this story than met the eye!
Lucas rubbed his temples at the mention of Will. He could not defend Sami to his mother, even now, but knew in his heart she was all he ever wanted, her and Will. Now because of all the foolish choices he had made in his life, Will was lost to him forever. Sami, he could only try to recreate with the whores he found willing to let him pretend with. He hated his mother now, but she was part of Tony DiMera's plan which he hoped someday would make Sami a part of his life again. EJ was the key, eliminate EJ, and he knew Sami would come back. He would put up with raising EJ's kids, as long as he had Sami.
While they drove to their meeting spot, across the street was the watchful eye of Harris, who was following them, and reporting every move to EJ. Harris was a professional in every sense of the word. He often said he could tail himself, and not know it!
John sat down next to Belle, as she was answering the email to Sami. "Well, this is good news! She wants to see you. I think the ice is starting to melt!"
"Oh Dad, I hope so. You only have so much family to go around, and these are Moms grandchildren, aren't they gorgeous?!"
"Yes, they are! We were able to get close to them at the park the other day. The goon that works for them was pretty nice about it. It broke Marlena up, so I hope you can put in a good word for her. You know, she realizes she should have spent more time with Will, that's why she is so close to Claire. When you realize that family is the most important thing it brings a lot of perspective."
"I'll sure try Dad ".
Sami and Trey were meeting EJ for lunch at the Penthouse Grill. When they arrived, he was just finishing his meeting with his business manager. Sami glanced down and read "Sale Escrow: Che Rouge. "EJ, are you buying Che Rouge?"
"Yes, got a great deal, so I thought it might be nice to be in the restaurant business, and clear up all this bad publicity over the E Coli thing!"
"You are so bad!" Sami was unsure of whether to scold him for such a terrible way to enrich his medical research organization, or congratulate him for teaching Maggie an important lesson in business relationships. She also knew a great deal of the profits he made would be going to fund tent hospitals in Darfur. Money was not the main interest in his life, it was playing the game!
"Maggie will still run the place, and she is going to have some training in reservations management, there are some great software programs to help her out with that. I think she will never again lose a reservation of a customer!" EJ signed the papers with a flourish, and handed them off to Mr. Magee.
The lunch was enjoyable, Trey amused EJ as always. Hollywood was three weeks away, and the trip details were discussed. EJ knew he would be unable to go. His attention would be needed here keeping tabs on Tony DiMera. Just then, his phone went off, and he looked to see a text message coming in. A phoenix symbol, then a cryptic set of text: lvly fmly wnt 2 kp? Met my trms. EJ set it n memory, then returned to enjoying the conversation and company of his beautiful wife and the wry wit of Trey.
Chapter VII
Sami was dressing for bed, when EJ came into the room. He was home late this night, and she was glad to see him before she went to sleep. He came to her, holding her against him the way he sometimes did when things were weighing on his mind. His chin rested on the top of her head, and he was glad she could not read his eyes. Except he forgot about the mirror behind him that reflected the mirror in front of him. Sami saw the look and was instantly pushing away from him to look him in the eye.
"I think you have something to tell me, don't you?" She was grasping his arms by the elbow to keep his focus on her. This was the one bad thing about this marriage, his secrets were never his own anymore. EJ gave a resigned look and decided she should be told.
"Tony DiMera has returned to Salem, and I think he wants to have it out with me..as I said before, he never thought I was worthy of being in the DiMera clan."
"But he got a life term! How can this be? EJ, he will kill me! He hates me! I double crossed him! EJ! You have to do something..the babies, my God, he will do something to them, I know it! EJ, kill him, you have to kill him! Harris can do it! " hysteria was overcoming her at the thought of Tony DiMera coming again!
His arms went round her, and brought her in close to his chest.."Samantha, I would die myself before he comes near you or Justin and Jess..don't worry, I can handle this, I promise you, I promise! As to how he got out, well, money talks you know.."EJ and Harris had been too late in closing down all the bank loopholes, and most of the money had gotten to Tony.
"I have to go downstairs and do some work with Harris, you go on to sleep, don't worry! We will take care of this!". He leaned down, and kissed her worries away, and she clung to him, not wanting to let go. He broke her grip from his neck.."please darling, Harris and I have to work things out..let me do this, please, let me do this.."
Reluctantly, she let him go, but the fear in her heart gripped her. She let him leave, then went into the nursery to look at the sleeping babies, EJ had to make sure they were safe, he had to. She tucked a blanket closer around Justin, and moved a stray curl from Jessicas forehead. The babies lips pursed in a little sucking dream. They were so beautiful, and so innocent of everything, but she knew Tony DiMera would not care, to get back at her, she was sure he would be willing to harm them.
Her sleep was punctuated by a new dream. The nightmare associated with Wills death took on a new persona. This time a figure in black came out, holding a knife, then stepping down he gathered up Wills body, carrying him as he ran after her. She ran, and ran, and ran, but no matter where she went, the figure was one step ahead, and waited on her with the knife. She knew she should stop and get Will away from him, but she was too frightened! The screaming she did in the dream then became real!
EJ flew into the room, and pulled her against him, recognizing the signs of her night terror once again. The bed clothes were in disarray from her agitation, and the tears that stained her face flowed even in her sleep. She moaned, and flung her head side to side.
"Samantha, Samantha, wake up darling, you are having a bad dream, It's ok, I'm here, I'm here…" Sobbing, she clung to him.
"I thought I was over these, God! EJ, will they ever stop?"
"Yes they will, you still have Will on your mind, and a lot of the stress from the past years is still working on you Sami, but someday you will feel safe and secure again, it will just take time!" EJ was reassuring, and it was true, the dreams were getting further and further apart. Tonights' was just very bad. The news about Tony DiMera did not help either. She had one night bared her soul to him about all she had done as Stan. As ever, he did not judge her, just accepted that she was sorry for it, and loved her unconditionally.
As her tears dried, and the shaking stopped, EJ began to comfort her in a way he knew would help her. His sweet lovemaking took her mind off the worries, and after, the even sweeter exhaustion made sleep easier to come by. The shelter of his arms once again held her fears and sorrow at bay for one more night. .
When the even steady drawing of her breath came, he mentally went over his plan as he stroked her head in her sleep. The meeting was set with Tony. He knew Lucas was working with Tony, but luckily, Philip as yet, was not. This meant he would have leverage with Philip, and would use it when the time came. Kate was another factor. Since Victors illness, she had been not quite so sure of herself, but she was acting differently now, her alliance with Tony making her cocky. Gone was the bowed head, and the bloodshot eyes that bespoke of alcohol tinged escapes from the deserved tongue lashing Sami had given her the day of Wills funeral. She had even confronted him at the office to demand a bigger role in Mythics marketing of the Nascar programs. He was glad to see her doing that, it would make her fall even harder, kicking a downed dog was never as much fun.
Harris had been surprised to find she was sleeping with Tony, but EJ knew it was a very smart move on Tony's part. Kate was always so sure of her feminine wiles, and was willing to use them to further any plans she had, but she always overestimated the quality of them. EJ knew Tony would use Kate to get to Philip. It would be the end of her when Philip became the tool for her destruction. Lucas would not be that willing to trust his mother anymore, he was stupid, but not that stupid. EJ knew what Lucas was after. For him to get it though, would be over EJ's dead body. Samantha was his, and his alone. Lucas signed his own death warrant the day he helped Tony DiMera by the kidnapping of Samantha. Now that Will was gone, there was no reason not to seal the deal.
From down the hall, EJ heard the sound of one of the twins crying. He crept from the bed, not wanting Samanthas, sleep disturbed. Nanny was already up to see to Jessica, but he waved her off "Go on back to bed, I'll take care of her". EJ picked up his daughter, and held her lovingly, rocking her back and forth, with soothing hushy tones until she went back to sleep. As he rocked her he mentally planned out how Lucas would die.
Chapter VIII
Harris knocked on the door of the penthouse suite. Belle came, and he helped her with the car seat, and diaper bag for Claire. Marlena hovered about, looking worried as she looked Harris over. He was a tall man, always dressed in a suit and tie, with eyes a green flinty color. His hair was reddish brown, and Marlena could swear she had seen him someplace or at least someone who looked like him in a most natural way. For now, though, she just knew he was connected with EJ Wells, a man connected with the DiMeras, and that was all it took to make her uneasy.
"Mrs. Wells is looking forward to you coming, Mrs. Kirakis". Belle's face registered how strange it was to be called that once more, she no longer thought of herself as belonging to that name.
John came forward to offer assistance, "Let me help you with all this, amazing how much stuff follows a baby around isn't it?"
"Oh yes, when we take the twins out…."Harris voice trailed off as he realized the twins would not be the best topic of conversation in this household. Marlena looked like she wanted to hear more, and was hurt when he did not offer.
"I think she knows something! She has been so excited all morning!" Belle kissed her mom and dad bye, whispering to Marlena as she did "Be patient, I think Sami is gonna stop this nonsense, it's almost Christmas time, she will want the babies to have contact, I know it!"
Marlena nodded, hoping Belle was right. Whatever happened, she was glad to see Sami reaching out for Belle. Both of her girls needed each other.
As soon as the door opened, Sami was there, reaching for Claire, and hugging Belle. The house was completely decorated for the Christmas Season, and Belle told Sami how beautiful it all looked!
Tears sprang to both their eyes as the year that had been just melted away like an icicle left by a warm fire. Claire was delighted at Inky, who wagged, and licked with his whole being. Following close behind carried by Nanny and Lorene, the twins stared in wonder at the newcomer Claire.
"Wow! Lookie Justin, she can walk!" Jessica was impressed.
"Her mommy looks kinda like our mommy!" Justin squirmed, wanting down to inspect this visitor closer.
Claire looked up to see who was talking about her. "Hi you guys! Do you have toys?"
Nanny took Claire by the hand and led them all into the play room. Belle and Sami followed, and Belle knelt down on the floor to meet her niece and nephew. "Sami, they are so beautiful, you are so lucky, you and EJ. Thank you for this, I should have called you so long ago, I am so sorry..this has all been so wrong for all of us, especially the kids!"
Tippin came in with tea, and the two sisters sat catching up. Belle was still living with John and Marlena, and Sami asked how that was going. "Tell you the truth, I really need to get out on my own, but it is just so lonely..I started back to work at Basic Black, but that means Claire has to go to daycare, and I hate that..and if I moved out on my own it would be worse even, at least now, a lot of the time Mom or Dad can help me."
They talked about Sami's books, EJ's new ventures, and the fact that Chez Rouge was now owned by the Wells. "You guys just can't make a step wrong it seems. The whole town of Salem is bowing at your feet!" Belle looked impressed.
"Well, it is a different life for sure. I am happy Belle, for the first time in my life. I was always so busy chasing happiness, when it chased me instead, it was almost hard to accept, but here I am" and her hands swept around the room, encompassing the kids, the house, "If only Will could be here to share it, I miss him every day..and I know he would have been the best big brother to Jessica and Justin..he would have loved living here with us..Lucas would have seen it was best for him..but he is gone, and I am so sorry for what I put him through!".
"It was a tragedy, Sami, but you were a good mother to him..Kate was the problem. I wish everyone could have seen what she was doing..even Dad is sorry for how he believed her over you. Heck, look what Kate did to me! She always gets away with everything!"
"I am trying to let all that go..EJ tells me that is the best revenge, just living my life happily ever after..who would have guessed huh? Me, Sami Brady, evil spawn of the perfect Marlena Evans, and Roman Brady, Salems citizens of the year! Living a life of social acceptance!"
"Sami, you need to forgive them too!"
"I don't know if I can, Belle, somethings are just too hard". Sami held her sisters hand, willing her to understand how she felt.
"For so long, I blamed John for breaking up my family, but it was really Dad. He was not willing to be my family after he lost Mom. I was flotsam that he just wanted to get away from, I think I reminded him of what he lost, and I was not an acceptable substitute. John did raise us well, and maybe if Eric and I had been allowed to stay, we could have made a home with John and Mom. But sending us away was like the final straw. At least for me, Eric is the strong one. I am not. At least I was not. EJ and I together are like a fortress now. We don't need anyone else, but I am glad to reconnect with you Belle..it feels good".
When Sami gave Belle her idea of accompanying her and Trey to Hollywood to meet with the producers, at first Belle was unsure. Leaving Claire behind…"No, bring her with us, Nanny will be coming" traveling in an airport with a baby.."No, we have a chartered jet, it is so comfortable" my job.."you work for your own father..I think you can get time off!"
Every argument was checkmated, so Belle finally agreed! It was only four days, and she did need a break from her year also. They would be leaving right after the New Year!
Chapter IX
Kate used the credit card to slip the lock into Lucas' apartment. She side stepped all the clothing lying on the floor, ignored the dirty dishes lying around, and tried not to breathe the stale air smelling of old booze and cigarette smoke. . This was a mission. His bedroom door was open, and she saw once again he was not alone. His favorite hooker was lying next to him, her mouth slightly open, and her face showing her age and lifestyle even while she slept.
"Kandi, Kandi, wake up, it is time for you to leave!" Kate shook her, and handed her the robe that was on the floor. Kandi looked at Kate with a squint eyed stare, which Kate returned. "I am not going to say it again, unless you want Jules here to do it for you, I suggest you move your ass now!"
Kandi knew it was time to go, dressing quickly, she passed Jules and looked at him with a question..he reached into his pocket and gave her the standard fee.
Lucas had slept on through this, but Kate used the next method, a splash of cold water which brought him instantly awake, cursing, and swatting at the source of his torment! He awoke, but feeling strange, achy, and sweaty which was becoming normal for him.
"You are endangering this whole operation..what is the matter with you?" Kate was contemptuous of the weakness that Lucas had shown all his life. Jules stood, watching, wondering when the man would act like a man. Tony then walked in, and the fastidiousness in him recoiled at the mess in the apartment. He was glad that EJ had already taken care of Lucas, it would save him the trouble later.
"Lucas, we had a meeting scheduled. You missed it, this is rather becoming a habit of yours isn't it?"
"Uh, sorry, I have been coming down with the flu I think," Lucas looked about for Kandi.
"We sent the bimbo home Lucas, now I know she is like a Sami twin, but now is not the time for you to be playing around like that, you have to focus!" Kate went to his closet, then his drawers to pick out his clothes. Jules shook his head in disgust, so was she gonna dress the twit and spit comb his hair?
Tony suggested they go out for lunch, it was always amusing to him to have the good people of Salem looking at him, and talking about him while trying to seem like they were not. His first week back had been an absolute riot. Only Kate was reluctant, she did not like being seen with him. A howl from the bathroom brought Jules and Tony to see what was wrong, Lucas had cut himself shaving. Jules and Tony looked at each other, before tossing a clean towel to Lucas to clean up with.
"Tell you what Kate, we will go ahead and get the table, then you just happen to walk through, that way your hands will appear clean?"
Maggie was standing in the vestibule of Chez Rouge, greeting patrons as they came in. When the DiMera party came in, she was about to refuse service, when EJ stepped up. "Maggie, please seat them, and put it on my tab." She looked at him, and without any voice of protest did as he told her.
"How about that table over there," Tony pointed to a table in the room center, which also had palm fronds bordering it for privacy sake.
"No, that table is always reserved for Mr. Wells, how about this one over here?" Maggie looked at EJ, who nodded his acquiescence.
"Very kind of you cousin" Tony smiled.
"De Nada!" EJ was equally charming.
Roman, Abe, and Bo walked in right behind. "Well if that ain't a pair to draw to" Roman opined.
"Yeah, and with the matched set of goons along too!" Bo was referring to Jules and Harris.
"What dog does Lucas have in this fight?" Abe also had comments to make on the lunch crowd at Chez Rouge.
At this time, Kate walked in, and sashayed over to the table. EJ tried to look surprised. Tony could see he was not. Kate was not being as careful as she should have been either. Lucas was not the only loose cannon.
"Well, I have to be on my way, Kate, try to get into the office sometime today to give Chelsea a hand with the files, "EJ was a derisive as he could manage to be to her without seeming as rude as he felt like being.
His answer was a flare of her nostrils, as she joined Tony and Lucas at the table. Her vodka martini was sitting at her place already, and EJ looked at it with a smile. "Lucas, good to see you again, I will give Sami your best, of course I think she has had your best and found it wanting right old boy?'
Lucas clenched his fist, but Tony put a hand out, "Now, EJ, you have won lady fair already, no need to rub it in, and this is a public place, try to maintain. Stefano would not approve of you goading someone like this, true?"
"I will decide when and if I wish to rub something in, Tony, you have no power over me, or any rights as to Stefanos legacy of mannerly conduct..everything in his legacy was left to me..remember?" EJ's challenge was out there, now how would Tony react.
"I think our meeting will straighten these things out EJ, I so look forward to it!"
Chapter X
'Your're going to Hollywood with Samantha?" Marlena's disapproval was strong in her voice. "That is not a good idea, Belle..it just isn't!"
"Mom, I think it will be fun. I have never spent any time alone with Sami, not that with three babies, a Nanny, a body guard and a stylist for good measure means alone by any means!" Belle was excitedly laying out the proper wardrobe for sunny California!
Each piece she chose, Marlena picked up, shook her head and discarded. "Doesn't John need you here at Basic Black?" grasping at straws..Marlena kept it up. John walked in then, and she turned to him for assistance.
"John, Belle wants to take off with Claire with Sami for Hollywood..and she isn't listening to me..she shouldn't do this, what if her and Sami get into a fight or something?"
John only smiled, "Lunch went well, I take it?"
"It was so much fun Dad, and I could really help Basic Black out by watching the trends out in Hollywood…Sami says we are going to meet a lot of stars..I can maybe ask them to look at our collections..Dad, it is gonna be so much fun..I haven't had fun in so long.."her voice pleaded for his understanding and she was not disappointed.
"I definitely think you should spend some time with Sami, you are her sister, and this is long overdue.."he looked at Marlena and dared her with the eyebrow to oppose this, but he smiled as he did it.
Totally outnumbered, Marlena threw up her hands. "Alright, but if the two of you end up pulling each others hair out..don't say I didn't warn you!"
The timing of Sami's trip to Hollywood was bothering Harris. "Boss, I can't be with you and her at the same time..what if you need back up when this meeting happens.?"
"It's covered, you just watch over Samantha and Belle. Tony is acting pretty sure of himself, so I really don't want him to see you hovering about me. If he thinks you are busy in California, I think he is more likely to let his guard down. I want this trip to go perfect for Sami, if her and Belle get close, it will make a lot of things that much easier down the road!"
"And Lucas"? Harris wanted to know if things were set.
"Lucas is toast, and Philip is going to find out soon he has to make a choice. As to Austin, well, we shall see what we shall see. That leaves only Billie and Chelsea, and Kates little kipper jar is almost totally empty. The woman finally will get what is coming to her!"
"Honey, it's time for dinner", Sami came downstairs, calling ahead to make sure they had time to cover anything she should not see. They quickly shuffled papers into a drawer.
"Harris, care to join us?" Sami asked politely, knowing he always said no.
"No, not tonight, I am going in for drinks with Chandler".
"Well, we must all get together soon, looks like you and her are becoming quite an item" EJ was giving tacit approval for Harris to enjoy some semblance of a social life.
"That sounds great, I'll call her after we get back from the trip". Sami also approved as she liked Chandler a great deal.
After dinner EJ headed up to give the babies their bath with Nanny. Sami came up to watch the spectacle. The water always started out in the tub, then the battle began! Nanny had wisely learned to stand back and let EJ brave the tidal waves. But he loved it! He would bend down, and duck his head under the water to blow bubbles for them, never minding how wet his own clothing got. The shrieks of laughter from the babies was a music he never tired of hearing.
Bath done, Nanny would take over for dressing them for bed. Quieted and relaxed Justin would reach for Sami, and Jessica for EJ, the natural order of things stayed the same. They were still nursed for the last feeding of the day, and EJ would look with contentment as Sami rocked first one baby as she fed it, then the other. There was nothing that compared with this sight and he felt as though he could gaze on it forever. It would be a fight to make sure that nothing ever changed, but he knew he was up to it!
Chapter XI
Kandi Kane stepped out of the cab in front of the clinic doors. Harris met her there, and escorted her inside. She handed over the vial, the syringe, and he handed over the envelope with the money that would buy her a new life. The doctor came out, drew her blood, and within twenty minutes gave her the thumbs up news. She had carried out her mission safely it seemed. Lucas was injected with the virus each and every time he had gone to sleep after their sexual tryst. Kandi had been careful, and now Lucas was probably infected with an Aids virus imported from an obscure clinic in Africa that EJ Wells was the funding source for. According to her, he was showing some flu like symptoms the past few times he had been with her. This particular viral strain was fast acting, creating the loss of immune system functions within a couple of months.
Harris was very thankful he had never crossed EJ.
He gave Kandi the plane tickets, told her it was best if she left as quickly as possible, and she knew better than to argue! Harris had questioned EJ about the plan, but EJ was adamant "The man helped kidnap and bury alive my pregnant wife..what am I supposed to do, ask him to join Rotary with me? He deserves everything coming to him, he won't die, but he will spend the rest of his life keeping from dying! That is his punishment!"
From this duty, Harris proceeded to Salem Place to meet EJ and Sami at the Gottschalks Department Store. It was Santa Picture day with the twins.
"Oh, EJ, they look so adorable!" Sami was adjusting the little pink elfin fur cap on Jessica, as Justin pulled his blue matching one off and flung it to the floor.
"It makes me look like a dork, why do I hafta wear that?" Justin babbled at Jessica.
"It's cute, c'mon Justin, put it back on!" his sister was admiring hers while at the same time putting the little tie string in her mouth.
"Samantha, I think Justin is not too happy with this, can we maybe just let him get the picture taken without the hat" EJ pled Justins' case.
"No, this is their first Christmas Picture! I bought these outfits special for this picture, he has to wear it" Sami once again placed the cap on her sons head, and headed for the lap of the BIG GUY.
As they got closer to the BIG GUY, Jessica and Justin got quiet and somber. This did not feel good, the BIG GUY got bigger and bigger..scarier and scarier, until both twins opened their mouths in wails of protest!
Sami tried to comfort them, EJ tried, but it was no use. They were not willing to be handed off to Santa.
"Well that was a waste" Sami was sick at the picture she was looking at.
"Oh, I don't know, I think we look rather well together, let's hit the frame shop, shall we?"
Five silver frames purchased later, Sami had to admit, the picture of her sitting on one knee of Santa holding Justin who did wear the adorable blue fur elf hat, and EJ sitting on the other knee holding Jessica who had managed to pull off the adorable pink fur elf hat so that she could stuff the whole tie string into her mouth was a wonderful First Christmas Photo! Santa was the only one not smiling!
Harris stood back, in wonder of it all. Would he ever be able to separate his work and family like EJ could? Would he ever have a family? It was something he was starting to yearn for. The idea of forever being the kind of man that inspired fear in everyone was not a life he wanted to live forever. The question was how could he ever get out of it?
They all headed for the Pub, EJ and Harris ordered a beer, Sami got a milkshake while she showed the pictures off to Caroline and Sean. "You will get one, but I wanted to wrap it up first, and Gran, could I please go through some of the old pictures in your trunk while I am here, I would like to do a collage of some of them for an old frame I found in the basement at the house."
Caroline took a baby, and just motioned for Sami to follow her into the back room where she took a key and opened up an old trunk that was filled to the brim with old photos. "Take whatever you need, I have never gotten around to organizing any of this.".
Sami was estatic, as she tried to keep Justin from picking up handfuls of the photos.."What if I just have Harris put the trunk in the mini van, and I will go through all of them at the house? Maybe you can come over and help me organize them into scrapbooks and you can keep them to show everyone else." Sami avoided saying any of the family names. As of now, Bo and Roman were still people she had nothing to do with. Her Aunt Kayla had never been close to her anyway, and right now she had her own issues to deal with.
Caroline smiled at that, "I would love to do that with you Sami!".
"Great, how about after Belle and I get back from Hollywood?"
"Belle! She is going with you? Sami, that is wonderful! The thought of you and your sister getting close is music to my ears! And someday maybe you and Carrie can let bygones be bygones!"
"That will take a miracle that I cannot see happening, Gram, and I am not even sure I want one to happen. I know it is hard to understand what I did, but how come no one has a hard time understanding every time Carrie decides to just chuck her marriage vows..first Austin, then Mike, then Lucas..you know what marriage vows are about, otherwise you would be with Victor Kirakis right now! I really do not think Carrie and Austin are going to make it this time either! She is too willing to throw everything away and go for the easiest solution to her problems..if she had not been that way, she would have chosen Austin over Lucas anyway!"
Caroline could not argue, Sami did have a way of coming up with truth sometimes that though hard to face, was still true.
"Exhausted honey? You look so tired." Sami stood behind EJ, and began to rub his shirtless back. When her fingernails began to scratch his back lightly, he shivered at the sensuousness of it, and reached to pull her onto his lap. He cupped her face in his hands, and saw only her, hoping she would always be able to understand why he did the things he did. Her kiss was his reward, her hands on him his delight. Once more she helped him forget the other world he inhabited. The world created by Stefano DiMera.
Chapter XII
Mythic Communications was a hub bub of activity through the Holiday Season. Lots of promotional air time was given out pro bono to various charities. Chelsea was doing her job, and most of Kates during this period. "Where is your Grandmother, Chelsea" EJ demanded as he walked into the offices a few days before Christmas. "I thought she was organizing the staff Christmas Party at Chez Rouge, and I still don't have the budget figures for it yet!"
"I have it all ready right here EJ, it's under control. And here are some messages from Austin, I guess he is just swamped in Switzerland, he wants you to have a tele-conference call with him at 4 p.m. his time, so I better set it up now, will that work?" EJ had to admit, after a time of being extremely unreliable, Chelsea had turned into a very good assistant.
"Now would be good, but make it right now! I have another appointment within the half hour."
Austin was sitting at his desk in Zurich, and from the looks of things, he was having a time of it. Papers were stacked on every square inch of his desk, and he had a look of panic on his face, though he tried to hide it by sipping his coffee nervously as his assistant brought him even more. EJ looked at Austin, evaluating the scene, "Austin, good to talk with you mate! We are hearing good things about you there! Everything allright, Chelsea said you were a little overwhelmed! What can I do to help?"
"You can help by turning loose of some money so I can hire on some more people! I have been working fifteen hour days six and seven days a week..what is the problem, aren't I making you enough money?" Austin was sharp,
"Austin, you knew signing on it would be busy the first few months you were there..you wanted Zurich, it is yours, and you have to make it work yourself!" EJ was not going to be bullied by Austin, and waited to hear more.
"I am a newlywed, and I have not seen my wife for more than one hour a day since we got here, between her work and this sweat shop, we may as well not be married."Austin threw up his hands, the arguments he and Carrie had been having over this were starting to effect his nerves. Carrie wanted and deserved some attention, but to give it to her, meant neglecting work. Right now he could not afford to do that, as Austin Reed and Company was floundering. He had never realized the amount of work Samantha had done to keep it afloat.
"Sorry, old chap, the budget is set for this year, and the new figures will be done in about a week. But don't count on any big increases at all..we may find room for one additional person for you, but that would be it..take care, I have to be on my way.." and EJ clicked off the monitor, leaned back in his chair, smiled and thought, "it is so nice to be the boss!"
Kate rushed into his office then, "EJ, are you trying to bust up Carrie and Austins' marriage, you are overworking him to the point of exhaustion..I demand you stop that right now! He called me last night, still at work! Carrie is giving him ultimatums! Why are you doing this?"
"Kate, darling..good morning to you too!". EJ twirled the little globe paperweight on his desk, pointing to a little dot at Zurich. "Austin is having trouble keeping up, maybe that should be no surprise, he seems to have a lot of trouble with things, keeping his wife, being honest with his fiance, characteristic of all your sons isn't it?"
"What are you saying EJ", Kates guard was up.
"Maybe you should look in on Lucas, Kate, stop spending so much time with Tony DiMera, I think maybe your son may need you..after all, it is Christmas! You seem to be neglecting your boy lately, not like you Kate, not like you at all! Then there is the matter of your job here, lucky for you Chelsea seems to want to make an impression me, isn't it? She at least is getting work done!"
The words were barely out of his mouth, when Kate was dialing the number for Lucas's office at Titan.
"Uh, Kate, Lucas has not been in all week. He called and said he was not feeling well!" Eugenia was amazed that Lucas and Kate had not been in contact.
Wasting no time, Kate called Lucas number, but only got his voice mail. She turned on her heel and headed to his apartment. "This ought to be good," EJ was thinking as she left, "Only wish I could be there when she sees his condition today!" The payback was in motion.
Chapter XIII
John held Claire up to the tree in the penthouse. It was a twelve foot Douglas fir, and Claire was reaching her tiny hands out to the ornament catching her fancy, a glimmering fairy with wings of gold. "Yeah, your Nana thought you would like that one!"
Marlena descended the stairs smiling at the two of them. The phone rang, and she stopped to pick it up. "Oh..hello Sami..no, Belle has not gotten home yet. Of course, I will give her the message..and Merry Christmas" the greeting was perfunctory, Marlena was just not able to speak with Sami without feeling uncomfortable, but Samis' next question came as a surprise that left her speechless!
"Mom, would you and John come for Christmas Eve with EJ and me, Belle said she would come if you did, and we thought it would be good for all the kids". Sami's voice sounded hopeful, but resigned to the answer she expected. If she had seen Marlenas face at that moment though, she would have been astounded! Her mouth was open in an O of astonishment, her eyes closed, and the trace of a tear appearing. John saw, and immediately came to see what was the matter.
"Yes, Sami! Yes, we would love to come! Well, thank you, that would be lovely if you sent a car! We so look forward to it!" John was grinning and both eyebrows were hunched in his most pleased expression. Christmas was looking merrier and merrier.
EJ also had his mind on a surprise for Samantha for Christmas. He walked into the Salem Police Department, straight for Commander Roman Brady's office. The famous dry erase clue board was up, and now had three more boards attached to it. Eve Michaels was still listed as dead, no change there EJ thought. Andre Theopoulis was still listed under the same category, with the names Kate Black, EJ Wells, Chelsea Brady, Harris McMurty, and the poor security guard, Joe Andrews under the suspect grids. EJ shook his head, but looked with interest at the Chez Rouge E Coli Caper board. The lettuce had been tampered with, but by whom? And how? Another board said simply, Anthony DiMera, with another grid line listing the names of Lucas Roberts, Kate Roberts, and not surprisingly, EJ Wells. The criss cross lines, in various colors of marker pen were a tangled mess. EJ peered closer to see if anything on the board resembled reality as he knew it. The answer was no. The crack Salem P.D. was performing up to standard, which was good to know!
"EJ Wells, well, well, well, what in the hell do we owe the pleasure of this visit? Roman came out to greet him.
"I am here on behalf of Sami actually, and your grandchildren..the ones that Sami and I have together..I believe the only grandchildren you have left now, or may ever have..if that matters to you." EJ was not being kind, he really had no use for Roman anyway, and was doing this only for Samantha.
"We are extending an invitation to you to celebrate Christmas Eve with us. I understand Marlena, John, and Belle will be attending, and Sami would like you to join us for a dinner, some caroling, and a special surprise she has planned..may I say you will come?"
"Does this mean she wants to let bygones be bygones?"
"Commander Brady, unlike the rest of this family, Samantha does have an ability to forgive and forget, and she seems to be thinking about the fact that the twins do have to live in this town among a lot of Bradys..maybe she does not want them ostracized the way she has been..ever think of it that way?"
'I see you were looking at the crime board here, see anything of particular interest?"
"Only the fact that you still seem to have problems solving anything..wish I could be of assistance. Now, do I have your answer on Christmas Eve for Samantha?'
"Hell, yeah, I'll be there..but what is the surprise?"
"Aah, but then it would be no surprise would it?"
"What should I bring the kids?" Roman finally remembered the reason for the invitation.
"Yourself, Commander Brady, just yourself!"
Samantha worked closely with Tippin and Lorene to make sure everything would be perfect. She was working hard to complete a part of the family collage for the Christmas surprise out of Caroline and Seans picture, and frantically completing the arrangements on the special surprise she had for everyone. Only Belle was aware of the scope of the preparations and found it hard to keep a straight face when questioned by Marlena about how and why this had all come about.
Kate however, was having a Christmas season of heartache. She had had the super at Lucas' apartment let her in that morning, and the shock of what she saw had left her in a near state of collapse. Lucas had been in bed, feverish, obviously in an extreme state of ill health. He had looked to ill to move, so she had called for an ambulance. When the drivers got there, both of them looked at Lucas, and backed away.
"What is wrong, damn you! Help him!" Kate yelled at them in disgust.
"Lady, we are gonna help him, but first we have to protect ourselves, this guy is in full blown aids mode!"
They then found themselves with another patient, as Kate fainted dead away.
Tony DiMera came into the hospital to find Kate, crying inconsolably in the waiting room as the doctors bustled in and out of Lucas' room. He went to her, and embraced her, and smiling at Jules over her head.
"There, there, darling..I am here to help you..any way I can." Tony was comforting as a warm blanket to her, or a vodka martini. However, he had to give a salute to EJ for this bit of payback. Stefano would have been proud of his protégé!
Chapter XIV
Roman answered his cell phone to the sound of Carries crying voice. "Dad, it's me, can you talk?" the sobs in her voice brought Roman up short as he was walking out the door to Sami's party.
"What's wrong sweetheart? Talk all you want..besides it's your nickel.."Roman was glad of that, since this was Zurich.
"I'm in Los Angeles, Dad, I'm leaving Austin…I've left him, I mean. I have been wanting to come back to L.A., Zurich is so cold, and he wouldn't do it. He just didn't love me the way I thought he did Dad, I just never knew until it was too late!" Carrie wanted her dad to understand.
"What are you doing tonight Dad, going to Grandma and Grandpas?'" Carrie sounded like a homesick child as she asked about his holiday plans.
Knowing she would not like what he was about to say, but feeling that maybe he should have given Sami more of a listen to in the past, Roman turned on Carrie,
" You know, girl, maybe you didn't love him the way he thought you did, what made you leave him this time? You sure can't blame this one on Sami!..and as to where I am going, well, Sami has asked us all out to her place to spend Christmas Eve..get a chance to see my grandchildren for the first time up close." Roman stopped to let Carrie have a moment to collect her thoughts.
"Uh, I see. Well that's good dad, you have one daughter that can produce children, not me though, guess that makes her better in your book than me? Have a good time, I thought you loved me, but I guess not! How can you even speak to her? How can you forgive her for what she did to me? " Carrie was bitter and irrational in her still virulent hatred of Sami. Roman could understand it, but it seemed Carrie was now the one who could not find it in herself to be happy, even when it was handed to her on a plate. She never had to fight for it like Sami had.
'Carrie, stop it, I love both of you, I always will. Sami is just giving me a chance to see the kids, and I have to take it. You might want to think about it too sometime, these are your niece and nephew I'm talking about..that might be important to you someday!"
Roman thought about the conversation as he drove out to the DiMera Mansion. He could never think of this as the Wells House, it would always have that title to him. Poor Carrie, he could not help comparing her situation to Sami's . Sami was a celebrated authoress, with two beautiful children, and a husband who seemed to move heaven and earth to make her happy. EJ Wells had seen Samantha unhappy about Will not wanting to spend time with her, and had strong armed Kate Roberts into letting him visit that fateful weekend. Kate had told Roman about that. Kate had also bitterly complained that EJ was marginalizing her at Mystic, and she thought Samis complaints to EJ were the cause of that also.
Things seemed to get much worse for Kate after the airing of the tape at Wills funeral last year. All those years ago, he had suspected Kate and Lucas of being behind Francos' death, but had been unable to prove it. Then he fell in love with Kate, and did not want to pursue an unhappy truth. EJ Wells was of DiMera blood, and he would not forgive anyone who wronged Sami, Roman understood that about him. Now Kate's latest complaint to him seemed to have come true..Austin was being worked to death in order to undermine his marriage with Carrie.
Turning his car through the security gates, he looked at all Sami had in comparison with Carrie. If anyone had ever made this prediction as to which of his daughters would be celebrating a family night like this, he would never have guessed in a million years it would be Sami. This was a family dysfunction!
Chapter XV
Victor lay on the bed, eyes closed and the deep sleep that relaxed his features and made him look so peaceful was the sight that greeted Philip as he walked silently into the room. Nico pursed his lips and left to let Philip have a minute. EJ stepped in a minute behind. He was on time, and Philip looked up at him.
"What do you want me to do for you?" Philip had an idea, but he wanted to hear it out loud from EJ's lips.
"You are working with Tony DiMera, I want you to keep on doing that, but I want to know what he is doing. Do that, and you will have this to look forward to" EJ motioned for Dr. Soules to come in.
Within a few minutes, she had adjusted a few dials, and Victor began to twitch, his eyelids blinking, and his eyes focused on Philip. His voice was whispery, but full of the old Victor command, "Philip..son, good to have you back.."then the Dr. re-calibrated the dials, and Victor was back in the medically induced coma.
"What are you?" Philip looked at EJ like seeing the devil himself.
"I am what you wish you were, but are too weak to become. For every bad action, I do an equally good action, can you even understand that Philip? I suppose not, it is not easy to understand. I am a powerful man, and I have powerful business interests. I also have a family I love very much, and your father tried to kill the woman that I love, and the children she carried. He has to pay for that somehow, this is just a small way of doing it. If you do what I say, he will suffer no permanent harm, actually his internal organs are regenerating during this period of rest, he will be in better health when we bring him back than when we did this to him, right Dr. Soules?"
Dr. Soules nodded her agreement. This was extremely significant medical research, and her clinic stood to gain worldwide attention when the research was published.
"Your mother is also working with DiMera, and sleeping with him. What she does in that regard is of no consequence to me, but I warn you, if you side with her, not only will you go down, Victor will go down, and Kate. If you agree to help me, it will only be Kate that loses in the end."
"And if I tell you to just go straight to hell?"
Dr. Soules moved to the monitor, and the dials began to move. Victor flatlined within seconds..Philips eyes grew wide with a silent pleading, and EJ gave her a wave of permission.
"What are you going to do?" Philip dreaded the answer as he could almost read it in EJ's mind.
"I am going to see that Kate changes places with your father…will that be so bad?"
There were a lot of things Philip could blame his mother for. Her interference with Belle and Shawn created the vacuum that he had ended up filling. The pain of realization that Belle had never loved him in the way he needed, and that the baby he had loved and cared for was not his in the way that society said was most valued was a wound still unhealed.
Looking at Victor, though, was his role any less in what had happened?. He had already decided that EJ was not kidding, but making an offer that was serious and well thought out for whatever reasons. Philip also knew he was being forced to make a Faustian choice, but for the sake of what remained of his family legacy, he knew which one he would have to decide in favor of. The amount of power one man wielded in this room was staggering. All this had been arranged by EJ Wells, and he had even managed to recruit Nico to his side. How could he fight against this without the help of his father?
"If I agree, you will see that my father is restored completely? No lingering paralysis or memory problems?"
"He will be as he was before, but without the financial standing, that I can do nothing about."
"And my mother? Why do you want her like this".
"Medical research of course, and an insurance policy that you will do as you are instructed! Like your father, she will suffer no irreversible harm, I just need her out of my way for a period of time, maybe a year or two at most. You will have ample opportunites to visit and check on her condition. From time to time, we will let her come up, and you can actually visit with her. I am not unnecessarily cruel Philip, I also have a mother."
"When would this take place?" Philip was evaluating his response, and EJ was impressed that the young man was taking time to do this. He was not making an emotional decision, but strategically weighing his options.
"Right after New Years, Samantha will be gone on a business trip, and as you probably know, I have a meeting scheduled with Tony DiMera to discuss our settlements. So can we say we have a deal?"
Victor moaned in his sleep, and his hands twitched. Philip looked at him as though he were being given a sign. His head bowed, he needed Victor if he were to take on EJ, and he did not trust Tony DiMera, no matter what his mother said. This would keep her away from Tony, and Victor could help him more than his mother could. Her emotions got in the way.
"Alright, I agree. Now what?"
"Not to worry, there will be nothing that alarms Kate, I will see you all at the meeting. Now, I have to get to the airport, we have a family celebration tonight! I will give Belle your regards there!" EJ extended his hand, but Philip ignored it, more intent on the words that meant his former family would be spending time at the Wells Mansion this Christmas Eve!
Chapter XVI
Tippin took the coats from Marlena and John, Belle and Claire had already walked through the main hall way to the Great Room where the tree was the centerpiece. John's bottom lip protruded as he took in the house for only the second time. It was a show piece,he had to admit, but still had a homey feel. The fireplaces all contained glowing fires, and greenery and bows lined every mantle and stair way railing. Fairy lights decorated all the plants and ornamental trees. The little black cocker spaniel dressed in a red plaid sweater wagged and wiggled for attention from the visitors.
Sami came forward to greet them, carrying one thumbsucking baby boy. He looked as though he had just awoke, and he had a self satisfied grin from his session with mommy a few minutes before. Behind her, Nanny Bea carried Jessica who was jumping up and down in her arms, excited at the visitors, and the general feel of expectation in the house!
It was an awkward moment when Sami and Marlena faced each other. They had never been particularly overly affectionate with each other, and this moment was no different. "Hi Mom, you look beautiful.." Sami had never seen Marlena not look beautiful "This is Erin Jessica..we call her Jessica, and this little guy is Edward Justin, who we call Justin. I wanted E. J. initials, so EJ says the next set will be S and G's!" Odd to be explaining names so many months after their birth, but Sami had meant what she said at the funeral, it just seemed so silly now. These were the childrens grandparents, no matter what her feelings were before. She felt sorry.
A smile of longing went on Marlenas' face, as she reached out for the baby held by Sami. Normally more reticient than his sister, Justin this time reached out his arms too. He seemed to know her Marlena thought.
"He spends a lot of time looking at a picture of you upstairs, Mom, he just kind of likes your face". Sami did not say the picture was in Wills' closet, but a look at Marlena was enough to confirm she was touched.
John came forward then, and Sami offered Jessica to him, and he took her without hesitation. He had always been easy with children, and Jess took to him quickly, jabbering away and smiling at his every facial expression.
Roman arrived the same time as Caroline and Sean. Kayla and Stephanie had gone to Los Angeles to see Kim and Andrew. "Hello Dad, glad you could make it" Sami was quiet as she greeted him, but was surprised when he reached to kiss her cheek. That small gesture caused a tear to spring from her eye. She had never thought to see or feel any affection from him again. She had thought she did not want any. Surprisingly, it pleased her. It had been harder than she thought to carry a shell of bitterness inside. It hurt more than it healed.
"Thank you for the invite, Sami. It has been a long year. Tough for you too I bet." Roman was acknowledging that Sami also had feelings. This was a breakthrough! The day of the funeral and Sami's revelation of what she had done to keep Carrie and Austin apart had lessened his sympathy for Sami. Even though he knew she had lost a son and was lashing out again, he had a hard time understanding his daughter had once again done a hurtful thing that benefited only her.
He remembered how Sami had accused him of working with Kate to keep Will and her apart, and how she said she hoped she died hating him as much as she did then. She did not mean that , tonight showed it. Why did Sami act this way so self destructively so many times? He thought back to EJ's words at the wedding that love was all important to her, and she would cross any barrier for it. Yes, she would, he mused. What was lacking in Carrie was over compensated for in Sami. Roman was beginning to think he preferred what Sami was made of. She would fight for what she wanted, not throw in the towel whenever life threw a wrinkle her way. She reminded him of his Pop because of that very trait.
The babies came crawling over to Roman, Inky herding them in the right direction so that they never veered toward the tree. Caroline and Sean made all the introductions and explained to Roman the idiosyncrasies of each child! Jessica was a flirt, Justin, more of a thinking mans baby! Within a few minutes Roman had the personality traits of each child firmly established in his mind. Eight months of wondering was now ended.
The party had been in full swing for a half hour when EJ walked in, the young man behind him gave his cases over to Harris and Tippin before he stepped into the center of the room.
"Eric!" Sami was first to run to him, jumping up, wrapping her black velvet clad legs around his waist in a heartfelt twin greeting.
Roman and Marlena came next, it had been four years since they had seen their son. Eric laughed as he hugged and kissed them, then turned again to grab his sister. His Grandparents came next, then his step sister Belle. At this utter abandonment, Jessica and Justin howled, Claire joined in for no reason other than to add an alto voice! Inky was subdued, but ventured forth to the newest stranger. Eric saw the nieces and nephew he had only known from video and photos in the flesh, and he got down on the floor to talk to all of them, and bring forth fascinating toys from deep within his backpack!
The night went so fast, the babies had been exhausted, and taken up by Nanny to bed when Sami brought out the surprise she had been working on. Using many of the pictures in Carolines trunk, she had made a visual history collage of the Brady family. This was her way of making a bridge to them, and she hoped everyone would understand that she did love them, but was now living her own life, with her own husband and family. While she loved and respected their history, it was no longer her history, she would now be making that herself.
This was what she had hoped would be visualized by all of them. She did not expect that one picture would start the unraveling of a family mystery.
The picture was of a young Sean Brady. He was dressed in his finest suit back in the old country. He carried a hat which was placed about chest level. Next to him was a companion that would have been unrecognizable before the picture had been enlarged. But for those of the family who got close enough to the picture to see, the one companion appeared to be a young Stefano DiMera, while the young Sean Brady looked exactly like….Harris!
