Judas Contract

by Katharra

Just your typical day in Salem.....

1. Part 1

It was late February in Salem. The wind had an icy chill to it, freezing any uncovered skin it could find. The sun desperately tried to shine beneath a gray cloud-covered sky. February was always a somewhat miserable month in Salem. The Brady's tried to warm not only their hands, but also their hearts inside the pub. Caroline smiled that everlasting optimistic smile she always did, while Shawn fixed up some hot chocolate. Bo and Hope sat in silence at a table; Hope's slender fingers absentmindedly wrapped themselves around the half empty mug on the table. Bo drummed his fingers, the other hand holding the weight of his head with his elbow resting on the table. An occasional mutter about the weather was heard every now and then, but other than that, nothing. For one of the first times in Salem history, there were no rumors, no one targeted for death, no pretend weddings, nothing. For the first time in Salem history, people were actually bored.

"I'm bored." Shawn D. announced to the world. His dad glanced in his direction and gave a half-hearted nod.

"No, I'm really bored. Can I go home now?"

His father gave him a sharp look, one of his famous 'don't-give-me-no-attitude-boy' looks. Hope gave him a sympathetic one instead. "Honey, we told Gran that we would escort her home. She just has to finish up her crib game with Maggie."

Shawn said a few words concerning his feelings towards crib under his breath. He continued to sit patiently with his hands folded in his lap, staring at them as though they were the most fascinating things on this earth. And at the time, they probably were.

Meanwhile, Hope's thoughts were pretty much the same as Shawn's. How much longer could one crib game take? She shook her head though, realizing that she should be grateful just to see her Gran again. Mind you, she wasn't really seeing her, more or less she was just sitting in the pub bored out of her tree listening to the wind swishing outside the window.

"Good one Mrs. H! But how's about one more game?"

The Brady family groaned all at once.

Sami stared at her breakfast in disgust. She hated scrambled eggs. Kate knew that. She knew Kate knew that. That's what made her hate the woman even more. This whole family was out to get her. And it all began with scrambled eggs. She played with it, pushing the eggs with her fork, back and forth on the plate, hoping that somehow, they might just magically disappear.

Her actions did not go unnoticed. Austin kept giving her odd looks, while Kate merely smirked in her direction. "What's the matter Sami? Lose your appetite?" She taunted.

Sami glared at her. "As a matter of fact, I have."

Victor sighed and let out a low growl. "Will there ever be one morning that I don't have to listen to this constant bickering between you two? Kate, it would be a nice change; I'm not particularly crazy about mangled eggs myself. Sami, if you don't like what's being served around here, I suggest you start playing up your usefulness and make it yourself."

Both women turned their heads in defeat. Sami rose up from the table and stormed away. Austin gave his mother a stern look and followed after her. That left Victor and Vivian alone.

"I'm sorry to have upset you darling, that wasn't my intention."

Victor stared at his beautiful wife, thinking his words over carefully. "I know that Kate, but what exactly was your intention? I intend on raising a family in this house, and I can't do it unless you cooperate with me. Understood?"

Kate solemnly nodded her head.

"Sami, wait up." Austin hurried to catch up with her.

She turned around suddenly, with a look that could wilt any flower. "Austin, I know what you're going to say so don't even start. I just can't stand this constant pressure on me, and if you expect me to put up with that…."

Austin grabbed her by the shoulders, placing a hand over her mouth. "Shut up. What I was going to say was, did you want to go out for breakfast?"

Sami laughed lightly, her head shaking side to side. "Of course. Let's get out of here.

Bo attempted to stifle a yawn but with unsuccessful results. Shawn did the same. Bo looked up, noticing the unsightly bags that were beginning to form under Hope's eyes. He perked up, clapping his hands together to break the silence.

"Okay, I have an idea. Hope, why don't you take Shawn home. You look pretty tired, and I'm sure that Shawn has some homework do."

Shawn averted his eyes, knowing full well that he didn't even bring his books home with him, but nodded in agreement anyway.

Hope weighed her options, which weren't many, deciding that Bo's ideas were much better than hers. "What about Gran?"

"Don't you worry your pretty little head about Mrs. H. I'll take her home. I'll just explain that Shawn was getting pretty tired and you decided to take him home. I'm sure that she'll understand. She always does."

Hope flashed Bo her million dollar smile as she turned to kiss him. "You're so smart."

Bo kissed her back, enveloping her in a huge hug. "I know, that's what makes me so irresistible."

Hope gave him a final kiss goodbye and headed for the door with Shawn taking the lead.

What happened next would scar their memories for years to come.

The windows began to shatter systematically, starting from the right to the left. Gunshots rang out like thunder, splintering the wood, piercing the walls. Tiny shards of glass flew through the air, becoming tiny missiles as they lodged themselves in whatever solid material they could find.

Bo let out a cry of warning that could barely be heard over the constant barrage of gunfire. Hope grabbed Shawn by the jacket, hauling him down to the floor, covering her son's head in her arms. Maggie and Gran slid under their table, burying their heads in their hands. Caroline screamed as she ran for cover behind the bar.

Shawn was in the kitchen when the panic began. As he walked out into the open, a searing pain lit up in his right arm. He grimaced, falling to the ground, dimly hearing his wife's scream for him. He looked at his upper arm, seeing the bright red blood that methodically ran down his arm, dripping from his fingertips. He was suddenly aware of everything that was taking place around him. He could feel Caroline's hot tears falling onto his cheek. He heard Bo's yelling, knowing that it was meant for him. He nodded in his son's direction, attempting to assure him that he was all right.

Shawn D's body jerked every so often as tiny pieces of glass pelted his skin. He couldn't remember a more chaotic time than this. His mother's breath was becoming quicker with every shot, fearing that the next one could be their last.

And then it stopped.

It stopped so suddenly, as though it never even started. Cautiously, everyone started to raise his or her heads. Bo swung his head around frantically; searching for members of his family that might have been in firing range. He spotted his mother tending to his father. He had been shot, there was no doubt about that, but it didn't look to be life threatening. Mrs. H. and Maggie were still underneath the table. Mrs. Horton's eyes were wide with fear, while sobs racked Maggie's body.

He called out for Hope, who answered back shakily. He spotted them crouched very close to the door. Hope still held Shawn D's head in her arms.

He was about to crawl over to them, when on object came flying through the window. A cylindrical metal can fell to the floor, and slowly began emitting a greenish gas into the air. Bo knew what it was instantly.

"Cover your eyes – it's tear gas!"

Shawn D wanted to see what was happening, but the action would make him pay dearly. His eyes immediately began to water and sting with irritation. A cough racked his body, and once he let it out, he couldn't stop coughing.

Hope squeezed her eyes shut, and tried not to breathe as heavily. She grabbed Shawn's head again; trying to shelter it from the gas, unaware that he had already felt the effects of it. "Keep your eyes closed Shawn."

Shawn was unable to answer her, cough after cough choked his airway.

Bo could no longer see the interior part of the bar. He had to get his family out of there, but how? He couldn't even see them anymore. Who the hell was doing this?

The door burst open, nearly falling off its hinges. Men in suits with gas masks on strode into the bar and calmly surveyed the scene. They scanned the inhabitants one by one, when their eyes came to rest on the two they wanted.

Shawn D felt the front of his leather jacket being hoisted up roughly. He grabbed the arms of someone he suddenly realized he didn't know. He forced his eyes to open, to look at this person who might kill him in the next two seconds. What stared back at him created a shiver deep in his spine. The man was at least an entire foot taller than he was, with a very expensive-looking suit on. A gas mask covered his face, making it impossible to recall any facial features. He looked like something out of a secret service. The man shoved him through the door, into the waiting arms of another man almost identical to him.

Hope had felt her son being ripped out of her arms and she panicked. Her maternal instincts told her to fight with every thing she had to get him back. But the gas filtering about her made it impossible to see who had taken Shawn D. As she flailed hopelessly in the gas, two strong arms came down on hers and caught her in a merciless grip. She struggled against them but it proved to be futile. They had her. She kicked and waved her arms madly, but to no avail.

Shawn's kidnapper held his arms behind him. His back was hunched over as his coughing overtook him, at times making him feel like he was about to vomit. But there was no way in hell they were going to take him without a fight. He kicked whoever was behind him, hearing a loud grunt as he connected with a shin. For a moment, his attacker let go of his arms. But a moment was all he needed. He ran blindly; his eyes clouded over with water.

Unfortunately, he didn't get very far.

A fist was there to meet him as he tried to escape. Shawn staggered back, putting a hand to his nose. He felt hot blood gush into his hand, and the throbbing pain that soon followed. Too stunned by the attack, he put up no fight when his kidnapper grabbed his hands and roughly tied them together behind his back. A gag was placed in his mouth, making it impossible to let out his coughs properly.

Hope had already been restrained, although it took two men to do it. Even while tied up, she still kicked out at her attackers. She could see Shawn D now. Two men escorted him on either arm. His head hung low, and he seemed to be having trouble walking. She tried to yell his name, but the gag made it muffled. Shawn heard her though, and lifted his head slightly. It was then that she saw the blood running down his face. Her eyes widened at the sight, and she tried to run towards him. The men had a good grip on her and every time she attempted to move, that grip got stronger.

Shawn felt light-headed. He knew his nose was broken, his eyes wouldn't stop stinging, and his lungs were beginning to ache.

"Put her in the back." A low voice commanded.

"What about him?"

"Put him in the trunk." And that was the last phrase that Shawn D heard for a very long time.

Sami and Austin arrived back from their Macdonald's breakfast in fine moods. They were joking freely with each other about Will, about scrambled eggs, about anything that could make the other one smile. Austin held the door open for Sami who was still laughing at Austin's corny joke, but her smile soon faded when she saw who was waiting for her inside. Sami silently swore to herself. Austin's smile crept away at the sight too. "Here we go again." He sighed to himself.

Nicole sat on the coach, looking luxurious as always, sipping a glass of champagne. "Well, well, well. Look who it is! It's Austin and his wench!"

Sami's face turned beet red, her entire body shaking as she tried to contain her anger. "Why you…"

Austin held up his hand. "Enough Sami. Don't let her get to you." Austin glowered at Nicole, saying his words loud enough so she would be able to hear them. "Don't sink to her level."

"So what are you now Austin? Sami's little conscience? Cuz we all know she could use one."

Sami smirked at Nicole. "Like you should be one to talk. Hey, isn't it a little bit early in the day to be drinking? Or are we on the reverse 12 step program?"

Nicole threw her head back, laughing as though that were the funniest thing she had heard in a long time. "Ah Sami, always good for a laugh. At least you're good for something. Right Austin? Or maybe she really doesn't cut up to the rest."

"Just what do you mean by that Nicole?" Sami asked.

Austin glared at Nicole while Nicole smiled back and raised her champagne glass in a toast to him.

Marlena and Belle walked together, arm in arm, just like they used to when Belle was a little girl. Marlena couldn't believe how much her little girl had grown. She was beginning to look like a young woman more and more every day. Her opinions and values were starting to take shape, she was thinking for herself now. Marlena knew that that would mean taking responsibility as well. There were so many things for a mother to worry about these days, and she dreaded the thought of all the tough choices that Belle would have to make on her own, but she trusted that Belle's instincts and morals were in the right place. Most of the time anyway.

Belle suddenly gasped. "Ohmigod mom, look!" Belle pointed to the Brady's pub, with it's windows all smashed and the door lying on the ground. Marlena grabbed her daughter's shoulder, stopping her from entering the pub.

"Don't go in there honey, it's dangerous. Go call the police."

Belle ran off while Marlena crept up to the nearest window. Carefully, she peered inside. The floor was littered with glass, the tables were strewed across the floor, and the walls had giant holes in them, caused by the bullets. She heard movement inside, and she ducked underneath the window.

Bo was helping his father to his feet. The look on Shawn's face was one of pure shock. This was his place of business, this was family, and the thought that anyone could be so heartless as to rip it all apart from him, was more than one man should have to take. Caroline was frantically calling the police, tears streaming down her face the whole time. A thought struck Bo as he looked about. Where were Hope and Shawn D?

He called their names over and over again. A sudden movement from outside got his hopes up. A woman in a black coat. He called Hope's name again, but a different voice called back.

Marlena ran into the pub. Bo's eyes were clouded over with fear as he held Shawn up. "Bo, what happened? Who did this?"

Bo continually shook his head. "I don't know. Was Hope or Shawn D out there?"

Marlena shook her head with an imploring look in her eyes.

Bo let out a small cry of helplessness. "Dear God, I think they've been taken."

"What's the matter Austin? You look a little bit worried." Nicole was a pro at taunting other people.

Austin struggled to remain unemotional, despite Nicole's constant viscous attacks. "You're drunk Nicole. For God's sake get some help."

Nicole attempted to stifle a laugh. "Who's going to help me, you? Oh give me a break Austin. This whole, 'I'm out to save the world routine, because that's the kind of goody-two-shoe I am' is starting to get annoying. I'd say if you were going to start improving on anything, it might be your love life. You seem to have done a fine job of screwing that up."

Sami lost it. "You no-good, two-timing, heartless bitch! Austin did everything he could to keep his marriage together! It was Carrie's choice to leave him."

"How fortunate for you Sami. With Carrie out of the way, you could just move right in. Kind of makes you think, doesn't it Austin? Anyway, I'm glad that Carrie had the guts to finally pick a winner."

Austin glared at Nicole. "Just what is that supposed to mean?"

Nicole's eyes rolled. "Oh, I don't know. That fact that her husband ran away with her worst enemy might put a damper on any relationship."

Sami pointed at Nicole. "Hey, he was saving my life."

Nicole eyed Austin, who turned his head away. "At what cost? Your marriage? So I guess there's only one question to ask then. Was it worth it?"

Sami turned to face Austin, who still had his back to both women. Nicole smiled.

"Well, was it Austin?"

The police headquarters were buzzing with life. Detectives ran around the offices with files in their hands, talking on their cell phones, all in the hopes of retrieving some sort of information on the shooting and kidnapping. Bo sat quietly in Abe's office, his fist covering his mouth. His eyes were wide with fear.

Roman stood guard over his little brother, feeling the helplessness that emanated from Bo. He gently massaged Bo's shoulder. "Don't you worry Bo, we're going to get them back. I promise you that."

Abe and John stormed into the office, slamming the door on the chaos outside. Stress contorted Abe's face in a way that made him look years older. They argued over motives and theories.

"Abe, your answer is right in front of you. Stefano has got to be behind this." John argued.

Bo shook his head. "This isn't Stefano's style. For once in my life, I think he's innocent."

John's eyebrow went up in amazement. "Do you have any idea then?"

Bo's head hung low. "I don't know. There hasn't been any indication of who did this or why this happened. There hasn't been any strange activity at all."

"Maybe it wasn't meant to be your family." Roman suggested.

"No." Bo replied. "This was too systematic. They knew what they were going for."

"Ransom maybe?" John asked.

"I highly doubt that they would come after my family if they were looking for money. That would be more your area John."

"Well, that leaves one probable answer." Abe stared at Bo grimly. "Revenge."

Hope was thrown roughly into a cell. Her gag was removed, as were the bonds that held her. She glared at her attackers as they walked away. A small shiver shook her body. The cell she was in was damp, with a nasty chill to it. The cell was somewhat large; perhaps three times the size of a normal jail cell. There was only one solid wall; the rest of the sides were bars. A bunk bed was in front of the cement wall, a particularly big bunk bed. There was one small wooden table beside the bunks. On it there was a jug of water. Hope went to the bed and wrapped one of the blankets around her. She walked to the bars, and wrapped her hands over them. God, how she hated being trapped. It seemed like she just escaped from her last prison, and now here she was again.

"Hey! Is anyone there? I want to see my son! Please, let me see my son! Is anyone out there? Can you hear me?" Hope wailed at the top of her lungs.

Suddenly, there was movement at the end of the hall. She could hear heavy footsteps, a pair of them, coming toward her. It was nearly impossible to see in this all enveloping darkness.

The cell opened, and a body was shoved in. She could hear him grunt. She knew that sound. She rushed over to see the person and found it was exactly who she wanted it to be.

Shawn still had the gag on his mouth and his hands were still tied behind his back. Hope frantically ripped the gag off of him, trying to get him to talk.

"Shawn, are you okay? Please talk to me."

Shawn groggily looked up at his mother. Blood covered the gag and the lower part of his face. Hope could see yellow circles forming under his eyes, a good indication of a bad nasal break. She hugged her son tightly, and began to take the ropes off his wrists.

"Where are we?" Shawn looked around at the cell while Hope took the last of the ropes off.

"I don't know. We were in that car for a long time, I know that. Did they say anything to you?" She helped him to his feet.

"No. I got a nice ride in a trunk though."

Hope looked like she was going to cry. "Oh honey." She hugged him close as the tears started to gently fall down her face.

Kate rubbed her eyes for the tenth time in the last hour. None of her work was going to get done today. Her life was beginning to take a downward spiral; her husband became more and more distant everyday, her youngest son was beginning to grow up, her oldest son was with that bitch Sami, and her other son had that wonderful tramp Nicole hanging off his arm. No thanks to herself. As the stress began to form itself into a pounding headache, she sighed. She could only wonder whom Phillip would end up with.

Just then, there was a knock at the door. Kate rolled her eyes and wondered which moron it was this time. "Come in!" she yelled.

As the door opened, she rubbed her eyes again. "What?" she commanded.

"It's good to see you too Kate."

Kate looked up into the dark eyes of Nicholas Alamain.

"Mom?"

Marlena swung around in her seat to face Belle. "Yes honey?"

Belle came and sat beside her mother at the breakfast table. "Have you heard anything?"

Marlena stroked her daughter's hair, trying to smile reassuringly. "We haven't heard anything yet honey. The kidnappers' haven't made any demands so far."

Belle's face clouded over with concern. Marlena knew that her daughter had very strong feelings for Shawn D. She could only massage her shoulders in an attempt to comfort her. "They'll find them Belle."

Belle looked up at her mother. "But what if they don't?"

The night was beginning to take its toll on Bo Brady. He could feel exhaustion tugging at his brain. He hadn't eaten in the last twelve hours, nor had he even gone home. He sat planted in the same chair at the station that he'd been in for hours. John took a seat beside him, staring at his friend with concern written all over his face.

"You should go home Bo. You need some rest. You know we'd call you if anything came up."

Bo shook his head. "I can't leave. Not until we know something. That's my family out there John, I want to be there for them."

John nodded. "I know what you mean. Shout if you need something."

Bo gratefully nodded his head. He chewed on his nails a bit more, pondering what could possibly be happening to them right now.

Hope grasped the bars of her cell in reservation. How would Bo ever find them? She didn't even know where they were. She didn't even know who had them, or why they were here. What the future had in store for them at this point was anybody's guess. She turned to face her son, who was sound asleep on the bottom bed. It had been an especially tough day on him, and she welcomed the thought of sleep coming quickly to him. As for herself, she didn't think she'd be able to sleep for the next year. Or at least until they were rescued, whenever that would be.

Hope sighed, and sunk to the floor of the cell. A small shiver flew through her body. The floor was freezing. It reminded her of the castle. She violently shook her head, as if trying to shake the memories away. It was too painful to remember all the time she lost in there, all the time that should have been spent with her family.

And silently, Hope prayed.

Caroline was trying unsuccessfully to force Shawn into a wheelchair. "I tell you woman, I don't need the damn thing!"

"Darling, you've been shot. I don't think you should be standing!"

Shawn grunted. "I was shot in the arm, not in the legs. It doesn't mean that I can't walk. Lift weights, no. Walk, yes."

Caroline growled. There was no doubt that she had married the most stubborn man on this earth. "I'm not letting Bo deal with this pain alone. We should be helping him." Shawn reasoned.

Lexie could hear the Brady's arguing and decided to step in. "Shawn, Caroline is right. If it were my choice, and it is, I'd say that you have to stay in the hospital overnight for observation."

Shawn's mouth hung open, about to protest, when Lexie held up a hand for him to hush. "But I know that wouldn't work, not in a million years. So, you're free to go, but at least humor me, and take the 'damn thing' down to the lobby."

Shawn smiled brightly at Lexie. Boy he liked that kid.

Shawn Douglas slowly opened his eyes. A sudden thought caused him to leap out of bed and stare wildly about him. He groaned as he realized it all wasn't just a dream. He really was in this damn prison cell. He swore under his breath in frustration.

"I know. I feel the same way."

Shawn jumped slightly. He forgot his mom was here too. She sat in the same spot she'd been in last night; the blanket still wrapped tightly around her lithe shoulders. "What time is it?" he asked her.

She glanced at her watch. "It's just after eight. Isn't this pretty early for you?" she smiled at him.

Shawn attempted a half-hearted smile back. "At home, yes it would be. Here, I don't even know how I got to sleep so quickly. This isn't exactly the Plaza."

Hope nodded in agreement.

Just then, they heard a large door creak open. The huge iron door at the end of the corridor screeched in protest, as it was hauled open. Two guards strode down the hall, only this time, instead of suits they wore what appeared to be army uniforms.

Hope rushed to her feet and stood beside Shawn, both wondering what this could mean.

One guard stood directly in front of them, while the other opened the cell door. Hope realized this could only mean one thing; breakfast. She walked over to the cell door and took the tray of food from the guard, sizing him up the whole time.

Shawn stared at the guard, while the guard stared right back at him. The man was completely unemotional, but there was something very cold about him. Shawn knew that this was a very dangerous man, but he couldn't stop staring nonetheless. As the other guard closed the door and began to walk away, the guard and Shawn continued their staring war. Hope watched them in obvious concern, but dared not interfere for fear of turning it into something that it wasn't.

The guard came close to Shawn, inches from his face to whisper to him. "Get a good look boy," he smirked. "It could be your last." And with that he left. Shawn never let his eyes wander from the back of the receding man.

His mother placed a wary hand on his shoulder. "Shawn, what did he say?"

Shawn kept staring down the hall, and took what felt like his first breath in ages. "Nothing. Nothing at all."

Bo was two seconds away from falling asleep in his seat. The sound of the door slamming behind him woke him with a start.

Roman looked at Bo, who glanced back with bags under his eyes. He apologized for waking him, which Bo waved off. "Anything?"

Roman stared at his feet. "Nothing. I don't know Bo; none of this makes sense. These guys, whoever the hell they are, they're pros. They didn't leave any mark behind at all. There's got to be something that we're missing."

The wheels in Bo's head started turning at a profoundly fast rate. "Or maybe we just aren't dealing with the right people."

Roman stared questioningly at Bo. "What are you thinking little bro?"

Bo quickly got up out of his seat. "I have to go. Call me if you find anything." He left the station, leaving bewildered Roman.

Nicole walked around her office as though it were a catwalk. Everything about Nicole screamed confidence, from her cat eyes, to the slinky camisole top she paired with leather pants. Not exactly an executive's wardrobe, but then again, when you saw what Kate wore sometimes, well Nicole was just keeping up the tradition.

She opened the door to her office, and was about to walk out when she saw Greta and Eric in the hall. She stopped just short of barging in on them, and opted to eavesdrop instead.

"I just think I need to find a stable job somewhere Eric. I mean, after all, I can't live off others for the rest of my life."

Eric grasped her by the shoulders, calmly looking into her brown eyes. "I understand that. But I also understand that this past year has taken its toll on you. Don't rush into anything too soon. You know that I'll support you in anything you do."

Great smiled gratefully at her boyfriend. "I know that. And I want to thank you for everything that you have done for me. It's more than what I could ask for."

Eric hugged her tenderly. "Believe me, you deserve every inch of it. I just had a brilliant idea."

Great looked up at him, smiling. "And what could that be?"

"Why don't you meet me here, after I'm done work, and I'll take you to a night on the town. Penthouse Grill sound okay to you?"

"That sounds fabulous."

Eric clapped his hands together. "Great! So it's settled. I'll miss you until then." He leaned over and kissed her lightly on the cheek. It was times like these that Greta thought her knees might give out on her.

As Eric walked away, Nicole's office door just happened to open up on Greta. Greta noticed Nicole and tried to hurry away.

"Greta!" Nicole exclaimed.

Greta rolled her eyes. When Nicole was excited to see you, you know it couldn't be good. Greta turned around and smiled her phoniest smile. "Yes, Nicole."

"Well, I couldn't help but overhearing that you were looking for a job."

Greta frowned. "You were eavesdropping?"

Nicole did her best to control her emotions. "No…. I told you, I overheard. Anyway, I just heard about this perfect job."

Greta shook her head. "Oh, and what would that be? Selling my body on the streets of New York?"

Nicole chuckled. "Boy, you can be snide when you want to, can't you? But for your information, no, it's nothing like that. In fact, it's a terrific job. You'd be crazy to give it up. You see, there's this magazine publisher in L.A…."

"Right Nicole." Greta interrupted. "You get me a job halfway across the country, and Eric is then yours to have?"

Nicole scowled. "This is not about Eric, this is about you getting on with your life."

Greta laughed. "Oh please Nicole. I'm not stupid. Anything that comes from your mouth can be automatically dismissed as trash." Greta turned on her heel and strode out of the hallway.

Behind her, Nicole fumed, swearing silently at Greta as she walked away. "I'll show you trash, honey."

Victor sat in his wheelchair, pondering some financial statements for Titan. Although he preferred to work at Titan, sometimes it was nicer to work at home with peace and comfort. At least when everyone else was gone.

"Sir, there is a visitor here to see you."

Victor looked up to see his butler standing before him. "Oh, who is that?"

"Mr. Bo Brady, sir."

Victor's eyebrows went up in question. Bo rarely ever came to see him, unless something was wrong. Victor waved at his butler, signaling him to let Bo enter.

Bo quickly walked into the room. Victor took notice of his exhausted appearance, and was about to comment on it when Bo spoke first.

"There was a shooting at the pub yesterday."

Victor's mouth hung open in shock. "That's terrible. Who would do such a thing? Was anyone hurt?"

"Pop got a shot to his arm, but he's okay. Hope and Shawn D were taken."

Victor took it all into thought. His grandson and daughter-in-law were missing; kidnapped. "Do you know who took them?"

There was a look of pure hopelessness written all over Bo's face. "No, I don't." The next few words would strike a chord in Victor's throat. "I need your help."

"What is it Nicholas?"

Nicholas smiled slightly at Kate. He knew she was stressed, when wasn't she? And because of that, he'd have to play his cards ever so carefully. Kate was an intelligent woman, she could usually see behind his innocent charm.

"I just came up to give you those figures you asked for."

Kate looked at him, scrutinizing his face. "No, I asked Sheila for those figures. Why couldn't she bring them up?"

Nicholas turned on his charm to the max. "Sheila had other things to do. Besides, I thought this might give us a good chance to talk."

Kate couldn't help but let out a small, mocking laugh. "Talk, yes, that's a fine thing to do."

Brandon grinned innocently. "I assure you, my intentions are pure."

"Well, you know what they say Nicholas, the road to hell is paved with good intentions."

Nicholas rested his hands on top of her desk. "But we wouldn't know anything about that, now would we?"

Hope and Shawn sat on the bed, eating their grilled cheese sandwiches and scrambled eggs. Of course it all tasted like cardboard, but when you're hungry, taste doesn't have much of an objective.

Hope studied Shawn's face as he ate. She reached up to gingerly touch his cheek, when he pulled back quickly.

"Still tender?"

Shawn nodded. The bridge of his nose had swollen up, and there was a small cut above it. The yellow under his eyes had now turned to a dull black. "Is your vision okay?" she asked. To this, Shawn nodded again.

Hope slapped her sandwich down on the tray and began rubbing her forehead. "We'll have to get you checked out when we get back."

Shawn looked hard at his mother. "When do you think that will be?"

Hope and Shawn looked at each other, knowing the despair that filled the air between them was emanating from one another. "Honestly?" Hope asked. Shawn nodded. "I don't know. I don't know much of anything anymore."

"Nicholas, has anyone told you that you are the most stubborn, persistent, young man on this earth?"

"Did they mention incredibly suave somewhere there too?"

Kate gave into laughing. She looked up into Nicholas's handsome face, eyes sparkling. "No, but they did mention charming."

Nicholas toned his attitude down to a more honest level. "I'm happy that I can make you laugh."

The seriousness abruptly returned to Kate's manner. "Nicholas, we can't do this anymore."

Nicholas nodded. "You're right. We can't. I'm tired of sneaking around all the time. I want the world to know that I, Nicholas Alamain, wants to share his life with you, Kate Roberts."

Kate was stunned. "What?! Nicholas, you haven't a clue as to what you're saying. This can't work!"

Nicholas walked to her behind the desk, kneeling in front of her on one knee. "Why not? Can Victor make you smile, or laugh? Does he even kiss you anymore? Is there anything between you two that could even pass for a loving marriage?"

Kate sighed.

"Look at you! He's resigned you to being a second-class woman. I would never do that to you Kate. Never. He's killing that wonderful spark that I love in you. And for some reason, you expect me just to stand by, and watch you slowly drift away. Well, I can't do that."

Nicholas took her hand in his. "I want you Kate. I want all of you, the good and the bad. I love you. Do you hear me? I love you."

Tears began to well up in her eyes.

"I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I want to see you being treated the way you deserve to be treated."

"But Victor…."

Nicholas waved him off. "Victor has always provided for himself. I'm sure he won't mourn your loss for long. This isn't about competition anymore, Kate. You can leave it all behind. You can make a fresh new start"

Kate shook her head. "And run away?"

"Why not? Let me guess, because you've never lost a fight in you entire life. Well, I'm not asking you to lose. I'm asking you to just walk away. Let the barbarians fight their own wars. You've got a life to start living."

They stared at each other, longing in their eyes.

"I want to believe in what you say Nicholas…"

"Then do. Trust what's in your heart for once in your life. Do something for you, not for your career, or your family, or your financial needs. Just follow your heart."

"Nicholas…."

His face came closer to hers. His eyes felt as though they were staring right into the very essence of her soul. His mouth was closing in on hers.

"Will you come with me?"

Kate saw her life flashing before her. All the things she had done wrong in her life, all her schemes that played out into real life, all the men she wanted; and thought she loved.

"Yes."

"Bo, I know what you're asking. And you know that I would do anything for you."

"Then please, do this for me." Bo pleaded with him.

Victor looked about him with a grim look on his face. "Of course I will."

Bo hung his head. In all of the darkness he'd been living in, there seemed to be some glimmer of hope. He looked up at Victor with gratitude written all over his face. "Thank you."

Victor popped out his cell phone. "I'll have my men on it right away."

Night had approached Salem. Austin and Sami sat on the coach together, Sami cuddling Will in her arms. She stopped for a moment to glance at Austin, and saw the far off look in his eyes.

She signaled for the maid. "Maria, would you put Will in his bed?"

Sami kissed her son one more time, then handed him off to Maria.

"What is it, Austin?"

Austin seemed to snap awake at the sound of a direct question. "Hmm, what?"

Sami sighed. "You've been distant to me all day. What is it? Is it something Nicole said? It is, isn't it? That damn bit."

Austin hushed her. "Let's forget about Nicole for now. I just need some thinking room, that's all."

A hurt look crossed Sami's face. "Oh. Maybe I should just go to bed then."

Austin nodded. "Yeah. I think I'm going to hit the hay too."

Really not the answer she wanted to hear, Sami slowly got to her feet and passed one more dejected look on Austin before she left. Not even a kiss goodnight. Sami began to worry silently to herself.

Austin remained on the coach. Although he would never admit it to anyone, Nicole's words did get to him. What if he had been too hasty in his decision?

Memories were flashing before him. Of one of the first times he had met Carrie, when she was working in a clothing store. He could remember how red she had turned when he tried on that shirt right in front of her. He remembered the first time she cooked dinner for him. He remembered the adorable way she smiled, while keeping her eyes down low. He remembered the way she belted Sami at their wedding. He had to admit, that was a pretty good right hook.

Austin smiled to himself. Carrie had always brought a smile to his heart.

He remembered taking Sami and Will away from this town, for fear she would be sentenced to death. He remembered rescuing Carrie from a would-be rapist, and how later she begged him to stay with her. He remembered seeing her in Mike's arms, and felt his heart breaking. He remembered her signing the divorce papers in front of him, and felt his heart breaking even more when he didn't stop her. That was the closest he'd ever been to crying.

And even now, he could feel his eyes begin to water.

He remembered his and Sami's first kiss. He remembered saying goodbye to Carrie for the final time, when she left with Mike.

And now a tear did fall from his eye.

"God help me, I still love her."

Hope struggled to get comfortable in the top bunk bed. 'Another night in this damn place' she thought. Down below, it sounded as though Shawn was having just as much fun as she was.

"This sucks."

Hope chuckled. "I couldn't have said it better Shawn."