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Truth and Consequences

"Erica, what are you gonna do? My sweet Babe did nothing wrong and she shouldn't have to pay for my..."

Invading her personal space Erica gave Krystal a look of utter disdain and loathing.

"Don't you worry Krystal, there is plenty of justice for both you and your daughter to share. What you did to my daughter Bianca is beyond utterance. After the hell that that animal Michael Cambias put her through that you unload more pain and heartbreak on her head is foul. You are foul!"

"Now Erica, if you just let me explain the circumstances..."

"Circumstances?! What circumstances could you have possibly been faced with that could explain or justify stealing my daughter's child, allowing Bianca to suffer the supposed loss of her child, all the while sitting back watching. Every moment you and your daughter held, loved or comforted my granddaughter was a despicable theft. There are no circumstances that could come close to explaining away your actions Krystal!"

"You're right. You're absolutely right Erica. But the crime was mine. Babe didn't know a thing about it."

"Commendable Krystal. Really. As a mother I understand the instinct to protect your child. But there is no helping either you or Babe this time. You went too far and you crossed the wrong family."

"Erica..."

Kendall walked into the room, "My mother is right Krystal. You should have run like Babe did when you had the chance. But you didn't which only solves half of my problem. We'll settle all outstanding accounts when Babe is dragged back here to face what she's done. And don't kid yourself that she can hide for much longer. Miranda's uncle Alexander Cambias Jr. has taken offense at your and Babe's behavior. This family has taken offense. And we will lay waste to your lives."

Walking over to Kendall, Erica placed her hand on the girl's arm. "Where's your sister Kendall? She's not answering her phone and she wasn't at the loft when I went by."

Looking down at her mother Kendall smiled and placed her hand over Erica's where it lay on her arm. Turning back to Krystal the warmth drained out of Kendall's smile and she bared her teeth in a parody of a smile. "I don't know mother. I have no idea where Bianca is, but until I do, I thought I'd have a bit of an overdue conversation with Krystal here."

With false bravado, Krystal met Kendall's eyes and again tried to defend the indefensible, "Babe didn't know about the switch, she was as sur-"

"Enough. Don't kid a kidder Krystal. It takes a liar to see a liar and while I'm no slouch, you put even me to shame. You and Babe have been like a poison in this town. You've infected and destroyed everything you've touched, leaving destruction in your wakes. But when you targeted my sister, you went too far. We owe you pain. And we always pay our debts."

"Kendall-"

Talking over her like she hadn't even spoken, Kendall continued, "Brace yourself, because we're coming after you and yours and I will not rest until you are nothing but a tacky animal print stain on the road leading out of this town."

Taking her mother's hand, Kendall and Erica walked out of the room.

Shaking and wide eyed, Krystal groped for the chair behind her and dropped down into it as her legs gave out on her. Rooting in her bag for her cell phone, she dialed a number and waited.

"Hello. Momma?"

"Babe. Babe honey, the Kanes, they know and they are on a warpath. You have to stay as far away from this town as you can get."

"But Momma, I'm not going to let you take all the blame for..."

"Arbella Carry, you listen to your momma now, Ace needs you. The law is looking for you, and the whole town of Pine Valley is eager to string you up as soon as they lay eyeball on you. I'll be fine; you just take care of my grandson."

"But Momma, Bianca's and Kevin's families will try to destroy you. I won't let that happen."

"Babe, the Kanes can't hurt me as long as you are out of their reach. And the Buchanans have no idea that you are Ace's real momma. Just keep going baby. Mexico is a good place to get lost in."

Bianca stood at the entrance of the room listening to Krystal's conversation. With a lip curl of contempt Bianca walked away with Krystal being none the wiser.

Flipping open her phone Bianca dialed a number and waited, "This is Bianca Montgomery. Yes, yes, thank you, I'm very glad to have my daughter back. Listen I need a few things. Put a trace on Krystal Carry's cell phone, I want Babe Carry found. I also want a dossier on Kevin and Kelly Buchanan of Landview, Pennsylvania in my hand by close of business today. No, no police. I'll take care of this myself."

Getting into her car, Bianca looked in the rearview mirror and then toward the passenger seat. "Did she tell you anything?" Kendall asked from the backseat?

"No, but she was on the phone with Babe when I walked in. They're headed to Mexico."

"We'll call Derrick and have the police waiting for her at the boarder", Erica said.

"It's been taken care of. Right now, I'm going to the Chandler's to pick up my daughter and take her home. I'll deal with Babe in my own way and in my own time. Let's see how much she likes having her child kept from her."

"Binks?"

"Her child? Bianca, Babe's child is dead."

"Not quite." She explained Paul Cramer's part in the mess.

"But he might as well be for all the time Babe will get to spend with him. Because I'm going to make it my personal business to see to it that Babe Carry not have one minute with that little boy beyond today," she finished.

"Wow, Paul is more of a freak than I thought. Bianca, how are you going to keep Ace from Babe?" Kendall asked.

"In any way I have to," she said grimly. With flat eyes and a stubborn set to her jaw, Bianca whipped the car around and headed for the Chandler Mansion.

"Babe will regret the day that she crossed me. When I'm done, she'll beg for mercy and there will be none."