John walked in the penthouse with his arms full of grocery bags with his suit jacket draped over his left arm. The top three buttons of his dress shirt were undone. Marlena insisted on them using recyclable bags…she was all about becoming green. John would have just thrown the bags away, but he loved his wife and he loved his ears too much to put them through her lecturing him on how the human race is destroying the planet.
John made his way through the front door when he was greeted by tiny arms around his legs.
"Pop-Pop!" The little voice said as John tried to maneuver without stepping on the toddler in front of him.
"Claire let Pop-Pop go so he won't trip and fall." Belle said as she grabbed her 3 year old daughter.
"Thanks Tink. For a minute there I wasn't sure if the eggs were going to make it." John said as he made his way to the kitchen. He quickly placed the bags on the counter and ran out to see his two favorite girls.
"Where's Pop-Pop's baby?" He asked smiling with his arms open. Claire let go of her mother's hand and ran into her grandfather's arms. John swooped her up and spun her around. Claire laughed hysterically and Belle smiled as she looked on. Claire was the spitting image of her mother. Big blue eyes that almost looked green in certain light, porcelain skin with rosy cheeks, beautiful golden hair, and to mention her knack for getting into trouble. Marlena always said she was more like John.
"Were you good for mommy today?"
"Uh-huh…" Claire said as she nodded her head.
Belle shook her head. "Tell Pop-Pop what you did."
Claire shook her head no her golden locks bouncing with every shake.
"What did you do Pumpkin?" John asked with curiosity.
The little girl's brow furrowed, put her head, and puckered her lips as tears sprang from her big blue eyes.
"Hey, hey. What's with the tears? I promise Pop-Pop will not be angry." John put his thumb under her chin and lifted her head. He wanted to smile at how cute she looked all flustered…she reminded him of Marlena.
"Claire tell Pop-Pop or better yet show him what you did?" Belle said growing impatient by the minute.
"Show me?" he asked wondering what Belle was talking about.
Belle looked at Claire. John looked at both Belle and Claire and wondered what the hell was going on. Claire closed her eyes and pointed to the wall behind one of the couches closest to the French doors, which lead to the terrace.
John turned to look where Claire was pointing and his eyes were greeted with a picture of multicolored scribbles. John closed his eyes and prayed that when he opened them the scribbles would be gone. He opened his eyes and the crayon scribbles were still there.
"Dad I am so sorry. I thought she was coloring on her pad when I was making her a snack. Dad…please say something." Belle said as her stomach did summersaults.
"Well Isabella, I believe we have a budding artist in the family." John said as he kissed Claire's head.
"I thought you would be angry seeing this."
"Come on Izzy B. I know kids like to draw on walls. But to make sure none of us lands in hot water I will paint over the masterpiece before your mom gets home."
"Good call Dad." John put Claire down and called the maintenance man to see if he had some paint that possibly matched Marlena's color of eggshell.
"Perfect! If you can come up here now and take care of this I would appreciate it. You can? Great. I will see you in a few." John hung up with the maintenance man and turned back to look at Belle and Claire picking up her toys.
Belle looked up at John, "So is he coming?"
"Yes he is. He will be up here in a few minutes."
"Great!" Belle said relieved.
John walked over to his granddaughter and knelt down to be eye level with her. He helped finish putting her toys away and led her to the couch.
"Come here little one. Come sit with Pop-Pop."
John picked Claire up and placed her on his lap. Claire smiled and her eyes twinkled, which in turn made John smile.
"Now, I want you to promise me something."
"What Pop-Pop?" Claire asked while she fidgeted with her hands.
"I want you to promise me to never draw on the walls again. Can you do that for me?"
"Uh-huh" Claire nodded.
"Good girl. Do you know how much I love you?"
Claire nodded.
"How much?" John asked.
Claire stretched her arms out as far as they would go. "This much."
"That's right." John laughed.
Kristen finally made it home from her shady business dealing in the park. She walked into the DiMera mansion and smiled knowing that in just a few hours John would be coming back here with her. She needed to find the perfect outfit. But first she needed to quench her thirst. Kristen walked into the study and saw EJ sitting at the desk by the French doors looking at some legal papers. Kristen walked over to the bar and fixed herself a Brandy. She looked over at EJ as she sipped. EJ could feel that someone was staring at him and acknowledged her without breaking contact from his papers.
"What are you staring at Kristen?" He said as he flipped the page of the document.
"Nothing. I was just looking." Kristen said as she sipped her Brandy.
"Well obviously you want something, so I will give you five minutes to tell me what you've been up to and why you bought gun from some thug in the park today."
Kristen nearly choked on her drink. She thought she was so careful to be not seen. She took all the necessary precautions to make sure this kind of thing didn't happen. She went to say something, but EJ cut her off.
"And before you even lie to me just remember dear sister I have eyes and ears all over this town. Nothing happens here without me knowing about it. So tell me, what possessed to buy a gun from a man with a rap sheet as long as the Nile?"
Kristen took another sip and swallowed hard. "I need it for protection."
EJ grinned. "Protection from whom? As I see it the good people of Salem are the ones who need protecting from –you."
"Oh, EJ you are so funny." Kristen smiled.
"No, I am just honest. You see, something tells me that this gun is going to be used for a malevolent purpose. I can't seem to shake the feeling that Marlena is your prime target."
Kristen grimaced.
EJ put his documents back in his briefcase and stood up and fixed his suit. Kristen turned her head away from him and took one last sip of her Brandy and put the glass back down on the bar. She walked over to couch and took seat crossing her legs and stretched her arms across the back. EJ walked over to the bar and poured himself a glass of water and took a sip.
"When are you going to realize that no matter what you do John will always choose Marlena? Not that I am a fan of either, but they are the most beloved couple in Salem. "
"And here I thought you and Sami took that coveted spot." Kristen mocked.
EJ's lips fell into a hard line. "Samantha and I are in a good place and that's where we'll remain. So you will have to end this campaign of revenge you have against Marlena."
Kristen stood with a start and got in EJ's face. "That bitch took everything from me! She just couldn't stand that John loved me and that I made him happy! She had to ruin everything…"
"And you lost John. Why? Because she is the great love of his life and there is nothing you can do that will ever change that."
Kristen rolled her eyes as EJ spoke of John and Marlena's great love.
"You know what EJ, why can't you just be happy for me? I am finally going to get everything I've ever wanted. I am finally going to get John back. He does love me –I just need Marlena out of the way for him to see that I am the one he is meant to be with."
EJ shook his head. "I'm intrigued. And just how do you intend of getting Marlena away from John?"
"I have a plan little brother. Trust me."
"I wouldn't trust you with my pet rock."
"You have a pet rock?" Kristen teased.
"That is beside the point. Have you noticed that despite everything our father has done to come between them, they always manage to find their way back together?"
Kristen was growing irritated by the second. "What's your point?"
"My point is, what makes you think anything you do will shake their foundation? As they so like to nauseatingly point out…they're solid."
Kristen smiled. "Oh EJ…." Kristen stood and began to walk out of the study. "Have Rolf straighten up…I want everything to be perfect for when John comes home."
"Kristen!" EJ called after her.
She turned. "Yes?"
EJ walked up to her and leaned in close, "If your little plan ruins things between me and Samantha I will make you hurt. That heartache you felt when John left you the first time will be nothing compared to what I'll do if I lose Samantha because of your machinations."
Kristen pushed EJ away and glared at him. "Keep in mind little brother that I am far more dangerous than you will ever be. I have been in this game long before you came along. You think you can take me on? By all means try it and see what will happen. I am all for being loyal and putting family first, but if you ever threaten me again –it will be the last you'll ever do!"
With that she left EJ and headed upstairs to find the perfect outfit for John.
Marlena was rushing to get home to John. She knew John had a few surprises in store for her, but she had a few for him too. As she fumbled with her bags trying to find her keys she dropped the bag from untamed with her purchases in it. Marlena swore and went to scoop it up when Maggie came along.
"Oh Marlena, let me help you with that." Maggie said as she bent down to gather Marlena's bag.
Marlena cringed when Maggie handed her the handcuffs and the massage oils. She just wanted to crawl under a rock and never come out. People didn't need to know what she and John did behind doors. She could tell Maggie was embarrassed too by the way her face turned 10 shades of red.
"Well it seems you and John are in for a night of fun." Maggie said trying to cut the tension, but regretting the statement as soon as it came out of her mouth.
Marlena took the items from Maggie and placed them back in the bag. "Oh, you think this is for me?! No, this is for a friend of mine. You see she's –uh –getting married and since I can't make it to her bridal shower I decided that I would get her these things and send them to her."
Marlena grinned hoping Maggie would by her story. Maggie looked at Marlena and knew she was lying, but decided to play along.
"Oh, well her wedding night is going to be memorable."
"You can say that again." Marlena said relieved.
Maggie nodded. She wanted to take her mind off of John and Marlena's sex life so she decided to the change subject. "I am so glad I ran into you. I have been calling you, things kept popping up and I could really use your help."
Marlena nodded. "Oh okay. Well you know you can ask me anything. So what's going on?"
Maggie smiled. "Well, it's Victor."
"Victor? What's wrong with Victor?"
Maggie sighed, "He's hiding something."
Marlena laughed, "Honey, when is Victor not hiding something? Victor Kiriakis is the king of secrets."
"Marlena, this is different. I knew Victor was manipulative, conniving, cunning, and vindictive when I married him. I know that he hates disloyal people and that family means everything to him. But I also know when he's keeping something from me."
Marlena looked around, "Um let's go to the coffee shop and talk about this more."
Maggie agreed and they walked to the coffee shop together. As they walked Maggie told Marlena how Victor takes calls at all hours of the night and when she asks him about them he dodges the questions. She also told Marlena about how he comes home at all hours of the night wearing the same clothing.
When they walked in the coffee shop they took a seat in a booth in the corner so that no one could hear their conversation. Marlena leaned on the table with her arms folded looked at Maggie who she could tell was troubled.
"Maggie, do you think Victor is having an affair?"
Maggie's eyes bugged, "Oh God no! I just know that he's in deep with whatever business he's conducting and I just don't want whatever he's doing to hurt the people we love."
"My goodness, you are really scared. I wonder what Victor is up to. But Maggie I don't see how I can help you."
Maggie dropped her head and sighed. "I guess you can't. I guess I just needed someone to talk to since Victor is shutting me out. I just wish he would tell me what was going on. I mean we generally don't talk about business, but when it's keeping him from sleeping or from coming home then it must be a paramount situation and I just don't want Victor in the line of fire."
Marlena tilted her head in confusion, "What makes you think Victor is in danger? Did you happen to overhear a conversation he was having?"
Maggie nodded and sighed. "I only heard Victor's side, but the parts I did hear I didn't like."
"Like what? What could possibly be so bad?"
"Victor has a shipment coming in from Italy and he needs armed men to protect it. That's all I heard."
"You don't think Victor is back in the drug business do you?"
Maggie nodded with tears forming in her eyes. "That's exactly what I think. And this is the reason why I needed to see you. Could you please ask John to use his ISA connections to find out what Victor is up to?"
Marlena shook her head. "Maggie I don't…" seeing Maggie's desperation Marlena changed her response, "I'll see what John can do."
Maggie smiled and squeezed Marlena's hand. "Thank you so much Marlena. You have no idea how much this means to me."
Marlena smiled, "Of course." Marlena looked at her phone and saw that it was getting late. "Oh wow, I had no idea it was this late. I should be getting home now."
Marlena grabbed her bags and slid out of the booth and Maggie followed suit.
"Maggie I will call you when John finds out anything on what Victor is up to." Marlena and Maggie hugged and they both walked out of the coffee shop and parted in different directions.
Marlena decided she should call John, since he was probably already home and waiting for her. The call went straight to voicemail.
"Hi, it's me. I'm sorry I'm not home yet. I ran into Maggie and time just got away from me. I will be home soon. Bye."
Marlena hung up the phone and walked to her car. She wanted to get as fast as she could to spend time with John.
Claire wrapped her little arms around his neck and hugged him tight. John wrapped his arms around her and kissed her head. Belle looked on with tears in her eyes. She was so happy to be home again.
"We love you so much Dad." Belle said as she took a seat next to John and Claire on the couch.
John wrapped his girls up in his arms. He kissed Belle and Claire on the heads.
"Have I told you how happy your mother and I are that you and Claire are home?"
"Yes, a thousand times. But…"
"But?" John asked apprehensively.
Belle chuckled. "I was going to see…since you've missed us so much –"
"Uh huh –spit it out Izzy." John knew where this was headed.
"If you wouldn't mind watching Claire tonight?" Belle pleaded.
"Of course I wouldn't mind…b…"
"Great!" Belle said excited
"But…I can't tonight." John said seeing the disappointment wash over Belle's face.
"Awe…why not?" Belle whined.
"Your mother and I have plans which means we need the house…" The doorbell rang. John put Claire down to answer it…"to ourselves."
John opened the door and Bernie the maintenance man was standing with can of paint the color of eggshell and a brush.
"How ya doing Mr. Black?" Bernie asked as he walked in.
"I'm great Bernie. You remember Belle don't you? And this is her daughter Claire."
"Hi Bernie." Belle said.
"Hello, Belle. My...the last time I saw you –you were getting ready to marry the Brady boy." Bernie said with a huge a smile.
Belle smiled.
"And who might this lass be?" Bernie leaned down and smiled at Claire.
Claire shied away from him wrapping herself around her mother's leg.
"This is my daughter Claire. Honey can you say hi to Bernie?"
Claire looked up Belle as if seeking approval and when Belle nodded Claire looked back at Bernie and waved. That was the best Bernie was going to get at the moment. Both he and John laughed. Bernie then made his way towards Claire's work of art.
"It looks like we have a budding Picasso in the making."
Belle patted Claire on the head. "Yes, my daughter is the one honing into her artistic side. Now if we can just contain her to paper."
Bernie knelt down in front of Claire's work, opened the can of paint and dipped his brush in. Before he could begin covering the piece of work John took out his cell phone and took a picture of Claire's masterpiece.
"Now, we will have it forever." He said as he picked Claire up and showed her the picture.
As Bernie began his task the doorbell rang. Belle looked at John and Claire as they sat on the couch. Claire was busy playing with her Pop-Pop's. The doorbell rang again.
"I'll get it." Belle walked over to the door and there stood a FedEx delivery man with a huge box and clipboard.
"Hello." Belle said.
"Good evening ma'am. Is there a John Black at this residence?"
"Yes there is. I need his signature. Ma'am." The delivery man said.
"Well I'm his daughter can I just sign?"
"Uh…sure."
The man handed the clipboard to Belle along with a pen and she signed her name on the dotted line.
"Thank you." Taking the clipboard back the man led the box in on a dolly.
"What in the world? Dad! You have a package here." Belle said interrupting John from learning how to play Angry Birds. For a 3-year old Claire was advanced.
John left Claire as she played with his phone to see what Belle was talking about. There he saw there he saw the FedEx man with a dolly and huge box resting on it. He knew in an instant what it was. After all he did order it sometime ago.
John cleared his throat. "Um, you can take it up to master bedroom."
The man nodded, pulled the dolly and made his way up the stairs. Belle looked at the box with curiosity. She turned to look at John and tilted to her head to the side.
"What?" John asked as he looked around.
"What was in the box dad?" Belle asked with a smile.
"Something for your mother. She's always wanted a –um a…" John stammered as he tried to think up a good lie. "She's always wanted the Dyson vacuum so I bought it for her."
"A Dyson huh? That's the best you've got?" John nodded.
"Yep that's the best I've got."
Belle shook her head and laughed.
"Alright. I'm not going to press you. I mean really!? A Dyson? "Belle laughed.
"What?" John asked with his arms open.
"Nothing Dad. It's just that I saw the name on the box and that was not a Dyson…that was a…"
John held his hands up. "Not in front the innocent."
"Okay Dad. You know what, Claire and I are going to leave and pay Grandma Hope a visit. You and Mom have a fun night with your "Dyson".
Belle gathered her things and picked Claire up off the couch. She gave John back his phone and he kissed Claire on the head. Belle told Bernie bye and they walked out the door. The FedEx man made his way downstairs with his dolly. John reached in his pocket and gave him a $50 tip.
"Today is your lucky day." John said with a smile.
"Thank you sir." With that the man walked out of the penthouse.
Bernie rose from his position and placed the lid of the paint can back on and wiped off the brush with his bandana he had sticking out of his left pocket.
"Well my work here is done."
John walked over and inspected the wall. The drawing was gone. It was like it never happened. John patted Bernie on the back.
"Thank you Bernie. You just saved my life. If Marlena came home and saw that I would be a dead man."
He and Bernie shared a laugh and John walked him to the door.
"Have a good night Mr. Black."
"You as well Bernie."
With that Bernie left and closed the door behind him. John hurried upstairs to see to open the box and assemble Marlena's gift before she got home. He also had to season the steaks and let them marinate to prepare for their dinner and a night they soon won't forget.
Kristen stood in front her full length mirror in a black lace push-up bra and matching panties; she also had a garter on and black thigh high fishnets. She smoothed her stockings out and turned to look at the little black dress she chose to where laid out on the bed. She walked over to her dresser and put her hair in a crystal encrusted clip. She picked the dress up and pulled it over her head. She slid on some red lipstick and puckered her lips. She gave herself one last look in the mirror and smiled.
"John is going to love me in this." She thought.
She walked over to her nightstand and grabbed her clutch. She opened it and saw the 9mm in there along with the extra clip. She took a deep breath, grabbed her shawl, and clutch and walked out the room. She headed downstairs and heard the most annoying she'd ever heard.
"EJ, I don't see why we can't just move back into our apartment away from these vultures." Sami said.
Kristen came in sight and smiled. "Oh please EJ, take your babies mama and move out."
Sami turned red with anger and EJ tried to diffuse the situation by talking Sami down. He leaned in and whispered in Sami's ear, "Sweetheart don't let her get to you. We're playing nice for now…remember."
Sami huffed and closed her eyes. "You owe me" She whispered sternly. Sami turned around and put on her best fake smile for Kristen.
"Kristen, you look nice…"
Kristen flashed her fakest smile "Aw thank you Sami." Kristen turned to leave when she heard Sami call out.
"So, what corner will you be working tonight?" Sami asked.
EJ threw his head back and moaned. Kristen turned around and pushed Sami as she called her a bitch. Sami pushed her back and sent Kristen's clutch flying and landing on the rug. The gun slid out in plain sight for all see. Kristen scrambled to grab, but Sami beat her to it.
"Why the hell do you have a gun, Kristen?" Sami asked shakily.
Kristen went to yank it out of Sami's hand, but Sami turned before Kristen could get it.
"Give it to me Sami!" She said angrily.
"No way in hell am I letting you endanger the public by walking around with a gun."
"Give it to me…or I'll…"
"You'll what? Shoot me?" Sami asked.
Kristen looked at EJ, "EJ get the gun back!"
EJ shook his head. "No. You and a gun are a horrible combination. Why don't you just go upstairs and get some rest? You look tired."
Kristen grew irate, "I am not tired. I want my gun so I can get the hell out of here!"
EJ looked at Sami, "Samantha, give me the gun and let me speak with Kristen alone."
"EJ, she's up to something. I know she is. Please do not let her walk out of this house with this." Sami implored.
EJ rubbed Sami's cheek and took the gun from her. Sami excused herself.
"Yeah that's right, you better leave Bitch!" Kristen called after her.
Sami turned and started to walk towards Kristen, but EJ stopped her before she could get to Kristen.
"Samantha…let me...handle…this. " EJ as he struggled to hold Sami back.
Sami acquiesced and left EJ to deal with Kristen. But she stayed close to the door so she could eavesdrop on their conversation.
"You really need to put a muzzle on that pit-bull of yours." Kristen said as she picked up the rest of the contents that spilled out her clutch.
EJ ignored her comment. "Samantha does have a point. You are up to something. Why else would you be carrying around a gun you bought from a criminal in the park?"
Kristen sighed. "I already told you EJ, I bought the gun for protection. Why else would I have it?"
EJ shook his head and looked at the gun he was now holding. "Why not go to a gun store and buy it from a legit seller?"
Kristen rolled her eyes. "I don't have to explain myself to you or that wench you call a girlfriend. Now give me my gun so I can leave."
EJ went to give it to her but pulled back. "I would bet anything this has to do with John Black. Knowing you, it most certainly does. When will you learn? John Black wants nothing to do with you! Leave it alone."
"You know, you are such a hypocrite! You never once listened to anyone when they told you that Sami would never take you back. That she was done with you. You kept after her and you made her realize that she belonged with you. Why can't I have the same thing with John? Why is it so impossible for me to find love?" Kristen cried.
"The difference between yours and my situation is that Samantha still loved me and John can't even stand to be in the same room with you."
"Shut up! Just shut the hell up! Now give me my gun!"
EJ handed it to her and issued her a warning.
"If anything happens to where I lose Samantha because you went all bat shit crazy and decided to kill someone I will not hesitate to turn you in. I will make sure you rot in a cell for the rest of your life."
Kristen glared at EJ and stormed out of the Mansion.
"You can come out now Samantha." EJ turned and saw Sami standing at the back entry way to the study.
John set up Marlena's gift in the middle of their bedroom and smiled with proud a sense of achievement. The directions in the box read like instructions that only an engineer could understand, but he made it through. He looked the clock and realized he was pressed for time so he jumped in the shower and quickly washed up. He needed everything to be perfect for when Marlena came home.
He put on the cologne she got him for their anniversary and the silk black boxers. He put on some black dress pants and an unbuttoned white shirt and headed downstairs. He strategically placed candles all over the penthouse and had all the lights out so that the mood would be right. He placed rose petals on the floor in a trail that led from the front door all the way to upstairs. He turned on his iPod and the sounds of Luther Vandross crooned through the air.
A chair is still a chair
Even when there's no one sittin' there
But a chair is not a house
And a house is not a home
When there's no one there to hold you tight
And no one there you can kiss goodnight
John rubbed his hands together and walked into the kitchen to finish preparing their dinner. He took the steaks out of the refrigerator and placed them on the counter. He walked out onto the terrace and fired up the grill. He pulled the champagne out of the fridge and placed in a bucket of ice out on the terrace. The table on the terrace was laden with candles and champagne flutes as well as a single long-stem red rose. John looked around and smiled.
"Doc is going to love this." He thought.
He went back in the house and grabbed the steaks to place them on the grill. He closed the lid of the grill and prepared their salad and other fixings. Everything was going to be perfect. He and Marlena would share a meal, champagne, her favorite dessert, his favorite dessert –her. The only thing that was missing was Marlena.
"Doc, where are you?"
Marlena pulled into the parking garage of the apartment building. She shut off the car and stepped out. She opened the back driver side door and grabbed her bags. She realized she was late in coming home; she'd just have to make it up to John. She grabbed her purse and closed the door. She shifted the bags around and placed one in her left hand and the other in her right while her purse dangled on her wrist. She started to walk when she got the eerie feeling someone was watching her. She looked behind her and saw no one. She shrugged it off as paranoia and her extreme dislike for parking garages.
A few spaces down Kristen sat in the back of black town car with tinted windows and watched Marlena. She rolled her window down and pulled out her gun. If she was going to take the shot now would be the perfect time. Kristen cocked the gun and aimed straight for the back of Marlena's head. Suddenly Marlena's cell phone went off. She had to stop and put the bags down to answer her phone. Kristen watched as she did that and noticed that Marlena was now out of her vantage point.
"John?"
"Hey honey. Where are you?"
"I'm in the garage I'm coming right now. I'll be right up."
"Well hurry woman I can't wait to hold you my arms."
"Mmm…I can't wait for that either. Alright I'm coming right now."
Marlena hung up from John grabbed her bags and made her way onto the elevator.
Kristen cursed. She would have to reformulate her plan. Marlena would get away from her that easily. Tonight will be the night that Marlena pays with her life.
Marlena stepped off the elevator and the sweet sounds of Anita Baker echoing in the halls.
I'm in love, sweet love
Hear me calling out your name, I feel no shame
I'm in love, sweet love
Don't you ever go away, it'll always be this way
"What in the world?" Marlena said as she reached for her keys to unlock the door to the penthouse.
When she walked in she was greeted with the most romantic setting ever. Her eyes took in everything. The candles and the rose petals. She slowly walked in and smiled when she saw the man of her dreams coming towards her.
"Hey pretty lady." John said as he wrapped his arms around her.
Marlena dropped everything and threw her arms around his neck. She brought her mouth up to meet his and he swallowed her lips whole. She moaned as his tongue entered her mouth and explored every inch. Their tongues battled for control. John broke their kiss with one more peck and led her in the apartment.
"When did you do all of this?" Marlena asked.
"This evening. I told you I was going to pamper you tonight."
Marlena kissed John again and smiled. Her eyes filled with tears.
"Hey what's with the tears? This is supposed to make you happy."
"I am happy. More than you know. Oh, my love…you make me so happy."
"Is that a fact?"
Marlena nodded.
"Well, then dry your eyes and get ready for your night. Now I want you to get out of your work clothes and slip into something more comfortable."
"Okay. I will." Marlena turned to go and paused. "Oh before I forget, I have a few surprises in store for you tonight."
John smiled and watched as Marlena ascended the stairs. He went back outside to the terrace to check on the steaks. He knew they were going to need some protein for what he had planned for them tonight.
Marlena walked in their room in saw the present John had for her. She looked at the tall metal pole and laughed. I guess the nurse's costume will work great with their new toy. She threw her bags on the bed and undressed. She jumped in the shower to wash off the grime of today. She wanted this night to be perfect, but she couldn't shake the feeling that someone was watching her in the garage. She let the water rinse of the soap. She turned the shower off and stepped out grabbing her towel. The bathroom was filled with steam. She toweled off and walked over to the mirror. She wiped the mirror which was fogged over. She reached for her body butter on the vanity and applied some to her legs. When she looked up she let out a scream.
"Oh my Gosh!" Marlena breathed.
John came up behind her holding two glasses of champagne.
"I'm sorry baby. I didn't mean to scare you."
"It's alright. I just had a lot on my mind." She nervously laughed.
"Is that all?"
"Yes honey. Honestly, I'm fine." John handed her a glass and she took a big sip. John looked concerned.
"John, I promise I'm fine. Now go finish dinner…I'm starving."
John obliged and left her to finish dinner. He looked back at her before he left their bedroom. Marlena closed her eyes and took a deep breath.
"Get it together."
John took the steaks and vegetables off the grill and plated them. He set the table on the terrace and waited for his lovely wife to come back downstairs.
Down in the garage Kristen stepped onto the elevator and pressed the button for the penthouse. Her plan may have changed, but the outcome would still be the same. She was going to leave here with John one way or the other. It seemed the elevator was moving at a snail's pace. When finally reached the 25th floor the doors opened slowly. Kristen could hear smooth jazz coming from John and Marlena's apartment. Kristen noticed the door was slightly opened. She inched the door open more and saw Marlena walking towards the terrace in a flowing white negligee. She couldn't see John though she knew he was there. She slowly entered the apartment and saw John and Marlena kissing.
Kristen's heart sank. That was supposed to her in John's arms not Marlena. Kristen stepped out of the apartment furious with tears streaming her face.
"That bitch has to die tonight!"
Kristen pulled out the gun, but before she could cock it her cell phone rang.
"Dammit! What!...no…can't he handle it? Well, why not? No I can't come in. What do you mean EJ said no?! Fine, I'll be right there. Damn you EJ!"
Kristen put her gun and phone away. She called up the elevator and waited for it to come. She couldn't get the image of John and Marlena out of her mind. Kristen shook her head and swore again. She cursed EJ for ruining her plans and she cursed Marlena for being with John.
The elevator doors opened and as she stepped onto it she could hear John and Marlena's laughter. She let out a blood curdling scream in time for the doors to close. John and Marlena had dodged a bullet. But Kristen swore she'd get the last laugh.