"Hey mother" said a 13 year old Malcolm as he walked through the door.

"Hello, sweetie" greeted Heather Cooper, his mother. She was a blonde, tall woman, with an air of kindness and a loving character. Even though she was smart, she was oblivious to the fact that her son had been recruited by the CIA a few months before, and thought he had won a scholarship to study in a private school the next year.

She looked at her son, and frowned. "What's with your sweet face? Why do you look so sad?"

"I'm not sad" he defended. "I'm just..." He looked at her in the eye. "Mom, I think I'm old enough to know".

"Know what?" she asked.

"Mom" he said. "What do you know about my father?"

Heather looked at her son, startled. "What?"

She couldn't be surprised, to be honest. Malcolm had asked the question for the first time when he was six. She had told him his dad couldn't be there and that was it. However, she knew she hadn't said enough, and that this day would eventually come.

"My father" he insisted. "I mean, don't get me wrong, you've been amazing. But I remember asking you before and never gave me a decent answer. I'd just like to know... Something, anything".

Heather hesitated. "Well... The reason you don't know much about your father... Is because I don't know much of him either".

Malcolm frowned. Then, he nodded. It didn't take a genius to figure it out. "A one-night stand, wasn't it?"

Heather quietly nodded. "I'm so sorry".

Malcolm shook his head. "Can't say I'm surprised, I mean, since he hasn't been around... Did you even know his name? How he looked? Where he was from?"

Heather thought for a moment. "I never knew his name. But I will never forget how he looked. You wanna know why?"

"Why?"

"Because you're his live image" she revealed. "He must have been from somewhere near where we met".

"And where was it?" he asked.

Heather looked at him. "I can't remember the name of his town. But I do remember it was somewhere in... Illinois".


Malcolm wandered around the square, with his hands in his pockets. He felt distracted, and the place was calm and quiet.

"For what I read, this usually means trouble's coming" he thought.

He had spent the past few weeks investigating practically everyone he had met. For other people, that would be the creepiest thing someone could do. But for him, he was so into his job it was only routine. Besides, he loved secrets and good stories.

He wasn't a snitch, nor a gossipmonger, but past experiences had taught him to always know who he dealt with.

"Especially that night".

It wasn't exactly a trauma, he was only cautious. He had learnt really well to always expect the unexpected.

And that was why he got so annoyed when, being too distracted walking, he almost jumped when he bumped into somebody. Or, considering her height, nearly tripped with somebody.

He looked down. A blonde little girl with wide blue eyes was staring at him. Ari.

"Was she this big when I first met her?" he wondered. "It's only been a few weeks, no baby can grow this fast! Or can they?"

But Ari didn't notice Malcolm's internal debate. Instead, she gave him a big smile.

"Malco'm!"

Malcolm's eyes widened. "You recognize me?"

"Mmhm" she nodded. Then, she turned around and ran away.

Malcolm was puzzled. "Wha... That's it?"

Ari came back, and Gabi was following her.

"Oh, wait, I know you" she said. "You're the one who found my daughter! Malcolm, right?"

"I'm surprised both of you remembered me" he said, shaking her hand. "Especially this little one". He pointed at Ari. "She's gonna be a great exhibitor with that memory".

Gabi chuckled. "Well, I'm sure it's the new interactive games I got her for her birthday".

Malcolm nodded.

"So" she continued. "How are you? I know we've known each other for like, a day or so, but I'm willing to know you better. Who knows, maybe you could use some friends here if you're sticking around".

"Well, I am sticking around" he replied. She signaled the bench. "Shall we, then?"

Gabi nodded, picked up Ari and sat down with him. "So, do you go first or I do?"


"Come on, buddy, pick up the ball" encouraged Chad as he leaned down, watching little Thomas run and pick up the soccer ball he had thrown.

The park wasn't too crowded, yet he had decided to stay and play with his son in a corner, for he feared the Kiriakis family would try to hurt him, or worse, hurt his son. But then he remembered it only was a business competition, but that didn't mean he'd let his guard down.

"With two crime lords advising the CEOs of the competing companies, one never knows what can happen" he decided.

"Get up" a gruffy voice ordered suddenly.

Chad got on alert as he slowly stood up, after giving his hand to Thomas.

"Thomas, come here" he said, picking up his son and turning around.

He wasn't afraid of Victor Kiriakis at all, but he knew what the old man was capable of. He wouldn't let his boy anywhere near him. He also knew Victor liked to intimidate his enemies, so he put on his best smirk.

"Look Thomas, it's just August, yet Santa has come to see you" he said. He thanked God Thomas was too little to even notice what was going on.

"Very funny" said Victor coldly. He looked around. "I thought your wife was alive, where is she?"

"Look, Victor, if you've come here only to piss me off and ruin my day with my son then you better get the hell out before I call the cops" warned Chad "Leave that crap for when you wake up every morning".

"Like for when we win investors and business partners over you" mocked Victor. "Like last time. I must say, I was disappointed. Sonny didn't even make a huge effort convincing them Titan was their best option".

"Well, with Sonny there are never huge efforts, huh?" challenged Chad.

Victor frowned. "What the hell does that mean?"

Chad raised an eyebrow. "Whatever you want it to mean. Now, if you excuse us, it smells like cadaver here, and there's a Big Mac and some nuggets with our names on them".

He walked away with Thomas in his arms, and waved at him mockingly. "Say bye to beardless Dumbledore, son".

Victor glared at them.


Sami and Lucas were eating at the pub, having a chat about the good old times. It always amazed Sami how easy it was for them to love, hate and care for each other. She figured it was because of all the time and their story together.

"How're the kids?" asked Lucas. "Where are they? I mean, I've seen the poctures you've sent, and the video calls, with Allie, but it's not the same. Are they ok?"

"They are" she replied. "They just can't be here, yet. I can't expose them, not when Stefano and Andre are around".

Lucas looked down. "You're not gonna tell me, are you?"

Sami looked at him apologetically. "I'm sorry".

"You know I understand why you keep them away" he said, shaking his head. "But I still miss Allie. I still miss Johnny and Sydney, you know I love them as my own".

"I know" she said. "But trust me, they are safe. They are with a friend of mine they and I trust completely".

"If it's safe to call him that" she thought.

"As long as they're safe, I don't care about anything else". He coughed. "Let's change the subject before I get depressed".

Sami chuckled.

"So, I heard you are now neighbors with that guy we met the other day".

Sami rolled her eyes. "How do you know that? Are you overhearing foreign conversations again. Lucas, I thought we were done with that lifestyle!"

"What? No!" he protested. "Have you forgotten? I work for DiMera now. Chad told me personally".

"You know, I still don't know how you could accept their offer" she sighed. "After everything Stefano's done to all of us".

"Stefano is not in charge of the company anymore" he said. "Chad is. I accepted the offer because the pay was good, I'm not too fond of Deimos Kiriakis, and I know Chad's capable of turning his company around. Stefano is just advising him".

"Just be careful ok?"

"Aw, Sami, I didn't know you cared that much about about me" he teased.

"Shut up" laughed Sami.

"Still" said Lucas. "You haven't answered me. I saw your reaction when you saw that guy".

"Malcolm?" she guessed. "It's not like I see him very often, he doesn't live next door. He lives like three doors away from me".

"But you see him, don't you?"

"Sometimes, but he hasn't gotten out for a while" she replied. "Either he's dead or going out when I'm not looking, though I'm sure it's the latter, considering all those pizza boxes I find every night in the garbage. Look, I know you don't trust him, though I don't know why, he seems like a good guy. But I'm ok, and I will be".

Lucas sighed. "I don't trust him because I don't know him. I also don't know what he was doing at our son's grave".

"Curiosity?" asked Sami. "He found that photo near it, he must have assumed it was Will's".

"It better be that" said Lucas. "I don't like the idea of being watched".

Sami gave Lucas a blank look. "You know we're talking about a teenager, don't you? What's this all about? I'm starting to think there's something more than just his presence there".

"There is" confirmed Lucas. "He looked a hell lot like Will. We all saw it".

"Yeah, that was a shock" agreed Sami. "But that doesn't mean anything. My mom told me Sonny is starting to obsess about it too. You should talk to him, since you're both nuts".

Lucas rolled his eyes. "Maybe I will"


"Whoa, whoa" said Gabi, enthusiastic, covering Ari's ears. "You saw your teacher doing what?"

"One of the biggest traumas of my life" deadpanned Malcolm. "She was all over the Principal. That old man almost expelled me to keep me quiet".

Gabi laughed. Now that she looked at him better, she could see Sonny was right. "He definitely looks a lot like Will. Fortunately, I'm smart enough to hide my shock very well".

"Are you feeling ok?" asked Malcolm. "You look like you're gonna get sick".

"Or not" she thought. She sighed. Better be honest.

"Well" she started. "It's just... You look a lot like a friend of mine. He, um, he passed away a few years ago".

Malcolm nodded. "Of course that's why I got all those funny looks"

He pointed to Ari. "Her daddie?"

Gabi frowned. "Uh, yes. How did you know?"

Malcolm shrugged. "I met his parents the other day. They reacted worse, I'd say".

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to..."

"It's ok" he said. "I a way it's actually flattering".

"You have very interesting stories" he said, after a beat. "I mean, a brother who was in the FBI, going to prison for killimg your ex. I'm not gonna judge you. For what you've told me, he had it coming".

"It wasn"t my right, though" she said. "But thank you. You have good stories too. I mean, you've been almost everywhere in the world. Were your parents rich? Did you go with them".

"I wish" he replied. "My father was a one-night stand. He's somewhere in the world. As for my mother, well, she's dead".

"Oh, I'm so sorry"

"It's ok. It was a long time ago. I survived, my travels were thanks to scholarships in other countries".

That was a lie. Heather Cooper died when Malcolm was 15 years old. The director of the CIA helped him live by himself. As for the travellings, he had gotten different missions in other countries.

"Well, you do look smart" said Gabi.

Malcolm nodded, and looked up as he saw Chad approaching with Thomas in a stroller.

"Hey Gabi" he greeted. "Mr Cooper"

Malcolm chuckled. "Please, call me Malcolm. Like I'm gonna call you Mr DiMera".

Chad stared at him. "Right".

"Do you wanna sit with us?" asked Gabi. "We" she signaled herself and Ari. "Are knowing Malcolm a little better".

"I'd love to" he said. "But I'm taking this litte guy to McDonald's. But if you want, you can come qith us".

"Ooh, did you hear that, Ari?" she told her daughter, standing up. "Come on, let's go to the bathroom so we can go with your Uncle Chad".

Once she was gone, Chad turned around and looked at Malcolm, who had stayed in the bench.

Malcolm held up his hands, and stood up. "Fine, I'll leave".

He motioned to leave, but when he passed by Chad, Chad grabbed his arm, and made him go back.

"No, you won't" he said, smirking. "You're coming, too. There are a few things we'll need to talk about once Gabi goes home".

"Excuse me?"

"Don't think I didn't see the badge that day at the mansion" he said. "You're not the only one who digs up information on other people. I happen to have the same hobby"

Malcolm froze. "I don't know what you're talking about".

"Sure you don't" said Chad. He turned around to check on his baby. "CIA, huh? I gotta say I'm impressed. What interest would the agency have in such a small, boring town".

"Vacation" replied Malcolm. "But I'm part of the Delta Team, and my occupation is not supposed to be known, unless I decide otherwise".

"I understand the confidentiality of an agent's identity" said Chad. "But there's no need to make my son an orphan just to keep me quiet..."

"I'm not even going to shoot you" said Malcolm, offended. "I don't need your father going after me".

"Good". Chad shook his hand. "Then your secret's safe with me"

"I somehow doubt that" he said. "But thanks anyway".

"Oh, Malcolm" said Chad, as he saw Gabi getting out of the restroom. "It's gonna be so interesting knowing you".


Paul Narita sat on the couch at his father John Black and stepmother Marlena's townhouse, giving John, who sat next to him, a bottle of beer. Marlena was sitting on another couch.

"So, your case is finally closed" commented Marlena.

"That's right" said Paul.

"Yeah, when we came back, it was to attract those morons" said John. He patted Paul on the shoulder. "And thanks to this guy they fell right into our trap!"

Paul chuckled. "Well, I learnt from the best".

"And I'm so glad things are going really good with you two" said Marlena.

"I'd say great, Doc" said John as he got up and sat next to her, with his arm around her. "I married the woman I love, our children get along, I wouldn't ask for anything else".

He kissed her firmly as Marlena laughed.

"Oh, wow" said Paul, watching them. "I-I should go, this is kind of awkward in so many levels".

John pulled back and looked at him. "Oh, come on, be happy for us, your old man is in love and your..." Marlena looked at him warningly. "...young and adorable stepmom is happy".

Marlena laughed again. "Well, one thing is true, Paul. I love your father very much"

Paul smiled at them. "Well, I'm happy for you, I really am".

"Oh, and speaking of love" said John, looking at him. "How are things with Sonny? You know, I haven't seen the kid in a while, maybe we could all have dinner sometime".

Paul shrugged. "Maybe. I mean, we've been better".

"Why is that?" asked Marlena.

"Are you guys fighting?" asked John.

"I wish" replied Paul. "Sonny's been weird since I came back. He's efusive, and seems very distracted. Something's upsetting him, and he won't tell me what it is".

"Right. I must speak to Sonny about this" thought Marlena, remembering her convesation with Gabi. "But it's not my place to tell Paul. Sonny must tell him".

She cleared her throat. "I'm sure it's just stress. You know, he works for a big company, and he's so devoted to his job, sometimes he ends up with more than he can actually have".

"Yeah, you're probably right" sighed Paul. He checked his watch. "I should go anyway. Got some things to do".

"Yeah, it's ok, son. Take care" said John.

Paul left.

"Paul seems really worried" said Marlena.

"Yeah" he replied. He turned around to face her. "Can I ask you something, Doc?"

"Yes, sure".

"I could be wrong, but..." He sighed. "Do you think it's possible Sonny's cheating on Paul?"


"Oh my God, don't McDonald's have the best burguers?" said Gabi as she ate hers.

Malcolm chuckled. "I went to this place... The Brady Pub, it is, last week, and I liked theirs much better".

"Oh, yeah, the pub is famous for that" agreed Chad. "Though one has to be very disciplined for not coming everyday".

"I'd look like a big cow if I did" said Gabi. She turned to the babies.

Ari was eating her cheeseburger silently, slowly enjoying every bite.

Thomas on the other hand was looking at everyone curiously, ignoring Chad, who was trying to feed him the nuggets he had just crumbled.

After a few minutes, Chad gave up and sighed. "Why do I bother? He always does this. He has the worst eating schedule ever. Abby is better feeding him anyway".

"Speaking of" said Gabi. "Where's she?"

"Busy at the Spectator" he replied. "So my little boy and I decided to have a mommy-free man day".

Gabi laughed. "Don't let her hear you say that". She turned to Malcolm. "Abigail is Chad's wife. You'll like her, she's great".

"Is she gonna give me funny looks too?" he asked.

"Probably" she teased. "But that's a story for another day".

Malcolm sighed. "Fine, whatever. I'll get them one way or another. It's a small town, anyway".

"Oh, yeah, I'd like to touch that topic" intervened Chad, as he finally managed to give Thomas a spoon full of crumbled nuggets. "You're lucky you're only two" he said to his son "I'll ground your ass next time you don't do what I say".

"Um, why are we talking about it?" asked Malcolm.

"Because, like I said, you look a hell lot of him and I want to know why" said Gabi.

"But why?" insisted Malcolm. "People have doubles everywhere! I bet I'm not like your friend as much as you say so".

"I'll be the judge of that" said Chad, cupping his face and looking way too close for Malcolm's liking as Gabi watched amused.

"You really don't know the meaning of personal space, do you?" he complained.

"Shut up"

"I will kiss you just to make back off, don't think I won't".

Chad looked at him in the eyes. "I dare you" he said, and kept examining his face.

Malcolm, incredulous, turned to Gabi. "Is he serious?"

Gabi was too amused to respond, so she just nodded. Chad finally backed off.

"I'm sorry for the awkwardness" he said, clearly not meaning it. "After deliberating, I can say that you indeed look a lot like my dear friend, may he rest in peace".

"If my reasoning ability was low" added Gabi. "I would think that you are him".

Malcolm smirked. "As interesting as actually being someone else with a very much different life would be for me, trust me, I'm not your friend".

"We know" said Chad. "We're just teasing you. I like you, we should do this more often".

"Yeah, me too" said Gabi. "Besides, the kids like being around each other and Ari certainly likes you".

Malcolm thought for a moment. "Yeah, why not? You guys have been nice to me so far, I think we can be friends".

"Great" she said.

"Gabi?"

Gabi turned around. Chad looked away, and Malcolm looked, curious.

"There's that guy from the station and the photo" he thought. "And he's giving me that funny look again".

"Sonny, hi!" she said. "We were..."

"What's he doing here?" he demanded.

Gabi rolled her eyes. "Sonny, this is not the time or place..."

"It's ok, Gabi" said Chad. "What do you want, Sonny? Your uncle didn't piss me off enough so he sent you? Or is he following me now?" He started looking around. "And where's your 'worst is nothing'?"

"Shut up" said Sonny, getting angry. He turned to Gabi. "Gabi, I told you I didn't want Ari anywhere near him!"

"Well, Sonny, Ari happens to be my daughter too" she replied. "And I have decided we will have no part in whatever quarrel you two have, so calm down, we are in public".

Sonny looked away. But then, he turned to Malcolm. "What are you doing here?"

"You don't even know me" said Malcolm, calmly. "But as far as these two people you happen to know are aware, I represent no danger. What's with the attitude, by the way? Most people say 'Hello, this is my name, nice to meet you' when they meet somebody new".

Gabi sighed as she stood up, cursing silemtly when she noticed Ari, Thomas, and other peoble were watching. He grabbed Sonny's arm and dragged him away from their table.

"Ok, what the hell is your problem?" she hissed. "First you want to know him to make sure I don't know what, and now you're acting like an ass. What is it?"

"He's a stranger!" Sonny shot back.

"Not anymore" she replied. "I met him again at the square and we talked and got to know each other. Chad's doing the same right now. But you come in here, and attack us, scaring Ari. Why do you think she hasn't even greeted you, huh?"

Sonny rubbed his eyes. "Right. I-I'm sorry. Let me apologize to her..."

"No" said Gabi. "You're tired, stressed and irrationally obsessed with Malcolm. Go home and sleep, we'll talk tomorrow".

"It's just" started Sonny. "He's just like him...!"

"Stop it, Sonny" warned Gabi. "I don't wanna hear it. I can tell you it's not what you're thinking. Go"

Sonny tried to say more, but after looking at Gabi's glare, he gave up, turned around and left.


"Cheating?" asked Marlena, puzzled.

John just nodded.

"No, that can't be possible" she said. "Sonny's a good, kind-hearted young man".

"I know that" said John. "I just don't want my son getting hurt, that's all".

"I know you don't" she agreed. "But why would you suggest Sonny could be cheating on Paul?"

John bit his lip.

"John? Just tell me".

"Well, Paul said he looks distant, distracted, upset. Maybe he's dealing with guilt? We know that people who do these things act like that or worse. But it's just a possibility, it could be anything else?"

"John?" said Marlena accusingly. "Are you saying this because of what I'm thinking?".

John held up his hands. "Don't get me wrong, Doc. You know I loved the kid as my own grandson. Hell, he even used to call me 'Grandpa John' for a time and I loved that. But, I'm saying..."

"That because he cheated on Sonny, he'd do the same? Like a Domino effect?" she asked, annoyed. "That's not how it works John! And how dare you say something like that?"

John opened and closed his mouth. He realized he had spoken without thinking. "I'm sorry. That wasn't... I didn't mean it to sound like that".

"But it did" said Marlena, hurt. She stood up.

"Oh, come on, Doc" pleaded John. "Please don't be mad, I'm sorry".

But Marlena walked away to the bedroom. "Tonight you're sleeping on the couch!"

John closed his eyes and sighed in dismay.


Paul walked to his apartment, after running his errands. He felt tired, and frustrated. Sonny hadn't replied his texts or calls, and was starting to worry something could have happened to him.

But he got really surprised when he saw Sonny waiting at his door. He ran to him.

"Sonny, oh my God, I've been worried about you!" he exclaimed. "Where have you been?"

Sonny didn't answer, he just looked at him, as if he had a big struggle inside of him.

"Sonny?"

His surprise became shock when Sonny kissed him fiercely, pinning him against the door.

"What..."

Sonny kept kissing him, as he opened the door, got them both inside, and closed it.


"So" said Malcolm after a long while. "This Sonny guy is a prick, isn't he?"

"A self-centered, sanctimonious prick" declared Chad.

"I'm sorry" said Gabi. "He's not usually like this. I don't know what's going on, but I promise he's much more nicer than that". When she saw them staring at her, she rolled her eyes. "But yes, he can be a prick sometimes".

"Enough reason not to like him" said Malcolm.

"Amen" agreed Chad. He patted Malcolm's shoulder. "I officially like you, and we're officially friends from now on".

Malcolm chuckled. "Fine by me".

Chad looked at his watch. "Well, I better hit the road and put this little one down for a nap".

He cleaned up Thomas's mouth, picked him up and put him in his stroller. He left, waving at them. "Bye, bye, bye, guys"

Malcolm looked at Gabi. "Seriously?"

"He likes jokes a lot" dismissed Gabi. "He said it kepps him young".

"Well, good humour has always been associated with good health" he replied. "I'm starting to think he may be right".

"Maybe" chuckled Gabi.

Malcolm checked his watch too. "Yep, I should go too" He stood up, took out his wallet and took out a few dollars. "Please give these as a tip for me, please. I gotta run".

"Yeah, sure" said Gabi, taking the money.

"Thanks" he said, going to the door. "I'll see you around".

"Well, honey, we should go too" said Gabi to Arianna, picking up her things. Ari nodded and cleaned herself up, sucking her fingers and cleaning them with a napkin.

Gabi got her purse, and was about to stand up when she noticed a piece of paper on the table.

"Must have fallen from Malcolm's wallet" he thought, and picked it up.

Her face softened when she noticed it was Malcolm as a baby.

"Aww" she murmured.

She couldn't help stare at it for a while. She frowned.

"Where have I seen these features before?"

She looked at the photo closer and more carefully.

Suddenly, her eyes widened. "Oh my God".


Hey, sorry for the late update. December's here and the preparations for Christmas and I'm very exhausted (I'm the only one who decorates the house, since I'm the only one that knows how to do it).

But anyway, I hope you liked this chapter. As I was writing it, I noticed I put a lot of mentions of Will, but I've decided to leave it that way to prepare you for what's coming.

I apologize again, and please review and let me know what you think and what you expect. Thanks!