Chapter XXX

Kacie grabbed onto the ball and ran for the driveway. She saw the van pulling up which she knew meant her bit brother and sister were coming home from school. She stood at the side of the walkway and waved as they pulled in. Ace walked over to be near her, and to greet them as well.

Nanny watched it all with approval. This family unit was coming together just as it should. Jessica seemed to find that she and Ace were growing closer, while Justin had taken his little sister under his protective wing. It was an attraction of personalities, Ace and Jessica being the more extroverted of the children, and Justin and Kacie being quieter.

"Ace, want to go catch pollywogs in the stream? Kacie, lets go get a bowl to put them in ok?" Jessica was taking her little brothers hand, and he jauntily followed along with her.

This was a favorite after school activity as the weather warmed. Nanny encouraged it, but always made them release the little creatures after they had counted them, and checked if any had made little legs yet!

The four of them made their way down to the little stream that bordered part of the Wells Estate, laying on their bellies in the grassy rock filled area to scoop the little critters up. Kacie found it a little more difficult, so she had stood and waded a bit out into the stream. It was only about a six inches deep, but she slipped on the mossy rock, and down she went! Justin had quickly gotten to her, and helped her back to the bank, sharing his booty of wogs with her. Since she was wet, they quickly headed back to the house.

Then Carrie had appeared..her mouth pursed in an angry scowl as she saw Kacie with her hair dripping, and her clothing soaked!

"Mama! I found woggies! Lookie!"

Carrie, however was not in the mood to be interested in her daughters activity, she was furious to find her wet.

"You should lose your job, why weren't you watching them, she could have drowned out there in that stream!"

Jessica and Justin both stared at her open mouthed. they had played in that same stream since they had been three, an never once had Nanny not been there if they needed her. Nanny was wise enough to know that children needed some time to explore things on their own! Again, they both thought Aunt Carrie should not be pretending to be Kacies mommy anymore..it was just too strange!

Nanny looked at Carrie, deciding it was best not to say anything, she would have to speak to Mr. and Mrs. Wells about this.

Kacie was carried into the house by Carrie, directly upstairs, pushing past Sami in her haste. Sensing something was wrong, Sami followed her sister in to the nursery and watched as Carrie stripped the wet things from the child.

"Look what has happened here, my God, she is soaked to the skin..she could catch a cold and with her weakened immune system don't you know what could happen..that woman is not fit to watch my child!"

"You mean Nanny? I do not like to hear you refer to her in that tone..Nanny is the heartbeat of this household..and there is no way she is unfit to watch Kacie..you better get hold of yourself Carrie, do not speak this way in front of Kacie".

"Katy! Damn you, her name is Katy! And I am taking her out of here right now..you hear me now!"

EJ stepped into the doorway, blocking Carrie from leaving with Kacie in her arms.

"NO, you may leave..in fact, Tippin...please pack up for Carrie...drive her to her step mothers..but Kacie stays with us!"

Kacie was crying uncontrollably, and was reaching out to be taken by Justin, who had appeared looking in disbelief at the scene before him. He and Jessica had always had the most secure of upbringings, the love they had been shown by their parents and Nanny, along with the rest of the staff had been a given for them.

Carrie was clutching the child, who cried even more as her arms reached out to Justin..for some reason, she felt no connection to this woman who she had called mama...she wanted to go to Justin..she was afraid of this woman who had yelled at Nanny..who had so roughly taken her clothes off of her..

"Yustin..Yustin." she cried, and EJ gently, but firmly removed her from Carries grip, and Justin knelt down to console her. Then Jessica and Ace joined in to put their arms about her. Sami did not interfere, and Nanny saw that the children had it well in hand. Her heart went out to Carrie, but it seemed that Carrie was not interested in the best interest of Kacie, this was about possession, and about the Missus taking something away from her again..

"You have not heard the last of this Sami, EJ, I swear, you will not keep my daughter from me...do you hear me?" Her cases had been packed, and Tippin was gently leading her towards the door. EJ had called John to let him know to expect her.

"My lawyer will be contacting you, Carrie, I hope you will agree to terms that will benefit Kacie". EJ had a voice that could charm a snake when he wanted to, and Carrie was sick to death of it!

"Her name is KATY!!!!!" and Carrie followed Tippin to the car.

EJ smiled at Samantha, "Well, look, you said a month, and I said two weeks...I win darling!"

Jessica and Justin were also smiling. Aunt Carrie was out of the house, so they could shout without hearing "Don't wake up Kat-Kacie...don't run, you will hurt her, don't let her watch that movie, it will scare her".

Kacie was no longer crying..but she turned up her face to Sami and held out her arms saying "Mama..I want a cookie"

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laurensnana

Posted: Feb 9 2007, 07:32 PM

Extreme EJami Fan

Group: Members
Posts: 905
Member No.: 25
Joined: 8-September 06

Chapter XXXI

Tippin opened the car door, helping Carrie with her bags as far as the doorman. "Here you go Miss Carrie, and if you need anything else from the house, just let me know, I will be happy to get it to you". He looked at her with pity, but his loyalty was with the Wells family, and he knew where the young babe really belonged. The Wells were her real family, and she did deserve to be with them, but he did have sympathy for this beaten young woman.

He watched as the doorman helped her to the elevator with her bags and turned to drive back home.
"Carrie, oh, baby, I am so sorry..I hoped you and Sami would work this out somehow, for the sake of the baby!" Marlena offered in sympathy, but Carrie did not look as if she wanted pity, she wanted something more substantial.

"I am going to sue her for custody! Marlena, she is married to a crime boss for Gods sake! You know that better than anybody! What a DiMera is capable of? You lived through that families craziness! .Katy is in danger living there! What if someone tries to kill EJ, and Katy is in the way?"

John was shaking his head as he listened to Carrie. He, alone, in the room knew the full implications for all of them if Carrie tried to proceed with this. For now, Marlenas medical license was safe, but if Carrie tried to take on the EJ machine, he knew nothing would be spared, and EJ would have no mercy. Marlena would suffer personally, and professionally, and right now, she was too fragile to deal with anything like that.

"Carrie, they would fight you with everything they have, and you do not have the money it takes to fight this battle."

"I know how to get it though, I have already thought about it John. Don't worry, I am not asking any of my family to help me..I am going to do this all on my own. But will it be ok if I stay here for awhile with you all, until I am on my feet again?"

"As long as you want, Carrie, you know how I feel about you, I love you just the same as I love Belle".

John heard the words, and he knew she meant it absolutely.

Tippin arrived back at the Wells household, and he had brought another addition to the family with him. EJ had instructed him to pick up Theo Carver at the hotel where he was checked in with Matthew.

"I understand you will be staying with us awhile, what a pleasant surprise for Master Justin, he always speaks so highly of you Master Theo."

EJ had found the perfect time to let Samantha know of his plans to bring Theo into the household while playing catch with Justin in the yard.

"I am not really good at baseball, cricket was more my game, but you are going to have someone here in a bit who can really toss this ball at you Justin!"

Figuring it was as good a time as any, EJ pulled Samantha to him, while still pitching the ball for Justin to catch.

"Did getting rid of Carrie put you in a good mood darling?" as he spoke he kept his mitt in front of her as he caught the returning ball thrown by Justin.

"What are you up to now EJ?" Recognizing he had something to break to her, she was not letting him go easy.

"We are getting another house guest for awhile, but this one should be much more fun, and less of a pain".

"And who might that be?"

"Theo is coming to live with us, I have his guardianship as next of kin, this is per Lexie and Abes instructions".

"Abe Carver and Lexie wrote you in as the legal guardian for Theo? So how much did that take out of the kids trust funds?" Sami knew EJ used whatever connections needed when he wanted to expedite something.

"He is a DiMera, he must be raised by someone within the family, and except for Harris, looks like we are it."

"I am not a DiMera, EJ, I am a Brady-Wells, your wife".

Sensing his faulty footing, EJ used his most lethal weapon, and kissed her neck and ears.

"You most certainly are my wife, the most wonderful thing that has ever happened to me..but I am a part of the family, and if the family is ever going to change into something that out kids will be proud to be associated with, we have to continue to do our duty. Things will change, they are changing, Samantha, but I have to do what I have to do. Theo is family, so is he welcome here?"

Her head nodded, "Of course he is, my goodness..we are going to have to order up a bigger van to cart all of us around!"

"As long as someone else drives the contraption! I am putting in an order for another sports car..what would the guys on the circuit say?"

This was just so damn boring! Chelsea was pacing back and forth in the hotel suite, waiting on Matthew to come back with some dinner. She had been confined to this room for two days now, and it was driving her crazy. No one would tell her when she could get out, and get back to her life. All they would say was they had to have a meeting with the Kirakis family for her safety.

"Philip is my uncle, damnit, Kate is his mother, and my grandmother. He would not try to hurt me!" her protest to Matt had fallen on deaf ears.

Matt said nothing to her, just unpacked and placed the food on the hotel desk for them to eat. The smell of the burgers finally got to her, and she sat, unwrapping the sandwich, but declining the French fries.

"You saw him use his own mother to try and drown an eleven year old kid..you think you are something special to him?"

"Philip or Victor would not hesitate to tie rocks to you and throw you into the Salem River, Chelsea, they are both quite ruthless".

"And EJ is a boy scout, come on, you know they are all as bad as each other! My dad says EJ is a DiMera, and you should know by now what they are capable of." She looked at Matthew now in a new light. He also worked for EJ.

"What are you willing to do for EJ, Matthew, would you kill someone too?"

He could not lie, so all he said was, "I do what I have to do..it's my job. Right now, you are my assignment, and I am loving my job now", pulling her to him, he kissed her until he felt her response, then he kept on kissing her. The food was cold by the time they got back to it, but both had worked up enough of an appetite for it not to matter.

This post has been edited by laurensnana on Feb 9 2007, 07:35 PM

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Chapter XXXII

Hana stared at the opulence of the Kirakis mansion. Her and Lucas were staying in the guest house, and to her that was a palace, but the main house was even grander. It would have been so pleasant if she was just able to cook the meals in the guest house, but the Kate demanded that Lucas and her share meals with her, the brother of Lucas, and the Old Man. The Old Man was evil incarnate, and she felt it deep in her soul. Lucas seemed to fear him too, as his head was nearly always bowed when the Old Man walked into the room.

Sitting quietly, Hana adjusted her hajib on her head and saw the Kate walk in and give her usual look of disapproval. Lucas took her hand in his under the table, again to give her reassurance and courage. He squeezed it, and then released it, as Kate came over to give him a kiss, and his arms went around his mother in a hug of greeting.

The Old Man and Philip entered the room, and each poured themselves a coffee, before sitting at the head of the table. Hana could feel tension in the air, but The Old Man looked at her almost kindly with his eyes that mirrored the Evil Doer mentioned in the Quran! She shuddered involuntarily, and said a silent recitation of a prayer for protection.

"So how are you finding your living arrangements Lucas..you too Hana, I trust you are comfortable?" The Old Man was speaking directly to her, and Hana was afraid to unbow her head as she answered.

"Quite comfortable, Sir, we have all that we need". Lucas again squeezed her hand, proud of her for being able to overcome her fear.

To her great relief, that was the last time she had to speak, as after that her presence was ignored by everyone else at the table, save Lucas, who every once in awhile remembered she was there with a smile or another touch of his hand.

:"Kate tells me you are in need of employment Lucas..I may have something for you, not at Titan of course, EJ would probably veto that, but I do have other interests where I could use your assistance..interested?" Victor put his napkin down, and waited for Lucas to answer him.

"Well, uh, yeah..but which interest are we talking about here?"Lucas was interested, but cautious. His involvement with some of Victors interests had in some ways been responsible for his current health problems.

"I need a highly secure method of transferring some information from here to there..and so far, there is nothing more secure than hand to hand transfer. I need someone trustworthy, and no one more trustworthy than family? Right?"

Already Lucas knew this was something he would rather not be involved in, but looking at Hana, he knew he had to make sure she was provided for. His mother was looking at him the way a cat looked at a cornered mouse, knowing he had no choice, or the backbone to make a choice that would not involve the easiest way out. His younger brother, Philip, the one who could always be counted on to come first in the Kirakis order also gave him an expectant look.

Lucas thought for a couple of minutes, his conscious warring with his practical self. Hana was taking all of this in, and was trying to send Lucas silent warnings about aligning himself with the evil presence in this room. All her life, her religion had been such a prison to her, but now, all the teachings came back to her in a rush of understanding. In this room, surrounded by all the grandeur of this palatial home, she felt malice, and a malignant presence that was beginning to make her tremble with its power!

She felt it in Kates smile, a smile that had no warmth, just an slight upturn of her mouth that mocked whoever she turned it on. Philip was worse, he did not even smile to soften the glint of the shards of glass that his eyes resembled.

Hana reached to hold Lucas by the hand, but his hand did not respond, and she felt him transferring his own soul to be molded once again by the dark side of his personality. The Old Man seemed to sense it too as he smiled in triumph.

"Good, Lucas, you will not be sorry! We have some details to work out, so I will see you upstairs in my study at two o:clock..be there on time!"

Theo had arrived at the Wells house with just his one case, so EJ had sent Tippin and Lorene shopping to buy the boy extra clothes. Theo was a little bewildered by the changes in his life, and still was unaware of the details of the death of his grandmother.

The call from his mother still had him terrified, and he knew he could tell no one or she might die. That was all he knew, and he had confided in no one. This was pleasing to Matthew, Harris and EJ. The boy had DiMera character, that was for sure.

"Theo, welcome to our home, and I want you to know that we are all here for you now."EJ greeted his cousin warmly, and invited him to sit for dinner with the family.

"I told cook to make your favorites, meat loaf and mac and cheese" Sami pointed to the dishes on the table.

"How..how did you know?" Again, Theo was confused

"We had you and your mother here for dinner a couple of years ago..remember? She told us then, and our cook never forgets our guests preferences! Sami remembered it very well, the dinner she had attempted to make peace with Lexie at. That had not had much success it seemed.

Justin was looking at Theo with admiration, this was the kid who was the best ball player at his school, and he was going to be living here! He could not believe his good fortune!

Kacie and Jessica said a shy hello, but Ace walked over to meet the newcomer in face to face fashion.

"You eat that stuff?" Ace was pointing to the mac and cheese which he referred to as macaronis et fromage! "I hate it, you can have mine! Or maybe I feed to Inky!" He spoke some English, some French, and ended it in Italian. EJ was laughing at his outspoken son, and wondering what in the world they were going to do with him!

Theo grinned at the little guy, and then took a seat at the table, accepting a large helping of the food. He had not had any home cooked meals in a while, while he had been held, it was cold sandwiches, and when he was with Matt and Chelsea it had been a lot of pizzas.

When dinner was over, EJ had shown Theo to his room. He waited for the response as Theo looked at where he was to sleep. It was exactly as his room had been at his own house. All the banners, posters, bedding, curtains, rugs, it was the exact same. To Theo it was at once reassuring and disturbing.

"How did you know, and why did you do this?"Theo looked at EJ, and knew he was going to be told something terrible. He braced himself to hear what EJ now looked ready to tell him. EJ saw the boy straighten up, and tense his leg muscles to give him strength. EJ nodded and thought to himself, "He is DiMera, he will be fine!"

Chapter XXXIII

"Mr. Brunswick will see you now, Mrs. Roberts" the young, barely out of school secretary beckoned Carrie into the inner sanctum of her employers office.

Lloyd Brunswick had been willing to see Carrie gratis for this first visit, and with her funds now dwindling since not finding herself able to work at High Style, she had jumped at the chance for an attorney to listen to her case.

His appearance took her aback though, he looked to be a few years older than herself, thin, and rather lanky. He wore black horn rimmed glasses, and a tie that should have been retired along with the houndstooth jacket with the elbow patches. Instead of a high powered family law attorney, he looked like some English or history professor, and definitely an absent minded one at that!. When he stood up to greet her, he had to brush a long lock of dark hair out of his eyes which Carrie noticed were an interesting shade of grey.

Knowing what EJ and Sami would bring into a courtroom, Carries head hung in a sense of pre defeat. What had she been thinking? This guy with his desk piled high of files and law books would be no match for the technology that EJ would bring into play. All she had on her side was the fact that the DiMera name was not exactly held up as a pillar of the Salem community. Then again, EJ had never aligned himself that closely with it, it was hidden under several layers of corporations and partnerships that defied anyone to pierce the veils of secrecy. And she had Sami. The list of Samis crimes could also lead to a finding of unfitness as a mother. Carrie was willing to dig as deep in the dirt as she had to. Katy was worth the fight!

"Mrs. Roberts, or can I call you Carrie?," when she nodded her permission, he added " and I am Lloyd, so call me that ok?" he picked up the file his secretary had compiled, reading Carries synopsis of the case as she saw it.

"How did you come to be in control of the child, how did the adoption happen?'

Carrie explained the role of her ex mother in law in making it come about.

"And the child is biological issue of this Mr. and Mrs Wells, your half sister? This is quite interesting..how did they lose control of this little miracle? Do you have this information?" he peered over his glasses at her, thinking to himself why someone this pretty was so alone in the world.

Carrie knew parts of the story, but there were gaps in her knowledge. All along her assumption had been that Sami and EJ probably had the invitro fertilization done and had someone else carry the pregnancy to term. Knowing Kate, it was easy enough to believe that she had paid for someone to gain control of the embryo and find someone to carry the child to term. As she gave her theory to Lloyd, his eyes grew round with disbelief!

"You were able to adopt a child, thinking it came from a foreign country, but it is really the biological child of your half sister and her husband. This was their issue, stolen, spirited away, and you think you have a legal claim to the child? Wow! Now I have heard everything, and I am so sorry you have wasted my time and yours. Haven't you seen these cases in the news where a father or mother gives up a child willingly, and still can regain custody? The law favors biology, and from what I know of the couple, they are respected in the community, with a lovely family already! This is not a winnable case Mrs. Roberts, cut your losses and move on!"

"You don't understand, this is not a lovely family at all! EJ Wells is a head of a criminal organization, Samantha was guilty of sexual assault at one time, blackmail and kidnapping, I mean look, it's all in her book!" Carrie threw down Samis first novel "Our Lives, Our Days" for him to see.

'"Please, you have to help me, I can't have my baby growing up in a house where she will see and hear God knows what! I have this as proof!" Carrie brought out a small tape cartridge.

"Is that a tape recording of a conversation between any of the people you are going to be involved legally with?"

She nodded.

"Did you inform them that they were being recorded, and did they sign anything acknowledging that they knew they were being recorded?"

Her head shook no.

He handed it back to her, curtly saying, "burn it then, before they use the fact you did that to them in a court of law."

Carrie remembered all the times Sami had done things like this, or had them done to her, so she protested and demanded to know why this would not be useful.

"Mrs. Roberts, unless someone has a court authorized warrant to tap phones, you may not lawfully record conversations secretly, all parties have to be aware and consenting to a recording, that is the law in this state, so I am sorry, but I cannot help you." He had returned to the formal usage of her name, but when she had burst into tears, he went to her, handing over his handkerchief.

"I just don't know what to do..I can't lose my baby..I can't!"

"Mrs. Roberts, it is not your baby, I'm sorry, but legally, you have nothing on your side, so the best thing is to ask your sister for visitation privilieges, that I think you have some rights to."

The kindness in his voice made Carrie look up at him, and she saw a face that was trying to remain professional, but could not hide that he was attracted to her.

"Could I take you somewhere for some lunch..Carrie?"

Chapter XXXIV

By the time they had finished their burgers, Carrie and Lloyd were actually laughing. She found he had a quick and easy with, and he found her to be quite easy to talk to once she got past the emotional side of her nature. He was screwing up the courage to ask her out for a movie and dinner when she saw her face go white with shock!

"Carrie, I heard you were back in Salem,"Austin had come in with Philip and Lucas, and almost backed right out of the restaurant, but Carrie had already seen him.

"Hello, Lucas, Austin, good to see you Philip", Carrie greeted them all politely, then introduced them to Lloyd as her attorney, which Lloyd smiled a bit at, but did not refute what she said. She tried to be as composed as possible, she had not realized Austin was already back.

Philip stared a moment at Lloyd, filing this in his mind for future reference. Austin and Lucas merely nodded and shook hands in a perfunctory manner.

"Austin, Lloyd will be handling the details of the divorce, so when you are ready I will have him forward the papers to you..where are you staying? I assume Annaliese is with you." At this point, Lloyd was looking confused, but not wanting to make things difficult for her, he kept his silence, only giving little small smiles as she kept on digging the hole deeper.

"Right now, we are all at Victors, just send them there..nice seeing you". Austin's voice turned curt, and he walked to a table, as his brothers followed.

"He is your ex-husband?"

"No, he is my husband, the short one is my ex husband..or I guess he does not count, it was annulled..but for now Austin is my husband, and my ex husband too..it is very complicated!"

"Yes it is, so what is this about me handling the divorce? You have grounds?"Lloyd wondered if this should be the moment that he yelled out "Check Please!", but he found himself still drawn to her. So he began to listen to her story as they shared another cup of coffee.

EJ dialed the special number that Samantha reserved for him. Her voice sounded a bit rushed as she answered, but knowing it was him made her face light up! He had been so busy the past couple of weeks, they had hardly seen each other before it was time to go to bed.

"Lunch in half an hour with me, can you make it?" EJ was looking at his watch and timing things with his schedule.

"Sure, let me get a driver, and I will be right there" using a professional hired driver was still part of EJ's security insistence with her, and she no longer fought with him about it. Within 10 minutes, she was on her way to the Salem Inn.

Her driver was fast, but skilled, and another minion working his way up in the DiMera ranks. His job was to be aware of everything in his surroundings that might be a risk to either Mr. or Mrs. Wells, or any of their family. He was paid handsomely to be good, but today, either his mind was wandering, or the person following them was just as good as he was..or maybe better. Whatever, the driver delivering Mrs. Wells to the Salem Inn had missed something crucial.

"Surprised?" EJ smiled as Sami knocked on the door to the suite EJ had rented. When she had entered the room, she immediately smelled the aroma of Taco Bell.

"What is this about EJ?" knowing him, this was something really out of character! He hated Taco Bell as much as she hated marmite!

"Remember when you were first pregnant with Justin and Jessica, and you wanted these detested things?"

"So?" Sami still did not understand.

"Well, I thought you would feel so cheated not being pregnant with Ace and Kacie, so how about we just kind of pretend..you know, and complete with the food you craved so much of!"

"I hope we can skip the getting sick stuff" Sami was laughing at him, and his absolute silliness!

"Hey, we can skip the Taco Bell for all I care, I just want to kiss you!"His lips found hers, and she lifted her head up to meet him. Minutes later, they were both naked, an in each others arms, satisfying a hunger that never let up between them.

When the storm between them had passed, and she lay in the cradle of his arms, he looked down on her face, stroking it, memorizing every plane, every hollow of her neck, and collar. He seemed to be so involved with longing, that she was concerned.

"EJ, what is wrong? Is something bothering you?"her hand went up to cup his cheek, trying to see what it was that was in his eyes.

"Nothing, darling, I just love you so much..and no one is ever going to take you away from me, ever again" He said it fiercely, but quietly. Then his eyes again got that far away look that she was never able to break into. It was part of his world that she still did not access, a part she sometimes feared to even think about. For all the gentleness that he showed to her and the children, she knew he could be ruthless, it was part of the resume of all Dimeras.

"Do you think Theo is adjusting to our household?" EJ broke the spell by talking.

"He is quiet, but I would expect that, after all he has gone through. Nanny is helping him a lot. That woman is a wonder!"

"Yes, well I talked with him the night he came, I explained a lot of what is going on to him. I have not told him his mothers part in any of this. I expect when we catch up to her we will let her do the explaining."

"Why are you doing this EJ, why aren't the police involved more?"

Kissing her ear, and once more feeling the need for her, EJ only whispered one thing, before loving her again.."The police are involved, darling..don't worry".

Chapter XXXVI

"What does my son have to do with all of this? Why is he at EJ's house?" Lexie was demanding answers, realizing she really had no reason to expect any. Harris had given her the keys to a hotel room on the outskirts of town, the room being the same one that Abe had found her and Tek in years before. She shrugged as she saw it, none of that past life made any difference to her now. What she wanted was her son, and a chance to make a life again with him. It seemed if she seemed to cooperate, Harris was holding out a glimmer of hope that EJ might see fit to give that to her some day.

"Right now, you are alive..that is the best thing you have going for you. You know there is no money..Kate did not do what you told her to..for some reason she thinks you are no threat to her..why do you suppose that is?" Harris knew, and waited for Lexie to move the gears in her mind to mesh with the truth of the matter.

Lexie was a quick study, and one corner of her mouth went up in a grin devoid of humor, but full of knowledge.

"Kate sent me that money...she was too scared not to. But EJ, I imagine he has all kinds of sources that tap bank transfers..My father could do it in a heartbeat..give him my congratulations..he has learned well."Lexie knew she was absolutely defeated, and waited to hear what she was going to have to do to have a chance at a life with her son.

"We want you to vote against us in the council..the vote that demands that Samantha Wells die in payment for the death of your brother Tony DiMera".

"Huh? Why don't you ask me to do something hard?" Lexie was laughing aloud at the ridiculousness of his words.

"That is all you have to do Lexie, do that and Theo and you will be given all the money you will ever need, as long as Theo is raised as a DiMera, knowing someday he will take your place, but we do need to know you will vote with the others in the bloc. Are you willing to do this to gain your freedom from everything that this town imprisons you with?"

"My son, how can I make him become one of us..what will he have to do someday?"

"Lexie, look around at what EJ is doing here in Salem..the police department actually runs correctly! The University is well funded..by a lot of DiMera organizations endowments and scholarship programs..the hospital has been re vamped, the doctors on staff are all the best trained.' He tried to let the obvious insult to her skills drop unnoticed, but she gave him a sideways glance that let him know it had struck home.

"The point is, the DiMeras have gone straight..it is better for business that way. EJ is not interested in old blood feuds any longer..he wants the family to step into the new world order and make the world better..no matter what he has to do to accomplish that!"

"You really expect me to believe that EJ is going to let Samantha pay for that..we both know she could never have bested my brother!"

Harris smirked, "You do not know what Samantha is capable of..and it is not your concern..all we want is your vote agreeing that she should pay for the crime..then your silence as to how we bought your vote. They will all think you did it to avenge your brother and to avenge yourself..she was instrumental in you losing your license, and what was once your life, remember? No one will suspect you were paid off, or that EJ did the paying."

"My God...he wants her dead, doesn't he..another woman! He has another woman! This is great..she is so getting what she deserves!" Lexie was certain that EJ had finally gone back to what he had been before he had involved himself with the town tramp!

Harris did not say anything to change her mind. All he wanted was her agreement for the correct vote when it happened.

The computer screen logged on, and EJ was looking at the images of the council on the web cam. The five men sitting down at the table looked grim. Each one greeted EJ, and flashed the signet ring that bound them all together. They waited respectfully for him to speak.

"I understand there has been accusation made against my wife. I also understand I am bound by the regulations protecting members of the lineage. So what proof is offered for these charges?" EJ went by the axiom of never ask a question you do not know the answer to, so he waited for the first one to answer him. This would be the person who was covering for Philip. The one who would offer plausible deniability.

Leister stood to go to the lecturn, and EJ felt the stab of disappointment. He had always had the utmost respect for the man, but knowing him to be the most pragmatic of the group, it did not surprise him.

"EJ, you know Stefano was like a brother to me, and I know how much he admired you as a boy..he always said you had the right stuff, and I believe him then, and I still believe it now. That is what makes this so hard for me to have to say."

"Go on". EJ kept his voice toneless.

"See for yourself, EJ, what more can I say? Stefano would have killed Celeste if she had drawn blood from another DiMera..and Samantha has done murder on the son of Stefano..vengeance must be upheld!"

EJ had long ago taken the oath, and all there knew he had. Some of them had sympathy for his predicament, but he knew the reasons for the oath. It was what kept assassination from being the accepted way to become head of the organization.

The screen was showing Samantha now, going into the room with Tony, then attacking him. The next scene showed her injecting him with something, and he had arched his back, stiffened, and then died in front of all of them on that projected image.

EJ knew the truth, and he being in the communications industry knew the images had been doctored. That information was not going to have much influence in this room though. They could smell the blood on him in the knowledge that he would not agree to murder his own wife. That would be his undoing!

Chapter XXXVII

To Chandler, the sight of Liam in Harris's arms was something she could look upon all day, but she did not have that luxury. The bed was warm and cozy, and she would have liked to linger, perhaps cuddling a bit with her husband before getting up to get ready. She sipped the tea Harris had brought in to her, and smiled at the cooing baby. This was her first day back at the studios to tape This Day in Salem since Liams birth, and she had to go over the program.

"This should be a great show, we are finally getting to speak with Theo Carver about his kidnapping!" Chandler reached for the baby from his fathers arms as she spoke. Liam was starting to get the burnished copper fuzz that his dad sported, but he had her solemn brown eyes. He also was like her in that he seemed to listen and weigh everything he heard, so serious, until he opened his mouth in that toothless grin, which deepened his dimple.

"Oh, and is Chelsea going to be on too?"Harris already knew the answer, but he was fishing for how much his wife was aware of. The less she knew, the better. Chandler, again, showed she was not to be taken lightly.

"Ahh, yes, the Investigative Roaming Girl Reporter, and just what part would she have in you and EJ's grander scheme, oh husband mine?" Her dimple also deepened as she smiled.

"EJ just wants good ratings..I want what EJ wants.!" Harris kissed her to shut her up, but it didn't work.

"There is something going on here, and I hope it does not mean we are going to be having any more adventures! I like my calm ordered life as it is". She began going over the list of questions she was preparing to ask Theo. Harris just watched, hoping all would go as EJ had predicted.

EJ knocked at the door, "May I come in Theo? It's EJ."

Theo opened the door to EJ, who came into the room and sat on the beds edge, reaching for and spinning the football that was lying on the pillow.

"You know what you have to do today, what to say to the lady? You aren't afraid are you?"

"I understand. How is my mother? Is she okay?"

"Of course, she is fine. No one is going to hurt her. She is anxious to see you..and she can take you to see your father later on. I am certain the sound of your voice will aid in his recovery!"

"Why are we doing this anyway, I just do not understand it..I know who did this to me, why can't I tell on him?"

"Theo, you and my children, we are all of the DiMera line, someone is trying to stop us from continuing on..right now there is myself, your mother, you, Harris, his son, and my four children, that makes nine. As each of you comes of age, one of the council must retire, that is not something the members wish to do. We must see that they do, as it is the express wish of Stefano DiMera, your grandfather, that the line remains in power."

"But Stefano was a bad guy..my Dad says so!"This was something Theo had been drilled with. He had seen how the words sometimes hurt his mother.

"You are not a bad guy Theo, I am not a bad guy, do you think Justin or Jessica are bad?"

"No.."Theo was faltering, "But why can't I tell who it was so the police can put them in jail?"

"Putting one in jail is not going to keep the rest of them from trying to do that to you again, or they could try with Justin, or Jessica..they do not want DiMeras around., so we have to trick them so they think they are safe! Ok, Theo..you have to be a man today! Your mother will be proud of you!" EJ had reached to straighten the tie on the boy, and pat his shoulders before leading him downstairs where Matthew and Chelsea were waiting to drive him to the studio.

Samantha was getting Justin ready for baseball practice, Jessica was on her way to gymnastic practice, and Ace would be going with her to the Doctor with Kacie. She was due for an assessment, and Sami was taking Ace to catch up on all his immunizations. The driver had pulled up in front of the mansions doors, and he was helping get them all buckled in.

EJ came over to give them all goodbye hugs, and to give a special admonishment to the driver.

"Take especial care with your assignments from now on, there was a report you were a little careless a few days back..I had a man follow you, and you did not write it up in your report that you were aware of a tail. Watch that!" EJ was stern as he looked at the drivers log for the day in question.

"Yessir..so sorry sir. I will remember that!"

Then EJ had turned to Samantha. "Take care darling, and call me when you leave the doctors office, I will pick up Jess and Just, and meet you all for dinner at the Pub..sound good?" when he left her, he kissed the top of her head, then decided that was not good enough, and picked her up for a full body smooch, spinning her til she was dizzy, and all the kids were giggling..even Ace.

Kate settled into the sofa, flicking the remote to turn the set onto the channel showing "This Day in Salem".

Chelsea had called her and asked her to tape it, excitedly telling her that she would be featured on it, and "Grandma Kate, you just have to watch this!" Matt and EJ had listened approvingly, giving her a thumbs up, good job signal.

Victor walked into the room with Philip. All of them had their eyes on the screen when Chandler introduced Chelsea Brady and Theo Carver. It took Kate but a moment to make the connection, and she gave a hard look at her son, before glaring at Victor.

As Chelsea told the story of following the kidnappers car to the lake, and sneaking up close enough to hear the sound of the person trapped in the trunk banging and crying to be let out, then how she had waited for them to leave before diving in and prying open the trunks lid..and hauling Theo to safety..it was a heroic effort, and she only wished she had been able to identify the fiends who had done this to poor Theo.." When Theo had collaborated on her story, the audience was applauding wildly, standing ovations all around, with Matt, Harris and EJ smiling in approval in the wings.

"You vile bastards..you told me it was two dead bodies in the trunk..not a helpless boy! Now the story is on the news..what if they find my fingerprints? Why didn't you kill him first?" Kate was spewing her venom, and then she saw who else had heard her confession.

Her other sons, Lucas and Austin, along with Hana had silently entered to hear both Chelsea, and Kate.

"Oh God..Lucas, Austin..I swear..this was not what it sounded like!".

Kate looked helplessly to both Philip and Victor, waiting for them to pull a rabbit out of a hat and save her from the look of horror on her sons faces.

"Relax, Kate, the boys have to be in on the family business sometime, now is as good a time as any for them to decide which side they are on." Victor calmly poured a drink, and offered one to Austin and Philip. Austin downed his in one gulp, as Philip sipped slowly. Lucas and Hana did not move, but stood like statues, too overcome by the horror of what they had heard to fully digest what it all meant.

Chapter XXXVIII

Lexie paced as she waited for Theo to call. She had watched his interview on the badly functioning set in the room, cursing each time it went mute on her. She got enough of it to know what an ordeal her son had been through. He also cried as he talked about his Grandmother and her terrible death. To his credit, he was stalwart as he told the lie about not seeing who had done this to him. Chelsea too, stood by his story. Her eyes never gave away her lies either, so she was protected.

The phone rang, and she picked it up breathlessly.."Mom?", came the trembling voice of her son, "Is this you?'

"Oh, yes baby, it is..it's me! God how I have missed you!" tears streamed down her face, and she knew for just the one phone call she would have agreed to any condition EJ had laid down. The vote she would cast would be easy, as she had not a care as to what happened with Sami.

Harris listened in on the call, and knew as long as EJ held out the promise of her being able to see Theo, she would stay in line. Things were falling into place nicely.

Looking at his watch, EJ saw it was time to pick up Justin and Jessica. His first stop was at his daughters Ballet Class. As he stood behind the mirrored glass with the other parents, he could not help but let his pride show in the beautiful little girl she was. Wisps of flax wheat colored hair were coming undone from her chignon, as she worked tirelessly at the bar on her plies. He saw her smile, with the two front teeth missing, and could not imagine her being any prettier when the gap had not been there. So much like her mother, she was, spirited, but with a heart so kind he hoped it would never be broken.

"Daddy! Did you see me do my bar exercise? Madame says I did it perfectly!" Jessica ran to hug her father, jumping up onto his shoulders in her exuberance. She smiled at all her little friends who were looking at her daddy, trying not to notice that their mommies were looking too! Her daddy was handsome, she was in complete agreement!

Sami rushed to the elevator, wishing she had used more forethought and brought Nanny with her. Ace was quite the handful, and trying to carry Kacie, while chasing him up and down the hospital corridor had made life interesting to say the least! Her driver was going around to the parking garage, so she had asked to be let off at the front entrance. Once he had the van situated, he would be coming in to help her, but for now she was on her own!

"Ace, baby, come back here, Mommy has to get Kacie to the Doctor on time..please sweetie?" She cajoled him, and he decided he would come out from behind the potted plant tree he was aiming to scale. Once she had his hand in her grip, she made sure not to loosen up until they were safely inside the reception area. The new array of toys in that place held his attention for the required two minutes it took her to get Kacie signed in.

Austin sat on the sofa with his head between his legs, wondering how his mother had managed to involve him in this, and how he was going to get out of it. Lucas was swallowing all the pills he had to take daily for his HIV protocol, giving Hana hers at the same time. Kate watched in revulsion, one sons weakness, one sons illness, both of them married to women she despised, and she wondered "where have I gone wrong raising my children?"

Only Philip had amounted to anything in her estimation, he had been able to become a member of the DiMera Council, and if things went right over the next day or so, she would have seen all her dreams realized. Money, power, and best of all, the final revenge on Samantha Brady! Her other sons may be weak and useless, but Philip was the best of both her and Victor, no silly conscious, willing to be ruthless when necessary, and kind when it suited him.

Austin had told the servants to see that Annaliese and his son remained in the rooms given to them. He wanted them away from this. Hana had not known what else to do but remain by the side of her husband. As each detail of what was going to happen was revealed, she felt the fear of death stalk her and Lucas. They were in such trouble, she knew in her heart.

The vote was to take place at midnight, Salem time. All over the world different members of the council were making arrangements to be available at that time. Victor and Philip looked at the clocks they had arranged to be set at the varying times and waited.

Justin was in the batting cage, swinging at anything and everything. Jessica leaned up against the screen willing her brother to hit it! He missed four of every five, but finally he did connect with a mighty swing which made her yell yea! He looked back at her, annoyed at first, but then softening into a smile for her. She was such a ninny! His mates were rooting too, for his hit was a knock em outa the park hit! Finishing his allotment of balls, he came out, tossing his helmet on the equipment pile while he changed out of his shirt.

"What time do we have to meet Mom?" Justin was anxious to tell his mother about his day, he was very close to her, even to the point of being protective. EJ knew this about his son, and felt enormous pride in the boy.

"She should be about done at Kacies checkup, then she has to take Ace to the pediatrician for his immunization check up..so..looks like about another hour and a half we have to kill. How about spoiling dinner with an ice cream?"