Is there anyone out there?

-d-d-d-d-

Theresa slipped into the classroom where Shawn was currently doing a demonstration for his students. As he got up, he spotted her. She gave him a little waved. He nodded and returned his attention to his students.

"Okay, pair up and give the move a shot," he instructed. "I'll be in the back of the room if you need a hand."

Theresa leaned against the wall waiting for him to join her. When he did, he stood in front of her, blocking her from view. It was a move they'd been taught at an early age; make sure you don't let anyone see your mouth move in case they can read lips.

Sometimes having half of your family as a member of one law enforcement agency or another came in handy.

"So?"

"Eric called," Theresa revealed. "It's Will."

"My God," Shawn breathed. "How?"

"Susan Banks's grief reached epic proportions," Theresa shook her head. "She has Will believing he's EJ."

"Say again?"

"Totally brainwashed," Theresa nodded. "Sami is freaking out."

"He doesn't remember anything?" Shawn double checked.

"Nothing," Theresa shook her head.

"How's Theo?" Shawn asked about the younger man his daughter was dating.

"Still unconscious," Theresa admitted. "Ciara called. She got home safe."

"That's something," Shawn nodded and moved on to his cousin, "J.J.?"

"Isn't answering his cell," Theresa shook her head. "Stephanie's been calling for hours. She is really worried. Johnson men, last name notwithstanding, do not do well when they feel like they've let everyone down."

"Neither do Horton men. Maybe I should go home for a while," Shawn mused.

"It is almost Christmas," Theresa pointed out. "I'm sure your mom and Claire would like to see you."

"I don't like leaving you and Steph alone for the holiday."

"We won't be," Theresa smiled. "My folks called this morning. They tracked Drew down. They'll be here in about a week."

"Make sure they stay until I get back. I haven't seen Drew in a while and neither has Eric. I'll bring him back with me for a few days. We can do the Brady men bonding thing."

"Good idea," Theresa said. "Nicole taking off the way she did really messed him up."

"I know," Shawn promised. "I should get back to teaching."

"And I need to get back to testing," Theresa said. "Come get me when you're done."

"Okay," Shawn nodded his head and watched Theresa leave before he turned back to his class and caught a couple of his students staring at his cousin's disappearing form. "Ahem. Back to practicing, please."

The trainees all had the grace to look a bit embarrassed and avoided his eyes.

-d-d-d-d-d-

Theresa stood at the foot of her bed folding clothes absently as she thought of everything her family, blood or not, was going through back in Salem.

"I got hold of Aunt Jen," Stephanie entered the room without knocking and sat on Theresa's bed.

"And?"

"JJ was cleared by IA," Stephanie informed her.

"Abe's not gonna like that," Theresa shook her head, putting aside the shirt she'd folded and climbing on the bed to lie on her side.

Stephanie lay on her back and brought her legs up so her feet were flat on Theresa's blanket covered bed, "Yeah, he's not happy, but, mayor or not, he can't do anything about it."

"Steph, why don't you go home for the holiday? I'm sure your folks would love it."

"I mentioned it to Mom, and Marlena told her it wouldn't be good for Will to have a lot of people shoved in his face."

"Then invite them here," Theresa suggested. "Mom and Dad are coming. I'm sure our moms would love to spend the holiday together."

"You sure?"

"Yes," Theresa nodded enthusiastically. "They could use the distraction the girls will provide."

"First Christmas without Joey," Stephanie nodded sadly.

"How's he doing?"

"He writes that he's dealing the best he can," Stephanie shook her head. "I wish he'd let me visit."

"Does he let your folks?"

"Yes, but he keeps it short," Stephanie admitted.

"Do you think if I sent him a letter, he'd write me?"

Stephanie turned her head to look at her cousin, "Really?"

"Yeah," Theresa nodded. "Family's family, even if they're in jail."

"I kinda love you," Stephanie smiled.

"Right back at you," Theresa grinned.

-d-d-d-d-

And everything looks better in gold and green

The lights on the trees shining all through the city

Are the prettiest I've ever seen

And the world decides to sleep safe tonight

Theresa smiled as she looked out the window of the living room after they'd had dinner. It was Christmas Eve and she, her parents, her brother, and her girls were under the same roof for the holiday. Who could ask for a better present?

"Hey, Kid," Steve walked up beside her and handed her a glass. "It's just iced tea."

"Thanks," Theresa smiled. "How are you and Aunt Kay doing?"

"This helps," he admitted.

"And your eyesight?"

"Good enough to enjoy seein' the looks on your girls' faces tonight," he smiled.

Theresa looked over to where her girls were sitting with her mom, Aunt Kayla, and Stephanie, playing with their toys. Her gaze skipped over to where her dad and Drew were playing chess, each with a glass of port and a smile.

"It's a good night," she murmured.

"It is," Steve agreed and clinked his glass with hers.

"I should be getting them to bed," Theresa looked over her shoulder.

"Let me," Kimberly stood up.

"Mom, are you sure?"

"I'll help her," Kayla chimed in.

"Okay," Theresa nodded. "Thanks."

Her mom and aunt brought the girls over so Theresa could kiss them and whisper goodnight before heading upstairs.

"They're not the only tired ones," Stephanie yawned.

"I think the time difference is starting to catch up with me," Drew agreed.

"Drew, you sure you're okay above the garage?" Theresa asked her brother.

"I'll be fine," he assured her.

"Okay," Theresa nodded and gave him a hug, "Night, Big Brother."

"See you in the morning," Drew smiled before he exited with a wave.

"Dad, you and Mom are in my room," Stephanie double checked.

"Yeah," Steve nodded.

"And Dad, you and Mom are in the room across the walkway," Theresa nodded.

"That we are," Shane nodded. "Why don't you and Stephanie go on? Tell your mother I'll be up soon."

"Stephanie, tell your mom the same," Steve said.

"Alright," the girls agreed before hugging their respective fathers and heading upstairs.

"What's up?" Steve turned to his friend once they were alone.

"I wanted to thank you."

"Thank me?" Steve was confused.

"You could've called Brady as soon as you laid eyes on my granddaughters. I know John's a good friend," Shane elaborated.

"I won't lie. I thought about it. But to be honest? The way Brady's behavin' back in Salem is enough for me to keep their existence to myself."

"That's the other reason Kim and I are here. We want to talk to Theresa about her mother and I suing Brady for custody of Tate," Shane admitted.

"Big step," Steve observed. "You know if it backfires, Brady might not let any of Theresa's family near Tate again."

"Like he's been doing such a good job of it so far? Kim talked to Roman the other day. Brady hasn't brought Tate to see Caroline in months," Shane reported.

"I didn't know, Man. I'm sorry," Steve shook his head. "Speakin' of Theresa's family, have you talked to Eve lately?"

"Last night," Shane nodded.

"She know about this?"

"No. Right now, my oldest is focused on making her late husband's family suffer."

"Sounds about right," Steve nodded. "Any chance of her mother talkin' sense to her?"

"Gabrielle has been out of touch for a long time. I wouldn't even know where to begin looking for her," Shane admitted.

Steve nodded silently, "We should head up."

"You go on. I'll see you in the morning," Shane shook the other man's hand.

Once he was alone he checked his watch and did the mental math, calculating the time. It was only a little after seven in California but he doubted the lawyer he and Kim had consulted would still be in the office on Christmas Eve.

That didn't mean he couldn't leave a message he reasoned and fished his cellphone from his pocket.

Once the outgoing message played, Shane left his own, instructing the man to have his Illinois contact draw up the preliminary paperwork for custody of Tate.

After he'd hung up, he shut the lights off and headed upstairs to turn in for the night.