Time: New Year's Day 2003
Place: Montreal

Shane checked the contents of the email one more time before gliding the curser over the send button and clicking his mouse. The computer which belonged to an old friend long since retired from the agency was already programmed with Patrick's latest code. Unfortunately, its usefulness wouldn't last more than a month, maybe two. A new one was on their list of projects that included too many other things, like their ISA work, the twins' DNA, and now, finding a bolt hole to stash Murphy if Tony was right about him. Shane still had his doubts.

Swiveling his chair around to the one-way picture sized window, Shane leaned back and watched Murphy's pacing. Having polished off breakfast, Colin had done some investigating of his tiny cell and now appeared restless though he hadn't pounded on the window yet, or tried yelling to get anyone's attention. In fact, Shane got the impression that he expected a particular individual to come walking through the door, and not necessarily the one he was going to get.

A missed opportunity perhaps. They should have arranged for an actor to impersonate Stefano, just to see how Colin reacted. It might have provided them with a more accurate picture of what was truly going on, because Shane suspected the tie between them ran deeper than merely business.

Something about the man grated on Shane. He'd listened to Bo's tirade about him as they'd worked together finding Hope, several times in fact but then he'd been forced to listen to Bo going on about Tony for hours too. Yes, Colin worked for Stefano and he had questionable habits. But Shane had plenty of experience with sleazy characters over the years and besides, he found Shawn's fondness for his nephew completely out of line considering Bo's attitude. Shawn Sr. was almost over protective and Shane had witnessed a rather unpleasant scene one day at lunch when he'd lit into Bo and told him to knock off with the continual ragging on his cousin. Wisely, Bo had not argued back, but Shane knew both he and his brother worried about their father's health even more than his feelings.

After that day, he was positive that Shawn knew more about Colin, things he kept to himself but when Shane tried to draw him out, Shawn clammed up immediately, told Shane that he ought to be concentrating on the real problem; Tony DiMera. Whatever his secret, it worried the elder Brady enough that he didn't want to share it with his sons and that caused Shane more than his share of sleepless nights during the previous month.

And of course there was the file.

One of Stefano DiMera's personal files detailing Murphy's past. Too bad they couldn't get their hands on it but its contents had to be damning enough or Colin wouldn't have agreed to shoot his cousin when Welsh threatened to send the file to the ISA.

"Ah, good morning." Tony greeted him as he stepped into the room and shut the heavy metal door behind him. Shane noted how pleased he sounded with himself.
"Aren't you a bit early?" he asked, his tone dry.
Tony shook his head. "You know Anna; she's never been a morning person."
"I probably wouldn't be either if you dragged me out of bed at two in the morning."
Making a beeline over to the window to get a look at Colin, Tony leaned up against the wall so that Shane had only a partial view of his face. "I'm sorry, were we that noisy?"
"No, I just happened to be up checking on our guest here," said Shane, trying to sound nonchalant, "and I felt like some tea…"

For a split second, so brief in fact that Shane thought he might have imagined it, Tony actually appeared to be embarrassed but it vanished quickly beneath a smile and a shrug. "Oh, that. We were celebrating and we ah…well, you know," he finished, deliberately avoiding Shane's eyes as he scanned the room for coffee.

But Shane couldn't resist. "Celebrating?"

Spotting a carafe on a table near the door, Tony ignored the question until he'd poured himself some lukewarm coffee. Facing Shane with his cup, he announced, "We're getting married." And then, as a tiny smile tugged at the corner of his mouth, he added, "Again."

Shane felt an immediate urge to swear at him but caught himself in time. In view of the lousy situation, they certainly had as much right as anyone else to grab a little happiness. They'd waited long enough. And it hardly seemed fair asking them to put it off simply because it would make Shane's job less complicated.

"I know," Tony said quietly, as if reading his mind.

Shane raised his eyes from the computer keyboard he'd been staring at to find Tony gazing back at him apologetically. Forcing a smile onto his face, Shane managed to say in polite tone, "Well, thanks but I doubt she'd feel that was a decent enough excuse to put off whatever plans the two of you have."

"It's not exactly something I planned on doing…"
"No, but you were thinking about it." Shane finished for him.
Tony nodded. "I should never have allowed Stefano's behavior to influence me the way it did before," he said, his regret obvious. "Definitely a mistake on my part."
"You don't know that," Shane argued, though silently, he couldn't quite stifle the guilt that rose up hauntingly like a specter, reminding him of his own mistakes. "Staying out of her life might be the reason she's still alive, unlike Kristen."

"Perhaps," said Tony, frowning, "on the other hand…" but he didn't continue his thought and after a moment's awkward silence, he shrugged. "At this point, all I care about is her and the twins. Walking away the first time was…" a grimace shot across his face and he looked down. "It's not going to happen again, which reminds me," he said, his eyes darting up to Shane's, "I have a favor to ask of you."

Shane made a show of sighing impatiently. "Another one?"
"Yes well, I'm afraid we need a witness."
"A witness?" laughed Shane, "hell you need a justice of the peace."
"I took care of that already," Tony informed him casually.
Impressed, Shane chuckled at the thought that when he was motivated, it was amazing what Tony was able to accomplish. "It's not even nine o'clock on New Year's morning."
But Tony merely smiled.
"I see, keeping secrets, are we? And I guess if it's not me, you'll have to ask the cook."

"Damn," said Tony, his frown definitely mocking, "I forgot about her, but if I really get desperate, I suppose I could always ask Colin," he grinned, nodding towards the window.
"That'd be a brilliant way to jinx your wedding."

Mischievousness flashed in Tony's eyes. "I guess you've never heard the story of our first wedding? I doubt even Colin could top that, and here we are," he chuckled, almost to himself, "despite everything."

Shane turned to smirk at the computer. The story of Tony and Anna's first ceremony had made its way around town several times in fact, and Shane remembered that he'd been shocked at the time, and not because she'd gotten him drunk. Their relationship, thoroughly entertaining by any standards, had kept tongues wagging in Salem for years and yet it had survived long past many others he could name that started out more promisingly. Perhaps because neither had any illusions about the other. "You did tell her about Marlena," said Shane suddenly.

Surprised at the change of subject, Tony hesitated before he asked, "You mean about the twins?"
"I mean about everything," Shane said, eyeing him pointedly and immediately noticed the annoyance that flashed across Tony's face before his expression became more guarded.
"I told her what I know for certain, which at the moment entails keeping Stefano happy, and what we suspect about Cassie and Rex."
A frown creased Shane's forehead. "You're the one who was so sure about the letters."
"That's not the same as remembering," Tony informed him in a stiff voice.
"Now, you're splitting hairs."

The fact that Tony paused a moment to consider the implications, and didn't take exception at his partner's intrusion into his relationship made Shane appreciate just how much he cared about her. He wasn't just latching on because he was lonely. And accepting that fact made him ask himself how on earth had Tony found the strength to walk away all those years ago? How had he managed to stay away, especially after Anna moved to Europe?

"To tell you the truth, I haven't figured out what to do or say about the letters," Tony admitted to him finally.

With visions of his own past running through his memory, Shane asked, "You think it won't make a difference to her that you were aware of their existence beforehand and chose not to tell her?"
Instead of the smart ass remark Shane was expecting, Tony chuckled. "This isn't Marlena we're talking about."
"No, it's not," Shane agreed. "And I've heard more than my share of stories about Anna's jealousy, several that are still legendary in Brady circles."
"I'm sure they are," he laughed, apparently unconcerned.
Confused, Shane kept silent, waiting.
"Anna and I, we ah…well, it's hard to explain our peculiar version of trust. It's certainly not the normal everyday variety, not with our history so perhaps the only way to put it is to say that we honor our connection, even when it isn't necessarily evident to anyone else." He shrugged. "We're rather fond of elbow room and spontaneity as opposed to…"
"Yes?" Shane finally prompted after a long pause but Tony just shook his head.
"If something happened between Marlena and I all those years ago, Anna won't be thrilled by any means, but the reason for that is complicated," he said, amusement in his voice, but not his eyes. "I tease her about being jealous, but that's not it really. You see, she's insecure, at least when it comes to me and although we both share responsibility for that, I'd rather not compound the problem without a better reason than what we've got so far."

Shane bit back the laughter that welled up at this response. Most people who didn't know Tony would assume that little performance was meant as reassurance, but Shane knew exactly what he meant…butt out. And he did it with such elegance that getting upset with him was simply out of the question. "Well, what time do you need me to be there?"

The surprise on Tony's face gave way to a look of gratitude, a look Shane had rarely ever seen. "Four o'clock."
Shane nodded. "Okay, I suppose I can handle that, but no pictures."
"That's rather the least of our problems, don't you think?"
Deciding it was better to act as though the question was rhetorical, Shane asked. "So did you bring it with you?"
"Yes," said Tony, thinking back to their last telephone conversation, "Yes, I brought it, but it's a bloody waste of time if you ask me."
"My time," Shane reminded him as he reached over to the keyboard.
"I'm still not so sure he didn't fabricate the whole thing but even if he didn't, whatever the hell went on back in Ireland all those years ago doesn't matter. He's merely using it to rile me."
Shane ignored the outburst. "Tell me again, exactly."

Perturbed, Tony leaned up against the table behind him. "Alright, suit yourself," he grumbled, setting down his cold coffee, and picking up the phone to call down to the kitchen for a fresh pot. After he hung up, he folded his arms across his chest, his disgust still clearly evident. "There was an affair. He didn't mention names, except to say the woman was a Brady and her lover, some member of the DiMera family. Sounded like it might have been one of his brothers, but that's just my impression. Anyway there was a child."

"The child he accuses Shawn Brady of murdering."
"No, actually, he accused him of two murders."
That got Shane's attention quickly. "Who, the child's father?"
Tony's gaze drifted away, and he seemed troubled. "According to what he's written in the journal, he and my mother's eldest son."
"I thought you were her..."
"Me too." Tony said, not bothering to let him finish.
Shane glanced over with a frown. "So, you're not buying any of it? Why?"

"Come on Shane, think about it. You know how my fa…Stefano operates, he's a master at manipulating the truth, twisting until it no longer even resembles its original form." Tony's mouth settled into a bitter line. "Until it becomes even more monstrous than a lie. I have little doubt about the fact that something happened between the two of them, or at least between the two families, Shawn's behavior lately only makes me more certain, but I wouldn't be expecting to find the truth of it in that journal, if I were you.

"Yes," said Shane, looking down for a moment, uncomfortable about having to witness Tony's pain that slipped to the surface as he spoke about the past. "I think you're right about Shawn. He's definitely hiding a secret from everyone, except I get the strangest feeling that if Colin doesn't know what it is, he's somehow connected."

Tony's gaze shot over to the window where he could see Colin, still pacing back and forth across his cell. "How?"
"That's why I wanted the journal."
"You might be disappointed because it doesn't even mention Colin."
"No, but there are dates, correct?"
Tony just shook his head at him. "It's a waste of time, but no matter. The journal is up in my room and I'll make sure you have it before you leave, though I'd appreciate you copying it as soon as possible. I'd rather Bart and Rolf not get wind it's missing. I don't know that either of them suspects Stefano is alive, but after his last message, I'm afraid it's possible that one of them could be providing our unknown friend with information."
Shane didn't like the sound of this one bit. "That's not good."
"No, and I'm starting to loathe that house." Tony was scowling, his eyes on Colin but Shane could tell he wasn't really paying any attention to him. "Between John who insists on planting bugs every chance he gets and a staff I can't trust, I feel like I'm living in a fishbowl."

Shane rubbed his eyes. "If that's the case, I have to wonder how much longer we can keep this up. You know it is possible Stefano is onto us already and just playing you."
"My, isn't that a cheerful thought," laughed Tony, despite sounding thoroughly disgusted.
"I'm serious," said Shane, leveling a stern gaze in his partner's direction but Tony's laughter, now sounding hopeless, continued on for another few moments before he finally relented.
"Sorry, but I've been expecting that from the beginning. I've always known it was just a matter of time before he figured out what I was up to," said Tony, eyeing him carefully. "Come on, admit it, so did you."
Shane had to nod in agreement, but at the same time a new possibility occurred to him. "Perhaps, we should try using John's bug to our advantage."
"You mean, let him hear that you've been lying to him all this time?"
"Maybe if he finds out that way…"
But a burst of laughter interrupted this thought. "You didn't see our little brotherly reunion at the cemetery yesterday," Tony informed him bitterly. "He's even angrier with me now then when I arrived in town. If it wasn't for Marlena, he wouldn't be bothering with the listening devices, no doubt I'd find him in my living room with a gun. Hell, just sending those flowers earned me a sore jaw."
Shane had to hide his smile behind his hand. "Yes well, you've certainly hit a nerve when it comes to Marlena."
"Kind of makes me wonder about the stability of that marriage," Tony said with a snort. "He's acting pretty insecure these days."
"After the lengths your father has gone to trying to steal her away, wouldn't you be?"

Taking another deep breath, Tony nodded, though he didn't look pleased. "I feel like we're getting nowhere lately, it's just so damn frustrating," he snarled.
"In that case, why don't we see what kind of information our guest has for us." said Shane, standing up and hitting a button beneath his desk. Colin's cell door popped open.
Smiling at Tony, Shane gestured at the door. "All yours."

Colin stood waiting as Tony entered. His eyes narrowed for a moment and then glanced at the window before darting over to rest on Tony again. "Where is he?"
"He?" Tony had to swallow his grin. "I presume you're talking about my father."
"Damn it, Tony. Don't play with me."
Tony didn't both to cover up his laugher now. "Or what? I think you're hardly in a position to be setting any parameters for this little discussion. In fact, you're lucky to be here at all." he told Colin with a cold glare. "My sister nearly ended up in prison, thanks to you."

The confusion on Colin's face appeared to be genuine. "I don't know what kind of game this is, but whatever I did for Welsh, I was ordered to do, exactly in the same way all the other instructions were delivered to me, since the first day I began working for the old man. It all came from Rolf."

What a surprise, Tony thought sarcastically, and then to Colin, "So, Rolf ordered you to arrange Larry's release?"
"Yes," Colin insisted emphatically.
Tony stared, the expression on his face deathly still.
"Ask him," Colin said, looking at the window again, the merest hint of desperation creeping into his voice.
"Oh Colin," Tony purred. "Who do you think gave me the information that led to you?"
A trickle of sweat appeared on Colin's forehead and ran slowly down the side of his face. "Stefano told you that I was responsible?"
"Oh yes. With much glee I might add. He spilled every detail of your operation."
Swallowing convulsively, Colin shook his head. "Tony…I swear to you…"
"What? You were only following my father's orders?" Tony snapped.
"I don't understand why he would tell you something like this, these orders came from him, for heaven's sake." The desperation in his eyes was growing and he'd backed up until he hit the far wall.
Tony decided that it was time to try out his theory about Rolf. "How do you know for sure the orders came from Stefano?"
"Because it was Rolf," Colin yelled back at him, as though it should have been obvious.
Tony shrugged. "Perhaps Rolf was delivering the message for someone else this time."
"Someone else? Rolf works for your father."

"Rolf works for the DiMera family," Tony informed him, his eyes boring into Colin's. "Not just my father. For all we know Rolf had an agenda of his own, or there is someone else in the family with a reason to harm my sister and the money necessary to sway dear old Rolf."
Colin opened his mouth but paused. He eyed Tony suspiciously. "You're fishing," he said, breathing a bit easier.
But Tony shook his head. "I told you, Stefano is the one who requested I set up this meeting."
"Then I…I don't understand." Colin's fear was beginning to get the better of him.

"Yes, obviously," Tony sneered. At that moment came a knock on the window. Colin jumped. "I suggest you think long and hard about remembering all the details of your conversations with the good doctor," Tony instructed him, as he turned to the door and waited for it to unlatch, "because I'll be expecting to hear about every last one of them when I return."

Back in the office space with Shane, Tony looked at him questioningly and Shane pointed to the computer.
"What?" Tony asked, but one more glance in Shane's direction was enough to tell him that something was terribly wrong. Grabbing his glasses from his pocket, he sat down in front of the screen where there was an email, from Patrick. Just two short sentences.

"DNA test complete. Colin Murphy is the biological son of Andre DiMera."

"Oh shit," whispered Tony.