Chapter 29: We Could Bear Some Bad News – Tuesday, November 15th, 2016

Tragedy had struck Salem once more. Exiting the freezing elevator, Martin rubbed his hands together as he walked down the hall of Salem Inn towards the room where Kate's body was discovered by housekeeping. Though Diego had reached out the night before, the commissioner was unable to meet with him because there was a hostage situation nearby that continued through most of the night. There was too much chaos in Salem.

Finding Hope, John, and Arianna standing in the hallway, Martin asked, "What do we have?"

Hope turned to Martin and reported, "Forensics is currently combing through the place to see if they can find anything. It will be somewhat difficult since we're at the Salem Inn, and Kate only reserved the room last night." She moved her hair from her face unable to escape knowing Bo was on his way to speak with Chelsea and tell her the news of her grandmother's death.

Still in shock and knowing Marlena would be devastated by this turn of events, John stated, "Kate was found hung in the bathroom, which makes this different from the other hangings. Why was she hung inside and not outside?"

"There were too many possible witnesses?" Martin hypothesized.

Arianna countered, "But what about those found outside of their apartment buildings?"

Offering a reason, Hope replied, "Well, here you have staff in the lobby who are awake through the night. That's not usually the case at an apartment complex. Security is definitely tighter here than most apartments fortunately and unfortunately."

"I have a feeling that will change soon," John suggested. He hated that the level of danger seemed to only get worse.

Martin nodded his head and remembered his conversation with the mayor on how she hoped to help promote safer streets in Salem. "Do we know why Kate was here?"

Arianna answered, "We still don't know exactly. The team at her apartment already questioned her son, Philip, and he has no clue. My guess is that she must not have been alone when she checked in. As Hope stated, the room is in her name, so if she wasn't alone we'll have to question those who were here to see if they saw anyone."

Crossing his arms, Martin pushed through the exhaustion he was fighting and said, "I need to check in with the other team and make sure they know to withhold Kate's name as being the latest victim. We need to gather as much information as possible. I think the killer made his first big mistake, and we're going to catch the bastard because of it."

(*)*(*)*(*)

Joining Lucas on the couch inside his brother's home, Philip miserably shared, "The cops are at mom's hoping to find something that can help them figure out why this happened."

Lucas wiped his face and still couldn't believe the news. "This doesn't make sense. What was mom doing there in the first place? Why wasn't she at her place with you?"

Philip closed his eyes. He didn't want to be alone, but he didn't really want to process through this with Lucas. "Like I told you on the phone, I don't know anything except it's possible she could've been seeing someone because she wasn't coming home recently. I don't know why anyone would do this to her. She doesn't have anything to do with the hangings." He thought about how he had to identify the body.

"What about Brady?" Lucas abruptly released.

"What about him?"

Lucas shook his head. "Don't you remember how he pretty much threatened mom in the office? Maybe he's connected somehow."

Reflecting on how upset Brady was that day, Philip considered the possibility that his deceased sister's son could be responsible for his mother's death. "There's no way Brady could be involved. He was mad at mom, but he would never kill anyone."

Lucas knew his mind was working overtime to make sense of this anyway he could. He was beside himself and wasn't sure if he would ever work through this. "Maybe Victor knows something."

Philip's thoughts went to Victor. He remembered how Kate tricked he and his father into dinner. Her plan didn't work. There was nothing that could help them at this point, but he could tell Lucas needed answers now.

As Philip debated talking to his dad, Lucas got a call from his wife. He answered. "Hey…"

"Hey…" Sophie began. "I just dropped Allie off at school. I can come home if you want."

Lucas glanced over to Philip. "I'm with my brother, so you don't have to call in to work. I will call you if I need anything. I love you."

"I love you," Sophie released.

Putting his phone down, Lucas abruptly turned to Philip trying to hold in his tears. He kept thinking about how things were better between him and Kate. This wasn't supposed to end this way. "We need to call Billie, Austin, Cassie, and Rex to tell them the news. We have to tell them not to say anything to anyone else though." When Philip nodded his head, Lucas added, "I'm really going to need you more than ever — here, at Hearth and Home…"

Lucas had no clue that Philip planned to leave the business. That news died with his mother. Seeing the anguish in his brother's eyes, Philip felt he had no choice but to agree. "Of course. Mom wouldn't want it any other way."

Looking down, Lucas shook his head. "I still need to tell Will and Allie. Will's birthday is tomorrow." He wasn't sure if he could do this.

(*)*(*)*(*)

Prepared for a usual Tuesday, Chelsea was about to head out for work when her father arrived. "Dad, what are you doing here? I have a client, so if you were expecting an impromptu breakfast, I'm sorry… I just don't have time."

Seeing his daughter in front of him completely unaware of what happened the night before crushed Bo. He didn't want her to feel the pain from the news he had to share. "There's something you need to know, Chel…"

"Chelsea, have you left yet?" Safiya called out before entering the main room of their apartment. "I'm doing dinner with Will and Chad. You in?" When she saw Bo standing there, she stopped walking and released, "Oh. I didn't know we had company."

Chelsea kept her eyes on Bo because of the tone in his voice. "My dad is here because he wants to tell me something." She noted it had to be serious. "What is it? Is it Theo?"

Bo shook his head as he swallowed hard. "No," he harshly inhaled. He then exhaled, "It's your grandmother, Kate. I'm sorry to tell you this, but… but she was murdered."

Murdered? In complete shock, Chelsea fell into her father's arms. She mentally replayed what her dad said and tried to make sense of this. Was this real? "What do you mean? What happened?" She felt herself leaving her body because this didn't seem real.

Bo held his daughter close. "I'd rather not share too much now in case I don't have all the correct information."

As Chelsea began to cry, Safiya teared up as well. "I should check in with Will." She wanted to give Chelsea and Bo privacy while also being helpful.

Putting his hand out, Bo stopped Chelsea's roommate. "Don't. Lucas may not have told him yet."

Safiya froze in place and gave Bo a look to show she understood. Playing with the ring her father gave her, she thought about losing her mother. She didn't know what to do about Will's dinner invitation.

Chelsea continued to struggle with the news as she thought about her rocky relationship with Kate over the years. Even though she apologized later for it, she couldn't forget how she told Kate she believed Maddalena was a better grandmother. Now, her grandmother was gone forever.

(*)*(*)*(*)

Brunch had been made at Dario and Sonny's, but Sonny refused to come down to eat any of it. Returning to the dining room, Will reported, "Chad had to leave for work. We have a band scheduled to record at The Chill and someone has to be there." After walking Chad to the door, he attempted to call Kate again, but she didn't answer. He figured they would continue to play phone tag; she had already informed him she planned to take him out for his birthday since she missed his party.

Discouraged, Gabi shared, "Dario went upstairs again to see if he can convince Sonny to come down. Maybe I should have gone with him."

"Where's Alex?" Will asked next. He glanced at his phone wondering why he hadn't heard from Safiya. He hoped she and Chelsea could join them for dinner.

"I think he went upstairs, too," T answered through his anxiety. This was the first time he stood inside Dario and Sonny's mansion. It was a big step for him. He cleared his throat before saying, "Since I have the two of you alone, I have decided to let everyone know I am alive sooner rather than later. I don't want to wait until the weekend or until my parents are in a place where it's convenient. I just want to get this over with."

With the way brunch failed, Gabi feared the same would happen with T's parents. Uncertainty sounded in her voice as she said, "I understand you're worried, and, trust me, I want to put an end to this as well, but are you sure about this?"

T nodded his head. "I think I'll go to Salem U tomorrow and just tell my dad. He'll call my mom in, and we can all talk. You can be there if you want."

Nervously glancing towards Will, Gabi conceded, "I don't think you should be alone during this."

Though he felt as if he was being pulled in every direction, Will figured Gabi and T could use all the support they could get. "I can be there as well." He felt bad because he barely spent any time at The Chill since returning from Safiya's tour. He told himself he would help Chad later. They needed to discuss Sonny and Dario's bachelor party anyway.

Upstairs, Dario ran his hand through his hair because he was tired of standing outside Sonny's room. He had knocked a few times, but Sonny wouldn't answer. When he was about to go inside, Alex swiftly moved to stop him by grabbing his hand. Feeling stuck, he made eye contact with Sonny's brother and sternly directed, "Let go of my hand."

Alex backed off but still urged Dario not to just barge inside. "Going in there like that would be a huge mistake. He's been in his room since yesterday, and he doesn't want to be bothered. I will take care of Sonny today and talk to him. I promise I will let him know how worried you are about him. I've got everything covered."

Dario shook his head wishing he had access to his fiancé — if that's who Sonny still was. "I'll be at work. If he wants to talk to me, just call or text me, and I'll be home." He moved closer to Alex's face to make sure he heard him. "I will come home immediately."

"I understand," Alex claimed noting the aggressiveness in Dario. He encouragingly patted Dario on his back before entering Sonny's room alone.

Sonny rolled over to the other side of his bed. His back faced his brother. "I'm not hungry."

Alex sighed and divulged, "I'm not going to make you eat now. I just came to check on you."

Sitting up, Sonny glanced at his oldest brother surprised that it was him who entered the room. "Where's Dario?"

Giving Sonny a disappointed look, Alex answered, "He went to work already. I guess he figured there was no point in sticking around."

Sonny turned away. He wondered if Dario had given up on him. A pang of guilt hit him as he realized he wanted Dario to come inside and fight for him. Why was he weak? Why couldn't he just tell Dario how much he wanted him? There was no way he could win here.

(*)*(*)*(*)

Meanwhile, EJ and Sami walked down the stairs because they started their morning rather late. Fortunately for them, Jade helped Johnny and Sydney get ready for school before taking them. "Is Julian still asleep?"

Sami nodded her head. "I may need to stay home today. He was up most of the night with a slight fever."

"Is he okay now?" EJ asked with concern. He didn't understand why Sami didn't wake him to let him know their youngest wasn't feeling well.

Recognizing the look on her husband's face, Sami assured, "He's fine. It wasn't really anything to worry about. Cuddles with mommy seemed to help him fight through it."

Entering the living room from the foyer, EJ cleverly commented, "Your being near seems to cure many ailments."

Sami beamed as she looked into EJ's eyes for a moment before her thoughts turned elsewhere. They didn't have time for fun. "So, what are we going to do about what Anna told me?"

EJ remembered how Anna claimed she saw Renée with Alessandro and Peter. He didn't know what to make of it because it could have easily been the two approaching Renée together or separately. "For now, we need to keep a closer eye on Renée, especially after my conversation with Lexie on her suspicions of how Renée got that will from father when she claims she was hiding from him. Things just don't add up."

Crossing her arms under her chest, Sami wished Renée had remained in hiding. "She's definitely up to something. We just need to figure out what it is and if Peter and Alessandro are connected."

EJ agreed and added, "Peter has joined the table. He is looking to form closer ties to the families which he will soon regret." Wishing he and his wife could just enjoy each other, he reluctantly moved on. "I want to talk to Melanie and Gabi as well to see if they've had any contact with Nicholas."

"Because of Vivian and Lawrence?"

"Yes," EJ confirmed. "I know Vivian grabbed that solution in Italy to bring Lawrence back, but I am not completely sure how she managed to do that when he's been dead for years…"

"Supposedly…" Sami commented.

"Right." Placing his hand on his wife's shoulders, EJ gently squeezed them. "Samantha, we will get through this and live our lives how we want. This will all be over soon."

Frank found himself entering the DiMera mansion feeling confused and nervous about the news he had just received. In his mind, it put him in a dangerous position. Though EJ and Sami were talking, he didn't think he was interrupting anything important because he believed this took precedence. "I have news."

"What is it?" EJ wondered as he attempted to read Frank's body language.

Frank anxiously announced, "Kate Roberts is dead. She is the latest victim of the Hangman Killer."

Sami stepped forward and almost laughed. "What?" She didn't believe Frank's news for a second. "Kate's not dead…"

Confirming it, Frank expounded, "Sources tell me her body was discovered inside one of the rooms at the Salem Inn. The police force is working to uncover as much as they can hoping to put a stop to this."

With her phone in her hand, Sami dialed Lucas's number. "This can't be happening." She had realized this wasn't a joke.

Remembering how Kate called and left a voicemail the night before, EJ watched as Sami frantically placed her phone to her ear to call Lucas. He turned his attention to Frank and wondered how his head of security knew what to call this serial killer.

Hangman Killer sounded so official. It was possible Frank got his information from his source in the police department. Either way, he knew they needed to do something to help put an end to this. He wondered why Kate wanted to talk to him about his family.

(*)*(*)*(*)

Sitting in his office, Jack pulled off his earphones because he finally heard the information he needed. The police were trying to withhold the name of the latest victim, but thanks to his well-placed voice recorder he managed to record two cops revealing everything outside of the crime scene. "Kate. Kate Roberts is dead. This doesn't make sense."

Jack remembered how Delphi was attacked and how that threw a wrench in what they believed this serial killer wanted. "This isn't as simple as some would hope. There's another game happening here, and the public deserves to know the dangers everyone is facing."

Eyeing his computer screen, Jack paused because he wasn't sure if leaking Kate's name was the right thing to do. What if his going live about Kate's death impacted the Salem PD's case? What if it caused panic in Salem? Hysteria?

Jack sighed. He didn't know what to do.

(*)*(*)*(*)

Catching up with Qamar on the Salem University campus, JJ knew he didn't have much time to say what he needed. "Are you heading to class?" he timidly asked to check in. He struggled with how quiet Qamar had been because he didn't want to be disconnected from his best friend, too.

"I am," Qamar confirmed. He barely looked at JJ because he still felt awkward about JJ's text from five days ago. Even though he was avoiding JJ, he hoped everything was okay and wondered why he suddenly showed up on campus.

Qamar's lack of physical response told JJ everything he needed to know. He picked up the pace of his steps, so he was somewhat walking in front of his friend. "Q. I am so sorry for texting you that stupid question the other day about you possibly being…" He paused to awkwardly whisper, "…gay."

Stopping in his tracks, Qamar struggled with making eye contact with JJ. He didn't want to dwell on this conversation – especially in such a public space – either. "I don't know what to say about it."

JJ kept his distance as he questioned, "Are you mad at me?" He didn't even want to bring up what he thought Qamar was truly hiding from him.

Qamar finally made eye contact with JJ. As soon as he looked into his friend's eyes, he knew he couldn't stay mad at JJ no matter what. "No. I'm just tired after a long night. I also need to get to class. I have a test."

"I'll let you get to it then," JJ released. "I can stick around if you want to hang out after."

Looking away, Qamar still felt uncomfortable around JJ. "I wish I could, but I'm helping out at The Chill today after my classes. Maybe another day?"

JJ hoped Qamar wasn't avoiding him. "Sure. Just… just give me a call." He was about to walk away but a moment of insecurity hit him. "Since we're planning to be roommates next semester, we still need to go in together and fill out the housing forms…"

Qamar began to walk away. "I know. We'll get it done."

JJ watched as Qamar headed for class. Even though Qamar said they would get it done, a part of him still felt nervous about everything. Did he ruin their friendship?

Jade, who was on a campus visit with her school, spotted Joy and called out to her. "I suspected I would see someone familiar on this day." She wanted to forget how EJ laid into her for what she did over the weekend and hoped she could take charge of her life once again. Even if her brother threatened to send her home, she knew that once she graduated high school, he couldn't make that threat anymore.

Surprised to see Jade there, Joy nervously smiled and asked, "What are you doing on campus?"

"Senior visitation," Jade answered. "…and whereabouts is Q?"

Joy looked around slightly confused and said, "Qamar? I think he's in class early because he has a test. Where's the rest of your school group?"

Jade showed she was somewhat annoyed. "They're preoccupied with the complimentary cuisine in the commissary. I informed our guide I required a break in the ladies' room."

Though she had noticed the way Jade talked before, this was the first they had spent time alone. It was something that was even more distracting than before. Trying to play it cool, Joy commented, "You do know that the bathrooms are inside the building, right?"

"I am aware," Jade said with a smirk.

With an impressed look on her face, Joy stated, "We've got a rebel on our hands."

Jade's smirk turned into a smile because Joy actually seemed nice. "So, does JJ socialize with Q on campus in abundance?"

Thinking about it, Joy admitted, "I haven't seen JJ in a while actually."

Showing some curious confusion on her face purposely, Jade questioned, "Hmm. Does this mean you and JJ are not consorting together?" Even though Joy wasn't the daintiest of girls, Jade couldn't help noting her natural beauty.

Joy looked at Jade in shock but needed to clarify something. "Consorting together? Do you mean dating?" When Jade nodded her head, Joy asked, "Who told you JJ and I are dating?"

"No one," Jade quickly clarified. "I only believed this to be true due to what I have witnessed between you two. It's clear you and JJ have some infatuation with each other."

Joy shook her head. "I can't speak for JJ, but nothing is going on between us. We're only friends. He's not my type."

Jade nodded her head. "Sorry I assumed more had occurred between you." Though she was pleased and relieved to know nothing was going on between Joy and JJ, she couldn't help but wonder if Joy was protesting too much.

(*)*(*)*(*)

In his office at Titan, Victor told his secretary he did not want to be disturbed at all today. He had so much he needed to accomplish, especially now that Vivian and Peter were in his orbit again.


Monday, November 14th, 2016


Carefully entering the pub, Victor spotted Gabi standing next to a table where Melanie sat alone. "Perfect," he thought to himself as he approached the two women. He overheard them discussing Sonny, but his presence caused them to stop.

"Victor…" Melanie released wondering why he was there. She looked around the pub suddenly.

Victor cleared his throat. "I have a question for the two of you. Have either of you talked to Nicholas lately?"

"My brother?" Melanie questioned to verify. "Why are you asking about Nicholas?"

Gabi interjected she hadn't spoken to him since their break up before Victor shared, "It's about his great-aunt. I wonder if he has talked to Vivian at all."

Melanie's face showed she suddenly felt anxious. "Nicholas hasn't talked to me since he left Salem. I have no idea where he is."

"What the hell is going on here?" Nathan suddenly approached the table. Though his question was abrupt and rude, he managed to ask it in a calm manner.

Victor smirked at his wife's grandson. "It doesn't matter. I already received my answer."

Before Victor could leave, Melanie called out to him. "Should we be worried about Vivian?"

Victor shook his head. "No need. She won't cause any problems in Salem."


Present: Tuesday, November 15th, 2016


Though he believed he could manage Vivian, Victor couldn't help wondering, "What the hell does that old dingbat want? I need someone trustworthy to keep Vivian in her place." He thought about how he wasn't too worried about Peter, but he also felt nervous about the future of Titan and his dealings with the families. "It's too bad Kate is too concerned over Philip to accept my offer, and it's too bad Delphi is in a coma."

Suddenly, Chelsea stormed into her grandfather's office; tears flowed down her cheeks. As Victor stood up in surprise, she declared, "Your secretary told me you didn't want to be bothered but I told her it was an emergency. I don't know if you already know this… but… it's grandma… she's dead."

Confused, Victor fearfully released, "Caroline? I just saw her this morning."

Shaking her head, Chelsea clarified, "No, Grandma Kate. She was murdered last night."

Stunned, Victor remembered how he dismissed Kate the day before because she wanted to talk up Philip. "How do you know all of this?"

"Dad told me," Chelsea answered. "I talked to mom just now and she received confirmation from Lucas and Philip."

Brady walked into the office since he saw Chelsea rush inside. "What's wrong?"

Before Victor could stop her, Chelsea emotionally shared, "Grandma Kate is dead." She realized she was telling more people than she planned to tell and looked down as she focused on the devastating news.

"Kate?" Brady questioned before recognizing that Chelsea was crying again. "I'm so sorry, Chelsea."

Chelsea tried her best not to completely break down again. She turned to her grandfather and asked, "So what are you going to do?" She wanted her grandfather to get justice for Kate and hoped he would talk to Philip as well.

Victor swiftly promised Chelsea, "I will find the sick son of a bitch who is responsible. If you need anything, let me know."

Brady was surprised to see Victor reach out to Chelsea because he had frozen everyone out before. He watched as Chelsea went over to hug their grandfather and actually saw a genuine connection between the two. Maybe Victor wasn't as cold today. When Chelsea walked by, Brady tried to reach out. "I'm here."

"Thanks," Chelsea released before leaving for Lucas's. She planned to regroup with him and Philip to discuss the family's next step.

Now alone with Victor, Brady decided to test his hypothesis that Victor's guard was down. "So, what are you going to do about Titan? I know you offered Kate your job, so what choice do you have now?"

The sternness Brady was used to seeing returned in Victor. "You continue to be a fool. There's no way in hell you're ever getting your hands on Titan. Leave me alone. I don't want to be bothered."

Frustrated, Brady decided not to push this further. He exited Victor's office knowing something needed to change in his life. He couldn't live this way anymore.

(*)*(*)*(*)

"I'm glad to see you two," Manny announced himself to Justin and Adrienne in the middle of the town square.

Justin put his hand out to Manny after letting go of Adrienne's. "Manny. What's on your mind?"

Manny shook Justin's hand and answered, "Thanksgiving. I know things will be complicated this year with what Sonny has been through. I believe if we come together we can be sure Sonny and Dario make it through the holidays."

Adrienne smiled at Manny with appreciation. "I think that's a great idea. Sonny and Dario need all the help they can right now. They've been through so much." A part of her feared Dario and Sonny wouldn't make it to the altar next month.

With a nod, Manny agreed but had hope things would improve. "Dario and Sonny will be there for each other like they always are. I know how much they love each other."

Adrienne's smile grew. "They really do. I know Sonny feels so lost right now, but I truly believe he will work through this and be stronger than ever."

Tilting his head to the side, Justin commented, "It definitely helps that Ignazio is moving out of their home." He crossed his arms over his chest and asked, "What are you thinking for Thanksgiving?"

Manny didn't hear Justin's question because he was shocked by what he mentioned before. "What are you talking about? There's no way Dario would live with Ignazio again."

Adrienne traded a look with her husband because she wondered how Manny managed to miss the fact that Ignazio had moved in with Dario and their son. Returning her focus to her future son-in-law's brother, she shared, "I'm sorry to tell you, but Ignazio lived with Dario and Sonny for a short time until recently. Dario didn't tell you?"

Dario didn't tell him, Gabi, or Arianna. Manny didn't understand why he kept this from them. "No," he finally released. Taking a deep breath, he decided not to tell their sisters about it because he knew Dario would only feel ganged up on. "That doesn't matter now. We need to focus on what we can do for Dario and Sonny to help them through this."

Justin and Adrienne agreed.

(*)*(*)*(*)

Knowing the place was empty, an intruder broke into Arianna and Manny's condo without doing any damage to the property. He headed into Arianna's bedroom and noticed a few vitamin bottles on her dresser. Studying each one, he found the one he wanted and put it to the side.

The intruder slipped off his small backpack and unzipped it pulling out a pill bottle with some pills inside. He traded the pills from his bottle with the one he set aside belonging to Arianna. "She won't have a clue until it's too late."

After putting his pill bottle in his pocket, the intruder pulled out a small box and placed it under Arianna's bed where she wouldn't be able to see it unless she purposely looked for it. Zipping his backpack and putting it on again, the intruder quietly whispered, "This distraction better work. I still need more time," before slipping out of the condo once more.

(*)*(*)*(*)

Chad led Will, Dario, and Josh out of the studio basement as he tiredly announced, "We have a break before the next band." With his attention on Dario and Josh, he added, "I appreciate you both coming in today. We have to try to keep business going smoothly, but if you want to go home, Will and I can take things from here." He knew Will had reached out to Safiya and Chelsea about having dinner tonight and wondered if Will had heard anything back yet.

Dario thought about Sonny and how he hadn't heard anything from Alex. "If you guys got it covered, I may go home." Going home was a daunting thought because it was possible Sonny still didn't want him around. He could stay and focus on school work instead.

"What about you, Josh?" Will questioned next. He felt bad for keeping him away from Abby.

Josh thought about the tension between him and his wife. He wanted to take care of his predicament so that things could go back to normal between them. He knew the unmarked packages were still in the storage room, but with the guys there he couldn't move them out. "I can stick around. Abby is spending the day with her mom at work to keep herself busy."

Now standing near the stage on the level floor, Chad checked in with Josh, "Are you sure?" He glanced over to Will and wondered if they could manage a quiet night alone.

Will caught Chad looking at him and immediately knew what his husband was thinking. He smiled.

As Josh assured them he could stay, the front door opened. Sami, EJ, Lucas, Sophie, Allie, Johnny, Sydney, and Julian entered. Confused, Will approached them first. "I know we talked about you coming over, but I didn't know it was now… and here…" He believed this related to his birthday since all his siblings and both his parents were there.

Sami studied Will and asked, "You didn't get my last text?"

Will recognized the look of concern on his mother's face and reached for his phone before noting the dried tears on his father's face. He felt his phone in his pocket as his heart began to race. "What's wrong?" he questioned immediately.

Lucas tried to keep his emotions in check as he questioned, "Is there somewhere we can talk? Somewhere we can sit?"

Chad noticed how Johnny, Allie, and Sydney seemed confused about what was happening as well. "We can head to the office or there's the VIP section over there," he directed.

Figuring the VIP section would be easier to get to for everyone, Lucas led the way and motioned for Will to take a seat with his siblings. Chad moved next to his husband's side as Johnny and Sydney sat on each side of Allie. "We have some bad news to share…" he began. His voice broke as his emotions began to get the best of him.

Dario and Josh stood back wanting to avoid intruding on this family moment.

Sophie quickly moved to his side to take his hand. "I've got you, Lucas," she whispered in his ear.

Sami with EJ, who was holding Julian, moved closer to Lucas as well. Moving her head to Lucas, Sami volunteered, "If you want me to do this, I can."

Lucas shook his head knowing he had to be the one to tell his son and daughter even if Johnny and Sydney were also being told. "We have some bad news," he repeated. He felt a headache coming.

Will sat on the edge of his seat as Chad took his hand. "What is it dad? What's wrong?" His eyes began to water simply due to seeing his dad so emotional.

Lucas pushed through and announced, "Your Grandma Kate is gone. She's dead." He didn't want to say more than that for now because he knew Allie, Sydney, and Johnny were too young to hear the fact that she was murdered.

Allie immediately broke down in tears. "No!" she shouted.

Johnny didn't hesitate to wrap his arms around his twin sister. Sydney followed her brother's example and did the same causing Sami to start tearing up. She moved closer to Allie and kneeled in front of her to pull her close. She offered her hand to Will to comfort him as well.

Will stood up immediately and through tears questioned, "How?" When Lucas simply shook his head in response, he knew his father couldn't answer now because his younger siblings were there. Tears poured down his face wondering if his grandmother — the woman who was always on his side — had met her end in some sick and twisted way. It was suddenly even harder to breathe.

Pulling a crushed Will into his arms, Chad leaned his head on top of his before kissing it. He couldn't believe his surrogate mother was gone. With Charles's death prior, he realized he had lost all his parental figures – good and bad.

Will raised his head and locked eyes with his husband. He never got to talk to Kate. He didn't get to say goodbye.