A/N: Happy Passover and Happy Easter to all those who celebrate.
~ Chapter 54 ~
Kate had just settled herself on the sofa, glass of wine in hand, when the phone rang once more. Reaching for it, she frowned at the name currently visible via call display.
Twice in one day? What's going on?
Somewhat hesitantly, she answered.
"Hello?"
"Hello, Kate. It's Marlena."
"Marlena! This is a surprise."
"Yes, I guess it is. I must say that I'm very glad you picked up."
"Is there something more we needed to discuss? In case you're wondering, I kept my word. John didn't hear about your memory breakthrough from me."
"I know, and I wanted to thank you for that."
"You're welcome. Anything else?"
"As a matter of fact, there is. I'm sure you're aware that John came to see me."
"He did tell me where he was going, yes."
"We had a long talk and I explained to him that, although I've regained my memory, I'm not interested in reuniting with him."
Seeing no reason to divulge that she was a few steps ahead in her knowledge of what had transpired between John and Marlena, Kate opted to play dumb.
"I'm sorry, could you repeat that?"
"I won't be resuming my married life with John. In fact, we signed the divorce papers while he was here."
"John agreed to divorce you?!" Kate didn't have to work at sounding shocked. She still couldn't believe what she was hearing.
"Well, it certainly isn't what he wants, but he was very civil about it."
"I… I'm stunned, Marlena. I was sure, when I left your place this afternoon, that you and John were on the fast track to reuniting, since your amnesia had lifted."
"I suppose that's what everyone will assume."
"I don't know what to say."
"I don't really expect you to say anything, Kate, although you could wish me well."
"Uh, of course, I wish you all the best. Do you have plans?"
"I need some time to myself, to absorb everything that I've recalled. Beyond that, there's nothing specific."
Nothing that I care to share with you, anyway.
"Whatever you decide to do, I'm sure your family will be ecstatic to have you back."
"They might be in for a few surprises."
"No doubt," Kate agreed.
Like the relationship I suspect you'll continue with Alex North, in spite of regaining your memory.
"Well, you're probably busy, so I won't keep you much longer. There was just one more thing…"
"Yes?"
"Look after John, please. He's emotionally wounded, and I imagine he feels betrayed. I'd hate to see him set off on a path of self-destruction."
"You know I'd do anything for John."
"I do know that, and it's why I'm asking. He'll need someone to confide in, someone he can be vulnerable with, and I firmly believe that he trusts you enough for you to be that person."
"I'm flattered."
"I'm merely stating the obvious. You were engaged, and it's clear that there are still strong feelings between you, so it shouldn't be a hardship for you to be there for him."
"It isn't, and I will be. I promise."
"Thanks again, Kate."
"It's no trouble."
"Oh, and Kate, do you remember what I said earlier today, about us potentially reviving our friendship?"
"Yes, I do." Kate held her breath.
"I think we're on our way to doing just that," Marlena asserted sincerely.
"I'm glad," Kate admitted, surprised at how true her statement was.
"Me, too. Goodbye, Kate."
"Goodbye, Marlena."
As she hung up, Kate marvelled at her good fortune. Not only was she regaining a friend, that very same friend had given her tacit permission to pursue her soon-to-be ex-husband. Eyeing the glass of wine on the table before her, she raised it in a solitary toast.
"To the future!"
Hundreds of miles away, Alex sank gratefully into his seat on the plane that was about to depart for Salem. His meeting having gone on much longer than he'd predicted, he'd made it to the airport with mere seconds to spare before his final boarding call.
Although disappointed that he hadn't been able to phone Marlena before take-off, a part of him was also thankful. The intensity of the memories he'd just relived had taken a toll on him, and Marlena would've seen through any attempts he made to cover up his churning emotions. There was no sense causing her undue stress or worry, and there'd be plenty of time later to bring her up to speed.
Once he'd belted himself in, Alex leaned against the headrest and made a conscious effort to relax. His mind drifted to the final moments he'd spent in Louise Sadick's office.
Two years. Dr. Sadick had just suspended his licence, and he was prohibited from the practice of psychiatry for two years. Not that bad, all things considered. After all, he'd surrendered Marlena to Frank's care, and it's not as if he'd been casting about for new patients. His entire focus since his arrival in Salem had been on his beloved, and on helping her regain her memories of their time together. If he couldn't practice for a while, it would allow him to be there for her as she worked through the pain of her past. Once she remembered – as he was certain she would – they could embark on a dream vacation, head somewhere tropical and romantic… His lips curved upwards in anticipation.
Across the desk, Louise observed Alex carefully, her concern mounting with every second his silence dragged on. She'd translated her empathy for his situation into what she believed was a fairly lenient sentence, but he'd failed to utter a word since she'd informed him of her judgment. He was a reasonable man. Clearly, he must have understood that she had to mete out some form of punishment. Still, perhaps he thought that he'd suffered enough, and didn't appreciate being left without visible means of support for the near future. Wheels turning, Louise struggled to devise a less onerous sentence, but one that would remain acceptable to those she reported to. Absorbed by this challenge, she was startled at the feel of Alex's hand on her own.
"It's okay, Dr. Sadick. Really. No need to trouble yourself on my account."
Louise cursed herself for being so transparent. Never before had she been personally affected by a disciplinary case. It was an uncomfortable position to be in.
"You hadn't responded to your sentencing…"
"And you mistook my silence for disappointment. Nothing could be further from the truth."
"You're not upset?!" Louise found it impossible to hide her surprise, and chastised herself again. What was it about this man that prevented her from maintaining her customary professional demeanour?
"As I said before, I broke the rules. It's not as if you can let me off with a slap on the wrist. The people you work for wouldn't go for that, and I fully understand where they're coming from. They have to be able to justify their actions to those who filed the complaints, and since those complaints did have a basis in fact, they can't be summarily dismissed."
"I don't believe I've ever had anyone react so calmly to a suspension before."
"You must normally get a lot of hysteria and belligerence from the folks on this side of the desk."
Louise couldn't suppress a chuckle at his spot-on assessment.
"That would be an understatement."
"Right. But I'm a realist. Once I got the Association's call this morning, I knew perfectly well what I was in for. And it could've been worse. You could've opted to strip me of my licence permanently."
"Oh, I would never have done that! Your conduct didn't merit such drastic measures. Besides, I couldn't possibly have justified taking away your livelihood."
"Well, Doctor, you needn't worry on that score. The spy game, although decidedly unpleasant, does have one upside. My years with the Agency have left me… comfortable, as the saying goes."
Hmmm… that certainly helped explain Alex's apparent easy acceptance of his fate, Louise thought to herself. No wonder he wasn't terribly concerned at not being able to practice.
"Excuse me, Dr. Sadick…"
Alex's voice intruded upon Louise's thoughts.
"Yes, Dr. North?"
"If there's nothing else, am I free to go? I'm booked on the last flight back to Salem tonight, and I was really hoping not to have to reschedule."
"Oh. Of course. Yes, we're finished. I'll submit my report by the end of the day, and you'll get the Association's official notification within 48 hours."
"Any chance they'll overrule you? Perhaps choose to make an example of me?"
Louise examined Alex, trying to determine if he was genuinely concerned about the possibility. She detected idle curiosity, nothing more.
"I've never had a single one of my rulings challenged."
"Here's hoping I won't be the first, then."
She'd fight tooth and nail to ensure that he wasn't, Louise promised him silently.
"I can't see why you would be."
With that, Louise rose and extended her hand. Alex shook it warmly.
"I wish you all the best, Dr. North."
"Thank you, Dr. Sadick. I appreciate your understanding, and your compassion."
"You deserve nothing less. Have a safe flight home."
Home… His thoughts returned to the present, and he smiled. Salem might have its downsides, but with Marlena there, it was his own little piece of heaven on earth.