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Chapter Six
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Brady and Chloe followed Belle back to the hospital room, where everyone was gathered around the bed looking over the notes that belonged to Greta. Brady eyed his little sister curiously and spoke first.
"So, Tink... What's the red alert all about?"
Belle motioned towards Shawn and replied. "Go ahead, Shawn... Show them what you found."
Shawn had a small ivory card in his hand, taken from all the notes that had been sent to Greta. "Chloe, you were right, most of these notes are about family, honor and loyalty. When you put all of them together, it's pretty obvious that tonight was about both Greta and John. But..."
Shawn handed her the card and continued. "Have you seen this one?"
Chloe opened the flap of the card and looked at the handwritten words in front of her, as Brady stared over her shoulder. She said the words out loud, shaking her head as she spoke. "'The game has many players.' -- Uhm, no, I haven't see this one... My God, what does it mean?"
Bo looked at her with complete seriousness in his eyes. "Exactly what you think it means. John was right. This is a game, and the game is not over by a long shot. Hold the card up to the light, Chloe... Tell me what you see."
Brady and Chloe walked closer to the light above John's bed and held up the card. The light shined through the ivory paper, illuminating a watermark ingrained in the paper, a line with a series of letters. Brady stared at it in confusion and then looked at Bo. "It's letters... Not words... Just letters."
"Read them out loud."
Chloe nodded slightly and did as instructed. "G - V - A"
Bo spoke after each set of letters, explaining their meaning. "Greta Von Amberg."
"J - B"
"John Black."
"B - V - B"
"Brady Victor Black."
Chloe cringed as a chill ran up her spine, not needing Bo's explanation anymore. "C - H - B. Chloe Horton Black. I get it..."
Brady tapped the last set initials and looked at them curiously. "K - J - M. Who is that?"
Chloe brought the note away from the light and shrugged, looking around to see if anyone else could explain. "Looks like we have a mystery guest..."
"So, now this means that this mystery person, myself and Chloe are also players in his demented little game... Right?"
John nodded in agreement, his anger just simmering below the surface of each of his words. "Looks like it."
Chloe sighed loudly and Brady put his arm around her shoulder as she questioned the note in her hand. "But... Why? Why me and Brady? Stefano usually has some sort of method behind his madness. But, Brady and I -- we've never been involved with any DiMera problems before. We have nothing to do with this..."
"Brady is my son, which automatically makes him a target. And, you, Chloe... I don't know what Stefano wants with you. Maybe it's just because of your associations with Greta and my family."
Marlena spoke up looking between her husband and Bo Brady for answers. "What happens now? Now that we have this..."
Bo came forward and took the card from Chloe's hand slowly. "Maybe Stefano thinks that Brady and Chloe will be the ones to go after him, to find the antidote and find Greta. He's trying to draw you in..."
Brady nodded and quickly interjected. "Then that's what I'll do. I'll go to wherever I have to. I'll bring Greta and that antidote home."
Chloe slipped her hand into his and squeezed it tightly. "I'm going too. If that's what he wants, that's what we'll do."
"Chloe, no... You can't... It's too dangerous."
Chloe gave him her patented 'look'. The one that reminded him who was really in charge in their household. "Brady, if you go, I go. Period. We're in this together, no matter what."
Belle was the first one to protest, shaking her head vehemently and raising her voice. "Oh no. NEITHER of you are going. I mean, are you competely NUTS?!? You're walking into a trap if you go anywhere near Stefano DiMera."
"Belle..."
Bo interrupted him with a wave of his hand. "No, Brady, your sister is right. Stefano is setting both of you up for something. If you go after him, you're playing right into his hand, and you're putting yourselves in danger. Let the proper authorities handle it this time."
Brady sighed in frustration and ran his fingers through his blonde hair. "Listen, Bo... It's not that I don't trust the 'proper authorities', I just feel like storming in there like the invasion at Normandy is only going to put Greta at more risk."
"This isn't your decision, Brady. Don't interfere with the ISA. They will find Greta and they will find the antidote. I'm not even supposed to be telling you this, but for the past eight months, they've had one of their agents working in the DiMera organization. A mole, I guess you would call it. They'll know where DiMera is going before he even gets there. Trust me."
"I can't... I can't just sit around and not do something. I have to do SOMETHING, Bo... If you were in my place, you would do the same. Wouldn't you?"
As much as the others were worried for Brady and Chloe's safety, they knew what he was saying was the truth. They all wanted to stop Stefano and protect their loved ones, even if they had to risk their own lives to do it.
Bo nodded slightly, knowing that he couldn't stop Brady no matter how hard he tried. "You're right. I would... And, I know that you're just like your father. If you want to do something, you'll do it. Whether all of us advise against it or not, it doesn't matter."
Chloe looked around the room with a slight grin. "You're right, Bo. You can't stop a Black from doing something they have their mind set on."
Belle was completely crestfallen, shaking her head in denial. "But... What about Wesley?"
Chloe's face looked pained at the mention of her son. "He'll be fine. He can stay with Jenn or with my parents. They'll take care of him while we're gone."
"I didn't mean that. I meant, the two of you running off like this... What if... God forbid... What if something happens to both of you?"
Belle's words ripped through both of them harshly, neither of them wanted to turn their child into an orphan, but they were both still determined to do what they had to do. Brady let go of Chloe's hand and walked around the bed to pull his sister into a comforting embrace.
"Tink... That is NOT going to happen. We will be just fine. We'll come back here with Greta and with the antidote for the poison. We will..."
Belle lifted her head from his chest and frowned at him. "Brady, you don't know that for sure. I mean, contrary to what you may believe, you DON'T know everything."
Brady looked into her eyes, trying to keep her as calm as possible. "Isabella Black... Have I EVER let you down?"
There was a quiet pause as Belle thought back to all of the times that Brady had been there to save her. She smiled weakly and shook her head. "No, you haven't."
"And, I'm not going to start now." Brady looked over her head and towards his father. "I won't let any of you down... I swear I can do this."
John smiled slightly and nodded. "I have faith in you, son."
"Thanks, Dad."
Brady let go of his sister and looked towards Marlena who was smiling at him with motherly pride. "Brady... You are a very courageous and amazing person."
She glanced towards Chloe and gave her the same smile. "And you too, Chloe..."
Chloe smiled back at her and nodded slightly. "John and Greta are just like family to me, just as much as the Hortons and Nancy and Craig... I would do anything for all of you."
Bo glanced at his watch and then looked at Brady. "I have to go back to the station, but Brady, if you want to come with me... Just... Stay in the background, don't speak up or anything. Behave yourself and we'll get a lock a DiMera's location."
Brady nodded enthusiastically and gave hugs to Belle, Marlena and John before turning back to Bo. "Alright, let's go... Chloe?"
Chloe had given hugs to everone as well and she looked at her husband to reply to him. "Uhm, actually... Do you think you could drop me off at my sister's house? I want to make arrangements for Wes to stay there, or stay with my mother."
Bo nodded in understanding and the three of them headed towards the door. "Absolutely, it's on the way..."
Chloe opened the door to step into the hallway and ran smack dab into Jack. "Jack... Hey, I think I found another ride..."
Bo looked at him in surprise. "You're still here?"
"After I talked to you, I went and interviewed the distinguished University Hospital staff. And, now I'm back... Chloe, what was that about a ride?"
Chloe pushed him further into the hallway and smiled. "Well, I was going to have Bo and Brady drop me off at your house. But, now that you're here you can take me."
Jack stammered as he pointed towards the hospital room. "But, I -- I need more... I heard something about Greta, and I, uhm..."
Chloe grabbed him by the arm and began walking with him down the hallway. "And, you'll get everything you need... Just take me to my sister. I promise you'll have an amazing story in the Spectator tomorrow."
Chloe looked back at Bo and Brady who were staring at her with amusement. Bo cleared his throat and raised his eyebrows as a warning. "Chloe... Not TOO much of the story. We have lives to protect."
Chloe nodded and smiled reassuringly. "Of course, I will be discreet. Brady... Call me when you get some information."
Brady nodded and gave her a brief kiss before heading off with Bo in the opposite direction of where she and Jack were going. Chloe hooked her arm around Jack's and grinned at him. "Come on, Devereaux... Let's go get you started on that story of a lifetime."
Chloe and Jack headed down the hallway arm in arm, and Jack grinned back at her. "Have I ever mentioned how glad I am that you and I are family?"
Chloe chuckled and rolled her eyes. "Just don't forget to thank me when you get your Pulitzer Prize, brother-in-law."
~*~
Jack and Jennifer sat and listened in amazement as Chloe gave them all the information she had. She finished describing everything about John's poisoning, Greta's kidnapping and the mysterious notes as the room fell silent. The only sound was the whirring of Jack's tape recorder sitting in the middle of the coffee table.
Chloe looked between her sister and brother-in-law, smiling uneasily. "Listen, the only reason I gave you all that detail was because you are my family. I trust you both with my life, and that's why you HAVE to keep certain things out of the press. Mine and Brady's name especially, and the thing about the initals also. I trust your judgement on how to write this, so don't let me down."
Jennifer nodded solemnly and replied. "Of course, Chloe... Jack and I will do everything we can to protect all of you. You have my word."
"Thank you..."
Jack clicked off the tape recorder and stared at Chloe in shock. "This is all pretty amazing stuff. And you and Brady are really going to go after Stefano?"
Chloe shrugged nervously and sighed. "I -- I guess so. It's the only thing we can do."
Jennifer nudged her husband in the arm with the sharp point of her elbow, and gave him her 'I'm still the boss' look. "Jack, you better get over to the office and start writing. Fax me the story as soon as you finish it. I want to make sure this is front page, morning edition."
Jack stood from the couch and gave her a mock salute, along with a crooked grin. "Yes, ma'am. Hi-ho, Hi-ho, it's back to work I go..."
Chloe chuckled softly and waved at him as he went out the front door, sighing as she turned back to face her sister. "Are you sure that you don't mind taking care of Wes while we're gone?"
Jennifer waved her hand dismissively and smiled. "Of course I'm sure. Wes is always welcome here. I'll take care of him for as long as you need me to."
"Well, if you can't for any reason, or you're too busy at work... I'm sure my mom and dad would love to have him. Or even Hope."
"Speaking of... How do you think your mom is going to react to you going after Stefano DiMera? Have you even told her yet?"
Chloe cringed with fear and shook her head. "No, I haven't. I think it's safe to say that my mom will NOT be happy and will do everything in her power to keep me from going. Which, I'm surprised you're not trying to do..."
Jennifer shrugged slightly and threw up her hands in defeat. "I would be, but I know you. You're just like your husband, your mother and most of the other Horton women. Stubborn as hell. If you want to do this, then I know that I can't stop you. Now... are YOU sure you want to do this?"
Chloe blurted out the first response that came to mind, much to her sister's surprise. "No, I'm not."
"You're not? Then why are you doing it?"
"Because... After everything that Brady and I went through to be together... We made a promise to always stand by each other, to protect each other. He's going to do this even if I don't go, but I'd rather be there by his side through everything. If this was Jack, you'd do exactly what I'm doing. And, I know he would do it for you too."
Jennifer nodded slowly and gave her sister a weak smile. "You're right. We would."
Chloe's cell phone rang and she hurriedly dug into her purse to find it. "Hello..."
"Diva, it's me..."
"Brady? What's going on?"
There was a hesitant pause and Chloe could almost hear him swallow the lump in his throat. "Venice... We're going to Venice."
Chloe laid her hand on her chest, her eyes widening in surprise. Venice was his mother's favorite city, where they had spent their honeymoon and where they had first became friends with Greta. Maybe it was just a coincidence, but either way, Venice was a significant place for both of them. "Venice? When?"
"First thing in the morning... I'm getting all the information that they'll allow me to have, so we won't be completely unprepared before we go. I called, and they're fueling up my father's jet, and we'll leave in the morning. That gives us enough time to pack, talk to all the people we need to talk to, say goodbye to Wesley and maybe get about 5 minutes of sleep."
"Okay... Okay... I'm at Jenn's now, and our car is here. So, I'm gonna go over and see my mother. Let her know what's going on, get my lecture, and then I'll meet you back at the loft so we can pack. Sounds good?"
"Perfect... I love you."
Chloe smiled slightly, they were casually affectionate in normal circumstances, but under stress, it became a frantic desire to always remind each other of their feelings. "Love you too, Brady... See you soon."
Chloe hung up the phone and slid it back into her purse. She stood from the chair and Jennifer stood along with her. "So, you're going to Venice?"
"Looks like it... I'm sure we'll be back here before we leave. We'll want to say goodbye to Wesley, of course. I think I'm going to go give him a kiss right now though... I need to see my baby boy."
Jennifer nodded in understanding and pointed towards the stairs. "He's asleep in Abby's room."
"Thanks." Chloe went quietly up the stairs, trying not to wake up Abby or Wes as she crept into her young neice's bedroom.
Both kids were sleeping peacefully, Abby in her bed, and Wesley in the playpen that Jennifer kept in the closet for Wesley's visits. Chloe kneeled on the floor to watch him as he breathed softly, looking like the perfect picture of peace and contentment. She reached her hand into the playpen to lightly stroke the soft blonde hair that covered his head and smiled.
"Mommy and Daddy love you sweet-boy. I promise we'll come home soon..."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Did the initials watermark on the card make any sense to you guys? (Besides the KJM thing, which really isn't supposed to make any sense at this point. But, it should later.)
Chapter Six
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Brady and Chloe followed Belle back to the hospital room, where everyone was gathered around the bed looking over the notes that belonged to Greta. Brady eyed his little sister curiously and spoke first.
"So, Tink... What's the red alert all about?"
Belle motioned towards Shawn and replied. "Go ahead, Shawn... Show them what you found."
Shawn had a small ivory card in his hand, taken from all the notes that had been sent to Greta. "Chloe, you were right, most of these notes are about family, honor and loyalty. When you put all of them together, it's pretty obvious that tonight was about both Greta and John. But..."
Shawn handed her the card and continued. "Have you seen this one?"
Chloe opened the flap of the card and looked at the handwritten words in front of her, as Brady stared over her shoulder. She said the words out loud, shaking her head as she spoke. "'The game has many players.' -- Uhm, no, I haven't see this one... My God, what does it mean?"
Bo looked at her with complete seriousness in his eyes. "Exactly what you think it means. John was right. This is a game, and the game is not over by a long shot. Hold the card up to the light, Chloe... Tell me what you see."
Brady and Chloe walked closer to the light above John's bed and held up the card. The light shined through the ivory paper, illuminating a watermark ingrained in the paper, a line with a series of letters. Brady stared at it in confusion and then looked at Bo. "It's letters... Not words... Just letters."
"Read them out loud."
Chloe nodded slightly and did as instructed. "G - V - A"
Bo spoke after each set of letters, explaining their meaning. "Greta Von Amberg."
"J - B"
"John Black."
"B - V - B"
"Brady Victor Black."
Chloe cringed as a chill ran up her spine, not needing Bo's explanation anymore. "C - H - B. Chloe Horton Black. I get it..."
Brady tapped the last set initials and looked at them curiously. "K - J - M. Who is that?"
Chloe brought the note away from the light and shrugged, looking around to see if anyone else could explain. "Looks like we have a mystery guest..."
"So, now this means that this mystery person, myself and Chloe are also players in his demented little game... Right?"
John nodded in agreement, his anger just simmering below the surface of each of his words. "Looks like it."
Chloe sighed loudly and Brady put his arm around her shoulder as she questioned the note in her hand. "But... Why? Why me and Brady? Stefano usually has some sort of method behind his madness. But, Brady and I -- we've never been involved with any DiMera problems before. We have nothing to do with this..."
"Brady is my son, which automatically makes him a target. And, you, Chloe... I don't know what Stefano wants with you. Maybe it's just because of your associations with Greta and my family."
Marlena spoke up looking between her husband and Bo Brady for answers. "What happens now? Now that we have this..."
Bo came forward and took the card from Chloe's hand slowly. "Maybe Stefano thinks that Brady and Chloe will be the ones to go after him, to find the antidote and find Greta. He's trying to draw you in..."
Brady nodded and quickly interjected. "Then that's what I'll do. I'll go to wherever I have to. I'll bring Greta and that antidote home."
Chloe slipped her hand into his and squeezed it tightly. "I'm going too. If that's what he wants, that's what we'll do."
"Chloe, no... You can't... It's too dangerous."
Chloe gave him her patented 'look'. The one that reminded him who was really in charge in their household. "Brady, if you go, I go. Period. We're in this together, no matter what."
Belle was the first one to protest, shaking her head vehemently and raising her voice. "Oh no. NEITHER of you are going. I mean, are you competely NUTS?!? You're walking into a trap if you go anywhere near Stefano DiMera."
"Belle..."
Bo interrupted him with a wave of his hand. "No, Brady, your sister is right. Stefano is setting both of you up for something. If you go after him, you're playing right into his hand, and you're putting yourselves in danger. Let the proper authorities handle it this time."
Brady sighed in frustration and ran his fingers through his blonde hair. "Listen, Bo... It's not that I don't trust the 'proper authorities', I just feel like storming in there like the invasion at Normandy is only going to put Greta at more risk."
"This isn't your decision, Brady. Don't interfere with the ISA. They will find Greta and they will find the antidote. I'm not even supposed to be telling you this, but for the past eight months, they've had one of their agents working in the DiMera organization. A mole, I guess you would call it. They'll know where DiMera is going before he even gets there. Trust me."
"I can't... I can't just sit around and not do something. I have to do SOMETHING, Bo... If you were in my place, you would do the same. Wouldn't you?"
As much as the others were worried for Brady and Chloe's safety, they knew what he was saying was the truth. They all wanted to stop Stefano and protect their loved ones, even if they had to risk their own lives to do it.
Bo nodded slightly, knowing that he couldn't stop Brady no matter how hard he tried. "You're right. I would... And, I know that you're just like your father. If you want to do something, you'll do it. Whether all of us advise against it or not, it doesn't matter."
Chloe looked around the room with a slight grin. "You're right, Bo. You can't stop a Black from doing something they have their mind set on."
Belle was completely crestfallen, shaking her head in denial. "But... What about Wesley?"
Chloe's face looked pained at the mention of her son. "He'll be fine. He can stay with Jenn or with my parents. They'll take care of him while we're gone."
"I didn't mean that. I meant, the two of you running off like this... What if... God forbid... What if something happens to both of you?"
Belle's words ripped through both of them harshly, neither of them wanted to turn their child into an orphan, but they were both still determined to do what they had to do. Brady let go of Chloe's hand and walked around the bed to pull his sister into a comforting embrace.
"Tink... That is NOT going to happen. We will be just fine. We'll come back here with Greta and with the antidote for the poison. We will..."
Belle lifted her head from his chest and frowned at him. "Brady, you don't know that for sure. I mean, contrary to what you may believe, you DON'T know everything."
Brady looked into her eyes, trying to keep her as calm as possible. "Isabella Black... Have I EVER let you down?"
There was a quiet pause as Belle thought back to all of the times that Brady had been there to save her. She smiled weakly and shook her head. "No, you haven't."
"And, I'm not going to start now." Brady looked over her head and towards his father. "I won't let any of you down... I swear I can do this."
John smiled slightly and nodded. "I have faith in you, son."
"Thanks, Dad."
Brady let go of his sister and looked towards Marlena who was smiling at him with motherly pride. "Brady... You are a very courageous and amazing person."
She glanced towards Chloe and gave her the same smile. "And you too, Chloe..."
Chloe smiled back at her and nodded slightly. "John and Greta are just like family to me, just as much as the Hortons and Nancy and Craig... I would do anything for all of you."
Bo glanced at his watch and then looked at Brady. "I have to go back to the station, but Brady, if you want to come with me... Just... Stay in the background, don't speak up or anything. Behave yourself and we'll get a lock a DiMera's location."
Brady nodded enthusiastically and gave hugs to Belle, Marlena and John before turning back to Bo. "Alright, let's go... Chloe?"
Chloe had given hugs to everone as well and she looked at her husband to reply to him. "Uhm, actually... Do you think you could drop me off at my sister's house? I want to make arrangements for Wes to stay there, or stay with my mother."
Bo nodded in understanding and the three of them headed towards the door. "Absolutely, it's on the way..."
Chloe opened the door to step into the hallway and ran smack dab into Jack. "Jack... Hey, I think I found another ride..."
Bo looked at him in surprise. "You're still here?"
"After I talked to you, I went and interviewed the distinguished University Hospital staff. And, now I'm back... Chloe, what was that about a ride?"
Chloe pushed him further into the hallway and smiled. "Well, I was going to have Bo and Brady drop me off at your house. But, now that you're here you can take me."
Jack stammered as he pointed towards the hospital room. "But, I -- I need more... I heard something about Greta, and I, uhm..."
Chloe grabbed him by the arm and began walking with him down the hallway. "And, you'll get everything you need... Just take me to my sister. I promise you'll have an amazing story in the Spectator tomorrow."
Chloe looked back at Bo and Brady who were staring at her with amusement. Bo cleared his throat and raised his eyebrows as a warning. "Chloe... Not TOO much of the story. We have lives to protect."
Chloe nodded and smiled reassuringly. "Of course, I will be discreet. Brady... Call me when you get some information."
Brady nodded and gave her a brief kiss before heading off with Bo in the opposite direction of where she and Jack were going. Chloe hooked her arm around Jack's and grinned at him. "Come on, Devereaux... Let's go get you started on that story of a lifetime."
Chloe and Jack headed down the hallway arm in arm, and Jack grinned back at her. "Have I ever mentioned how glad I am that you and I are family?"
Chloe chuckled and rolled her eyes. "Just don't forget to thank me when you get your Pulitzer Prize, brother-in-law."
~*~
Jack and Jennifer sat and listened in amazement as Chloe gave them all the information she had. She finished describing everything about John's poisoning, Greta's kidnapping and the mysterious notes as the room fell silent. The only sound was the whirring of Jack's tape recorder sitting in the middle of the coffee table.
Chloe looked between her sister and brother-in-law, smiling uneasily. "Listen, the only reason I gave you all that detail was because you are my family. I trust you both with my life, and that's why you HAVE to keep certain things out of the press. Mine and Brady's name especially, and the thing about the initals also. I trust your judgement on how to write this, so don't let me down."
Jennifer nodded solemnly and replied. "Of course, Chloe... Jack and I will do everything we can to protect all of you. You have my word."
"Thank you..."
Jack clicked off the tape recorder and stared at Chloe in shock. "This is all pretty amazing stuff. And you and Brady are really going to go after Stefano?"
Chloe shrugged nervously and sighed. "I -- I guess so. It's the only thing we can do."
Jennifer nudged her husband in the arm with the sharp point of her elbow, and gave him her 'I'm still the boss' look. "Jack, you better get over to the office and start writing. Fax me the story as soon as you finish it. I want to make sure this is front page, morning edition."
Jack stood from the couch and gave her a mock salute, along with a crooked grin. "Yes, ma'am. Hi-ho, Hi-ho, it's back to work I go..."
Chloe chuckled softly and waved at him as he went out the front door, sighing as she turned back to face her sister. "Are you sure that you don't mind taking care of Wes while we're gone?"
Jennifer waved her hand dismissively and smiled. "Of course I'm sure. Wes is always welcome here. I'll take care of him for as long as you need me to."
"Well, if you can't for any reason, or you're too busy at work... I'm sure my mom and dad would love to have him. Or even Hope."
"Speaking of... How do you think your mom is going to react to you going after Stefano DiMera? Have you even told her yet?"
Chloe cringed with fear and shook her head. "No, I haven't. I think it's safe to say that my mom will NOT be happy and will do everything in her power to keep me from going. Which, I'm surprised you're not trying to do..."
Jennifer shrugged slightly and threw up her hands in defeat. "I would be, but I know you. You're just like your husband, your mother and most of the other Horton women. Stubborn as hell. If you want to do this, then I know that I can't stop you. Now... are YOU sure you want to do this?"
Chloe blurted out the first response that came to mind, much to her sister's surprise. "No, I'm not."
"You're not? Then why are you doing it?"
"Because... After everything that Brady and I went through to be together... We made a promise to always stand by each other, to protect each other. He's going to do this even if I don't go, but I'd rather be there by his side through everything. If this was Jack, you'd do exactly what I'm doing. And, I know he would do it for you too."
Jennifer nodded slowly and gave her sister a weak smile. "You're right. We would."
Chloe's cell phone rang and she hurriedly dug into her purse to find it. "Hello..."
"Diva, it's me..."
"Brady? What's going on?"
There was a hesitant pause and Chloe could almost hear him swallow the lump in his throat. "Venice... We're going to Venice."
Chloe laid her hand on her chest, her eyes widening in surprise. Venice was his mother's favorite city, where they had spent their honeymoon and where they had first became friends with Greta. Maybe it was just a coincidence, but either way, Venice was a significant place for both of them. "Venice? When?"
"First thing in the morning... I'm getting all the information that they'll allow me to have, so we won't be completely unprepared before we go. I called, and they're fueling up my father's jet, and we'll leave in the morning. That gives us enough time to pack, talk to all the people we need to talk to, say goodbye to Wesley and maybe get about 5 minutes of sleep."
"Okay... Okay... I'm at Jenn's now, and our car is here. So, I'm gonna go over and see my mother. Let her know what's going on, get my lecture, and then I'll meet you back at the loft so we can pack. Sounds good?"
"Perfect... I love you."
Chloe smiled slightly, they were casually affectionate in normal circumstances, but under stress, it became a frantic desire to always remind each other of their feelings. "Love you too, Brady... See you soon."
Chloe hung up the phone and slid it back into her purse. She stood from the chair and Jennifer stood along with her. "So, you're going to Venice?"
"Looks like it... I'm sure we'll be back here before we leave. We'll want to say goodbye to Wesley, of course. I think I'm going to go give him a kiss right now though... I need to see my baby boy."
Jennifer nodded in understanding and pointed towards the stairs. "He's asleep in Abby's room."
"Thanks." Chloe went quietly up the stairs, trying not to wake up Abby or Wes as she crept into her young neice's bedroom.
Both kids were sleeping peacefully, Abby in her bed, and Wesley in the playpen that Jennifer kept in the closet for Wesley's visits. Chloe kneeled on the floor to watch him as he breathed softly, looking like the perfect picture of peace and contentment. She reached her hand into the playpen to lightly stroke the soft blonde hair that covered his head and smiled.
"Mommy and Daddy love you sweet-boy. I promise we'll come home soon..."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Did the initials watermark on the card make any sense to you guys? (Besides the KJM thing, which really isn't supposed to make any sense at this point. But, it should later.)