Disclaimer: None of these characters belong to me
Chapter 3
Whitney moves into the Crane Mansion, Tony learns everything about Eve
Rebecca Crane peered from behind a curtain, as one of the servants and Fox, helped Whitney Russell remove two suitcases from the trunk of her car. She let the curtain drop. Why was Whitney Russell moving in here again?
It wasn't like she could ask her ever evasive husband. Julian had given her an answer that could only be defined as 'half-assed'. Something about pleasing Fox. Julian had never been concerned about pleasing the boy before. Why now?
Not that Whitney Russell wasn't a nice girl. Despite whatever Rebecca had thought of Eve, she apparently raised Whitney well. Mannerable and polite. Very pretty. But, Rebecca didn't think that it was wise of Julian to help fulfill Fox's fantasies. For they all knew good and well that Allistair would never approve, or allow poor Fox a relationship with Whitney.
And there was the issue of T.C.. Russell. Good God, Julian was not best fighter, and T.C. would tear his head off when he learned of this! Rebecca closed her eyes and sighed deeply. Now that she was officially Mrs. Julian Crane, why couldn't anything be simple?
Rebecca watched as the servant, Whitney and Fox entered the foyer. Rebecca put on her brightest smile, and walked over to greet them.
'Hello, Whitney. Welcome.'
Whitney smiled at her. Rebecca noted that Fox was watching her smile and seemed absolutely entranced. The poor thing.
'Thank you, Mrs. Crane.' Whitney then turned to Fox.
'Thank you. This is just what I need.'
Fox took her remaining luggage from her.
'No problem. Consider this your new home.'
Whitney laughed lightly, a little embarrassed by all of the attention Fox was showering her with.
'I'm probably only going to be here for a couple of days. Then I'll go back to Chad's.'
Rebecca lifted a brow. That's right! How could she have forgotten that! Whitney did have a boyfriend already! Great! Now they had to worry about T.C.. and Chad barging in here!
The sound of someone clearing their throat caused the three of them to turn. Julian appeared. He kissed Rebecca on the cheek.
'Darling, are you making our new houseguest welcome?'
Rebecca patted his cheek. 'Of course.'
Whitney smiled at him.
'Everyone has been wonderful. Thank you, Mr. Crane, for inviting me here.'
Julian forced himself not to sigh. Whitney did so resemble Eve at that age! Julian then looked at Fox, who gave him a particularly hard look, as if he could imagine what his father was thinking. Julian had to mentally tell himself to behave.
'Call me Julian, Whitney.'
Whitney glanced at Fox, who nodded. She shrugged.
'Alright, Julian.'
Julian then walked up to her. He reached for her hand. Whitney looked at Fox, who was watching his father like a hawk. Rebecca raised a brow again.
'Consider this your home now, Whitney. I know that you may have reservations about my hospitality, considering what happened at my wedding reception. But I want you to know that your mother and I weren't always at cross purposes. And in the end, we became almost friends.'
Whitney stared at him. 'Really?'
Julian nodded, squeezing her hand.
'Really. She would want you to be able to mourn in peace, away from the strife that's going on in your family. Take all of the time you need to think things out, and decide what you want to do with your life.'
Whitney let her guard down a little. She actually believed he was sincere. Besides, if he wasn't being straight with her, she was sure Fox would tell her, wouldn't he?'
Whitney squeezed his hand back.
'Thank you, Mr. Crane.'
Fox interrupted the moment.
'Let's get a maid to help you settle into your room. Then, maybe we can go for a swim later, or play some tennis?'
Whitney smiled again.
'Yes, that sounds like a plan.'
Whitney took some of her bags, but Fox and the butler took them from her and carried them towards the stairs. Julian and Rebecca watched them until they disappeared upstairs, before Rebecca grabbed her husband's tie and yanked it, hard! Julian yelped!
'What are you doing, Rebecca darling?' he asked between clenched teeth.
'No, Julian, what are you doing? Inviting Whitney Russell to stay here is a big mistake! Her father is going to have a fit, not to mention her boyfriend!'
Julian pulled away from her and smoothed down his tie.
'I'm sure Fox and I can take on any townies, that would dare to encroach on the premises.'
Rebecca snorted with disbelief!
'Alright my love, forget that point for just a moment. What are you going to do about your father?'
Julian could barely keep from smiling. For he had already decided what he was going to do about Allistair Crane. It was about time the old man got a taste of his own medicine. He was going to take care of his father, 'Sheridan Style'. All he had to do was get through the phone conference he had planned with him later on this afternoon. After, Julian could put forth his plan to keep Allistair out of their lives, maybe for good.
****
Fox hung around as the maid helped Whitney unpack her things. Whitney began to feel embarrassed. It was stupid for the poor woman to help her with such a simple task. She finally told her that she would take care of everything, and thanked her.
Fox smiled at the maid as she left. This was Whitney. Simple, beautiful....he only hoped he could get her to stay more than a couple of days.
Whitney turned to look at him.
'Listen, I meant what I said. Only a couple of days. I don't want to be a bother.'
Fox walked up to her and held her hands in his.
'You are never a bother. My father meant what he said.'
'And his wife? I got the feeling she really didn't know I would be coming here.'
Fox let go of one of her hands and waved his own.
'Rebecca's fine with it.'
Whitney nodded, then turned, pulling her other hand from his. Fox felt her distance.
'What is it? Is it Chad?'
Whitney turned back to him.
'Yes...among other things. He still doesn't understand why we don't just can't up and leave! He's acting as if I have nothing left here. But I do. And no matter what they think, I do care about my father and Simone.'
Fox nodded.
'Of course you do. Maybe Chad doesn't see where you're coming from because...you know...he's an orphan himself.'
Whitney nodded. 'Yes, I thought about that. I even brought it up to him.'
'Uh oh.'
Whitney nodded even faster.
'Uh oh, big time! He didn't appreciate the comparison. We didn't part on good terms. Look, I hope you won't mind if I invite him over, you know, just to smooth things over?'
Fox did mind actually, quite a lot! But he nodded.
'No, Whitney. I don't mind. Look, this is about you. Time for you and the people that you love. Listen, I have an errand to run. But don't forget about our tennis/swim date?'
Whitney put a hand up. 'I swear, I won't.'
He smiled at her again, then opened the door to her room. Once he stepped out into the hallway, he pulled a cellphone from underneath his jacket. He dialed quickly.
'Hello, Teresa? Yeah, I'm fine. Yeah, it is true, Whitney is living here. Listen, I was wondering if you could do me a favor?'
Fox listened for a few seconds.
'Believe me, I'd owe you big time. Maybe I could do a little something for you on the Ethan/Gwen front.'
He listened again and rolled his eyes.
'Yeah, I know. Ethan and you are 'destined' to be together. Listen, could you distract Chad tonight? Yeah, he really upset Whitney earlier and she needs time to herself....yeah...thanks.'
****
Liz walked up to the Russell front door and was dismayed to find it locked. She tried to insert the key that she had, but found it didn't work. God! Was it possible T.C.. had changed the locks?
She suddenly dropped her keys! Damn! A shooting pain had just seared through her breast! Damn that Eve!
Liz looked around, leaving her keys on the ground. She then opened the first three buttons on her blouse, and peered down at the bandage that was on her breast.
The doctor had just said it was bruised, and asked a lot of nosy questions. She soon realized that he thought she may have been abused by a husband or lover. Liz lied and said she had tripped and fell.
She sighed, wondering if she should even be here at all. Liz had not been quite prepared to be treated like the town pariah.
Eve's goodie two shoes friend, Grace, snubbed her at the service. Simone glared at her as well. Whitney wouldn't even look at her. And T.C......
Had she really thought she could have it all? Eve's perfect life and respect in this town? Had it been so wrong for her to get a little justice? Eve had been the one that had abandoned her! Eve had been the one that lived a slutty, drug-filled existence, while she became their father's victim!
And then, her sister actually thought she could 're-invent' herself! A husband and children she didn't deserve! A respectable profession! A rich, White man slobbering over her! And in the end, people hated her, not Eve.
Thanks to Allistair Crane, Liz was now rich beyond her wildest dreams. She just couldn't tell anybody for she was no fool. She knew no lie would explain the type of money she had now. And with so many of Eve's friends, now watching her like a hawk and acting so hateful, Liz knew she would now have to watch her step. It wouldn't be long before one of them figured out the money came from Crane Senior.
Liz was thinking about how nice it had been to be in collusion with someone that hated her sister as much as she did, when the door opened, and T.C.. stood there. His expression was blank.
'Liz?'
Liz smiled at him.
'Hey...how are you holding up?'
T.C.. looked down, then back at her.
'Why do you care?' he asked.
Liz's eyes widened.
'Look, I know what my sister walked in on before she died, was a bad bit of business. But there's no turning back the clock. Eve is gone.'
There was a silence. Liz got the distinct impression that T.C.. didn't think her words were very profound.
'Look, Liz, what happened with us...it can't happen again.'
'T.C....did you change the locks?'
T.C.. nodded. 'Look, Simone is taking her mother's death hard. Especially that part about you.'
Liz sucked in a breath!
'You didn't tell her about what happened between us...you know...what Eve walked in on?'
'No, I would never do that. But, she's been giving some thought to something. And I have to say, it's had me thinking too.'
Liz began to feel uneasy.
'What is it, T.C.? You know I'll tell you anything.'
T.C.. sighed, leaning against the door.
'How long had you been holding my wife's past over her head? I mean, you act like you care so much about Whitney, Simone and I, but if getting the truth out for us, was your real intention, then why did you wait so late? I mean God Liz, you'd been living here for months and....'
Liz suddenly kissed him, hoping it would shut him up. Hoping that it would bring back memories of what it felt like to be together.
But T.C. gently pushed her away and wiped his mouth.
'I need time alone, Liz. Simone and I need time to ourselves.'
Liz swallowed, trying to hide her anger. Eve wins again, even from the grave!
'Okay. I understand. But what about Whitney? You left her out.'
T.C.'s eyes turned hard.
'No I didn't. It wasn't bad enough that she gave up a tennis career, and her family for that Harris boy! But now she's insulted this family, and her mother's memory, by moving in to the Crane mansion! Goodbye Liz, maybe I'll see you around.'
T.C.. then shut the door firmly in her face. Liz just stood there, shocked that T.C.. was rejecting her so soundly. But, he had said he needed time, so maybe all wasn't lost.
She turned away, mulling Simone and Whitney through her mind. It sounded like Simone was on to her, so she might be a problem when it came to getting to T.C... She would handle the girl. But Whitney? Good God what was that girl thinking?
An image of Fox Crane went through her mind. Liz smiled to herself. It was good to see someone in this town getting what they wanted! She reached down on the ground and picked up her keys.
****
SALEM
Tony DiMera read his investigator's report on the woman he now knew to be Dr. Eve Russell. He sat at his desk, picking up a page. Her life could be a novel!
He knew everything. The mistakes in her youth. The positive way she had turned her life around, her nasty sister, and her affair with Julian Crane.
DiMera knew Crane, just to say hello. They had known one another from Harvard, years ago. Stefano had had dealings with Crane Sr., Allistair.
Tony set the file down. Eve had two daughters that were mourning their mother's 'death'. She also had a husband, who, according to this report, might have been engaged in some sort of adulterous affair the day of Eve's accident.
But the worst part was yet to come, at least it would be if Eve ever regained her memory and learned about it.
In the report, was another file, about Eve's baby with Julian Crane. A baby that everyone thought, for all intents and purposes, was dead. He was not, not thanks to the vile machinations of Allistair Crane.
Tony leaned back in his chair, rubbing his hands together. What to do? Eve was already beginning to feel better, and with the exception of a broken arm and a few bruises, was walking around now.
But unfortunately, she did not remember her name, or anything that was in the file in front of him. What to do?
Lexie knocked on the room door. Tony smiled and stood up. He walked over to her and hugged her.
'How is my nephew?' he asked.
Lexie pulled away from him and sat down. She was holding her purse, which she set down on a nearby table.
'He's fine. Growing like a weed.'
'Good, good. Are you here to see to Eve?'
Lexie's eyes widened, and she stood up.
'You know her name now?'
Tony walked over to a bar and poured himself a drink. He then began to pour another. Lexie saw what he was doing.
'I don't want a drink, Tony. I want you to tell me what your plans are? How do you know her name? Or have you just named her that?'
Tony poured the second drink anyway and walked over to her. He handed it to her. Lexie rolled her eyes and took it. She sipped it, then eyed him.
'Well?'
'Alright. I had some of my...actually, men that Stefano used, to check into our mystery guest's life. Her name is Dr. Eve Russell.'
Lexie slammed the drink down on a nearby table.
'Damnit! I knew I knew her! She's a doctor in Harmony! I went to a lecture of hers when I was in med school! She's married, with children, isn't she?'
Tony nodded. 'Yes, well, Dr. Russell had a very bad year in Harmony. She also has a past that I'm afraid caught up with her recently.'
'What do you mean?'
Tony shrugged.
'It's too much to get in to. Right now, I think she just needs a place to rest until her memory comes back.'
Lexie stared at him, open mouthed. Tony looked at her.
'Yes, Alexandra?'
'Tony, we need to call her husband and children, right now! And with her memory loss, the longer she's away from them, the harder it's going to be for her to remember them!'
Tony set down his drink and put his hands on Lexie's shoulders.
'Alexandra, do you trust me?'
'Oh come on, Tony! That isn't fair! Of course I trust you, you're my brother!'
'Alright then. Just know that what I'm doing is for Eve's safety and peace of mind. As soon as I feel she is safe, then we'll send her back to her family in Harmony.'
Lexie raised a brow.
'Safe? What aren't you telling me?'
Tony told the first of what would be many lies.
'The police report says that Eve's accident was foul play.'
Lexie backed away from him.
'Good God! Someone tried to kill her?'
'Yes, it looks that way. And that someone thinks that she is dead. Sending her back could be a ....'
'A disaster.' Lexie agreed. 'Let's call Abe in on this thing, Tony. Maybe there's a way to help Eve and restore her to her family?'
'Alexandra, what did I say about trust?'
Lexie looked him in the eye.
'Tony, you're not going to fool my husband for long. He's going to want to know where she came from, how we know her....I can't lie to him!
'You won't have to. I'll take care of everything. Just, let me handle this.'
Lexie sighed deeply and nodded. She then picked up her purse, kissed him on the cheek and stopped to wipe his face of her lipstick.
'She is married, Tony.'
Tony smiled.
'I'm aware of that. I promise, as soon as it is safe. Scout's honor.'
Lexie turned and left the room. Tony picked up his drink and sipped. He walked over to a patio door and looked out. Eve was sitting out in a chair, her right arm in a cast. She looked serene.
Tony stared at her for the longest time. He had already decided that he would tell her the truth...about her name...her first name, anyway.
Chapter 3
Whitney moves into the Crane Mansion, Tony learns everything about Eve
Rebecca Crane peered from behind a curtain, as one of the servants and Fox, helped Whitney Russell remove two suitcases from the trunk of her car. She let the curtain drop. Why was Whitney Russell moving in here again?
It wasn't like she could ask her ever evasive husband. Julian had given her an answer that could only be defined as 'half-assed'. Something about pleasing Fox. Julian had never been concerned about pleasing the boy before. Why now?
Not that Whitney Russell wasn't a nice girl. Despite whatever Rebecca had thought of Eve, she apparently raised Whitney well. Mannerable and polite. Very pretty. But, Rebecca didn't think that it was wise of Julian to help fulfill Fox's fantasies. For they all knew good and well that Allistair would never approve, or allow poor Fox a relationship with Whitney.
And there was the issue of T.C.. Russell. Good God, Julian was not best fighter, and T.C. would tear his head off when he learned of this! Rebecca closed her eyes and sighed deeply. Now that she was officially Mrs. Julian Crane, why couldn't anything be simple?
Rebecca watched as the servant, Whitney and Fox entered the foyer. Rebecca put on her brightest smile, and walked over to greet them.
'Hello, Whitney. Welcome.'
Whitney smiled at her. Rebecca noted that Fox was watching her smile and seemed absolutely entranced. The poor thing.
'Thank you, Mrs. Crane.' Whitney then turned to Fox.
'Thank you. This is just what I need.'
Fox took her remaining luggage from her.
'No problem. Consider this your new home.'
Whitney laughed lightly, a little embarrassed by all of the attention Fox was showering her with.
'I'm probably only going to be here for a couple of days. Then I'll go back to Chad's.'
Rebecca lifted a brow. That's right! How could she have forgotten that! Whitney did have a boyfriend already! Great! Now they had to worry about T.C.. and Chad barging in here!
The sound of someone clearing their throat caused the three of them to turn. Julian appeared. He kissed Rebecca on the cheek.
'Darling, are you making our new houseguest welcome?'
Rebecca patted his cheek. 'Of course.'
Whitney smiled at him.
'Everyone has been wonderful. Thank you, Mr. Crane, for inviting me here.'
Julian forced himself not to sigh. Whitney did so resemble Eve at that age! Julian then looked at Fox, who gave him a particularly hard look, as if he could imagine what his father was thinking. Julian had to mentally tell himself to behave.
'Call me Julian, Whitney.'
Whitney glanced at Fox, who nodded. She shrugged.
'Alright, Julian.'
Julian then walked up to her. He reached for her hand. Whitney looked at Fox, who was watching his father like a hawk. Rebecca raised a brow again.
'Consider this your home now, Whitney. I know that you may have reservations about my hospitality, considering what happened at my wedding reception. But I want you to know that your mother and I weren't always at cross purposes. And in the end, we became almost friends.'
Whitney stared at him. 'Really?'
Julian nodded, squeezing her hand.
'Really. She would want you to be able to mourn in peace, away from the strife that's going on in your family. Take all of the time you need to think things out, and decide what you want to do with your life.'
Whitney let her guard down a little. She actually believed he was sincere. Besides, if he wasn't being straight with her, she was sure Fox would tell her, wouldn't he?'
Whitney squeezed his hand back.
'Thank you, Mr. Crane.'
Fox interrupted the moment.
'Let's get a maid to help you settle into your room. Then, maybe we can go for a swim later, or play some tennis?'
Whitney smiled again.
'Yes, that sounds like a plan.'
Whitney took some of her bags, but Fox and the butler took them from her and carried them towards the stairs. Julian and Rebecca watched them until they disappeared upstairs, before Rebecca grabbed her husband's tie and yanked it, hard! Julian yelped!
'What are you doing, Rebecca darling?' he asked between clenched teeth.
'No, Julian, what are you doing? Inviting Whitney Russell to stay here is a big mistake! Her father is going to have a fit, not to mention her boyfriend!'
Julian pulled away from her and smoothed down his tie.
'I'm sure Fox and I can take on any townies, that would dare to encroach on the premises.'
Rebecca snorted with disbelief!
'Alright my love, forget that point for just a moment. What are you going to do about your father?'
Julian could barely keep from smiling. For he had already decided what he was going to do about Allistair Crane. It was about time the old man got a taste of his own medicine. He was going to take care of his father, 'Sheridan Style'. All he had to do was get through the phone conference he had planned with him later on this afternoon. After, Julian could put forth his plan to keep Allistair out of their lives, maybe for good.
****
Fox hung around as the maid helped Whitney unpack her things. Whitney began to feel embarrassed. It was stupid for the poor woman to help her with such a simple task. She finally told her that she would take care of everything, and thanked her.
Fox smiled at the maid as she left. This was Whitney. Simple, beautiful....he only hoped he could get her to stay more than a couple of days.
Whitney turned to look at him.
'Listen, I meant what I said. Only a couple of days. I don't want to be a bother.'
Fox walked up to her and held her hands in his.
'You are never a bother. My father meant what he said.'
'And his wife? I got the feeling she really didn't know I would be coming here.'
Fox let go of one of her hands and waved his own.
'Rebecca's fine with it.'
Whitney nodded, then turned, pulling her other hand from his. Fox felt her distance.
'What is it? Is it Chad?'
Whitney turned back to him.
'Yes...among other things. He still doesn't understand why we don't just can't up and leave! He's acting as if I have nothing left here. But I do. And no matter what they think, I do care about my father and Simone.'
Fox nodded.
'Of course you do. Maybe Chad doesn't see where you're coming from because...you know...he's an orphan himself.'
Whitney nodded. 'Yes, I thought about that. I even brought it up to him.'
'Uh oh.'
Whitney nodded even faster.
'Uh oh, big time! He didn't appreciate the comparison. We didn't part on good terms. Look, I hope you won't mind if I invite him over, you know, just to smooth things over?'
Fox did mind actually, quite a lot! But he nodded.
'No, Whitney. I don't mind. Look, this is about you. Time for you and the people that you love. Listen, I have an errand to run. But don't forget about our tennis/swim date?'
Whitney put a hand up. 'I swear, I won't.'
He smiled at her again, then opened the door to her room. Once he stepped out into the hallway, he pulled a cellphone from underneath his jacket. He dialed quickly.
'Hello, Teresa? Yeah, I'm fine. Yeah, it is true, Whitney is living here. Listen, I was wondering if you could do me a favor?'
Fox listened for a few seconds.
'Believe me, I'd owe you big time. Maybe I could do a little something for you on the Ethan/Gwen front.'
He listened again and rolled his eyes.
'Yeah, I know. Ethan and you are 'destined' to be together. Listen, could you distract Chad tonight? Yeah, he really upset Whitney earlier and she needs time to herself....yeah...thanks.'
****
Liz walked up to the Russell front door and was dismayed to find it locked. She tried to insert the key that she had, but found it didn't work. God! Was it possible T.C.. had changed the locks?
She suddenly dropped her keys! Damn! A shooting pain had just seared through her breast! Damn that Eve!
Liz looked around, leaving her keys on the ground. She then opened the first three buttons on her blouse, and peered down at the bandage that was on her breast.
The doctor had just said it was bruised, and asked a lot of nosy questions. She soon realized that he thought she may have been abused by a husband or lover. Liz lied and said she had tripped and fell.
She sighed, wondering if she should even be here at all. Liz had not been quite prepared to be treated like the town pariah.
Eve's goodie two shoes friend, Grace, snubbed her at the service. Simone glared at her as well. Whitney wouldn't even look at her. And T.C......
Had she really thought she could have it all? Eve's perfect life and respect in this town? Had it been so wrong for her to get a little justice? Eve had been the one that had abandoned her! Eve had been the one that lived a slutty, drug-filled existence, while she became their father's victim!
And then, her sister actually thought she could 're-invent' herself! A husband and children she didn't deserve! A respectable profession! A rich, White man slobbering over her! And in the end, people hated her, not Eve.
Thanks to Allistair Crane, Liz was now rich beyond her wildest dreams. She just couldn't tell anybody for she was no fool. She knew no lie would explain the type of money she had now. And with so many of Eve's friends, now watching her like a hawk and acting so hateful, Liz knew she would now have to watch her step. It wouldn't be long before one of them figured out the money came from Crane Senior.
Liz was thinking about how nice it had been to be in collusion with someone that hated her sister as much as she did, when the door opened, and T.C.. stood there. His expression was blank.
'Liz?'
Liz smiled at him.
'Hey...how are you holding up?'
T.C.. looked down, then back at her.
'Why do you care?' he asked.
Liz's eyes widened.
'Look, I know what my sister walked in on before she died, was a bad bit of business. But there's no turning back the clock. Eve is gone.'
There was a silence. Liz got the distinct impression that T.C.. didn't think her words were very profound.
'Look, Liz, what happened with us...it can't happen again.'
'T.C....did you change the locks?'
T.C.. nodded. 'Look, Simone is taking her mother's death hard. Especially that part about you.'
Liz sucked in a breath!
'You didn't tell her about what happened between us...you know...what Eve walked in on?'
'No, I would never do that. But, she's been giving some thought to something. And I have to say, it's had me thinking too.'
Liz began to feel uneasy.
'What is it, T.C.? You know I'll tell you anything.'
T.C.. sighed, leaning against the door.
'How long had you been holding my wife's past over her head? I mean, you act like you care so much about Whitney, Simone and I, but if getting the truth out for us, was your real intention, then why did you wait so late? I mean God Liz, you'd been living here for months and....'
Liz suddenly kissed him, hoping it would shut him up. Hoping that it would bring back memories of what it felt like to be together.
But T.C. gently pushed her away and wiped his mouth.
'I need time alone, Liz. Simone and I need time to ourselves.'
Liz swallowed, trying to hide her anger. Eve wins again, even from the grave!
'Okay. I understand. But what about Whitney? You left her out.'
T.C.'s eyes turned hard.
'No I didn't. It wasn't bad enough that she gave up a tennis career, and her family for that Harris boy! But now she's insulted this family, and her mother's memory, by moving in to the Crane mansion! Goodbye Liz, maybe I'll see you around.'
T.C.. then shut the door firmly in her face. Liz just stood there, shocked that T.C.. was rejecting her so soundly. But, he had said he needed time, so maybe all wasn't lost.
She turned away, mulling Simone and Whitney through her mind. It sounded like Simone was on to her, so she might be a problem when it came to getting to T.C... She would handle the girl. But Whitney? Good God what was that girl thinking?
An image of Fox Crane went through her mind. Liz smiled to herself. It was good to see someone in this town getting what they wanted! She reached down on the ground and picked up her keys.
****
SALEM
Tony DiMera read his investigator's report on the woman he now knew to be Dr. Eve Russell. He sat at his desk, picking up a page. Her life could be a novel!
He knew everything. The mistakes in her youth. The positive way she had turned her life around, her nasty sister, and her affair with Julian Crane.
DiMera knew Crane, just to say hello. They had known one another from Harvard, years ago. Stefano had had dealings with Crane Sr., Allistair.
Tony set the file down. Eve had two daughters that were mourning their mother's 'death'. She also had a husband, who, according to this report, might have been engaged in some sort of adulterous affair the day of Eve's accident.
But the worst part was yet to come, at least it would be if Eve ever regained her memory and learned about it.
In the report, was another file, about Eve's baby with Julian Crane. A baby that everyone thought, for all intents and purposes, was dead. He was not, not thanks to the vile machinations of Allistair Crane.
Tony leaned back in his chair, rubbing his hands together. What to do? Eve was already beginning to feel better, and with the exception of a broken arm and a few bruises, was walking around now.
But unfortunately, she did not remember her name, or anything that was in the file in front of him. What to do?
Lexie knocked on the room door. Tony smiled and stood up. He walked over to her and hugged her.
'How is my nephew?' he asked.
Lexie pulled away from him and sat down. She was holding her purse, which she set down on a nearby table.
'He's fine. Growing like a weed.'
'Good, good. Are you here to see to Eve?'
Lexie's eyes widened, and she stood up.
'You know her name now?'
Tony walked over to a bar and poured himself a drink. He then began to pour another. Lexie saw what he was doing.
'I don't want a drink, Tony. I want you to tell me what your plans are? How do you know her name? Or have you just named her that?'
Tony poured the second drink anyway and walked over to her. He handed it to her. Lexie rolled her eyes and took it. She sipped it, then eyed him.
'Well?'
'Alright. I had some of my...actually, men that Stefano used, to check into our mystery guest's life. Her name is Dr. Eve Russell.'
Lexie slammed the drink down on a nearby table.
'Damnit! I knew I knew her! She's a doctor in Harmony! I went to a lecture of hers when I was in med school! She's married, with children, isn't she?'
Tony nodded. 'Yes, well, Dr. Russell had a very bad year in Harmony. She also has a past that I'm afraid caught up with her recently.'
'What do you mean?'
Tony shrugged.
'It's too much to get in to. Right now, I think she just needs a place to rest until her memory comes back.'
Lexie stared at him, open mouthed. Tony looked at her.
'Yes, Alexandra?'
'Tony, we need to call her husband and children, right now! And with her memory loss, the longer she's away from them, the harder it's going to be for her to remember them!'
Tony set down his drink and put his hands on Lexie's shoulders.
'Alexandra, do you trust me?'
'Oh come on, Tony! That isn't fair! Of course I trust you, you're my brother!'
'Alright then. Just know that what I'm doing is for Eve's safety and peace of mind. As soon as I feel she is safe, then we'll send her back to her family in Harmony.'
Lexie raised a brow.
'Safe? What aren't you telling me?'
Tony told the first of what would be many lies.
'The police report says that Eve's accident was foul play.'
Lexie backed away from him.
'Good God! Someone tried to kill her?'
'Yes, it looks that way. And that someone thinks that she is dead. Sending her back could be a ....'
'A disaster.' Lexie agreed. 'Let's call Abe in on this thing, Tony. Maybe there's a way to help Eve and restore her to her family?'
'Alexandra, what did I say about trust?'
Lexie looked him in the eye.
'Tony, you're not going to fool my husband for long. He's going to want to know where she came from, how we know her....I can't lie to him!
'You won't have to. I'll take care of everything. Just, let me handle this.'
Lexie sighed deeply and nodded. She then picked up her purse, kissed him on the cheek and stopped to wipe his face of her lipstick.
'She is married, Tony.'
Tony smiled.
'I'm aware of that. I promise, as soon as it is safe. Scout's honor.'
Lexie turned and left the room. Tony picked up his drink and sipped. He walked over to a patio door and looked out. Eve was sitting out in a chair, her right arm in a cast. She looked serene.
Tony stared at her for the longest time. He had already decided that he would tell her the truth...about her name...her first name, anyway.
