Disclaimer: Characters are property of NBC
Chapter 8
Pilar's been keeping a secret. Julian unleashes hell on Ivy.
Pilar Lopez-Fitzgerald, entered the Harmony FBI offices with her badge raised to a computerized scanner. A door then opened and she walked down another long hallway.
Her life had not been easy, though most people in Harmony, including her children, assumed that was because of her having to work as the Crane's housekeeper for 20 something years, and her having to make ends meet, when her husband, Martin Fitzgerald, disappeared. leaving her with 4 children to support.
But no one realized, that what was hardest for Pilar, was listening to talk around town that Martin was either dead or had run out on her. Pilar knew that was not true. For Martin had not only been her husband and the father of Antonio, Luis, Teresa and Miguel, but he had been her FBI partner as well.
They had not come to Harmony from Mexico or any other foreign place. Pilar had met Martin at the FBI academy at Quantico, Virginia, over 25 years ago. They had both been in training, and fell in love instantly.
Their superiors didn't like the idea of them partnering up, given their personal relationship. They were given very few cases that they worked together. Finally, as their family began grow, Martin asked her to quit.
Pilar did, for a few months. Then, the Federal Bureau of Investigation decided to go after Harrison Winthrop, Ivy's father. They were looking into some of the illegal activities that went on in his administration, during the time he was governor. Specifically, that Winthrop had been lax on immigration laws, and instead of turning illegals in, Winthrop was giving them jobs with other rich and powerful people. Some were friends, many were business allies, like Alistair Crane. Winthrop, as were the beneficiaries of his 'generosity', not only were not paying the taxes for their new help, but a few hapless workers had turned up dead, murdered all in the same way...strangled with some sort of metal wire.
The FBI thought that sending in a couple, that pretended to be married, to find out what they could on Winthrop, would be just the solution to getting the goods on him. But Pilar had refused to let Martin 'pretend' to be married to anyone else, and insisted on working the mission with him. Neither of them knew they would end up living in Harmony, some twenty something years later. Neither of them could've foreseen that only one of them, would be raising their children.
Once Martin disappeared, Pilar had to find the inner strength to keep working for Alistair Crane, a man that she knew had either killed or kidnapped her husband. She had to pretend to make it on a meager housekeeper's salary, when the government was giving her a check, and a 'widow's pay' for Martin. Luis and Antonio always thought their hard work kept the house. While Pilar loved those boys dearly, if they had really had to depend on their meager checks, they would've lost the house long ago.
In many ways, Luis made her the proudest. She liked to think that somehow, her son had sensed his father's dedication to law enforcement(though none of the children were aware of their parents real profession) and decided to follow in his footsteps.
Pilar played the role of loyal housekeeper, and protector of Crane family secrets, to the hilt. For deep down, she knew she had to. For surely, one of these days, one of those secrets would be the answer to her beloved husband's disappearance. And he had disappeared. Pilar would never believe he was dead.
Now, she had in her possession, pictures of Liz Sanbourne at the Harmony Swamp. Pilar knew that Liz had been in collusion with Alistair Crane for some reason. And after what she heard had Julian's wedding, Pilar would have to guess, that their conspiracy had something to do with Eve, that poor thing. To suffer all because of a stupid mistake with the likes of Julian Crane...it hurt her soul to think that that pig was the father of her precious grandson.
Helen Quake, the Director's secretary, smiled up at her, when Pilar entered the outer office.
'Go on in, Pilar. He's expecting you.'
Pilar smiled warmly at her in response, then opened the door to Director Spence Lowell's office. He stood up when she walked in. Pilar closed the door, then walked over to him, handing over the envelope to him.
Spence Lowell glanced over the photographs quickly, then looked at her.
'Good. We've got what we need.'
Pilar sighed.
'That's all well and good. But how about letting me in on this. I saw two thugs pull Alistair Crane out of his car and drag him into the swamp. Then Liz Sanbourne shows up. I can only guess that you're looking for Crane, and Liz had something to do with his disappearance.'
Spence didn't answer directly.
'Go on.' he said.
Pilar lifted a brow.
'Alright. Well, I'm going to assume that Alistair Crane didn't make it out of that swamp. So, you're looking for Liz....Spence, I don't care what happened to that man! Tell me that you asked me to do all of this because it connects to Martin?'
Spence Lowell set the pictures down on his desk, then walked back around to his chair. He sat down in it and looked up at her.
'How much do you know about Stefano DiMera?'
Pilar's eyes widened! Good God! She wanted to cross herself.
'Is this a joke? That's like asking a child what they know about Santa Claus! What the hell does that maniac have to do with any of this?'
Spence stood up again.
'We have a lead on DiMera, who once again, is supposed to be dead. We think he'll be contacting his 'loved ones' again, very soon. The FBI wants to send in Ms. Sanbourne.'
Pilar blinked.
'Spence, you've lost me here. You want to send Liz Sanbourne where? And you're talking as if you know where she is! No one has seen her since Alistair disappeared.'
'We have her, Pilar. We have her here within the walls of the FBI. She was picked up as soon as she left the swamp.'
Pilar slowly sat in a chair. She looked Spence up and down.
'I want answers, Spence, now!'
Spence sat on a corner of his desk.
'Ms. Sanbourne is indirectly related to a woman that DiMera may contact. This is a very long shot, so we'll need you to interview her in a couple of days...'
Pilar jumped up!
'I'm not interviewing that barracuda! And I think your sources are wrong! Good luck in catching DiMera, but if this doesn't have anything to do with Martin, then I'm out of this!'
Pilar stood up, clutching her purse. Spence's next words stopped her.
'We believe that it Alistair Crane had DiMera kidnap your husband all of those years ago. We believe Martin could be alive today.'
Pilar slowly turned around.
'Stefano DiMera has Martin? That man has held my husband captive all of this time?!'
Spence sighed.
'Pilar, we know nothing for sure. But if we can reel in DiMera....'
Pilar flung her purse down in a chair!
'Stop with the runaround, Spence! If you want my help, you have to tell me what's going on here! Why do you have Liz Sanbourne here and how is she going to help me get my husband back? Do we know Martin is still alive? Why would Stefano keep him prisoner all of this time....'
Pilar stopped herself. Her jaw set.
'Alistair asked him to, is that it?'
Spence looked at her sympathetically. He then turned and picked up a file off of his desk. It read: classified. He handed it to her.
'This is the DiMera file. I'm trusting you with it. If you don't want anything to do with this, I'll have someone retrieve it from your home tomorrow at noon. If you want in on this, then you will call me here at nine that morning. After, I will let you know when you are to interview Liz Sanbourne.
Pilar took the file, then nodded. She turned and walked out of his office. Once she was outside of it, she leaned against the door. Helen looked at her.
'Pilar? Are you alright?'
Pilar nodded. She already knew what her answer would be. Tonight she would look at the file, then, in a few days, she would find out what Liz Sanbourne's connection to this whole mess was!
****
SALEM
Eve sat on the couch in the DiMera study, and peeked into some of the shopping bags. She pulled out a red, silk nightgown that Tony had picked out himself. Eve felt her face turn hot, at the thought of wearing it for him. She quickly put it back inside the bag.
Eve leaned back on the couch and closed her eyes. She had had a disturbing moment earlier that day. Eve had already decided that she wasn't going to mention it to Tony. He always looked so worried for her, and she didn't want him to bother him.
It had happened when she was in the antique shop. Claude had been showing her some beautiful jewelry, when for the briefest moment, Eve had the oddest sensation. It was as if someone she knew needed her. Eve had excused herself from a puzzled Claude, and went over to the window to peek out. But she only saw Tony and Lexie. She shook it off, then returned to Claude. Tony later purchased a necklace for her.
Eve stood up. All of these things Tony had bought for her were nice, but, they were not what she really needed right now. She looked over at Tony, as he strode into the room.
'Are you taking inventory?' he asked teasingly, looking over her bags.
Eve glanced at them as well and smiled.
'Yes and no.'
Tony walked over to the bar and began mixing two drinks. He glanced back over at her. She was awfully quiet.
'I let the cook have the night off.' he said.
Eve rubbed her cheek distractedly.
'Really? Why?'
Tony turned from the bar and handed her a drink. Eve stared at it, then set it down on a table. Tony eyed her.
'I was going to cook us dinner. I thought we could spend a little time alone.'
Eve gave him a lukewarm smile, then turned away. Tony raised a brow.
'I see that my idea doesn't appeal t o you. Is it my cooking or my company that bothers you?'
But Eve was staring at the shopping bags again. She suddenly turned from them to Tony.
'I think it's about time you let me read that file.'
Tony was momentarily stunned. File? What file? But Eve answered that question for him.
'You know, the one you got from the investigator?'
Tony put down his drink.
'Why? I mean, why on earth would you bring that up now?'
Eve began to feel guilty. Tony actually looked hurt!
'Tony, this isn't right. I don't belong here...I don't think I should be starting a relationship with someone, when I don't know who I am.'
Tony walked over to her and took ahold of her hands.
'Eve, I told you who you are.'
'Yes,' she said firmly. 'And my home is in Minnesota. I mean, if I'm a teacher, surely I have classes I need to get back to, don't I?'
Tony liked his lips quickly. He then pulled her over to the sofa to sit down.
'Eve, you do like me, don't you?'
Eve smiled.
'Of course I like you, Tony. Very much.'
Tony then went a step further.
'Do you think you could ever care for me, Eve?'
Eve watched as he picked up one of her hands and kissed it. Her mouth went dry.
'Well...Tony...I already do care for you. I mean, you've been my knight in shining armor.'
'Could you love me?'
Eve noted that Tony still had her hand near his lips. She shivered, but not from cold. She pulled her hand from his and stood up.
'I can't love anyone until I can remember my life. Looking at that file might put my mind to rest.'
Tony stood as well.
'I don't understand what it is you need to know. Did you not believe me when I told you what I read in the file?'
'Of course I did! This isn't about my not believing you. But...I don't know Tony...'
Tony put his hands on her shoulders.
'Listen to me, Eve. If reading that file will help you move on with your life, then fine, I will obtain it for you. But I want you to know, that once you do read it, I hope you will decide to make Salem your home...with me.'
Eve felt overwhelmed. She didn't know what to say. She was touched.
'And, to speed up your decision making process, I've decided to have a coming out party for you.'
Eve smiled again.
'A coming out party?' she asked.
'Yes. A barbecue to be exact. My secretary is working on the invitations as we speak.'
'Oh Tony! You shouldn't go through all of this trouble I....'
Tony suddenly grabbed her face and kissed her! Eve stared at him, stunned when he stopped and released her face.
'I want this town to know that you're important to me. I want my family and friends to know that you belong here. So, it is no trouble at all.'
Tony then cleared his throat, a little thrown by his sudden show of emotion.
'I'm going to go check on dinner. I'll have one of the servants help you take the bags up to your room.'
Eve just nodded and watched as he left the room. She then looked over at the bags again. The nightgown she had been thinking about earlier was peeking out.
****
HARMONY
Whitney was still tending to Fox's bruises in the kitchen of the Crane estate, when Fox made a proposition.
'Whitney, let's go somewhere.'
Whitney smiled, looking at the puffiness around one his eyes.
'Go somewhere? Fox, what are you talking about?'
Fox took the cloth from her hand and set it down.
'I think you've been under a lot of stress. I was thinking a trip somewhere might cheer you up.'
Whitney half laughed.
'Chad, the Crane mansion is a trip somewhere! I don't need to go anywhere.'
Fox backed down momentarily. His approach was failing. And he had the Crane jet on standby. He wanted to leave for Bermuda with Whitney tonight. But, how was he going to accomplish that feat?
****
When Julian walked up to the front door, he was more than a little surprised to see Chad Harris there, waiting. Chad was about to ring the doorbell, when he turned and saw Julian coming up the walk. Julian extended his hand out to shake.
'Chad? How have you been?'
Chad glared at him, ignoring the proffered hand.
'How do you think I've been? Look, I'm here to see Whitney and neither you or your damned son are going to stop me!'
Chad then turned back around and rang the bell. Julian stared at his back. There had been a time when Eve had thought that Chad might be their lost son. But Eve had said that the DNA results came back negative. Still, Julian had developed a rapport with the lad, through Whitney. He was slightly regretful that the cost of making sure that Fox and Whitney got together, was any friendship he might've had with young Mr. Harris.
But, this was war. And despite his earlier reservations about Fox's intentions towards Whitney, Julian could see that Fox was quite devoted to her. He honestly thought the two of them could make it work.
'There's no need to ring the bell, I have my key. We'll go in together. I'm sure Whitney's around somewhere.' Julian said. Chad rolled his eyes.
'Yeah...whatever!'
Julian restrained himself at Chad's smart ass reply. What the hell was wrong with this young man?! Did he not realized that his own behavior was driving Whitney away from him? Did he not understand that he was playing right into Fox's hands? Julian wondered if he had been wrong when he had thought Chad had drive and ambition. Maybe he still did, but, just not when it came to women.
Julian unlocked the door and walked in. A maid carrying a duster, walked over to him and took his briefcase. She then looked at Chad. Julian looked at him, then at the maid.
'Chad Harris is here to see Ms. Russell.'
The maid nodded, then disappeared down a hallway. Rebecca came seemingly out of nowhere, and threw her arms around Julian.
'Hi Pookie! I missed you today!'
She stopped suddenly, looking from Julian to Chad. Her arms slid from around Julian's neck. Something just hit her.
'Did you get in a fight with Fox today?' she asked Chad, looking him up and down. There was not a scratch on him, which was not unusual. The Crane men weren't too handy with their fists, although Fox at least looked as if he had some promise.
Julian looked over at Chad. Chad wore a defiant expression.
'Just get Whitney out here!' Chad then began to yell. He then advanced to screaming Whitney's name! Rebecca's mouth dropped open, while Julian decided that he was in need of a drink...quite badly. He began walking towards the library. Rebecca, realizing that this was the moment he would probably realize Eve's CD's were gone, quietly walked off in another direction.
Whitney and Fox came running from down a hallway. Whitney wore an expression of disgust.
'What are you doing here and why are you screaming at the top of your lungs?!'
Chad was a bit thrown. He had not been prepared for what appeared to be Whitney's utter contempt.
'What choice did I have? You wouldn't come to me.'
Fox smirked. But when Whitney looked back at him, his expression was one of sympathy.
'Look, I'll leave you two alone.' Fox said.
'Yeah thanks, punk!'
Whitney put a hand up.
'Whoa! I won't have you speaking to Fox that way! Not after what you did to him!'
'He was asking for it, Whitney! He all but admitted he is after you! He's been trying to break us up this whole time! Don't let him win, baby!'
Chad then attempted to touch her face, but she slapped it away. Fox grinned.
'I want to know if you've been seeing Simone again?!'
'WHAT???' Chad asked, looking her up and down. 'Where would you get an idea like that?!'
Fox stepped forward...actually, he limped forward, as if to convey some hidden injury that he may have hidden from Whitney before. She did not miss it.
'Fox...are you limping?'
'It's nothing, Whitney. And Chad, she got the idea from me. I saw Simone and you at the Book Cafe today, remember? That's why my face looks like this!'
Chad had to take a deep breath. He looked his rival up and down.
'You lying ass ^%$%$$$%!!!'
'Chad!' Whitney cried out, appalled at his language. Fox grinned again.
****
Julian peeked out of the library, drink in hand. Did he just hear that Harris lad call Fox a &^^%$%$%? Lord! It looked as if his son was getting closer in his quest to make Whitney a Crane. He felt a small amount of pride, then closed the library door, lest, things got violent.
Julian then turned and walked over to the CD player. Listening to one of Eve's songs would drown out the would be melee that was taking place out in the hallway. He set his drink down on the desk and reached for a CD. Nothing.
Julian frowned, then looked around the CD player, behind it, then around the room, as panic began to creep in. Did one of the servants dare touch his precious Eve CD's?!
Julian then realized, after throwing aside couch cushions and pulling out drawers, that his collection was not in this room. And he wanted to know why.
He walked to the library door and flung it open, hard! Whitney was standing between the two men, serving as a buffer. The three of them looked over at him.
'Dad?' Fox asked.
'Have either Whitney or you seen my CD collection?' Julian asked, in a calm, controlled voice.
Fox looked away. Oh boy! Is that what the hell Rebecca had been doing in there all day? Trashing his father's Eve CD's? There would be hell to pay!
But Whitney looked confused.
'Uh, no Mr...Julian. I haven't been in there all day. But Fox and I can help you look for them.'
Julian walked up to her.
'Whitney, they're CD's of songs your mother sang. They're my most prized treasure...second only to what your mother meant to me.'
Whitney was stunned by the pain she saw in his eyes. She felt bad for him, and in a small way, for Rebecca. She was Julian's wife, and clearly, she was not a 'prized treasure'.
But Chad was disgusted!
'You kept CD's of Whitney's mom singing? Why? So you could get off on them?!'
Whitney slowly turned around to face him. She then slapped him hard! Julian and Fox stepped back.
'That is the second time you've disrespected my mother's memory. Get out! Go! You and Simone deserve one another!'
Chad rubbed his cheek. He couldn't believe Whitney was just going to take Fox's word over his! It was a sign of how far apart they'd grown. He backed away, looking from Whitney to Fox. He pointed at him.
'I'm going to get you, Crane! Don't you ever doubt that!'
Fox just raised a brow. He liked how Whitney had sounded just now, ordering Chad from the mansion, as if it was her home.
Chad then turned and pulled open the door. He stalked off, leaving it open. Whitney put her face in her hands and began to cry. Fox walked over to her, pulling her into his arms. Julian watched the tender scene briefly, before walking off in search of Rebecca. Maybe she knew about his CD'S.
Whitney stopped crying and pulled away from Fox.
'I'm sorry. I'm sorry Chad came here and acted like that.'
'Hey, hey! Don't apologize for him! He should've come over here, hat in hand, begging your forgiveness for Simone. Look, lets get out of here. I'll get the jet ready, we'll go and have some fun. It'll take your mind off of this crap. When we get back, you can face Chad, Simone...even your father. What do you say?'
Whitney suddenly nodded. A trip somewhere far from Harmony, might be just what she needed to clear her head. She smiled up at him and nodded. Fox wiped a tear off of her face.
****
Julian found Rebecca out by the pool, laying on chaise and reading a magazine. He snatched the magazine from her.
'Hey! I was reading that!'
Julian pulled her up by the arm.
'Pookie, you're hurting me!'
'I want to know what happened to the CD's that I had in the library! And don't try to blame a servant!'
Rebecca had been practicing her response all day. It hadn't been very hot today, so she didn't know how much damage had been done to the damned things up in the attic! But she wasn't crazy. She knew she'd better look clueless as hell, or Julian would make her pay!
'Honey, you're CD's are missing?'
'You didn't notice?' he asked sarcastically.
'No...I mean they were there when I was talking to Ivy today....'
'Ivy was here?'
Rebecca could barely contain her glee!
'Yes, we were in the library discussing Ethan and Gwen, when Fox came in looking beat up. I left to see if he needed anything. When I returned, Ivy had left. But I think the CD's were still there...I can't be sure.'
'Damn her!' Julian hissed.
'Honey, why would Ivy want your CD's? Maybe we should check with one of the servants? Maybe they moved them while they were cleaning...''
'Ivy! That ^^%$%^&$@#!' Julian swore. Rebecca's eyes widened. Good God! She was damned glad she wasn't Ivy Winthrop at this moment!
Julian then turned and began walking briskly from the pool area, towards the garages. Rebecca had to run to keep up.
'Pookie! Where are you going?'
Julian stopped and turned around. He spoke in a calm tone.
'To visit my charming ex-wife, the 'Whore of Harmony'. I'll be back in a New York minute, darling.'
Julian then turned and strode towards the garages.
****
Ivy yawned, as she watched John Hastings, Simone Russell, Miguel Lopez-Fitzgerald and Charity Standish, look over John's ant farm. She looked towards the front door. God! When did Sam get off of his shift? This was a rare night that she might be able to get him alone, since Grace was over at the Russell house, babying T.C. again.
Simone wrinkled her nose and looked at John.
'You actually had to touch the things?' she asked.
John smiled patiently at her.
'Touching them was the only way to get them inside this case.'
Simone rolled her eyes.
'I know that, but, it just seems sick. I hate ants.'
Charity and Miguel moved away from them. Kay was next door with Tabitha and the baby. Miguel would have to leave her soon to go check on their welfare. She tried not to think about it.
'So, what do you think?' Charity asked him, eyeing John and Simone.
Miguel shrugged.
'I don't know Charity. I mean, yes, I think they'd make a great couple. But Simone is just not over Chad yet.'
Charity shook her head.
'Maybe. But I think the more time she spends with John, the faster Chad will fade from her memory. I just hate to see her so unhappy.'
Miguel nodded in agreement.
'Tell me about it. Worse yet, what's going on between her and Whitney is really terrible. I like Whitney, but I don't understand her living with Fox Crane.'
Miguel stopped talking suddenly. The sound of Ivy's electric wheelchair approaching caused them both to turn and look down at her.
'Charity, do you know when Sam will be coming home?' she asked in her sweetest sounding voice.
Charity did not have a chance to answer. The doorbell rang.
'I'll get it.' Miguel said, anxious to get away from Ivy. Everyone knew she was trying to break up the Bennett's. Frankly, he'd prefer not to talk to her at all.
He walked over to the door and opened it. He instantly regretted it.
'Mr. Crane?' he asked.
Ivy swung around her chair. Julian? What the hell did he want?
Julian shoved past Miguel.
'Hey!' Miguel cried out. John and Simone stopped looking at the ants and watched Julian approach Ivy.
'You bitch! I want what you stole from my home this afternoon! Now, Ivy! Get them now!'
Ivy looked him up and down and began to smirk.
'What are you talking about, Julian? Have you lost your mind?'
Julian bent down and placed both hands on either side of her wheelchair.
'I want those CD's. I'm not in the mood to play any games with you. Go get them now!'
Ivy then broke into a full smile. Rebecca must've been more upset by her snippy early morning call, than she had let on this afternoon. Bravo! She got rid of Julian's Eve CD collection. In the process, she also framed her for the theft! Ivy did a mental shrug. She could go a few rounds with her bastard ex until Sam showed up. Actually, if Sam came home and saw Julian harassing her, it could work in her favor. If she didn't, at least one of these sniveling teens could attest to what happened!
Ivy then leaned forward and began to sing 'Stormy Weather' in the same, breathless way that Eve used to. She also did it in a sing song voice!
Julian lost control and began to try and shake her chair! Ivy squealed.
'Help, somebody!'
Miguel and John pulled Julian away, as Ivy backed up, then rammed forward, hitting Julian, Miguel and John! The three of them went flying back onto a couch!
'Ms. Winthrop, stop it!' Simone screamed. Charity ran over to the men on the couch.
'My God! Is everyone alright?'
But Julian jumped up, just as Ivy tried to whiz past him towards the front door. He grabbed the back of her wheelchair and pulled against the pressure of her motor.
'Stop it, Julian!' she screamed. 'Stop it! I don't have your damned CD's!'
But Julian didn't believe her. He pulled extra hard on the wheelchair and shoved it to the right. Ivy went crashing into the ant farm! The ants and Ivy, smashed onto the ground!
'AHHHHHH!' Ivy screamed, as she jumped up off of the floor, rubbing her hands all over her body, to get the ants off of her.
'One of you twits get over here and help me! I think they're in my hair!' she screamed.
She suddenly stopped yelling and looked at everyone. Everyone in the room was staring at her, their faces clearly shocked. For Ivy Winthrop, was standing in front of them, bellowing out orders. Ivy swallowed.
'Oops.' was all she said, slowly fingering her hair for stray ants.
Chapter 8
Pilar's been keeping a secret. Julian unleashes hell on Ivy.
Pilar Lopez-Fitzgerald, entered the Harmony FBI offices with her badge raised to a computerized scanner. A door then opened and she walked down another long hallway.
Her life had not been easy, though most people in Harmony, including her children, assumed that was because of her having to work as the Crane's housekeeper for 20 something years, and her having to make ends meet, when her husband, Martin Fitzgerald, disappeared. leaving her with 4 children to support.
But no one realized, that what was hardest for Pilar, was listening to talk around town that Martin was either dead or had run out on her. Pilar knew that was not true. For Martin had not only been her husband and the father of Antonio, Luis, Teresa and Miguel, but he had been her FBI partner as well.
They had not come to Harmony from Mexico or any other foreign place. Pilar had met Martin at the FBI academy at Quantico, Virginia, over 25 years ago. They had both been in training, and fell in love instantly.
Their superiors didn't like the idea of them partnering up, given their personal relationship. They were given very few cases that they worked together. Finally, as their family began grow, Martin asked her to quit.
Pilar did, for a few months. Then, the Federal Bureau of Investigation decided to go after Harrison Winthrop, Ivy's father. They were looking into some of the illegal activities that went on in his administration, during the time he was governor. Specifically, that Winthrop had been lax on immigration laws, and instead of turning illegals in, Winthrop was giving them jobs with other rich and powerful people. Some were friends, many were business allies, like Alistair Crane. Winthrop, as were the beneficiaries of his 'generosity', not only were not paying the taxes for their new help, but a few hapless workers had turned up dead, murdered all in the same way...strangled with some sort of metal wire.
The FBI thought that sending in a couple, that pretended to be married, to find out what they could on Winthrop, would be just the solution to getting the goods on him. But Pilar had refused to let Martin 'pretend' to be married to anyone else, and insisted on working the mission with him. Neither of them knew they would end up living in Harmony, some twenty something years later. Neither of them could've foreseen that only one of them, would be raising their children.
Once Martin disappeared, Pilar had to find the inner strength to keep working for Alistair Crane, a man that she knew had either killed or kidnapped her husband. She had to pretend to make it on a meager housekeeper's salary, when the government was giving her a check, and a 'widow's pay' for Martin. Luis and Antonio always thought their hard work kept the house. While Pilar loved those boys dearly, if they had really had to depend on their meager checks, they would've lost the house long ago.
In many ways, Luis made her the proudest. She liked to think that somehow, her son had sensed his father's dedication to law enforcement(though none of the children were aware of their parents real profession) and decided to follow in his footsteps.
Pilar played the role of loyal housekeeper, and protector of Crane family secrets, to the hilt. For deep down, she knew she had to. For surely, one of these days, one of those secrets would be the answer to her beloved husband's disappearance. And he had disappeared. Pilar would never believe he was dead.
Now, she had in her possession, pictures of Liz Sanbourne at the Harmony Swamp. Pilar knew that Liz had been in collusion with Alistair Crane for some reason. And after what she heard had Julian's wedding, Pilar would have to guess, that their conspiracy had something to do with Eve, that poor thing. To suffer all because of a stupid mistake with the likes of Julian Crane...it hurt her soul to think that that pig was the father of her precious grandson.
Helen Quake, the Director's secretary, smiled up at her, when Pilar entered the outer office.
'Go on in, Pilar. He's expecting you.'
Pilar smiled warmly at her in response, then opened the door to Director Spence Lowell's office. He stood up when she walked in. Pilar closed the door, then walked over to him, handing over the envelope to him.
Spence Lowell glanced over the photographs quickly, then looked at her.
'Good. We've got what we need.'
Pilar sighed.
'That's all well and good. But how about letting me in on this. I saw two thugs pull Alistair Crane out of his car and drag him into the swamp. Then Liz Sanbourne shows up. I can only guess that you're looking for Crane, and Liz had something to do with his disappearance.'
Spence didn't answer directly.
'Go on.' he said.
Pilar lifted a brow.
'Alright. Well, I'm going to assume that Alistair Crane didn't make it out of that swamp. So, you're looking for Liz....Spence, I don't care what happened to that man! Tell me that you asked me to do all of this because it connects to Martin?'
Spence Lowell set the pictures down on his desk, then walked back around to his chair. He sat down in it and looked up at her.
'How much do you know about Stefano DiMera?'
Pilar's eyes widened! Good God! She wanted to cross herself.
'Is this a joke? That's like asking a child what they know about Santa Claus! What the hell does that maniac have to do with any of this?'
Spence stood up again.
'We have a lead on DiMera, who once again, is supposed to be dead. We think he'll be contacting his 'loved ones' again, very soon. The FBI wants to send in Ms. Sanbourne.'
Pilar blinked.
'Spence, you've lost me here. You want to send Liz Sanbourne where? And you're talking as if you know where she is! No one has seen her since Alistair disappeared.'
'We have her, Pilar. We have her here within the walls of the FBI. She was picked up as soon as she left the swamp.'
Pilar slowly sat in a chair. She looked Spence up and down.
'I want answers, Spence, now!'
Spence sat on a corner of his desk.
'Ms. Sanbourne is indirectly related to a woman that DiMera may contact. This is a very long shot, so we'll need you to interview her in a couple of days...'
Pilar jumped up!
'I'm not interviewing that barracuda! And I think your sources are wrong! Good luck in catching DiMera, but if this doesn't have anything to do with Martin, then I'm out of this!'
Pilar stood up, clutching her purse. Spence's next words stopped her.
'We believe that it Alistair Crane had DiMera kidnap your husband all of those years ago. We believe Martin could be alive today.'
Pilar slowly turned around.
'Stefano DiMera has Martin? That man has held my husband captive all of this time?!'
Spence sighed.
'Pilar, we know nothing for sure. But if we can reel in DiMera....'
Pilar flung her purse down in a chair!
'Stop with the runaround, Spence! If you want my help, you have to tell me what's going on here! Why do you have Liz Sanbourne here and how is she going to help me get my husband back? Do we know Martin is still alive? Why would Stefano keep him prisoner all of this time....'
Pilar stopped herself. Her jaw set.
'Alistair asked him to, is that it?'
Spence looked at her sympathetically. He then turned and picked up a file off of his desk. It read: classified. He handed it to her.
'This is the DiMera file. I'm trusting you with it. If you don't want anything to do with this, I'll have someone retrieve it from your home tomorrow at noon. If you want in on this, then you will call me here at nine that morning. After, I will let you know when you are to interview Liz Sanbourne.
Pilar took the file, then nodded. She turned and walked out of his office. Once she was outside of it, she leaned against the door. Helen looked at her.
'Pilar? Are you alright?'
Pilar nodded. She already knew what her answer would be. Tonight she would look at the file, then, in a few days, she would find out what Liz Sanbourne's connection to this whole mess was!
****
SALEM
Eve sat on the couch in the DiMera study, and peeked into some of the shopping bags. She pulled out a red, silk nightgown that Tony had picked out himself. Eve felt her face turn hot, at the thought of wearing it for him. She quickly put it back inside the bag.
Eve leaned back on the couch and closed her eyes. She had had a disturbing moment earlier that day. Eve had already decided that she wasn't going to mention it to Tony. He always looked so worried for her, and she didn't want him to bother him.
It had happened when she was in the antique shop. Claude had been showing her some beautiful jewelry, when for the briefest moment, Eve had the oddest sensation. It was as if someone she knew needed her. Eve had excused herself from a puzzled Claude, and went over to the window to peek out. But she only saw Tony and Lexie. She shook it off, then returned to Claude. Tony later purchased a necklace for her.
Eve stood up. All of these things Tony had bought for her were nice, but, they were not what she really needed right now. She looked over at Tony, as he strode into the room.
'Are you taking inventory?' he asked teasingly, looking over her bags.
Eve glanced at them as well and smiled.
'Yes and no.'
Tony walked over to the bar and began mixing two drinks. He glanced back over at her. She was awfully quiet.
'I let the cook have the night off.' he said.
Eve rubbed her cheek distractedly.
'Really? Why?'
Tony turned from the bar and handed her a drink. Eve stared at it, then set it down on a table. Tony eyed her.
'I was going to cook us dinner. I thought we could spend a little time alone.'
Eve gave him a lukewarm smile, then turned away. Tony raised a brow.
'I see that my idea doesn't appeal t o you. Is it my cooking or my company that bothers you?'
But Eve was staring at the shopping bags again. She suddenly turned from them to Tony.
'I think it's about time you let me read that file.'
Tony was momentarily stunned. File? What file? But Eve answered that question for him.
'You know, the one you got from the investigator?'
Tony put down his drink.
'Why? I mean, why on earth would you bring that up now?'
Eve began to feel guilty. Tony actually looked hurt!
'Tony, this isn't right. I don't belong here...I don't think I should be starting a relationship with someone, when I don't know who I am.'
Tony walked over to her and took ahold of her hands.
'Eve, I told you who you are.'
'Yes,' she said firmly. 'And my home is in Minnesota. I mean, if I'm a teacher, surely I have classes I need to get back to, don't I?'
Tony liked his lips quickly. He then pulled her over to the sofa to sit down.
'Eve, you do like me, don't you?'
Eve smiled.
'Of course I like you, Tony. Very much.'
Tony then went a step further.
'Do you think you could ever care for me, Eve?'
Eve watched as he picked up one of her hands and kissed it. Her mouth went dry.
'Well...Tony...I already do care for you. I mean, you've been my knight in shining armor.'
'Could you love me?'
Eve noted that Tony still had her hand near his lips. She shivered, but not from cold. She pulled her hand from his and stood up.
'I can't love anyone until I can remember my life. Looking at that file might put my mind to rest.'
Tony stood as well.
'I don't understand what it is you need to know. Did you not believe me when I told you what I read in the file?'
'Of course I did! This isn't about my not believing you. But...I don't know Tony...'
Tony put his hands on her shoulders.
'Listen to me, Eve. If reading that file will help you move on with your life, then fine, I will obtain it for you. But I want you to know, that once you do read it, I hope you will decide to make Salem your home...with me.'
Eve felt overwhelmed. She didn't know what to say. She was touched.
'And, to speed up your decision making process, I've decided to have a coming out party for you.'
Eve smiled again.
'A coming out party?' she asked.
'Yes. A barbecue to be exact. My secretary is working on the invitations as we speak.'
'Oh Tony! You shouldn't go through all of this trouble I....'
Tony suddenly grabbed her face and kissed her! Eve stared at him, stunned when he stopped and released her face.
'I want this town to know that you're important to me. I want my family and friends to know that you belong here. So, it is no trouble at all.'
Tony then cleared his throat, a little thrown by his sudden show of emotion.
'I'm going to go check on dinner. I'll have one of the servants help you take the bags up to your room.'
Eve just nodded and watched as he left the room. She then looked over at the bags again. The nightgown she had been thinking about earlier was peeking out.
****
HARMONY
Whitney was still tending to Fox's bruises in the kitchen of the Crane estate, when Fox made a proposition.
'Whitney, let's go somewhere.'
Whitney smiled, looking at the puffiness around one his eyes.
'Go somewhere? Fox, what are you talking about?'
Fox took the cloth from her hand and set it down.
'I think you've been under a lot of stress. I was thinking a trip somewhere might cheer you up.'
Whitney half laughed.
'Chad, the Crane mansion is a trip somewhere! I don't need to go anywhere.'
Fox backed down momentarily. His approach was failing. And he had the Crane jet on standby. He wanted to leave for Bermuda with Whitney tonight. But, how was he going to accomplish that feat?
****
When Julian walked up to the front door, he was more than a little surprised to see Chad Harris there, waiting. Chad was about to ring the doorbell, when he turned and saw Julian coming up the walk. Julian extended his hand out to shake.
'Chad? How have you been?'
Chad glared at him, ignoring the proffered hand.
'How do you think I've been? Look, I'm here to see Whitney and neither you or your damned son are going to stop me!'
Chad then turned back around and rang the bell. Julian stared at his back. There had been a time when Eve had thought that Chad might be their lost son. But Eve had said that the DNA results came back negative. Still, Julian had developed a rapport with the lad, through Whitney. He was slightly regretful that the cost of making sure that Fox and Whitney got together, was any friendship he might've had with young Mr. Harris.
But, this was war. And despite his earlier reservations about Fox's intentions towards Whitney, Julian could see that Fox was quite devoted to her. He honestly thought the two of them could make it work.
'There's no need to ring the bell, I have my key. We'll go in together. I'm sure Whitney's around somewhere.' Julian said. Chad rolled his eyes.
'Yeah...whatever!'
Julian restrained himself at Chad's smart ass reply. What the hell was wrong with this young man?! Did he not realized that his own behavior was driving Whitney away from him? Did he not understand that he was playing right into Fox's hands? Julian wondered if he had been wrong when he had thought Chad had drive and ambition. Maybe he still did, but, just not when it came to women.
Julian unlocked the door and walked in. A maid carrying a duster, walked over to him and took his briefcase. She then looked at Chad. Julian looked at him, then at the maid.
'Chad Harris is here to see Ms. Russell.'
The maid nodded, then disappeared down a hallway. Rebecca came seemingly out of nowhere, and threw her arms around Julian.
'Hi Pookie! I missed you today!'
She stopped suddenly, looking from Julian to Chad. Her arms slid from around Julian's neck. Something just hit her.
'Did you get in a fight with Fox today?' she asked Chad, looking him up and down. There was not a scratch on him, which was not unusual. The Crane men weren't too handy with their fists, although Fox at least looked as if he had some promise.
Julian looked over at Chad. Chad wore a defiant expression.
'Just get Whitney out here!' Chad then began to yell. He then advanced to screaming Whitney's name! Rebecca's mouth dropped open, while Julian decided that he was in need of a drink...quite badly. He began walking towards the library. Rebecca, realizing that this was the moment he would probably realize Eve's CD's were gone, quietly walked off in another direction.
Whitney and Fox came running from down a hallway. Whitney wore an expression of disgust.
'What are you doing here and why are you screaming at the top of your lungs?!'
Chad was a bit thrown. He had not been prepared for what appeared to be Whitney's utter contempt.
'What choice did I have? You wouldn't come to me.'
Fox smirked. But when Whitney looked back at him, his expression was one of sympathy.
'Look, I'll leave you two alone.' Fox said.
'Yeah thanks, punk!'
Whitney put a hand up.
'Whoa! I won't have you speaking to Fox that way! Not after what you did to him!'
'He was asking for it, Whitney! He all but admitted he is after you! He's been trying to break us up this whole time! Don't let him win, baby!'
Chad then attempted to touch her face, but she slapped it away. Fox grinned.
'I want to know if you've been seeing Simone again?!'
'WHAT???' Chad asked, looking her up and down. 'Where would you get an idea like that?!'
Fox stepped forward...actually, he limped forward, as if to convey some hidden injury that he may have hidden from Whitney before. She did not miss it.
'Fox...are you limping?'
'It's nothing, Whitney. And Chad, she got the idea from me. I saw Simone and you at the Book Cafe today, remember? That's why my face looks like this!'
Chad had to take a deep breath. He looked his rival up and down.
'You lying ass ^%$%$$$%!!!'
'Chad!' Whitney cried out, appalled at his language. Fox grinned again.
****
Julian peeked out of the library, drink in hand. Did he just hear that Harris lad call Fox a &^^%$%$%? Lord! It looked as if his son was getting closer in his quest to make Whitney a Crane. He felt a small amount of pride, then closed the library door, lest, things got violent.
Julian then turned and walked over to the CD player. Listening to one of Eve's songs would drown out the would be melee that was taking place out in the hallway. He set his drink down on the desk and reached for a CD. Nothing.
Julian frowned, then looked around the CD player, behind it, then around the room, as panic began to creep in. Did one of the servants dare touch his precious Eve CD's?!
Julian then realized, after throwing aside couch cushions and pulling out drawers, that his collection was not in this room. And he wanted to know why.
He walked to the library door and flung it open, hard! Whitney was standing between the two men, serving as a buffer. The three of them looked over at him.
'Dad?' Fox asked.
'Have either Whitney or you seen my CD collection?' Julian asked, in a calm, controlled voice.
Fox looked away. Oh boy! Is that what the hell Rebecca had been doing in there all day? Trashing his father's Eve CD's? There would be hell to pay!
But Whitney looked confused.
'Uh, no Mr...Julian. I haven't been in there all day. But Fox and I can help you look for them.'
Julian walked up to her.
'Whitney, they're CD's of songs your mother sang. They're my most prized treasure...second only to what your mother meant to me.'
Whitney was stunned by the pain she saw in his eyes. She felt bad for him, and in a small way, for Rebecca. She was Julian's wife, and clearly, she was not a 'prized treasure'.
But Chad was disgusted!
'You kept CD's of Whitney's mom singing? Why? So you could get off on them?!'
Whitney slowly turned around to face him. She then slapped him hard! Julian and Fox stepped back.
'That is the second time you've disrespected my mother's memory. Get out! Go! You and Simone deserve one another!'
Chad rubbed his cheek. He couldn't believe Whitney was just going to take Fox's word over his! It was a sign of how far apart they'd grown. He backed away, looking from Whitney to Fox. He pointed at him.
'I'm going to get you, Crane! Don't you ever doubt that!'
Fox just raised a brow. He liked how Whitney had sounded just now, ordering Chad from the mansion, as if it was her home.
Chad then turned and pulled open the door. He stalked off, leaving it open. Whitney put her face in her hands and began to cry. Fox walked over to her, pulling her into his arms. Julian watched the tender scene briefly, before walking off in search of Rebecca. Maybe she knew about his CD'S.
Whitney stopped crying and pulled away from Fox.
'I'm sorry. I'm sorry Chad came here and acted like that.'
'Hey, hey! Don't apologize for him! He should've come over here, hat in hand, begging your forgiveness for Simone. Look, lets get out of here. I'll get the jet ready, we'll go and have some fun. It'll take your mind off of this crap. When we get back, you can face Chad, Simone...even your father. What do you say?'
Whitney suddenly nodded. A trip somewhere far from Harmony, might be just what she needed to clear her head. She smiled up at him and nodded. Fox wiped a tear off of her face.
****
Julian found Rebecca out by the pool, laying on chaise and reading a magazine. He snatched the magazine from her.
'Hey! I was reading that!'
Julian pulled her up by the arm.
'Pookie, you're hurting me!'
'I want to know what happened to the CD's that I had in the library! And don't try to blame a servant!'
Rebecca had been practicing her response all day. It hadn't been very hot today, so she didn't know how much damage had been done to the damned things up in the attic! But she wasn't crazy. She knew she'd better look clueless as hell, or Julian would make her pay!
'Honey, you're CD's are missing?'
'You didn't notice?' he asked sarcastically.
'No...I mean they were there when I was talking to Ivy today....'
'Ivy was here?'
Rebecca could barely contain her glee!
'Yes, we were in the library discussing Ethan and Gwen, when Fox came in looking beat up. I left to see if he needed anything. When I returned, Ivy had left. But I think the CD's were still there...I can't be sure.'
'Damn her!' Julian hissed.
'Honey, why would Ivy want your CD's? Maybe we should check with one of the servants? Maybe they moved them while they were cleaning...''
'Ivy! That ^^%$%^&$@#!' Julian swore. Rebecca's eyes widened. Good God! She was damned glad she wasn't Ivy Winthrop at this moment!
Julian then turned and began walking briskly from the pool area, towards the garages. Rebecca had to run to keep up.
'Pookie! Where are you going?'
Julian stopped and turned around. He spoke in a calm tone.
'To visit my charming ex-wife, the 'Whore of Harmony'. I'll be back in a New York minute, darling.'
Julian then turned and strode towards the garages.
****
Ivy yawned, as she watched John Hastings, Simone Russell, Miguel Lopez-Fitzgerald and Charity Standish, look over John's ant farm. She looked towards the front door. God! When did Sam get off of his shift? This was a rare night that she might be able to get him alone, since Grace was over at the Russell house, babying T.C. again.
Simone wrinkled her nose and looked at John.
'You actually had to touch the things?' she asked.
John smiled patiently at her.
'Touching them was the only way to get them inside this case.'
Simone rolled her eyes.
'I know that, but, it just seems sick. I hate ants.'
Charity and Miguel moved away from them. Kay was next door with Tabitha and the baby. Miguel would have to leave her soon to go check on their welfare. She tried not to think about it.
'So, what do you think?' Charity asked him, eyeing John and Simone.
Miguel shrugged.
'I don't know Charity. I mean, yes, I think they'd make a great couple. But Simone is just not over Chad yet.'
Charity shook her head.
'Maybe. But I think the more time she spends with John, the faster Chad will fade from her memory. I just hate to see her so unhappy.'
Miguel nodded in agreement.
'Tell me about it. Worse yet, what's going on between her and Whitney is really terrible. I like Whitney, but I don't understand her living with Fox Crane.'
Miguel stopped talking suddenly. The sound of Ivy's electric wheelchair approaching caused them both to turn and look down at her.
'Charity, do you know when Sam will be coming home?' she asked in her sweetest sounding voice.
Charity did not have a chance to answer. The doorbell rang.
'I'll get it.' Miguel said, anxious to get away from Ivy. Everyone knew she was trying to break up the Bennett's. Frankly, he'd prefer not to talk to her at all.
He walked over to the door and opened it. He instantly regretted it.
'Mr. Crane?' he asked.
Ivy swung around her chair. Julian? What the hell did he want?
Julian shoved past Miguel.
'Hey!' Miguel cried out. John and Simone stopped looking at the ants and watched Julian approach Ivy.
'You bitch! I want what you stole from my home this afternoon! Now, Ivy! Get them now!'
Ivy looked him up and down and began to smirk.
'What are you talking about, Julian? Have you lost your mind?'
Julian bent down and placed both hands on either side of her wheelchair.
'I want those CD's. I'm not in the mood to play any games with you. Go get them now!'
Ivy then broke into a full smile. Rebecca must've been more upset by her snippy early morning call, than she had let on this afternoon. Bravo! She got rid of Julian's Eve CD collection. In the process, she also framed her for the theft! Ivy did a mental shrug. She could go a few rounds with her bastard ex until Sam showed up. Actually, if Sam came home and saw Julian harassing her, it could work in her favor. If she didn't, at least one of these sniveling teens could attest to what happened!
Ivy then leaned forward and began to sing 'Stormy Weather' in the same, breathless way that Eve used to. She also did it in a sing song voice!
Julian lost control and began to try and shake her chair! Ivy squealed.
'Help, somebody!'
Miguel and John pulled Julian away, as Ivy backed up, then rammed forward, hitting Julian, Miguel and John! The three of them went flying back onto a couch!
'Ms. Winthrop, stop it!' Simone screamed. Charity ran over to the men on the couch.
'My God! Is everyone alright?'
But Julian jumped up, just as Ivy tried to whiz past him towards the front door. He grabbed the back of her wheelchair and pulled against the pressure of her motor.
'Stop it, Julian!' she screamed. 'Stop it! I don't have your damned CD's!'
But Julian didn't believe her. He pulled extra hard on the wheelchair and shoved it to the right. Ivy went crashing into the ant farm! The ants and Ivy, smashed onto the ground!
'AHHHHHH!' Ivy screamed, as she jumped up off of the floor, rubbing her hands all over her body, to get the ants off of her.
'One of you twits get over here and help me! I think they're in my hair!' she screamed.
She suddenly stopped yelling and looked at everyone. Everyone in the room was staring at her, their faces clearly shocked. For Ivy Winthrop, was standing in front of them, bellowing out orders. Ivy swallowed.
'Oops.' was all she said, slowly fingering her hair for stray ants.
