Characters are property of NBC.
Chapter 11
Austin stops by the police station. Julian is given shocking news.
Celeste closed the door to T.C.'s room and gave Liz a cool look. She couldn't wait to hear the bitch's latest lie!
She looked almost exactly as she had as a child, Celeste thought. In fact, she had always wondered how Liz and Eve could've been sisters anyhow, since Eve was lovely, and Liz wasn't.
'Celeste,' T.C. began, 'I asked Liz about what you told me.'
'You mean about how she tried to kill her own father and me?'
'Oh that's a lie and you know it! You've been running around for years telling that tired story!' Liz hissed with disgust. 'It was the reason none of my relatives really wanted to take me in after my father died! They all thought I would burn their houses down!'
'And that wasn't a legitimate fear?' Celeste asked calmly.
Liz now knew she couldn't do what the FBI was asking of her! She couldn't! There was no way to get close to Celeste anyway, not unless she wanted to be close to you. And from the moment her father had brought her into their house, she made it clear she was not interested in being a mother. How in the hell was she supposed to buddy up with the woman now?!
T.C. interrupted.
'Liz, you never answered my question about your father. How was he molesting you while you were away at boarding school?'
Liz took a deep breath.
'You know, I think it is really tacky of the two of you to take such a painful part of my past, and speak of it so casually...and then accuse me of lying about it! I was sent away to boarding school because I tried to tell anyone that would listen about what my father was doing to me! And Celeste over there knew all about it! Hell, he even did things to me on his visits to see me, when my roommate wasn't around!'
Celeste looked her up and down. This little bitch was even more dangerous than she had been as a child!
'Did you tell your sister this crap story, Liz? Was your lie what lead to her accident?'
'That's enough, Celeste!' T.C. admonished.
Celeste looked at him. What kind of clueless fool was Eve married to anyway? Liz had caused some kind of trouble here, that much was obvious from the disdain that Julian Crane had for her. And even T.C. seemed a bit leery of her. But facing this little witch again, only strengthened her resolve to help Eve. For if she did return to T.C. Russell, she would need to be on her toes to deal with Liz!
But Celeste kept a level tone.
'I'm sorry if I've offended you, T.C.. I realize that Eve hid her past from you, and that you don't know me from Adam, but I'm telling you Eve's father would have never done that to either of his daughters! And if you were upset with your sister for your boarding school days, then you blame me...not her! Because I can assure you, it was all my idea, honey!'
Liz bit her tongue, then looked from Celeste to T.C..
'I'm glad you're okay. I'll stop by your house some time later on in the week...maybe we can talk?'
T.C. shrugged. No one else said anything. Liz opened the door and stepped out into the hallway, slamming it behind her.
This was definitely not going to work! But she had to get out from under the thumb of the FBI! Liz then thought of Julian. He could end up in just as much trouble as she, if the authorities really did decide to pursue Alistair's disappearance. Maybe he could help her out of her jam?
****
Austin walked into the Harmony Police Department and stopped short. Teresa was standing at one officer's desk, chatting and laughing. Austin walked over there.
The officer, who's name according to name plate on his desk, was Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald, stopped smiling when he saw Austin. Teresa turned and smiled when she saw him.
'Hi.' Austin said.
'Hi.' Teresa answered.
'You two know one another?' Luis asked, eyeing his sister and this unknown guy.
Teresa looked back at Luis.
'Uh, yes. Excuse me for a moment.'
Teresa walked over to Austin and pulled him aside.
'Are you here for the reason I think you're here?' she whispered.
Austin smiled down at her.
'Why are you whispering?' he asked.
Teresa let go of his arm.
'Austin, this isn't a joke! You are here to make very serious accusations against Julian Crane, over Alistair...who we don't know is even really missing! Are you prepared for what might happen to you if you're wrong?'
'I don't think I'm wrong, Teresa. I just can't sit back and do nothing. Is he your brother?'
Teresa looked back over at Luis, who was still watching them. She then looked at Austin and nodded.
'Yes. Come on, I'll introduce you to him.'
Teresa grabbed Austin's hand and pulled her him over to Luis. Luis eyed the two hands that were linked, before focusing his gaze in on Austin.
'Luis, this is Austin Reed.'
Austin let go of Teresa's hand and extended it towards Luis.
'Officer.' he said.
Luis shook his hand.
'What can I do for you, Austin?'
Austin decided to just jump right into it.
'I work of Crane Industries, under Alistair Crane and...'
'I'm sorry for you.' Luis interrupted, smiling patiently.
Austin nodded. Oh boy! He could see that Teresa's brother was no fan of his boss's. Maybe he should look for another officer to talk to?
Teresa hit Luis playfully.
'Don't mind him. Alistair is not the most gracious of father-in-law's.'
Austin nodded, now understanding.
'That's right. You're married to his daughter Sheridan.'
Luis nodded again.
'Yes, look I'm sorry for interrupting. Go ahead.'
'Alistair has not been around in awhile. To be exact, it's almost going on 7 weeks.'
There was a silence. Luis looked at Teresa, before looking at Austin again.
'I guess I don't see your point, Mr. Reed. Alistair Crane is never really around. He's always off somewhere.'
'But we had an appointment, Officer, and some sort of business took him out of the building. He never returns, then Julian announces he's in charge. Alistair would never turn over control of anything to Julian! And even if that were true, he'd of at least called someone else to watch over his son. He hasn't done that.'
Luis folded his arms. God! He hoped his sister wasn't thinking of getting involved with this guy! The first strike against him was that he worked for Crane Industries, the second was that he cared about Alistair Crane's welfare, and last, he just didn't seem too bright.
'Mr. Reed...'
'Call me, Austin.'
'Austin. My wife would know if anything was wrong with her father. I really think this is just a case of the old man wanting to take some time off.'
Austin looked at Teresa. She had really beautiful eyes. He then looked at Luis.
'Pardon me, Officer, but it was my impression that Alistair and his daughter were not close.'
Luis rolled his eyes. Now this guy was really getting on his nerves! Teresa also knew that Austin had overstepped his bounds, and shook her head at him, as if to warn him to keep quiet.
But now Luis would not be stopped!
'Tell me something, MR. REED, have you been to the office today?'
'No, I thought I would come here first and talk to you.'
'And is everyone else in the office as concerned for Alistair's welfare as you are?'
Austin didn't say anything. He had offended Teresa's brother, which probably meant that he had ruined any chance he had of getting to know her.
'Look, maybe I should talk to another officer.'
'Maybe you should.' Luis responded in a tight voice.
Austin turned and walked over to another desk. Teresa gave Luis a harsh look.
'Luis!'
'Don't you 'Luis' me, Teresa! God, where do you find these guys? It's bad enough he's involved with the Crane's, but...look, I'd almost rather see you chasing after Ethan again than getting involved with this Reed character.'
'I am not involved with Austin, Luis. And Ethan is the love of my life. I'm not looking to get involved with anyone else, okay?'
But Luis didn't answer. He picked up the phone.
'Who are you calling?' Teresa asked.
'Crane Industries.' Luis answered in a low voice, his eyes on Austin, who was talking to another officer.
'So, you do believe him?' Teresa asked.
'I'm just covering my ass. Let's see what Crane's secretary has to say.'
Luis held on, as a secretary came on the line.
'Alistair Crane's office.'
'Yes, I'd like to speak to Alistair Crane. It's Office Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald calling about a police matter.'
'Hold on.' the secretary answered. Luis looked at Teresa.
'What?' she asked.
Before Luis could answer her, Alistair's voice came on the line.
'What do you want?' his father-in-law asked in a brittle tone.
Luis smirked, shaking his head.
'I have someone here who wants to talk to you.' Luis answered. He then cradled the phone and called across the room.
'Mr. Reed! You have a phone call!'
A puzzled looking Austin, excused himself from the officer and walked back over to Luis.
'Who is it?' he asked.
Luis handed him the phone.
'I'll let you find out.' he answered. Austin looked at Teresa, who looked a bit uncomfortable. Austin picked up the receiver.
'Hello?'
'Austin? Austin, my boy! Why are you at the police station? We have reports to go over!'
****
A few moments later, Austin hurried from the Harmony Police Station. He felt stupid, foolish...all of the things he didn't want to appear to be in front of Teresa or her brother.
Where the hell had Alistair been all of this time??? What he did, disappearing like that, was no way to run a business! Of course, Austin wasn't about to tell him that!
As he approached his car, his cellphone rang. Austin pulled it out of his inside suit jacket pocket, and answered it, leaning against his car.
'Hello?'
'Hi sweetie!' Kate Roberts said.
'Hi, Mom.' Austin said.
'Honey, what's wrong? You sound a little odd.'
Austin sighed. Now was not the time to get into all of this with his mother.
'I guess I just need a vacation.'
'Alistair is working you hard, hey?'
'Oh, something like that!'
'Well,' Kate purred, 'I'm calling because I would love it if you could visit your dear old Mom. And get to know Roman.'
'Mom, I already know Roman.'
'Yes, of course you do, from your experience with that tramp!'
Austin scratched his head.
'I hope Roman isn't within earshot.'
'God, please don't tell me you're taking up for Sami? After all she's done?'
'No, Mom, she's a big part of the reason I left Salem. But, I wouldn't mind dropping in for a visit. When do you want to do this?'
'This weekend. The DiMera's are having a barbecue.'
Austin smiled.
'The DiMera's are having a barbecue? The DiMera's being....'
'Oh, Tony. I guess he's met some woman and wants to show her off.'
'Wow. He really must be in love. To man a grill and all.'
Kate snorted.
'I heard they're hiring help, so I doubt we'll see him flipping burgers. Come on, honey, what do you say?'
Austin thought about it. It would be nice to relax and see his mother again. And he liked Roman. God help him, he did not want to see Sami's face again, but if he had to, he could bear it.
A thought came to him, just as he watched Teresa come out of the police station and walk towards the parking lot.
'I might be bringing someone.' he said.
'Oh. I didn't know you were dating again, honey.'
'Mom.' he said warningly.'
'Austin, I'm not prying, I'm just curious. What's this girl like?'
'Beautiful. Dark hair and luminous eyes. And of course, nothing like Sami Brady, which should endear her to you.'
Kate laughed.
'Well, then I'd love to meet her! Listen, I have to run, but if you can make it, the barbecue begins at 1:00 on Saturday, at the DiMera mansion.'
'Alright. I'll call if my plans change. I love you, Mom.'
'Love you too, sweetie, bye!'
Austin hung up and watched as Teresa got into her car and drove off. She did not see him. Austin put his phone back inside his suit jacket pocket. He now had two challenges ahead of him: dealing with Alistair Crane when he got to work, and convincing Teresa to accompany him to Salem this weekend.
****
BERMUDA
Fox Crane lay on the beach. He opened one eye and looked over to his right. His future wife lay next to him, her eyes closed, skimpily dressed in a yellow bikini.
Whitney suddenly opened her eyes and sat up. She looked over at him.
'Fox?'
Fox said up as well.
'Enjoying yourself?'
Whitney smiled at him.
'Of course. This is paradise.'
She said nothing more. Fox sensed she wanted to talk. He hoped it would not be about Chad. Fox had decided long ago that that guy wasn't worth crying over, and he couldn't see what Whitney, or Simone, had ever seen in him.
'But?' he probed.
'Actually, I was thinking about you.'
Fox was more than a little surprised by that answer.
'Me?'
Whitney looked down, then hugged her knees.
'I know you must've overheard some of what your mother said.'
Fox blinked. Whitney was concerned about his mother hurting his feelings? Fox was used to the insensitive woman that had given birth to him. But, he was touched that Whitney was still so concerned about his feelings.
'I did hear some...she was no different than she usually is. But don't worry about me, I'm fine. I'm used to her.'
Whitney found that hard to believe. The more she got to know Fox, the more she realized what an incredible man he was, despite having lousy parents. She liked Julian, well enough, but she sensed that he was just now becoming a father to Fox.
But Ivy made her shiver. She had seen contempt and disregard in the woman's eyes for her own son. What did Fox ever do to her, to make Ivy act like that? It wasn't right!
Fox reached over and touched her hand.
'Honey, really, just forget it.'
Whitney looked at his hand on hers.
'I don't know, I guess Ivy's behavior just makes me realize how lucky I was to have such a loving mother. God, why didn't I tell my mother that before she died?'
Fox let go of her hand and put his arms around her. She returned his hug. He then let go of her.
'I have a surprise for you.'
Whitney grinned.
'This trip is a surprise.'
'Well, there's much more...and it will be tonight!'
'Tonight?'
Fox nodded.
'Don't try and pry it out of me, because my lips are sealed! Just know that you, Whitney Russell, will get the shock of your life tonight...well, maybe not the shock of your life literally, but it will be kind of shocking.'
Whitney gave him a knowing look, then shook her head. She gave him a playful swat across the shoulder and stood up.
'I'm going to go get myself a drink. Do you want anything?'
Fox's cellphone rang just then. He shook his head at her.
'No, nothing now. Let me get this.'
Whitney nodded, then walked off. Fox watched her back appreciatively, before answering the call.
'Fox Crane.
'Well hello, Fox. Having any luck with the lounge singer's daughter?'
Fox felt cold. He sat up straight.
'Grandfather?' he asked, his voice hollow.
'I bet you didn't expect to hear from me, did you boy?'
Fox looked over at the beach bar. Whitney was waiting in line to order her drink. He then looked back at the ocean.
'Well, Grandfather, it's just that...that...'
'That your father, as usual, didn't follow through.' Alistair said with disgust.
'Follow through?'
'Hmmm. Interesting. Your father's paternal instincts are kicking in, late, as usual, but they are nevertheless there. He didn't tell you about what he tried to pull to protect you.'
'Grandfather, it's always a pleasure talking to you, but I have to get back to...'
'Oh, I'm sorry, son, let me get straight to the point: I'm back. I thought I would call you with the happy news. I just wanted to warn you that all of your galavanting around with undesirables, will be ending soon. Enjoy the rest of your trip. Goodbye, Fox.'
Alistair hung up. Fox let the phone slip from his fingers and into the sand. He then looked back at the beach bar. Whitney was now putting in her drink order. He decided to call his father and warn him that whatever plans he had to keep Grandfather out of their way, had failed miserably!
****
Julian sat in his library, talking on the phone with a private eye, who he hired immediately after he left the hospital. The man, someone Julian had used in the past, was very discreet, and able to start the job immediately. He informed Julian that Celeste Perrault was staying at Grace's Bed and Breakfast. Julian told him to keep an eye on her and hung up.
He then rested his head in his hands. He was getting a sense, one that he always got, when something just was not right. And he couldn't understand Celeste Perrualt's wanting to come to Harmony now, and getting to know Eve's family. From what Julian had read and observed of her, she was very much a woman that liked to keep the past in the past. Why get to know the family of a woman she never met? Celeste never knew Eve.
Then again, she had told him that she was here to set the record straight about Liz's accusations against her late husband. Julian stood up and walked over to the bar to get a drink. That was possible. Celeste did seem to have a hatred for Liz, and one not uncalled for.
Still, something in him told him he was missing something. Something that was probably staring him right in the face.
A maid walked in. Julian gave her a sideways glance.
'Yes?' he asked, before sipping his drink.
'There is a Ms. Sanbourne to see you.'
Julian's first instinct was to tell the maid to tell Liz to leave. But, then he wondered if maybe she would have some insight as to why Celeste was really in town.
'Send her in.' Julian said.
The maid nodded. Moments later, Liz came rushing in. She gave the maid a pointed look. The maid then closed the door as she left the room.
Julian finished his drink and set the glass down.
'What do you want?'
'I'm in trouble! No thanks to you!'
'Good! Please, tell me of your misery, Liz, I need a good laugh.' Julian said airily, then sat down on the sofa.
'First of all, how dare you try to frame me for killing your father!'
Julian stood up again.
'Excuse me? Have you lost your mind? What are you talking about?'
'Oh come on! I lured your father to the swamp, just as you asked! Funny thing: before I could name the meeting place, he suggested it himself!'
Now, Julian was interested in what Liz had to say. And no, it did not sound amusing.
'Go on.' he urged her.
Liz nodded knowingly.
'Yeah, that's what I thought! Anyway, I got there and your father's car, along with a Kia, were parked there. It didn't take a genius to guess what had probably happened to your father. Someone from the FBI had also taken pictures of me at the swamp near the cars. It looks as if I'm the one responsible! Now the FBI wants my help and...'
'Good God, woman! What are you blathering about?! What pictures?! And what does the FBI have to do with any of this?'
'They are going to charge me, and probably you too, with murder! The only way they will let me off, is if I make nice with my evil step-mother! I won't do it! You've got to help me, Julian! And if you don't, I swear to God, I'll tell them everything about what you had me do!'
Julian damned near flipped her off! But he settled for a dismissive wave of the hand, as he thought about what Liz had told him.
'Why do you have to be nice to Celeste?'
Liz folded her arms. Why was she not surprised that he knew her step-mother's name?
'They want Stefano DiMera. They think they can catch him this time, and they think he will be contacting her.'
A slow smile spread across Julian's features.
'So, then they don't care about my father. They're holding him over your head until you help them.' Julian figured out. Liz nodded. Julian looked away.
If the FBI would go to these lengths to catch Stefano DiMera, then Celeste's presence in Harmony would put Eve's loved ones in danger. He looked back at Liz. He was about to say something, when the phone rang. Moments later, the maid opened the door.
'There's a call for you, Mr. Crane.'
Julian looked at Liz.
'I suggest you do as the FBI says, Liz. In the end, I can assure you, you will be the only one doing jail time for you know what. Goodbye.'
Liz stood stock still.
'I mean it, Julian! I will tell them that you had some goons kill your father!'
'Did you see these 'goons'? Could you point them out in a line up?'
Liz took a deep breath, then turned and walked out of the library. Now, Julian grinned! Liz seemed quite miserable. It warmed his heart to see it. He then walked over to his desk and picked up the blinking line.
'Julian Crane.'
'Father, it's Fox.'
'Fox! Making progress with Whitney?'
'Father, Grandfather called me here in Bermuda.'
Julian raised a brow.
'That's impossible, son.'
'Well, he did! And he hinted very strongly that there was going to be some kind of payback for what 'we' did to him! What did 'we' do, Father?'
Julian ran a hand across his face. The men he had hired reported to him that they had thrown Alistair in quicksand, then watched him sink. This phone call Fox had received was obviously a hoax! Someone who knew what had happened, greasing the wheels for some sort of future blackmail.
'Fox, I'm going to have this looked in to. But I am telling you, there is no way your Grandfather is even alive.'
The other end grew quiet.
'Fox? Fox are you still there?'
'Father, I'm not worried for myself. Grandfather knows my weakness if Whitney. If he harms her, I'll send him back to hell myself!'
'There will be no need for that because he's already there! I'm telling you, this is some kind of trick. Let me check into it. I'll call you when I know something. For now, just concentrate on wooing Whitney.'
'Father! This man, if it isn't Grandfather, sounds a lot like him...are you sure he's dead?'
'I will take care of this, Fox! Goodbye!'
Julian hung up and began to pace the library. First Liz comes over with that strange bit of information about Celeste and DiMera, and now Fox is receiving calls from someone claiming to be Alistair! Was it possible one of the men that killed him, was behind this?
His cellphone rang. Julian frowned. He had set it over on a coffee table. He walked over to it and looked at the caller I.D.. It was his father's number from his office at Crane Industries.
Julian answered.
'Julian Crane.'
'My, Fox sounded so panicky when he called you just now. I almost felt for the boy. Almost.'
'Who is this?' Julian demanded.
'You wish it wasn't me. But, alas, it is, my forever, imbecilic son! First, let me praise you for your gall. You tried to take me out. I wouldn't have given you that much gumption. Of course, your follow-through was lousy as usual. Really, Julian, you should've paid those men more money. They now work for me.'
Julian now had no doubt that this was indeed his father he was speaking to. He licked his lips, but did not answer.
'Nothing to say, son?'
Julian sighed. He felt strangely calm. He shrugged.
'Not really. Win some lose some.'
There was a silence. Julian sensed that his father did not know what to make of his answer.
'Tell me, is it the loss of that whore, Eve Russell, that has brought on your devil may care attitude?'
'Don't call her that! She was not a whore!'
'I'm sorry son, no she WAS not. She IS one.'
Julian squinted. What the hell was going on with the old man?! Had he swallowed some of the quicksand or something?
'You know, Julian, one of the many, many things about you that has always disappointed me, is how you could never see the obvious, not even when it was staring you in the face.'
'Just spit it out, Father!' Julian hissed.
'The conversation you overheard Celeste Perrault having with her daughter at the hospital.'
'What of it?' Julian asked. He was angry with himself. He had had the feeling that there was something about that conversation that he should've been paying attention to. But, now he had to hear the answer from his father.
'Your beloved, Eve, didn't die in that accident. No, son, her body floated up river towards the lovely town of Salem. Your precious whore is living with Tony DiMera as we speak. DiMera, a man who will best you everytime. Of course, I'm not being fair...I mean, Dr. Russell seems to have suffered some memory loss, so it's not like she's really just run off...'
Julian stopped listening. Eve was alive? His mind went back to that day in Salem. The feeling he had on the docks that Eve was nearby! That look Tony gave Celeste! If what his father was saying was true, then DiMera knew all about Eve...and who would recognize her!
That took him back to Celeste again. She knew Eve was alive! But, his father could be lying...he had to know for sure! And if it turned out Eve was alive, without any memory of her life here, and in Tony DiMera's clutches, then God help DiMera!
Julian was about to hang up on his father, when Alistair threw down a challenge.
'I'll tell you what, son: I'll give you a month. If you can win back Dr. Russell, meaning all she has to do is agree to marry you, I will give both you and Fox, my blessings for whatever life you both want to live, and who you choose to spend it with.'
Julian rubbed his eyes with one hand.
'What's the catch?'
'The catch is that both of you have to succeed. Fox may, but you certainly won't. Not against the DiMera's. And you will never get rid of Rebecca so easily. That I have no doubt. But, if by some miracle you do, then both Fox and yourself, will be left alone to spend eternity with your undesirables. And you will have the Crane fortune at your disposal.'
'And if I don't get Eve back? How do we suffer then?'
'I will marry Fox off to April Von Bubrik. The family lineage goes back to the Russian Revolution. That and she looks so much like Ivy did at that age.'
'Good lord!' Julian cried out.
'And you will stay happily married to Rebecca...forever. Oh, and if I even sense either of you looking in the direction Eve or Whitney Russell, I will make both of them disappear. So, son, are you up to the challenge?'
Was he up to making Eve his own again? Was he up to having a chance to live a life with her, unfettered by his loathsome father? Was he up to helping Fox have that same chance with Whitney, hence he end up with someone that looked and probably acted like his own mother?
'You have a deal, Father.' Julian answered, hanging up his cell. His mind then focused on Tony DiMera. Eve had been gone for months! If he had laid a hand on her, Julian would kill him where he stood!
He then took a deep breath. He had to stay calm. He would need a game plan.
****
T.C. was released from the hospital shortly after Celeste and Liz left. He would need some surgery for his eye, but other than that, he received a clean bill of health.
He sat in his living-room and stared at a picture of Eve. He then stood up and walked over to it. He picked it up. How could he have shared almost 20 years with this woman, and not have really known her? How was that possible?
He set the picture down. Celeste didn't know anything about her either. But for some reason, T.C. felt strangely healed, meeting someone from his wife's past, that was not Julian Crane!
Needless to say, he loathed Crane more than ever! He almost lost his damned eye in that fight! And if Julian had succeeded, then he would've gotten away with taking his eye and ruining his knee!
T.C. heard a car in the drive. He walked over to the window and peered out from behind a curtain. Celeste was walking up the drive. T.C. turned away from the window. He wondered why she was here? She probably had more things to tell him about Liz.
Liz was another story altogether! After Celeste left his hospital room, Liz had pretty much said Celeste was crazy and mean, and the woman continued to scramble for words to vilify her step-mother.
But T.C. was having none of it. He told Liz that there would never be anything between them, then asked her to leave his room. The look on her face, it was almost has if his words had crushed her spirit or something! And he didn't quite know how to feel about that. T.C. shook his head. Maybe he was just tired.
Suddenly, a loud scream, had him rushing to the front door! Was that Celeste? It had to have been!
When T.C. threw open the front door, Celeste was being dragged, against her will, into a limo. There were two men, and they were both wearing...T.C. squinted, Jerry Springer masks!
'Hey! Hey!' T.C. screamed, rushing down the lawn and towards them. Kay and Tabitha came running out of her house. Tabitha was carrying her own newborn, Lucifer.
T.C. smashed his head into one of the Jerry Springer's stomach's, to try and knock him off balance. Celeste screamed and tried to get out of the car, but the other Jerry Springer shoved her back in and chloroformed her. She was soon lying across the backseat.
The same Jerry Springer, decided that they weren't going to fight this guy off. While his partner was tussling with T.C., he got behind the one-eyed man and chloroformed him as well! T.C. was soon thrown into the back of the limo as well.
The car sped off as Kay screamed.
'I'm calling Daddy!' she cried out, and ran back into Tabitha's house. Tabitha smiled down at her demonic son.
'Looks like things are getting interesting around here again, little one.' she cooed at him. She then looked across the street. Another car began to follow after the limo.
****
T.C. awoke and found one of the Jerry Springer's staring down at him.
'Where am I?' he asked, his tongue feeling heavy. He managed to focus in on Celeste, who seemed to be coming around. She was wearing some sort of backpack. Wherever they were, the ground seemed to be shaking. T.C. sat up, forcing himself to be more alert. It was as one of the Jerry Springer's opened a door, that he realized they were on an airplane!
'What the hell???' T.C. cried, as the other Jerry Springer grabbed his arm and pulled him up. T.C. could feel that something was on his back. Were he and Celeste wearing parachutes?!
He realized that he was being dragged towards the door of the plane, which was mid-air!
'Hey man! Whatever this is...I never saw you! Just let us go!'
Celeste began to scream.
'He knows! He found out I came here!'
T.C. looked at her. They were in this mess because of Celeste?! What the hell was going on here?!
But neither of them had time to ask their attackers another word. They both clawed and kicked, dragging their feet to keep from going out of the airplane door. But in the end, they failed, as they met strong wind, wind that muffled their screams.
Chapter 11
Austin stops by the police station. Julian is given shocking news.
Celeste closed the door to T.C.'s room and gave Liz a cool look. She couldn't wait to hear the bitch's latest lie!
She looked almost exactly as she had as a child, Celeste thought. In fact, she had always wondered how Liz and Eve could've been sisters anyhow, since Eve was lovely, and Liz wasn't.
'Celeste,' T.C. began, 'I asked Liz about what you told me.'
'You mean about how she tried to kill her own father and me?'
'Oh that's a lie and you know it! You've been running around for years telling that tired story!' Liz hissed with disgust. 'It was the reason none of my relatives really wanted to take me in after my father died! They all thought I would burn their houses down!'
'And that wasn't a legitimate fear?' Celeste asked calmly.
Liz now knew she couldn't do what the FBI was asking of her! She couldn't! There was no way to get close to Celeste anyway, not unless she wanted to be close to you. And from the moment her father had brought her into their house, she made it clear she was not interested in being a mother. How in the hell was she supposed to buddy up with the woman now?!
T.C. interrupted.
'Liz, you never answered my question about your father. How was he molesting you while you were away at boarding school?'
Liz took a deep breath.
'You know, I think it is really tacky of the two of you to take such a painful part of my past, and speak of it so casually...and then accuse me of lying about it! I was sent away to boarding school because I tried to tell anyone that would listen about what my father was doing to me! And Celeste over there knew all about it! Hell, he even did things to me on his visits to see me, when my roommate wasn't around!'
Celeste looked her up and down. This little bitch was even more dangerous than she had been as a child!
'Did you tell your sister this crap story, Liz? Was your lie what lead to her accident?'
'That's enough, Celeste!' T.C. admonished.
Celeste looked at him. What kind of clueless fool was Eve married to anyway? Liz had caused some kind of trouble here, that much was obvious from the disdain that Julian Crane had for her. And even T.C. seemed a bit leery of her. But facing this little witch again, only strengthened her resolve to help Eve. For if she did return to T.C. Russell, she would need to be on her toes to deal with Liz!
But Celeste kept a level tone.
'I'm sorry if I've offended you, T.C.. I realize that Eve hid her past from you, and that you don't know me from Adam, but I'm telling you Eve's father would have never done that to either of his daughters! And if you were upset with your sister for your boarding school days, then you blame me...not her! Because I can assure you, it was all my idea, honey!'
Liz bit her tongue, then looked from Celeste to T.C..
'I'm glad you're okay. I'll stop by your house some time later on in the week...maybe we can talk?'
T.C. shrugged. No one else said anything. Liz opened the door and stepped out into the hallway, slamming it behind her.
This was definitely not going to work! But she had to get out from under the thumb of the FBI! Liz then thought of Julian. He could end up in just as much trouble as she, if the authorities really did decide to pursue Alistair's disappearance. Maybe he could help her out of her jam?
****
Austin walked into the Harmony Police Department and stopped short. Teresa was standing at one officer's desk, chatting and laughing. Austin walked over there.
The officer, who's name according to name plate on his desk, was Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald, stopped smiling when he saw Austin. Teresa turned and smiled when she saw him.
'Hi.' Austin said.
'Hi.' Teresa answered.
'You two know one another?' Luis asked, eyeing his sister and this unknown guy.
Teresa looked back at Luis.
'Uh, yes. Excuse me for a moment.'
Teresa walked over to Austin and pulled him aside.
'Are you here for the reason I think you're here?' she whispered.
Austin smiled down at her.
'Why are you whispering?' he asked.
Teresa let go of his arm.
'Austin, this isn't a joke! You are here to make very serious accusations against Julian Crane, over Alistair...who we don't know is even really missing! Are you prepared for what might happen to you if you're wrong?'
'I don't think I'm wrong, Teresa. I just can't sit back and do nothing. Is he your brother?'
Teresa looked back over at Luis, who was still watching them. She then looked at Austin and nodded.
'Yes. Come on, I'll introduce you to him.'
Teresa grabbed Austin's hand and pulled her him over to Luis. Luis eyed the two hands that were linked, before focusing his gaze in on Austin.
'Luis, this is Austin Reed.'
Austin let go of Teresa's hand and extended it towards Luis.
'Officer.' he said.
Luis shook his hand.
'What can I do for you, Austin?'
Austin decided to just jump right into it.
'I work of Crane Industries, under Alistair Crane and...'
'I'm sorry for you.' Luis interrupted, smiling patiently.
Austin nodded. Oh boy! He could see that Teresa's brother was no fan of his boss's. Maybe he should look for another officer to talk to?
Teresa hit Luis playfully.
'Don't mind him. Alistair is not the most gracious of father-in-law's.'
Austin nodded, now understanding.
'That's right. You're married to his daughter Sheridan.'
Luis nodded again.
'Yes, look I'm sorry for interrupting. Go ahead.'
'Alistair has not been around in awhile. To be exact, it's almost going on 7 weeks.'
There was a silence. Luis looked at Teresa, before looking at Austin again.
'I guess I don't see your point, Mr. Reed. Alistair Crane is never really around. He's always off somewhere.'
'But we had an appointment, Officer, and some sort of business took him out of the building. He never returns, then Julian announces he's in charge. Alistair would never turn over control of anything to Julian! And even if that were true, he'd of at least called someone else to watch over his son. He hasn't done that.'
Luis folded his arms. God! He hoped his sister wasn't thinking of getting involved with this guy! The first strike against him was that he worked for Crane Industries, the second was that he cared about Alistair Crane's welfare, and last, he just didn't seem too bright.
'Mr. Reed...'
'Call me, Austin.'
'Austin. My wife would know if anything was wrong with her father. I really think this is just a case of the old man wanting to take some time off.'
Austin looked at Teresa. She had really beautiful eyes. He then looked at Luis.
'Pardon me, Officer, but it was my impression that Alistair and his daughter were not close.'
Luis rolled his eyes. Now this guy was really getting on his nerves! Teresa also knew that Austin had overstepped his bounds, and shook her head at him, as if to warn him to keep quiet.
But now Luis would not be stopped!
'Tell me something, MR. REED, have you been to the office today?'
'No, I thought I would come here first and talk to you.'
'And is everyone else in the office as concerned for Alistair's welfare as you are?'
Austin didn't say anything. He had offended Teresa's brother, which probably meant that he had ruined any chance he had of getting to know her.
'Look, maybe I should talk to another officer.'
'Maybe you should.' Luis responded in a tight voice.
Austin turned and walked over to another desk. Teresa gave Luis a harsh look.
'Luis!'
'Don't you 'Luis' me, Teresa! God, where do you find these guys? It's bad enough he's involved with the Crane's, but...look, I'd almost rather see you chasing after Ethan again than getting involved with this Reed character.'
'I am not involved with Austin, Luis. And Ethan is the love of my life. I'm not looking to get involved with anyone else, okay?'
But Luis didn't answer. He picked up the phone.
'Who are you calling?' Teresa asked.
'Crane Industries.' Luis answered in a low voice, his eyes on Austin, who was talking to another officer.
'So, you do believe him?' Teresa asked.
'I'm just covering my ass. Let's see what Crane's secretary has to say.'
Luis held on, as a secretary came on the line.
'Alistair Crane's office.'
'Yes, I'd like to speak to Alistair Crane. It's Office Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald calling about a police matter.'
'Hold on.' the secretary answered. Luis looked at Teresa.
'What?' she asked.
Before Luis could answer her, Alistair's voice came on the line.
'What do you want?' his father-in-law asked in a brittle tone.
Luis smirked, shaking his head.
'I have someone here who wants to talk to you.' Luis answered. He then cradled the phone and called across the room.
'Mr. Reed! You have a phone call!'
A puzzled looking Austin, excused himself from the officer and walked back over to Luis.
'Who is it?' he asked.
Luis handed him the phone.
'I'll let you find out.' he answered. Austin looked at Teresa, who looked a bit uncomfortable. Austin picked up the receiver.
'Hello?'
'Austin? Austin, my boy! Why are you at the police station? We have reports to go over!'
****
A few moments later, Austin hurried from the Harmony Police Station. He felt stupid, foolish...all of the things he didn't want to appear to be in front of Teresa or her brother.
Where the hell had Alistair been all of this time??? What he did, disappearing like that, was no way to run a business! Of course, Austin wasn't about to tell him that!
As he approached his car, his cellphone rang. Austin pulled it out of his inside suit jacket pocket, and answered it, leaning against his car.
'Hello?'
'Hi sweetie!' Kate Roberts said.
'Hi, Mom.' Austin said.
'Honey, what's wrong? You sound a little odd.'
Austin sighed. Now was not the time to get into all of this with his mother.
'I guess I just need a vacation.'
'Alistair is working you hard, hey?'
'Oh, something like that!'
'Well,' Kate purred, 'I'm calling because I would love it if you could visit your dear old Mom. And get to know Roman.'
'Mom, I already know Roman.'
'Yes, of course you do, from your experience with that tramp!'
Austin scratched his head.
'I hope Roman isn't within earshot.'
'God, please don't tell me you're taking up for Sami? After all she's done?'
'No, Mom, she's a big part of the reason I left Salem. But, I wouldn't mind dropping in for a visit. When do you want to do this?'
'This weekend. The DiMera's are having a barbecue.'
Austin smiled.
'The DiMera's are having a barbecue? The DiMera's being....'
'Oh, Tony. I guess he's met some woman and wants to show her off.'
'Wow. He really must be in love. To man a grill and all.'
Kate snorted.
'I heard they're hiring help, so I doubt we'll see him flipping burgers. Come on, honey, what do you say?'
Austin thought about it. It would be nice to relax and see his mother again. And he liked Roman. God help him, he did not want to see Sami's face again, but if he had to, he could bear it.
A thought came to him, just as he watched Teresa come out of the police station and walk towards the parking lot.
'I might be bringing someone.' he said.
'Oh. I didn't know you were dating again, honey.'
'Mom.' he said warningly.'
'Austin, I'm not prying, I'm just curious. What's this girl like?'
'Beautiful. Dark hair and luminous eyes. And of course, nothing like Sami Brady, which should endear her to you.'
Kate laughed.
'Well, then I'd love to meet her! Listen, I have to run, but if you can make it, the barbecue begins at 1:00 on Saturday, at the DiMera mansion.'
'Alright. I'll call if my plans change. I love you, Mom.'
'Love you too, sweetie, bye!'
Austin hung up and watched as Teresa got into her car and drove off. She did not see him. Austin put his phone back inside his suit jacket pocket. He now had two challenges ahead of him: dealing with Alistair Crane when he got to work, and convincing Teresa to accompany him to Salem this weekend.
****
BERMUDA
Fox Crane lay on the beach. He opened one eye and looked over to his right. His future wife lay next to him, her eyes closed, skimpily dressed in a yellow bikini.
Whitney suddenly opened her eyes and sat up. She looked over at him.
'Fox?'
Fox said up as well.
'Enjoying yourself?'
Whitney smiled at him.
'Of course. This is paradise.'
She said nothing more. Fox sensed she wanted to talk. He hoped it would not be about Chad. Fox had decided long ago that that guy wasn't worth crying over, and he couldn't see what Whitney, or Simone, had ever seen in him.
'But?' he probed.
'Actually, I was thinking about you.'
Fox was more than a little surprised by that answer.
'Me?'
Whitney looked down, then hugged her knees.
'I know you must've overheard some of what your mother said.'
Fox blinked. Whitney was concerned about his mother hurting his feelings? Fox was used to the insensitive woman that had given birth to him. But, he was touched that Whitney was still so concerned about his feelings.
'I did hear some...she was no different than she usually is. But don't worry about me, I'm fine. I'm used to her.'
Whitney found that hard to believe. The more she got to know Fox, the more she realized what an incredible man he was, despite having lousy parents. She liked Julian, well enough, but she sensed that he was just now becoming a father to Fox.
But Ivy made her shiver. She had seen contempt and disregard in the woman's eyes for her own son. What did Fox ever do to her, to make Ivy act like that? It wasn't right!
Fox reached over and touched her hand.
'Honey, really, just forget it.'
Whitney looked at his hand on hers.
'I don't know, I guess Ivy's behavior just makes me realize how lucky I was to have such a loving mother. God, why didn't I tell my mother that before she died?'
Fox let go of her hand and put his arms around her. She returned his hug. He then let go of her.
'I have a surprise for you.'
Whitney grinned.
'This trip is a surprise.'
'Well, there's much more...and it will be tonight!'
'Tonight?'
Fox nodded.
'Don't try and pry it out of me, because my lips are sealed! Just know that you, Whitney Russell, will get the shock of your life tonight...well, maybe not the shock of your life literally, but it will be kind of shocking.'
Whitney gave him a knowing look, then shook her head. She gave him a playful swat across the shoulder and stood up.
'I'm going to go get myself a drink. Do you want anything?'
Fox's cellphone rang just then. He shook his head at her.
'No, nothing now. Let me get this.'
Whitney nodded, then walked off. Fox watched her back appreciatively, before answering the call.
'Fox Crane.
'Well hello, Fox. Having any luck with the lounge singer's daughter?'
Fox felt cold. He sat up straight.
'Grandfather?' he asked, his voice hollow.
'I bet you didn't expect to hear from me, did you boy?'
Fox looked over at the beach bar. Whitney was waiting in line to order her drink. He then looked back at the ocean.
'Well, Grandfather, it's just that...that...'
'That your father, as usual, didn't follow through.' Alistair said with disgust.
'Follow through?'
'Hmmm. Interesting. Your father's paternal instincts are kicking in, late, as usual, but they are nevertheless there. He didn't tell you about what he tried to pull to protect you.'
'Grandfather, it's always a pleasure talking to you, but I have to get back to...'
'Oh, I'm sorry, son, let me get straight to the point: I'm back. I thought I would call you with the happy news. I just wanted to warn you that all of your galavanting around with undesirables, will be ending soon. Enjoy the rest of your trip. Goodbye, Fox.'
Alistair hung up. Fox let the phone slip from his fingers and into the sand. He then looked back at the beach bar. Whitney was now putting in her drink order. He decided to call his father and warn him that whatever plans he had to keep Grandfather out of their way, had failed miserably!
****
Julian sat in his library, talking on the phone with a private eye, who he hired immediately after he left the hospital. The man, someone Julian had used in the past, was very discreet, and able to start the job immediately. He informed Julian that Celeste Perrault was staying at Grace's Bed and Breakfast. Julian told him to keep an eye on her and hung up.
He then rested his head in his hands. He was getting a sense, one that he always got, when something just was not right. And he couldn't understand Celeste Perrualt's wanting to come to Harmony now, and getting to know Eve's family. From what Julian had read and observed of her, she was very much a woman that liked to keep the past in the past. Why get to know the family of a woman she never met? Celeste never knew Eve.
Then again, she had told him that she was here to set the record straight about Liz's accusations against her late husband. Julian stood up and walked over to the bar to get a drink. That was possible. Celeste did seem to have a hatred for Liz, and one not uncalled for.
Still, something in him told him he was missing something. Something that was probably staring him right in the face.
A maid walked in. Julian gave her a sideways glance.
'Yes?' he asked, before sipping his drink.
'There is a Ms. Sanbourne to see you.'
Julian's first instinct was to tell the maid to tell Liz to leave. But, then he wondered if maybe she would have some insight as to why Celeste was really in town.
'Send her in.' Julian said.
The maid nodded. Moments later, Liz came rushing in. She gave the maid a pointed look. The maid then closed the door as she left the room.
Julian finished his drink and set the glass down.
'What do you want?'
'I'm in trouble! No thanks to you!'
'Good! Please, tell me of your misery, Liz, I need a good laugh.' Julian said airily, then sat down on the sofa.
'First of all, how dare you try to frame me for killing your father!'
Julian stood up again.
'Excuse me? Have you lost your mind? What are you talking about?'
'Oh come on! I lured your father to the swamp, just as you asked! Funny thing: before I could name the meeting place, he suggested it himself!'
Now, Julian was interested in what Liz had to say. And no, it did not sound amusing.
'Go on.' he urged her.
Liz nodded knowingly.
'Yeah, that's what I thought! Anyway, I got there and your father's car, along with a Kia, were parked there. It didn't take a genius to guess what had probably happened to your father. Someone from the FBI had also taken pictures of me at the swamp near the cars. It looks as if I'm the one responsible! Now the FBI wants my help and...'
'Good God, woman! What are you blathering about?! What pictures?! And what does the FBI have to do with any of this?'
'They are going to charge me, and probably you too, with murder! The only way they will let me off, is if I make nice with my evil step-mother! I won't do it! You've got to help me, Julian! And if you don't, I swear to God, I'll tell them everything about what you had me do!'
Julian damned near flipped her off! But he settled for a dismissive wave of the hand, as he thought about what Liz had told him.
'Why do you have to be nice to Celeste?'
Liz folded her arms. Why was she not surprised that he knew her step-mother's name?
'They want Stefano DiMera. They think they can catch him this time, and they think he will be contacting her.'
A slow smile spread across Julian's features.
'So, then they don't care about my father. They're holding him over your head until you help them.' Julian figured out. Liz nodded. Julian looked away.
If the FBI would go to these lengths to catch Stefano DiMera, then Celeste's presence in Harmony would put Eve's loved ones in danger. He looked back at Liz. He was about to say something, when the phone rang. Moments later, the maid opened the door.
'There's a call for you, Mr. Crane.'
Julian looked at Liz.
'I suggest you do as the FBI says, Liz. In the end, I can assure you, you will be the only one doing jail time for you know what. Goodbye.'
Liz stood stock still.
'I mean it, Julian! I will tell them that you had some goons kill your father!'
'Did you see these 'goons'? Could you point them out in a line up?'
Liz took a deep breath, then turned and walked out of the library. Now, Julian grinned! Liz seemed quite miserable. It warmed his heart to see it. He then walked over to his desk and picked up the blinking line.
'Julian Crane.'
'Father, it's Fox.'
'Fox! Making progress with Whitney?'
'Father, Grandfather called me here in Bermuda.'
Julian raised a brow.
'That's impossible, son.'
'Well, he did! And he hinted very strongly that there was going to be some kind of payback for what 'we' did to him! What did 'we' do, Father?'
Julian ran a hand across his face. The men he had hired reported to him that they had thrown Alistair in quicksand, then watched him sink. This phone call Fox had received was obviously a hoax! Someone who knew what had happened, greasing the wheels for some sort of future blackmail.
'Fox, I'm going to have this looked in to. But I am telling you, there is no way your Grandfather is even alive.'
The other end grew quiet.
'Fox? Fox are you still there?'
'Father, I'm not worried for myself. Grandfather knows my weakness if Whitney. If he harms her, I'll send him back to hell myself!'
'There will be no need for that because he's already there! I'm telling you, this is some kind of trick. Let me check into it. I'll call you when I know something. For now, just concentrate on wooing Whitney.'
'Father! This man, if it isn't Grandfather, sounds a lot like him...are you sure he's dead?'
'I will take care of this, Fox! Goodbye!'
Julian hung up and began to pace the library. First Liz comes over with that strange bit of information about Celeste and DiMera, and now Fox is receiving calls from someone claiming to be Alistair! Was it possible one of the men that killed him, was behind this?
His cellphone rang. Julian frowned. He had set it over on a coffee table. He walked over to it and looked at the caller I.D.. It was his father's number from his office at Crane Industries.
Julian answered.
'Julian Crane.'
'My, Fox sounded so panicky when he called you just now. I almost felt for the boy. Almost.'
'Who is this?' Julian demanded.
'You wish it wasn't me. But, alas, it is, my forever, imbecilic son! First, let me praise you for your gall. You tried to take me out. I wouldn't have given you that much gumption. Of course, your follow-through was lousy as usual. Really, Julian, you should've paid those men more money. They now work for me.'
Julian now had no doubt that this was indeed his father he was speaking to. He licked his lips, but did not answer.
'Nothing to say, son?'
Julian sighed. He felt strangely calm. He shrugged.
'Not really. Win some lose some.'
There was a silence. Julian sensed that his father did not know what to make of his answer.
'Tell me, is it the loss of that whore, Eve Russell, that has brought on your devil may care attitude?'
'Don't call her that! She was not a whore!'
'I'm sorry son, no she WAS not. She IS one.'
Julian squinted. What the hell was going on with the old man?! Had he swallowed some of the quicksand or something?
'You know, Julian, one of the many, many things about you that has always disappointed me, is how you could never see the obvious, not even when it was staring you in the face.'
'Just spit it out, Father!' Julian hissed.
'The conversation you overheard Celeste Perrault having with her daughter at the hospital.'
'What of it?' Julian asked. He was angry with himself. He had had the feeling that there was something about that conversation that he should've been paying attention to. But, now he had to hear the answer from his father.
'Your beloved, Eve, didn't die in that accident. No, son, her body floated up river towards the lovely town of Salem. Your precious whore is living with Tony DiMera as we speak. DiMera, a man who will best you everytime. Of course, I'm not being fair...I mean, Dr. Russell seems to have suffered some memory loss, so it's not like she's really just run off...'
Julian stopped listening. Eve was alive? His mind went back to that day in Salem. The feeling he had on the docks that Eve was nearby! That look Tony gave Celeste! If what his father was saying was true, then DiMera knew all about Eve...and who would recognize her!
That took him back to Celeste again. She knew Eve was alive! But, his father could be lying...he had to know for sure! And if it turned out Eve was alive, without any memory of her life here, and in Tony DiMera's clutches, then God help DiMera!
Julian was about to hang up on his father, when Alistair threw down a challenge.
'I'll tell you what, son: I'll give you a month. If you can win back Dr. Russell, meaning all she has to do is agree to marry you, I will give both you and Fox, my blessings for whatever life you both want to live, and who you choose to spend it with.'
Julian rubbed his eyes with one hand.
'What's the catch?'
'The catch is that both of you have to succeed. Fox may, but you certainly won't. Not against the DiMera's. And you will never get rid of Rebecca so easily. That I have no doubt. But, if by some miracle you do, then both Fox and yourself, will be left alone to spend eternity with your undesirables. And you will have the Crane fortune at your disposal.'
'And if I don't get Eve back? How do we suffer then?'
'I will marry Fox off to April Von Bubrik. The family lineage goes back to the Russian Revolution. That and she looks so much like Ivy did at that age.'
'Good lord!' Julian cried out.
'And you will stay happily married to Rebecca...forever. Oh, and if I even sense either of you looking in the direction Eve or Whitney Russell, I will make both of them disappear. So, son, are you up to the challenge?'
Was he up to making Eve his own again? Was he up to having a chance to live a life with her, unfettered by his loathsome father? Was he up to helping Fox have that same chance with Whitney, hence he end up with someone that looked and probably acted like his own mother?
'You have a deal, Father.' Julian answered, hanging up his cell. His mind then focused on Tony DiMera. Eve had been gone for months! If he had laid a hand on her, Julian would kill him where he stood!
He then took a deep breath. He had to stay calm. He would need a game plan.
****
T.C. was released from the hospital shortly after Celeste and Liz left. He would need some surgery for his eye, but other than that, he received a clean bill of health.
He sat in his living-room and stared at a picture of Eve. He then stood up and walked over to it. He picked it up. How could he have shared almost 20 years with this woman, and not have really known her? How was that possible?
He set the picture down. Celeste didn't know anything about her either. But for some reason, T.C. felt strangely healed, meeting someone from his wife's past, that was not Julian Crane!
Needless to say, he loathed Crane more than ever! He almost lost his damned eye in that fight! And if Julian had succeeded, then he would've gotten away with taking his eye and ruining his knee!
T.C. heard a car in the drive. He walked over to the window and peered out from behind a curtain. Celeste was walking up the drive. T.C. turned away from the window. He wondered why she was here? She probably had more things to tell him about Liz.
Liz was another story altogether! After Celeste left his hospital room, Liz had pretty much said Celeste was crazy and mean, and the woman continued to scramble for words to vilify her step-mother.
But T.C. was having none of it. He told Liz that there would never be anything between them, then asked her to leave his room. The look on her face, it was almost has if his words had crushed her spirit or something! And he didn't quite know how to feel about that. T.C. shook his head. Maybe he was just tired.
Suddenly, a loud scream, had him rushing to the front door! Was that Celeste? It had to have been!
When T.C. threw open the front door, Celeste was being dragged, against her will, into a limo. There were two men, and they were both wearing...T.C. squinted, Jerry Springer masks!
'Hey! Hey!' T.C. screamed, rushing down the lawn and towards them. Kay and Tabitha came running out of her house. Tabitha was carrying her own newborn, Lucifer.
T.C. smashed his head into one of the Jerry Springer's stomach's, to try and knock him off balance. Celeste screamed and tried to get out of the car, but the other Jerry Springer shoved her back in and chloroformed her. She was soon lying across the backseat.
The same Jerry Springer, decided that they weren't going to fight this guy off. While his partner was tussling with T.C., he got behind the one-eyed man and chloroformed him as well! T.C. was soon thrown into the back of the limo as well.
The car sped off as Kay screamed.
'I'm calling Daddy!' she cried out, and ran back into Tabitha's house. Tabitha smiled down at her demonic son.
'Looks like things are getting interesting around here again, little one.' she cooed at him. She then looked across the street. Another car began to follow after the limo.
****
T.C. awoke and found one of the Jerry Springer's staring down at him.
'Where am I?' he asked, his tongue feeling heavy. He managed to focus in on Celeste, who seemed to be coming around. She was wearing some sort of backpack. Wherever they were, the ground seemed to be shaking. T.C. sat up, forcing himself to be more alert. It was as one of the Jerry Springer's opened a door, that he realized they were on an airplane!
'What the hell???' T.C. cried, as the other Jerry Springer grabbed his arm and pulled him up. T.C. could feel that something was on his back. Were he and Celeste wearing parachutes?!
He realized that he was being dragged towards the door of the plane, which was mid-air!
'Hey man! Whatever this is...I never saw you! Just let us go!'
Celeste began to scream.
'He knows! He found out I came here!'
T.C. looked at her. They were in this mess because of Celeste?! What the hell was going on here?!
But neither of them had time to ask their attackers another word. They both clawed and kicked, dragging their feet to keep from going out of the airplane door. But in the end, they failed, as they met strong wind, wind that muffled their screams.
