Chapter 5
Eve, Julian and Rebecca visit 'The Big House'.
Eve, Julian and Rebecca, were ordered back to their huts to change for dinner. Before Eve left the beach, she did promise everyone that she would find out what was going on, and see about getting them off of this island.
Once they returned to their huts, they found formal clothes, waiting for them. Eve went into the hut that she now shared with Julian. Rebecca stopped Julian before he could go to his hut.
'I'm scared, Julian. What do you think that maniac wants with us?'
Julian squeezed her hand.
'I'm sure he's not going to kill us. He could've done that by throwing us out of the plane sans parachutes. Just stick close to Eve and I, and everything will be alright, okay?'
Rebecca nodded, but she wasn't reassured. She watched Julian turn away and disappear into his hut. She stood outside of hers for the longest time, dreading the evening that was about to come. She then took a deep breath, and turned towards her door. She then jumped!
John had appeared out of nowhere! Rebecca gave him a puzzled smile.
'John? Why aren't you back on the beach?'
'I saw how frightened you looked back there.' he said, his expression filled with worry.
Rebecca was profoundly touched. She hated to admit it, but it was at times like this, that she wished she did have Julian by her side, if for no other reason, to calm her nerves or pour her a drink!
John, for his part, was suspicious as hell, as to why Stefano wanted to see Rebecca. In the back of his mind, John wondered if Stefano had been watching, when Rebecca was sleepwalking a/o doing cartwheels in her sleep the other night? If that were the case, then Stefano was probably turned on or something! It worried him.
'I'm just afraid we may never come back.' Rebecca admitted.
John reached out and touched her arm.
'There is no way that DiMera has kept us alive all of this time, for him to start killing us off over dinner. Just find out what he wants...maybe we can use something against him so we can get off of this island.'
Rebecca nodded, slightly disappointed. John was more concerned about her spying for the rest of the group. Still, he had come to her, and not Julian or Eve.
Rebecca nodded.
'Well, I guess I'd better get dressed.'
John nodded, glancing towards her hut, then back at her.
'Good luck, Rebecca. Everything will be fine.'
Rebecca nodded then impulsively hugged him! My, she thought, John's chest was very hard and strong! She closed her eyes.
'Excuse me!'
Rebecca opened her eyes. Marlena was standing right next to the both of them. John quickly let go of Rebecca.
'Doc! Where did you come from?'
'The beach.' Marlena said blithely, now regarding Rebecca in a different light. The other night, John had confided in her about Rebecca's sleepwalking. Marlena had thought that it might be some sort of psychological reaction to not only being kidnapped, but being forced to watch her husband engage in an extramarital affair right under her nose. Now, she was not so sure.
John, sensing his wife was a little ticked, walked over to her.
'Doc, I was just trying to reassure Rebecca about the dinner tonight.'
Rebecca sniffed pitifully for effect. After all, it wouldn't do for Marlena to become suspicious of her true intentions towards John, so early.
'John, I know that you think that we'll come back down here with some sort of hidden information, that could get us off of this island. But there is a good chance we may not return.'
Marlena looked from John to Rebecca. Rebecca DID look frightened. And Marlena couldn't blame her. She walked up to Rebecca and reached out her hands. Rebecca took hers in her own.
'I can't tell you how many times I've been kidnapped by that animal. I also can't even imagine what he could want. Maybe he's just playing with all of our minds...I don't know. But, I don't believe he's invited the three of you to dinner to kill you.'
'Well then what?' Rebecca asked.
Marlena looked at John.
'I don't know for sure, but I suspect, maybe, this is about Tony. It's the only thing that fits.' Marlena answered grimly.
****
Julian watched as Eve fingered the dusky pink strapless gown, that was hanging up on a rack against one of the hut walls. Julian's tuxedo was hanging there as well.
'Eve, I think we need to talk.' he said,
Eve, who had had her back to him, closed her eyes briefly, before opening them again. She turned from her dress to face him.
'Now? Julian, we're getting ready to have dinner with the man that kidnapped us! I can't think about anything else right now.'
Julian walked up to her.
'Then you'll have to try. Eve, you have to know that things are not going to be the same as they were before. Alistair is not going to be a factor in our lives.'
Eve looked down.
'I know you believe that. And I do believe in you...it's just that...I don't know if maybe you aren't underestimating him just a little?'
Julian rested his hands on her shoulders.
'I could never underestimate that man. Believe me, I know what my father is capable of. I'm ready for him. WE'LL be ready for him.'
Eve stared at him, never imagining that there would ever be a chance for the two of them again. But the Julian she was looking at, seemed determined not to allow anyone to come between them.
As if he could read her thoughts, Julian posed a question to her.
'We'll probably see T.C. tonight. What do you plan on telling him?'
Eve pulled away from him.
'I can't believe you'd even have to ask me that!'
'Soothe your ruffled fur, darling! I'm asking because I know the two of you had a very happy marriage, with two children that you both love. I would be an imbecile to believe that that alone, was not heavy competition.'
Eve reached up and laid a hand against his cheek.
'I plan to tell him that it's over. But I doubt that it will come as a big surprise to him. If I hadn't had the accident, T.C. would've never been able to forgive me anyway.'
Julian reached up and took her hand off of his cheek, then brought it up to his lips. He kissed it.
'Everything is going to be fine tonight.'
Eve nodded.
'I hope so. Though, I am curious as to why Stefano invited Rebecca?'
Secretly, Julian was not. He suspected that DiMera had uncovered Rebecca's yen for one Mr. John Black. Julian believed that DiMera was going to attempt to forge some alliance with his wife, so that Stefano could, once again, have a clear shot at Marlena.
'I guess we'll find out tonight, won't we?' Julian answered, keeping his tone light. Eve had enough to worry about. He wanted her to be as relaxed as she could be(though, when one was dining with a murderer, it could be hard!).
****
Teresa and Austin sat at a table next to the beach bar. Austin watched as Pilar, Celeste and Abe, sat on the sand near the ocean. He then looked at Teresa, who was sitting across from him. She was eating a hot dog.
'So, what do you think?' he asked.
Teresa swallowed her hot dog, and began to reach for her drink.
'I'm worried about Dr. Russell. Though, I think Julian is finally going to get what he deserves.'
'Because of Dr. Russell's husband?'
Teresa sipped her drink, then set it down.
'Mr. Russell is going to go ape*&&%%## when he sees Julian! He always does. Austin, I've known him all of my life. Julian just brings out the worst in him... and in everyone. My brothers always hated breaking up fights between those two, because secretly, they wanted to see Julian maimed. He makes me sick. I still can't believe he's little Ethan's father.'
'Whoa! Tell me how you really feel!'
'Oh come on! You've seen what a pig he is!'
Austin nodded.
'True enough. Can we change the subject?'
Teresa smiled at him.
'Sure. What do you want to talk about? An escape plan?'
'Actually, I kind of wondered why your son is named after Ethan Winthrop, as if he is his real son?'
Teresa set down her hot dog.
'I guess because in my heart of hearts, I have always felt as if my son's father should have been Ethan.'
'But he's not.' Austin reminded her.
Teresa became annoyed!
'So what was I supposed to do? Name him Julian Jr.?'
'Teresa, I care about you so much...I want to know if there's a chance for us, when we return to Harmony?'
Teresa looked away. She then looked back at him.
'It is my belief that fate will bring Ethan and I together one day.'
Austin hid his hurt.
'Okay then. Listen, I'm going to go and see what the others are talking about. I'll see you.'
Austin then got up and walked away. Teresa lost her appetite. She watched as Austin joined her mother, Celeste and Abe. Pilar looked over at her, then excused herself from the group. She stood up, walked over and sat down in the chair Austin had vacated.
'Is everything okay between Austin and you?' Pilar asked gently.
Teresa sighed heavily.
'There is no 'Austin and me'. I love Ethan. I just told Austin that.'
'Oh.'
'What, Mama?'
'Nothing.'
'Mama!'
'Alright, Teresa! It's just that as your mother, I'm seeing a nice, young man that's interested in my daughter. He's very handsome and quite smitten with you.'
'I don't know if that's true!' Teresa said shiftily.
Pilar gave Teresa a knowing look.
'The man jumped out of an airplane, just to make sure you knew how to pull a string on a parachute!'
'It's not like he wasn't wearing one as well, Mama! Look, I appreciate what you're saying, I really do. But it would not be fair to lead Austin on. We can be friends, but nothing more. Ethan is the man for me. He always will be.'
Pilar said nothing. There was no talking to Teresa when she got in to her 'Ethan Mode'.
'So, what do you think Stefano DiMera wants with Dr. Russell?' she asked her mother.
Pilar rubbed her hands together.
'I suspect, that Stefano will want Eve with his son. And he'll maybe want Julian to honor his marriage vows to Rebecca. That's the only thing that makes any sense.'
'Didn't you say Tony DiMera is in a coma?'
Pilar nodded.
'Yes, but maybe Stefano still wants Eve to be available for Tony. Who knows? This whole thing is a mess.'
Teresa nodded in agreement.
'I wonder what will happen when Mr. Russell sees Julian?'
Pilar rubbed her cheek.
'Nothing good.' she answered. Pilar was thinking that maybe now was an opportunity to get more answers from John Black about Martin. She didn't want Teresa knowing too much about her plans on that matter. She didn't want to give her daughter false hope about her father.
****
T.C. Russell was reading, yet another scandal rag, when a guard opened his door, and wheeled in a TV. The guard then left, leaving the door open. Soon, Stefano DiMera himself, walked into the room. He closed the door.
T.C. put aside the paper, and stood up from off of his bed. Finally, he was meeting this vicious criminal, face to face. T.C. wondered if this was the end for him.
'Mr. Russell, how is your eye?' Stefano asked, giving him a hard look.
'Better. I guess I should be thanking you.'
'You guess?'
T.C. gave him an equally hard look in return.
'I would've had surgery on it anyway, if I had not been kidnapped.'
Stefano smiled, then laughed softly.
'True, true. But then again, you wouldn't need surgery at all if it had not been for Julian Crane.'
T.C, felt something in his chest tighten. It always felt that way at the mention of that man's name!
'So, you know how much I hate Julian Crane. Why does that concern you?'
'Because T.C...may I call you T.C.?'
T.C. shrugged.
'You're the kidnapper. You can do whatever you damned well please!'
Stefano chuckled again.
'Yes, you're right, yet again.'
T.C. sighed impatiently, folding his arms.
'Why are you here? When are you planning on letting us go?'
Stefano turned away from him and walked over to the TV. He flipped it on. T.C.'s eyes widened.
Julian appeared on screen, wearing a white tuxedo. He was holding hands with Eve, who was dressed in a sophisticated, pink evening gown. Her hair was swept up. They looked like a couple. Behind them, was Rebecca, who was wearing a light blue evening gown, with straps.
T.C. walked over next to Stefano, as if in a trance. Stefano eyed him.
'My dinner guests this evening. Your wife, her lover and his own wife. Interesting about Rebecca Crane. Julian and Eve's obvious love for one another doesn't seem to bother her at all.'
T.C.'s eyes flew from the screen to Stefano.
'Julian does not love Eve! He's just using her like he used Rebecca and every other woman back in Harmony! I can't believe Eve would do this to me!'
Suddenly, Lexie appeared on screen, wearing a black, strapless evening gown. She was glaring at Eve and Julian.
'My daughter, she is very loyal to the people she cares about. I've noticed she's very loyal to you.'
T.C.'s eyes seemed to soften, when Lexie came into view. He said nothing, but watched intently.
'T.C.' Stefano said, 'I have not appreciated the way my son-in-law has been treating my daughter, as of late.'
T.C. looked at Stefano.
'I know. But I guess that's between them.'
'But?' Stefano prompted.
'Lexie could do much better.'
'Oh, I agree. Especially since I found out that he's been abusing her.'
T.C.'s eyes widened again. He sucked in a breath.
'What the hell do you mean?!'
'I mean, T.C, that I had to have one of my men take a cattle prod to that oaf, to keep him from beating my daughter once again!'
T.C. shook his head slightly.
'I've never seen any bruises on her...'
'For God's sakes man! She covers them up with make-up! And she's proud...she thinks she can handle Abe herself, but she can't. That's why I insisted she stay up here with me. And I fear for Theo.'
T.C.'s stomach churned. The thought of that Carver bastard putting his hands on baby Theo...the thought made him want to kill Abe!
And Stefano knew that.
'T.C., I'm going to offer you a proposition: I will avenge the wrong perpetrated on yourself, when Julian Crane cheated you out of your tennis career, and stole your wife.'
T.C. looked from Stefano to the TV screen. Eve and Lexie looked as if they were shouting at one another. Rebecca was looking over a vase, seemingly oblivious to the trouble. Julian stood between them. Lexie turned and walked out of camera range. Julian then put his hand around Eve's waist, as if he had a right to! He whispered something to her. She nodded and seemed to calm down. The sight began to enrage T.C.!
'I'm going out there!' he growled, and tried to move past Stefano.
But Stefano blocked his way! This was the frenzy he had hoped to whip Mr. Russell in to!
'T.C., I can see you care for my Alexandra, and my grandson. Eve is lost to you now. A life with Alexandra isn't.'
T.C. stopped moving and stared at Stefano.
'A life with Lexie? What the hell are you talking about?! Lexie is still married!'
'Not if Abe dies, she isn't.'
T.C. gave Stefano a hard look.
'Cut the crap, DiMera! Just what the hell are you suggesting?!'
Stefano rubbed his hands together.
'A quid pro quo, so to speak. You kill Abe for me, thus winning Alexandra's heart, and I will dispose of Julian Crane for you.'
T.C. began to back away.
'You really are a crazy sonofobitch! I can't go for any of that! I mean, yeah, I'd love to see Julian die, but not at the expense of Lexie losing her husband! And I don't believe that wife-beating line you tried to drop on me either!'
'Okay then, T.C., think of it like this: you've lost Eve for good. There is no winning her back from Crane because not only do you have to fight Julian, but Tony, as well. And my son does not like to lose.'
T.C. said nothing.
'Alexandra, on the other hand, would be a single mother with a little boy...one that you could mold into your image...maybe even make him the tennis star your Whitney didn't want to be.'
T.C. was quiet. He turned away from Stefano.
'Think about what I suggested.' Stefano said. He opened the door and the guard came in, turned off of the TV, then carried it out of the room with him. Stefano stared at T.C.'s back.
'I will be locking you in here tonight. It would not do for you to disrupt my dinner. Goodnight T.C.. Sleep on my offer.'
Stefano then closed and locked the door. T.C. sat down on the bed and stared into space.
****
The same guard, walked into the room Rebecca, Julian and Eve were in. He then asked Rebecca to follow him. Julian, who had been sitting on a couch sipping a drink, stood up.
'Now see here...'
'Julian, it will be alright.' Rebecca said, still feeling confident after her earlier encounter with John. She had a feeling that she was about to have a private meeting with Stefano, concerning her future wedding plans.
Julian stared after her, as she followed the guard from the room. He then turned back to Eve. She was still fuming after her encounter with Lexie.
'Calm down, darling....'
'Calm down?! Lexie doesn't know what the hell she's even talking about! I can't believe she accused me of cheating on T.C.!'
'Well, technically you are still married to him. Just like I'm still married to Rebecca.'
Eve focused on him.
'Yes, about that. Why has Rebecca been so calm about us? She doesn't appear to be jealous or anything. I guess it's good that she's being so understanding.'
A funny look suddenly crossed Julian's face. Eve looked him the eye.
'What's going on?'
'Alright, alright. Let's just say that Rebecca has other irons in the fire.'
'Rebecca is interested in someone else?' Eve asked.
'Yes.'
'Is it someone back in Harmony?'
'No. Look, let's not concern ourselves with it anymore. Just know that Rebecca will not stand in our way.'
Julian then grabbed her hand and pulled Eve down onto the couch. He then began to kiss her neck. Eve pushed him away.
'Julian! Not in Stefano's house! He could be watching...'
'He's with Rebecca now.'
'I realize that, but, what if Lexie comes back in?'
'I shall scratch her eyes out, I promise.' he whispered, kissing her lips. Eve did not try and stop him. They leaned back onto the sofa.
****
Rebecca was led to the TV room, where Stefano was sitting in a chair, waiting. Rebecca could see the rest of the prisoners on the beach. The sight gave her the creeps! The idea of this man watching them all of this time!
'Mrs. Crane...or shall I refer to you as the future Mrs. John Black?'
Rebecca smiled, then took the champagne he offered her. She sat down in a chair, only glancing at the monitors occasionally.
'Nothing to say?' he asked, watching her.
Rebecca shrugged.
'I don't know what you mean.'
'Oh, please! That cartwheel act you pulled the other night would've taken gold in the Olympics!'
Rebecca slammed down her glass!
'You filthy pervert! I suspected you had seen that! Let me out of here!'
Stefano stood up and smiled.
'Now, now, dear. There is no need to get up in arms about your nightly activities. Frankly, I applaud you. And that part about the sleepwalking? Now that was a nice touch!'
'What do you want?' Rebecca asked coolly.
'Only to help you dear. For the only way you are going to succeed, is if Marlena is taken out of the picture.'
'And taken where?' Rebecca smiled, knowingly.
'Into my arms...and bed, of course. I plan to rekindle my relationship with her. She will not be leaving this island. John and you, of course, are welcome to.'
Rebecca rolled her eyes.
'John is not going to just leave his wife here! He's not that kind of man!'
Stefano grinned down at her.
'And I thought this was just about you snagging another rich man. You have real feelings for John, don't you?'
'What I have or don't have, is none of your business! And like I said before, John would never leave Marlena in your clutches.'
'He would if he didn't know she was here.'
Rebecca began to feel uncomfortable.
'What do you mean?'
'I mean, if John thought Marlena was dead, then he would be forced to move on with his life, and leave this island, to start anew with someone else, of course.'
Rebecca scratched the back of her neck. In her mind, somehow, she had planned to make John fall in love with her and he'd divorce Marlena.
But why was she so surprised that Stefano DiMera was making her such a depraved offer?
Before she could say another word, Stefano put his hands on her shoulders. She flinched.
'Think about it. But either way, Marlena will be mine. You can either profit from it or...'
Rebecca jerked away from him!
'Or what?'
'Or, you can lose...big time! Meaning if you so much as breathe a word of our conversation to anyone, you will surely lose any chance with John. Think about what I'm offering, Rebecca. This is a chance to live a life with John Black, unfettered by the woman he has always loved. And you have your own charm, I'm sure you could make him come to care for you...even love you.'
Rebecca said nothing. Stefano nodded at a guard, who had been outside the open door.
'Escort Mrs. Crane back down to the huts.'
Rebecca looked from the guard to Stefano.
'What about dinner? And are Julian and Eve coming too?'
'Eat down on the beach and get to know your beloved. Julian and Eve will be a bit longer.'
Rebecca sighed and followed the guard out of the room.
****
When Lexie walked back into the sitting room, and saw Julian and Eve necking on the couch, she saw red! But, instead of confronting them, another idea took form.
Lexie walked down the hallway towards T.C.'s room. She tried to turn the knob, but it was locked. She suspected that was done to keep T.C. from discovering Eve and Julian.
Lexie took a hairpin out of her hair and finagled with the lock. She soon had the door open. T.C. looked up in surprise.
'Lexie? What are you doing here?'
Lexie walked up to him.
'I care about you, T.C., and I hate seeing you look like a fool. I know you're recovering from eye surgery, but you really need to confront Eve on her behavior.'
T.C. said nothing, but followed after Lexie, as they left his room, and entered the drawing room. T.C. clenched his fists.
Julian and Eve were quite immersed in their kissing. So much so, that if Julian had not managed to look towards the doorway, he would not have seen T.C. charging towards them!
'Eve! Look out!' Julian yelled, jumping up and backing away. Eve jumped up and quickly raised her gown slightly, so she could trip T.C. as he leaped for Julian! Lexie ran over towards him, but Eve tripped her on her way over to him as well! She then reached down and snatched up a bit of Lexie's hair, pulling her up.
Julian didn't know what to do! Eve's tripping of T.C. had made him fall against a table and crack a tooth! There was blood and a slimy looking molar! Plus T.C. was screaming bloody murder!
Then there was Eve, who now had Lexie by the hair. She shoved her away from her, and Lexie fell onto the floor. Eve towered over her.
'I'm not as stupid as you think, honey! If you want T.C., you are welcome to him! His moods, his temper tantrums, his infidelities...all of him!' she hissed. Eve then walked by an open-mouthed Julian, over to T.C.'
'Good luck, because when Liz gets a gander of her, there will be hell to pay!'
T.C. just stared up at her, shocked to see her again in the flesh. Eve then looked down at Lexie again.
'Wait until Abe finds out what's been going on up here, between my husband and you! Now you get your damned father in here! I want to know what he wants, once and for all!'
'I'm right here, Eve.'
Eve, Julian, Lexie and T.C., looked to Stefano, who was standing in the doorway, shaking his head with disgust.
Julian smiled. He was so proud of Eve! The hellcat in her, that he had remembered so fondly from his time with her when they were young, had returned! Now all they had to do was get through dinner with DiMera!
Eve, Julian and Rebecca visit 'The Big House'.
Eve, Julian and Rebecca, were ordered back to their huts to change for dinner. Before Eve left the beach, she did promise everyone that she would find out what was going on, and see about getting them off of this island.
Once they returned to their huts, they found formal clothes, waiting for them. Eve went into the hut that she now shared with Julian. Rebecca stopped Julian before he could go to his hut.
'I'm scared, Julian. What do you think that maniac wants with us?'
Julian squeezed her hand.
'I'm sure he's not going to kill us. He could've done that by throwing us out of the plane sans parachutes. Just stick close to Eve and I, and everything will be alright, okay?'
Rebecca nodded, but she wasn't reassured. She watched Julian turn away and disappear into his hut. She stood outside of hers for the longest time, dreading the evening that was about to come. She then took a deep breath, and turned towards her door. She then jumped!
John had appeared out of nowhere! Rebecca gave him a puzzled smile.
'John? Why aren't you back on the beach?'
'I saw how frightened you looked back there.' he said, his expression filled with worry.
Rebecca was profoundly touched. She hated to admit it, but it was at times like this, that she wished she did have Julian by her side, if for no other reason, to calm her nerves or pour her a drink!
John, for his part, was suspicious as hell, as to why Stefano wanted to see Rebecca. In the back of his mind, John wondered if Stefano had been watching, when Rebecca was sleepwalking a/o doing cartwheels in her sleep the other night? If that were the case, then Stefano was probably turned on or something! It worried him.
'I'm just afraid we may never come back.' Rebecca admitted.
John reached out and touched her arm.
'There is no way that DiMera has kept us alive all of this time, for him to start killing us off over dinner. Just find out what he wants...maybe we can use something against him so we can get off of this island.'
Rebecca nodded, slightly disappointed. John was more concerned about her spying for the rest of the group. Still, he had come to her, and not Julian or Eve.
Rebecca nodded.
'Well, I guess I'd better get dressed.'
John nodded, glancing towards her hut, then back at her.
'Good luck, Rebecca. Everything will be fine.'
Rebecca nodded then impulsively hugged him! My, she thought, John's chest was very hard and strong! She closed her eyes.
'Excuse me!'
Rebecca opened her eyes. Marlena was standing right next to the both of them. John quickly let go of Rebecca.
'Doc! Where did you come from?'
'The beach.' Marlena said blithely, now regarding Rebecca in a different light. The other night, John had confided in her about Rebecca's sleepwalking. Marlena had thought that it might be some sort of psychological reaction to not only being kidnapped, but being forced to watch her husband engage in an extramarital affair right under her nose. Now, she was not so sure.
John, sensing his wife was a little ticked, walked over to her.
'Doc, I was just trying to reassure Rebecca about the dinner tonight.'
Rebecca sniffed pitifully for effect. After all, it wouldn't do for Marlena to become suspicious of her true intentions towards John, so early.
'John, I know that you think that we'll come back down here with some sort of hidden information, that could get us off of this island. But there is a good chance we may not return.'
Marlena looked from John to Rebecca. Rebecca DID look frightened. And Marlena couldn't blame her. She walked up to Rebecca and reached out her hands. Rebecca took hers in her own.
'I can't tell you how many times I've been kidnapped by that animal. I also can't even imagine what he could want. Maybe he's just playing with all of our minds...I don't know. But, I don't believe he's invited the three of you to dinner to kill you.'
'Well then what?' Rebecca asked.
Marlena looked at John.
'I don't know for sure, but I suspect, maybe, this is about Tony. It's the only thing that fits.' Marlena answered grimly.
****
Julian watched as Eve fingered the dusky pink strapless gown, that was hanging up on a rack against one of the hut walls. Julian's tuxedo was hanging there as well.
'Eve, I think we need to talk.' he said,
Eve, who had had her back to him, closed her eyes briefly, before opening them again. She turned from her dress to face him.
'Now? Julian, we're getting ready to have dinner with the man that kidnapped us! I can't think about anything else right now.'
Julian walked up to her.
'Then you'll have to try. Eve, you have to know that things are not going to be the same as they were before. Alistair is not going to be a factor in our lives.'
Eve looked down.
'I know you believe that. And I do believe in you...it's just that...I don't know if maybe you aren't underestimating him just a little?'
Julian rested his hands on her shoulders.
'I could never underestimate that man. Believe me, I know what my father is capable of. I'm ready for him. WE'LL be ready for him.'
Eve stared at him, never imagining that there would ever be a chance for the two of them again. But the Julian she was looking at, seemed determined not to allow anyone to come between them.
As if he could read her thoughts, Julian posed a question to her.
'We'll probably see T.C. tonight. What do you plan on telling him?'
Eve pulled away from him.
'I can't believe you'd even have to ask me that!'
'Soothe your ruffled fur, darling! I'm asking because I know the two of you had a very happy marriage, with two children that you both love. I would be an imbecile to believe that that alone, was not heavy competition.'
Eve reached up and laid a hand against his cheek.
'I plan to tell him that it's over. But I doubt that it will come as a big surprise to him. If I hadn't had the accident, T.C. would've never been able to forgive me anyway.'
Julian reached up and took her hand off of his cheek, then brought it up to his lips. He kissed it.
'Everything is going to be fine tonight.'
Eve nodded.
'I hope so. Though, I am curious as to why Stefano invited Rebecca?'
Secretly, Julian was not. He suspected that DiMera had uncovered Rebecca's yen for one Mr. John Black. Julian believed that DiMera was going to attempt to forge some alliance with his wife, so that Stefano could, once again, have a clear shot at Marlena.
'I guess we'll find out tonight, won't we?' Julian answered, keeping his tone light. Eve had enough to worry about. He wanted her to be as relaxed as she could be(though, when one was dining with a murderer, it could be hard!).
****
Teresa and Austin sat at a table next to the beach bar. Austin watched as Pilar, Celeste and Abe, sat on the sand near the ocean. He then looked at Teresa, who was sitting across from him. She was eating a hot dog.
'So, what do you think?' he asked.
Teresa swallowed her hot dog, and began to reach for her drink.
'I'm worried about Dr. Russell. Though, I think Julian is finally going to get what he deserves.'
'Because of Dr. Russell's husband?'
Teresa sipped her drink, then set it down.
'Mr. Russell is going to go ape*&&%%## when he sees Julian! He always does. Austin, I've known him all of my life. Julian just brings out the worst in him... and in everyone. My brothers always hated breaking up fights between those two, because secretly, they wanted to see Julian maimed. He makes me sick. I still can't believe he's little Ethan's father.'
'Whoa! Tell me how you really feel!'
'Oh come on! You've seen what a pig he is!'
Austin nodded.
'True enough. Can we change the subject?'
Teresa smiled at him.
'Sure. What do you want to talk about? An escape plan?'
'Actually, I kind of wondered why your son is named after Ethan Winthrop, as if he is his real son?'
Teresa set down her hot dog.
'I guess because in my heart of hearts, I have always felt as if my son's father should have been Ethan.'
'But he's not.' Austin reminded her.
Teresa became annoyed!
'So what was I supposed to do? Name him Julian Jr.?'
'Teresa, I care about you so much...I want to know if there's a chance for us, when we return to Harmony?'
Teresa looked away. She then looked back at him.
'It is my belief that fate will bring Ethan and I together one day.'
Austin hid his hurt.
'Okay then. Listen, I'm going to go and see what the others are talking about. I'll see you.'
Austin then got up and walked away. Teresa lost her appetite. She watched as Austin joined her mother, Celeste and Abe. Pilar looked over at her, then excused herself from the group. She stood up, walked over and sat down in the chair Austin had vacated.
'Is everything okay between Austin and you?' Pilar asked gently.
Teresa sighed heavily.
'There is no 'Austin and me'. I love Ethan. I just told Austin that.'
'Oh.'
'What, Mama?'
'Nothing.'
'Mama!'
'Alright, Teresa! It's just that as your mother, I'm seeing a nice, young man that's interested in my daughter. He's very handsome and quite smitten with you.'
'I don't know if that's true!' Teresa said shiftily.
Pilar gave Teresa a knowing look.
'The man jumped out of an airplane, just to make sure you knew how to pull a string on a parachute!'
'It's not like he wasn't wearing one as well, Mama! Look, I appreciate what you're saying, I really do. But it would not be fair to lead Austin on. We can be friends, but nothing more. Ethan is the man for me. He always will be.'
Pilar said nothing. There was no talking to Teresa when she got in to her 'Ethan Mode'.
'So, what do you think Stefano DiMera wants with Dr. Russell?' she asked her mother.
Pilar rubbed her hands together.
'I suspect, that Stefano will want Eve with his son. And he'll maybe want Julian to honor his marriage vows to Rebecca. That's the only thing that makes any sense.'
'Didn't you say Tony DiMera is in a coma?'
Pilar nodded.
'Yes, but maybe Stefano still wants Eve to be available for Tony. Who knows? This whole thing is a mess.'
Teresa nodded in agreement.
'I wonder what will happen when Mr. Russell sees Julian?'
Pilar rubbed her cheek.
'Nothing good.' she answered. Pilar was thinking that maybe now was an opportunity to get more answers from John Black about Martin. She didn't want Teresa knowing too much about her plans on that matter. She didn't want to give her daughter false hope about her father.
****
T.C. Russell was reading, yet another scandal rag, when a guard opened his door, and wheeled in a TV. The guard then left, leaving the door open. Soon, Stefano DiMera himself, walked into the room. He closed the door.
T.C. put aside the paper, and stood up from off of his bed. Finally, he was meeting this vicious criminal, face to face. T.C. wondered if this was the end for him.
'Mr. Russell, how is your eye?' Stefano asked, giving him a hard look.
'Better. I guess I should be thanking you.'
'You guess?'
T.C. gave him an equally hard look in return.
'I would've had surgery on it anyway, if I had not been kidnapped.'
Stefano smiled, then laughed softly.
'True, true. But then again, you wouldn't need surgery at all if it had not been for Julian Crane.'
T.C, felt something in his chest tighten. It always felt that way at the mention of that man's name!
'So, you know how much I hate Julian Crane. Why does that concern you?'
'Because T.C...may I call you T.C.?'
T.C. shrugged.
'You're the kidnapper. You can do whatever you damned well please!'
Stefano chuckled again.
'Yes, you're right, yet again.'
T.C. sighed impatiently, folding his arms.
'Why are you here? When are you planning on letting us go?'
Stefano turned away from him and walked over to the TV. He flipped it on. T.C.'s eyes widened.
Julian appeared on screen, wearing a white tuxedo. He was holding hands with Eve, who was dressed in a sophisticated, pink evening gown. Her hair was swept up. They looked like a couple. Behind them, was Rebecca, who was wearing a light blue evening gown, with straps.
T.C. walked over next to Stefano, as if in a trance. Stefano eyed him.
'My dinner guests this evening. Your wife, her lover and his own wife. Interesting about Rebecca Crane. Julian and Eve's obvious love for one another doesn't seem to bother her at all.'
T.C.'s eyes flew from the screen to Stefano.
'Julian does not love Eve! He's just using her like he used Rebecca and every other woman back in Harmony! I can't believe Eve would do this to me!'
Suddenly, Lexie appeared on screen, wearing a black, strapless evening gown. She was glaring at Eve and Julian.
'My daughter, she is very loyal to the people she cares about. I've noticed she's very loyal to you.'
T.C.'s eyes seemed to soften, when Lexie came into view. He said nothing, but watched intently.
'T.C.' Stefano said, 'I have not appreciated the way my son-in-law has been treating my daughter, as of late.'
T.C. looked at Stefano.
'I know. But I guess that's between them.'
'But?' Stefano prompted.
'Lexie could do much better.'
'Oh, I agree. Especially since I found out that he's been abusing her.'
T.C.'s eyes widened again. He sucked in a breath.
'What the hell do you mean?!'
'I mean, T.C, that I had to have one of my men take a cattle prod to that oaf, to keep him from beating my daughter once again!'
T.C. shook his head slightly.
'I've never seen any bruises on her...'
'For God's sakes man! She covers them up with make-up! And she's proud...she thinks she can handle Abe herself, but she can't. That's why I insisted she stay up here with me. And I fear for Theo.'
T.C.'s stomach churned. The thought of that Carver bastard putting his hands on baby Theo...the thought made him want to kill Abe!
And Stefano knew that.
'T.C., I'm going to offer you a proposition: I will avenge the wrong perpetrated on yourself, when Julian Crane cheated you out of your tennis career, and stole your wife.'
T.C. looked from Stefano to the TV screen. Eve and Lexie looked as if they were shouting at one another. Rebecca was looking over a vase, seemingly oblivious to the trouble. Julian stood between them. Lexie turned and walked out of camera range. Julian then put his hand around Eve's waist, as if he had a right to! He whispered something to her. She nodded and seemed to calm down. The sight began to enrage T.C.!
'I'm going out there!' he growled, and tried to move past Stefano.
But Stefano blocked his way! This was the frenzy he had hoped to whip Mr. Russell in to!
'T.C., I can see you care for my Alexandra, and my grandson. Eve is lost to you now. A life with Alexandra isn't.'
T.C. stopped moving and stared at Stefano.
'A life with Lexie? What the hell are you talking about?! Lexie is still married!'
'Not if Abe dies, she isn't.'
T.C. gave Stefano a hard look.
'Cut the crap, DiMera! Just what the hell are you suggesting?!'
Stefano rubbed his hands together.
'A quid pro quo, so to speak. You kill Abe for me, thus winning Alexandra's heart, and I will dispose of Julian Crane for you.'
T.C. began to back away.
'You really are a crazy sonofobitch! I can't go for any of that! I mean, yeah, I'd love to see Julian die, but not at the expense of Lexie losing her husband! And I don't believe that wife-beating line you tried to drop on me either!'
'Okay then, T.C., think of it like this: you've lost Eve for good. There is no winning her back from Crane because not only do you have to fight Julian, but Tony, as well. And my son does not like to lose.'
T.C. said nothing.
'Alexandra, on the other hand, would be a single mother with a little boy...one that you could mold into your image...maybe even make him the tennis star your Whitney didn't want to be.'
T.C. was quiet. He turned away from Stefano.
'Think about what I suggested.' Stefano said. He opened the door and the guard came in, turned off of the TV, then carried it out of the room with him. Stefano stared at T.C.'s back.
'I will be locking you in here tonight. It would not do for you to disrupt my dinner. Goodnight T.C.. Sleep on my offer.'
Stefano then closed and locked the door. T.C. sat down on the bed and stared into space.
****
The same guard, walked into the room Rebecca, Julian and Eve were in. He then asked Rebecca to follow him. Julian, who had been sitting on a couch sipping a drink, stood up.
'Now see here...'
'Julian, it will be alright.' Rebecca said, still feeling confident after her earlier encounter with John. She had a feeling that she was about to have a private meeting with Stefano, concerning her future wedding plans.
Julian stared after her, as she followed the guard from the room. He then turned back to Eve. She was still fuming after her encounter with Lexie.
'Calm down, darling....'
'Calm down?! Lexie doesn't know what the hell she's even talking about! I can't believe she accused me of cheating on T.C.!'
'Well, technically you are still married to him. Just like I'm still married to Rebecca.'
Eve focused on him.
'Yes, about that. Why has Rebecca been so calm about us? She doesn't appear to be jealous or anything. I guess it's good that she's being so understanding.'
A funny look suddenly crossed Julian's face. Eve looked him the eye.
'What's going on?'
'Alright, alright. Let's just say that Rebecca has other irons in the fire.'
'Rebecca is interested in someone else?' Eve asked.
'Yes.'
'Is it someone back in Harmony?'
'No. Look, let's not concern ourselves with it anymore. Just know that Rebecca will not stand in our way.'
Julian then grabbed her hand and pulled Eve down onto the couch. He then began to kiss her neck. Eve pushed him away.
'Julian! Not in Stefano's house! He could be watching...'
'He's with Rebecca now.'
'I realize that, but, what if Lexie comes back in?'
'I shall scratch her eyes out, I promise.' he whispered, kissing her lips. Eve did not try and stop him. They leaned back onto the sofa.
****
Rebecca was led to the TV room, where Stefano was sitting in a chair, waiting. Rebecca could see the rest of the prisoners on the beach. The sight gave her the creeps! The idea of this man watching them all of this time!
'Mrs. Crane...or shall I refer to you as the future Mrs. John Black?'
Rebecca smiled, then took the champagne he offered her. She sat down in a chair, only glancing at the monitors occasionally.
'Nothing to say?' he asked, watching her.
Rebecca shrugged.
'I don't know what you mean.'
'Oh, please! That cartwheel act you pulled the other night would've taken gold in the Olympics!'
Rebecca slammed down her glass!
'You filthy pervert! I suspected you had seen that! Let me out of here!'
Stefano stood up and smiled.
'Now, now, dear. There is no need to get up in arms about your nightly activities. Frankly, I applaud you. And that part about the sleepwalking? Now that was a nice touch!'
'What do you want?' Rebecca asked coolly.
'Only to help you dear. For the only way you are going to succeed, is if Marlena is taken out of the picture.'
'And taken where?' Rebecca smiled, knowingly.
'Into my arms...and bed, of course. I plan to rekindle my relationship with her. She will not be leaving this island. John and you, of course, are welcome to.'
Rebecca rolled her eyes.
'John is not going to just leave his wife here! He's not that kind of man!'
Stefano grinned down at her.
'And I thought this was just about you snagging another rich man. You have real feelings for John, don't you?'
'What I have or don't have, is none of your business! And like I said before, John would never leave Marlena in your clutches.'
'He would if he didn't know she was here.'
Rebecca began to feel uncomfortable.
'What do you mean?'
'I mean, if John thought Marlena was dead, then he would be forced to move on with his life, and leave this island, to start anew with someone else, of course.'
Rebecca scratched the back of her neck. In her mind, somehow, she had planned to make John fall in love with her and he'd divorce Marlena.
But why was she so surprised that Stefano DiMera was making her such a depraved offer?
Before she could say another word, Stefano put his hands on her shoulders. She flinched.
'Think about it. But either way, Marlena will be mine. You can either profit from it or...'
Rebecca jerked away from him!
'Or what?'
'Or, you can lose...big time! Meaning if you so much as breathe a word of our conversation to anyone, you will surely lose any chance with John. Think about what I'm offering, Rebecca. This is a chance to live a life with John Black, unfettered by the woman he has always loved. And you have your own charm, I'm sure you could make him come to care for you...even love you.'
Rebecca said nothing. Stefano nodded at a guard, who had been outside the open door.
'Escort Mrs. Crane back down to the huts.'
Rebecca looked from the guard to Stefano.
'What about dinner? And are Julian and Eve coming too?'
'Eat down on the beach and get to know your beloved. Julian and Eve will be a bit longer.'
Rebecca sighed and followed the guard out of the room.
****
When Lexie walked back into the sitting room, and saw Julian and Eve necking on the couch, she saw red! But, instead of confronting them, another idea took form.
Lexie walked down the hallway towards T.C.'s room. She tried to turn the knob, but it was locked. She suspected that was done to keep T.C. from discovering Eve and Julian.
Lexie took a hairpin out of her hair and finagled with the lock. She soon had the door open. T.C. looked up in surprise.
'Lexie? What are you doing here?'
Lexie walked up to him.
'I care about you, T.C., and I hate seeing you look like a fool. I know you're recovering from eye surgery, but you really need to confront Eve on her behavior.'
T.C. said nothing, but followed after Lexie, as they left his room, and entered the drawing room. T.C. clenched his fists.
Julian and Eve were quite immersed in their kissing. So much so, that if Julian had not managed to look towards the doorway, he would not have seen T.C. charging towards them!
'Eve! Look out!' Julian yelled, jumping up and backing away. Eve jumped up and quickly raised her gown slightly, so she could trip T.C. as he leaped for Julian! Lexie ran over towards him, but Eve tripped her on her way over to him as well! She then reached down and snatched up a bit of Lexie's hair, pulling her up.
Julian didn't know what to do! Eve's tripping of T.C. had made him fall against a table and crack a tooth! There was blood and a slimy looking molar! Plus T.C. was screaming bloody murder!
Then there was Eve, who now had Lexie by the hair. She shoved her away from her, and Lexie fell onto the floor. Eve towered over her.
'I'm not as stupid as you think, honey! If you want T.C., you are welcome to him! His moods, his temper tantrums, his infidelities...all of him!' she hissed. Eve then walked by an open-mouthed Julian, over to T.C.'
'Good luck, because when Liz gets a gander of her, there will be hell to pay!'
T.C. just stared up at her, shocked to see her again in the flesh. Eve then looked down at Lexie again.
'Wait until Abe finds out what's been going on up here, between my husband and you! Now you get your damned father in here! I want to know what he wants, once and for all!'
'I'm right here, Eve.'
Eve, Julian, Lexie and T.C., looked to Stefano, who was standing in the doorway, shaking his head with disgust.
Julian smiled. He was so proud of Eve! The hellcat in her, that he had remembered so fondly from his time with her when they were young, had returned! Now all they had to do was get through dinner with DiMera!