Chapter 7
The Citizens of Harmony and Salem, receive tapes from Stefano DiMera.
Sheridan clutched a pillow on her couch, nervously. Hope, Bo and Luis were in front of the VCR, looking at some tape that Stefano DiMera probably sent. It was all beginning to be too much.
The very idea that her father could be working with that maniac, made Sheridan want to vomit. But then again, when she thought back to the numerous, vile acts her father was responsible for, she had wanted to vomit then too.
Bo and Hope came over to the couch and sat down next to her. Hope clutched her hand.
'It will be alright.' she said, glancing at Sheridan. Sheridan nodded nervously. Why the hell was Stefano DiMera sending her husband a tape? Why was he sending Luis any mail at all?
Luis nodded towards the three of them, then pressed play on the VCR remote. He stood up and watched.
The first thing that came across the screen was a beach. Luis looked at Bo, Hope and Sheridan, sitting on the couch. He then looked back at the screen.
The view seemed to shift, and suddenly Teresa and Austin were in the ocean, playing around and laughing.
Hope leaned forward and smiled.
'Wow. It's good to see Austin...even if it is under these circumstances.'
Bo frowned.
'What is this? Your sister and Austin look as if they're on vacation or something.'
Hope looked at her husband.
'You know how Stefano works! I know how he works. When he kidnaps you, you never starve or anything like that.'
'John was beaten and brainwashed.' Bo reminded her.
Hope didn't respond to that. Sheridan clutched the pillow tighter, as the view widened, and Celeste, Pilar and Abe were seen, sitting on the sand and talking. Then Julian and Eve were seen. They were sitting on the sand as well, but Julian was drinking something. John and Marlena could be seen in the background, sitting at a table. A guy in some sort of tribal mask, served them drinks.
Luis stopped the tape for a moment, then looked at everyone.
'So what is this? DiMera's sick way of letting us know that everyone is okay?'
'We don't know that everyone is.' Bo said.
'Yeah, I don't see Lexie.' Hope reminded them.
'Where was T.C.?' Sheridan asked.
Luis frowned, then hit play on the VCR again. There was an abrupt jump, and one could tell it was evening. Bo stood up and walked towards the TV screen.
'What's that?' he asked.
'What?' Luis asked.
Bo pointed at something on the screen. Sheridan and Hope got up from the couch to look as well.
It looked as if one of the tribal masks was floating in the darkness! Hope shook her head.
'What is Stefano trying to tell us here? I really can't see anything.' she said.
Suddenly, there was light! Lexie was sitting up in bed looking horrified. Julian was standing over her bed, naked! Abe, John and Eve came into the room or, what looked to be some kind of hut.
'Well,' Bo said, 'I guess that explains where Lexie is!'
Sheridan looked embarrassed, and couldn't meet Luis's eyes. What the hell had her brother been up to?!
Luis stopped the tape and pulled it out of the machine. He looked at Bo and Hope.
'We need to take this to Sam. We can look the whole thing over down at the station.'
Hope and Bo nodded.
'Maybe we can see some sort of landmark that will tell us where everyone is.' Hope suggested.
Bo looked at Sheridan.
'Thanks for the dinner.'
Hope looked at her as well.
'Yes, and everything is going to be alright. We will find everyone.'
Sheridan nodded, then walked over to Luis and hugged him. She let go of him and looked into his eyes.
'Did you look at the other tape? The one my father sent?'
Luis gave Bo a glance. Bo looked away. Hope noticed their silent exchange.
'Yeah, it really doesn't have anything to do with this. But, I need to take it to the station anyway.'
Luis walked over and snatched that one up as well. Sheridan looked puzzled.
'Well, if it's not related, then why take it to the police station? When I get the nerve I'll watch it.'
Bo interrupted.
'Sheridan, we don't think it is, but, we're not really sure. We need to look at both of them.'
Bo looked at Hope, who nodded at Sheridan as well. But she didn't appreciate being left out of the loop. She planned to ask Bo about this other tape, and what exactly was on it!
****
ISLAND
Abe stood up from one of the tables. He looked at everyone.
'Something is wrong. I can feel it.'
Rebecca eyed him nervously from afar. She then looked over at John and Marlena, who were now talking to Abe.
Suddenly, Teresa plopped down beside her! Rebecca rolled her eyes.
'What do you want?' she asked.
I want to hear that load of crap story you told us again! You know, the one about Stefano DiMera touching your breasts or something...'
'He did!' Rebecca hissed, looking her up and down.
'Yes, of course. So that's why he asked you to dinner...to feel you up?'
Rebecca squinted at the annoying girl.
'What is it you're really asking, Teresa?'
Teresa shrugged.
'I'm not asking anything, because I would never expect the truth from you. But I've noticed how you've been hanging around John and Marlena...especially John. I just wouldn't be surprised if Stefano hadn't done anything to you at all, and you just made up some story to get a little sympathy from John.'
Rebecca eyed Austin, who was standing a few feet away.
'Why don't you handle your own affairs? I wouldn't want you to lose Austin like you did Ethan.'
Rebecca then got up and walked away. Teresa smiled. She couldn't even get insulted. She knew Rebecca, and something in her sensed that she had hit a nerve, when she brought up John Black just now.
Austin walked over to her.
'What was that all about?' he asked.
'Oh, nothing. I just told Rebecca that I didn't buy her little tale.'
'You don't believe Stefano made a pass at her?' he asked.
Teresa shook her head.
'I don't know what it is, but there is a vibe here that makes no sense! I mean, Rebecca is practically sleeping a hut away from her husband, who is living in another hut, with another woman! Yet, Rebecca doesn't care!'
'Well, I don't know about that, Teresa. She may be trying to put on a good face, or make the best of it.'
Teresa shook her head.
'No, no, no! Rebecca doesn't make the best of anything! She really isn't bothered by Julian and Dr. Russell! And the only thing that makes any sense, is that Rebecca has another iron in the fire.'
Austin raised a brow.
'Well who do you think it is?'
Teresa nodded towards Abe, John, Marlena and Pilar.
'Abe?' Austin asked.
'No! John Black!'
Austin snickered. 'Then she can forget it! Nothing will ever separate John and Marlena, especially not Rebecca Crane. I'm going to go over there and find out what Abe is saying.'
'I'll come with you.' Teresa said, glad that Austin didn't seem to be mad at her. Maybe he had accepted the fact that she loved Ethan, once and for all.
Teresa glanced over at Rebecca, who was sitting on the sand, staring out at the ocean. Teresa decided she was going to keep an eye on that woman!
Meanwhile, Abe was becoming more and more unnerved!
'Now Celeste is missing! I'm telling you, something feels different. DiMera is up to something!'
'It does seem strange that Eve and Julian have not returned.' Pilar noted, looking around.
Abe nodded and looked in the opposite direction Pilar was looking in. His eyes widened. Through a clump of trees, he could see Eve closing her locker. He looked around at everyone.
'I have to get something out of my locker. I'll be back.' he said quickly, before anyone could say anything. He then hurried towards the clump of trees and walked up behind Eve. She turned when she heard his rustling.
'Abe?' she asked, looking him up and down.
'Eve, why didn't you come down to the beach after your dinner with Stefano?' he asked, looking her over. She didn't look any worse for wear, yet, she seemed a bit off. Eve was now dressed in red shorts and a white, short-sleeved shirt. Her hair was still swept up.
'Abe, you need to know some things....'
Abe reached for her hand.
'Then come down and tell us. Rebecca is down there...she's very upset.'
Eve pulled away from him.
'Yes, I know. Celeste told us all about it.'
'What's wrong, Eve?'
Eve began to tear up again! Horrified, Abe put his arms around her, then let go of her quickly.
'What is it? Please, Eve, you can talk to me!'
Eve sniffed.
'I have made a deal with Stefano. All of you will be set free, as soon as I go back to his compound. Tony is flying in.'
Abe's mouth dropped open!
'Why am I not surprised? Why?! So, you stay here as Tony DiMera's love slave until when?'
'It probably won't be like that, Abe. Besides, the important thing is that you will all be free.'
Abe rested his hands gently on Eve's shoulders.
'Eve, you will have to trust me on this: none of us are going anywhere. I don't care what kind of deal you think you made with that monster. Hell, you may end up LEAVING this island with Tony, while the rest of us rot here!'
Eve looked down briefly, before looking up at Abe again.
'Abe, I have to believe that Stefano is going to keep his word. He's even promised to tell Pilar about her husband, Martin.'
'Good God! That man knows no shame! I have no doubt he knows nothing, but will tell Pilar some half assed story to keep her hopes up!'
Eve sniffed.
'I have to believe that there is some good still left in Tony. And that the good man that I lived with, for all of those months, will make his father do the right thing. Look, you should go. One of the guards is coming to take me back up to the compound.'
'Eve!'
'Abe, I've made my decision.'
Abe nodded quickly.
'Okay, well, what did Julian have to say about this? I can't believe he's allowing this!'
Eve took a deep breath and looked down again. Her thoughts were on the man she had left sleeping on the hut floor. The man that had just made love to her as if it were their last time. Only, Eve knew, that if Julian knew she was not still back in that hut with him, he would be up and looking for her, doing his damnedest to make sure that she did not go through with her decision. And Eve didn't know how much longer Julian would stay asleep. She didn't have a lot of time to waste.
'He didn't take it well.' Eve answered.
'Well I guess not.' Abe said sadly. His head suddenly did an abrupt swivel. Eve looked over in the direction he was staring in.
'That must be the guard. Abe, take care of yourself...and Lexie and Theo.'
Eve then hugged him. She didn't tell him of her suspicions about Lexie and T.C.. Abe hugged her back. He then let go of her and went and hid in the brush of trees he'd originally appeared through. Eve tilted her head. What was he up to?
An unmasked guard approached her.
'Mr. DiMera wants to know if you're ready?'
Eve nodded. The guard let her walk ahead of him. As he began to follow, Abe leaped out of the bushes and jumped him from behind! Eve turned quickly and watched the silent fray. Silent, because Abe very quickly put the guard in a headlock, and did not let up. The guard then went limp.
Abe let go of him and got up. Eve looked at Abe with wide eyes.
'I'm going with you to the compound. It's about time my wife and I stood up to her father.'
'Abe, I really don't think this is a good idea.'
'Eve, you are the only one between us that knows where this place is. We are all getting out of here and no one is staying behind!'
'Okay, but at least go and get the other men for backup.' Eve suggested. Abe nodded, though somewhat reluctantly.
'Alright...but you stay here!'
Eve nodded in agreement, then watched as Abe hurried back through the trees, towards the beach. Eve then turned and ran towards the direction of the compound! While Abe's plan was nice, it would still keep everyone a prisoner here. And she couldn't take the chance of Stefano thinking she had reneged on her word.
****
Julian awoke, and immediately knew Eve had decided to return to Stefano's compound. He got up from the hut floor, still feeling as if he could taste and feel Eve. Julian then hurriedly put on his tuxedo shirt and pants, looked around for his socks and shoes, then put them on. He soon bolted from the hut.
Julian didn't get far, before he literally ran smack into Rebecca!
'Hey!' she squealed, as Julian reached out to steady her.
'I'm sorry, Rebecca! Please tell me you've seen Eve?'
Rebecca rolled her eyes.
'I haven't, but Abe has! My, your Eve is a brave soul isn't she? Of course, what caught my attention was how upset Abe was over it. I think you were right, Pookie, Abe does have a thing for Eve!'
'Of course I was right! But that's beside the point right now. What did he say?'
'Well, Abe disappeared, then re-appeared, claiming that he had seen Eve, and that he needed back-up to go and storm Stefano's compound. Oh, and then he told everyone of the deal Eve struck with Stefano. You know, it's kind of sad really.'
'Why?' Julian asked suspiciously.
'Because Stefano offered me a deal as well, and if he keeps his word to Eve, then he can't possible keep his word to me. And somehow, my deal is more in keeping with the man we all know.'
Julian put a hand on her shoulder.
'What kind of a deal, Rebecca?'
'Oh, well do you remember when I disappeared with him earlier?'
'Rebecca, what deal did Stefano make with you?'
'Well, it's not a done deal yet, though...'
'REBECCA!' Julian screamed. Rebecca's eyes widened!
'Okay, okay! Stefano has no intention of letting Marlena leave the island. He was planning something to keep her here, thus giving me free access to John back in civilization.'
'But he didn't say what?'
Rebecca shook her head.
'No. But I doubt Eve would've went along with the plan she said Stefano offered her, if she thought Marlena had to stay behind.'
'She wouldn't have!' Julian said firmly. But he did give Rebecca an odd look. She noted it.
'What?'
Julian folded his arms.
'Are you really thinking of throwing Marlena to the wolves? Are you so desperate for that man, that you would have his wife kidnapped and left to lead a life of misery?'
Rebecca's eyes narrowed.
'First of all, Marlena would not be 'living a life of misery'! Stefano will make sure she wants for nothing!'
'But she would be forced to share is bed?'
Rebecca sighed.
'Yes, of course! Nothing in life is free.'
'Darling, I'm not one that's usually able to judge other men, but I think it's safe to say, that no self-respecting woman, would let a coarse, somewhat overweight, looking slob such as Stefano DiMera, willingly touch them.'
'Celeste did.' Rebecca reminded him.
'Yes, and where did it get her? Nowhere! Look, Tony DiMera is out of his coma. That makes him a prospect again. So, I'll need your help to...'
'No.'
Julian raised a brow.
'No? No what? Rebecca we had a deal!'
Rebecca shook her head, eyeing him.
'Julian, if we had any 'deal', it was for me to be generous and step aside, while you romanced Eve Russell. And I'll even give you a divorce, no hard feelings. But John Black is the man I want. And I will get him. Now, dinner is going to be served soon. So, why don't you go to your locker and change into something more comfortable, and we can forget all about this silly business.'
Julian backed away from her.
'You will regret getting into bed with that man, Rebecca. And once you realize it, no one will be able to help you.'
Rebecca didn't answer. She did, however, yawn.
Julian turned and hurried towards the beach. He was not leaving Eve here! And Julian suspected that he could count on the others to feel the same way. Together, they would have to find someway to help his beloved.
As he neared the beach, Julian could not help thinking about what had happened between Eve and himself in the hut earlier. It was almost as if she were saying goodbye to him, with her body. Julian knew that said out loud, the concept would probably sound ludicrous to a casual observer. But to him, somehow, it made sense. He had not risked life and limb, only to lose Eve all over again to Tony DiMera. Julian was not about to leave her in that man's clutches!
****
Eve stood outside of the compound, unable to get inside, because she did not have the guard with her. She walked around until she found a door and stood there. Eve could see cameras, so she knew someone would see her eventually.
'Eventually', turned out to be sooner than she anticipated, when the door she was in front of, flew open, and another unmasked guard glared at her.
'Where is the guard that was supposed to bring you here?' he asked, suspiciously.
Eve shrugged.
'He never showed up. I just came by myself.'
The guard shook his head.
'You know, all I have to do is look on the tapes to find out what really happened?'
Eve just nodded. The guard stepped aside and Eve walked in. He locked the door, then escorted her down a hallway. It lead back into the drawing room.
'Wait here.' he said, then walked back down the hallway. Eve sighed and sat down on the couch. She leaned back and closed her eyes. She just wanted this whole thing over with.
'Eve?'
Eve opened her eyes. T.C. had walked into the room. She stood up.
'T.C.? How is your tooth?'
He smiled at her. His tooth looked as good as new.
'I'm sorry about what I did last night. But damnit, now is not the time to be acting on old grudges. We've been kidnapped!'
'Julian will never be just an 'old grudge' for me, Eve. I think we both know that.'
Eve clasped her hands together.
'I know. How is your eye?'
T.C. took off his patch.
'I'm almost at the point where I'm not going to be needing this much longer.'
'Good.'
T.C. sighed and just stared at her.
'What?' she asked.
'I can't believe it's really you. I can't believe I'm going to get the chance to make things right again.'
'T.C....'
T.C. held up a hand.
'I know you think you're in love with Julian. I don't like it worth a damn, but I will accept it.'
Eve backed away slightly.
'Are you feeling alright?' she asked him, looking him up and down. T.C. took her hand, and together, they sat down on the couch.
'Eve, I'm in trouble.'
'What kind of trouble?' she asked.
'Stefano has asked me to kill Abe Carver.'
Eve let go of his hand. Stefano asked T.C. to kill Abe? Why?
'Why, T.C.?' she asked, even though she already knew the answer. Stefano hated Abe, and thought by offering T.C. an instant made family, with a son to boot, Stefano could get T.C. to do his dirty work for him. After all, Lexie would never forgive her father if she thought he had killed her husband.
T.C. licked his lips.
'Eve, I have real strong feelings for Lexie...and I love Theo already....
'Theo is here?' Eve asked.
'Yes, Stefano had him flown in for Lexie. Anyway, I think DiMera has sensed or maybe seen something in my face, that gave away my feelings. He then tried to tell me some cock and bull story about Abe abusing Lexie.'
Eve stared at him. She didn't know what bothered her more: that Stefano had lied about everyone leaving the island, or, that T.C. was admitting his feelings for Lexie.
'I'm glad,' Eve began, attempting a level tone, 'that you didn't fall for his lies. Abe would never lay a hand on Lexie.'
'I know that... though he has been a rotten husband.'
'It's all Lexie's fault!'
T.C. eyed her.
'And you know this how?'
'Because I know Abe. I know how disappointed he is in his wife, and if they are ever to get back on track, outside interference won't help!'
T.C. stood up.
'You sounded almost jealous?' he noted, half smiling.
Eve rolled her eyes, but smiled back.
'I would just hate to see you jump from Liz to Lexie....'
'Lexie is nothing like Liz!'
Eve sighed.
'Well, it's good to hear that you finally wised up to my sister.'
T.C. turned away from Eve.
'I believe what Celeste told me about her. And when I thought back to all of those months we allowed her to poison our lives...it was just that one time Eve. Nothing ever happened after that.'
Eve stood up and walked over to him. She touched his shoulder. He turned around.
'Thank you for that. But we need to figure out a way to get out of here. Stefano told me that if I agreed to stay behind and hear Tony's apology, he would free everyone else.'
T.C. squinted at her.
'Hear his apology? Hell, if he really wanted to apologize, then he could've written a letter or phoned!'
'It's all we have...or had. If Stefano wants you to kill Abe, then he never had any intention of honoring my deal with him. That probably means he's not going to tell Pilar about Martin, or not kidnap Marlena.'
'Whoa! DiMera knows something about Martin Fitzgerald?'
Eve rolled her eyes.
'I was convinced he did. I just wanted Pilar to have some peace of mind...but now I'm afraid if he does get her up here, he'll just cruelly get her hopes up.'
T.C. shook his head sadly.
'And about that offer Stefano tried to make with you? T.C., if Abe comes up dead, all Stefano has to do is point the finger at you. God, with all of these cameras he has around here, he'll probably tape it and show it to her! Then, you will have squashed your chance to be with Lexie for good.'
T.C. hadn't thought of it from that angle. He began to feel angry again. Angry at being used!
'T.C., how are the girls?'
T.C. shook off his fury at Stefano, and concentrated on Eve.
'Uh...well, Simone took your 'death' very badly...Whitney too...but we were blessed. Pilar, Luis, Antonio, Sam and Grace...we had a lot of people there for us. I even think that John and Simone might become a couple.'
Eve raised a brow. John Hastings? He was a nice boy, and if he was able to get Simone's mind off of Chad, then he was most welcome!
'And Whitney?'
T.C. frowned, then looked away. Eve touched his arm.
'What? What's wrong with Whitney? Is it something with Chad?'
T.C. looked back at Eve.
'Whitney is living with Fox Crane. I guess it was your 'boyfriend's' idea.'
Eve let go of his arm. The forever judgmental T.C. was back!
'Whitney is living in the Crane mansion?'
'Yeah, Eve! That's what I said! And if I ever find out that Julian has been taking advantage of her...'
Eve shoved him! T.C.'s mouth dropped open, as he righted himself against a table.
'That is the second time you've tried to hurt me, Eve!'
'And it won't be the last, if you ever accuse Julian of that kind of nonsense again!'
Lexie walked into the room just then. She was holding Theo. She accessed the tense situation.
'What's going on? Eve, why are you here?'
Eve smiled at baby Theo. He grinned at her. Eve wondered if he remembered her?
'I'm here at your father's invitation.'
Lexie looked at T.C.
'What's going on here? It looks like I walked in on something.'
T.C. gave Eve a look, before answering.
'We were trying to sort out your father's lies, Lexie. There's a lot going down that you don't know about.'
****
Celeste shook her head at Stefano.
'No!' she shouted.
Stefano walked up behind her chair.
'You won't help me?'
Celeste tried to scrape her chair back, but Stefano stood behind it so it couldn't be budged.
'No, Stefano! I will not help you convince T.C. to kill Abraham! Now let me up!'
Stefano pulled her chair back violently! Celeste almost fell out of the chair! She did manage to stand up and face him.
'So, then I will be forced to tell Pilar that you once had a relationship with her husband. I will be forced to tell her that you knew where he was this whole time!' Stefano threatened.
Celeste rolled her eyes.
'Then I guess you'll have to tell her, because the alternative is unacceptable.'
Stefano then tried to touch Celeste's cheek. She flinched, but let him do so.
'What happened to us?' he murmured. He then moved his lips to her neck. Celeste moved out of his reach.
'There never was an 'us'. I was nothing to you. I was always just someone you could use until you could have the women you really wanted. Now, let me tell you something: you forget this ridiculous plan to kill our daughter's husband, or I tell Eve that you killed her father!'
Stefano just stared at her.
'And this would be bad because?'
Celeste walked up to him.
'Because if you truly want Tony to have a chance with Eve, then you know that it would be best if this kind of information was surpressed. Somehow, I don't think Eve would understand.'
'I killed him, not Tony! And Celeste darling, why would you bring that boring man up? I did you a favor!'
'Can I leave?' she asked sharply.
Stefano sighed.
'Yes, yes, go! I will make all of my wishes come true, without your help.'
Stefano then motioned to a guard, who came in to escort Celeste out of the room. The guard looked at Stefano.
'Your son did not meet the helicopter at the specified time, Mr. DiMera. He has not been found yet.'
Stefano frowned, his eyes met Celeste's. She shrugged softly.
'Anymore bad news?' Stefano asked wryly.
'Just that Mr. and Mrs. Russell, your daughter and grandson, are alone together in the drawing room.'
****
SALEM
Captain Roman Brady hit the rewind button on his VCR for the umpteenth time. He was watching the same tape that had been sent to Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald, in his office at the station.
He wasn't concerned about the interaction between all of the kidnap victims. He was trying to see if there was anything about this island that was recognizable. So far, he had had no luck.
Roman leaned back in his chair. It had been total chaos around here ever since Abe and Lexie disappeared. Then John and Marlena. But worse yet, was Austin Reed.
Roman dated Austin's mother, Kate Roberts, and the poor woman was beside herself! He couldn't blame her. Being in Stefano DiMera's clutches, or having a family member held at his mercy, was a gut wrenching experience. And he loved Kate. Roman wanted to make everything alright for her. He wanted to be able to tell her that they had found Austin.
Roman drummed his knuckles on his desk. That Tony DiMera angle had been fishier than hell as well! One minute, Tony is lying in Salem University Hospital, in a coma, next thing they know, he's gone. They now knew that Stefano had had his son smuggled out of there. What they did not know, was to where?
Bo and Hope were coming back tomorrow from Harmony with Officer Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald. It was their hope that maybe he could take a crack at that crony of Stefano's, that they were holding in their jail.
Just as Roman was about to pick up the remote, and watch the tape again, he heard a loud commotion outside. He dropped the remote and walked over to his office door, opening it. The sight before him was unbelievable.
There were reporters every where! The object of their interest, was none other than Count Anthony DiMera!
Tony walked up to Roman.
'I know where everyone is being kept prisoner. My father was behind all of it, the whole time.' he said.
The Citizens of Harmony and Salem, receive tapes from Stefano DiMera.
Sheridan clutched a pillow on her couch, nervously. Hope, Bo and Luis were in front of the VCR, looking at some tape that Stefano DiMera probably sent. It was all beginning to be too much.
The very idea that her father could be working with that maniac, made Sheridan want to vomit. But then again, when she thought back to the numerous, vile acts her father was responsible for, she had wanted to vomit then too.
Bo and Hope came over to the couch and sat down next to her. Hope clutched her hand.
'It will be alright.' she said, glancing at Sheridan. Sheridan nodded nervously. Why the hell was Stefano DiMera sending her husband a tape? Why was he sending Luis any mail at all?
Luis nodded towards the three of them, then pressed play on the VCR remote. He stood up and watched.
The first thing that came across the screen was a beach. Luis looked at Bo, Hope and Sheridan, sitting on the couch. He then looked back at the screen.
The view seemed to shift, and suddenly Teresa and Austin were in the ocean, playing around and laughing.
Hope leaned forward and smiled.
'Wow. It's good to see Austin...even if it is under these circumstances.'
Bo frowned.
'What is this? Your sister and Austin look as if they're on vacation or something.'
Hope looked at her husband.
'You know how Stefano works! I know how he works. When he kidnaps you, you never starve or anything like that.'
'John was beaten and brainwashed.' Bo reminded her.
Hope didn't respond to that. Sheridan clutched the pillow tighter, as the view widened, and Celeste, Pilar and Abe were seen, sitting on the sand and talking. Then Julian and Eve were seen. They were sitting on the sand as well, but Julian was drinking something. John and Marlena could be seen in the background, sitting at a table. A guy in some sort of tribal mask, served them drinks.
Luis stopped the tape for a moment, then looked at everyone.
'So what is this? DiMera's sick way of letting us know that everyone is okay?'
'We don't know that everyone is.' Bo said.
'Yeah, I don't see Lexie.' Hope reminded them.
'Where was T.C.?' Sheridan asked.
Luis frowned, then hit play on the VCR again. There was an abrupt jump, and one could tell it was evening. Bo stood up and walked towards the TV screen.
'What's that?' he asked.
'What?' Luis asked.
Bo pointed at something on the screen. Sheridan and Hope got up from the couch to look as well.
It looked as if one of the tribal masks was floating in the darkness! Hope shook her head.
'What is Stefano trying to tell us here? I really can't see anything.' she said.
Suddenly, there was light! Lexie was sitting up in bed looking horrified. Julian was standing over her bed, naked! Abe, John and Eve came into the room or, what looked to be some kind of hut.
'Well,' Bo said, 'I guess that explains where Lexie is!'
Sheridan looked embarrassed, and couldn't meet Luis's eyes. What the hell had her brother been up to?!
Luis stopped the tape and pulled it out of the machine. He looked at Bo and Hope.
'We need to take this to Sam. We can look the whole thing over down at the station.'
Hope and Bo nodded.
'Maybe we can see some sort of landmark that will tell us where everyone is.' Hope suggested.
Bo looked at Sheridan.
'Thanks for the dinner.'
Hope looked at her as well.
'Yes, and everything is going to be alright. We will find everyone.'
Sheridan nodded, then walked over to Luis and hugged him. She let go of him and looked into his eyes.
'Did you look at the other tape? The one my father sent?'
Luis gave Bo a glance. Bo looked away. Hope noticed their silent exchange.
'Yeah, it really doesn't have anything to do with this. But, I need to take it to the station anyway.'
Luis walked over and snatched that one up as well. Sheridan looked puzzled.
'Well, if it's not related, then why take it to the police station? When I get the nerve I'll watch it.'
Bo interrupted.
'Sheridan, we don't think it is, but, we're not really sure. We need to look at both of them.'
Bo looked at Hope, who nodded at Sheridan as well. But she didn't appreciate being left out of the loop. She planned to ask Bo about this other tape, and what exactly was on it!
****
ISLAND
Abe stood up from one of the tables. He looked at everyone.
'Something is wrong. I can feel it.'
Rebecca eyed him nervously from afar. She then looked over at John and Marlena, who were now talking to Abe.
Suddenly, Teresa plopped down beside her! Rebecca rolled her eyes.
'What do you want?' she asked.
I want to hear that load of crap story you told us again! You know, the one about Stefano DiMera touching your breasts or something...'
'He did!' Rebecca hissed, looking her up and down.
'Yes, of course. So that's why he asked you to dinner...to feel you up?'
Rebecca squinted at the annoying girl.
'What is it you're really asking, Teresa?'
Teresa shrugged.
'I'm not asking anything, because I would never expect the truth from you. But I've noticed how you've been hanging around John and Marlena...especially John. I just wouldn't be surprised if Stefano hadn't done anything to you at all, and you just made up some story to get a little sympathy from John.'
Rebecca eyed Austin, who was standing a few feet away.
'Why don't you handle your own affairs? I wouldn't want you to lose Austin like you did Ethan.'
Rebecca then got up and walked away. Teresa smiled. She couldn't even get insulted. She knew Rebecca, and something in her sensed that she had hit a nerve, when she brought up John Black just now.
Austin walked over to her.
'What was that all about?' he asked.
'Oh, nothing. I just told Rebecca that I didn't buy her little tale.'
'You don't believe Stefano made a pass at her?' he asked.
Teresa shook her head.
'I don't know what it is, but there is a vibe here that makes no sense! I mean, Rebecca is practically sleeping a hut away from her husband, who is living in another hut, with another woman! Yet, Rebecca doesn't care!'
'Well, I don't know about that, Teresa. She may be trying to put on a good face, or make the best of it.'
Teresa shook her head.
'No, no, no! Rebecca doesn't make the best of anything! She really isn't bothered by Julian and Dr. Russell! And the only thing that makes any sense, is that Rebecca has another iron in the fire.'
Austin raised a brow.
'Well who do you think it is?'
Teresa nodded towards Abe, John, Marlena and Pilar.
'Abe?' Austin asked.
'No! John Black!'
Austin snickered. 'Then she can forget it! Nothing will ever separate John and Marlena, especially not Rebecca Crane. I'm going to go over there and find out what Abe is saying.'
'I'll come with you.' Teresa said, glad that Austin didn't seem to be mad at her. Maybe he had accepted the fact that she loved Ethan, once and for all.
Teresa glanced over at Rebecca, who was sitting on the sand, staring out at the ocean. Teresa decided she was going to keep an eye on that woman!
Meanwhile, Abe was becoming more and more unnerved!
'Now Celeste is missing! I'm telling you, something feels different. DiMera is up to something!'
'It does seem strange that Eve and Julian have not returned.' Pilar noted, looking around.
Abe nodded and looked in the opposite direction Pilar was looking in. His eyes widened. Through a clump of trees, he could see Eve closing her locker. He looked around at everyone.
'I have to get something out of my locker. I'll be back.' he said quickly, before anyone could say anything. He then hurried towards the clump of trees and walked up behind Eve. She turned when she heard his rustling.
'Abe?' she asked, looking him up and down.
'Eve, why didn't you come down to the beach after your dinner with Stefano?' he asked, looking her over. She didn't look any worse for wear, yet, she seemed a bit off. Eve was now dressed in red shorts and a white, short-sleeved shirt. Her hair was still swept up.
'Abe, you need to know some things....'
Abe reached for her hand.
'Then come down and tell us. Rebecca is down there...she's very upset.'
Eve pulled away from him.
'Yes, I know. Celeste told us all about it.'
'What's wrong, Eve?'
Eve began to tear up again! Horrified, Abe put his arms around her, then let go of her quickly.
'What is it? Please, Eve, you can talk to me!'
Eve sniffed.
'I have made a deal with Stefano. All of you will be set free, as soon as I go back to his compound. Tony is flying in.'
Abe's mouth dropped open!
'Why am I not surprised? Why?! So, you stay here as Tony DiMera's love slave until when?'
'It probably won't be like that, Abe. Besides, the important thing is that you will all be free.'
Abe rested his hands gently on Eve's shoulders.
'Eve, you will have to trust me on this: none of us are going anywhere. I don't care what kind of deal you think you made with that monster. Hell, you may end up LEAVING this island with Tony, while the rest of us rot here!'
Eve looked down briefly, before looking up at Abe again.
'Abe, I have to believe that Stefano is going to keep his word. He's even promised to tell Pilar about her husband, Martin.'
'Good God! That man knows no shame! I have no doubt he knows nothing, but will tell Pilar some half assed story to keep her hopes up!'
Eve sniffed.
'I have to believe that there is some good still left in Tony. And that the good man that I lived with, for all of those months, will make his father do the right thing. Look, you should go. One of the guards is coming to take me back up to the compound.'
'Eve!'
'Abe, I've made my decision.'
Abe nodded quickly.
'Okay, well, what did Julian have to say about this? I can't believe he's allowing this!'
Eve took a deep breath and looked down again. Her thoughts were on the man she had left sleeping on the hut floor. The man that had just made love to her as if it were their last time. Only, Eve knew, that if Julian knew she was not still back in that hut with him, he would be up and looking for her, doing his damnedest to make sure that she did not go through with her decision. And Eve didn't know how much longer Julian would stay asleep. She didn't have a lot of time to waste.
'He didn't take it well.' Eve answered.
'Well I guess not.' Abe said sadly. His head suddenly did an abrupt swivel. Eve looked over in the direction he was staring in.
'That must be the guard. Abe, take care of yourself...and Lexie and Theo.'
Eve then hugged him. She didn't tell him of her suspicions about Lexie and T.C.. Abe hugged her back. He then let go of her and went and hid in the brush of trees he'd originally appeared through. Eve tilted her head. What was he up to?
An unmasked guard approached her.
'Mr. DiMera wants to know if you're ready?'
Eve nodded. The guard let her walk ahead of him. As he began to follow, Abe leaped out of the bushes and jumped him from behind! Eve turned quickly and watched the silent fray. Silent, because Abe very quickly put the guard in a headlock, and did not let up. The guard then went limp.
Abe let go of him and got up. Eve looked at Abe with wide eyes.
'I'm going with you to the compound. It's about time my wife and I stood up to her father.'
'Abe, I really don't think this is a good idea.'
'Eve, you are the only one between us that knows where this place is. We are all getting out of here and no one is staying behind!'
'Okay, but at least go and get the other men for backup.' Eve suggested. Abe nodded, though somewhat reluctantly.
'Alright...but you stay here!'
Eve nodded in agreement, then watched as Abe hurried back through the trees, towards the beach. Eve then turned and ran towards the direction of the compound! While Abe's plan was nice, it would still keep everyone a prisoner here. And she couldn't take the chance of Stefano thinking she had reneged on her word.
****
Julian awoke, and immediately knew Eve had decided to return to Stefano's compound. He got up from the hut floor, still feeling as if he could taste and feel Eve. Julian then hurriedly put on his tuxedo shirt and pants, looked around for his socks and shoes, then put them on. He soon bolted from the hut.
Julian didn't get far, before he literally ran smack into Rebecca!
'Hey!' she squealed, as Julian reached out to steady her.
'I'm sorry, Rebecca! Please tell me you've seen Eve?'
Rebecca rolled her eyes.
'I haven't, but Abe has! My, your Eve is a brave soul isn't she? Of course, what caught my attention was how upset Abe was over it. I think you were right, Pookie, Abe does have a thing for Eve!'
'Of course I was right! But that's beside the point right now. What did he say?'
'Well, Abe disappeared, then re-appeared, claiming that he had seen Eve, and that he needed back-up to go and storm Stefano's compound. Oh, and then he told everyone of the deal Eve struck with Stefano. You know, it's kind of sad really.'
'Why?' Julian asked suspiciously.
'Because Stefano offered me a deal as well, and if he keeps his word to Eve, then he can't possible keep his word to me. And somehow, my deal is more in keeping with the man we all know.'
Julian put a hand on her shoulder.
'What kind of a deal, Rebecca?'
'Oh, well do you remember when I disappeared with him earlier?'
'Rebecca, what deal did Stefano make with you?'
'Well, it's not a done deal yet, though...'
'REBECCA!' Julian screamed. Rebecca's eyes widened!
'Okay, okay! Stefano has no intention of letting Marlena leave the island. He was planning something to keep her here, thus giving me free access to John back in civilization.'
'But he didn't say what?'
Rebecca shook her head.
'No. But I doubt Eve would've went along with the plan she said Stefano offered her, if she thought Marlena had to stay behind.'
'She wouldn't have!' Julian said firmly. But he did give Rebecca an odd look. She noted it.
'What?'
Julian folded his arms.
'Are you really thinking of throwing Marlena to the wolves? Are you so desperate for that man, that you would have his wife kidnapped and left to lead a life of misery?'
Rebecca's eyes narrowed.
'First of all, Marlena would not be 'living a life of misery'! Stefano will make sure she wants for nothing!'
'But she would be forced to share is bed?'
Rebecca sighed.
'Yes, of course! Nothing in life is free.'
'Darling, I'm not one that's usually able to judge other men, but I think it's safe to say, that no self-respecting woman, would let a coarse, somewhat overweight, looking slob such as Stefano DiMera, willingly touch them.'
'Celeste did.' Rebecca reminded him.
'Yes, and where did it get her? Nowhere! Look, Tony DiMera is out of his coma. That makes him a prospect again. So, I'll need your help to...'
'No.'
Julian raised a brow.
'No? No what? Rebecca we had a deal!'
Rebecca shook her head, eyeing him.
'Julian, if we had any 'deal', it was for me to be generous and step aside, while you romanced Eve Russell. And I'll even give you a divorce, no hard feelings. But John Black is the man I want. And I will get him. Now, dinner is going to be served soon. So, why don't you go to your locker and change into something more comfortable, and we can forget all about this silly business.'
Julian backed away from her.
'You will regret getting into bed with that man, Rebecca. And once you realize it, no one will be able to help you.'
Rebecca didn't answer. She did, however, yawn.
Julian turned and hurried towards the beach. He was not leaving Eve here! And Julian suspected that he could count on the others to feel the same way. Together, they would have to find someway to help his beloved.
As he neared the beach, Julian could not help thinking about what had happened between Eve and himself in the hut earlier. It was almost as if she were saying goodbye to him, with her body. Julian knew that said out loud, the concept would probably sound ludicrous to a casual observer. But to him, somehow, it made sense. He had not risked life and limb, only to lose Eve all over again to Tony DiMera. Julian was not about to leave her in that man's clutches!
****
Eve stood outside of the compound, unable to get inside, because she did not have the guard with her. She walked around until she found a door and stood there. Eve could see cameras, so she knew someone would see her eventually.
'Eventually', turned out to be sooner than she anticipated, when the door she was in front of, flew open, and another unmasked guard glared at her.
'Where is the guard that was supposed to bring you here?' he asked, suspiciously.
Eve shrugged.
'He never showed up. I just came by myself.'
The guard shook his head.
'You know, all I have to do is look on the tapes to find out what really happened?'
Eve just nodded. The guard stepped aside and Eve walked in. He locked the door, then escorted her down a hallway. It lead back into the drawing room.
'Wait here.' he said, then walked back down the hallway. Eve sighed and sat down on the couch. She leaned back and closed her eyes. She just wanted this whole thing over with.
'Eve?'
Eve opened her eyes. T.C. had walked into the room. She stood up.
'T.C.? How is your tooth?'
He smiled at her. His tooth looked as good as new.
'I'm sorry about what I did last night. But damnit, now is not the time to be acting on old grudges. We've been kidnapped!'
'Julian will never be just an 'old grudge' for me, Eve. I think we both know that.'
Eve clasped her hands together.
'I know. How is your eye?'
T.C. took off his patch.
'I'm almost at the point where I'm not going to be needing this much longer.'
'Good.'
T.C. sighed and just stared at her.
'What?' she asked.
'I can't believe it's really you. I can't believe I'm going to get the chance to make things right again.'
'T.C....'
T.C. held up a hand.
'I know you think you're in love with Julian. I don't like it worth a damn, but I will accept it.'
Eve backed away slightly.
'Are you feeling alright?' she asked him, looking him up and down. T.C. took her hand, and together, they sat down on the couch.
'Eve, I'm in trouble.'
'What kind of trouble?' she asked.
'Stefano has asked me to kill Abe Carver.'
Eve let go of his hand. Stefano asked T.C. to kill Abe? Why?
'Why, T.C.?' she asked, even though she already knew the answer. Stefano hated Abe, and thought by offering T.C. an instant made family, with a son to boot, Stefano could get T.C. to do his dirty work for him. After all, Lexie would never forgive her father if she thought he had killed her husband.
T.C. licked his lips.
'Eve, I have real strong feelings for Lexie...and I love Theo already....
'Theo is here?' Eve asked.
'Yes, Stefano had him flown in for Lexie. Anyway, I think DiMera has sensed or maybe seen something in my face, that gave away my feelings. He then tried to tell me some cock and bull story about Abe abusing Lexie.'
Eve stared at him. She didn't know what bothered her more: that Stefano had lied about everyone leaving the island, or, that T.C. was admitting his feelings for Lexie.
'I'm glad,' Eve began, attempting a level tone, 'that you didn't fall for his lies. Abe would never lay a hand on Lexie.'
'I know that... though he has been a rotten husband.'
'It's all Lexie's fault!'
T.C. eyed her.
'And you know this how?'
'Because I know Abe. I know how disappointed he is in his wife, and if they are ever to get back on track, outside interference won't help!'
T.C. stood up.
'You sounded almost jealous?' he noted, half smiling.
Eve rolled her eyes, but smiled back.
'I would just hate to see you jump from Liz to Lexie....'
'Lexie is nothing like Liz!'
Eve sighed.
'Well, it's good to hear that you finally wised up to my sister.'
T.C. turned away from Eve.
'I believe what Celeste told me about her. And when I thought back to all of those months we allowed her to poison our lives...it was just that one time Eve. Nothing ever happened after that.'
Eve stood up and walked over to him. She touched his shoulder. He turned around.
'Thank you for that. But we need to figure out a way to get out of here. Stefano told me that if I agreed to stay behind and hear Tony's apology, he would free everyone else.'
T.C. squinted at her.
'Hear his apology? Hell, if he really wanted to apologize, then he could've written a letter or phoned!'
'It's all we have...or had. If Stefano wants you to kill Abe, then he never had any intention of honoring my deal with him. That probably means he's not going to tell Pilar about Martin, or not kidnap Marlena.'
'Whoa! DiMera knows something about Martin Fitzgerald?'
Eve rolled her eyes.
'I was convinced he did. I just wanted Pilar to have some peace of mind...but now I'm afraid if he does get her up here, he'll just cruelly get her hopes up.'
T.C. shook his head sadly.
'And about that offer Stefano tried to make with you? T.C., if Abe comes up dead, all Stefano has to do is point the finger at you. God, with all of these cameras he has around here, he'll probably tape it and show it to her! Then, you will have squashed your chance to be with Lexie for good.'
T.C. hadn't thought of it from that angle. He began to feel angry again. Angry at being used!
'T.C., how are the girls?'
T.C. shook off his fury at Stefano, and concentrated on Eve.
'Uh...well, Simone took your 'death' very badly...Whitney too...but we were blessed. Pilar, Luis, Antonio, Sam and Grace...we had a lot of people there for us. I even think that John and Simone might become a couple.'
Eve raised a brow. John Hastings? He was a nice boy, and if he was able to get Simone's mind off of Chad, then he was most welcome!
'And Whitney?'
T.C. frowned, then looked away. Eve touched his arm.
'What? What's wrong with Whitney? Is it something with Chad?'
T.C. looked back at Eve.
'Whitney is living with Fox Crane. I guess it was your 'boyfriend's' idea.'
Eve let go of his arm. The forever judgmental T.C. was back!
'Whitney is living in the Crane mansion?'
'Yeah, Eve! That's what I said! And if I ever find out that Julian has been taking advantage of her...'
Eve shoved him! T.C.'s mouth dropped open, as he righted himself against a table.
'That is the second time you've tried to hurt me, Eve!'
'And it won't be the last, if you ever accuse Julian of that kind of nonsense again!'
Lexie walked into the room just then. She was holding Theo. She accessed the tense situation.
'What's going on? Eve, why are you here?'
Eve smiled at baby Theo. He grinned at her. Eve wondered if he remembered her?
'I'm here at your father's invitation.'
Lexie looked at T.C.
'What's going on here? It looks like I walked in on something.'
T.C. gave Eve a look, before answering.
'We were trying to sort out your father's lies, Lexie. There's a lot going down that you don't know about.'
****
Celeste shook her head at Stefano.
'No!' she shouted.
Stefano walked up behind her chair.
'You won't help me?'
Celeste tried to scrape her chair back, but Stefano stood behind it so it couldn't be budged.
'No, Stefano! I will not help you convince T.C. to kill Abraham! Now let me up!'
Stefano pulled her chair back violently! Celeste almost fell out of the chair! She did manage to stand up and face him.
'So, then I will be forced to tell Pilar that you once had a relationship with her husband. I will be forced to tell her that you knew where he was this whole time!' Stefano threatened.
Celeste rolled her eyes.
'Then I guess you'll have to tell her, because the alternative is unacceptable.'
Stefano then tried to touch Celeste's cheek. She flinched, but let him do so.
'What happened to us?' he murmured. He then moved his lips to her neck. Celeste moved out of his reach.
'There never was an 'us'. I was nothing to you. I was always just someone you could use until you could have the women you really wanted. Now, let me tell you something: you forget this ridiculous plan to kill our daughter's husband, or I tell Eve that you killed her father!'
Stefano just stared at her.
'And this would be bad because?'
Celeste walked up to him.
'Because if you truly want Tony to have a chance with Eve, then you know that it would be best if this kind of information was surpressed. Somehow, I don't think Eve would understand.'
'I killed him, not Tony! And Celeste darling, why would you bring that boring man up? I did you a favor!'
'Can I leave?' she asked sharply.
Stefano sighed.
'Yes, yes, go! I will make all of my wishes come true, without your help.'
Stefano then motioned to a guard, who came in to escort Celeste out of the room. The guard looked at Stefano.
'Your son did not meet the helicopter at the specified time, Mr. DiMera. He has not been found yet.'
Stefano frowned, his eyes met Celeste's. She shrugged softly.
'Anymore bad news?' Stefano asked wryly.
'Just that Mr. and Mrs. Russell, your daughter and grandson, are alone together in the drawing room.'
****
SALEM
Captain Roman Brady hit the rewind button on his VCR for the umpteenth time. He was watching the same tape that had been sent to Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald, in his office at the station.
He wasn't concerned about the interaction between all of the kidnap victims. He was trying to see if there was anything about this island that was recognizable. So far, he had had no luck.
Roman leaned back in his chair. It had been total chaos around here ever since Abe and Lexie disappeared. Then John and Marlena. But worse yet, was Austin Reed.
Roman dated Austin's mother, Kate Roberts, and the poor woman was beside herself! He couldn't blame her. Being in Stefano DiMera's clutches, or having a family member held at his mercy, was a gut wrenching experience. And he loved Kate. Roman wanted to make everything alright for her. He wanted to be able to tell her that they had found Austin.
Roman drummed his knuckles on his desk. That Tony DiMera angle had been fishier than hell as well! One minute, Tony is lying in Salem University Hospital, in a coma, next thing they know, he's gone. They now knew that Stefano had had his son smuggled out of there. What they did not know, was to where?
Bo and Hope were coming back tomorrow from Harmony with Officer Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald. It was their hope that maybe he could take a crack at that crony of Stefano's, that they were holding in their jail.
Just as Roman was about to pick up the remote, and watch the tape again, he heard a loud commotion outside. He dropped the remote and walked over to his office door, opening it. The sight before him was unbelievable.
There were reporters every where! The object of their interest, was none other than Count Anthony DiMera!
Tony walked up to Roman.
'I know where everyone is being kept prisoner. My father was behind all of it, the whole time.' he said.