Chapter 7

Eve gets an unexpected visitor. Teresa finks on Sami Brady.

Sheridan got up and stretched her legs. Eve had fallen asleep again.

The two of them had had a nice talk about Julian, and about Julian and Sheridan's late mother, Katherine. Eve had said that she now felt as if she understood Julian more than she ever had before. She also told Sheridan how sorry she was, that she did not have her mother there to protect her against Alistair.

Sheridan stared at Eve. This is the woman Julian pined for during his marriage to Ivy. This was the woman's voice that sung to her brother, during his melancholy moments in the library. She would've never guessed. Julian and Eve did a pretty damned good job of hiding their feelings for one another!

Sheridan eased out of the room to call Luis. A few moments later, Liz stuck her head in. Good! Her sister was alone!

Liz banged the door closed loudly. Eve awoke, then sat up when she saw who her 'visitor' was.

'Well, well, well! Looks like you've finally got it all, Evie dear! A rich man's bun in the oven, or should I say buns? And at what cost? Some poor young man that never did a damned thing to you!'

Eve's first instinct, had been to order Liz out of her room. But, this confrontation had been a long time coming. And she was feeling oddly calm.

'Hello to you too, Liz. Have you come to apologize?'

Liz blinked.

'Apologize? For what?'

'Oh please, Liz! Celeste told me everything!'

'You would take that whore's word over mine! But of course, I guess it would take one to know one!'

Eve peered at her sister.

'I would've taken Alistair Crane's word over yours, Liz! Do you know, that for the first time since you dragged your sorry self into this town, it has just occurred to me that you could be insane?'

'You wish!'

'Really? Why didn't you tell me about Celeste? The song and dance you bored everyone with, was that you were molested by our father...before and after our mother's death. But you never said not one word about a step-mother, or that you were sent to boarding school, or worse yet, that you tried to kill our father and Celeste!'

Liz was quiet. Eve continued on.

'Our father never molested you, did he Liz?'

Liz just stared at her with hatred.

'Why, Liz? All of this because of what?'

'You don't know what it was like! This new woman moves in after our beloved mother dies...she didn't give a damn about me! She was the one that had Daddy send me away...then he dies! Eve, I swear to God, I always thought something was funny about Daddy's death! Now that we know that Celeste was hooked up with Stefano DiMera, I wouldn't be surprised if he had something to do with killing our father!'

Eve sighed. She really didn't want to hear anymore of her sister's lies.

'Why are you here, Liz? To kick me when I'm down? What?'

'I need help, Eve.'

Eve looked her up and down.

'With what?'

'With T.C.. He's convinced himself that he's in love with Celeste's slut daughter! I know we've had our problems...but surely you can see that T.C. could end up like Abe Carver, if he continues seeing this bitch? Eve? You can see that, can't you? Why are you looking at me like that?'

Eve stared behind Liz at Lexie, who was standing there. Lexie smiled coldly, then slammed the door loudly!

Liz jumped and turned around. She then glared at Lexie. Lexie cleared her throat.

'Eve, I was going to ask who in the hell this bitch was...but then I realized you had to be Liz. Hello, I'm Lexie Carver.' Lexie stuck her hand out.

Liz looked at her hand, then back at her.

'What, Liz? Nothing to say?' Lexie asked.

Liz folded her arms, then turned back around to look at Eve.

'Thanks for the warning!' she hissed.

Eve looked at her coldly.

'I owed you one.' Eve replied.

Liz turned back around, looked Lexie up and down, the proceeded to walk past her, and out of the door.

But, Lexie's arm snaked out and gripped Liz's tightly! Eve sat up and looked over at the phone. Maybe she should call security!

'Stay away from around here, and stay away from T.C.. And I really don't give a ^%%# what you call me, but if I ever hear you talking about my mother like that again, they're going to need vaseline to remove my fist from your....'

'Okay!' Eve cried out. 'I think we get the picture! Get out Liz!'

Liz snatched her arm away and skulked from the room. On the other side of the door, Liz made a silent vow to make Lexie Carver pay for stealing T.C. from her! She then walked away.

Meanwhile, Eve eyed Lexie, as she came further into the room.

'I didn't know you were in town.' Eve said.

'Uh, yes, I was supposed to have dinner with T.C. and Simone, when we got the call about you and Chad. I'm sorry about him. Is there anything I can do?'

Eve shook her head, not wanting to think or talk about Chad. His death was just another thing to add to her list of sins, that kept her from sleeping nights. Eve changed the subject.

'Lexie, I never did get a chance to tell you how sorry I was about Abe. Everything happened so fast.'

Lexie just nodded. She didn't really want to talk about Abe.

'Tony came by to visit a couple of hours before. He left these flow...'

Eve noticed that the roses that Tony had set on table across the room, a couple of hours before, were gone. She suspected Julian's hand in the theft, but said nothing out loud.

'Anyway, I think he's lonely.'

Lexie snorted.

'If he is, it's of his own doing!'

'I agree. But he is making such an effort to show everyone the real Tony.'

'As far as I'm concerned, the man that killed Abe, was the real Tony. I can't believe you'd defend him!'

Eve could see that she had upset Lexie, and that had not been her intention. She eyed her.

'I'm sorry if I've offended you. Believe me, I'm not trying to defend Tony. But I'd be lying if I said that he hasn't tried to be a friend to me. And to Simone.'

'Yeah, Eve, about that. I would watch my brother if I were you.'

'What do you mean?'

'I mean, I just don't believe that this Tony and Simone friendship is up to par. I think he's using her to get in good with you.'

Eve sat up. The concept unnerved her. Lexie realized she should not have said anything! She reached out and gently pushed Eve back against the pillows.

'Just, relax Eve. I'm sorry. I don't know anything for sure and I could be totally wrong.'

Eve nodded, but couldn't shake her unease. Lexie patted her shoulder.

'Look, I'm going to push off here. Is there anything I can get you before I leave?'

My piece of mind! Eve thought. But she shook her head.

'No, but thank you, Lexie. It's good to know that someone else is looking out for Simone. And I know that you make T.C. very happy. Just watch your back with Liz.'

Lexie snorted, indicating how much of a threat she considered Liz. She then waved at Eve, before leaving her room. Eve sank back under the covers for a moment, then picked up the phone next to her. She dialed Simone's cell phone, but got no answer. She hung up, then sank under the covers again. Maybe Lexie had been imagining things.

****

Julian walked down the hall with a slightly grossed out Dr. Parks. Julian had just asked her if, or when, it would be safe to resume sexual relations with Dr. Russell! Once again, she found herself unable to believe that they were a couple!

'Her condition has improved tremendously, causing me to believe that Eve was just not taking care of herself, and she should've known better. I don't see that...sex...will be a problem.'

Julian rubbed his hands together!

'Good. What about travel?'

'Well, what kind?'

'Oh nothing strenuous. I want to take Eve somewhere peaceful, for the duration of her pregnancy.'

Dr. Parks stopped walking and looked at him.

'I don't see why not. In fact, that might be best.'

'I agree. In fact I...'

Julian stopped talking when his cell phone rang. He excused himself and walked over to the waiting room chairs. He sat down in one of them.

'Hello?'

'Pookie?'

Julian smiled. He hadn't heard from Rebecca in ages!

'Rebecca darling! How have you been?'

'Just wonderful! Things are definitely looking up!'

Julian looked around to make sure no one could overhear.

'By that, do you mean your plans to become Mrs. John Black?'

'Yes, indeed I do. I moved into that house you were living in, next to the DiMera mansion. Anyway, I realized that I needed an excuse to see John regularly and I managed to snag a job at Basic Black!'

Julian lifted a brow.

'You're working?'

'Yes!'

'As in, really working, like for a living?'

'Yes, Julian! And don't take that tone with me!'

'What tone, Becky? My God! I'm just pointing out that you've never lifted a finger to exert any energy, except during sex, in your life! What will you be doing?'

'I'll have you know that I graduated college and hold a degree in something or another! I only went to school to catch a rich husband anyway.'

'I'm sorry, dear. I didn't mean to insult you. Now, how did you come by this 'job'?'

'Kate Roberts. We've gotten to know one another pretty well. Anyway, she expressed her concern over her son getting so cozy with Teresa. Well, believe me, I gave her an earful!'

'Poor Teresa.' Julian murmured.

'I heard that!'

'Once again, Rebecca, I apologize, it's just that poor Teresa will not stand a chance with Kate and you ganging up on her. Now, tell me what your new position is?'

'Actually, let's talk about other things, Pookie. Like that horrible mess that happened at your house! Tell the truth: was there really a 'mix-up' at the DNA lab?'

Julian rubbed the back of his neck. One of the things he had had to take care of, was paying off the lackey who had doctored the tests. The poor man had taken his money and run, hopefully, never to be found again!

'Of course! I'm hurt that you would think otherwise!'

'Yes, I'm sure you are. Still, Chad was not a bad sort. And everyone knew he wanted to know who his parents were...'

'Rebecca please! I don't need any lectures. I feel badly enough as it is.'

'I know you do, dear. That's why I've called. I know that you did what you had to do to preserve your legacy.'

Julian smiled again. Rebecca did get it.

'I have to run now, Pookie. Gwen is visiting, and we're going shopping for my new office attire. Keep those monthly checks coming, and I'll keep a look out for the final divorce decree. The sooner we get things settled, the sooner I can become Mrs. John Black. Goodbye!'

'Goodbye, Rebecca.' Julian said, hanging up. He had noted that Rebecca didn't ask about Eve. But then again, Rebecca never claimed to be a fan of Eve's.

Julian stood up and walked towards Eve's room. When he reached it, he found her alone. Eve was sitting up in bed, staring into space.

'Darling, where is Sheridan?'

Eve looked up at him.

'Oh, she's around somewhere. I'm fine, Julian.'

Julian pulled up a chair.

'I know you are. I just spoke to Dr. Parks. She says you're almost ready for travel.'

'Julian, I think we'd better stay here.'

He frowned.

'Why? What has happened?'

Eve clutched her covers.

'Lexie was here. She said some things about Simone...and Tony. Have you noticed anything unsavory going on between them?

Damn that Lexie Carver! Julian thought. Why the hell did she have to come here, stirring up trouble?

'No,' he lied. 'And if there is, then let T.C. and her boyfriend deal with it. We have other concerns.'

'Julian, I can't just forget my daughters and run off someplace! If Tony is trying to get to me through Simone, I want to know about it!'

Julian touched her face.

'I will take care of it. Now, I am going to have our things packed, and the day you are released from here, we are leaving for other parts.'

Eve smiled. Julian always made things seem as if they were going to be alright. But Simone...

'I'll go only after I speak to Simone myself. I just want to make sure she's alright.'

Julian nodded, not really liking that plan, but he pretended to agree nonetheless.

'Alright, if it will put you at ease.'

'So, where are you taking me?' she asked, beaming at him.

'A little out of the way place. Your every need will be taken care of and I can pamper you...and maybe cook for you. You know, I do know how. That incident at your apartment was just a fluke.'

Eve pulled his face to hers and kissed him. She then pulled away and rubbed his jaw.

'Yes, I could tell there was some kind of food there.'

Julian stood up.

'Let me look into this thing with Simone. I'll speak with her myself and tell you what she says.'

'Uh, I don't know. It's not like the two of you get along well...'

'Well, Eve, we have to start somewhere. And this will be my chance to show her that I do indeed care about her welfare.'

Julian did have a point, Eve thought. Maybe the two of them might bond, maybe in the same way Whitney and Julian had.

Eve nodded.

'Okay.'

Julian kissed her quickly, before leaving the room. He would find out what was going on between those two alright! But first he was going to have a talk with young Mr. John Hastings.

****

LOS ANGELES

Teresa hurried to catch up with Simon Cowell, who was walking across the hotel lobby, surrounded by bodyguards. She thought the concept was kind of pathetic. If you were going to talk %%$#@ about people, then you should be prepared to stand up for yourself, and not hide behind bodyguards!

She had eased away from Austin, deciding that now would be the perfect time to out Sami Brady. For despite Whitney's protestations, Teresa knew her friend would stick this thing out. She had to. This could be her big break!

'Mr. Cowell!' she called out. His bodyguards stopped, as did he. One of them stepped in front of him. Simon waved him off, smiling lavaciously at her.

'You're Whitney Russell's friend, aren't you?' he asked, taking her hand and shaking it.

'That's right! Teresa Lopez-Fitzgerald! First, I want to tell you what a big fan I am of yours! I mean you really tell it like it is!'

Simon just stared down at her, entranced by her skin and luminous eyes. He heard nothing she was going on about.

Teresa, realized that Simon was still holding her hand, and attempted to get it back from him. She finally had to snatch it back! Simon seemed to come to attention then.

'I'm sorry, what were you saying?'

Teresa took a deep breath.

'I'm sure that your background people will find this out anyway, but, there is someone in this competition that has lied about their age.'

Simon lifted a brow. Not again! If someone wasn't older than they were supposed to be, they were either on parole or guilty of some other contest infraction!

'Well who are we talking about?'

Teresa smiled.

'Her name is Samantha Brady. She sang that great rendition of Celine Dion's 'My Heart will Go On'? Anyway, she is really 25.'

Simon searched his mind for a mental image of Samantha Brady. It came to him. A heavier set blonde. But she did have some talent. Too bad.

'I'll pass the news along, Teresa.'

He then reached out for her hand again. Teresa looked at his hand on her's warily.

'So, now that you've made the road less bumpy for Whitney, how about having a drink with me, in my room?'

Austin appeared just then. Two of the bodyguards approached him. Teresa pulled her hand away from Simon's.

'Thanks, but my boyfriend is here now...so...I have to get going!'

Teresa pulled her hand away and hurried over to Austin. Austin looked at Simon. He noticed Simon was sizing him up. What was that all about?

Teresa appeared before him. Austin dragged his eyes off of Cowell and faced her.

'What was that all about?' he asked.

Teresa decided to tell the truth.

'I told Simon about Sami.'

Austin's mouth dropped open!

'Teresa, no!'

'Oh come on, Austin! This way she can leave the competition with her dignity in tact. If the 'Smoking Gun' or some other tabloid got a hold of this, Sami would have just ended up all the more humiliated!'

'Yeah, but, Teresa, you don't know Sami. If she ever finds out that you were responsible...'

'I doubt that's how the powers-to-be handle this kind of thing. They'll probably just tell her that they did a background check and found out that she lied.'

Austin said nothing to this. He hoped Teresa was right, for her sake. He pulled her away from Cowell, who was still watching them, and his bodyguards.

'Teresa, I have to go back to Salem. I'll send the plane back for you all.'

'Back to Salem? Why?'

'I can't let Julian and Fox get away with what they did to Chad. They, especially Julian, drove Chad to do what he did.'

'We don't know that.' Teresa protested weakly. But in her heart of hearts, she knew that Chad had to have been devastated when he discovered Julian's lies. But, out of loyalty to Fox, she did not express that opinion.

'Yes we do.' Austin said softly. He then picked up her hands in his.

'I love you, Teresa.'

'Don't say that, Austin!'

'Why? Because it ruins your fantasy of someday being with Ethan?'

Teresa said nothing, but looked down. Austin continued.

'I have no intention of lying down and letting Julian or Fox, roll over me. I won't let Chad's death be in vain. They are never getting my share of the Crane fortune, back in their hands. I need to know that you'll be on my side.'

Teresa pulled her hands away!

'Austin, I do care about you...but don't put me in the middle of this. I care about both you and Fox.'

Austin didn't have an answer to that. But Teresa did.

'Austin, I want you to give serious thought to the fact that Alistair Crane may not be dead.'

Austin sucked in a breath.

'Where would you get an idea like that?'

'Austin, honey, I've known the man all of my life. Even if he was angry at Julian and Fox, leaving everything to the two of you, Chad and you, two people that don't have the business know how that Alistair or even Julian do, I can't see Alistair taking that kind of chance with his family legacy.'

'What is it that you think is going on here?' Austin asked.

'I think Alistair is biding his time somewhere. And he won't resurface until he's torn everyone apart and hurt as many people as he can. Chad is only the beginning. So, think about that, before you get ready to jump into battle with Julian and Fox.'

Austin nodded slowly, wondering if any this was really possible. Teresa reached up and pulled his face down towards hers, kissing him lightly on the lips.

'Call me when you get in.' Teresa said, then walked off, in search of Whitney and Fox. Austin licked his lips, liking the taste of Teresa's kiss. He wanted more, but was still at a loss as to how to get her to forget about Ethan Winthrop.

****

Whitney's eyes were dry as she sat with her head against Fox's shoulder. His arms were around her. She lifted her head and he looked at her.

'Whitney, we can leave right now. Let's just go. We'll go back to Harmony and face this thing together.'

Whitney sniffed and shook her head.

'What is there to face? Chad and I have been over. And I couldn't take going to his funeral...why did this have to happen?'

Fox took a deep breath.

'You can say it, you know? I know you're ticked with me...and my father, for what we pulled on him.'

Whitney shrugged.

'A little. But Chad was the one that chose to go out like this! I mean, it wasn't the end of the world. The Chad I knew would never have done this!'

Fox peered at her.

'Honey, maybe you should call your mother though? She wasn't hurt by the car, but the shock of seeing Chad die that way caused her to end up in the hospital. She and Father are having twins, you know.'

Whitney's eyes widened and she smiled.

'Twins?'

Fox nodded.

'So in many ways, Whit, something positive did come out of this. We're both going to have two little brothers, sisters or a brother and a sister.'

Whitney seemed to be deep in thought. But she did nod.

'I guess I'll stay here, and get as far as I can in this competition.'

Fox smiled and kissed her. When they came up for air, Fox felt he had to broach a somewhat unpleasant subject.

'Whitney, about Simon Cowell...'

'What about him?' Whitney asked, drying her eyes with her hands.

'How has he been treating you?'

Whitney tilted her head.

'What do you mean? Has be been rude to me or something?'

'No...I mean has he...you know...touched you inappropriately or anything that made you feel at all uncomfortable?'

Whitney looked away, remembering how creepy she felt when Simon had touched her hair and her arm, earlier. She looked back at Fox.

'No, Fox. Why would you think that?'

Fox stared at her for a moment.

'What?' she asked.

'Whitney, I saw him giving you the 'rub-down' in this very room! I mean, I saw that man lick his lips the moment he first saw you!'

'Maybe he was thirsty, Fox.'

'Oh bull%$#@! That's what Teresa said! And she's better watch herself too, because I've seen Cowell eyeing her too!'

Whitney took his hands in hers.

'Fox, honey, I'm not totally blind. I mean, I do think Simon has some problems...'

'Problems?!'

'Alright, he did touch my hair earlier...'

'I knew it!'

'But, in the end, he is a professional. He's not going to let any personal feelings get in the way of finding the 'American Idol'. That and there have been so many women around here that have been hitting on him...he's not going to do anything stupid with me.'

'Yeah, Whitney, but I know that type. The fact that you're not throwing yourself at Cowell, is what makes you so appealing! Watch him, Whitney! Watch him good!'

Whitney smiled up at him, then pulled him into her arms. She hugged him for the longest time.

'I don't think I could get through any of this without you.' she whispered against him.

'You won't have to.' Fox answered. Whitney did have a point. Cowell wasn't stupid. Once Whitney made it clear that she was taken, Simon would back off.

****

Julian walked into Harmony University, threw around the Crane name, and found out where John Hastings was at that moment. He was in a biology class.

Julian waited outside the classroom, waiting until the students began filing out. When he did not see John, Julian peeked into the room. John was busy sucking up to the professor!

Julian instantly felt guilty, though he did not know why. Maybe young Mr. Hastings just needed a little extra help or something. And even if he didn't, there was nothing wrong with getting in good with those that could help you!

Julian loitered around the area a few minutes more, and was relieved when John finally emerged from the classroom. He saw Julian right away and frowned. Julian walked over to him and extended his hand.

'Mr. Hastings.'

John looked him up and down.

'Yeah, you can just call me John. Are you looking for Simone? She didn't have class today, so you can try her at home.'

'Actually, John, it was you I was looking for. Do you think we could go somewhere and talk?'

John sighed.

'Mr. Crane...'

'Julian.'

'Okay, Julian. I really don't see what we would have a whole lot to talk about.'

'Simone. Simone and Tony DiMera.'

John tensed, something that was obvious to Julian.

'John, it is imperative that Eve is as stress free as she can be, for the duration of her pregnancy. I want to take Eve away somewhere quiet until the twins are born. But she won't leave until she knows Simone is in no danger from Tony DiMera. I didn't like how familiar he was with her the other night. Is there something Eve, or I, should know?'

John looked around. The hallway was empty. He motioned for Julian to walk with him. Julian did just that.

They left the building and sat on a concrete bench by a tree. There were a few squirrels around, looking for food.

'No, Julian, there is nothing going on between them, yet. But DiMera is ALWAYS around. I don't know how or when it happened, but they just struck up some kind of friendship or something. And you can't say a bad word about the guy, or Simone snaps. She even invited him to dinner the other night, knowing that everyone else there hated him. I just can't help but think that he's using her or something.'

Julian said nothing, but mulled over what John said. It appeared that Tony, in his own twisted way, was trying to get to Eve, very much in the same manner, he himself had done in Salem. He was close to Whitney, Tony was now close to Simone. DiMera lived a couple of properties away from the Crane Mansion, Julian had been ready to live next door to the DiMera's in Salem.

What bothered Julian the most was, when Tony finally realized that he had indeed truly lost Eve, would he take his revenge out on Eve, through Simone?

'Has T.C. noticed this 'friendship?' Julian asked.

John nodded.

'Oh, big time! And believe me, he's not pleased! But you can't tell Simone anything...that's actually part of her charm, believe it or not.'

Julian couldn't help but smile at the lad. He was clearly in love with Simone. It was a shame that Eve's daughter couldn't be more involved in their own lives.

'What should I tell Simone's mother, John? I mean, should I scrap my idea of leaving town with her?'

John shook his head.

'Look, we all know how important it is that Dr. Russell delivers healthy babies. Everyone wants that. T.C. and I will handle DiMera. There would be nothing Dr. Russell could do but worry anyway. And that wouldn't do anyone any good.'

Julian nodded, impressed with this particular young man. He hoped Simone saw what a good boyfriend she had. He stood up and stuck out his hand. John reluctantly shook it.

'Then I will tell Dr. Russell just that. Look out for Simone and...'

Julian reached in his inner suit coat pocket, and gave John a card.

'The is my cell number. If for any reason at all, this particular situation changes, and not for the better, give me a call. I will try and help in anyway I can.'

John took the card, stared at it, then looked at Julian again. He nodded.

Julian nodded as well, then walked off. The situation was iffy, but not dire. Actually, he didn't think John had a thing to worry about. Because once DiMera discovered that Eve had left town, Julian would bet his last dollar, that the bastard would end up moving in next door to wherever they ended up!

****

HIMALAYAS

Stefano DiMera stared out of the snow covered window. The sound of a monitor beeping, in a steady rhythm, was the only noise emitted in this room.

He turned from the window, and looked at the comatose man lying in the bed. It was Alistair Crane.

Spence Lowell, the Director of the Harmony FBI, walked in. Stefano was still looking at Alistair.

'Well?' Stefano asked.

Spence cleared his throat.

'Pilar knows that I lied. My superiors also know that I gave you the time to escape the island. I'm now a wanted man.'

'I could care less about YOUR problems! You work for me! Tell me what's happening with my ungrateful son?!'

Spence looked away. He had had to get the hell out of his house in the middle of the night! There had been an investigation as to how DiMera had gotten away again. Everything pointed back to him.

'Nothing much. He's still pursuing Eve Russell. Not that it will do any good.'

'Why is that?' Stefano asked, turning away from Alistair.

'Because she's pregnant...with twins from what I understand. She is lost to your son forever.'

'Not really. Not enough.' Stefano growled softly. For he didn't care that Tony had pointed the finger at him for his own misdeeds. That was fine. But his beautiful Alexandra hated him! He didn't order that guard to do anything to Abe! And while it had always been him plan to murder Abe, it was supposed to be done in a manner that would keep his hands clean!

Granted, from what he understood, Alexandra hated Tony as well. But, his son could be just as charming as he was conniving. And Stefano already had reason to believe, that Tony was looking for a way to falsify evidence that would prove conclusively, that Stefano had been responsible for Abe's death. After his Alexandra saw it, she would hate her father for the rest of her life! He would never even get a chance to know his grandson! He couldn't have it!

Stefano ignored Spence, as he turned back to Alistair's unconscious form. So, Dr. Russell was pregnant with another man's child? That meant nothing. Tony could still have her, if he was creative enough. And he was.

But, if poor Dr. Russell was locked up, behind bars, then, his treacherous son might have a problem. Granted, evading the law had never been a problem for himself, but for a ordinary citizen such as Eve Russell, she could very well end up doing time for the rest of her life.

Stefano turned back to Spence.

'Make sure that the tape Alistair sent to Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald, gets in the right hands.'