Chapter 8
Pressure is put on Luis and Sam to arrest Eve. Tony makes a choice.
Tony DiMera pulled up outside of the Russell home. Simone was on a riding mower on the front lawn. Tony shook his head. He didn't feel women should have to do such things! Where was her high school coach father? Why wasn't he cutting the lawn?
Tony got out and walked up the driveway, just as Simone was circling around. She saw him and stopped the engine. She got off of the mower and walked up to him.
'Hey, Tony! What brings you by?'
'Well, first of all, I wanted to know if it was safe?'
Simone looked momentarily puzzled, then it hit her.
'Both John and my father are at school.'
'Good! Simone, I wanted to apologize to you, for the other night.'
Simone waved a hand at him.
'Nah! Don't worry about it.'
'But I do.' Tony said earnestly. 'I should have refused your invitation to dinner. I knew how your father, and John, would feel. I should have stayed away.'
'Tony, you are my friend too. Daddy and John are just going to have to get used to that. Besides, more and more, Lexie and Theo are becoming a part of this family. And you are Lexie's brother.'
'Well, she's disowned me.'
'You have to give it time.' Simone counseled firmly. 'Lexie will come around.'
Tony just smiled at her. It was nice to have someone in his corner again. Lexie used to speak to him in the same manner.
'Well, I do know that and I appreciate your faith in me, Simone. You do know that you can speak to me about anything...anything at all?'
Simone gave him a funny look.
'Yeah...I guess.'
'I'm referring to that distasteful incident in your mother's hospital room the other night. I know it must be hard for you to stomach Julian.'
Simone rolled her eyes at the mention of Julian's name!
'Tony, I can't begin to tell you how much I hate him! He might as well have been driving the car that Chad was in! And he roped my mother into his scheme too! I don't even believe Chad willingly signed that paper over to Julian!'
Tony raised a brow.
'Well, what is it you're thinking?'
'I don't know! And I don't want to make anything of it, you know, with my mother's pregnancy and all. But I just hate the sight of him! And I know I look like the evil sister here. I'm the one that can't see how much Julian Crane has changed!'
Tony took Simone's hands in his.
'Nonsense. You are the only one that sees him for what he really is. And when everyone else finally comes around to your line of thinking, you will be able to take comfort in the fact that you were right all along.'
Simone sighed.
'I won't get much comfort if my mother gets hurt, and she will. Whitney too. That Fox Crane is no better than his father!'
'Excuse me!'
Tony and Simone turned quickly to find Pilar standing before them. They quickly let go of one another's hands. Simone walked over to Pilar and hugged her.
'Pilar! I didn't know you were back? How was your trip?'
'Productive.' Pilar answered, giving Tony the evil eye behind Simone's back, as she hugged the girl. What the hell was Tony DiMera doing here in the Russell's yard? And why was he holding hands with Simone?
Tony smiled at her.
'Pilar, how have you been?'
Pilar did not answer him, but looked at Simone.
'Have you seen Miguel?'
'Uh, yeah, he's over at the Bennett house with Charity.'
'Could you go and get him please?'
Simone nodded reluctantly. She knew Pilar was getting ready to send her away so she could yell at Tony. She peeked at Tony, then looked at Pilar.
'Pilar, he wasn't doing anything. Please don't tell my father he was here.'
Pilar didn't answer her request.
'Just tell Miguel I'm home, okay?' She asked, turning Simone towards the Bennett house and half pushing her over there. When Pilar was satisfied that Simone was out of hearing range, she turned to face Tony.
'You look like a woman that has something on her mind, Pilar. Well, let me begin: I'm sorry for the incident that happened at my home.'
''The Incident'? You mean when you knocked me out and had me kidnapped?'
'I didn't knock you out, Pilar! I just came into the room and found you unconscious!'
'Yes, of course you did! You're a little out of your neighborhood, aren't you? What are you doing in middle-class suburbia?'
Tony cleared his throat.
'Simone and I have become good friends...'
'Yeah, you see,' Pilar interrupted rudely, 'that's a curious thing. Why? What, to get close to Eve? You know, only you could make Julian Crane look like a knight in shining armor!'
'There is no need to get personal, Pilar. I understand my father informed you of the whereabouts of your husband. Have you been in contact with him? Or did you not find him among the living?'
Pilar restrained herself from kicking DiMera's teeth out of his mouth! She had returned to Harmony with every intention of badgering Spence Lowell, as to why he lied to her about Martin's real identity. Surely, he had to have known that Roger Thorpe was her missing husband's twin brother?
But when she went to the FBI offices, Pilar found a quiet chaos. It didn't take long to discover that there were warrants out on Spence, the main one being conspiracy to kidnapping and the murder of a police officer!
Spence had worked for Stefano DiMera. How long this had been going on, no one knew. Pilar's mind kept going back to that day, when Spence told her that DiMera might have had something to do with Martin's disappearance. She didn't even know if that was really true now. What she had realized though, is that it would be up to her to weed out the bad information from the good. It would be up to her, and her alone, to find her beloved Martin.
Pilar focused in on Tony, who was now smirking.
'Have you spoken with your father lately?'
Tony's smirk disappeared for a moment.
'No. But if I had, the proper authorities would have been notified. I want my father to pay for what he did to Abe.'
'I'm sure that makes Lexie feel really good. Look, take a hike before I call T.C. over at the highschool and tell him you're harassing Simone.'
'I am not harassing...'
But Pilar gave him the finger, then turned and walked off. Tony rolled his eyes and walked over to his car, getting in. His cell rang once he was inside.
'Hello?'
'Tony, my son.'
Tony stiffened, then looked around. No one was near his car. He rolled up the windows.
'Father. How good to hear from you.'
'No, it isn't good, at least, not for you.'
Tony scratched his ear.
'Come now, Father. Surely you didn't mind taking the blame for me? You are so much more used to being, how is it people put it, 'being on the lamb', than I am. Anyway, don't be hurt that I framed you for everything.'
'Oh, but I'm not,' Stefano answered, his tone cool. 'But, my cleaning up your mess...'
'How did you clean it up, Father?'
'Cleaning up your mess,' Stefano continued, 'cost me my beautiful daughter and grandson.'
'Well, Father, no one told you to kill Abe.'
'I didn't. Things just went awry! He tried to take a gun away from one of the guards.'
'Well, it was an accident then. Just tell Alexandra that, and I'm sure she'll forgive you. Now, if you'll excuse me, Father, I really must get going...'
'I'm going to give you two choices: either I can give the police the tape of your precious Eve, burning down two establishments, or, I can give them the tape of your shooting Alistair Crane.'
Tony's breath caught in his throat.
'What did you say?'
'You heard me. Either the police receive evidence that will put your beloved behind bars for a very long time, or they get evidence that will put you away...probably forever. But, I will be merciful, son. I will only give the police one tape, not both. Either Eve goes to jail, or you. Can you go to prison for the woman you love, Tony? I, personally, would hate to see her babies born in prison.'
Tony's throat suddenly felt sore. Damn Stefano! Damn him to hell! Where did he get the tape of Eve? And God help him, where the hell did Stefano find a tape of him killing Alistair Crane?!
'You have one hour, Tony.'
'Father, please!'
'One hour! I will call you back to find out who's fate you have decided.' Stefano replied firmly, then hung up. He smiled on his end. His son had been speechless. He would have to learn the hard way that he could not one up his father.
****
Tony stared into space. If the police got a look at that tape of Eve burning down an old man's apartment, and a jazz club, she would surely go to prison. Though, maybe he could get her a good lawyer.
Or, he could sacrifice himself, for Eve, and go to prison for killing that loathsome toad, Alistair. Eve would probably be eternally grateful. But, not sufficiently enough to grant him conjugal visits in the big house!
Tony clenched his fists together. He loved Eve. But he couldn't go to prison. Yet, he could warn her. Maybe even help her get away.
Tony began to dial the number of the hospital, when Simone banged on his window. Startled, Tony lowered it.
'I'm sorry! Did I scare you?' she asked, smiling.
'Uh...no...not really.'
'I wanted to say I'm sorry if Pilar gave you a hard time. She just calls herself looking out for me, is all. Once she gets to know you, she'll see you the same way I see you.'
Tony stared at her.
'How do you see me, Simone?'
'Tony, you are a kind, loving man. You just made a mistake...and you were sick. You couldn't help it. I can see that all this crap that everyone's been giving you, has been getting you down.'
'I look down?' Tony asked, incredulous.
'Well just now...before I knocked on your window. So, keep the faith. Just give everyone a chance to know you.'
Tony just nodded. Simone smiled at him one last time, before walking back up into her yard and hopping on to the riding lawn mower. She re-started it and began to drive around to the backyard.
Tony took a deep breath, then shook his head.
'I'm sorry, Simone.' he said to himself quietly.
****
Sheridan walked up behind Luis and put her hands over his eyes.
'Guess who, my very sexy hubby!'
Luis smiled and removed her hands.They kissed. He then took a deep breath.
'Are you through babysitting Eve?'
Sheridan frowned and sat down.
'I wasn't babysitting her. What's the matter with you? I told you Julian wanted me to stay with her while he was out.'
'You mean while he covered his tracks.'
'Luis, I don't want to fight with you.'
Luis put his hands up.
'I don't want to fight with you either, honey. I care about Eve, but Julian has gotten her mixed up in some really shady stuff here.'
'My brother told me that he did not know about the mix up at the DNA lab.'
'But Eve did, didn't she?'
'Luis!'
'Well, why did she move out of the mansion when Julian first announced he was Chad's real father? I'll tell you why, Sheridan. Because Eve had enough integrity not to go along with this scam.You know we can't find the guy that performed the tests? Looks like he skipped town.'
Sheridan didn't say anything. They would have to agree to disagree. Did she think Julian was capable of paying people off to cover his own tracks? Yes, definitely! But she didn't think her brother would deliberately lie about something as important as someone's parentage. The old Julian would have, but not the one that she had been privileged to know, since he had been able to express his love for Eve openly.
Luis looked past Sheridan. Sam was coming towards him. He didn't look happy.
'Sam? What's going on?'
Sam looked at Sheridan.
'Sheridan, could you excuse us?'
Sheridan stood up.
'No, not at all.' Sheridan then turned to Luis and kissed him.
'I'll see you at home.' she said.
Luis nodded. Both men watched until she left the station. Luis then faced Sam.
'What's this all about?'
Sam folded his arms.
'The mayor called me. He said that an anonymous source called his office and told him that you have a tape of Eve Russell committing arson.'
Luis sucked in a breath. The damned tape was in his locker, hidden away! The only other person that knew about it was Bo Brady, but he had not known that Eve was on it.
'Who is this 'anonymous' source, Sam?'
'Do you have this tape, Luis?'
'Okay, yeah, but the sender was Alistair Crane. So I don't know who else could've known about it, but him and me!'
'That's not the point!' Sam snapped! 'I felt like a total idiot! I defended you to the Mayor, before asking you! Now I have to go back to him with this tape, telling him that my officers can't be trusted!'
'Sam! It's not like that! But come on! This is Eve we're talking about! This 'source' is someone who's out to get her!'
Sam calmed down some.
'You don't think I know that? There's nothing we can do now to help her. If I had known about it earlier...but now...where is it, Luis?'
Luis shook his head.
'In my locker.' he muttered.
'Well come on. Let's get it and take a look at it.'
Luis headed towards the locker room. Sam followed behind him.
****
LOS ANGELES
Fox and Teresa sat in the far back of the auditorium, as Whitney, and two other girls in her group, Sami Brady and Brittany Hodges, sang a rendition of an Oleta Adams song, 'Get There'.
'They're all pretty good.' Fox whispered to Teresa. He was glad Austin left. The guy just didn't belong anyway!
Teresa smiled, eyeing Sami Brady.
'Pretty soon, Whitney will only have to worry about Brittany.'
Fox raised a brow.
'Why? C'mon Teresa, spill it!'
Fox's cell phone rang just then. Simon Cowell, who was sitting behind a table near the stage, along with Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson, turned his head to stare back at Fox.
Fox felt like giving him the finger! But, he stood up and looked down at Teresa.
'I'll be back. I'm going to take this outside.'
Teresa nodded up at him, then went back to judging Whitney's competition. She looked over at some of the boys, who had competed earlier. One guy, did a particularly warbly version of the Simply Red son 'Holding Back The Years'. She was sure he would be cut.
Meanwhile, Fox was surprised to hear from Julian again so soon. He was outside of the auditorium. He squinted up at the sun.
'How are things going there?' Julian asked. He was driving through traffic on his way to the hospital to pick up Eve. She was being released today, and from the hospital, he wanted to leave for a little known Crane family cottage, tucked away in a wooded part of Maryland.
'Whitney took Chad's death hard.' he commented.
'Well, that was to be expected. But, I take it she has decided to forge on in the competition?'
'Yes, although...'
'Although what?'
'Alright, this may be my imagination, and Whitney doesn't take it too seriously. But I think Simon Cowell is trying to put the moves on Whitney...and Teresa.'
Julian searched his mind to put a face to that name. Cowell. Why was it so familiar?
'Refresh my memory, son.' Julian ordered, pulling a tricky maneuver at a light.
'Oh you remember that freak! That time we went to London and he was caught in bed with a stripper, some guy and...'
God! Simon Cowell! He did remember him indeed! Julian had been green with envy, as he watched the recording executive pick up all assortment of women during a party. He himself, had been stuck playing the loving husband, to a woman that he knew would not give him any sex that evening! It had been quite a stressful affair!
'Fox, Cowell is a professional at heart. And he's put a lot of money into this thing. He won't step out of line with Whitney, I'm sure. And if he does, offer him Teresa instead!'
'Father!' Fox snapped.
'I'm sorry, son! In more ways than one.'
'What does that mean?'
Julian pulled into the Harmony Hospital lot. He turned off the engine.
'Because I need for you to come back to Harmony. I want you to fill in for me while I'm attending to Eve. And if you're feeling insecure...'
'I'm not insecure! I trust Whitney! It's Cowell that needs watching!'
'And I'm telling you that once he realizes Whitney is not interested, he will back off.'
'But once he sees that I'm gone, he might try to take advantage.'
'And Whitney will politely, but firmly, tell him that she is indeed engaged. Fox, I'm counting on you.'
Fox closed his eyes. This was his chance to prove himself at Crane Industries. He opened his eyes.
'I will run it by Whitney. If she's positive about it, then I will come back. But if I feel she needs me in anyway, I'm staying here with her.'
Julian took the phone away from his ear and stared down at it. Fox Crane putting his foot down? Possibly forsaking his position with the company, all to stay at the side of the woman he loved? Julian smiled. He wished he had been that man for Eve, long ago.
'Fine, Fox. If it is not possible, I'll come up with another way. But Austin Reed needs to be watched.'
'I hear you, Father. Let me talk to Whitney and see what she thinks, okay?'
'Alright. Well, I'll be awaiting your call then. Goodbye.'
'Goodbye, Father.' Fox replied and hung up. He walked back into the auditorium and sat down next to Teresa.
'Have I missed anything?' he asked.
Teresa was beaming.
'Simon gave Whitney a standing ovation. I think Randy is going to be a problem though. He didn't seem to be that impressed.'
Fox smiled up at Whitney. She blew him a kiss.
****
Julian found Eve being wheeled towards the exit, by a nurse. He smiled at the nurse.
'Thank you, I'll take over.' he said. She gave him a weak smile and walked off. Julian looked down at Eve.
'You're paperwork is done?'
'Yes, I took care of it myself. Oh, Julian! Hurry up and wheel me to the exit there! I want out of this chair and out of this hospital!'
'Your wish is my command, darling!'
Julian wheeled her quickly to the exit and out of the doors. She stood up and took his hand. Together they walked to the parking lot.
'Where is your car?' she asked, looking around.
'I purchased an SUV for our road trip.' he answered, distracted. His phone was ringing again. He looked at it. That was not Fox's number.
'Road trip?' Eve asked.
Julian looked at her again.
'Well yes, dear. You cannot fly in your condition.'
'No, you're right.' she answered, as they reached the vehicle. He unlocked Eve's door and helped her inside.
'I have to take this call. I'll be in in a minute.' he told her, closing her door. He then answered his phone.
'Hello?'
'Julian, it's Tony DiMera.'
Julian rolled his eyes!
'What the hell do you want, DiMera? To blow Eve a kiss through the phone?'
'Listen to me, Julian! That tape that your father had of Eve burning down some buildings...the police have it.'
Julian's stomach dropped. He didn't dare turn and look at Eve in the car.
'How do you know this?' he asked calmly. He didn't bother to ask how DiMera knew about the tape in the first place.
'Because I just received a call from my father. He is the one that's sending it.'
'Your father? So, he's doing this to get back at you, not Eve or I!'
Eve stared at the back of Julian's head. She had heard him say her name and his voice was raised. She slowly eased the window down. Julian's back was still to her.
'Yes, I'm afraid so. Look, I will do whatever I can for Eve, believe me. But I had to call and warn you that your time was running out.' Tony said regretfully.
Julian hung up, angry beyond belief! He didn't know how he was going to tell Eve this...and not get her upset!
'Julian?'
Julian whipped around! Eve had the window down.
'What's the matter?'
'Nothing. Nothing at all. I think we'd better get a move on.'
'Julian, your face is red! And that only happens when you've been drinking or you're really angry. What was that phone call about? Bad news?'
Julian hurried over to the driver's side door. He opened it, climbed in, then closed and locked his door. He stared at her, then put both hands on either side of her face.
'I have to tell you something. And when I'm finished, I don't want you to get upset.'
Eve tried to keep calm, but Julian was really beginning to scare her!
'Tell me nothing has happened to Whitney or Simone?'
'No darling. Nothing like that.'
'Then what?'
Julian's hands slid from her face.
'The police have the videotape of your burning down Orville Perkins apartment, and The Blue Note.'
Neither one of them said anything for the longest moment. Eve then looked down.
'The last place I wanted our babies born was in prison.'
'You are not going to prison!' Julian half growled, angry that that damned tape surfaced now, of all times! And this thing was between Stefano and his son! There was no excuse for dragging Eve into their war!
Eve put a hand on his arm.
'I don't like it anymore than you do. But I have to face what I did.'
'No, no you don't! We're leaving.'
'Julian, no!'
'Yes, Eve! We are leaving until I figure something else out. But you are not spending one moment in a cell, do you hear me?'
Eve nodded, blinking back tears. She was scared.
'Oh, Julian. We almost had it all, didn't we? Maybe we just weren't meant for happily ever after.'
She then put a hand on her stomach. Julian looked at her hand on her stomach, then put his own over hers.
'We will have a life together, with our children.' he whispered. He then took his hand from hers and started the vehicle. They were getting the hell out of Harmony!
Pressure is put on Luis and Sam to arrest Eve. Tony makes a choice.
Tony DiMera pulled up outside of the Russell home. Simone was on a riding mower on the front lawn. Tony shook his head. He didn't feel women should have to do such things! Where was her high school coach father? Why wasn't he cutting the lawn?
Tony got out and walked up the driveway, just as Simone was circling around. She saw him and stopped the engine. She got off of the mower and walked up to him.
'Hey, Tony! What brings you by?'
'Well, first of all, I wanted to know if it was safe?'
Simone looked momentarily puzzled, then it hit her.
'Both John and my father are at school.'
'Good! Simone, I wanted to apologize to you, for the other night.'
Simone waved a hand at him.
'Nah! Don't worry about it.'
'But I do.' Tony said earnestly. 'I should have refused your invitation to dinner. I knew how your father, and John, would feel. I should have stayed away.'
'Tony, you are my friend too. Daddy and John are just going to have to get used to that. Besides, more and more, Lexie and Theo are becoming a part of this family. And you are Lexie's brother.'
'Well, she's disowned me.'
'You have to give it time.' Simone counseled firmly. 'Lexie will come around.'
Tony just smiled at her. It was nice to have someone in his corner again. Lexie used to speak to him in the same manner.
'Well, I do know that and I appreciate your faith in me, Simone. You do know that you can speak to me about anything...anything at all?'
Simone gave him a funny look.
'Yeah...I guess.'
'I'm referring to that distasteful incident in your mother's hospital room the other night. I know it must be hard for you to stomach Julian.'
Simone rolled her eyes at the mention of Julian's name!
'Tony, I can't begin to tell you how much I hate him! He might as well have been driving the car that Chad was in! And he roped my mother into his scheme too! I don't even believe Chad willingly signed that paper over to Julian!'
Tony raised a brow.
'Well, what is it you're thinking?'
'I don't know! And I don't want to make anything of it, you know, with my mother's pregnancy and all. But I just hate the sight of him! And I know I look like the evil sister here. I'm the one that can't see how much Julian Crane has changed!'
Tony took Simone's hands in his.
'Nonsense. You are the only one that sees him for what he really is. And when everyone else finally comes around to your line of thinking, you will be able to take comfort in the fact that you were right all along.'
Simone sighed.
'I won't get much comfort if my mother gets hurt, and she will. Whitney too. That Fox Crane is no better than his father!'
'Excuse me!'
Tony and Simone turned quickly to find Pilar standing before them. They quickly let go of one another's hands. Simone walked over to Pilar and hugged her.
'Pilar! I didn't know you were back? How was your trip?'
'Productive.' Pilar answered, giving Tony the evil eye behind Simone's back, as she hugged the girl. What the hell was Tony DiMera doing here in the Russell's yard? And why was he holding hands with Simone?
Tony smiled at her.
'Pilar, how have you been?'
Pilar did not answer him, but looked at Simone.
'Have you seen Miguel?'
'Uh, yeah, he's over at the Bennett house with Charity.'
'Could you go and get him please?'
Simone nodded reluctantly. She knew Pilar was getting ready to send her away so she could yell at Tony. She peeked at Tony, then looked at Pilar.
'Pilar, he wasn't doing anything. Please don't tell my father he was here.'
Pilar didn't answer her request.
'Just tell Miguel I'm home, okay?' She asked, turning Simone towards the Bennett house and half pushing her over there. When Pilar was satisfied that Simone was out of hearing range, she turned to face Tony.
'You look like a woman that has something on her mind, Pilar. Well, let me begin: I'm sorry for the incident that happened at my home.'
''The Incident'? You mean when you knocked me out and had me kidnapped?'
'I didn't knock you out, Pilar! I just came into the room and found you unconscious!'
'Yes, of course you did! You're a little out of your neighborhood, aren't you? What are you doing in middle-class suburbia?'
Tony cleared his throat.
'Simone and I have become good friends...'
'Yeah, you see,' Pilar interrupted rudely, 'that's a curious thing. Why? What, to get close to Eve? You know, only you could make Julian Crane look like a knight in shining armor!'
'There is no need to get personal, Pilar. I understand my father informed you of the whereabouts of your husband. Have you been in contact with him? Or did you not find him among the living?'
Pilar restrained herself from kicking DiMera's teeth out of his mouth! She had returned to Harmony with every intention of badgering Spence Lowell, as to why he lied to her about Martin's real identity. Surely, he had to have known that Roger Thorpe was her missing husband's twin brother?
But when she went to the FBI offices, Pilar found a quiet chaos. It didn't take long to discover that there were warrants out on Spence, the main one being conspiracy to kidnapping and the murder of a police officer!
Spence had worked for Stefano DiMera. How long this had been going on, no one knew. Pilar's mind kept going back to that day, when Spence told her that DiMera might have had something to do with Martin's disappearance. She didn't even know if that was really true now. What she had realized though, is that it would be up to her to weed out the bad information from the good. It would be up to her, and her alone, to find her beloved Martin.
Pilar focused in on Tony, who was now smirking.
'Have you spoken with your father lately?'
Tony's smirk disappeared for a moment.
'No. But if I had, the proper authorities would have been notified. I want my father to pay for what he did to Abe.'
'I'm sure that makes Lexie feel really good. Look, take a hike before I call T.C. over at the highschool and tell him you're harassing Simone.'
'I am not harassing...'
But Pilar gave him the finger, then turned and walked off. Tony rolled his eyes and walked over to his car, getting in. His cell rang once he was inside.
'Hello?'
'Tony, my son.'
Tony stiffened, then looked around. No one was near his car. He rolled up the windows.
'Father. How good to hear from you.'
'No, it isn't good, at least, not for you.'
Tony scratched his ear.
'Come now, Father. Surely you didn't mind taking the blame for me? You are so much more used to being, how is it people put it, 'being on the lamb', than I am. Anyway, don't be hurt that I framed you for everything.'
'Oh, but I'm not,' Stefano answered, his tone cool. 'But, my cleaning up your mess...'
'How did you clean it up, Father?'
'Cleaning up your mess,' Stefano continued, 'cost me my beautiful daughter and grandson.'
'Well, Father, no one told you to kill Abe.'
'I didn't. Things just went awry! He tried to take a gun away from one of the guards.'
'Well, it was an accident then. Just tell Alexandra that, and I'm sure she'll forgive you. Now, if you'll excuse me, Father, I really must get going...'
'I'm going to give you two choices: either I can give the police the tape of your precious Eve, burning down two establishments, or, I can give them the tape of your shooting Alistair Crane.'
Tony's breath caught in his throat.
'What did you say?'
'You heard me. Either the police receive evidence that will put your beloved behind bars for a very long time, or they get evidence that will put you away...probably forever. But, I will be merciful, son. I will only give the police one tape, not both. Either Eve goes to jail, or you. Can you go to prison for the woman you love, Tony? I, personally, would hate to see her babies born in prison.'
Tony's throat suddenly felt sore. Damn Stefano! Damn him to hell! Where did he get the tape of Eve? And God help him, where the hell did Stefano find a tape of him killing Alistair Crane?!
'You have one hour, Tony.'
'Father, please!'
'One hour! I will call you back to find out who's fate you have decided.' Stefano replied firmly, then hung up. He smiled on his end. His son had been speechless. He would have to learn the hard way that he could not one up his father.
****
Tony stared into space. If the police got a look at that tape of Eve burning down an old man's apartment, and a jazz club, she would surely go to prison. Though, maybe he could get her a good lawyer.
Or, he could sacrifice himself, for Eve, and go to prison for killing that loathsome toad, Alistair. Eve would probably be eternally grateful. But, not sufficiently enough to grant him conjugal visits in the big house!
Tony clenched his fists together. He loved Eve. But he couldn't go to prison. Yet, he could warn her. Maybe even help her get away.
Tony began to dial the number of the hospital, when Simone banged on his window. Startled, Tony lowered it.
'I'm sorry! Did I scare you?' she asked, smiling.
'Uh...no...not really.'
'I wanted to say I'm sorry if Pilar gave you a hard time. She just calls herself looking out for me, is all. Once she gets to know you, she'll see you the same way I see you.'
Tony stared at her.
'How do you see me, Simone?'
'Tony, you are a kind, loving man. You just made a mistake...and you were sick. You couldn't help it. I can see that all this crap that everyone's been giving you, has been getting you down.'
'I look down?' Tony asked, incredulous.
'Well just now...before I knocked on your window. So, keep the faith. Just give everyone a chance to know you.'
Tony just nodded. Simone smiled at him one last time, before walking back up into her yard and hopping on to the riding lawn mower. She re-started it and began to drive around to the backyard.
Tony took a deep breath, then shook his head.
'I'm sorry, Simone.' he said to himself quietly.
****
Sheridan walked up behind Luis and put her hands over his eyes.
'Guess who, my very sexy hubby!'
Luis smiled and removed her hands.They kissed. He then took a deep breath.
'Are you through babysitting Eve?'
Sheridan frowned and sat down.
'I wasn't babysitting her. What's the matter with you? I told you Julian wanted me to stay with her while he was out.'
'You mean while he covered his tracks.'
'Luis, I don't want to fight with you.'
Luis put his hands up.
'I don't want to fight with you either, honey. I care about Eve, but Julian has gotten her mixed up in some really shady stuff here.'
'My brother told me that he did not know about the mix up at the DNA lab.'
'But Eve did, didn't she?'
'Luis!'
'Well, why did she move out of the mansion when Julian first announced he was Chad's real father? I'll tell you why, Sheridan. Because Eve had enough integrity not to go along with this scam.You know we can't find the guy that performed the tests? Looks like he skipped town.'
Sheridan didn't say anything. They would have to agree to disagree. Did she think Julian was capable of paying people off to cover his own tracks? Yes, definitely! But she didn't think her brother would deliberately lie about something as important as someone's parentage. The old Julian would have, but not the one that she had been privileged to know, since he had been able to express his love for Eve openly.
Luis looked past Sheridan. Sam was coming towards him. He didn't look happy.
'Sam? What's going on?'
Sam looked at Sheridan.
'Sheridan, could you excuse us?'
Sheridan stood up.
'No, not at all.' Sheridan then turned to Luis and kissed him.
'I'll see you at home.' she said.
Luis nodded. Both men watched until she left the station. Luis then faced Sam.
'What's this all about?'
Sam folded his arms.
'The mayor called me. He said that an anonymous source called his office and told him that you have a tape of Eve Russell committing arson.'
Luis sucked in a breath. The damned tape was in his locker, hidden away! The only other person that knew about it was Bo Brady, but he had not known that Eve was on it.
'Who is this 'anonymous' source, Sam?'
'Do you have this tape, Luis?'
'Okay, yeah, but the sender was Alistair Crane. So I don't know who else could've known about it, but him and me!'
'That's not the point!' Sam snapped! 'I felt like a total idiot! I defended you to the Mayor, before asking you! Now I have to go back to him with this tape, telling him that my officers can't be trusted!'
'Sam! It's not like that! But come on! This is Eve we're talking about! This 'source' is someone who's out to get her!'
Sam calmed down some.
'You don't think I know that? There's nothing we can do now to help her. If I had known about it earlier...but now...where is it, Luis?'
Luis shook his head.
'In my locker.' he muttered.
'Well come on. Let's get it and take a look at it.'
Luis headed towards the locker room. Sam followed behind him.
****
LOS ANGELES
Fox and Teresa sat in the far back of the auditorium, as Whitney, and two other girls in her group, Sami Brady and Brittany Hodges, sang a rendition of an Oleta Adams song, 'Get There'.
'They're all pretty good.' Fox whispered to Teresa. He was glad Austin left. The guy just didn't belong anyway!
Teresa smiled, eyeing Sami Brady.
'Pretty soon, Whitney will only have to worry about Brittany.'
Fox raised a brow.
'Why? C'mon Teresa, spill it!'
Fox's cell phone rang just then. Simon Cowell, who was sitting behind a table near the stage, along with Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson, turned his head to stare back at Fox.
Fox felt like giving him the finger! But, he stood up and looked down at Teresa.
'I'll be back. I'm going to take this outside.'
Teresa nodded up at him, then went back to judging Whitney's competition. She looked over at some of the boys, who had competed earlier. One guy, did a particularly warbly version of the Simply Red son 'Holding Back The Years'. She was sure he would be cut.
Meanwhile, Fox was surprised to hear from Julian again so soon. He was outside of the auditorium. He squinted up at the sun.
'How are things going there?' Julian asked. He was driving through traffic on his way to the hospital to pick up Eve. She was being released today, and from the hospital, he wanted to leave for a little known Crane family cottage, tucked away in a wooded part of Maryland.
'Whitney took Chad's death hard.' he commented.
'Well, that was to be expected. But, I take it she has decided to forge on in the competition?'
'Yes, although...'
'Although what?'
'Alright, this may be my imagination, and Whitney doesn't take it too seriously. But I think Simon Cowell is trying to put the moves on Whitney...and Teresa.'
Julian searched his mind to put a face to that name. Cowell. Why was it so familiar?
'Refresh my memory, son.' Julian ordered, pulling a tricky maneuver at a light.
'Oh you remember that freak! That time we went to London and he was caught in bed with a stripper, some guy and...'
God! Simon Cowell! He did remember him indeed! Julian had been green with envy, as he watched the recording executive pick up all assortment of women during a party. He himself, had been stuck playing the loving husband, to a woman that he knew would not give him any sex that evening! It had been quite a stressful affair!
'Fox, Cowell is a professional at heart. And he's put a lot of money into this thing. He won't step out of line with Whitney, I'm sure. And if he does, offer him Teresa instead!'
'Father!' Fox snapped.
'I'm sorry, son! In more ways than one.'
'What does that mean?'
Julian pulled into the Harmony Hospital lot. He turned off the engine.
'Because I need for you to come back to Harmony. I want you to fill in for me while I'm attending to Eve. And if you're feeling insecure...'
'I'm not insecure! I trust Whitney! It's Cowell that needs watching!'
'And I'm telling you that once he realizes Whitney is not interested, he will back off.'
'But once he sees that I'm gone, he might try to take advantage.'
'And Whitney will politely, but firmly, tell him that she is indeed engaged. Fox, I'm counting on you.'
Fox closed his eyes. This was his chance to prove himself at Crane Industries. He opened his eyes.
'I will run it by Whitney. If she's positive about it, then I will come back. But if I feel she needs me in anyway, I'm staying here with her.'
Julian took the phone away from his ear and stared down at it. Fox Crane putting his foot down? Possibly forsaking his position with the company, all to stay at the side of the woman he loved? Julian smiled. He wished he had been that man for Eve, long ago.
'Fine, Fox. If it is not possible, I'll come up with another way. But Austin Reed needs to be watched.'
'I hear you, Father. Let me talk to Whitney and see what she thinks, okay?'
'Alright. Well, I'll be awaiting your call then. Goodbye.'
'Goodbye, Father.' Fox replied and hung up. He walked back into the auditorium and sat down next to Teresa.
'Have I missed anything?' he asked.
Teresa was beaming.
'Simon gave Whitney a standing ovation. I think Randy is going to be a problem though. He didn't seem to be that impressed.'
Fox smiled up at Whitney. She blew him a kiss.
****
Julian found Eve being wheeled towards the exit, by a nurse. He smiled at the nurse.
'Thank you, I'll take over.' he said. She gave him a weak smile and walked off. Julian looked down at Eve.
'You're paperwork is done?'
'Yes, I took care of it myself. Oh, Julian! Hurry up and wheel me to the exit there! I want out of this chair and out of this hospital!'
'Your wish is my command, darling!'
Julian wheeled her quickly to the exit and out of the doors. She stood up and took his hand. Together they walked to the parking lot.
'Where is your car?' she asked, looking around.
'I purchased an SUV for our road trip.' he answered, distracted. His phone was ringing again. He looked at it. That was not Fox's number.
'Road trip?' Eve asked.
Julian looked at her again.
'Well yes, dear. You cannot fly in your condition.'
'No, you're right.' she answered, as they reached the vehicle. He unlocked Eve's door and helped her inside.
'I have to take this call. I'll be in in a minute.' he told her, closing her door. He then answered his phone.
'Hello?'
'Julian, it's Tony DiMera.'
Julian rolled his eyes!
'What the hell do you want, DiMera? To blow Eve a kiss through the phone?'
'Listen to me, Julian! That tape that your father had of Eve burning down some buildings...the police have it.'
Julian's stomach dropped. He didn't dare turn and look at Eve in the car.
'How do you know this?' he asked calmly. He didn't bother to ask how DiMera knew about the tape in the first place.
'Because I just received a call from my father. He is the one that's sending it.'
'Your father? So, he's doing this to get back at you, not Eve or I!'
Eve stared at the back of Julian's head. She had heard him say her name and his voice was raised. She slowly eased the window down. Julian's back was still to her.
'Yes, I'm afraid so. Look, I will do whatever I can for Eve, believe me. But I had to call and warn you that your time was running out.' Tony said regretfully.
Julian hung up, angry beyond belief! He didn't know how he was going to tell Eve this...and not get her upset!
'Julian?'
Julian whipped around! Eve had the window down.
'What's the matter?'
'Nothing. Nothing at all. I think we'd better get a move on.'
'Julian, your face is red! And that only happens when you've been drinking or you're really angry. What was that phone call about? Bad news?'
Julian hurried over to the driver's side door. He opened it, climbed in, then closed and locked his door. He stared at her, then put both hands on either side of her face.
'I have to tell you something. And when I'm finished, I don't want you to get upset.'
Eve tried to keep calm, but Julian was really beginning to scare her!
'Tell me nothing has happened to Whitney or Simone?'
'No darling. Nothing like that.'
'Then what?'
Julian's hands slid from her face.
'The police have the videotape of your burning down Orville Perkins apartment, and The Blue Note.'
Neither one of them said anything for the longest moment. Eve then looked down.
'The last place I wanted our babies born was in prison.'
'You are not going to prison!' Julian half growled, angry that that damned tape surfaced now, of all times! And this thing was between Stefano and his son! There was no excuse for dragging Eve into their war!
Eve put a hand on his arm.
'I don't like it anymore than you do. But I have to face what I did.'
'No, no you don't! We're leaving.'
'Julian, no!'
'Yes, Eve! We are leaving until I figure something else out. But you are not spending one moment in a cell, do you hear me?'
Eve nodded, blinking back tears. She was scared.
'Oh, Julian. We almost had it all, didn't we? Maybe we just weren't meant for happily ever after.'
She then put a hand on her stomach. Julian looked at her hand on her stomach, then put his own over hers.
'We will have a life together, with our children.' he whispered. He then took his hand from hers and started the vehicle. They were getting the hell out of Harmony!
