Chapter 13
Julian and Fox spy on Liz. Tony is arrested.
Fox had just barely managed to catch up with Julian, as he tried to take off out of the hospital parking lot without him!
'Father!' Fox yelled, as he got into the passenger side, 'we came together, remember?!'
'Oh, Fox! You could have called one of our chauffeurs to come and pick you up! Now I really need to be alone!'
'Why? Did you get to see Dr. Russell?'
'Yes! But, this is not about that! Now really...'
'Now, 'really', you need to level with me, Father! What the hell is going on with you? And where are we going?'
Julian switched on the radio, then began to talk.
'Stefano DiMera called me.'
'What?! How did he have your cell number?' Fox asked.
'God only knows! Anyway, he offered me a deal. And it is one I have to give serious consideration.'
'Alright, out with it! Because everyone knows that no deal with that weirdo, is a good one!'
Julian stopped at a light.
'He wants me to get his daughter and grandson to one of the Crane jets. He'll have one of his own pilots fly them to where ever he is.'
Fox said nothing for a moment, but he was gaping at Julian. Finally, he spoke.
'Lexie Carver hates her father...and her brother, for that matter.'
'I know.'
'So, she'll never agree to that! And what do you get out of this anyway?'
The light turned green again, and Julian hit the gas.
'Stefano uses his 'influence' with the FBI, to get them to drop the charges against Eve and I. Oh, and there's an even juicier incentive: he admitted that Alistair is not dead, but living with him, comatose! Stefano told me he would be more than happy to make that bastard a permanent guest, if I could accomplish this.'
'Grandfather is alive? Jesus! We've went through all of this crap for nothing!'
'I don't know about that, Fox.' Julian answered. 'I mean, from the way Stefano explained it, if he is to be believed, it was Tony that actually shot Alistair, but didn't realize that he was still alive.'
'So?' Fox asked.
'So, I've been thinking about that will. Alistair didn't fake his own death here. That means that it was his plan to stick it to us, the whole time.'
Fox was quiet. Julian glanced over at him.
'What?' he asked.
'If we could prove Grandfather was still alive, then Austin would have to forfeit his control. I mean, he only has what he has, because we all thought Grandfather was dead.'
'Yes...' Julian suddenly got the gist of what his son was saying! He had been so preoccupied with ridding Eve of Tony DiMera, and never having to look at his father again, that he had forgotten the big picture. There were papers, that Alistair had had drawn up, that said that if he was ever INCAPACITATED, in any way, control of the Crane fortune, would be given TEMPORARILY, to Julian. A coma was as good as incapacitated as one could get!
'You might have a point, Fox.' Julian murmured.
'Yes, and if he is comatose, that's as good as dead anyway. Meaning, we wouldn't have to hear his mouth all of the time.' Fox added.
'Yes, well, I still have to get Lexie and her baby, to get on that plane. Otherwise, none of this comes to pass.'
'She won't go willingly.'
Julian gave him a sideways glance.
'Stefano was perfectly aware that she wouldn't.'
Fox looked at him.
'You're going to KIDNAP them?! God, Father!'
'Well what else can I do?! Now, I have a small bottle of chloroform that I keep in the glove compartment there. And a pair of black gloves. Get them out for me, will you?'
'Hell no! And why do you keep that kind of stuff in the glove compartment?'
'It's a long story. What are you waiting for? Open the glove compartment!'
'Why? So I can get my fingerprints all over it!'
'Fox, I'm hurt! We can't stop trusting one another now! Why would I try and frame you?'
'You get your own chloroform out! And why are we in this neighborhood? That's Coach Russell's house!'
'Yes,' Julian said dryly, 'your future father-in-law.'
'Don't remind me! Father, you're not thinking...'
'I don't know what I'm thinking yet! I have to assess the situation.'
Fox didn't know what that meant, but he didn't like the sounds of it! He looked around.
'Why are there so many cars over at Pilar's house?'
Before Julian could give a smart answer, the radio announcer reported that the body found in the DiMera basement, was suspected to be that of missing Harmony resident, Martin Fitzgerald.
Fox closed his eyes. Teresa was going to be devastated! He just hoped Pilar told her daughter about this, before she heard it somewhere else first.
'So, I guess your hunch was right, hey?' Fox said.
Julian sighed.
'It's not like I wanted to be right about Martin Fitzgerald being dead. But at least now Pilar can get on with her life.'
They sat there for a moment. Fox then cleared his throat.
'Well, what are you planning on doing?' he asked.
Julian didn't answer. He stared over at the Russell house. He saw Lexie look out of the window, towards Pilar's house. Then, the door opened, and T.C. walked out, closed the door behind him, and walked over to Pilar's house.
'I wonder if Lexie is alone?' Julian muttered.
'Father, let's get the hell out of here. You'll think of another way to get yourself and Dr. Russell off of the hook.'
Julian was about to turn away and start the car, when he did a double take. He then looked at Fox.
'Look over there! Do you see what I see?'
Fox looked, then blinked hard. He looked at Julian.
'What the hell is Liz doing in the bushes over there?'
Julian smiled at his son.
'Let's go and find out, shall we?'
****
Liz put on a pair of black leather gloves, then crouched down low, when Lexie passed the window again.
She had had a close call when T.C. had come out of the house just now. There had been a moment, where Liz could've sworn he had glanced her way. But, he didn't appear to have seen her.
Liz could see that it was just Lexie and the baby in the house. She pulled her cell phone out of her pocket. She then dialed the number of the Russell house. It took a few moments, until finally, Lexie picked up.
'Hello?'
'Alexandra, darling!' Liz said, in her best Celeste imitation. That woman's accent was about as real as Ms Cleo's!
'Mother? You sound funny?'
'Oh, I've have a bit of a cold!'
'When did this happen? You sounded fine yesterday when we spoke.'
Liz coughed.
'It happened in the middle of the night, I guess. I woke up feeling awful. How are you darling?'
'Oh, I've been better. Pilar just got news that points to her husband being dead. T.C. went over to see about her. I barely know her...I didn't feel right going over there.'
'Yes, darling, maybe that's best. Listen, I'm in town and would like to see you. Meet me at the Book Cafe, alright?'
'Well, there's no one here, Mother. I couldn't just leave Theo.'
Damn! Liz thought. She had forgotten all about the baby! She really didn't want to murder a child. Maybe she could just leave him somewhere.
'Bring him, darling! I always love seeing my grandson!'
'Uh, okay. I'll just leave a note for T.C..'
'Fine, I'll see you in a little bit then.' Liz said, then hung up abruptly. She then stared at Lexie's car. The stupid bitch had left one of the backseat doors open. Perfect! She would like in wait on the floor of the backseat, then, pop up and surprise Lexie. Then, Liz would force her to drive over to Beth Wallace's condemned house.
Just as Liz was smiling at the thought, of throwing Lexie into that hole in the basement, she felt someone tap her on the shoulder. Slowly, she turned around. Julian and Fox Crane were staring at her. Fox waved.
'I have a proposition for you, Liz.' Julian said, smiling at her. For now, he clearly saw a way to give Stefano what he wanted, AND get rid of Liz as well!
Liz squinted at the both of them.
'Now?'
'What are you doing out here in the bushes, Liz?' Fox asked.
'Yes, and in front of T.C. Russell's house, no less.' Julian noted.
Fox pointed to the gloves on Liz's hands.
'And those things right there, those are never a good sign!'
Liz looked back towards the window. Lexie was walking upstairs. She didn't have a lot of time to be talking to these fools!
'Get out of here! What I'm doing here is none of your concern! And I don't care to hear any propositions from the likes of you, Julian Crane!'
'Oh, but I think you will, Liz dear. For you see, it involves what you are about to do to the lovely, Alexandra Carver. Tell me, were you planning on murdering her outright, or were you going to stash her someplace for a few days?'
Liz's eyes widened. Fox raised a brow.
'Well,' Julian continued, 'I'm just going to come right out with it. Stefano DiMera called me.'
'Why would I care about that?' Liz sighed, looking back towards the window. Lexie was still upstairs.
'Because he wants his daughter and grandson back, that's why.'
Liz looked away. Julian could see that her mind was working overtime.
'Why would he tell you that?' Liz asked suspiciously.
'Don't wouldn't worry about that. The point is, Stefano wants them on my plane and in the air, in a relatively short amount of time. If you could do that, then you would be rid of Lexie and her child. Oh, yes, and you would have T.C. all to yourself again.'
Liz shook her head.
'What are you getting out of this, Julian?'
'No, dear. It's what you're getting out of this. Because your way, has Stefano DiMera hunting you down for the rest of your life. And I'm sure, if he has his way, that your life will be relatively short lived.'
Liz rubbed her hands together. This would be perfect! She wouldn't actually have to murder Lexie or her child. Stefano would just 'take her away'.
'Alright! But once I get her to the airport, how do I get her onto one of your planes? No, see my plan is much easier.'
'Which is?' Fox asked.
Liz shrugged.
'That's none of your business!' she snapped at him. Fox pulled Julian away a bit.
'Okay, she does have a point, Father. I mean, even if she could get her to the airport, how does she get her onto the plane?'
Julian nodded, then walked back over to Liz.
'I will drive ahead to the airport, make sure you have access, then you will drive Lexie up to the plane. The pilot will help you get her, and her baby, on board. And I do suggest that you drive...meaning you will have to knock her out, at some point.'
Liz's mind was spinning! God! If Stefano DiMera wanted his bitch daughter back, then that would really solve all of her problems! There was no way T.C. would ever find her again! He would have no choice but to turn to her, in his time of need!
But what the hell did Julian get out of this? Probably something for her bitch sister! That alone, almost made Liz turn down the offer!
But, then again, if she could get Lexie on the plane, she wouldn't have to worry about her escaping or anything like that! She would have had to wait a good day before Beth Wallace's house was condemned. That might have given Lexie time to escape....
Liz looked at Julian and Fox.
'You're on. Tell me what to do.'
Julian smiled at her, then turned to Fox.
'First, you go over to Pilar's and stay there if you have to. Have one of the chauffeurs return you to the mansion.'
'But Father...'
'I don't want you involved in this!' Julian hissed. 'Now get going.'
Fox looked around, then climbed out of the bushes. He then began walking towards Pilar's house.
Julian then turned to Liz.
'This is what you're going to do.'
****
Lexie carried Theo down the stairs, dreading her upcoming meeting with Celeste. For unless she wanted to apologize, they didn't have too much to say to one another.
Though, they hadn't had a real fight, the other day over the phone. But her mother could just be so nosy! God! The nerve of that woman to ask about her and T.C.'s sex life! Not that there was much to tell!
T.C. was very patient and loving, but Lexie did not feel she was ready, yet, to make love with him. It just seemed too soon. Abe hadn't been cold in his grave two full months.
It was not that she didn't want T.C., but what did it say about her, that she was ready to jump into bed with another man, so soon after he husband died? It said that her marriage to Abe meant nothing, that what!
Lexie opened the front door, balancing a gurgling Theo in one arm. She then closed it behind her and walked towards her car. She already had her keys in her hand, so she unlocked the backseat, with the intention of settling Theo into his car seat.
As she opened the door, Lexie noticed the ugliest blanket, lying on the floor of the back. What the hell was that?! And who put it in her car?
It was when Lexie leaned in with Theo, that Liz jumped up from underneath it! Liz realized she would be at a disadvantage, if she had to attack Lexie from the front, but she didn't have much of a choice.
Lexie emitted a squeak, and Theo a screaming howl, as Liz quickly grabbed a fistful of Lexie's hair to yank her into the car! She then brought up the chloroformed soaked rag that she had been hiding, and pressed it against Lexie's nose and mouth!
'Shut-up!' Liz hissed, as she caught the baby, that slipped out of Lexie's arms. There wasn't a lot of room to maneuver, so Liz looked around. No one seemed to be in sight. Liz reached up and unlocked the driver's side door. She then got out of the car, using the other backseat door. She slammed that shut, then ran around to the other backseat door, shoving Lexie all the way in, then slamming that door.
Liz then got in the driver's side and shut the door. She reached back and fastened a crying Theo in. Lexie was on the floor. Liz reached down and snatched her car keys that had dropped down onto the floor. It was a good thing Julian just happened to have chloroform in his glove compartment!
****
It took Liz a half an hour to get out to the airport. She turned on the radio. There were no news reports about Lexie. She smiled. Lexie probably left that note for T.C., telling him that she was going to meet with her dear ole Ma!
Celeste! Just the thought of causing that heifer misery, was enough to get her to agree to Julian's plan!
There was another news report about Martin Fitzgerald. Liz shook her head. When she returned, she was going over to Pilar's. Antonio would need all the friends he could get. And she would see how T.C. was doing!
Just then, a report came on about a Salem woman, named Marlena Black, who had been reported missing. Liz frowned. Hadn't she been one of the people kidnapped on that island by Stefano DiMera? Christ! Liz had no doubt that Mrs. Black and Lexie would be seeing one another soon enough!
Julian was as good as his word...for once! She had no problem getting past security and being able to drive right up to the specified jet. It did read CRANE INDUSTRIES on the side.
As Liz pulled up, she saw a man, who was definitely the captain, and Julian, standing there. She stopped close to them, then got out. She walked over to them.
'Signed, sealed and delivered!' she grinned at both of them. Julian did not smile back. He regretted having to do this, but, there didn't seem to be any other way. And he just wouldn't have Eve working undercover, her whole pregnancy, trying to outwit some murderer(or believed to be murderer!).
The 'captain', nodded, then opened up the backseat door. Julian looked at Liz.
'Well, you're one step closer to becoming Mrs. T.C. Russell.'
'You're damned right I am! And I deserve happiness...and T.C.! We were denied one another for way too long, all because of Eve!'
The captain picked up Lexie, walked over to the steps, then carried her up them and disappeared inside the jet.
'Ah, all of this is Eve's fault again, hey?'
'Yes, Julian, it is! And let me tell you something: if I don't get T.C. back, there will be hell to pay! I'll make my sister suffer worse than she ever has before! And there won't be a damned thing you'll be able to do to help her!'
The captain returned, running down the steps. He then hurried over to the car, leaned in, and pulled Theo out of his car seat. He picked him up and began walking towards the steps. Julian stared after the boy wistfully. What the hell kind of life was that child going to have? Especially under the influence of Stefano DiMera? Would he turn out like Tony?
Julian looked at Liz.
'Give me the chloroform and the rag.'
'Why?' Liz asked, looking him up and down.
'Because it's mine, Liz, that's why! It can all be traced back to me, not you! I'm going to get rid of it, so I can cover both of our tracks!'
Liz rolled her eyes, then walked over to the backseat door. It was still open. She leaned in found the bottle on the floor, along with the rag she had used on Lexie. She backed out of the car and turned around to hand them over to Julian. She then gasped!
The captain was there again, and he grabbed her hard! Liz screamed and looked at Julian, who snatched the rag and chloroform from her. As the captain held her, Julian placed the rag firmly about Liz's nose and mouth.
'I'm sorry, Liz. But I can't have you pestering Eve during this delicate time!'
Liz went limp. Julian looked at the captain.
'Tell Stefano he's getting another guest.'
The captain smiled, as he began to haul Liz towards the plane.
'I'm always happy to be of service.'
Julian rolled his eyes. He had paid that man an extra five hundred to take Liz off of his hands! Julian watched as the captain got Liz onto the plane, then closed the door. Soon, Eve and him would be free to live out their lives.
Julian pushed aside the guilt he was feeling over Lexie and baby Theo. Eve could never know about this....Eve...now they just had to wait and see if the 'evidence' on Tony, would suddenly appear.
Julian got into his car, still carrying the rag and chloroform. He knew of a nice bridge he could drop them both off the side of.
****
ONE HOUR LATER
Eve tried to smile, as Tony spoke of getting her divorce from T.C., sped up.
'Well, what's the hurry?' she asked.
Tony tilted his head.
'Eve, surely, you want to be free of that man? The sooner you are rid of him, the sooner you can start focusing on yourself, and our children.'
Eve blinked.
'Excuse me?'
'What?' he asked, smiling adoringly at her.
'You said, 'our children'.'
'I did?'
'Yes, Tony, you did.'
'Darling, I'm sorry. It's just that I wish they were. That and, well, I plan to help you raise them. It's not easy being a single mother. Alexandra is finding that out now. And since Julian has all but abandoned you, really, you need to seriously think about what male figures you want in your babies lives.'
Eve nodded, but was becoming more and more unnerved! She had been so sure when the FBI first offered her this deal, that she could pull it off, with little or no fanfare. But now...
'Tony, have the police figured out who's body that was in your basement?'
Tony reached for her hand.
'Darling, let's not discuss it. The news will just upset you.'
Eve's eyes widened.
'Why? Because it's someone I know?'
'I believe you did, yes. Now really, Eve, this isn't anything we should be discussing at this time...'
'Who was it?' she asked.
Tony squeezed her hand.
'A man by the name of Martin Fitzgerald. He was...'
'He was Pilar's husband! Oh my God!'
'Eve, darling, you really need to calm down!'
Eve nodded, upset for Pilar, Antonio, Luis, Teresa and Miguel. To think that Martin had been in Harmony this whole time...dead in someone's creepy basement! It wasn't right!
'Please, darling, put it out of your mind.'
'I know, Tony. I'll try.'
'Good. Because there is something else I want to talk to you about.'
Eve smiled at him.
'Okay, what?'
'First of all, I got the distinct impression, that you assumed I had something to do with that body in the pillar, when you first discovered it. Am I wrong?'
Eve looked away briefly, then looked at him again.
'No, Tony, you're not wrong. But what was I supposed to think? How could you not know it was there?'
'Eve, there's nothing down there! The servants, nor I, have no use for the room whatsoever. I just didn't know.'
'And I know that now, Tony. The whole thing was just such a shock.'
'I know, Eve. And you don't need anymore horrible surprises such as that. I want to take you away from here, once Dr. Parks says you can be released.'
Eve kept her expression neutral.
'I don't understand.'
Tony reached out and touched her hair.
'Of course you do. I want to take you away, where you can go through the rest of your pregnancy in peace. Away from fingers in brick pillars...and Julian. I know it must hurt to even look at his face.'
There was a part of Eve, that was oddly touched that Tony was so concerned with her feelings. But, she could not let him take her away from Harmony.
'Tony, I....'
Tony then got down on his knees! He pulled a diamond ring out from the inside of his jacket pocket. Eve's mouth dropped open.
'What are you doing?'
'Eve, darling, I want you to marry me as soon as your divorce from T.C. goes through. Please, say yes, darling?'
The door to Eve's room opened, and two men in suits walked in. Tony got up off of his knees quickly and turned around.
'Who are you? What is the meaning of this crude interruption?'
'I'd say the only thing crude was that proposal!' Julian snapped. He was standing behind the two men and walked over to Tony, snatching the ring from him and looking at it.
'Mother of God! This looks like cubic zirconia!'
'The hell it is!' Tony hissed, snatching the ring back! He then eyed the men in suits.
'What is the meaning of this?!'
One of the men stepped forward.
'The meaning of this is, you are under arrest for the murder of Alistair Crane! Now I'm going to read you your rights.'
Tony laughed shortly.
'Are you insane?! I haven't murdered anyone!'
'We have proof, sir. Now, I have to read you your rights.'
Tony looked at Julian, who walked over to Eve and bent down to hug her. She hugged him back.
Tony heard nothing the police officer was saying.
'Eve? What is the meaning of this?'
Julian let go of her quickly and turned to glare at him.
'The 'meaning' is it's over. You're going to prison and Eve and I are getting married.'
Tony looked from Julian to Eve, who couldn't hold his gaze long. She looked down at her hands guiltily.
Tony felt handcuffs being put on him. He said nothing after that. Nothing as he was being taken away. That was fine. He would use the time to plot his revenge against Julian and Eve.
Eve watched as Tony was taken away. He had looked so hurt! She then looked up at Julian, and threw her arms around his neck.
'We've been cleared, darling!' Julian whispered ecstatically against her hair. 'We are finally free!'
This is the end of 'Very Secret Passions'. In the final part of this saga, 'The Road to Happily Everafter', Julian and Eve are happily married and the proud parents of twins Evan and Erin Crane. But, Julian's actions that got them to this point, come back to haunt him.
Julian and Fox spy on Liz. Tony is arrested.
Fox had just barely managed to catch up with Julian, as he tried to take off out of the hospital parking lot without him!
'Father!' Fox yelled, as he got into the passenger side, 'we came together, remember?!'
'Oh, Fox! You could have called one of our chauffeurs to come and pick you up! Now I really need to be alone!'
'Why? Did you get to see Dr. Russell?'
'Yes! But, this is not about that! Now really...'
'Now, 'really', you need to level with me, Father! What the hell is going on with you? And where are we going?'
Julian switched on the radio, then began to talk.
'Stefano DiMera called me.'
'What?! How did he have your cell number?' Fox asked.
'God only knows! Anyway, he offered me a deal. And it is one I have to give serious consideration.'
'Alright, out with it! Because everyone knows that no deal with that weirdo, is a good one!'
Julian stopped at a light.
'He wants me to get his daughter and grandson to one of the Crane jets. He'll have one of his own pilots fly them to where ever he is.'
Fox said nothing for a moment, but he was gaping at Julian. Finally, he spoke.
'Lexie Carver hates her father...and her brother, for that matter.'
'I know.'
'So, she'll never agree to that! And what do you get out of this anyway?'
The light turned green again, and Julian hit the gas.
'Stefano uses his 'influence' with the FBI, to get them to drop the charges against Eve and I. Oh, and there's an even juicier incentive: he admitted that Alistair is not dead, but living with him, comatose! Stefano told me he would be more than happy to make that bastard a permanent guest, if I could accomplish this.'
'Grandfather is alive? Jesus! We've went through all of this crap for nothing!'
'I don't know about that, Fox.' Julian answered. 'I mean, from the way Stefano explained it, if he is to be believed, it was Tony that actually shot Alistair, but didn't realize that he was still alive.'
'So?' Fox asked.
'So, I've been thinking about that will. Alistair didn't fake his own death here. That means that it was his plan to stick it to us, the whole time.'
Fox was quiet. Julian glanced over at him.
'What?' he asked.
'If we could prove Grandfather was still alive, then Austin would have to forfeit his control. I mean, he only has what he has, because we all thought Grandfather was dead.'
'Yes...' Julian suddenly got the gist of what his son was saying! He had been so preoccupied with ridding Eve of Tony DiMera, and never having to look at his father again, that he had forgotten the big picture. There were papers, that Alistair had had drawn up, that said that if he was ever INCAPACITATED, in any way, control of the Crane fortune, would be given TEMPORARILY, to Julian. A coma was as good as incapacitated as one could get!
'You might have a point, Fox.' Julian murmured.
'Yes, and if he is comatose, that's as good as dead anyway. Meaning, we wouldn't have to hear his mouth all of the time.' Fox added.
'Yes, well, I still have to get Lexie and her baby, to get on that plane. Otherwise, none of this comes to pass.'
'She won't go willingly.'
Julian gave him a sideways glance.
'Stefano was perfectly aware that she wouldn't.'
Fox looked at him.
'You're going to KIDNAP them?! God, Father!'
'Well what else can I do?! Now, I have a small bottle of chloroform that I keep in the glove compartment there. And a pair of black gloves. Get them out for me, will you?'
'Hell no! And why do you keep that kind of stuff in the glove compartment?'
'It's a long story. What are you waiting for? Open the glove compartment!'
'Why? So I can get my fingerprints all over it!'
'Fox, I'm hurt! We can't stop trusting one another now! Why would I try and frame you?'
'You get your own chloroform out! And why are we in this neighborhood? That's Coach Russell's house!'
'Yes,' Julian said dryly, 'your future father-in-law.'
'Don't remind me! Father, you're not thinking...'
'I don't know what I'm thinking yet! I have to assess the situation.'
Fox didn't know what that meant, but he didn't like the sounds of it! He looked around.
'Why are there so many cars over at Pilar's house?'
Before Julian could give a smart answer, the radio announcer reported that the body found in the DiMera basement, was suspected to be that of missing Harmony resident, Martin Fitzgerald.
Fox closed his eyes. Teresa was going to be devastated! He just hoped Pilar told her daughter about this, before she heard it somewhere else first.
'So, I guess your hunch was right, hey?' Fox said.
Julian sighed.
'It's not like I wanted to be right about Martin Fitzgerald being dead. But at least now Pilar can get on with her life.'
They sat there for a moment. Fox then cleared his throat.
'Well, what are you planning on doing?' he asked.
Julian didn't answer. He stared over at the Russell house. He saw Lexie look out of the window, towards Pilar's house. Then, the door opened, and T.C. walked out, closed the door behind him, and walked over to Pilar's house.
'I wonder if Lexie is alone?' Julian muttered.
'Father, let's get the hell out of here. You'll think of another way to get yourself and Dr. Russell off of the hook.'
Julian was about to turn away and start the car, when he did a double take. He then looked at Fox.
'Look over there! Do you see what I see?'
Fox looked, then blinked hard. He looked at Julian.
'What the hell is Liz doing in the bushes over there?'
Julian smiled at his son.
'Let's go and find out, shall we?'
****
Liz put on a pair of black leather gloves, then crouched down low, when Lexie passed the window again.
She had had a close call when T.C. had come out of the house just now. There had been a moment, where Liz could've sworn he had glanced her way. But, he didn't appear to have seen her.
Liz could see that it was just Lexie and the baby in the house. She pulled her cell phone out of her pocket. She then dialed the number of the Russell house. It took a few moments, until finally, Lexie picked up.
'Hello?'
'Alexandra, darling!' Liz said, in her best Celeste imitation. That woman's accent was about as real as Ms Cleo's!
'Mother? You sound funny?'
'Oh, I've have a bit of a cold!'
'When did this happen? You sounded fine yesterday when we spoke.'
Liz coughed.
'It happened in the middle of the night, I guess. I woke up feeling awful. How are you darling?'
'Oh, I've been better. Pilar just got news that points to her husband being dead. T.C. went over to see about her. I barely know her...I didn't feel right going over there.'
'Yes, darling, maybe that's best. Listen, I'm in town and would like to see you. Meet me at the Book Cafe, alright?'
'Well, there's no one here, Mother. I couldn't just leave Theo.'
Damn! Liz thought. She had forgotten all about the baby! She really didn't want to murder a child. Maybe she could just leave him somewhere.
'Bring him, darling! I always love seeing my grandson!'
'Uh, okay. I'll just leave a note for T.C..'
'Fine, I'll see you in a little bit then.' Liz said, then hung up abruptly. She then stared at Lexie's car. The stupid bitch had left one of the backseat doors open. Perfect! She would like in wait on the floor of the backseat, then, pop up and surprise Lexie. Then, Liz would force her to drive over to Beth Wallace's condemned house.
Just as Liz was smiling at the thought, of throwing Lexie into that hole in the basement, she felt someone tap her on the shoulder. Slowly, she turned around. Julian and Fox Crane were staring at her. Fox waved.
'I have a proposition for you, Liz.' Julian said, smiling at her. For now, he clearly saw a way to give Stefano what he wanted, AND get rid of Liz as well!
Liz squinted at the both of them.
'Now?'
'What are you doing out here in the bushes, Liz?' Fox asked.
'Yes, and in front of T.C. Russell's house, no less.' Julian noted.
Fox pointed to the gloves on Liz's hands.
'And those things right there, those are never a good sign!'
Liz looked back towards the window. Lexie was walking upstairs. She didn't have a lot of time to be talking to these fools!
'Get out of here! What I'm doing here is none of your concern! And I don't care to hear any propositions from the likes of you, Julian Crane!'
'Oh, but I think you will, Liz dear. For you see, it involves what you are about to do to the lovely, Alexandra Carver. Tell me, were you planning on murdering her outright, or were you going to stash her someplace for a few days?'
Liz's eyes widened. Fox raised a brow.
'Well,' Julian continued, 'I'm just going to come right out with it. Stefano DiMera called me.'
'Why would I care about that?' Liz sighed, looking back towards the window. Lexie was still upstairs.
'Because he wants his daughter and grandson back, that's why.'
Liz looked away. Julian could see that her mind was working overtime.
'Why would he tell you that?' Liz asked suspiciously.
'Don't wouldn't worry about that. The point is, Stefano wants them on my plane and in the air, in a relatively short amount of time. If you could do that, then you would be rid of Lexie and her child. Oh, yes, and you would have T.C. all to yourself again.'
Liz shook her head.
'What are you getting out of this, Julian?'
'No, dear. It's what you're getting out of this. Because your way, has Stefano DiMera hunting you down for the rest of your life. And I'm sure, if he has his way, that your life will be relatively short lived.'
Liz rubbed her hands together. This would be perfect! She wouldn't actually have to murder Lexie or her child. Stefano would just 'take her away'.
'Alright! But once I get her to the airport, how do I get her onto one of your planes? No, see my plan is much easier.'
'Which is?' Fox asked.
Liz shrugged.
'That's none of your business!' she snapped at him. Fox pulled Julian away a bit.
'Okay, she does have a point, Father. I mean, even if she could get her to the airport, how does she get her onto the plane?'
Julian nodded, then walked back over to Liz.
'I will drive ahead to the airport, make sure you have access, then you will drive Lexie up to the plane. The pilot will help you get her, and her baby, on board. And I do suggest that you drive...meaning you will have to knock her out, at some point.'
Liz's mind was spinning! God! If Stefano DiMera wanted his bitch daughter back, then that would really solve all of her problems! There was no way T.C. would ever find her again! He would have no choice but to turn to her, in his time of need!
But what the hell did Julian get out of this? Probably something for her bitch sister! That alone, almost made Liz turn down the offer!
But, then again, if she could get Lexie on the plane, she wouldn't have to worry about her escaping or anything like that! She would have had to wait a good day before Beth Wallace's house was condemned. That might have given Lexie time to escape....
Liz looked at Julian and Fox.
'You're on. Tell me what to do.'
Julian smiled at her, then turned to Fox.
'First, you go over to Pilar's and stay there if you have to. Have one of the chauffeurs return you to the mansion.'
'But Father...'
'I don't want you involved in this!' Julian hissed. 'Now get going.'
Fox looked around, then climbed out of the bushes. He then began walking towards Pilar's house.
Julian then turned to Liz.
'This is what you're going to do.'
****
Lexie carried Theo down the stairs, dreading her upcoming meeting with Celeste. For unless she wanted to apologize, they didn't have too much to say to one another.
Though, they hadn't had a real fight, the other day over the phone. But her mother could just be so nosy! God! The nerve of that woman to ask about her and T.C.'s sex life! Not that there was much to tell!
T.C. was very patient and loving, but Lexie did not feel she was ready, yet, to make love with him. It just seemed too soon. Abe hadn't been cold in his grave two full months.
It was not that she didn't want T.C., but what did it say about her, that she was ready to jump into bed with another man, so soon after he husband died? It said that her marriage to Abe meant nothing, that what!
Lexie opened the front door, balancing a gurgling Theo in one arm. She then closed it behind her and walked towards her car. She already had her keys in her hand, so she unlocked the backseat, with the intention of settling Theo into his car seat.
As she opened the door, Lexie noticed the ugliest blanket, lying on the floor of the back. What the hell was that?! And who put it in her car?
It was when Lexie leaned in with Theo, that Liz jumped up from underneath it! Liz realized she would be at a disadvantage, if she had to attack Lexie from the front, but she didn't have much of a choice.
Lexie emitted a squeak, and Theo a screaming howl, as Liz quickly grabbed a fistful of Lexie's hair to yank her into the car! She then brought up the chloroformed soaked rag that she had been hiding, and pressed it against Lexie's nose and mouth!
'Shut-up!' Liz hissed, as she caught the baby, that slipped out of Lexie's arms. There wasn't a lot of room to maneuver, so Liz looked around. No one seemed to be in sight. Liz reached up and unlocked the driver's side door. She then got out of the car, using the other backseat door. She slammed that shut, then ran around to the other backseat door, shoving Lexie all the way in, then slamming that door.
Liz then got in the driver's side and shut the door. She reached back and fastened a crying Theo in. Lexie was on the floor. Liz reached down and snatched her car keys that had dropped down onto the floor. It was a good thing Julian just happened to have chloroform in his glove compartment!
****
It took Liz a half an hour to get out to the airport. She turned on the radio. There were no news reports about Lexie. She smiled. Lexie probably left that note for T.C., telling him that she was going to meet with her dear ole Ma!
Celeste! Just the thought of causing that heifer misery, was enough to get her to agree to Julian's plan!
There was another news report about Martin Fitzgerald. Liz shook her head. When she returned, she was going over to Pilar's. Antonio would need all the friends he could get. And she would see how T.C. was doing!
Just then, a report came on about a Salem woman, named Marlena Black, who had been reported missing. Liz frowned. Hadn't she been one of the people kidnapped on that island by Stefano DiMera? Christ! Liz had no doubt that Mrs. Black and Lexie would be seeing one another soon enough!
Julian was as good as his word...for once! She had no problem getting past security and being able to drive right up to the specified jet. It did read CRANE INDUSTRIES on the side.
As Liz pulled up, she saw a man, who was definitely the captain, and Julian, standing there. She stopped close to them, then got out. She walked over to them.
'Signed, sealed and delivered!' she grinned at both of them. Julian did not smile back. He regretted having to do this, but, there didn't seem to be any other way. And he just wouldn't have Eve working undercover, her whole pregnancy, trying to outwit some murderer(or believed to be murderer!).
The 'captain', nodded, then opened up the backseat door. Julian looked at Liz.
'Well, you're one step closer to becoming Mrs. T.C. Russell.'
'You're damned right I am! And I deserve happiness...and T.C.! We were denied one another for way too long, all because of Eve!'
The captain picked up Lexie, walked over to the steps, then carried her up them and disappeared inside the jet.
'Ah, all of this is Eve's fault again, hey?'
'Yes, Julian, it is! And let me tell you something: if I don't get T.C. back, there will be hell to pay! I'll make my sister suffer worse than she ever has before! And there won't be a damned thing you'll be able to do to help her!'
The captain returned, running down the steps. He then hurried over to the car, leaned in, and pulled Theo out of his car seat. He picked him up and began walking towards the steps. Julian stared after the boy wistfully. What the hell kind of life was that child going to have? Especially under the influence of Stefano DiMera? Would he turn out like Tony?
Julian looked at Liz.
'Give me the chloroform and the rag.'
'Why?' Liz asked, looking him up and down.
'Because it's mine, Liz, that's why! It can all be traced back to me, not you! I'm going to get rid of it, so I can cover both of our tracks!'
Liz rolled her eyes, then walked over to the backseat door. It was still open. She leaned in found the bottle on the floor, along with the rag she had used on Lexie. She backed out of the car and turned around to hand them over to Julian. She then gasped!
The captain was there again, and he grabbed her hard! Liz screamed and looked at Julian, who snatched the rag and chloroform from her. As the captain held her, Julian placed the rag firmly about Liz's nose and mouth.
'I'm sorry, Liz. But I can't have you pestering Eve during this delicate time!'
Liz went limp. Julian looked at the captain.
'Tell Stefano he's getting another guest.'
The captain smiled, as he began to haul Liz towards the plane.
'I'm always happy to be of service.'
Julian rolled his eyes. He had paid that man an extra five hundred to take Liz off of his hands! Julian watched as the captain got Liz onto the plane, then closed the door. Soon, Eve and him would be free to live out their lives.
Julian pushed aside the guilt he was feeling over Lexie and baby Theo. Eve could never know about this....Eve...now they just had to wait and see if the 'evidence' on Tony, would suddenly appear.
Julian got into his car, still carrying the rag and chloroform. He knew of a nice bridge he could drop them both off the side of.
****
ONE HOUR LATER
Eve tried to smile, as Tony spoke of getting her divorce from T.C., sped up.
'Well, what's the hurry?' she asked.
Tony tilted his head.
'Eve, surely, you want to be free of that man? The sooner you are rid of him, the sooner you can start focusing on yourself, and our children.'
Eve blinked.
'Excuse me?'
'What?' he asked, smiling adoringly at her.
'You said, 'our children'.'
'I did?'
'Yes, Tony, you did.'
'Darling, I'm sorry. It's just that I wish they were. That and, well, I plan to help you raise them. It's not easy being a single mother. Alexandra is finding that out now. And since Julian has all but abandoned you, really, you need to seriously think about what male figures you want in your babies lives.'
Eve nodded, but was becoming more and more unnerved! She had been so sure when the FBI first offered her this deal, that she could pull it off, with little or no fanfare. But now...
'Tony, have the police figured out who's body that was in your basement?'
Tony reached for her hand.
'Darling, let's not discuss it. The news will just upset you.'
Eve's eyes widened.
'Why? Because it's someone I know?'
'I believe you did, yes. Now really, Eve, this isn't anything we should be discussing at this time...'
'Who was it?' she asked.
Tony squeezed her hand.
'A man by the name of Martin Fitzgerald. He was...'
'He was Pilar's husband! Oh my God!'
'Eve, darling, you really need to calm down!'
Eve nodded, upset for Pilar, Antonio, Luis, Teresa and Miguel. To think that Martin had been in Harmony this whole time...dead in someone's creepy basement! It wasn't right!
'Please, darling, put it out of your mind.'
'I know, Tony. I'll try.'
'Good. Because there is something else I want to talk to you about.'
Eve smiled at him.
'Okay, what?'
'First of all, I got the distinct impression, that you assumed I had something to do with that body in the pillar, when you first discovered it. Am I wrong?'
Eve looked away briefly, then looked at him again.
'No, Tony, you're not wrong. But what was I supposed to think? How could you not know it was there?'
'Eve, there's nothing down there! The servants, nor I, have no use for the room whatsoever. I just didn't know.'
'And I know that now, Tony. The whole thing was just such a shock.'
'I know, Eve. And you don't need anymore horrible surprises such as that. I want to take you away from here, once Dr. Parks says you can be released.'
Eve kept her expression neutral.
'I don't understand.'
Tony reached out and touched her hair.
'Of course you do. I want to take you away, where you can go through the rest of your pregnancy in peace. Away from fingers in brick pillars...and Julian. I know it must hurt to even look at his face.'
There was a part of Eve, that was oddly touched that Tony was so concerned with her feelings. But, she could not let him take her away from Harmony.
'Tony, I....'
Tony then got down on his knees! He pulled a diamond ring out from the inside of his jacket pocket. Eve's mouth dropped open.
'What are you doing?'
'Eve, darling, I want you to marry me as soon as your divorce from T.C. goes through. Please, say yes, darling?'
The door to Eve's room opened, and two men in suits walked in. Tony got up off of his knees quickly and turned around.
'Who are you? What is the meaning of this crude interruption?'
'I'd say the only thing crude was that proposal!' Julian snapped. He was standing behind the two men and walked over to Tony, snatching the ring from him and looking at it.
'Mother of God! This looks like cubic zirconia!'
'The hell it is!' Tony hissed, snatching the ring back! He then eyed the men in suits.
'What is the meaning of this?!'
One of the men stepped forward.
'The meaning of this is, you are under arrest for the murder of Alistair Crane! Now I'm going to read you your rights.'
Tony laughed shortly.
'Are you insane?! I haven't murdered anyone!'
'We have proof, sir. Now, I have to read you your rights.'
Tony looked at Julian, who walked over to Eve and bent down to hug her. She hugged him back.
Tony heard nothing the police officer was saying.
'Eve? What is the meaning of this?'
Julian let go of her quickly and turned to glare at him.
'The 'meaning' is it's over. You're going to prison and Eve and I are getting married.'
Tony looked from Julian to Eve, who couldn't hold his gaze long. She looked down at her hands guiltily.
Tony felt handcuffs being put on him. He said nothing after that. Nothing as he was being taken away. That was fine. He would use the time to plot his revenge against Julian and Eve.
Eve watched as Tony was taken away. He had looked so hurt! She then looked up at Julian, and threw her arms around his neck.
'We've been cleared, darling!' Julian whispered ecstatically against her hair. 'We are finally free!'
This is the end of 'Very Secret Passions'. In the final part of this saga, 'The Road to Happily Everafter', Julian and Eve are happily married and the proud parents of twins Evan and Erin Crane. But, Julian's actions that got them to this point, come back to haunt him.
