Chapter 2
Julian is uncomfortable around Celeste. Whitney warns Fox.
Fox was looking over a batch of reports, when his secretary buzzed him that 'Mrs. Crane' was there. Fox put down the reports, smiled, then stood up. What he saw when he opened the door, was a different story, however.
Ivy came breezing in. Fox rolled his eyes and slammed the door.
'What the hell do you want, Mother?' he asked in a clipped tone.
Ivy turned and smiled at him.
'Well, hello to you too, Fox. Now is that any way to greet your mother?'
Fox folded his arms.
'My, you must be feeling quite bold today. Coming over here and still referring to yourself as 'Mrs Crane'. All of that, after you hired Simon Cowell to rape my wife! Or...at least give her that impression.'
'Now Fox, that was all a terrible misunderstanding! Whitney, as usual, jumped to the wrong conclusions and now we have this terrible rift between us.'
'Mother, we've always had a 'rift' between us. It happened the day I was born. Now say what you need to say and get out.'
Fox walked back over to his desk. Ivy eyed him.
'I heard about Alistair. How is this going to affect everything?'
Fox frowned and turned back to face her.
'What the hell do you care?'
'I know we've had our differences in the past, but...'
Fox sighed loudly!
'We've never had 'differences', Mother! We've never had anything! What is this? Why are you here, acting as if you really care about my welfare? This is so unlike you! Just be straight up about why you are bothering me at this moment!'
Ivy looked down briefly, then looked up at him again.
'Fox, I know you don't think I was a very good mother. But you are a Crane, and you are entitled to your legacy. Alistair's return is going to ruin your position here! Whatever you think of me...'
Fox just stared at his mother, as she looked down and sniffed. He then rolled his eyes.
'Yeah, okay, now get out! You've said what you had to say.'
Fox's secretary buzzed him. She announced that Whitney was there to see him. Fox rolled his eyes.
'Great! I didn't want my wife to have to look at your face!'
Ivy stared at him.
'I'm sorry.'
Fox looked her up and down.
'Are you broke or something? Do you need money?'
The door opened and Whitney walked in. Her face fell when she saw Ivy. Ivy gave her a tentative smile.
'Hello, Whitney.'
Whitney walked over to Fox's side. He put an arm around her.
'Goodbye, Mother.'
Ivy said nothing and hurried towards the door. She closed it firmly behind her, then ran down the hall, past the bewildered secretary, and towards the Ladies Room. Once inside, she hurried to a stall to throw up.
After five minutes, Ivy lay her head against the seat, feeling cold and clammy. Her oncologist had told her the chemotherapy would be rough, but she hadn't expected anything like this.
****
Whitney turned to Fox and tugged on his shirt collar.
'What did your mother want?'
Fox rolled his eyes.
'Who knows? I'm sure we'll find out soon enough in the form of some scheme or something. So, what brings my lovely wife by?'
Whitney gave him a brief smile, before turning away. Fox raised a brow.
'Is it Alistair? Did he say something?'
Whitney turned back to him.
'No! Your Grandfather looks pretty out of it. He can't speak or move.'
That's good! Fox thought. But he kept his expression neutral. He reached out and put his hands on her shoulders.
'Then what is it, Whit?'
'Fox, I overheard Sam and Luis talking with Sheridan. They think that Julian, and you, had something to do with what happened to Lexie Carver and her baby.'
Fox's face betrayed none of his surprise.
'I thought Liz Sanbourne had something to do with all of that?'
'Oh, I think she did! But, Sam and Luis told Sheridan that there was a witness that saw Julian, and you, in the area that day.'
''In the area'? What does that mean?'
Whitney began nodding quickly!
'Exactly, Fox! I like Sam and Luis, but their explanation was so half-assed...I mean, Sheridan wasn't even buying it!'
'Well, did they say who this 'witness' was?'
Whitney shook her head.
'No. But, it worries me that this is their line of thinking. At this rate, Lexie and Theo will never be found!'
'Honey, forget Sam and Luis. It's just that type of thinking, that keeps them from catching any real criminals in this town. And I do remember that day Lexie and Theo were kidnapped. I went over to Pilar's to give my condolences over her husband. So, yes, I guess I was in the area.'
Whitney gaped at him.
'That's right! I remember you calling me in L.A. and telling me that! I mean, I couldn't say anything to Teresa until she heard the news from Pilar! But then that means that a lot of other people were there as well! God! I want to know who this idiot witness is?!'
'Just forget about it. Nothing will come of this, I promise you.'
Fox pulled her into his arms to calm her down. Whitney nodded against his shoulder. He then set her away from him.
'How are Father and your mother holding up? You know with Alistair coming back and all?'
'I think they're both unnerved. My feeling is they're probably going to put him in a nursing home or something.'
'Well, that would be best. He really is an awful man. I think it would just be bad for everyone around, to let him stay on the property. And if, or when, he gets well, if he's ready to become part of our family, we'll let him in.'
'Do you think that will ever happen?' Whitney asked skeptically.
'No, probably not. But let's not talk about my grandfather now.'
Whitney gave Fox a questioning look, as he walked over to his office door, and locked it. He then walked back over to her.
'I don't think I've ever given you a tour of my office.' he said, kissing her.
Whitney giggled between kisses.
****
'Sam, could we continue this questioning another day?'
Sam eyed Luis, who have him an 'I told you so' look. Julian was weaseling out of the questioning again!
Sheridan caught the look and walked over to Julian. She then looked at Luis.
'Honey, we do need to make arrangements for Father. Just come back later, please?'
Luis just stared at her. Sheridan knew that Luis, and Sam, for that matter, were thinking that she was going to tell Julian about their investigation of him. She walked away from Julian and went up to Luis.
'I'm not going to say anything to him, okay?' she said in a low voice. Besides, the idea was ludicrous! She didn't care what witness they dragged out! Neither Julian, nor Fox, would kidnap a woman and her baby in broad daylight! Liz Sanbourne was responsible for this, not her brother and nephew.
Luis nodded, but did not kiss her goodbye. He looked at Sam, who was looking at Julian.
'We'll be back first thing in the morning, Julian.' Sam said warningly.
Julian did not answer, but nodded slightly. Sam and Luis walked out of the room. As soon as the two men opened the door to leave, Sam looked at Luis.
'Let's go and talk to our witness again.' he suggested.
Luis nodded in agreement, looking back towards the room where he had left his wife.
'Yeah. If we could get a more positive I.D., it might go a long way.'
'With Sheridan?' Sam asked gingerly.
'Oh, you noticed? Boy, if we turn out to be wrong on this, Sheridan is never going to want to hear another bad word about Julian. Even after he does ANOTHER wrong thing!'
Sam shook his head.
'I feel for you.'
Just as they both were headed out of the door, Celeste appeared. Both men smiled at her. Celeste smiled back.
'Hello, officers. Is Eve around?'
Luis motioned with his head.
'I saw her go in one of those rooms back there. Listen, we're still doing everything in our power to find Lexie and Theo.'
'Yes,' Sam added, 'we have a lead...nothing big, but it might turn into something.'
Celeste shrugged.
'Your 'lead' is in this house. I can feel it.'
Sam looked away. He didn't believe in that psychic ^%$@, and always found it hard to keep a straight face when Charity had one!
But Luis stared at her.
'What do you mean?' he asked her.
'I've been having a lot of premonitions lately. They've been telling me that my Alexandra and Theo, will be coming back to me, very soon. They also tell me that someone in this house, knew where they were the whole time.'
Luis looked at Sam. Sam looked at Luis. The both wondered if the other were thinking the same thing. Was this person Celeste was referring to, Julian or Alistair?
****
Julian walked over to the bar to pour herself a drink. Sheridan watched him.
'I know it's hard having Father here.'
Julian turned and looked at his sister.
'Sheridan, I actually fear for my wife and children's lives.'
Sheridan nodded.
'Well, you know I'm not going to tell you that your fears are unfounded. We both know what Father can be like.'
'I want him out of this house. Sheridan, there's a part of me that doesn't even believe that he is a vegetable.'
'Is that how he appears? I mean I would go up and see him myself, but I'm just not ready...not after all that he has done.'
Julian set down his drink and opened his arms. Sheridan went into them. He patted her head, then let go of her.
'I sensed something was amiss when I came back in here. Are you and Luis having problems?'
Sheridan smiled up at him. How sweet of Julian to ask!
'No, not really. I wasn't going to say anything to you, since it just seems so stupid...'
'What is it?' Julian asked.
Sheridan took a deep breath.
'Sam and Luis say that there is some witness that saw Fox and you in the area, when Lexie and her baby were kidnapped.'
Julian gave his sister a deliberately blank stare.
'Yes, Sheridan, I was. So were you, probably.'
'What do you mean?'
'I mean, I dropped Fox over at Pilar's house. I do believe that was the same horrible day we found out about Martin Fitzgerald.'
Sheridan stared at him.
'My God! You're right! And there were dozens of people in that neighborhood that day! Oh my God! This witness more than likely made a stupid mistake!'
''More than likely'?' Julian asked, a small smile tugging at his lips.
Sheridan realized how that sounded.
'I'm sorry, Julian. I know neither you, or Fox, would do something so despicable. I guess what I don't understand is where Sam and Luis are coming from? I mean, what could they have possibly thought was in it for you, to kidnap the two of them?'
Julian shrugged.
'Well, let's not forget Liz.'
Sheridan rolled her eyes.
'Liz had the best motive of all. And I suspect that one of the DiMera's found out what she did and killed her.'
Julian nodded.
'Eve suspects that as well.'
Sheridan then changed the subject, asking about the twins. He was about to answer, when he saw Celeste walk by their room. Julian's jaw tightened. There was something about that woman he didn't like these days. Maybe it was the way she stared at him, as if she knew he had done something bad.
Sheridan looked behind her and saw nothing. She then turned back to her brother.
'Julian? What were you looking at just now?'
Julian shook his head slightly.
'Oh, nothing really. Celeste Perrault was in the hallway just now. I guess she's here to see Eve. They've become rather close, since Lexie disappeared.'
Sheridan nodded.
'Well, maybe she sees her as a sort of second daughter.'
Julian nodded in agreement. Of course, he didn't need a 'mother-in-law'. And Eve was always meeting her for lunch with the twins or something like that. Julian didn't mind it, as long as Celeste kept in mind, that she was not the grandmother of his children.
Julian rubbed the back of his neck.
'You know, Eve and I had agreed to let Father stay here one night, but, the more I think about it, the more I feel it would be best if I could get Father into some sort of home...by tonight.'
Sheridan touched his arm.
'You really think he may do something, don't you?'
'That man stole my first born son from me. He hates Eve. He hates Luis. And not because they are not 'blue bloods'. I won't subject my wife or children to such a hateful human being.'
Sheridan nodded in agreement.
'I'll get on the phone now. We'll put the Crane name to good use and get Father moved someplace comfortable. And don't worry Julian. You're stronger this time around...and so am I. Father is not going to snatch our dreams from us this time around.'
Julian hugged his sister again. He hoped she was right.
****
Evan finished his baby food, and now sat back and watched, as Eve wiped some mashed peas from her shirt. Eve glared at Erin. Neither Whitney, nor Simone, had been this difficult to feed as a baby!
Celeste laughed, as she walked into the room, quickly accessing the situation.
'Please, Eve, let me.'
Eve threw down the napkin that she had used to wipe herself off with. She then stood up.
'Be my guest! I think she's angry because I took her mashed eggs from her.'
Celeste sat down in the spot Eve had vacated, and picked up a spoon.
'Mashed eggs?'
'Yes, that was Daddy's idea of breakfast...though he meant well, I guess.'
Celeste turned away from Eve quickly. She was sure Julian did mean well. She was also sure that Julian had something to do with Alexandra and Theo's disappearances...she could just feel it, everytime she was near him!
And, strangely enough, Celeste suspected Julian had done something to Liz as well. But, then again, if he had, he had done the world a favor!
Celeste put the spoon towards Erin's mouth. Erin kept her mouth closed. Then, Celeste began to coo to her in French! Erin opened her mouth and took in some of the food! Eve's eyes widened.
'You are going to have to teach me some of that French! God, Celeste you are a wonder!'
Celeste smiled up at her.
'Theo used to like to hear me speak in French. It was how I used to feed him.'
Eve looked at Evan, who almost looked as if he too, were staring at Celeste with sympathy. Eve put a hand on her shoulder.
'You can't give up hope. Sam and Luis...plus T.C., are doing all they can to find them both.'
Celeste nodded.
'I know. They told me they have a witness.'
Eve sat back down.
'A witness?'
'Yes. Someone who may have seen who kidnapped my daughter and grandson. Though, I think we all know that whoever that was, was working for Stefano.'
'Oh my God! Well, why hasn't this person come forward before?' Eve asked.
Celeste shrugged.
'Who knows? Maybe they didn't know what they were seeing at the time. I just pray it leads to Alexandra and Theo.'
'Oh, I hope so too.' Eve said, and hugged her. Evan gurgled. Erin kicked at her chair again. It was time for more food!
Eve looked at Erin. The doorbell rang. Eve stood up.
'Julian hates it when I go and answer the door around here, but I can't help it. I'll be back.'
Celeste nodded, watching her as she left the room. She couldn't tell her what she suspected about Julian. She had no proof. Celeste then looked at Erin, and spooned some more food in her mouth. Celeste looked over at Evan and smiled at him. He smiled back.
****
The maid had already answered the door, when Eve got to the hallway. She stopped short when she saw who it was. The man reached his hand out.
'Mrs. Crane? Do you remember me?'
Eve did indeed.
'You're Alistair's lawyer, aren't you?'
Michael Baldwin nodded. A lot had changed since the last time he stepped foot in this house.
'Now that Alistair is back and in the flesh, I need to see him. Things will have to be returned to the way they were.'
Julian appeared with Sheridan. Julian put an arm around Eve.
'I don't think that's going to be possible, Mr. Baldwin. You see, my father is no better than a vegetable. He is unable to move or speak.'
Michael gave Julian a glib smile. What had happened to Chad Harris was a damned shame! And poor Austin Reed!
'I'll access that, if you don't mind.'
Julian peered at Baldwin.
'I didn't know you had medical training, as well as a law degree, Mr. Baldwin?'
Eve turned to Julian.
'It's alright. Once he sees him, he'll be convinced.' Eve whispered to him. Julian nodded. Eve then looked at Michael.
'He's up this way. I'll take you to him.'
Michael looked from Julian, to Eve.
'Thank you. Mrs. Crane.'
Eve walked over to the staircase. Michael followed. Julian and Sheridan watched the two of them. Sheridan then looked at Julian.
'He got here mighty fast.' she noted.
'Yes, he did indeed.' Julian murmured, feeling all the more uneasy, as the whole situation seemed to become more bizarre.
****
Sam and Luis stood on the witness's doorstep. Luis had just rung her doorbell.
'You know, Sam, she's not the most dependable witness...I mean if this leads to something, a good defense lawyer would have a field day with her.'
'That's why we're here. To make sure she is sure of what she saw.' Sam answered.
The door opened. Tabitha Lennox smiled at them.
'Hello Officers. Are you here about those dreadful kidnappings?'
Julian is uncomfortable around Celeste. Whitney warns Fox.
Fox was looking over a batch of reports, when his secretary buzzed him that 'Mrs. Crane' was there. Fox put down the reports, smiled, then stood up. What he saw when he opened the door, was a different story, however.
Ivy came breezing in. Fox rolled his eyes and slammed the door.
'What the hell do you want, Mother?' he asked in a clipped tone.
Ivy turned and smiled at him.
'Well, hello to you too, Fox. Now is that any way to greet your mother?'
Fox folded his arms.
'My, you must be feeling quite bold today. Coming over here and still referring to yourself as 'Mrs Crane'. All of that, after you hired Simon Cowell to rape my wife! Or...at least give her that impression.'
'Now Fox, that was all a terrible misunderstanding! Whitney, as usual, jumped to the wrong conclusions and now we have this terrible rift between us.'
'Mother, we've always had a 'rift' between us. It happened the day I was born. Now say what you need to say and get out.'
Fox walked back over to his desk. Ivy eyed him.
'I heard about Alistair. How is this going to affect everything?'
Fox frowned and turned back to face her.
'What the hell do you care?'
'I know we've had our differences in the past, but...'
Fox sighed loudly!
'We've never had 'differences', Mother! We've never had anything! What is this? Why are you here, acting as if you really care about my welfare? This is so unlike you! Just be straight up about why you are bothering me at this moment!'
Ivy looked down briefly, then looked up at him again.
'Fox, I know you don't think I was a very good mother. But you are a Crane, and you are entitled to your legacy. Alistair's return is going to ruin your position here! Whatever you think of me...'
Fox just stared at his mother, as she looked down and sniffed. He then rolled his eyes.
'Yeah, okay, now get out! You've said what you had to say.'
Fox's secretary buzzed him. She announced that Whitney was there to see him. Fox rolled his eyes.
'Great! I didn't want my wife to have to look at your face!'
Ivy stared at him.
'I'm sorry.'
Fox looked her up and down.
'Are you broke or something? Do you need money?'
The door opened and Whitney walked in. Her face fell when she saw Ivy. Ivy gave her a tentative smile.
'Hello, Whitney.'
Whitney walked over to Fox's side. He put an arm around her.
'Goodbye, Mother.'
Ivy said nothing and hurried towards the door. She closed it firmly behind her, then ran down the hall, past the bewildered secretary, and towards the Ladies Room. Once inside, she hurried to a stall to throw up.
After five minutes, Ivy lay her head against the seat, feeling cold and clammy. Her oncologist had told her the chemotherapy would be rough, but she hadn't expected anything like this.
****
Whitney turned to Fox and tugged on his shirt collar.
'What did your mother want?'
Fox rolled his eyes.
'Who knows? I'm sure we'll find out soon enough in the form of some scheme or something. So, what brings my lovely wife by?'
Whitney gave him a brief smile, before turning away. Fox raised a brow.
'Is it Alistair? Did he say something?'
Whitney turned back to him.
'No! Your Grandfather looks pretty out of it. He can't speak or move.'
That's good! Fox thought. But he kept his expression neutral. He reached out and put his hands on her shoulders.
'Then what is it, Whit?'
'Fox, I overheard Sam and Luis talking with Sheridan. They think that Julian, and you, had something to do with what happened to Lexie Carver and her baby.'
Fox's face betrayed none of his surprise.
'I thought Liz Sanbourne had something to do with all of that?'
'Oh, I think she did! But, Sam and Luis told Sheridan that there was a witness that saw Julian, and you, in the area that day.'
''In the area'? What does that mean?'
Whitney began nodding quickly!
'Exactly, Fox! I like Sam and Luis, but their explanation was so half-assed...I mean, Sheridan wasn't even buying it!'
'Well, did they say who this 'witness' was?'
Whitney shook her head.
'No. But, it worries me that this is their line of thinking. At this rate, Lexie and Theo will never be found!'
'Honey, forget Sam and Luis. It's just that type of thinking, that keeps them from catching any real criminals in this town. And I do remember that day Lexie and Theo were kidnapped. I went over to Pilar's to give my condolences over her husband. So, yes, I guess I was in the area.'
Whitney gaped at him.
'That's right! I remember you calling me in L.A. and telling me that! I mean, I couldn't say anything to Teresa until she heard the news from Pilar! But then that means that a lot of other people were there as well! God! I want to know who this idiot witness is?!'
'Just forget about it. Nothing will come of this, I promise you.'
Fox pulled her into his arms to calm her down. Whitney nodded against his shoulder. He then set her away from him.
'How are Father and your mother holding up? You know with Alistair coming back and all?'
'I think they're both unnerved. My feeling is they're probably going to put him in a nursing home or something.'
'Well, that would be best. He really is an awful man. I think it would just be bad for everyone around, to let him stay on the property. And if, or when, he gets well, if he's ready to become part of our family, we'll let him in.'
'Do you think that will ever happen?' Whitney asked skeptically.
'No, probably not. But let's not talk about my grandfather now.'
Whitney gave Fox a questioning look, as he walked over to his office door, and locked it. He then walked back over to her.
'I don't think I've ever given you a tour of my office.' he said, kissing her.
Whitney giggled between kisses.
****
'Sam, could we continue this questioning another day?'
Sam eyed Luis, who have him an 'I told you so' look. Julian was weaseling out of the questioning again!
Sheridan caught the look and walked over to Julian. She then looked at Luis.
'Honey, we do need to make arrangements for Father. Just come back later, please?'
Luis just stared at her. Sheridan knew that Luis, and Sam, for that matter, were thinking that she was going to tell Julian about their investigation of him. She walked away from Julian and went up to Luis.
'I'm not going to say anything to him, okay?' she said in a low voice. Besides, the idea was ludicrous! She didn't care what witness they dragged out! Neither Julian, nor Fox, would kidnap a woman and her baby in broad daylight! Liz Sanbourne was responsible for this, not her brother and nephew.
Luis nodded, but did not kiss her goodbye. He looked at Sam, who was looking at Julian.
'We'll be back first thing in the morning, Julian.' Sam said warningly.
Julian did not answer, but nodded slightly. Sam and Luis walked out of the room. As soon as the two men opened the door to leave, Sam looked at Luis.
'Let's go and talk to our witness again.' he suggested.
Luis nodded in agreement, looking back towards the room where he had left his wife.
'Yeah. If we could get a more positive I.D., it might go a long way.'
'With Sheridan?' Sam asked gingerly.
'Oh, you noticed? Boy, if we turn out to be wrong on this, Sheridan is never going to want to hear another bad word about Julian. Even after he does ANOTHER wrong thing!'
Sam shook his head.
'I feel for you.'
Just as they both were headed out of the door, Celeste appeared. Both men smiled at her. Celeste smiled back.
'Hello, officers. Is Eve around?'
Luis motioned with his head.
'I saw her go in one of those rooms back there. Listen, we're still doing everything in our power to find Lexie and Theo.'
'Yes,' Sam added, 'we have a lead...nothing big, but it might turn into something.'
Celeste shrugged.
'Your 'lead' is in this house. I can feel it.'
Sam looked away. He didn't believe in that psychic ^%$@, and always found it hard to keep a straight face when Charity had one!
But Luis stared at her.
'What do you mean?' he asked her.
'I've been having a lot of premonitions lately. They've been telling me that my Alexandra and Theo, will be coming back to me, very soon. They also tell me that someone in this house, knew where they were the whole time.'
Luis looked at Sam. Sam looked at Luis. The both wondered if the other were thinking the same thing. Was this person Celeste was referring to, Julian or Alistair?
****
Julian walked over to the bar to pour herself a drink. Sheridan watched him.
'I know it's hard having Father here.'
Julian turned and looked at his sister.
'Sheridan, I actually fear for my wife and children's lives.'
Sheridan nodded.
'Well, you know I'm not going to tell you that your fears are unfounded. We both know what Father can be like.'
'I want him out of this house. Sheridan, there's a part of me that doesn't even believe that he is a vegetable.'
'Is that how he appears? I mean I would go up and see him myself, but I'm just not ready...not after all that he has done.'
Julian set down his drink and opened his arms. Sheridan went into them. He patted her head, then let go of her.
'I sensed something was amiss when I came back in here. Are you and Luis having problems?'
Sheridan smiled up at him. How sweet of Julian to ask!
'No, not really. I wasn't going to say anything to you, since it just seems so stupid...'
'What is it?' Julian asked.
Sheridan took a deep breath.
'Sam and Luis say that there is some witness that saw Fox and you in the area, when Lexie and her baby were kidnapped.'
Julian gave his sister a deliberately blank stare.
'Yes, Sheridan, I was. So were you, probably.'
'What do you mean?'
'I mean, I dropped Fox over at Pilar's house. I do believe that was the same horrible day we found out about Martin Fitzgerald.'
Sheridan stared at him.
'My God! You're right! And there were dozens of people in that neighborhood that day! Oh my God! This witness more than likely made a stupid mistake!'
''More than likely'?' Julian asked, a small smile tugging at his lips.
Sheridan realized how that sounded.
'I'm sorry, Julian. I know neither you, or Fox, would do something so despicable. I guess what I don't understand is where Sam and Luis are coming from? I mean, what could they have possibly thought was in it for you, to kidnap the two of them?'
Julian shrugged.
'Well, let's not forget Liz.'
Sheridan rolled her eyes.
'Liz had the best motive of all. And I suspect that one of the DiMera's found out what she did and killed her.'
Julian nodded.
'Eve suspects that as well.'
Sheridan then changed the subject, asking about the twins. He was about to answer, when he saw Celeste walk by their room. Julian's jaw tightened. There was something about that woman he didn't like these days. Maybe it was the way she stared at him, as if she knew he had done something bad.
Sheridan looked behind her and saw nothing. She then turned back to her brother.
'Julian? What were you looking at just now?'
Julian shook his head slightly.
'Oh, nothing really. Celeste Perrault was in the hallway just now. I guess she's here to see Eve. They've become rather close, since Lexie disappeared.'
Sheridan nodded.
'Well, maybe she sees her as a sort of second daughter.'
Julian nodded in agreement. Of course, he didn't need a 'mother-in-law'. And Eve was always meeting her for lunch with the twins or something like that. Julian didn't mind it, as long as Celeste kept in mind, that she was not the grandmother of his children.
Julian rubbed the back of his neck.
'You know, Eve and I had agreed to let Father stay here one night, but, the more I think about it, the more I feel it would be best if I could get Father into some sort of home...by tonight.'
Sheridan touched his arm.
'You really think he may do something, don't you?'
'That man stole my first born son from me. He hates Eve. He hates Luis. And not because they are not 'blue bloods'. I won't subject my wife or children to such a hateful human being.'
Sheridan nodded in agreement.
'I'll get on the phone now. We'll put the Crane name to good use and get Father moved someplace comfortable. And don't worry Julian. You're stronger this time around...and so am I. Father is not going to snatch our dreams from us this time around.'
Julian hugged his sister again. He hoped she was right.
****
Evan finished his baby food, and now sat back and watched, as Eve wiped some mashed peas from her shirt. Eve glared at Erin. Neither Whitney, nor Simone, had been this difficult to feed as a baby!
Celeste laughed, as she walked into the room, quickly accessing the situation.
'Please, Eve, let me.'
Eve threw down the napkin that she had used to wipe herself off with. She then stood up.
'Be my guest! I think she's angry because I took her mashed eggs from her.'
Celeste sat down in the spot Eve had vacated, and picked up a spoon.
'Mashed eggs?'
'Yes, that was Daddy's idea of breakfast...though he meant well, I guess.'
Celeste turned away from Eve quickly. She was sure Julian did mean well. She was also sure that Julian had something to do with Alexandra and Theo's disappearances...she could just feel it, everytime she was near him!
And, strangely enough, Celeste suspected Julian had done something to Liz as well. But, then again, if he had, he had done the world a favor!
Celeste put the spoon towards Erin's mouth. Erin kept her mouth closed. Then, Celeste began to coo to her in French! Erin opened her mouth and took in some of the food! Eve's eyes widened.
'You are going to have to teach me some of that French! God, Celeste you are a wonder!'
Celeste smiled up at her.
'Theo used to like to hear me speak in French. It was how I used to feed him.'
Eve looked at Evan, who almost looked as if he too, were staring at Celeste with sympathy. Eve put a hand on her shoulder.
'You can't give up hope. Sam and Luis...plus T.C., are doing all they can to find them both.'
Celeste nodded.
'I know. They told me they have a witness.'
Eve sat back down.
'A witness?'
'Yes. Someone who may have seen who kidnapped my daughter and grandson. Though, I think we all know that whoever that was, was working for Stefano.'
'Oh my God! Well, why hasn't this person come forward before?' Eve asked.
Celeste shrugged.
'Who knows? Maybe they didn't know what they were seeing at the time. I just pray it leads to Alexandra and Theo.'
'Oh, I hope so too.' Eve said, and hugged her. Evan gurgled. Erin kicked at her chair again. It was time for more food!
Eve looked at Erin. The doorbell rang. Eve stood up.
'Julian hates it when I go and answer the door around here, but I can't help it. I'll be back.'
Celeste nodded, watching her as she left the room. She couldn't tell her what she suspected about Julian. She had no proof. Celeste then looked at Erin, and spooned some more food in her mouth. Celeste looked over at Evan and smiled at him. He smiled back.
****
The maid had already answered the door, when Eve got to the hallway. She stopped short when she saw who it was. The man reached his hand out.
'Mrs. Crane? Do you remember me?'
Eve did indeed.
'You're Alistair's lawyer, aren't you?'
Michael Baldwin nodded. A lot had changed since the last time he stepped foot in this house.
'Now that Alistair is back and in the flesh, I need to see him. Things will have to be returned to the way they were.'
Julian appeared with Sheridan. Julian put an arm around Eve.
'I don't think that's going to be possible, Mr. Baldwin. You see, my father is no better than a vegetable. He is unable to move or speak.'
Michael gave Julian a glib smile. What had happened to Chad Harris was a damned shame! And poor Austin Reed!
'I'll access that, if you don't mind.'
Julian peered at Baldwin.
'I didn't know you had medical training, as well as a law degree, Mr. Baldwin?'
Eve turned to Julian.
'It's alright. Once he sees him, he'll be convinced.' Eve whispered to him. Julian nodded. Eve then looked at Michael.
'He's up this way. I'll take you to him.'
Michael looked from Julian, to Eve.
'Thank you. Mrs. Crane.'
Eve walked over to the staircase. Michael followed. Julian and Sheridan watched the two of them. Sheridan then looked at Julian.
'He got here mighty fast.' she noted.
'Yes, he did indeed.' Julian murmured, feeling all the more uneasy, as the whole situation seemed to become more bizarre.
****
Sam and Luis stood on the witness's doorstep. Luis had just rung her doorbell.
'You know, Sam, she's not the most dependable witness...I mean if this leads to something, a good defense lawyer would have a field day with her.'
'That's why we're here. To make sure she is sure of what she saw.' Sam answered.
The door opened. Tabitha Lennox smiled at them.
'Hello Officers. Are you here about those dreadful kidnappings?'