Chapter 4
Lexie reunites with T.C.. Alicia has a hard time pretending with Julian.
Julian stood at the bottom of the steps and watched, as Michael Baldwin made his way towards him.
'Father and you have a nice 'chat'?' Julian asked coolly.
Michael smiled thinly.
'Now Julian, we both know that your father is an invalid, and in the worst sense of the word. How could Alistair and I have possibly been talking?'
Julian crossed his arms.
'Then what took you so long up there?'
Michael shrugged.
'I wasn't up there long.'
'You were up there an hour and a half, Mr. Baldwin. So why don't we just stop playing games here, okay? Because whatever the old man is up to, he won't succeed.'
Michael didn't answer. Personally, he didn't like what was going on here one damned bit! He was summoned here by Alistair, who was hiding his cell phone underneath his bedcovers! He comes here and is greeted by Julian, who tells him that Alistair can't speak or move, something Michael already knows not be true.
Once upstairs, Alistair outlined a vicious plan of revenge, one that was being implemented at that very moment. And, while Michael thought Alistair paid handsomely, he himself, would've never stepped foot in Alistair Crane's world again, if Crane Sr. hadn't had some very damaging information on him. Damaging enough to cost him his law license and result in a second stint in prison for him. Michael hadn't particularly cared for the place the first time around. He wasn't going back, not for anybody!
Yet, Michael couldn't help but be sick with guilt, over how things turned out for Austin Reed and Chad Harris. Especially Chad. The way he had been used was unforgivable, and would surely earn both Alistair, and Julian, places in hell. Michael knew that his going along with this whole sick scheme, had probably earned him a reservation in the underworld as well.
Michael tugged on his tie nervously.
'Are you planning on making other accommodations for your father?' he asked.
'Your damned right I am! He's not staying here. Surely, he suspects that?'
Michael raised a brow.
'Julian, these constant questions you're throwing at me, in some pathetic attempt to make me 'slip-up' or something...'
Julian walked up to him.
'You already have. You both have. There is no way you could've gotten from Genoa City to Harmony, in such a short amount of time, unless my father himself, summoned you.'
'I'll have you know, that I have many friends in the press. A source leaked the information to me that your father was alive and well. And that he was living here. So your suspicions of a 'conspiracy' between your father and me, are truly unfounded.'
Julian did not respond to this at all. Michael turned and walked towards the front door. He then turned back to Julian.
'I'll show myself out. I'll be in touch.'
Julian smirked.
'Not here you won't. A representative from a nice, exclusive nursing home here in Harmony, will be coming to pick up your employer in a half an hour. I'll forward the contact information to your office. Have a nice day.'
Michael sighed, then turned and opened the door. Alicia/Eve stood there, holding Evan. Michael looked her over, then whispered to her, as he walked past.
'Good luck dear, you're going to need it.' he said.
Alicia/Eve stared after him. She had seen him somewhere before, but where? She shook her head and stepped into the house. Evan began to cry.
Julian smiled at her and walked towards her. Alicia/Eve thrust the baby forward into his arms, to keep him from kissing her cheek. She knew she wouldn't be able to avoid this Julian guy forever, but she was not in the mood to be licked on by some pervert! It was going to take all of her skills, just to remember the important details of Eve Crane's life.
Though, a part of her realized that one of most important things was, that she was supposed to be a loving wife and mother. But not for long.
Julian took Evan, not that he had much choice. Eve was obviously still angry with him, over their disagreement about helping Lexie.
'Darling, please don't be angry. Look, we will work something out. If you feel so strongly about trying to help find Lexie, then maybe I can hire a private eye or something. But you must realize that John Black has vast resources as well. If he couldn't find his wife, then why would anyone else be able to find Lexie?'
Alicia/Eve had no idea what this man was rambling about! And it seemed too hard to try and find out. She looked around the house, eyeing the decor. Not bad. But the place was stuffy looking, and reeked of old money.
'Eve?'
Alicia/Eve looked at Julian again.
'I'm sorry, did you say something?' she asked, remembering the videos of Eve that Stefano had made her study. She had to get the woman's voice just right.
'Yes, darling, I was trying to convince you that a search for Lexie at this point would be fruitless.'
Evan began crying again. Julian frowned. Evan was usually so good and calm. Julian eyed Eve. She usually picked up each baby, the moment they began crying. Eve's attention had seemingly wandered again. She was staring at a vase.
A servant walked by. Julian asked her to take Evan to the nursery for a nap. The servant smiled and took the baby from Julian. Julian eyed Eve as this was happening. Eve usually didn't want the servants doing much for the twins, and seemed determined to do as much as she could herself.
But, once again, Eve's attention had wandered to the vase, to the front door. She walked over to it and began touching the wall next to the door.
'Eve? What is the matter?'
Alicia/Eve turned and looked at Julian again.
'I'm sorry. I guess I was just remembering that this is where it happened.'
'Where what happened?'
Alicia/Eve frowned at him. Her voice almost came out in a snarl.
'Where Chad killed himself! Really nice that you could forget so soon!'
''So soon?' Eve that was over a year ago!'
'So what? I will never forget that horrible moment...look, I'm tired...I just want to rest.'
Julian looked her up and down.
'Alright. Look, I've made arrangements for Father to be taken away to a nursing home. So, we won't have to worry about his being around the twins.'
Julian suspected that deep down, this was what was really causing Eve's odd behavior. She was upset about Alistair being in the house. Maybe he could quietly look into where Lexie may be. Anything to appease his wife.
Alicia/Eve was still looking at the door and the wall. Julian frowned and walked up behind her. He rested his hands on her shoulders. Alicia/Eve jumped, slapping his hands away!
'Eve! What the hell is wrong with you?!'
'I'm sorry, Julian...I'm just feeling tired. I think I'm going to go and take a nap.'
Julian stared at her. He supposed that could be it.
'Well, alright darling. Why don't you go up and rest. You probably have a full day at the hospital tomorrow.'
Alicia/Eve's eyes widened!
'Yes, about that. I'm going to quit.'
Now, Julian's eyes widened!
'What?'
'Yes, I mean, I want to spend more time with the twins, you know, Evan and Erin...and I can't be a good mother working all of the time. So, tomorrow, I am going to quit.'
Julian tentatively reached out and touched her shoulders again. Alicia/Eve steeled herself, and let him.
'Maybe we should call a doctor? Maybe he can prescribe something for your nerves?'
Alicia/Eve flashed him a brilliant smile.
'I don't need a doctor, Julian! That walk really cleared my head and I know what I want now, okay?'
Julian nodded slowly. He wasn't buying any of this, but, he would get to the bottom of it later. Right now, he wanted to make sure that his father was removed from this house. Julian pulled Eve to him and kissed her. He then pulled away and yiped!
Alicia/Eve had bitten him! She just didn't see how she was going to be able to pull this off! The thought of this man touching her in any way, made her ill! She broke away from him and ran up the stairs.
'Eve!' Julian almost hissed, watching in disbelief as his wife ran away from him. He then turned away. Did Eve hate him now? Was she so disappointed in him, that now she couldn't bear for him to even touch her?!
Meanwhile, Alicia/Eve, made her way to Alistair's room. She hurried in and slammed the door. Alistair stared into space.
'Oh cut the crap! It's me!'
Alistair turned towards her.
'You're already screwing up! Eve would never come in here, not if she didn't have to.'
'I can't do this! I'm sorry, but I hate your son!'
Alistair's eyes glittered with glee.
'Then use that hate to convince my son that you no longer love him. Then take his bastards out of here.'
Alicia/Eve nodded.
'That was the plan in the first place...but it is just so hard! He's always trying to touch me!'
'He is your husband.' Alistair said wryly.
'No, he isn't. He's hers. And that bitch, and your son, killed my boy! You should've heard him just now! Your son barely remembers that my Chad even existed!'
Alistair stared at her. Both he and Stefano, knew that using Chad Harris's real mother, against Julian and Eve, was a stroke of genius. That was what this past year of plastic surgery and lessons to talk and be Eve Russell, were all about.
It was the times like this that annoyed him the most. When Alicia Sheffield would run on and on, about how much she had loved her son. But, she had abandoned him, for reasons that may have been sound at the time, but not entirely excusable. She could've raised Chad, and nothing that had ensued, might have ever happened.
But this Sheffield woman was failing miserably. And although Alistair thought his son a fool, he wasn't a complete one.
'Just remember your son, Ms. Sheffield. Remember how I tried to do right by him, and how Julian stole his rightful inheritance, and his peace of mind, from your boy. Hatred and revenge, Ms. Sheffield, can get you through anything. Even sex with my son. Because if Julian gets suspicious, this early in the game, all of this, will have been for naught.'
Alicia nodded. She then took a deep breath, turned and was about to leave Alistair's room, when she turned back to look at him.
'I just thought I should warn you, your son is putting you in a nursing home.'
Alistair smiled.
'Julian is such a predictable fool. But thank you dear, as usual, I was expecting this move from him.'
Alicia gave him a puzzled look, before turning and leaving the room.
****
The limo pulled up in front of T.C.'s house. Lexie, who had Theo on her lap, looked at the house. She then looked at Liz.
'How do you think Alicia is doing?' she asked her step-mother.
Liz smiled.
'Probably not well. I never had the faith in her, that Stefano and Alistair did. She's still too angry over Chad, not that I blame her. But she won't be able to hide it from Julian. He'll be on to her in no time. But, by then, it will be too late for my dear sister anyway.'
Lexie looked away when she said that. Liz rolled her eyes.
'I can't believe you're feeling sorry for that tramp!'
'Liz, Julian was the one that did this to us. Eve probably didn't know anything about it.'
'Maybe. Maybe not. But this isn't really about what Eve knew or didn't know. Unfortunately, my sister is the one thing that Julian Crane loves most in this world. This is about hurting him, not her. Besides, she's just switching places with us, that's all.'
Lexie still didn't say anything. Theo kicked, restless at being in the back of the limo.
'I just can't help but think that an eye for an eye, isn't going to solve anything.'
Liz smirked.
'I like being Stefano's wife. I like the power, the money...everything that comes with it. I wasn't going to have his attentions diverted from me, with a daughter and grandson that didn't want to be there, or some bitch that wouldn't let him touch her.'
Lexie rolled her eyes.
'You mean Marlena?'
'Oh, you're damned right I mean Marlena! Hopefully, your father now realizes that with me by his side, he doesn't need her.'
Lexie eyed her.
'Well that's all well and good for you, Liz. But now I've been left in one hell of a position. Because once Alicia fails, and you're right, she probably will, I'm going to have to lie and pretend that I don't know where Eve is. And if T.C. ever finds out....I just hate coming back here with a murky slate, that's all. I'm going in now.'
Lexie opened the door, carrying Theo. She was about to close it, when Liz's hand snaked out and touched her arm.
'No, 'thank you, Liz, for reuniting me with T.C'?'
Lexie looked down at her.
'You did what you did for yourself, dear. So let's do one another a favor, and never cross each other's path's again, okay?'
Lexie then pulled her arm away. Liz reached out and pulled the door closed. The limo screeched off.
Lexie walked up the drive-way, then up the walk. She was soon standing at the front door. She reached out and rang the bell. She smiled at Theo.
The door opened, and Simone was standing there. Simone's mouth dropped open. Lexie's eyes filled with tears. It was so nice to see a friendly face again!
'DADDY!' Simone screamed, pulling Lexie and Theo in. Theo began to cry.
T.C., who had been upstairs unpacking, after another fruitless search for Lexie, trudged down the stairs. What was Simone going on about down there?
He was a third of the way down, when he saw her. T.C.'s eyes were huge, as he slowly descended the remaining stairs. Lexie and Theo stared at him, as he slowly approached.
'Am I dreaming? Is it really you, baby?'
Lexie then began to cry. Theo clapped his hands together. T.C. pulled them both into his arms. Simone put her arms around all of them.
****
SALEM-Penthouse
'I felt so sorry for T.C.' John said, as he and Rebecca entered the penthouse. Rebecca rolled her eyes, but then put on a sympathetic face, when John turned around to look at her. They had just walked in, with John carrying on overnight bag. Rebecca closed the door behind them.
'I know, John. I think he gets more discouraged everytime you take one of these trips. Maybe you shouldn't anymore.'
John was looking through his mail when she said that. He stopped and looked at her.
'What do you mean? Surely, you're not suggesting that I stop looking for Doc?'
Yes! Rebecca's mind screamed, as she eyed John's taut body. He was wearing jeans and a blue t-shirt. She wanted to touch him so badly right now! And she wanted to know what it would be like to have his hands on her skin. Maybe it was time to stop coddling him.
'John, I think that Marlena would want you to go on with your life...I think that it's going to be up to her to escape, if she wants to come back here.'
John blinked, then set down the mail. He walked over to her.
'Rebecca, I can't just stop looking for my wife. Each day that she spends in Stefano's clutches, is probably hell on earth.'
Rebecca reached up and touched his face.
'I know. I realize that. But you can't put your life on hold...your needs...'
Rebecca pulled him to her and began to kiss him. She let her fingers knot in his hair. She had been wanting this for so long! And he wasn't fighting her!
John reluctantly pulled away.
'Rebecca...it wouldn't be right...I would just be using you...'
'I don't care! I've been wanting to be with you ever since the island...I have never been cared for by such a big, strong man...just forget about Marlena for a couple of hours...then after...'
John pulled her into his arms and kissed her! He then abruptly let go of her and began pulling her towards the spiral staircase. But Rebecca stopped him.
'No!' she cried out, pulling his shirt off of him. She didn't want to waste anytime with stairs.
****
Hours later, Rebecca lay in John Black's arms, sated and happy. They were on the living-room floor, using the couch as a headboard. John was dozing. Probably from jet and 'Becky -lag'.
Rebecca smiled at his handsome face. She was a big girl. She knew John did not love her, yet. And while this may have been meaningless sex for him, Rebecca knew she wanted more of it from him...for the rest of her life.
Though, John wasn't really that type of man. Meaning, that sex, to him, was never meaningless. He had taken this step with her, because Rebecca truly believed that there was a part of him, that was ready to let Marlena go. All John needed was a little push.
'What the hell?!'
Rebecca pulled out of John's arms, and peeked over the couch. John woke up as well.
'What was that?' he asked, and began to get up.
But Rebecca's heart dropped into her stomach! For standing before them, was Marlena! There was a towel wrapped around her head, and she was wearing a light, pink terrycloth robe.
'Answer me, John! What the hell are you doing with this bitch?!'
John slowly stood up, his facial expression one of pure happiness.
'Doc? Is that really you?'
He reached out to touch her face. Marlena slapped it away! She then looked at Rebecca, who stood up boldly and arched a brow.
'You know, I was upstairs taking a shower...' Marlena began.
'All of this time?' Rebecca asked.
'Yes, dear. You see, it took that long to wash off every damned time Stefano attempted to touch me! Does that bother you, Rebecca? Does that bother you at all?'
Rebecca turned away and began looking for her clothes. It was obvious that Marlena knew of her part in this whole thing. She was fully prepared to lie.
John shook his head.
'Honey, I understand you're upset! Please, let's just calm down here so we can talk. Let's call the police and find out if we can still catch Stefano.'
'Oh, I doubt you'll be able to do that, 'honey'! You see, I didn't escape from him, and he didn't drop me off here personally...he just up and let me go! He just let me leave his place, blindfolded, of course, then unblindfolded by the time I got here, on one of his private jets.'
'Why did he let you go?' Rebecca could not help but ask. God! Pookie had been right about that Stefano! She wondered if Julian was catching hell now on his end!
'Did that surprise you, 'Becky' dear?'
John looked from Marlena to Rebecca.
'What's going on here? Why are you acting this way towards Rebecca?'
'Oh, besides the fact that I've come home, after a year of being in the hands of a madman, only to find that my own husband hasn't missed me much at all! Probably hasn't even tried to look for me! God, and why would you?! Just look at the whore's breasts over there! Why look for me when you could be enjoying her charms!'
'That's not true!' John hissed.
'Well, John, honey, I bet your Rebecca never told you, that she, herself, was probably the last person to see me, before I was kidnapped! I bet you she didn't say anything about luring me over to Basic Black with some crock story, just so Stefano could kidnap me, did she?'
John turned and looked at Rebecca.
'Rebecca, is that true?'
Rebecca felt a calm come over her, like she had never felt before. She loved John Black. And she wasn't about to lose him now. There was no proof that Rebecca had seen Marlena. They had been alone. And if they went back and looked at phone records, Rebecca would admit to calling her, for advice or something. But she wasn't about to admit to a damned thing that could incriminate her in John's eyes!
'No, John, it isn't. I don't know what she's talking about.'
****
Eve was placed on a private jet, still unconscious. She was then laid on a couch, as the pilot prepared for take off.
Tony DiMera came out of a back room and stared down at Eve. They needed alone time, just the two of them. Father's compound, in the Himalayas, would be the perfect place. No Julian Crane, no twins. Just the two of them.
Lexie reunites with T.C.. Alicia has a hard time pretending with Julian.
Julian stood at the bottom of the steps and watched, as Michael Baldwin made his way towards him.
'Father and you have a nice 'chat'?' Julian asked coolly.
Michael smiled thinly.
'Now Julian, we both know that your father is an invalid, and in the worst sense of the word. How could Alistair and I have possibly been talking?'
Julian crossed his arms.
'Then what took you so long up there?'
Michael shrugged.
'I wasn't up there long.'
'You were up there an hour and a half, Mr. Baldwin. So why don't we just stop playing games here, okay? Because whatever the old man is up to, he won't succeed.'
Michael didn't answer. Personally, he didn't like what was going on here one damned bit! He was summoned here by Alistair, who was hiding his cell phone underneath his bedcovers! He comes here and is greeted by Julian, who tells him that Alistair can't speak or move, something Michael already knows not be true.
Once upstairs, Alistair outlined a vicious plan of revenge, one that was being implemented at that very moment. And, while Michael thought Alistair paid handsomely, he himself, would've never stepped foot in Alistair Crane's world again, if Crane Sr. hadn't had some very damaging information on him. Damaging enough to cost him his law license and result in a second stint in prison for him. Michael hadn't particularly cared for the place the first time around. He wasn't going back, not for anybody!
Yet, Michael couldn't help but be sick with guilt, over how things turned out for Austin Reed and Chad Harris. Especially Chad. The way he had been used was unforgivable, and would surely earn both Alistair, and Julian, places in hell. Michael knew that his going along with this whole sick scheme, had probably earned him a reservation in the underworld as well.
Michael tugged on his tie nervously.
'Are you planning on making other accommodations for your father?' he asked.
'Your damned right I am! He's not staying here. Surely, he suspects that?'
Michael raised a brow.
'Julian, these constant questions you're throwing at me, in some pathetic attempt to make me 'slip-up' or something...'
Julian walked up to him.
'You already have. You both have. There is no way you could've gotten from Genoa City to Harmony, in such a short amount of time, unless my father himself, summoned you.'
'I'll have you know, that I have many friends in the press. A source leaked the information to me that your father was alive and well. And that he was living here. So your suspicions of a 'conspiracy' between your father and me, are truly unfounded.'
Julian did not respond to this at all. Michael turned and walked towards the front door. He then turned back to Julian.
'I'll show myself out. I'll be in touch.'
Julian smirked.
'Not here you won't. A representative from a nice, exclusive nursing home here in Harmony, will be coming to pick up your employer in a half an hour. I'll forward the contact information to your office. Have a nice day.'
Michael sighed, then turned and opened the door. Alicia/Eve stood there, holding Evan. Michael looked her over, then whispered to her, as he walked past.
'Good luck dear, you're going to need it.' he said.
Alicia/Eve stared after him. She had seen him somewhere before, but where? She shook her head and stepped into the house. Evan began to cry.
Julian smiled at her and walked towards her. Alicia/Eve thrust the baby forward into his arms, to keep him from kissing her cheek. She knew she wouldn't be able to avoid this Julian guy forever, but she was not in the mood to be licked on by some pervert! It was going to take all of her skills, just to remember the important details of Eve Crane's life.
Though, a part of her realized that one of most important things was, that she was supposed to be a loving wife and mother. But not for long.
Julian took Evan, not that he had much choice. Eve was obviously still angry with him, over their disagreement about helping Lexie.
'Darling, please don't be angry. Look, we will work something out. If you feel so strongly about trying to help find Lexie, then maybe I can hire a private eye or something. But you must realize that John Black has vast resources as well. If he couldn't find his wife, then why would anyone else be able to find Lexie?'
Alicia/Eve had no idea what this man was rambling about! And it seemed too hard to try and find out. She looked around the house, eyeing the decor. Not bad. But the place was stuffy looking, and reeked of old money.
'Eve?'
Alicia/Eve looked at Julian again.
'I'm sorry, did you say something?' she asked, remembering the videos of Eve that Stefano had made her study. She had to get the woman's voice just right.
'Yes, darling, I was trying to convince you that a search for Lexie at this point would be fruitless.'
Evan began crying again. Julian frowned. Evan was usually so good and calm. Julian eyed Eve. She usually picked up each baby, the moment they began crying. Eve's attention had seemingly wandered again. She was staring at a vase.
A servant walked by. Julian asked her to take Evan to the nursery for a nap. The servant smiled and took the baby from Julian. Julian eyed Eve as this was happening. Eve usually didn't want the servants doing much for the twins, and seemed determined to do as much as she could herself.
But, once again, Eve's attention had wandered to the vase, to the front door. She walked over to it and began touching the wall next to the door.
'Eve? What is the matter?'
Alicia/Eve turned and looked at Julian again.
'I'm sorry. I guess I was just remembering that this is where it happened.'
'Where what happened?'
Alicia/Eve frowned at him. Her voice almost came out in a snarl.
'Where Chad killed himself! Really nice that you could forget so soon!'
''So soon?' Eve that was over a year ago!'
'So what? I will never forget that horrible moment...look, I'm tired...I just want to rest.'
Julian looked her up and down.
'Alright. Look, I've made arrangements for Father to be taken away to a nursing home. So, we won't have to worry about his being around the twins.'
Julian suspected that deep down, this was what was really causing Eve's odd behavior. She was upset about Alistair being in the house. Maybe he could quietly look into where Lexie may be. Anything to appease his wife.
Alicia/Eve was still looking at the door and the wall. Julian frowned and walked up behind her. He rested his hands on her shoulders. Alicia/Eve jumped, slapping his hands away!
'Eve! What the hell is wrong with you?!'
'I'm sorry, Julian...I'm just feeling tired. I think I'm going to go and take a nap.'
Julian stared at her. He supposed that could be it.
'Well, alright darling. Why don't you go up and rest. You probably have a full day at the hospital tomorrow.'
Alicia/Eve's eyes widened!
'Yes, about that. I'm going to quit.'
Now, Julian's eyes widened!
'What?'
'Yes, I mean, I want to spend more time with the twins, you know, Evan and Erin...and I can't be a good mother working all of the time. So, tomorrow, I am going to quit.'
Julian tentatively reached out and touched her shoulders again. Alicia/Eve steeled herself, and let him.
'Maybe we should call a doctor? Maybe he can prescribe something for your nerves?'
Alicia/Eve flashed him a brilliant smile.
'I don't need a doctor, Julian! That walk really cleared my head and I know what I want now, okay?'
Julian nodded slowly. He wasn't buying any of this, but, he would get to the bottom of it later. Right now, he wanted to make sure that his father was removed from this house. Julian pulled Eve to him and kissed her. He then pulled away and yiped!
Alicia/Eve had bitten him! She just didn't see how she was going to be able to pull this off! The thought of this man touching her in any way, made her ill! She broke away from him and ran up the stairs.
'Eve!' Julian almost hissed, watching in disbelief as his wife ran away from him. He then turned away. Did Eve hate him now? Was she so disappointed in him, that now she couldn't bear for him to even touch her?!
Meanwhile, Alicia/Eve, made her way to Alistair's room. She hurried in and slammed the door. Alistair stared into space.
'Oh cut the crap! It's me!'
Alistair turned towards her.
'You're already screwing up! Eve would never come in here, not if she didn't have to.'
'I can't do this! I'm sorry, but I hate your son!'
Alistair's eyes glittered with glee.
'Then use that hate to convince my son that you no longer love him. Then take his bastards out of here.'
Alicia/Eve nodded.
'That was the plan in the first place...but it is just so hard! He's always trying to touch me!'
'He is your husband.' Alistair said wryly.
'No, he isn't. He's hers. And that bitch, and your son, killed my boy! You should've heard him just now! Your son barely remembers that my Chad even existed!'
Alistair stared at her. Both he and Stefano, knew that using Chad Harris's real mother, against Julian and Eve, was a stroke of genius. That was what this past year of plastic surgery and lessons to talk and be Eve Russell, were all about.
It was the times like this that annoyed him the most. When Alicia Sheffield would run on and on, about how much she had loved her son. But, she had abandoned him, for reasons that may have been sound at the time, but not entirely excusable. She could've raised Chad, and nothing that had ensued, might have ever happened.
But this Sheffield woman was failing miserably. And although Alistair thought his son a fool, he wasn't a complete one.
'Just remember your son, Ms. Sheffield. Remember how I tried to do right by him, and how Julian stole his rightful inheritance, and his peace of mind, from your boy. Hatred and revenge, Ms. Sheffield, can get you through anything. Even sex with my son. Because if Julian gets suspicious, this early in the game, all of this, will have been for naught.'
Alicia nodded. She then took a deep breath, turned and was about to leave Alistair's room, when she turned back to look at him.
'I just thought I should warn you, your son is putting you in a nursing home.'
Alistair smiled.
'Julian is such a predictable fool. But thank you dear, as usual, I was expecting this move from him.'
Alicia gave him a puzzled look, before turning and leaving the room.
****
The limo pulled up in front of T.C.'s house. Lexie, who had Theo on her lap, looked at the house. She then looked at Liz.
'How do you think Alicia is doing?' she asked her step-mother.
Liz smiled.
'Probably not well. I never had the faith in her, that Stefano and Alistair did. She's still too angry over Chad, not that I blame her. But she won't be able to hide it from Julian. He'll be on to her in no time. But, by then, it will be too late for my dear sister anyway.'
Lexie looked away when she said that. Liz rolled her eyes.
'I can't believe you're feeling sorry for that tramp!'
'Liz, Julian was the one that did this to us. Eve probably didn't know anything about it.'
'Maybe. Maybe not. But this isn't really about what Eve knew or didn't know. Unfortunately, my sister is the one thing that Julian Crane loves most in this world. This is about hurting him, not her. Besides, she's just switching places with us, that's all.'
Lexie still didn't say anything. Theo kicked, restless at being in the back of the limo.
'I just can't help but think that an eye for an eye, isn't going to solve anything.'
Liz smirked.
'I like being Stefano's wife. I like the power, the money...everything that comes with it. I wasn't going to have his attentions diverted from me, with a daughter and grandson that didn't want to be there, or some bitch that wouldn't let him touch her.'
Lexie rolled her eyes.
'You mean Marlena?'
'Oh, you're damned right I mean Marlena! Hopefully, your father now realizes that with me by his side, he doesn't need her.'
Lexie eyed her.
'Well that's all well and good for you, Liz. But now I've been left in one hell of a position. Because once Alicia fails, and you're right, she probably will, I'm going to have to lie and pretend that I don't know where Eve is. And if T.C. ever finds out....I just hate coming back here with a murky slate, that's all. I'm going in now.'
Lexie opened the door, carrying Theo. She was about to close it, when Liz's hand snaked out and touched her arm.
'No, 'thank you, Liz, for reuniting me with T.C'?'
Lexie looked down at her.
'You did what you did for yourself, dear. So let's do one another a favor, and never cross each other's path's again, okay?'
Lexie then pulled her arm away. Liz reached out and pulled the door closed. The limo screeched off.
Lexie walked up the drive-way, then up the walk. She was soon standing at the front door. She reached out and rang the bell. She smiled at Theo.
The door opened, and Simone was standing there. Simone's mouth dropped open. Lexie's eyes filled with tears. It was so nice to see a friendly face again!
'DADDY!' Simone screamed, pulling Lexie and Theo in. Theo began to cry.
T.C., who had been upstairs unpacking, after another fruitless search for Lexie, trudged down the stairs. What was Simone going on about down there?
He was a third of the way down, when he saw her. T.C.'s eyes were huge, as he slowly descended the remaining stairs. Lexie and Theo stared at him, as he slowly approached.
'Am I dreaming? Is it really you, baby?'
Lexie then began to cry. Theo clapped his hands together. T.C. pulled them both into his arms. Simone put her arms around all of them.
****
SALEM-Penthouse
'I felt so sorry for T.C.' John said, as he and Rebecca entered the penthouse. Rebecca rolled her eyes, but then put on a sympathetic face, when John turned around to look at her. They had just walked in, with John carrying on overnight bag. Rebecca closed the door behind them.
'I know, John. I think he gets more discouraged everytime you take one of these trips. Maybe you shouldn't anymore.'
John was looking through his mail when she said that. He stopped and looked at her.
'What do you mean? Surely, you're not suggesting that I stop looking for Doc?'
Yes! Rebecca's mind screamed, as she eyed John's taut body. He was wearing jeans and a blue t-shirt. She wanted to touch him so badly right now! And she wanted to know what it would be like to have his hands on her skin. Maybe it was time to stop coddling him.
'John, I think that Marlena would want you to go on with your life...I think that it's going to be up to her to escape, if she wants to come back here.'
John blinked, then set down the mail. He walked over to her.
'Rebecca, I can't just stop looking for my wife. Each day that she spends in Stefano's clutches, is probably hell on earth.'
Rebecca reached up and touched his face.
'I know. I realize that. But you can't put your life on hold...your needs...'
Rebecca pulled him to her and began to kiss him. She let her fingers knot in his hair. She had been wanting this for so long! And he wasn't fighting her!
John reluctantly pulled away.
'Rebecca...it wouldn't be right...I would just be using you...'
'I don't care! I've been wanting to be with you ever since the island...I have never been cared for by such a big, strong man...just forget about Marlena for a couple of hours...then after...'
John pulled her into his arms and kissed her! He then abruptly let go of her and began pulling her towards the spiral staircase. But Rebecca stopped him.
'No!' she cried out, pulling his shirt off of him. She didn't want to waste anytime with stairs.
****
Hours later, Rebecca lay in John Black's arms, sated and happy. They were on the living-room floor, using the couch as a headboard. John was dozing. Probably from jet and 'Becky -lag'.
Rebecca smiled at his handsome face. She was a big girl. She knew John did not love her, yet. And while this may have been meaningless sex for him, Rebecca knew she wanted more of it from him...for the rest of her life.
Though, John wasn't really that type of man. Meaning, that sex, to him, was never meaningless. He had taken this step with her, because Rebecca truly believed that there was a part of him, that was ready to let Marlena go. All John needed was a little push.
'What the hell?!'
Rebecca pulled out of John's arms, and peeked over the couch. John woke up as well.
'What was that?' he asked, and began to get up.
But Rebecca's heart dropped into her stomach! For standing before them, was Marlena! There was a towel wrapped around her head, and she was wearing a light, pink terrycloth robe.
'Answer me, John! What the hell are you doing with this bitch?!'
John slowly stood up, his facial expression one of pure happiness.
'Doc? Is that really you?'
He reached out to touch her face. Marlena slapped it away! She then looked at Rebecca, who stood up boldly and arched a brow.
'You know, I was upstairs taking a shower...' Marlena began.
'All of this time?' Rebecca asked.
'Yes, dear. You see, it took that long to wash off every damned time Stefano attempted to touch me! Does that bother you, Rebecca? Does that bother you at all?'
Rebecca turned away and began looking for her clothes. It was obvious that Marlena knew of her part in this whole thing. She was fully prepared to lie.
John shook his head.
'Honey, I understand you're upset! Please, let's just calm down here so we can talk. Let's call the police and find out if we can still catch Stefano.'
'Oh, I doubt you'll be able to do that, 'honey'! You see, I didn't escape from him, and he didn't drop me off here personally...he just up and let me go! He just let me leave his place, blindfolded, of course, then unblindfolded by the time I got here, on one of his private jets.'
'Why did he let you go?' Rebecca could not help but ask. God! Pookie had been right about that Stefano! She wondered if Julian was catching hell now on his end!
'Did that surprise you, 'Becky' dear?'
John looked from Marlena to Rebecca.
'What's going on here? Why are you acting this way towards Rebecca?'
'Oh, besides the fact that I've come home, after a year of being in the hands of a madman, only to find that my own husband hasn't missed me much at all! Probably hasn't even tried to look for me! God, and why would you?! Just look at the whore's breasts over there! Why look for me when you could be enjoying her charms!'
'That's not true!' John hissed.
'Well, John, honey, I bet your Rebecca never told you, that she, herself, was probably the last person to see me, before I was kidnapped! I bet you she didn't say anything about luring me over to Basic Black with some crock story, just so Stefano could kidnap me, did she?'
John turned and looked at Rebecca.
'Rebecca, is that true?'
Rebecca felt a calm come over her, like she had never felt before. She loved John Black. And she wasn't about to lose him now. There was no proof that Rebecca had seen Marlena. They had been alone. And if they went back and looked at phone records, Rebecca would admit to calling her, for advice or something. But she wasn't about to admit to a damned thing that could incriminate her in John's eyes!
'No, John, it isn't. I don't know what she's talking about.'
****
Eve was placed on a private jet, still unconscious. She was then laid on a couch, as the pilot prepared for take off.
Tony DiMera came out of a back room and stared down at Eve. They needed alone time, just the two of them. Father's compound, in the Himalayas, would be the perfect place. No Julian Crane, no twins. Just the two of them.