Chapter 15
Rebecca tests John. Eve wants to make Lexie pay.
Eve stared out at the clouds, as she sat on a couch on the Crane jet. She was dressed in a white terrycloth robe, with the initials E.C. on it. Her feet were curled beneath her.
Julian was singing at the top of his lungs, in the shower on board. Eve smiled in that direction. She had just finished hers, but both of them had ended up taking three showers each!
Eve smiled at the memory of the first one, the shower that they had ended up sharing. She had had her back to the glass door, letting the water run down her, as she thought of Liz...and Tony. Eve had wondered if the creature had come back for him, in order to slaughter him, as he did Liz, when she felt cold air creep into the shower.
Eve had turned around to find Julian standing in the doorway, naked and quite happy to see her. She had smiled, pulling him in with her and closing the door. Their lovemaking had gotten so wild, that not only did it make Eve forget about Liz and Tony, but they both slipped on the floor!
Unhurt, but mindful that the shower was just a bit dangerous when wet, Eve sent Julian away. After he left, she closed the door and concentrated on the task at hand: washing away all that had been associated with their grueling ordeal in the Himalayas.
She was not long into the task, when she was washing her hair, that she looked over and noticed Julian's face pressed against the glass. He looked as if he were pouting! Eve laughed, opened up the door again, and yes, let Julian have his way with her again!
Finally, Eve had to beg off for a third time, telling him that he really needed to behave. Julian promised, leaving reluctantly. Eve then finished showering. Julian was going to be lucky to have any hot water left at all!
She shook herself out of her reverie, when Julian came out of the bathroom, wearing a similar white, terrycloth robe with the initials J.C. on it. He was drying his hair with a towel. Eve motioned for him to come sit next to her. He did. She took the towel from him and began rubbing his hair dry.
Julian was quiet, wondering if he should bring his wife something to eat, before he broke the news to her about what happened to T.C., or after!
He had made the decision not to tell the overseas authorities anything yet. The last thing he wanted, was for Eve and him to get delayed in a foreign country. They needed to get back to Evan and Erin. Julian would tell Sam all that he remembered...maybe he could use it to get the charges that Russell was sure to file against him, dropped.
Eve noted his silence. She peeked around at him.
'Silence from such wonderful singer?'
Julian turned to look at her. Their lovemaking in the shower just now, had been beyond anything he had ever experienced with her before. Maybe it was because he had missed her so much. Maybe it had been the feel of her silken limbs, wrapped around his waist, as he made her his very own. He then sighed. There was no point in putting off the inevitable. Eve had a right to know that he might be arrested as soon as they got back.
'Darling, there's something we need to discuss.'
Eve finished rubbing his hair, and set the towel aside.
'Okay. What is it?'
'It's about what we're going to face when we return home.'
Eve looked puzzled.
'I don't understand.'
Julian took her hands in his.
'T.C. and I had a fight before I left to find you and...'
Eve snatched her hands away! She then jumped up.
'Julian!'
Julian stood up as well.
'Eve, it was not my fault, as usual! T.C. just went crazy, leaped at me, I ducked and...'
'And what?'
'And he went flying off one of the terraces at the hospital.' Julian practically squeaked, gauging her reaction.
Her mouth fell open!
'From what floor?!'
'A very high one...he landed on top of an ambulance.'
'Oh my God! Is he alright?'
Julian shrugged, turning away from her a bit.
'I left before finding out.'
'Oh, Julian!'
Julian reached out and put his hands on her shoulders.
'Eve, darling, I didn't have the time to stay at your ex-husband's bedside, alright? And the altercation was all Lexie's fault anyway.'
Eve said nothing, and looked away.
'What? What is it?'
Eve returned her gaze to him.
'Abe told me that Lexie was in on this plan to get revenge on us. He told me that she knew that you had arranged to have her kidnapped. Then, back at the compound, you confirmed Abe's story. I don't know what I'm going to do about her.'
'Do?' Julian asked.
Eve looked him up and down, then pulled out of his grip.
'If you think that I plan on letting her get away with what she's done...Liz is dead, that awful woman named Alicia is...where did you say she went? Did Sam or Luis arrest her?'
Julian snorted!
'When do Sam or Luis ever arrest anyone that needs arresting? No, she had an altercation with Celeste at her apartment. When the police went back to find her, she was gone.'
'Great! So she's on the loose somewhere!'
Julian touched her arm.
'Darling, I have no intention of letting that crazy woman near you, Evan or Erin. Now let's get back to what you were saying about Lexie. What is it you're planning on doing?'
Eve gave him a hard, yet, determined look.
'She can't be with T.C., Julian.'
'Well, darling, that's up to T.C.'
'And I'm sure he doesn't know the half of what she's done.' Eve added.
Julian squeezed her arm.
'Eve, believe me when I tell you that Lexie will get hers.'
Eve's eyes widened!
'Oh, please don't tell me that Julian Crane is telling me to leave it all in the hands of the Gods? That woman schemed to separate me from my children and husband! That double that her and Liz sent to our home, burned it down! I couldn't even be civil to Lexie on the street now!'
Julian pulled her back over to the couch. Eve was usually so forgiving, and willing to look deeper into one's psyche, as to why a person behaved as one did. But he felt as if he was listening to a different woman. And while it was understandable, that his wife would feel the way she did, he had learned some things as well.
'Eve, the one thing I've learned, being with you, is that secrets destroy a relationship. You know that, from living with T.C. all of those years. I know that, from the many times, since we've truly been together, that I've almost lost you. I don't know Lexie very well, but she's easy enough to read. She's lying to T.C. ten times more than you ever thought you did. And there are so many other people in T.C.'s life, that are on to Lexie, it won't be long until he sees her for what she is. So, let's just stay out of it.'
Eve didn't say anything. She pulled away from Julian and went to another compartment. Julian sighed heavily, realizing she needed to be alone right now. They had no choice but to not make waves. For if they accused Lexie of being behind Eve's kidnapping, all Lexie would do was point the finger at him. Julian sat back and stared out of the window.
He suddenly changed his mind, got up, and followed Eve into the next compartment. She looked away when he entered.
'You know,' Julian began, 'I was just going to let you sulk in here for awhile, until you cooled off. But letting you do that, was how I lost you before. We need to settle this, right now, before this plane lands back in Harmony.'
Eve crossed her arms.
'What is there to settle? You want me to just forget what Lexie did to us.'
'Yes...and no. Eve, I've seen the woman! She does not want T.C. to know her true nature or what she has done. As long as that is important to her, we'll be safe. We've all done things, Lexie, you and I. If any of us want to begin anew, we have to just keep a wary eye on one another. We don't have any choice. Because we don't know that Lexie isn't still in contact with her father and brother. And we don't know that we really left them for dead. And when Lexie feels threatened...'
'She goes running to them.' Eve finished. She sat down in a chair, her face a mass of worry.
Julian pulled up a chair and sat in front of her.
'What is it?' he asked.
Eve looked Julian in the eye.
'I'm sorry, Julian, but I just don't agree with you. You make it sound as if we're no better than Lexie. We are. I could've sought some kind of revenge of Lexie, for not telling me who I really was, back when I had amnesia. She knew I had a husband and daughters who thought I was dead. Did I get mad and do some scummy thing to her? No. I forgave and forgot. And it is definitely not our fault that Stefano DiMera has a thing for kidnapping his children! We are not like her. The things we've done, have been to protect one another, and the people that we love. Lexie has done what she has done to cover her own behind!'
'Alright, I see there is no talking you out of this.'
'Julian, I don't plan on beating her up or anything! But I am going to tell T.C. what she has done.'
'And if T.C. chooses not to believe you?'
Eve shrugged.
'There's nothing I can do about that. But I wouldn't feel right unless he knew the truth.'
Julian reached out and pulled her into his arms. His wife was determined to do this thing. All he could do now, was hope that they could weather the storm that was sure to come.
*****
Marlena thanked the officer that handed her the cup of coffee. She was sitting at the Harmony Police Station, waiting on any news about Abe.
The newest piece of information to come in, was that the Sasquatch creature, believed to be Abe, had kidnapped a resident of a nursing home. Unfortunately, that resident turned out to be Alistair Crane, the most powerful man in Harmony. No one in the precinct seemed that concerned about him, either.
She wondered where in the hell Lexie was?! Marlena took a deep breath and stood up. Her nerves were on edge. She didn't know how or why Abe had suddenly turned into this thing, but there was no doubt in her mind that this was all Stefano DiMera's doing!
She looked towards the exposed space that used to be a window. Abe had crashed through it, causing much damage. Marlena shivered, marveling at the strength Abe must have as this Sasquatch.
Marlena had just taken a sip of coffee, when she looked towards the entrance of the station. Bo, John, Sam Bennett and Rebecca Hotchkiss, had just walked in. John's eyes met hers and he smiled. Marlena couldn't smile back. Not with that red-headed tramp bringing up the rear!
Bo headed straight towards her.
'Marlena, thank God!'
Marlena set her coffee down.
'What is it?'
'Lexie has turned off her cellphone. I can't track her down...do you know where she is?'
Marlena shook her head.
'No, no I don't. And I was a bit surprised not to find her down here, awaiting word on Abe.'
'I'm not! I called her on her cell phone earlier, trying to convince her to at least meet us down at the swamp to coax Abe out of there. She hung up on me. I think she's planning on ditching him. And now Abe's kidnapped an old man.'
Marlena sighed.
'From what I've heard about Alistair Crane, he can definitely take care of himself.'
'But that's not the point, Marlena! When Abe turns back to himself, IF he turns back to his old self, he is going to need the love and support of his wife and son. Where are they?'
'Bo, surely you didn't expect Lexie to expose Theo to this kind of danger? Look, I will try and find her...to see what's going on. I'm sure she has a good explanation for being out of touch.'
John made his way over to them. He clapped Bo on the back.
'How's it going here? Any word yet on Abe?'
Bo shook his head.
'I called Hope and Roman. They wanted to come down too, but Roman needs to stay there, in case Abe makes his way back to Salem. And I really didn't want Hope around all of this.'
'You think Abe might make his way back home?' John asked, lifting a brow.
'I don't know. Anything is possible. Marlena, do you remember anything at all about what was going on at that compound you were at?'
Marlena shook her head.
'Lexie and I didn't even know Abe was there! I never saw any labs or anyone that was drugged.' Marlena said, eyeing Rebecca, who was standing afar, staring at John's back. The sight of her made Marlena angry again.
Bo looked from Marlena to John.
'I'm really scared about what might happen to Abe, guys. I mean, if we can't figure out a way to cure him, what will happen to him? I mean, prison would be out of the question, since no one knows what causes him to change into this thing. Abe could very well end up in some government lab or something!'
Rebecca sashayed over to them. John caught a glimpse of her hair, as she made her way into their group. Rebecca smiled at John. He could not help but smile back. He had come to Harmony, after watching Marlena's tirade against Rebecca on TV. He felt he had to be with her.
But when John arrived and heard about Abe, he also heard about his near attack of Rebecca. He thought she was very brave!
'How are you holding up?' he asked her.
Marlena's mouth dropped open.
'Excuse me?' Marlena asked in a nasty tone of voice.
John, hearing his wife's angry tone, turned back to face her.
'Oh, Doc, Rebecca was almost attacked by Abe tonight. I just wanted to know if she was alright?'
Bo discreetly moved away, sensing trouble. Marlena folded her arms and glared up at John.
'Is that right?' Marlena sneered, then looked at Rebecca. Rebecca began to work tears up in her eyes. It had always been a talent of hers...crying on cue!
'Oh, John! It was just horrible!' she squeaked, throwing herself into his arms. When Marlena saw John's arms go around her, she picked up her purse and shoved past them, hard! Rebecca pulled away from John, and stared after Marlena. She had to refrain from smiling. Keep up the tantrums, DOC, Rebecca thought. And soon, John would be hers!
'Rebecca, I have to go after her. I just can't let my marriage fall apart.'
Rebecca sniffed, wiping her eyes.
'No, John, go, I just wanted to say goodbye to you anyway.'
John frowned.
'Where are you off to?'
Rebecca looked away, as she began her whopper of a lie.
'I talked to Julian, shortly before he took off. He told me he was headed to the Himalayas to find his wife. I'm going there too...to help Julian, and clear my name with Marlena.'
John whirled her back around!
'Rebecca, what in God's name are you talking about?!'
Rebecca stared up at him, innocent looking and wide-eyed.
'I'm going to make Stefano tell the truth about Marlena's kidnapping. I'm going to carry a little tape recorder, then get him to admit that I had nothing to do with it, then bring it back here for Marlena to hear.'
John gave her a tentative smile. Rebecca was such an innocent! Even if she somehow managed this impossible feat, Doc would never believe her! She would think that Rebecca paid Stefano, or something else underhanded, to get him to clear her!
'Rebecca, please, I believe you. You don't have it in you to be that mean.'
Rebecca blinked.
'How do you know that?' she asked, her voice becoming soft.
'It's not in your eyes.' John answered, his voice becoming husky. John let go of her suddenly, as a flash of making love to her at the penthouse went through his mind! He had to find his wife!
'Rebecca, promise me you won't do anything rash...alright?' he asked.
Rebecca nodded, trying her best to look demure. As if she would ever walk through the cold snow to look at Stefano DiMera's ugly mug! But John's reaction was just the one she had hoped for. And it did give her hope, for she now knew for certain, that John cared about her.
****
Ivy waited in the examination room, for her latest test results. She closed her eyes.
Whitney was taking Fox home in an hour. Ivy would be going with them.
She opened her eyes again. She knew that this had to be a big step for her son, asking her to live with him and his wife. A wife that hated her guts.
Ivy rubbed her hands together nervously. She was determined to forge some sort of positive relationship with her daughter-in-law.
She looked up, when her oncologist, Dr. Ella Livingston, walked in and closed the door. Ivy's heart began beating really fast, as it always did, after one of her exams.
'Hello, Ivy.'
'Hello, Dr. Livingston. What's the good word?' she asked with trepidation.
Dt. Livingston began to smile.
'The word is very good, Ivy. Your cancer has went into remission.'
Ivy's eyes widened!
'What?' she whispered.
****
Fox and Whitney sat outside in the waiting room of Dr. Livingston's office. Fox kept eyeing the door. Whitney patted his hand.
'I'm sure everything is fine.' she said.
Fox looked from her, to the door.
'I hope so. Did I thank you for doing this?'
Whitney smiled, then touched his chin and kissed him.
'Only a million times. I went by the cottage to get your mother's room ready. I also walked up to the mansion. There is still police tape up around the burned area.'
Fox nodded.
'Sheridan came by and said a crew was coming out as soon as the police were through.' he said.
Whitney nodded, rubbing his arm. Fox's cell phone rang. He answered it quickly.
'Hello?'
'Fox? It's your father.'
Fox looked over at Whitney and mouthed the word 'father'. Whitney snatched the phone from her husband's hands!
'Julian? Julian tell me you found my mother?!'
'I can do better than that, Whitney dear, I will put her on the line.'
Whitney smiled, looking at Fox.
'Julian found my mother!' she squealed, using her other hand to squeeze on of his.
On the other end, Eve eyed Julian, as he made his way over to the bar to fix himself a drink. She then spoke.
'Whitney?'
'Mom! Oh thank God! I've been so worried...'
'I know, honey! I'm fine and I'll tell you everything as soon as we get back. How are the twins?'
'Mom, I haven't seen them much. I mean with Fox and all of the trouble...but Sheridan and Luis are taking good care of them.'
Eve nodded.
'Of course. Julian told me about the fire. I'll call Sheridan as soon as I get off with you. How is Fox?'
Whitney smiled at Fox, as she answered her mother.
'Good. I'm just grateful that it wasn't as bad as it could've been.'
'We all are honey. Whitney, what did you mean by 'all of the trouble'?'
Whitney frowned and looked at Fox, who had now stood up and began pacing the floor. He was staring at Ivy's doctor's door again.
'Well, Julian told you about his fight with Daddy, right?'
Eve eyed Julian, who was still some distance away, over by the bar.
'Yes. He said it was Lexie's fault.'
'Oh, Mom! Lexie has been a total bitch to Daddy! Abe returned and Lexie dumped Daddy, who might not ever walk again! But I think Daddy should be glad he's not involved with her anyway.'
'Why is that?' Eve asked.
'Because Abe is sick, Mom. He's turned into some sort of Sasquatch! Mom, the news said he kidnapped Alistair Crane. Fox isn't that concerned, and I don't suppose Julian will be when he learns the news, but if Daddy was still involved with Lexie, Abe, or whatever he is, probably would've come after him too!'
Eve closed her eyes and shook her head. Good God! Abe Carver and Roy Boon! What were they headed home to?!
'Honey, maybe we can help Abe. Julian and I ran into one of those creatures around Stefano's compound. Maybe we can remember something that can reverse his transformation.'
Whitney squeezed the phone tightly.
'So, Stefano DiMera did kidnap you? Then Lexie was involved?'
'Whitney, I will clue you in, believe me, when I get home. You have enough on your plate as it is. I don't suppose you've seen Simone?'
'Actually, we're getting along better, now that we have the same goal.'
'Which is?' Eve asked.
'To make sure that Lexie doesn't hurt our father ever again.' Whitney said with a hard determination. She then looked up. Ivy had come out of the doctor's office and closed the door behind her.
'Mom, I have to go. When do you think you'll be getting in?'
'Honey, it'll probably be another 9 hours. We'll let you know when we get home. Listen, I have one last question.'
'What is it?' Whitney asked.
'Do you get the feeling that your father might be open, to not pressing charges against Julian?'
'Oh, Mom, I don't know. He doesn't really say much about him. He's too depressed over Lexie.'
Eve nodded.
'Okay then, I'll see you when we get in. I love you.'
'I love you too, Mom. Give my love to Julian.'
'I will. You give my love to Fox.'
'Will do. Goodbye.' Whitney said, hanging up. She then walked over to Fox and Ivy. She handed Fox his phone back, then looked at Ivy.
'What did the doctor say?' Whitney asked.
Ivy looked from Fox, then to Whitney.
'There's no change in my condition.' Ivy said, looking down at the floor. Fox put an arm around her.
'It's alright. Let's just get you home.' Fox answered, putting an arm around her.
Rebecca tests John. Eve wants to make Lexie pay.
Eve stared out at the clouds, as she sat on a couch on the Crane jet. She was dressed in a white terrycloth robe, with the initials E.C. on it. Her feet were curled beneath her.
Julian was singing at the top of his lungs, in the shower on board. Eve smiled in that direction. She had just finished hers, but both of them had ended up taking three showers each!
Eve smiled at the memory of the first one, the shower that they had ended up sharing. She had had her back to the glass door, letting the water run down her, as she thought of Liz...and Tony. Eve had wondered if the creature had come back for him, in order to slaughter him, as he did Liz, when she felt cold air creep into the shower.
Eve had turned around to find Julian standing in the doorway, naked and quite happy to see her. She had smiled, pulling him in with her and closing the door. Their lovemaking had gotten so wild, that not only did it make Eve forget about Liz and Tony, but they both slipped on the floor!
Unhurt, but mindful that the shower was just a bit dangerous when wet, Eve sent Julian away. After he left, she closed the door and concentrated on the task at hand: washing away all that had been associated with their grueling ordeal in the Himalayas.
She was not long into the task, when she was washing her hair, that she looked over and noticed Julian's face pressed against the glass. He looked as if he were pouting! Eve laughed, opened up the door again, and yes, let Julian have his way with her again!
Finally, Eve had to beg off for a third time, telling him that he really needed to behave. Julian promised, leaving reluctantly. Eve then finished showering. Julian was going to be lucky to have any hot water left at all!
She shook herself out of her reverie, when Julian came out of the bathroom, wearing a similar white, terrycloth robe with the initials J.C. on it. He was drying his hair with a towel. Eve motioned for him to come sit next to her. He did. She took the towel from him and began rubbing his hair dry.
Julian was quiet, wondering if he should bring his wife something to eat, before he broke the news to her about what happened to T.C., or after!
He had made the decision not to tell the overseas authorities anything yet. The last thing he wanted, was for Eve and him to get delayed in a foreign country. They needed to get back to Evan and Erin. Julian would tell Sam all that he remembered...maybe he could use it to get the charges that Russell was sure to file against him, dropped.
Eve noted his silence. She peeked around at him.
'Silence from such wonderful singer?'
Julian turned to look at her. Their lovemaking in the shower just now, had been beyond anything he had ever experienced with her before. Maybe it was because he had missed her so much. Maybe it had been the feel of her silken limbs, wrapped around his waist, as he made her his very own. He then sighed. There was no point in putting off the inevitable. Eve had a right to know that he might be arrested as soon as they got back.
'Darling, there's something we need to discuss.'
Eve finished rubbing his hair, and set the towel aside.
'Okay. What is it?'
'It's about what we're going to face when we return home.'
Eve looked puzzled.
'I don't understand.'
Julian took her hands in his.
'T.C. and I had a fight before I left to find you and...'
Eve snatched her hands away! She then jumped up.
'Julian!'
Julian stood up as well.
'Eve, it was not my fault, as usual! T.C. just went crazy, leaped at me, I ducked and...'
'And what?'
'And he went flying off one of the terraces at the hospital.' Julian practically squeaked, gauging her reaction.
Her mouth fell open!
'From what floor?!'
'A very high one...he landed on top of an ambulance.'
'Oh my God! Is he alright?'
Julian shrugged, turning away from her a bit.
'I left before finding out.'
'Oh, Julian!'
Julian reached out and put his hands on her shoulders.
'Eve, darling, I didn't have the time to stay at your ex-husband's bedside, alright? And the altercation was all Lexie's fault anyway.'
Eve said nothing, and looked away.
'What? What is it?'
Eve returned her gaze to him.
'Abe told me that Lexie was in on this plan to get revenge on us. He told me that she knew that you had arranged to have her kidnapped. Then, back at the compound, you confirmed Abe's story. I don't know what I'm going to do about her.'
'Do?' Julian asked.
Eve looked him up and down, then pulled out of his grip.
'If you think that I plan on letting her get away with what she's done...Liz is dead, that awful woman named Alicia is...where did you say she went? Did Sam or Luis arrest her?'
Julian snorted!
'When do Sam or Luis ever arrest anyone that needs arresting? No, she had an altercation with Celeste at her apartment. When the police went back to find her, she was gone.'
'Great! So she's on the loose somewhere!'
Julian touched her arm.
'Darling, I have no intention of letting that crazy woman near you, Evan or Erin. Now let's get back to what you were saying about Lexie. What is it you're planning on doing?'
Eve gave him a hard, yet, determined look.
'She can't be with T.C., Julian.'
'Well, darling, that's up to T.C.'
'And I'm sure he doesn't know the half of what she's done.' Eve added.
Julian squeezed her arm.
'Eve, believe me when I tell you that Lexie will get hers.'
Eve's eyes widened!
'Oh, please don't tell me that Julian Crane is telling me to leave it all in the hands of the Gods? That woman schemed to separate me from my children and husband! That double that her and Liz sent to our home, burned it down! I couldn't even be civil to Lexie on the street now!'
Julian pulled her back over to the couch. Eve was usually so forgiving, and willing to look deeper into one's psyche, as to why a person behaved as one did. But he felt as if he was listening to a different woman. And while it was understandable, that his wife would feel the way she did, he had learned some things as well.
'Eve, the one thing I've learned, being with you, is that secrets destroy a relationship. You know that, from living with T.C. all of those years. I know that, from the many times, since we've truly been together, that I've almost lost you. I don't know Lexie very well, but she's easy enough to read. She's lying to T.C. ten times more than you ever thought you did. And there are so many other people in T.C.'s life, that are on to Lexie, it won't be long until he sees her for what she is. So, let's just stay out of it.'
Eve didn't say anything. She pulled away from Julian and went to another compartment. Julian sighed heavily, realizing she needed to be alone right now. They had no choice but to not make waves. For if they accused Lexie of being behind Eve's kidnapping, all Lexie would do was point the finger at him. Julian sat back and stared out of the window.
He suddenly changed his mind, got up, and followed Eve into the next compartment. She looked away when he entered.
'You know,' Julian began, 'I was just going to let you sulk in here for awhile, until you cooled off. But letting you do that, was how I lost you before. We need to settle this, right now, before this plane lands back in Harmony.'
Eve crossed her arms.
'What is there to settle? You want me to just forget what Lexie did to us.'
'Yes...and no. Eve, I've seen the woman! She does not want T.C. to know her true nature or what she has done. As long as that is important to her, we'll be safe. We've all done things, Lexie, you and I. If any of us want to begin anew, we have to just keep a wary eye on one another. We don't have any choice. Because we don't know that Lexie isn't still in contact with her father and brother. And we don't know that we really left them for dead. And when Lexie feels threatened...'
'She goes running to them.' Eve finished. She sat down in a chair, her face a mass of worry.
Julian pulled up a chair and sat in front of her.
'What is it?' he asked.
Eve looked Julian in the eye.
'I'm sorry, Julian, but I just don't agree with you. You make it sound as if we're no better than Lexie. We are. I could've sought some kind of revenge of Lexie, for not telling me who I really was, back when I had amnesia. She knew I had a husband and daughters who thought I was dead. Did I get mad and do some scummy thing to her? No. I forgave and forgot. And it is definitely not our fault that Stefano DiMera has a thing for kidnapping his children! We are not like her. The things we've done, have been to protect one another, and the people that we love. Lexie has done what she has done to cover her own behind!'
'Alright, I see there is no talking you out of this.'
'Julian, I don't plan on beating her up or anything! But I am going to tell T.C. what she has done.'
'And if T.C. chooses not to believe you?'
Eve shrugged.
'There's nothing I can do about that. But I wouldn't feel right unless he knew the truth.'
Julian reached out and pulled her into his arms. His wife was determined to do this thing. All he could do now, was hope that they could weather the storm that was sure to come.
*****
Marlena thanked the officer that handed her the cup of coffee. She was sitting at the Harmony Police Station, waiting on any news about Abe.
The newest piece of information to come in, was that the Sasquatch creature, believed to be Abe, had kidnapped a resident of a nursing home. Unfortunately, that resident turned out to be Alistair Crane, the most powerful man in Harmony. No one in the precinct seemed that concerned about him, either.
She wondered where in the hell Lexie was?! Marlena took a deep breath and stood up. Her nerves were on edge. She didn't know how or why Abe had suddenly turned into this thing, but there was no doubt in her mind that this was all Stefano DiMera's doing!
She looked towards the exposed space that used to be a window. Abe had crashed through it, causing much damage. Marlena shivered, marveling at the strength Abe must have as this Sasquatch.
Marlena had just taken a sip of coffee, when she looked towards the entrance of the station. Bo, John, Sam Bennett and Rebecca Hotchkiss, had just walked in. John's eyes met hers and he smiled. Marlena couldn't smile back. Not with that red-headed tramp bringing up the rear!
Bo headed straight towards her.
'Marlena, thank God!'
Marlena set her coffee down.
'What is it?'
'Lexie has turned off her cellphone. I can't track her down...do you know where she is?'
Marlena shook her head.
'No, no I don't. And I was a bit surprised not to find her down here, awaiting word on Abe.'
'I'm not! I called her on her cell phone earlier, trying to convince her to at least meet us down at the swamp to coax Abe out of there. She hung up on me. I think she's planning on ditching him. And now Abe's kidnapped an old man.'
Marlena sighed.
'From what I've heard about Alistair Crane, he can definitely take care of himself.'
'But that's not the point, Marlena! When Abe turns back to himself, IF he turns back to his old self, he is going to need the love and support of his wife and son. Where are they?'
'Bo, surely you didn't expect Lexie to expose Theo to this kind of danger? Look, I will try and find her...to see what's going on. I'm sure she has a good explanation for being out of touch.'
John made his way over to them. He clapped Bo on the back.
'How's it going here? Any word yet on Abe?'
Bo shook his head.
'I called Hope and Roman. They wanted to come down too, but Roman needs to stay there, in case Abe makes his way back to Salem. And I really didn't want Hope around all of this.'
'You think Abe might make his way back home?' John asked, lifting a brow.
'I don't know. Anything is possible. Marlena, do you remember anything at all about what was going on at that compound you were at?'
Marlena shook her head.
'Lexie and I didn't even know Abe was there! I never saw any labs or anyone that was drugged.' Marlena said, eyeing Rebecca, who was standing afar, staring at John's back. The sight of her made Marlena angry again.
Bo looked from Marlena to John.
'I'm really scared about what might happen to Abe, guys. I mean, if we can't figure out a way to cure him, what will happen to him? I mean, prison would be out of the question, since no one knows what causes him to change into this thing. Abe could very well end up in some government lab or something!'
Rebecca sashayed over to them. John caught a glimpse of her hair, as she made her way into their group. Rebecca smiled at John. He could not help but smile back. He had come to Harmony, after watching Marlena's tirade against Rebecca on TV. He felt he had to be with her.
But when John arrived and heard about Abe, he also heard about his near attack of Rebecca. He thought she was very brave!
'How are you holding up?' he asked her.
Marlena's mouth dropped open.
'Excuse me?' Marlena asked in a nasty tone of voice.
John, hearing his wife's angry tone, turned back to face her.
'Oh, Doc, Rebecca was almost attacked by Abe tonight. I just wanted to know if she was alright?'
Bo discreetly moved away, sensing trouble. Marlena folded her arms and glared up at John.
'Is that right?' Marlena sneered, then looked at Rebecca. Rebecca began to work tears up in her eyes. It had always been a talent of hers...crying on cue!
'Oh, John! It was just horrible!' she squeaked, throwing herself into his arms. When Marlena saw John's arms go around her, she picked up her purse and shoved past them, hard! Rebecca pulled away from John, and stared after Marlena. She had to refrain from smiling. Keep up the tantrums, DOC, Rebecca thought. And soon, John would be hers!
'Rebecca, I have to go after her. I just can't let my marriage fall apart.'
Rebecca sniffed, wiping her eyes.
'No, John, go, I just wanted to say goodbye to you anyway.'
John frowned.
'Where are you off to?'
Rebecca looked away, as she began her whopper of a lie.
'I talked to Julian, shortly before he took off. He told me he was headed to the Himalayas to find his wife. I'm going there too...to help Julian, and clear my name with Marlena.'
John whirled her back around!
'Rebecca, what in God's name are you talking about?!'
Rebecca stared up at him, innocent looking and wide-eyed.
'I'm going to make Stefano tell the truth about Marlena's kidnapping. I'm going to carry a little tape recorder, then get him to admit that I had nothing to do with it, then bring it back here for Marlena to hear.'
John gave her a tentative smile. Rebecca was such an innocent! Even if she somehow managed this impossible feat, Doc would never believe her! She would think that Rebecca paid Stefano, or something else underhanded, to get him to clear her!
'Rebecca, please, I believe you. You don't have it in you to be that mean.'
Rebecca blinked.
'How do you know that?' she asked, her voice becoming soft.
'It's not in your eyes.' John answered, his voice becoming husky. John let go of her suddenly, as a flash of making love to her at the penthouse went through his mind! He had to find his wife!
'Rebecca, promise me you won't do anything rash...alright?' he asked.
Rebecca nodded, trying her best to look demure. As if she would ever walk through the cold snow to look at Stefano DiMera's ugly mug! But John's reaction was just the one she had hoped for. And it did give her hope, for she now knew for certain, that John cared about her.
****
Ivy waited in the examination room, for her latest test results. She closed her eyes.
Whitney was taking Fox home in an hour. Ivy would be going with them.
She opened her eyes again. She knew that this had to be a big step for her son, asking her to live with him and his wife. A wife that hated her guts.
Ivy rubbed her hands together nervously. She was determined to forge some sort of positive relationship with her daughter-in-law.
She looked up, when her oncologist, Dr. Ella Livingston, walked in and closed the door. Ivy's heart began beating really fast, as it always did, after one of her exams.
'Hello, Ivy.'
'Hello, Dr. Livingston. What's the good word?' she asked with trepidation.
Dt. Livingston began to smile.
'The word is very good, Ivy. Your cancer has went into remission.'
Ivy's eyes widened!
'What?' she whispered.
****
Fox and Whitney sat outside in the waiting room of Dr. Livingston's office. Fox kept eyeing the door. Whitney patted his hand.
'I'm sure everything is fine.' she said.
Fox looked from her, to the door.
'I hope so. Did I thank you for doing this?'
Whitney smiled, then touched his chin and kissed him.
'Only a million times. I went by the cottage to get your mother's room ready. I also walked up to the mansion. There is still police tape up around the burned area.'
Fox nodded.
'Sheridan came by and said a crew was coming out as soon as the police were through.' he said.
Whitney nodded, rubbing his arm. Fox's cell phone rang. He answered it quickly.
'Hello?'
'Fox? It's your father.'
Fox looked over at Whitney and mouthed the word 'father'. Whitney snatched the phone from her husband's hands!
'Julian? Julian tell me you found my mother?!'
'I can do better than that, Whitney dear, I will put her on the line.'
Whitney smiled, looking at Fox.
'Julian found my mother!' she squealed, using her other hand to squeeze on of his.
On the other end, Eve eyed Julian, as he made his way over to the bar to fix himself a drink. She then spoke.
'Whitney?'
'Mom! Oh thank God! I've been so worried...'
'I know, honey! I'm fine and I'll tell you everything as soon as we get back. How are the twins?'
'Mom, I haven't seen them much. I mean with Fox and all of the trouble...but Sheridan and Luis are taking good care of them.'
Eve nodded.
'Of course. Julian told me about the fire. I'll call Sheridan as soon as I get off with you. How is Fox?'
Whitney smiled at Fox, as she answered her mother.
'Good. I'm just grateful that it wasn't as bad as it could've been.'
'We all are honey. Whitney, what did you mean by 'all of the trouble'?'
Whitney frowned and looked at Fox, who had now stood up and began pacing the floor. He was staring at Ivy's doctor's door again.
'Well, Julian told you about his fight with Daddy, right?'
Eve eyed Julian, who was still some distance away, over by the bar.
'Yes. He said it was Lexie's fault.'
'Oh, Mom! Lexie has been a total bitch to Daddy! Abe returned and Lexie dumped Daddy, who might not ever walk again! But I think Daddy should be glad he's not involved with her anyway.'
'Why is that?' Eve asked.
'Because Abe is sick, Mom. He's turned into some sort of Sasquatch! Mom, the news said he kidnapped Alistair Crane. Fox isn't that concerned, and I don't suppose Julian will be when he learns the news, but if Daddy was still involved with Lexie, Abe, or whatever he is, probably would've come after him too!'
Eve closed her eyes and shook her head. Good God! Abe Carver and Roy Boon! What were they headed home to?!
'Honey, maybe we can help Abe. Julian and I ran into one of those creatures around Stefano's compound. Maybe we can remember something that can reverse his transformation.'
Whitney squeezed the phone tightly.
'So, Stefano DiMera did kidnap you? Then Lexie was involved?'
'Whitney, I will clue you in, believe me, when I get home. You have enough on your plate as it is. I don't suppose you've seen Simone?'
'Actually, we're getting along better, now that we have the same goal.'
'Which is?' Eve asked.
'To make sure that Lexie doesn't hurt our father ever again.' Whitney said with a hard determination. She then looked up. Ivy had come out of the doctor's office and closed the door behind her.
'Mom, I have to go. When do you think you'll be getting in?'
'Honey, it'll probably be another 9 hours. We'll let you know when we get home. Listen, I have one last question.'
'What is it?' Whitney asked.
'Do you get the feeling that your father might be open, to not pressing charges against Julian?'
'Oh, Mom, I don't know. He doesn't really say much about him. He's too depressed over Lexie.'
Eve nodded.
'Okay then, I'll see you when we get in. I love you.'
'I love you too, Mom. Give my love to Julian.'
'I will. You give my love to Fox.'
'Will do. Goodbye.' Whitney said, hanging up. She then walked over to Fox and Ivy. She handed Fox his phone back, then looked at Ivy.
'What did the doctor say?' Whitney asked.
Ivy looked from Fox, then to Whitney.
'There's no change in my condition.' Ivy said, looking down at the floor. Fox put an arm around her.
'It's alright. Let's just get you home.' Fox answered, putting an arm around her.