My Revenge – Chapter Four
A/N: I promised I'd get a new chapter up, and I came through as fast as I could. I've just had some other things on my mind lately, plus some massive writer's block, so it took me a while. I hope it's not as horrible as I think it is.
~~~
~~Salem P.D.~~
Bo sat at his desk, typing frantically, searching for anything to bump one of the suspects off the list. So far he wasn't having any luck. He knew that Abe's death and Jack's attempted murder could very well be connected. After all, they were both working together and had gotten very close to the truth about the Colin Murphy murder, as well as the secrets of a few Salem residents. Seven to be exact. All of which had the perfect motive and no alibi for either of the attacks.
So far Bo couldn't find anything, incriminating or not, to have the case lean toward one person and take the heat off the rest for a little while. Shawn has been as into this whole investigation as his father, but ever since Bo and Hope were attacked at the fashion show, Shawn has been all over Rex, now to the point of fighting as soon as they make eye contact. He was letting his personal feelings cloud his judgement. Sure, Rex could very well be the prime suspect, but according to the evidence, so could any one of the other six. By this time, it was at the point where unless something was uncovered and the whole case was blown wide open, the killer could very well get off Scott-free. But the Brady team was determined to put this murderer right where he or she belonged. Abe wasn't a blood relative, and of course blood is thicker than water, but he was Roman's best friend and loyal to the whole Brady family. He was considered part of the clan.
Roman came up behind Bo and looked over his shoulder. "Anything?" Bo turned, drowsily, to face his brother. "Not a thing. There has to be something out there! There is no perfect crime, everyone makes mistakes somewhere along the line. But why the hell can't we find *any* evidence?? None of my contacts have found anything. I hate sitting back knowing this bastard is out there somewhere, most likely planning his next move."
"Tell me about it."
"So how about you? Find anything we can use?'
"I've had about the same luck as you, little brother. I sent the brick used to attack Jack to forensics for inspection. I just hope there's some shred of evidence on there to give us a lead. Listen, why don't you go home? I'm sure Hope's waiting for you, and besides, I can handle things here."
Bo took one last look at the computer screen before agreeing. He got up to head towards the door, patting Roman on the back before leaving. Roman watched as his devoted brother turned his back and left. He walked to the picture of Abe which was now hanging in what was now *Roman's* office now that Abe was gone. "Such a damn shame. Don't worry partner, we'll catch whoever did this to you."
~~~
Jack was still recovering from the events which took place only days ago. It was a miracle he was still alive. He had no memory of who his attacker was, nor any events leading up to a month before. He knew the identity of the killer was buried somewhere, deep inside his subconscious. He wanted so badly to uncover the missing pieces to this horrifying puzzle, before anyone else gets hurt.
He had an appointment scheduled with Marlena the following day. Using her powers of hypnosis, hopefully they could fill in the blanks. If that didn't work, the only other resolution would be to sit back and wait. There had been times throughout the night when Jack would wake up in a cold trembling sweat. The only problem is, he had no recollection of what he saw in those nightmares. Of course he would get glimpses of a masked face and haunting eyes, but it was either vague or too momentary to tell whether it was male or female. If he could at least unsolve an important clue that would bring them one step closer to naming the killer, that would be sufficient enough for him. He would love to bring this fiend to justice.
~~~
September was coming to a close and the nights were becoming colder, as was always custom in the town of Salem. A cloaked figure stood outside an abandoned house near the docks. The moonlight radiated off the water onto the figure. Whoever it was, he or she was clad all in black, the only parts visible were those touched by the moon's reflected light.
It may have been a woman, judging by the long blonde hair flowing out from under the hood. A cigarette in one hand, the other propped on her hip, she waited. There was the sound of a motor out front and shortly after a man came around the corner. His walk showed he had power, his clothes suggested money, and the stern look on his face warned that he would go to no end to get what he desired.
"You're late." It was definitely a female. One with a voice that warned she was the kicking ass and taking names type of gal.
"I had some business to settle with my wife. Apparently she thinks my grandson is a play toy of which she can manipulate into her conniving ways."
"Whatever. The job was botched, but I did what you said. Jack Deveraux would have died if it weren't for that Ramoray guy."
"So I heard. You had orders. I want no slacking while you're on my time. You won't rest until the nosy reporter is six feet under, and while you're at it, why don't you pay Dr. Drake a personal visit."
"Yes, sir."
"And be sure to finish the job this time. By the end of the week, I want those two out of my life… for good."
The hooded woman took a long drag on her cigarette before stating, "Consider it done." She walked into the darkness, flinging her cancer stick to the ground before she was engulfed in the shadows.
~~~
Brady was seated alone in the living room of the luxurious Kiriakis mansion. A finger running down his neck sent a chill up his spine. "Nicole?" She rounded his chair by the door to sit on his lap. "So, did you make up your mind yet?"
*Flashback*
Nicole had just been prosecuted by Victor for her latest endeavors to lure Brady into her arms. Victor had threatened to spill the beans to Brady about Nicole's past dealings with the adult film business. Not wanting Brady to find out, she quickly agreed to the terms her "loving" husband set forth. If he can really be considered loving. He had pure hatred in his eyes that night he shoved her out the window when he caught her trying to escape.
Nicole had her mind set on getting her step-grandson and keeping him all to herself. The only competition she saw, besides Victor's incessant threats, was the love of his life. Chloe Lane. The only woman he had ever "been" with. Victor wanted to bring Chloe home, preferably for the holidays, which meant Nicole would have to move fast if she wanted to win Brady over before that happens.
She entered Brady's bedroom with her defense worked out in her head. "Hey, good lookin'."
Brady spun from his laptop to face her, coming face to face with a little more than he bargained for. She was clothed only in her nighty, all a part of her scheme to woo him. "What are you doing? Didn't Victor have a talk with you about your recent behavior? If he catches you in here, he's gonna-"
She quieted him by placed her finger on his lips and leaning in so close he could smell her perfume. "Just listen to what I have to say."
Brady sat back in his chair as she went on to explain her propaganda. "How long ago has it been since the love of your life ran off without you?"
"A little too long. And she didn't run off per say, I *told* her she should go on without me. Otherwise she would never get to see her dreams come true. Why are you asking about Chloe, anyway?" He was kind of sensitive when it came to this subject. He hope Nicole had a point for bringing her up.
"I'm asking because I'm curious… I just wanted to know more about the girl who grabbed your heart and potentially broke it. Don't you think it's been too long? Don't you wonder what it would be like to be with another woman?" She leaned in even closer in an attempt to persuade him to agree with her.
"I- I might wonder… at times." He had a feeling he knew where she was headed next.
"Well, why not? Go find yourself another girlfriend!" Then she added in a seductive voice, "And with any luck, you won't have far to look."
"What are you saying, Nicole?" He wanted to be sure before he came to any conclusions. He still wasn't fully over Chloe yet, but he knew it was time he found someone new. Someone who would be sticking around for a long, long time.
"What I'm saying is… Why not go for the girl next door?" She nodded her head across the hall at her bedroom door.
"Um… Listen, as much as I agree about the whole moving on part, I'm not sure I agree with you on… moving on next door."
"So!" She pulled back, aghast that her plan didn't work the she had thought.
"So?? You're my grandfather's *wife*!! I can't hook up with you!" He stood up, almost knocking her on the floor in the process.
"What's the big deal? It's not like Victor has to find out!"
"Nicole, we're talking about one of the most powerful men in Salem here. Of course he will find out!!"
"She let out a sigh before asking, "Would you at *least* think about it?" She put on a pleading look in hopes of him having pity on her.
"Well… All right. I'll think about it, then when I've made up my mind, I'll let you know."
~~~
A/N: Okay, okay, you're probably wondering what Brady's decision is. I'll give it to you in the next chapter, I promise!! I really wanted to get a new chapter up for 2004, and I've only got maybe a half hour left, so I needed to kind of cut this short. I hope you enjoyed this chapter, and I'll get the next part up as soon as I can. And a little hint, I *love* reviews! *cough*
