Chapter 6

In the morning, Marlena's first thought, after wondering what she should wear this afternoon at 2 pm, was whether she should call Sami and Eric and see about changing their travel plans. She would have to check with her parents too because they were expecting the twins next Wednesday.

"Eric, would you have Sami get on the extension, please? I'd like to speak with both of you at once."

When both were listening, Marlena said, "I'm going to fly home tomorrow. But then I'd like to fly out again with both of you."

"You going to come with us to Colorado?" Sami wanted to know.

"Well, yes, that's probably going to happen, but first I want to take you somewhere else."

"Where?" they chimed.

"To California. To see John."

The twins were stunned into silence. That was the last thing they'd expected. They knew that the imposter Roman wasn't coming back. And they knew their biological father was dead. But no one had said anything about John to them until now."

Sami clued in first. "Mom, are you with John now?"

"Not right this minute, but yes, I went to see him."

When Marlena hung up, her heart was full. The kids were eager to come. Of course, she would have to tell John she was going to be leaving him tomorrow. She hoped to be back with the kids on Wednesday. And that reminded her to call Colorado and postpone that trip.

Then she made a third call to Abe Carver. After exchanging the usual pleasantries, Marlena got down to business. Abe, of course, also knew about the imposter and Roman. Marlena told Abe that she had gone to see John and that she hoped to bring the kids out to visit him in the next few days. Abe was happy for these developments.

"That's great, Marlena. I hope it really goes well."

"Thanks, Abe." She paused. "I want to ask you a hypothetical question."

Abe laughed. "If you want to invite me to your second wedding to John, count on me!"

Marlena chortled too, thinking that it would be nice to have friends at their vow renewal, but knowing she'd rather do it without them so she and John could resume their married life pronto. "No, Abe, what I want to ask you is whether there is any way that the Salem Police Department would reconsider and let John return to the force?"

"But, Marlena, I thought you weren't keen on Roman or John being on the force?"

"Well, like any police officer's spouse, I inevitably worried when they were on duty. Just like Lexie worries for you. It comes with the territory, and I knew that when I married Roman. But the thing is, Abe, John was devastated when he had to leave the force. You know that."

Abe's voice held guilt and regret. "Yes, I do know that. I'm sorry he was treated that way. That shouldn't have happened. But it was the police commission and the police chief who made that decision, not me. And, honestly, Marlena, I'm still not senior enough to rescind that fateful decision. I'm sorry."

"How about the mayor? Can he order them to reinstate John?"

"Not directly, no. He can ask them to, and they might do it because he requested it, but they are not bound to."

"But legally, the police commission could reinstate him if it wanted to? What about the chief? Could he do it on his own authority or does he have to get the commission's permission?

"In order to reinstate John at Commander rank (his rank when he left), the commission and the chief would have to sign off."

"Abe, is there someone in Salem with the influence to persuade the commission and the chief to do this?"

"Well, you didn't hear this from me, but former police chief and commissioner Ray Hill just might be able to swing it. He's retired, but you can contact him. Ask Mickey to set up an appointment with Ray for you and go see him. It can't hurt."

"Thank you, Abe. I'm so grateful. And don't worry, my lips are sealed about your help. My best to Lexie. Goodbye now. I'll see you soon."

Marlena readied herself and went down to breakfast.