The Ex Factor

For anyone catching up, this story is an E/T/G story that was written back when Ethan and Theresa finally consummated their relationship for the first time since his marriage to Gwen by making love at Crane Industries. In this story, a mystery concerning Sarah's death forces Gwen and Theresa to work together for the first time, and all three of them learn some harsh truths as they fight to find out the truth about what happened to Gwen's daughter.

This story is long finished, but I'm archiving it here in case the fan sites close after Passions ends its run this summer. I doubt anyone's reading at this point, but if you are and you want faster updates, please let me know via review or email and I'll do a massive uploading spree. :)

Gwen, I don't like this." Ethan spoke into the receiver as he paced the floor of his office. "We've already gone through all of this years ago. Re-opening the autopsy file is just going to cause problems. Don't do it."

"It's a little late for that." Gwen snapped, feeling her temper rising. Why was he being so unsupportive?

"What do you mean?" Ethan asked suspiciously.

"I've already called the hospital and the coroner in L.A. and I've asked that the records be transferred to the Harmony Police Department. Luis is already arranging for someone at the hospital to look everything over." Gwen admitted.

"What? Gwen, how could you do that without consulting me?" Ethan's voice was angry.

"I thought you'd understand! We need to know for sure that the phone call I received was just a prank. I can't move on with my life until I know."

"Gwen, this is-"

"I don't want to hear it, Ethan. What's done is done. I just don't understand the way you're acting. You've been so distracted and distant lately."

Ethan sighed. It was true. He hadn't done a very good job lately of hiding how Theresa was affecting him. The only surprise was that Gwen hadn't said anything earlier.

"I'm sorry, Gwen, but you knew how much work this Stuart Allen case is. Theresa and Jared are putting up one hell of a fight and I've got my hands full."

Gwen mentally kicked herself. Why had she ever let him take that stupid case? Why had she practically insisted? She and Jane hardly saw Ethan now, and when they did he was tired and short tempered. Even at the office he seemed to be avoiding her.

"I understand, Ethan, but it's Sunday. Pilar is going to bring Jane back at noon and it would be really nice to have lunch with you. Please come home."

"Alright. I'll be there." Ethan hung up the phone, belatedly realizing he hadn't said goodbye. Or that he loved her. 'Dammit, I've been so careless lately, and I'm hurting Gwen. Again. And Theresa. This is-God, what a mess.'

He picked up his briefcase to head out the door, but the ringing of his cell phone stopped him. Probably Gwen again. He answered it, his tone apologetic. "Gwen?"

"No, this is Luis. Don't you ever look at your Caller ID? If you'd started whispering sweet nothings I would have been traumatized for life." Luis's tone was playful.

"Oh, sorry, Luis. Is this about Sarah's records?"

"Yeah, I guess Gwen told you that she asked that we review them. I just wanted to let you both know that we did receive the fax from L.A. and Eve is coming in to look everything over. She'll need to consult with the coroner here so it will probably be a few days before the review is complete. Do you want to tell Gwen or should I call her as well?"

"No, I'll take care of it. Thank you, Luis."

"No problem. Hope this clears everything up for you two." Luis hung up on his end.

"Me too." Ethan whispered to himself as he headed out the door.

At the Winthrop residence


Pilar looked sternly at her daughter as she pulled into the drive of Ethan and Gwen's home. "I told Gwen she wouldn't have to see you, Theresa. I wish you hadn't insisted on coming with me to drop Jane off. It was considerate of her to let you see Jane. This could be a turning point-if this goes well maybe eventually Ethan and Gwen will agree to regular visitation."

Theresa scoffed. "Visitation, Mama? A few hours a week with my daughter? Is that what I'm holding out for?"

"Well, it is certainly better than nothing, Theresa, don't you think?" Pilar gave her daughter a piercing glance.

Theresa sighed. "I'm sorry, Mama. Thank you for arranging this. It was really a wonderful surprise. I'll stay in the car while you take Jane to the door."

Pilar sighed with gratitude, happy that Theresa was being reasonable for once. As she reached out to unstrap Jane another car pulled into the driveway behind them. A gasp from Theresa caught Pilar's attention. Looking up, she saw that it was Luis's patrol car. He was getting out, followed by Fancy, and to Theresa and Pilar's mutual surprise, Eve. "What in the world is going on?" Pilar wondered aloud as she pulled Jane into her arms.

Theresa quickly got out of the passenger side. "Luis, what's going on?" She asked as another patrol car pulled in behind them. Sam got out of the second patrol car, followed by an officious looking older man in a suit.

Before Luis could answer the front door opened and Gwen and Ethan hurried down the steps. Gwen looked relieved as she saw Jane in Pilar's arms, hurrying over to reclaim the little girl. Meanwhile, Ethan approached the visitors, Theresa following curiously behind.

"Ethan, this is Geoffrey Masters, the coroner." Sam introduced the older man, who reached out to shake Ethan's hand. "Mr. Masters, this is Ethan Winthrop."

"Sam, Luis, Eve..." Ethan was confused and more than a little nervous. "What's going on? Is this about Sarah's records? You said the review wouldn't be done for a few days."

"Yes, well, I'm afraid I have some rather disturbing news about the records." Sam scratched his head, wishing he didn't have to bring fresh pain to his son and daughter in law. "May we go inside?"

Gwen, who had heard everything, was pale and shaken, but she nodded, her hostess skills taking over. "Please. I'll make us some coffee."

Pilar touched Theresa's shoulder. "We should go, Theresa. This is private."

"No, Mama. I need to know what's going on. I need to know what happened to Sarah. What if someone is targeting Ethan and Gwen? Jane could be in danger, and I'm not leaving until I know for myself that she's safe." Shaking off her mother's hand, Theresa followed the group into the house, Pilar trailing worriedly behind.

Meanwhile...in Prague:

A picture of a smiling Gwen and Ethan graced the front of the Harmony newspaper that was lying on the desk. A strong hand reached out and picked it up, studying it intently, then reaching for the scissors. Carefully, the hand began to cut out the article. When the task was done, the figure turned and walked across the dim, barren room, stopping before a an old, wrought iron bed that had clearly seen better days.

Kneeling, the stranger reached beneath the bed, pulling out a small, wooden box. Turning the key in the lock, the box was opened to reveal clipping after clipping, all from Harmony, all of Gwen and Ethan...but mostly Gwen.

An elegant finger traced the lines of her photograph before gently placing the article in the box. "I'm waiting for you, Gwen. I know you won't be able to stay away. But hurry-we're running out of time."

To Be Continued...