Chapter 19: Chance Meeting

Victoria trailed her fingers lightly over her forearm, tracing a misplaced gash made by Merdoc's merciless whip. Her back was still very much ablaze with pain, but somehow, after her conversation with her sister, the physical pain didn't seem to bother her so badly. She somehow had a new sense of hope now, an emotion needed to relieve the spiritual pain that had plagued Victoria her entire life. That lack of hope, feeling of total failure and despair, would hurt Victoria more then anything her despicable father could come up with. But at least for a moment, her mind could have a few moments of rest. Elizabeth didn't hate her, that she could tell. And, although she was resistant, Victoria also truly believed that Elizabeth believed her, believed in her. She knew that Elizabeth would do the right thing, she just didn't know if her twin sister would be able to actually FIND Brady Black. The loss of her tracking device before the DiMera party could reach their destination diminished the newly rediscovered hope somewhat, but Victoria knew Jordan. She sometimes believed she knew him better then she knew herself, and she knew he had some of the best damn equipment money could buy. Well, if money couldn't buy it, it would be in the "best damn equipment to be stolen" category. And to think, Stefano had taken them to Ireland!

Victoria didn't really recall all of the first things Stefano had said to her after she woke up, but she did remember that much. They were in Dublin, his training field deep under Dublin soil to be exact. Victoria had spent an entire year of her life here, and just the thought that this location didn't even cross her mind made her blood boil! Victoria shook her head slowly, dropping her hand back down to lay beside her on the cold cement. Going so soft definitely did nothing for her so called natural born instincts for the life of a mercenary. Victoria laughed lightly to herself, although the action caused great discomfort to her backside while it rested gently against the back wall of her cell. She'd blame Jordan for her going soft once she got the hell out of this damn place, assuming she ever got out. His sweet, somehow boyish smile was enough to make one feel such touchy feely emotions. After all, a genuine smile was rare in her line of business. Plus, he was easy to beat up. A punching bag would be nice now.
"I'm pleased you find your current situation so humorous, daughter," Stefano's voice caught Victoria slightly off guard, ceasing her laughs. She considered being her usual alert and guarded self was rather pointless. Stefano never let any information slip that he didn't want to be known.
"Must everything always be about you, father dear?" Victoria cooed sarcastically. "If you really want to know what I find so tremendously funny, it's simple. I find my sudden urge for nothing more then a Big Mac, Supersize fries, and a large coke extremely funny. Really father, what happened to the great luxurious service deserved only by a DiMera?" Victoria sighed, leaning her head back and closing her eyes, trying to appear bored by her father's presence.

"Perhaps if you would learn to act more like a DiMera, you wouldn't be in this situation now, Victoria," Stefano replied coolly. Even without looking at him, Victoria could just feel a sly, victorious grin on his face. That worried her, although she wouldn't show it. Seeing her in a dark, dank jail cell alone wouldn't cause such a tone. That was reserved for much bigger wins.
"Yeah well, after 17 years of doing just that, I've rather gotten bored with acting like a "DiMera." What does that name really mean, father? What do you think people should feel when they hear that name?" Victoria asked, opening her eyes and turning her gaze in her father's direction. He looked extremely amused.

"Why, respect of course," Stefano replied.

"Respect! Yeah, right," Victoria snorted. "More like fear. Is that not correct, father? People should fear the DiMera name, not respect it. Is that not what you taught me to believe. That I, as a DiMera, was to carry myself with dignity, as if I had supreme power over anyone and everyone who was not "fortunate" enough to bare the DiMera name?" Victoria spat.

"You were raised to hold you family in the highest of regards. You were raised to know the meaning of the word loyalty, to trust and confide in no one but the family that loves you. Which leads me to question, what happened to the daughter I raised, to the daughter I loved," Stefano replied coolly. Victoria looked away in disgust.
"You don't know the meaning of that word," Victoria whispered. Stefano stepped forward, reaching out a hand and taking hold of Victoria's chin, turning her to face him once again.

"And you, my 17 year old daughter, you know what love is?" Stefano questioned.

"You never let me know what love is," Victoria replied, her voice barely above a whisper. Any man with even half a heart would crumble at the pure innocence the statement held, coming from the once ruthless, emotionless Victoria. You know that look on your face when you're a child who's just lost a favorite blanket, or a prized plaything, and you know you're about to start crying unless your mommy or daddy comes to your side to save the day? That's the look Victoria's eyes held, the pure raw emotion she allowed herself to show in front of a man she despised scaring her more then any whip, blade, knife, or threat of any other physical harm ever could. To any other man, the scene would be heart wrenching. But not to Stefano DiMera. It merely took the edge off his inevitable victory. Stefano pulled his hand back in a manner to show his obvious disgust. Victoria quickly recovered, hiding her true emotions and turning her face away once more. "What do you want from me, Stefano? I don't have anything left to give. You've made sure of that over the years, if you didn't remember."
"Quite the contrary, my dear Victoria. I believe you have much left for which I would want," Stefano stated, his arrogant, proud tone returning once again. Perhaps Victoria still possessed the bold attitude he knew and loved so well. Victoria looked up at him, narrowing her eyes. He turned everything around so quickly, made her show so many different emotions, none of which she ever wanted to show ANYONE, let alone him. And all for his sick, twisted games he took so much pleasure in.

"Well, if what you want from me is to be a hit woman, art thief for hire, you can forget it. I'd sooner die then let you destroy what little self respect I have for my own life," Victoria spat. Stefano flashed that smile that made her blood boil, tipping his head to the side to observe his daughter's ever changing reactions.

"You know I do have the power to arrange that, Victoria. You of all people know my past history. Stefano DiMera always gets what he wants," Stefano stated. Victoria felt a slight twinge of guilt, involuntarily thinking of Michael. Stefano had never confirmed having anything to do with his death, but she had no doubt her father had been behind it all.

"I am not afraid of you, Stefano," Victoria stated firmly. No, she was not afraid of his idle threats of death. Not her own at least. No, the mere thought of Stefano putting an end to her torturous life seemed far to merciful an act for the deceitful man to commit.

"Is that so? Well, I don't suppose you are. But perhaps I know someone who should be," Stefano started. "Now, what was his name again? It's right on the tip of my tongue. Let's see..." Stefano pondered. Victoria watched him intently, wondering what kind of game he could possibly be playing this time. "Oh yes! Now I remember. Jordan! That's his name, Jordan" Stefano stated, waiting for the calculated reaction. Stefano didn't quite get the response he was hoping for. But her unwillingness to look him in the eye would suffice. "Ah, yes. Didn't know I know of your alliance with young Jordan. Foolish girl. You think you could ever hide anything from Stefano DiMera?" Stefano inquired. "I had rather hoped you would do as I asked, and stay away from the likes of him. Rather a bad influence on your better judgment if you ask me."
"Jordan is a good man. He follows orders, despite what others may say. A trait you find very admirable," Victoria murmured. Stefano nodded, bringing his hand up to his chin stroking his beard in thought.

"Yes, I suppose that is true. But, I once believed that of his elder brother, Michael, and look how things turned out with him," Stefano stated. Victoria turned a now icy glare on her father, practically sneering at him.

"So, you really did have Michael killed then. You sick bastard," Victoria cursed.

"Now now, such flattery will get you no where. He was but a fool Victoria. A fool who let silly thoughts and dreams get to his head, and he paid the price for his betrayal, as will Jordan if he should ever try to pull at stunt like Michael did. And, you know my dear, given the circumstances, you are in no position to stop me." Victoria stood slowly, conscious of both her current weakened condition, and of the six men waiting at the entrance to the dungeon she had failed to notice before.

"That's where you're wrong, Stefano," Victoria sneered. "You see, father dear, if you ask me, you're getting far too cocky in your old age." Victoria stated coolly. "I will put a stop to this, father. You can count on it. Even locked in this cage... I'll find a way to stop you. After all... even you can't live forever. Eventually, all the "mighty" fall. And it seems fitting that I should be the one to see your life's end, since you were the one that ended mine before it began."
"You think you're finally ready to take me on, Victoria?" Stefano asked, as if he had anticipated her turning on him for years. Victoria crossed her arms under her breasts, flashing a sly grin she'd learned from him.

"I haven't got anything left to lose," Victoria answered. Stefano nodded, satisfied with her answer.

"I had hoped, this day would never come. But I can see that you are indeed my daughter. You are as steadfast as I, and also as stubborn. So the day has finally come. The day that marks the beginning of yet another DiMera war. I wish it didn't have to be between father, and daughter," Stefano stated. He waved his hand, signaling the six waiting men to bring in his next surprise for Victoria.

"Well then, Stefano, if it'll make it easier on you... I'm not your daughter anymore," Victoria stated just as coolly. Stefano shook his head, tsk tsking his daughters choice of words.

"Oh no, that is one thing you can not deny. As your twin sister has, and will learn, you can refuse my name and my affection, but you will always be my daughter. DiMera blood runs through your veins," Stefano stated. Victoria turned her head slightly when she heard a loud noise at the entrance. Stefano watched Victoria intently for her reaction as she witnessed four of the men dragging in a huge bolder. The other two waited behind them, carrying heavily weighed down packs that looked as if they were made specifically to strap onto ones arms and legs. Victoria knew their intent immediately. Stefano had always boasted about how his first born twin not only could hold her own among the best of the best on the field, but in the classroom as well. Victoria had only two passions in life; one, she shared with both her father, and her sister, and that was opera. She rarely ever sang of course, but it was one of the few things that had ever brought her real pleasure.

The other was a more unique trait, although Stefano had been known to have much knowledge of the subject as well. As time permitted, Victoria studied ancient text. Anything she could get her hands on, in many different languages. It was a passion of hers to learn as much as she could about the history of world's civilizations. She studied ancient Greek scriptures, Roman tablets, anything and everything she could read, she devoured the information. But her favorite civilization of all times was most definitely the ancient Egyptians. Of course, as she had very little free time for such a hobby, she also used her passion as an advantage in strategizing. Victoria had once told her father, in a joking manner, that he should allow her to devise the training course for new trainees. One tactic she'd mentioned was this. Almost every ancient civilization had been built on the backs of slaves. Victoria had proposed securing a huge boulder to the backs of all the trainees. Then, weights would be strapped to their arms and legs, and they'd be sent through a designated course. Mostly, it would just be lugging the huge weight around a track or something of the sort. Also through water perhaps, it really didn't matter. Only the toughest could take a single step with such weight on their backs. That had been one of the many suggestions Victoria and her father had laughed about that day. Now, she cursed her inability to keep her mouth shut. Damn her twisted sense of humor to hell anyway!

"Gee, father, you gonna make me walk the gauntlet too?" Victoria spat dryly. Stefano walked up beside her, taking her arm and leading her towards the cell door, chuckling slightly at her question.

"I would think you were smart enough not to give me ideas, Victoria," Stefano replied. Victoria's face flushed with anger, and just as they reached the now open cell door, she quickly moved out of his grasp, grabbing Stefano by the shirt collar and pushing him up against the bars. The six men quickly made a move to advance, but Stefano stopped them with a mere raise of his hand. "No. Let her be."
"I meant what I said, father," Victoria hissed, gripping his shirt tighter in her hands. "I swear, I'm going to put an end to your demented games, Stefano. You're days of playing puppeteer with innocent people's lives are over. Like I said, I've got nothing left to lose," Victoria stated. She pushed roughly away from him before allowing the other six men to advance to set her on her next little "trial of redemption" as Stefano referred to it in private. Stefano watched them drag his daughter out of the cell, a pleasant, pleased grin on his face...

Brady pulled his coat tighter around him, chilled slightly by the cooling night air. It had been dark for quite some time, but that hadn't stopped Brady. He'd needed to get some fresh air, have some time to think, time to breathe on his own. So he told his dad he was going out for a walk, and for them to call on his cell phone if their was anything else new. Brady hadn't intended upon any certain destination, but he inevitably ended up asking for directions to St. Michan's Church. He stood within view of it now, but dared not go down the hill and up to the front gate to inspect the surroundings up close just yet. As much as he would have liked to, going off half cocked and just blundering around would do Chloe no good. So he stayed at a distance, just allowing the cool breeze to calm his totally shot nerves. He could only imagine what Stefano would do to both Chloe and especially Aida. Knowing she was in there somewhere with Stefano DiMera knowing his own daughter had been working with the Blacks made him want to storm the place all the more, but somehow, he found enough rational sense left in him to refrain from doing anything stupid.

The past few months had been total hell for him as well as for the rest of Salem. The repercussions of Philip's psychotic actions would perchance never cease. The damage was done, many innocent lives had been lost, leaving the families to grieve. But those in Chloe's life especially. Unlike the Lockharts or the Lamberts or the Masters, the Wesley's had no closure. Until Aida's mystery call, no one had even known if she was dead or alive. Now, although they knew she was alive, Chloe was definitely far from safe. They, hopefully, had Chloe's location at least semi-pinpointed, but nothing could be certain. Until Brady could hold Chloe safely in his arms, he wouldn't allow himself to be completely sure of anything. Over the past few agonizing months, between dead end search after dead end search, Brady had replayed every happy memory he had of Chloe. Even many of their arguments. The night of her disappearance haunted him especially. Things had started looking up that night. One of the few things Brady had taken with him on this trip was Chloe's "Diva" Teddy Bear. He'd made a vow that night to return it to her, no matter what it took. It was a small thing, but it was something Brady just had to hold on to. The simple bear was his hope he supposed. Brady shook his head, chuckling lightly while silently cursing his sensitive, romantic side. Hell, he had the damn bear with him even now! The small token of affection was tucked away in his large jacket pockets. It was somehow a sign of security. Brady saw in Chloe's eyes the night of the school dance the gift meant a great deal to her. It was special to her, a part of his Diva, so therefore it was dear as gold to him. Brady put his hands in his pockets, his right moving around the bear and somehow taking comfort from it. It almost felt as if Chloe was really near him. Brady turned finally after a few more moments of watching the silent church to make his way silently back down the hill to head back towards Gabriel's home...

Elizabeth shivered slightly, both from the cool night air, and the disturbingly creepy crypt one had to make their way around to exit or enter the tunnels which lead to Stefano's underground base. There were a few other exits, ones with special doors that could be opened from within the tunnel but not from the outside. But St. Michan's Church held the only entrance. Just like the door leading to the catacombs under the DiMera estate in Salem, the door was time released. It would shut after Stefano or whoever was being followed entered, and not open again for quite some time, giving more then enough chance for a sound getaway. Elizabeth detested having to go through the crypt to get out to the surface, but she needed fresh air. She was feeling so many different emotions right now. Confusion being the most prominent.

Elizabeth knew beyond the shadow of a doubt that her father WAS lying to her. About what was the problem. She just got the feeling, like he wasn't telling her the whole story. And, Victoria's trying to convince her she was really Chloe Lane... it sounded crazy, but it made Elizabeth believe Stefano was lying all the more. She didn't really believe she was this Chloe Lane or whoever, not yet. She did however wish she could have seen a picture of her. Although, she guessed that if Stefano was in fact lying, it would most likely be fake information he shared with his daughter. Elizabeth had never known her father to lie to her, but then, she hadn't known him for that long. Not really, given she couldn't remember any of her life before coming to Paris. And then of course there was Victoria. Elizabeth had never known her to lie to her either, not that she could. One reason why Elizabeth couldn't deny the truth that lay behind Victoria's word was the bond the twins shared. Elizabeth didn't have to be able to remember her twin sister to know her, inside and out. It was just all so confusing!

Also, a few other things plagued the young woman tonight. Ever since she'd reached the entrance to the tunnels, Elizabeth had experienced this unnerving feeling that she was being watched, being followed. But she never heard nor saw anything when she turned around to look in all directions. No one could have seen her exited the tunnels. And surely no one from within the compound had followed her. So why was there a distinctive shiver running down her spine? She was now off church grounds, and was heading down a sidewalk. She'd only bumped into one other person, an elderly man out for a nightly walk. Elizabeth wrapped her arms tightly around herself under her large, slightly bulky red jacket. She slowed her pace slightly, still sensing that "being followed" feeling. She merely shrugged it off, however. Something else was bothering her, although it's source was unknown to her. Elizabeth had this strange impulse to turn in another direction, like she was suppose to be somewhere important right at that very moment. Where or why, she didn't know. All she knew, was that ever fiber of her senses was telling her to turn right.

Elizabeth looked to her right, seeing she was currently passing a small hill. Looking up ahead, she noted that the sidewalk she was walking forked, one way going straight and the other curving around the hill. Well, couldn't hurt. Elizabeth thought silently to herself. She picked up her pace again, concentrating on the sidewalk rather then where she was going in an attempt to shake that being followed feeling. She didn't see the shadow of a young men step onto the path from around the hill. Not even when she ran smack into his chest, knocking her flat on her ass and scaring the shit out of her.

"Oh my God, I'm so sorry..."
"Well if you'd bloody watch where you were going..." Elizabeth cursed, still not looking up. Brady did a double take at the sound of her voice. It was dark, so even with her right at his feet, he couldn't quite make out anything about her, except that her hair was down, slightly wavy, and dark.
"Chloe?" Brady nearly whispered. Elizabeth's head shot up, staring at the tall blonde man above her. That name again! She was going to say something, when the moonlight caught his amazingly blue eyes. Elizabeth was momentarily rendered speechless, becoming instantly captivated in the depths of those gorgeous pools of blue. Brady took in a sharp breathe, seeing his real Chloe's face for the first time in months. He reached down, gently taking her by the arm to help her off the ground. She allowed him to help her up, each never taking their eyes off the other. Brady released her arm after a moment, bringing his hand up to caress her cheek lightly with the back of his hand. Her brain told her to pull away, but she knew she couldn't the moment he touched her face in such a delicate, almost loving manner. "Is it really you?" Brady whispered. God, those eyes! They seemed to be searing into her very soul, she couldn't even remember how to tell herself to move for God's sake! Finally, Elizabeth managed to shake herself from her daze, taking a step back and shaking her head.

"No. No, my name is Elizabeth," Elizabeth replied, desperately trying to convince herself more then she was the handsome blonde man before her. Brady slowly reached out for her, but Elizabeth jerked her shoulder back away from the contact that had sent such a bolt of electricity throughout her body. "No! Don't touch me! Who are you? Why is EVERYONE talking about this Chloe girl?" Elizabeth demanded. Brady nodded to himself, deciding it was best to keep his distance, no matter how badly he wanted to take his Diva in his arms and never let her go again. According to the information Aida had shared, this woman before him didn't have the memories his Chloe Lane did. She wouldn't know him, or that she was Chloe. But, given her line of questioning, Aida must have been able to get to Chloe and try to let her know the truth. But, how the hell was he going to approach Chloe like this? DiMera's own creation. Oh yeah, 'Hi, I'm Brady Black, the son of your father's most hated enemy and I want to take you back to Salem with me.' Uh huh, that sounded real smooth. "Answer me, damn it!" Elizabeth hissed.

"I, um... I'm sorry. I didn't mean to... upset you..."
"That doesn't answer my questions. Who are you?!" Elizabeth demanded. Honesty's the best policy, Brady.

"My name is Brady," Brady answered quietly. Elizabeth froze, anger fading to that dreaded confusion.

"Brady Black?" Elizabeth whispered. The man Victoria had pleaded with her to contact? A young man who was the son of her father's rival, and yet, a man her beloved twin sister had insisted only wanted to help her. A glimmer of hope flashed in Brady's eyes. Maybe Aida had gotten through to Chloe!
"Yes, that's me. Brady Black," Brady replied, nodding. "And you are..."
"Elizabeth DiMera," Elizabeth finished quickly before he could say what she believed he really wanted to, Chloe Lane. Brady sighed, that spark of hope starting to diminish.

"Chloe..."
"No! I'm not Chloe! Chloe Lane is dead," Elizabeth spat. Every impulse her brain was sending her told her to turn around and run away to the safety of her father's base. But her feet wouldn't listen, her heart wouldn't allow it.

"Who told you that?" Brady asked, knowing full well who would have told her such a thing.

"My father, for your information. Look, I don't know what you want from me, or what you conned my sister into thinking. I'm sorry about Chloe's unfortunate death, but I'm not her, so you should just go back to Salem, or wherever it is you came from, and leave my family the hell alone. You've caused enough damage already," Elizabeth stated. She turned as if she were going to walk away, but Brady stopped her, gently but firmly grabbing her by the arm and twirling her around to face him.

"No, wait, please, don't go," Brady pleaded. He just found her, he couldn't let her leave! She couldn't ever leave him again. "Please. Don't leave. Stay." Elizabeth, despite her better judgment, found those amazing blue eyes again. They were so sincere, and yet, he seemed so frightened, like the idea of her leaving scared him. Elizabeth nodded slowly, signifying she wouldn't leave, yet at least. "Thank you."
"Don't thank me. I... I'm only staying because my sister asked me to seek you out," Elizabeth stated. Brady nodded, smiling slightly.

"I had hoped Aida would speak to you about me."
"Who?"

"Um, I mean, Victoria," Brady corrected. Elizabeth's eyes narrowed at him, studying his expression. He also had not released her arm yet.

"What do you know about my sister? Why did she team up with you, of all people?" Elizabeth questioned. Brady smiled softly, releasing her arm.

"So I could find you," Brady answered. Elizabeth just stared at him, almost as if in shock.

"But... I... I don't understand. Why would the son of John Black want to find me, Stefano DiMera's daughter?" Elizabeth asked. "Unless... you're trying to get to my father through me," Elizabeth added coldly. She wanted to believe that was the case. Any other option was far too frightening to consider.

"No. No, I don't give a damn about Stefano DiMera. All that matters is you. Please, we can't talk here. I want you to..."

"Elizabeth!" the call from behind caused them both to jump in surprise. Merdoc stepped forward, standing just behind Elizabeth and to the side. Stefano had instructed him to follow at a distance, but to only take action should something suspicious arise. This certainly looked damn suspicious to him. He'd watched the couple intently, glaring daggers at the young man ever since Elizabeth ran literally into him. Merdoc couldn't place the man's face, but he somehow felt he knew him, and he also knew he didn't like him being anywhere near Elizabeth. Brady practically snarled when he saw who had stepped up behind Chloe. Every impulse in his body wanted to reach out and strangle the son of a bitch. After all he had done, to his so called family and friends as well as to he and Chloe, Philip didn't deserve to go on living. "You were told not to stay out to long. Come now, Elizabeth, we have business to attend to," Merdoc stated. Elizabeth turned her head towards him, glaring at her idiot partner. Stefano had sent him to follow her no doubt. Or, knowing Merdoc, he would have followed her on his own. He had that creepy stalker vibe down pact. Elizabeth turned her attention back towards Brady, sensing his obvious hatred for Merdoc. Brady shook his head, turning his eyes back to Elizabeth.

"Merdoc, you go on ahead. I shall follow shortly," Elizabeth said. Merdoc moved to protest, but Elizabeth stopped him. "No arguments!" Elizabeth added firmly. Merdoc shook his head, giving the stranger another heated glare before turning around and stalking off. Elizabeth looked up at Brady, seeing a pleading look in his eyes. "I'm sorry, I mustn't stay any longer. My father will be expecting me." She too turned to go, but again Brady reached out, gently taking hold of her arm.

"Come away with me," Brady whispered pleadingly. Elizabeth froze. "Please. Don't go back there. Come with me now."

"I can't," Elizabeth whispered. She couldn't for the life of her figure out why, but she knew she wanted nothing more then to go with the handsome young stranger. She felt safe in his presence, secure. "I'm sorry, I can't." Brady released her, reaching inside his pocket and taking out the little white bear and a slip of paper.

"If you won't come with me now, please, at least take this. I... Chloe Lane would want you to have it," Brady said softly. Elizabeth hesitantly took the teddy bear from him, instantly feeling some kind of unknown connection to the simple, yet meaningful gift. "And this. It's the address where I'm staying and my cell phone number. Please, I need you to meet me somewhere where we can talk."
"No, I..."
"Please. Don't turn away from me now. Trust in me," Brady pleaded.

"Elizabeth, come now!" Merdoc yelled over his shoulder. He hadn't walked far, the strangers words had stopped him in his tracks. His blood boiled with rage, and he swore if that guy didn't get his damn hand off Elizabeth in about three seconds, he was going to turn around and rip his arm from it's socket. Elizabeth quickly deposited the bear and the address into her coat pocket.

"Alright, I'll meet with you. Tomorrow, at noon, if I can get away," Elizabeth agreed lowly, so Merdoc wouldn't hear. With that, she turned around, quickly jogging away to join Merdoc. Brady watched his Diva slowly disappear out of sight with the man whom he solely blamed for Chloe's abduction. His mind was racing. Part of him couldn't believe he had allowed her to leave. His feet unconsciously made a move to follow her, to drag her back to Gabriel's whether she liked it or not. But the other half of him... the rational half, knew he couldn't. Maybe, if Philip had not shown... But if Brady took Chloe away now, protesting or not, Philip would tell Stefano. And there was no telling what would be done to Aida before Brady could regroup to rescue her as well. Much as he wanted to save Chloe... much as he wanted to hold her in his arms, and never let her go... Brady couldn't risk Aida being killed because of his failure to think things through. No, he could wait. He had to wait. He had no choice. Tomorrow he could save not just one Wesley twin, but both.

"Tomorrow, Diva. Tomorrow, I'm going to take you home where you belong." Brady vowed silently to himself...