Chapter 77

Bo looked up from the folder in his hands, his eyes narrowing as his wife entered his office, closing the door behind her. 'I'm kind of busy, Carly.'

'You have every reason to me angry with me, Bo. I'm really sorry for keeping it from you but I really thought...'

'I don't want to hear any more of your excuses.' Bo said, his voice quiet but very cold. 'The fact that Olivia was involved with DiMera and you chose not to tell doesn't speak well of you; no matter your intentions or reasons.'

Carly blinked, sad and very hurt at the way Bo was talking to her. 'Sweetheart, please. Don't be this way with me. You really need to understand why I made the decision not to tell you; it's not like I felt you didn't have the right to know what was going on. But after Olivia said it was over between them, I figured there was no point! I was protecting her... yes! But I also didn't want it to ruin your relationship with her; I wanted to avoid a huge argument between you two. You should understand that at least.'

Bo stared back at her, reluctantly seeing her point but still very angry with her- by keeping it from him it was like shutting him out. 'It doesn't make your decision the right one. Now if you'll excuse me, I've got work to do.'

'But Bo, we can't keep this dangling between us; we've got to thrash it out!' Carly pleaded.

'I'll see you at home; I'm not doing this with you now.'

'But...'

'Go home, Carly.' Bo said abruptly.

Carly looked like she was going to argue further but in silence did what she was told. Bo could clearly hear her sniffling and felt ashamed but didn't go after her. Whatever her reason for not telling him, she broke her promise to him and it would be a while before he will be able to get past that. It was like Nicky all over again. He found out on their wedding day Nicky was her son and she'd kept more secrets after that. Of course he'd forgiven her after he knew the reason but she'd promised she would never keep anything from him again.

Caroline came in a while later. 'I ran into Carly and she looked like she was really upset about something. Is this about the thing with Olivia and EJ?'

'I'll rather not discuss it, Mum.' Bo replied, not looking up from his files.

Caroline Brady shook her head at her son, exasperated. 'Bo, you've got to see Carly's view in all this. What was the point of telling you when the relationship was off already.'

'I had the right to know about it, regardless!' Bo bit out the words harshly. 'Carly knows how I felt about missing Olivia's childhood; how I wasn't there for her. Choosing not to tell me was shutting me out and she broke her promise to me.'

'What promise was that?' Caroline asked curiously.

Bo hesitated then shook his head; it was between him and Carly after all.

'Okay, you missed Olivia's childhood; but I think you're overreacting over this. Carly didn't do it to hurt you, you should realise that. And take the time to remember this; you and Carly are having another baby. Is this how you want to keep acting towards her right now? Have you forgotten how happy you were when you found out she wasn't dead all these years; about Olivia herself? There're some things you just have to let go of, Bo so please don't make the mistake of driving her away; not when you've got this second chance with her. And children, especially girls, make mistakes.'

'Olivia's not like most girls.' Bo reminded her. 'That's why I thought she had more sense than allow herself get involved with trash; especially considering her mother's experience with Larry! I have the right to be mad.'

'Fine, be mad but don't carry your anger too far. Olivia's tough but she's sensitive and she thinks the world of you. And Carly loves you very much; she would never wilfully hurt anyone, especially you. Think about that, son and made up with her. Okay?'

Bo sighed, nodding. He did love Carly; cherished the life they have. 'Sure, Mum.' He promised.

Caroline smiled, satisfied.

:::::::::

Carly kept picturing the cold expression on Bo's face as she drove home, feeling very unhappy. Bo was so angry with her and how she was going to put things right, she didn't know. And he had the right to be angry too; in the past she did keep secrets from him even though her reasons were justified. But she did make him a promise and then broke it; the real reason he was angry with her.

She also kept thinking over and over who could've sent those photos to Bo. It was obviously someone who wanted him to know about Olivia and EJ; to provoke him. But who?

But she couldn't come up with a suspect. She momentarily thought Victor might be the one but surely he wouldn't expose Olivia like that. Then who would deliberately do such a thing?

Someone finally came to mind and she headed for his house.

:::::::::

Meanwhile, Olivia was having a hard time with Sami. Sami was angry and disgusted at the whole thing and she let out her wrath on her cousin. Olivia stared Sami down, her expression curiously calm. 'What do you want me to do, Sami... apologise? Because this isn't about you at all.'

'Just tell me why, why of all guys in Salem; it had to be EJ?'

Olivia fought to control her temper, which was rather difficult. 'I understand you're angry but bottom line... it's really none of your business.'

'Well, maybe I want to make it my business.'

'Well, I won't be judged by anybody, much less you!' Olivia fired back. 'Besides, who's angry here; my cousin or EJ's ex-wife?'

'I'm not being jealous!' Sami cried. 'I'm mad because... because... for God's sake Olivia, just why? Do you have any idea how it looks, you my cousin with my ex-husband?'

'My God, is that what you're worried about; how it looks? You're acting like you're the only woman who has the right to love EJ?'

'Oh God...' Sami raised her hands, unable to believe what she was hearing. 'Please, don't use that word ever again, ever.'

Olivia folded her arms, glaring at her.

'Look...' Sami now looked calmer, her tone softening. 'You don't know EJ like I do. He's conniving, he's manipulative and he's done a lot of terrible things.'

'It's not like you're a saint yourself, Sami.' Olivia couldn't help pointing out.

Sami winced, biting her lower lip. 'You're right... I'm not. I've done some bad things too. But I've changed and I love Rafe more than life itself. And what I'm telling you know is what I would tell Allie or Sydney if they got involved with somebody like EJ. You're so lucky he called it off but you've got to watch your back from now on. Believe me... he will hurt you in ways you can't imagine if he chooses to. I don't want him to ruin you like he almost ruined me.'

Olivia was silent.

'I'm sorry for yelling at you, I do love you; you know.' Sami went on, moving closer to touch Olivia's shoulder. 'I'm madder at EJ than I am with you. He had no business trying to take advantage of you; you're so young and impressionable!'

Olivia sighed, but wisely kept what she really knew to herself. 'Well you and everyone else don't have to keep worrying about me. It's over and after what he got from Dad, he'll stay clear from now on.'

'I really hope so, for your sake especially.' Sami emphasised. 'While I'm not happy he's going to be away from Johnny and Sydney for a long period, I'm glad he's leaving.'

'Leaving?' Olivia asked, doing her best to keep the emotion from her voice. Not wanting a public tearful goodbye at the airport, EJ has forbidden her from going to the airport to see him off; he promised to call her before he boarded.

'Yeah, he came by to say he's going to London; and best thing for all of us. Trust me, you really dodged a bullet. Even if Uncle Bo didn't kick his ass, EJ would've gotten bored once he got what he wanted from you. I'm serious about this.'

No, you're wrong about this. EJ loves me and he's going to come back to me, Olivia said silently, awkwardly returning Sami's hug.

:::::::::::::

'I actually came to see Stefano.' Carly informed Kate.

'Stefano's not feeling well; he's not receiving visitors. Why don't you tell me what's this about? Sit down.' Kate urged. 'Would you like a drink?'

Carly shook her head firmly. 'No. I'll come straight to the point. EJ... well, EJ's been seeing my daughter. Apparently it started after Olivia's accident and we recently got to know about it. Actually, Olivia told me about it when I found a portrait EJ signed his name on but Bo found another way.' She explained in detail about the sent photos. 'Someone obviously spied on them and sent the photos to Bo.'

'So... you think Stefano sent them.'

'That's what I came to ask him. And you obviously knew what was going on... you didn't flinch at all.'

'Now wait,' Kate said, shaking her head. 'I swear... I had no idea Olivia was dating EJ. All I know is EJ's loved Olivia from the day he met her, he could never stop talking about her or thinking of her.'

Carly's face was hard. 'And neither of you tried warning him about the consequences of seducing a young girl? An 18 year old girl for that matter?'

'I did tell him!' Kate protested. 'I told him many times... I screamed at him. I said it was impossible, that he should stay away from her but he wouldn't listen. He kept insisting he was in love with her, he insisted so hard that I finally gave him the benefit of the doubt. But I honestly didn't know he was seeing her, Carly.'

'Love?' Carly asked, scorn in her voice. 'What exactly does your stepson know about love? From what I've heard about him, he's just like Lawrence; if not worse. EJ's fixation on my daughter is not love.'

'Believe what you want, Carly. But you should've seen EJ when Olivia got hurt in the accident. Stefano and I have never seen him the way he looked that night; it was like he almost lost something precious and he was terrified he might actually lose it all together. Whether we like it or not, EJ's feelings are real, he has nothing but good intentions.'

'I don't care if he regards Olivia as the Virgin Mary. Bo and I want him to stay away from her. Age difference or not... I won't let Olivia get hurt by EJ, the way he hurt Sami.'

'Sami!' Kate said derisively. 'Sami gave as good as she got, it wasn't like she was an innocent herself, she was just as conniving and manipulative.'

'We are not talking about Sami, Kate.' Carly snapped. 'I know you and Sami have your issues but that's none of my business, what I care about is my daughter's well being. And whoever sent those photos obviously wanted to cause trouble. Right now, Bo isn't talking to me because I didn't tell him what I found out.'

'Carly, you're smart. Why would Stefano send you photos of Olivia and his son to your husband... who happens to be the Commissioner of Police? Even if it was him, how could he know you didn't tell Bo about them?' Kate pointed out. 'You're looking for somebody to blame but wasn't Stefano. And believe me, Stefano's many things but getting wrongly accused of something doesn't sit well with him.'

Carly was silent, still uncertain but Kate did have a point. 'I guess I have to rule him out.'

'It wasn't him,' Kate said earnestly. 'And you're wrong about EJ. I'm not saying he should've snuck around with Olivia but he does love her, he's changed so much since he met her.'

Carly's face became cold again. 'We're done here.' Gripping her purse, she got up to go.

'If it makes you feel any better, EJ's leaving town for a while,' said Kate. 'You and Bo have no reason to worry anymore.'

'Well, let's hope he stays away for a very long time then. Thanks for your time, Kate.'

Kate saw her to the door, realising the reason for EJ's black eyes; he had been tight lipped about it and she and Stefano finally assumed he was mugged but too proud to say so. If only he'd listened, she thought, watching Carly drive off. She wasn't going to tell Stefano about Carly's visit. His health wasn't good these days, so it was best not to stir up a hornet's nest.

:::::::::::::::::

Carly glanced at the clock. 8.15. Bo still wasn't home and she was afraid he would hang up if she called the station. After leaving the station, she'd gone to the pub and found Olivia having coffee with Arianna, Stephanie and Tamara. Noticing she was in low spirits, Caroline had suggested they all accompanied her to shop for maternity clothes since Carly was practically bursting out of her clothes now. But that didn't cheer her up, she kept thinking how long Bo was going to keep ignoring her.

The doorbell rang and she got up to answer it. Two uniformed officers stood at the doorstep.

'Good evening, Dr. Brady,' one of them greeted her politely.

Carly frowned. They weren't the guards posted outside. 'Where are Maxwell and Reid?'

'Actually we're their relief.' The other officer said. He was startlingly handsome, better looking than his partner and he surveyed Carly in a way she didn't like.

'Oh, I see. I just hope you guys don't have to do this for very long. So far, we haven't heard anything from the man who's been stalking me.'

'Well, you can't be too careful, ma'am.' The first one said. 'Can we trouble you for some water?'

'Sure, come in.' Carly opened the door wider, making way for them to pass. 'I think I have some Evian left in the fridge...'

Something cold pressed against the back of her neck. 'Don't scream... don't make any sound,' the words came out in cold drawl.

'I wish you'd let me see you off,' Olivia sniffled as she spoke to EJ on the phone.

'We would just make it harder than it is already.' EJ replied. 'Keep remembering this, I love you and it's our love that's going to get us through this separation.'

'Yes,' Olivia said miserably.

'I'll call you as soon as I land and you remember what we agreed on. Will you do something for me... help Sami and Rafe with my children?'

'Of course... I...' Olivia noticed Phoebe was growling at the door.

'What is it?'

'Hang on... Phoebe's growling. Hey, what's with you, girl?'

The door suddenly opened and Olivia stared in shock at the policeman pointing a gun at her. 'Who the bloody hell are you?'

At his end, EJ froze. 'Olivia, what's happening? Who's there?' he snapped.

'I said, who...' Olivia was slapped across the face. Barking loudly, Phoebe ran up to the assailant and bit him on the leg and got viciously kicked across the room.

'Olivia, what the hell's going on?!' EJ shouted, hearing her scream and the clear sound of another slap and a struggle. Enraged at the sight of her dog being kicked, Olivia had grabbed hold of a lamp, smashing it on the side of her assailant's neck, causing him to curse loudly and drop the gun. Olivia punched him on the jaw, jamming her knee on his stomach.

'Olivia, answer me!' EJ was now panic-stricken, not noticing the startled stares from the people at the terminal. 'What's going on?!'

Olivia ran into the bathroom, desperately rummaging in the cabinet under the sink for the weapon she'd hidden there since the stalking started, just in case.

'Hey!'

Olivia looked up and all the fight went out of her as she saw another policeman at the door, holding Carly by the arm and a gun aimed at her. 'Claws in or your mummy's brains will be everywhere. Am I reaching you?'

Olivia met Carly's frightened eyes and slowly walked out, back to her room.

'Dean, are you okay?'

His neck throbbing with pain, Dean got up and backhanded Olivia again, causing her to fall to the ground. 'You're not so tough now are you, you little hellcat!' He grabbed his gun again.

Carly's eyes widened at the mention of the name. 'Dean... you've been the one stalking me!'

'Just to throw that husband of yours off, Doc. This is more of a kidnapping than a stalking,' Dean grinned, grabbing Olivia by the hair. 'And your little girl's the grand prize.'

'No, no... please don't do this!' Carly cried.

'Shut up!' Dean shouted, glaring at Carly. She was beautiful and he hated her already. Born with a silver spoon her mouth, just like Hope.

'You're not going to get away with this, my husband will find you...'

Olivia screamed in terror, struggling to break free of Dean as Carly sank on the ground. 'You bastard!'

'Are you insane?! We had an agreement!' Patrick shouted at him.

'You agreed, not me! I'm bent on leaving Bo this message, he's not to mess with us; not this time. Come on, he could come back any minute.'

Olivia viciously started struggling again and Patrick hurriedly brought out a Taser; using it to subdue her. Dean flung the young woman over his shoulder fireman style and they hurriedly left the house.

Moments later, Bo arrived home. Parking the car, he walked over to the police car parked several yards away to speak to the guards, like he always did. He leaned in then shrank back in shock.

Both officers had gun shots on their necks, their lifeless eyes staring at nothing.

'Oh my God...' Bo ran into the house, drawing his gun out on seeing the front door was wide open. He cautiously went upstairs, stiffening on hearing a low voice coming from the direction of Olivia's room.

Carly was on the floor and someone was leaning over her.

'Hands above your head, now!' Bo ordered.

The man turned, hurriedly raising his hands. It was EJ.