Kimberly, late for her lunch date with Hope and out-of-breath from rushing, hurried down the steps and into Brady's Pub. It was well after two o'clock and the lunch crowd was long gone. Other than a few tables occupied by late-comers, the place was deserted. Kim, still feeling despondent over her morning altercation with Shane, welcomed the quietude that the near-empty pub afforded. In her mood, a lively, crowded pub was the last place she would want to be.

Caroline and Shawn had left hours earlier for a well-deserved afternoon break leaving Kim's brother Max to man the pub. "Hey Kim," Max greeted his sister from behind the bar. "I heard you were coming home today. How's it going?"

Kim took a seat on one of the stools at the bar. "Just fine," Kim smiled weakly, barely masking her depressed state-of-mind.

Max looked askance at his sister, wondering what could have gotten her so blue. He thought maybe lunch would perk her up. "Can I get you anything? Bowl of chowder? Burger? Today we had a great fish platter." Max tried tempting his sister with the day's lunch special.

"No, just coffee." Kim didn't have much of an appetite and she knew it wasn't because of the large breakfast she had consumed earlier. "Is Hope around? I'm supposed to meet her here."

"She's in the kitchen." Max poured Kim a cup of fresh brewed coffee and passed it across the bar to her, before he leaned down on his elbows and stared intently in her eyes. Maybe Max wasn't a counselor like his sister but it didn't take a professional to see that something was bothering her. Just as Max was about to probe, he noticed out the corner of his eye a patron across the room signaling for his attention. "Gotta take care of this. You're going to be okay?"

Kim brushed off his concern. "Sure. Go on. Take care of business or else Pop will have your hide. I'll be just fine," Kim reassured him. Max hesitated a moment more before he turned and reluctantly left to tend to the customer. Kim stepped off the stool and carefully carried her coffee to a corner table opposite the door. She wearily heaved herself into the chair propped against the wall to wait. Within minutes, the swinging door to the kitchen pushed open and Hope appeared. Kim looked up and managed a smile as Hope walked towards the table, grinning like she knew a secret.

"Welcome back," Hope said cheerily then looking more closely at Kim, observed, "You look tired."

"I am," Kim replied truthfully. She was tired but not from lack of sleep. "By the way, thanks for helping with breakfast."

"My pleasure. So …?" Hope looked at Kim expectantly. Shane, unable to contain his growing excitement, had confided in Hope of his plans to propose to Kim. From his phone call days earlier when he had specified exactly what he needed for breakfast, Hope had naturally assumed the proposal would occur their first morning home. But now, looking down, Hope observed Kim's ring finger was noticeably bare. Something had gone wrong. "Kim, what's bothering you?"

Kim couldn't hold in her feelings any longer. She needed to talk to someone. "Shane wants to get married again," Kim blurted out.

Hope tried to look surprised. "That's wonderful!" Then noticing Kim squirm uncomfortably in her chair, added, "Isn't it?"

Kim saw right through Hope's miserable attempt at acting surprised. "You knew, didn't you?"

Caught, Hope confessed. "Yes, but don't be angry. Shane was so excited, he had to tell someone."

News of Shane's excitement only served to depress Kim further. "I supposed you picked out the ring, too?"

"No, of course not," Hope defended herself. "No one has better taste than Shane … except you, of course."

Kim smiled at Hope's effort to improve her mood. "Kimberly, what's wrong? You love Shane, don't you?"

"You know I do. I always have." Kim stated firmly and with conviction. "I love him with all my heart. But marriage doesn't work for us."

"Oh Kim …"

"No, it's true," Kim protested. "We're together now and it's wonderful. I don't know why Shane wants marriage. It just complicates everything."

"Shane wants marriage to make a commitment to you. He wants to show the world that you and he belong together, forever. Being together, in love, is nice but marriage …" Hope's voice trailed off as she contemplated what she wanted to say and exactly how she was going to say it. "You know Bo and I have had our problems over the years. When Zach died …" Hope inhaled deeply before proceeding, feeling the pain that she had tucked away so long ago suddenly feel new and fresh again. "Well, I didn't think we'd make it together after Zack died. But it was our commitment to each other – and not just the words – but actually being married that got us through it. And that's what Shane wants for you and him, a commitment that will get you through the rough spots as well as the good times."

"It didn't before."

"But you've learned from your mistakes. You won't make them again."

Kim shook her head, torn by Hope's words. "I just don't know …"

"Hey, how are my two favorite girls?"

Kim looked up and saw her baby brother swagger over to their table. Kim sighed with relief, welcoming the interruption. Reaching them, Bo leaned down and kissed his wife before leaning over to plant a kiss on Kim's cheek.

"What are you doing here at this time of day," Hope asked, somewhat annoyed by Bo's unexpected appearance. With him there, Hope couldn't talk to Kim and convince her of the horrible mistake she was making. She and Shane belonged together and Hope needed to make Kim see that.

"Ouch, what kind of greeting is that?" Bo feigned mock pain.

"Hey Brady, I'm always thrilled to see you," Hope said, changing her tone. "So what brings you here?"

Bo took a seat next to Hope and across from Kim, then signaled Max to bring him coffee. "I was checking on a break-in at a warehouse on the docks and since I was down this way, I thought I would pop in here. Finding you and Kimber is just icing on the cake." Bo smiled at Kim.

"How was Shane this morning?" Kim asked, curious about Shane's mood after he left the house.

Bo looked quizzically at Kim. "Shane? I didn't see him this morning."

"He said he was going to stop by the station and see you." This wasn't good, Kim thought. She forced an air of nonchalance into her next question, shrugging her shoulders as she suggested, "Maybe you were gone this morning when he stopped by."

"No, I was at the precinct all morning. I'm telling you, he didn't stop by."

"But he said he would." Kim couldn't keep the concern from creeping into her voice. "He wanted to know if you needed help with some unsolved cases."

Bo was surprised at Kim's worrisome tone. "I'm sure he just got distracted by something. Bet he's planning some big surprise for you," Bo offered, trying to add some levity to the situation without realizing the irony. Little did he know the big surprise had already happened that morning. "You know Shane."

Kim did know Shane and it wasn't like him to be distracted unless he was upset. Despite her concern, Kim masked her feelings and calmly agreed with Bo. "Yeah, I'm sure you're right. He's probably home now, wondering where I am."

"Speaking of home," Bo turned to Hope, "I'm heading there now. Are you ready to leave?"

Hope looked at Kim. "We were going to have lunch and some girl talk."

"Hope, go home," Kim encouraged, sensing a chance to escape Hope's unrelenting pressure to accept Shane's marriage proposal. "I'm not really hungry anyway and I'd like to head home, too."

Hope pursed her lips, not pleased, not pleased at all by the change of events.

"Great, then it's settled. I just got to talk with Max for a minute and then we can leave. And Kim, tell Shane I have plenty of cases he can look over." Bo stood up and headed to the bar leaving Hope and Kim alone again. Hope, shaking her head, cast Kim a perturbed glance, irritated that Kim had successfully squirmed out of any further discussion. She wasn't ready to give up. As the words for one final argument were forming in her mind, the door to the pub opened and Kayla walked in. Suddenly, Hope had a new idea.

"Hey, what's everyone talking about?" Kayla asked innocently, as she came up to the table.

"I'm just trying to convince Kim she should accept Shane's marriage proposal," Hope answered matter-of-factly.

"Hope –" Kim shot Hope a disapproving glare.

"Hey, I'm not saying anything that everybody doesn't already know. You just have to look at Shane to see how much he wants to be with you." Hope stood up and grabbed her coat. "Now, I've got to run but remember what I said." Hope blew Kim a kiss before dashing out the door with Bo, confident that Kayla would now take her place and hammer away at Kim's resistance.

Kim turned to Kayla and couldn't help but notice the hopeful expression on her face. "Not you, too, Kayla."

"Well, I can't help but wish you and Shane were together, really together. I know if I –"

"Kayla, stop," Kim interrupted. "We've been through this before. It's not your fault."

Kayla shook her head at Kim's comment and looked away. She still carried tremendous guilt over how things had ended for her sister and Shane. Despite Kim repeatedly telling her that it was not her fault, Kayla knew differently. Maybe Kim and Shane's marriage had already ended as Kim had constantly reminded her. But Kayla also knew her affair with Shane had put to rest any hopes of a reconciliation. Now having Steve back in her life only compounded Kayla's guilt. Why was Kim being so stubborn, Kayla wondered. "I can't help but feel I'm the cause."

"Well, you're not," Kim stated firmly. "I simply don't want to be married."

Kayla brushed aside Kim's retort. "I don't believe that. You love Shane, I know you do. And he loves you. You two should be together… together AND married." Kayla leaned forward, her voice becoming almost a whisper. "Do you remember what you said to me when I first came to L.A.?"

Kim looked down at her hands, her fingers tapping nervously on the table. She was uncomfortable under Kayla's knowing gaze, as she thought back to when Kayla first arrived in Los Angeles.

Los Angeles, 1992

"I thought Stephanie and I could make dinner for everyone tonight. It's the least we can do …" Kayla offered as she walked down the hall of the neat little bungalow in Hermosa Beach that had become her home for the last month. Actually, it was Kim's home. When Kayla and her daughter Stephanie arrived from Salem, Kim had gladly welcomed them to stay with her. Although eager to accept Kim's hospitality, Kayla had been filled with so much guilt and self-loathing over her affair with Shane that she wouldn't allow herself to move in. Declining, she insisted that it would be too much trouble and much too cramped with both of them. But to Kayla's relief, Kim refused to accept any excuses and had Kayla and Stephanie move into Andrew's room while she moved Andrew in with Jeannie.

In no time, Kayla found the sanctuary she so desperately sought. Kim's home was a warmth-filled haven, a needed change from the turbulence Kayla had left behind in Salem. Located just a few blocks from the beach, Kayla often found herself drawn there. Walking along the shore in the early morning hours, with the seagulls her only companions, Kayla could understand why her sister had chosen to make her home here. The steady rhythm of the waves and the clean salt air helped Kayla think about her life and the recent events that had profoundly changed its course. Much of the time she would think about her late husband Steve but more frequently, Kayla thought about the unforgiveable way she had treated Kim, and how she had come between her sister and Shane. Kayla couldn't imagine how she could ever make it up to Kim, but somehow, she was going to try.

Reaching Kim's bedroom door, Kayla stopped in the entryway, surprised to see her sister dressed for an evening out. From her attire, a sweeping off-the-shoulder silk watercolor print dress, it was obviously going to be a fancy evening. "Oh, I didn't know you were going out."

"It's kind of last minute." Kim reached for a gold pendant and slipped it over her head. "But don't worry, I arranged for the girl next door to stay with Andrew and Jeannie."

"That's not necessary. I can stay with the kids." Kayla looked pointedly at Kim and asked, "Are you going on a date?"

Without looking up, Kim answered rather sheepishly, "Yeah, I guess you would call it that." Suddenly self-conscious, Kim nervously stepped across the room to her small, cluttered closet and, with her back intentionally to Kayla, started searching for a pair of sandals to wear.

Kayla stared after her wanting to hear more.

"Well?" Kayla waited, settling herself on the edge of her sister's bed as Kim still searched in her closet. Kayla truly wanted her sister to be happy again and was intrigued by the possibility of a new man in her life. "Kim, do tell me about him."

Sighing, Kim stepped back from the closet with a pair of strappy gold sandals dangling from her hand. She still found the whole idea of dating rather preposterous but looking at her sister and seeing the hopeful curiosity in her eyes, Kim relented and decided to share the latest development in her life. "I met him a few months before you arrived. We got together a couple of times and then he had to go out-of-town on business. I didn't even think I would hear from him again."

Kayla paused and contemplated what she wanted to say. She was not sure she had any right to ask the next question. Biting her lower lip, she ventured, "Is there still a chance for you and Shane?"

There it was, finally out in the open, the name they had avoided mentioning for the past month. When Kayla had first called from Salem saying she was coming to L.A., Kim could tell from the sadness in her voice that the situation at home had become despairingly difficult. Knowing Shane as well as she did, Kim could only imagine that the accident and his subsequent confinement to a wheelchair had made things unbearable for the two of them. Kim found little pleasure or satisfaction in this. When she had left for Los Angeles, Kim had genuinely wanted Shane and Kayla to find happiness together. Then when Kayla appeared on her doorstep, holding Stephanie in her arms, looking so lost and forlorn, Kim could only think of one thing, making a new home for her sister. A home filled with joy. Soon they settled into a comfortable routine of sisters helping each other. There was no reason to bring up Shane, no explanation or excuses required. In return, Kim found she enjoyed being surrounded by family again. She had truly missed her sister and the camaraderie they had once shared. And so the past became just that … something long gone, shut down, locked up, boarded over. But now, with the mere mention of his name, the past came rushing back to both of them.

Kim could no longer avoid it or her sister's question. Surprising even herself with the calmness in her voice, Kim simply replied, "No. No there isn't."

"Because of me."

Though it was the truth, there was no point in agreeing or casting blame. Instead Kim answered quietly, "No, it was because of a lot of things."

"You never think of going home?"

Kim exhaled slowly. "If truth be told, I did think of going back to Salem once. Right after the explosion. But I decided it wouldn't be fair to the kids. You know … get their hopes up." Kim knew that was a lie. She didn't want to get her hopes up. "It was better just to send Andrew to see his father." Hoping to end the conversation, Kim walked purposefully across the room and busied herself again at her jewelry box. "I better finish getting dressed."

Kayla was not ready to be dismissed. "So tell me about this new fellow."

Kim shrugged her shoulders. "There really isn't much to tell." She tried to downplay the significance of the relationship when in fact, since meeting, they had seen each other almost every night until he had to leave the country on business. Kim didn't want to admit it, but all the romance and attention he lavished on her was just what she needed to mend her broken heart. "His name is Phillip Collier and I met him at the beach. Get this, he's a movie producer. Andrew and I stumbled upon a scene they were shooting down at the beach. I guess I helped inspire one of his actors". Kayla's eyes opened wide in astonishment. "Next thing I know he's at my door, telling me he was compelled to track me down."

"Sounds romantic. Is it serious?"

"Please!" Kim tried to sound indignant. "He's a Hollywood producer, ponytail and all. I'm just a gal from Salem."

"So then there is still a chance for you and Shane," Kayla looked at her sister hopefully.

Wanting to quell any further discussion, Kim answered matter-of-factly, not realizing her words would one day come back to haunt her. "If I thought there was any chance for Shane and me to be together again, once more be a family … well, I'd be on the first plane to Salem. Nothing would stop me from being married to Shane again."

Kim looked up at Kayla. No words were necessary. In one brief memory, Kayla had accomplished what Hope had tried to do all afternoon. A long dormant feeling awakened in Kim and suddenly, she wanted to get home. She wanted to see Shane. "I need to get going Kayla," Kim stood and reached for her purse. "I hope you don't mind. I've been here much longer than I planned."

Kayla waved her arm. "No go on. Steve should be here soon, anyway."

Kim smiled at her sister, and then waved across the pub to Max before hurrying out the door.

Park in Brookville

Shane perused the file in his hand, code named Missing Link. That was an apt title for it, Shane thought, for in his mind, that was what his brother was and had always been … the missing link. Shane still couldn't believe his brother was alive. Drew was alive. Turning to David, Shane asked, "Where has he been all this time?"

"We're really not sure."

Shane shook his head. "There is any number of organizations that could benefit from my brother's special talents," Shane said thinking about all the terrorist groups that had sprung up in the years since Drew disappeared.

"Or individuals," David offered.

Shane's mind immediately shot to Stefano Dimera. He hoped his brother hadn't fallen under that wretched man's influence again. Then he remembered the last contact he had with Drew. That anonymous phone call to Kim's first radio broadcast so many years ago. Drew had assured Shane he was free of the Dimera ties. Shane hoped that was true and it wasn't Stefano again. But if not him, who was it then? Drew couldn't have stayed underground this long without help from someone.

As if reading his mind, David interrupted Shane's thoughts. "Do you know Sir Reginald Sinclair?"

"Reggie Sinclair?" Shane's eyes immediately registered recognition. "He was my father's best friend. They went to school together, first at Eton and then Cambridge. Later they joined the MI6," Shane explained, confirming what David already knew about Shane's father and his service in British Intelligence following World War II. Then with disdain, Shane added, "He was also my first wife Emma's godfather. He was so determined that Emma and I should marry." Shane shook his head, remembering with dismay how intent Reggie Sinclair was on them marrying. Now in hindsight, he could see how it almost bordered on an arranged marriage.

"Anything else?"

Shane shrugged his shoulders. "Really, not much more. He's practically a recluse now. I haven't seen him in upwards of twenty years. The last time was right after my parent's boating accident, at their memorial service. He now pretty much keeps to himself at his family estate in Derbyshire. Why?"

"Drew was recently in Derbyshire." Shane raised one eyebrow at this piece of news. "Soon after, Sir Reginald withdrew a large sum from his family trust. Maybe it's just a coincidence."

"Or maybe it's not," Shane suggested knowingly. "What else can you tell me?"

Shaking his head, David replied, "I've said too much already. Because of our friendship, I made the decision on my own to let you know Drew was alive. But this file is classified, for ISA operatives only."

Without actually saying the words, Shane knew exactly what David was asking and with a mere glance, David knew Shane's answer.

They slowly walked back to the car where the young agent, looking hopelessly out-of-place in his dark suit and sunglasses, still dutifully stood. Shane noticed David give the agent the slightest nod before slipping into the car after him. Then, without an exchange of words, David handed Shane the classified file and settled in next to him for the silent ride back to Salem.

Dropped off at his car, Shane decided it was now too late in the day to visit Bo. He needed to get home and hopefully, before Kim returned. Driving through the familiar streets of this city that he had adopted as his own so many years before, Shane couldn't help but think about the direction he had wanted his life to take and now, the course it was forced to follow.

Shane had assured Kim he was through with the ISA. He had told her over and over again, she was all that mattered. But when David withheld those classified documents, Shane felt he had no choice. Drew was alive and he had to find him. Those classified documents would provide an important starting point. Gripping the steering wheel in frustration, Shane realized that no matter how hard he tried, something always pulled him back into the ISA.

Pulling into the driveway, Shane was relieved to see that Kim's car was missing. Good, she's not home yet, Shane thought to himself. It gave him a little more time to figure things out. He wasn't sure how he was going to tell Kim of his renewed association with the ISA and he had absolutely no idea how he was going to explain that Drew was alive. And with Drew following them, he couldn't ignore the fact that Kim could be in real danger. Sighing, he realized that maybe Kim was right. Marriage wasn't for them. Someone or something always seemed to interfere. No, marriage would have to wait, Shane decided. And for the time being, he would keep Drew's reappearance and his position with the ISA a secret, too.

Later that day

Kim pushed open the gate to the garden and just as she expected, found Shane sitting at the black wrought iron table drinking his afternoon tea, his back to her. When Kim had pulled into the driveway moments earlier, she had immediately noticed the garden gate slightly ajar and rightly presumed that Shane would be there. Eager to see him, Kim didn't bother entering the house but instead parked the car and walked around back towards the garden, her head still a jumble of thoughts.

On the ride home, she had wrestled with a myriad of reasons why she shouldn't marry Shane. There was their history together, riddled with one incident after another of secrets, lies and betrayals, whether intentional or not. First, there was Victor and Emma, then Gabrielle and Eve, and finally Cal. And as much as she wanted to, Kim couldn't forget Shane's relationship with Kayla. But she also couldn't overlook all the countless joys they shared, either … falling in love in spite of her past, Andrew's birth, their wedding and just the pure pleasure of being married to each other.

Stepping from the car, Kim's heart was beating rapidly, trying to keep pace with all the thoughts and emotions still deluging her brain. Walking to the garden, she still wasn't sure what she was going to say. Then she pushed open the gate and saw him sitting there. Suddenly everything became clear. Kim loved Shane with every fiber in her body. Her love for him far outweighed any uncertainty she still held. Hope was right. She and Shane could learn from their mistakes and in the end, they would have a love that was stronger, a bond that was unbreakable. Kim couldn't deny it any longer. She wanted to be married to Shane again, commit to him forever.

Kim paused under the trellis and watched Shane as he drank his tea at the small table, his back still to her, unaware of her presence. She relished the feeling of love that now washed over her as she stepped out from under the arbor and into view. Surrounded by a cascade of pink and red flowers, she cleared her throat and said tentatively, "Hi."

Shane immediately turned in his chair. Seeing her there, smiling and looking so sweet amidst the flowers, he once more was struck by how much he wanted to marry her. But he curtailed those thoughts. There was no reason to let his mind go there again.

Their eyes locked and Kim paused for a moment, unsure what to do or say next. Nervously she managed to say, "I saw Bo and he said you never stopped by to see him."

Shane stood and walked towards Kim. Reaching her, he wanted to pull her in his arms and kiss her with all the passion and love he felt for her. But after the way their morning had ended, he wasn't sure. Instead he bent down and safely kissed her on the cheek. "No, I ended up not having the time."

Kim nodded. She was curious what he had done all day but decided not to press him. Anyway, she had something better to tell. Shaking off her curiosity, Kim announced, her voice rising slightly with excitement, "I've got something to tell you."

Shane placed his hand on the small of her back and gently guided her towards the house. "Me too," Shane replied.

"You go first," Kim offered.

"Well, I thought about all you said this morning and you're right, we don't need to be married to be happy. I agree. We shouldn't get married."

The pain that seized her heart was overwhelming. Kim tried to mask the feeling as she stepped through the terrace doors into the living room. Deliberately keeping her back to him and unable to trust her voice, all she could muster was a simple "Oh."

"I won't beleaguer you with anymore marriage proposals," Shane proclaimed confidently, certain he had said exactly what Kim had wanted to hear.

Kim swallowed hard as she forced a smile on her face and turned to face Shane. "Good. That's good to hear."

Shane cocked his head slightly. "You said you had something to tell me?"

Still smiling, Kim quickly thought of an excuse. "Oh yes. Bo said you should definitely call him. He's got plenty for you to do." As she finished her sentence, her eyes darted past Shane into the foyer where the now empty mahogany table stood. The champagne and velvet ring box were gone.