Shane threw his pen down and ran his hands over his face letting his chin come to rest in the palm of his right hand. He stared at the screen of the new Macbook Pro he had purchased soon after his visit with Victor. It was a feature-packed computer that amazingly weighed less than 7 pounds and measured less than 1 inch thick. Shane tore his eyes from this featherweight powerhouse and looked around his library letting his gaze settle on the door that once led to his ISA communications room. Years ago that room had been filled wall-to-wall with all the latest technology, barely having enough space to house all the equipment required to really accomplish genuine research. Now it was a near-empty storage room with a few boxes stacked against the wall. Shane shook his head at how things had changed. All the security and information that the cluttered communications room once provided was now available in this wafer-thin laptop that Shane had been staring at the last few hours.
Security was the main reason Shane had bought this new computer. He remembered the eager young salesman at the electronics store and how he had enthusiastically gone on and on about all the features, proudly showing how the computer offered instant social networking, easy picture storage and near-professional movie making capabilities. Shane listened politely knowing there was really only one feature he was interested in. After his visit with Victor, Shane had genuine concerns about security and computer hackers getting into his files. He no longer trusted ISA-issued hardware or software and just hoped he could trust the security he had set up on this computer.
From the door of the now-extinct communications room, Shane let his eyes roam around the room, swiveling in his chair until his gaze rested upon the black and white portraits of his parents sitting on the shelf behind him. He first looked at his mother's picture with her welcoming smile and kind, friendly eyes – eyes that everyone, for as long as Shane could remember, commented were so similar to his. Even Kim, when she had seen these portraits on her first visit to Donovan Manor so long ago, had noted the very same similarity between Shane and his mother. Then Shane shifted his gaze from his mother's picture to his father's. There, captured for all eternity, were his father's intelligent eyes and stern expression that hid the gentle and compassionate soul Shane knew his father possessed. Shane leaned back in his chair and remembered how much his father was admired by all who knew him and how proud Shane was of his father. Now, looking at the portrait, Shane thought to himself, "What does Victor know about you…."
After contemplating that question for a moment, Shane turned back to the computer. He blinked once. The computer screen was getting blurry and Shane didn't know if it was from lack of sleep or lack of information.
Victor had not gotten back to Shane within the few days as he had promised. He hadn't even gotten back to him after a week. Now it had been almost two weeks since their conversation. Shane grudgingly had to concede that Victor had surprised him when he announced he had known Shane's father. Shane remembered how Victor had sneered triumphantly, knowing he had caught Shane off guard, implying there was some dark, sinister secret surrounding his father, behavior usually associated with someone the likes of Victor. As much as Shane wanted to talk to Victor again, he resisted the urge to contact him. He knew this tortured waiting game was just the kind of mind game Victor liked to play and Shane was determined not to give Victor the satisfaction of calling him. Instead, Shane decided he would wait patiently for Victor to contact him.
Besides, Shane had reasoned, he could use the time and all the resources at his disposal to uncover any information he could about his father and Greece before Victor contacted him. He would not be caught unprepared by Victor again. But what he did find, or rather didn't find, was surprising. There was absolutely no mention in any ISA or MI6 files that his father had ever been in Greece during the Greek Civil War. Initially relieved, Shane concluded Victor had probably just been bluffing. But he couldn't be sure. Victor was a cagey, crafty nemesis. Shane knew him well enough to know he always chose his words carefully and dispensed information even more carefully. As much as he hated to admit it, Victor would never try to unsettle Shane with false information. It was just not Victor's style. And Shane couldn't overlook the mysterious letter that had originally led him to Victor – his daughter Eve had contacted Victor for some reason still unbeknownst to him.
With this tugging at his mind, Shane knew he needed to keep reading ISA reports, searching for some fact, no matter how small, that would hint at what his father was doing during the time period Victor mentioned. Shane hated depending on Victor for information but all his sources were leading to dead ends. If nothing else, Shane wanted to be prepared for whatever Victor would eventually tell him. But as he researched further, there was one disturbing fact which he couldn't dismiss. That was why he was up this late at night waiting to make an overseas video call.
It was late, well after 2 a.m. Kim had gone to bed hours ago and Shane was aching to join her. He needed to feel her in his arms, her soft body resting against his, her steady breathing calming him. It had been almost two weeks since that awful fight when Kim, finally fed up with Shane's behavior, had threatened to leave. And Shane knew she would have left him. He couldn't blame her either. His lies were mounting and they were no longer believable, at least not to Kim, the one person who knew him so well.
That night he had desperately held on to her as she struggled in his arms, determined not to let her go. Shane still didn't know what happened but suddenly her struggles ceased. Since that night, Kim had been complacent, as if accepting defeat. Shane could only guess what had gone through her mind but suspected that she knew if she left that night, she would never come back. And Shane was grateful Kim had chosen the more difficult course, chosen to stay and accept his distant and secretive behavior. In the days that followed, she no longer questioned Shane and a shaky peacefulness had settled between them.
Besides, much of Kim's time was now taken up with making plans for Jeannie's high school graduation. Kim was thankfully preoccupied, making flight and hotel arrangements, as well as being constantly on the phone with Jeannie and parents of Jeannie's friends making pre- and post graduation celebration plans. Shane was looking forward to the event-filled graduation weekend, remembering how Jeannie had asked him to attend. It was last summer – the summer of their reconciliation – when the secrets that had kept them apart were finally revealed. That one request, to attend her graduation, had been a first step in filling the gulf that had grown between them and Shane had eagerly and earnestly promised to attend. He thought back on how he and Jeannie had continued to make so many strides to repair their damaged relationship this past year. Shane knew nothing Victor could say would keep him from attending Jeannie's graduation. Nothing, he thought confidently.
Thinking about Jeannie and her secrets and remembering how it had almost destroyed them, Shane thought how he couldn't wait for the day when he would finally be able to share his secrets, let Kim know everything. But first he had to find out what his crazy long-lost brother was up to, what forces he had aligned himself with, and what, if anything, Victor had to do with it. Until that day, Shane had to hold fast to his secrets, but he knew that day couldn't come soon enough.
He looked at his watch again. Ten minutes more and then it would be 8 a.m. her time and he could make the call. Maybe Peachy knew something about his father that wasn't in the files.
Shane never really had a clear idea how well Peachy had known his father. He knew she was in the MI6 for a short while before joining the ISA. He also knew from comments she made to him that she had, at least, met his father. "Oh, you're just like your father laddie" she would often say. Now, certain Victor would contact him any day, Shane wanted to know exactly what Peachy knew about his father.
Finally, the clock on his computer blinked 3 a.m.
He tapped in the numbers on the keyboard and waited while the computer chimed a countdown and then the video call was answered.
There on the screen was Peachy, his once indispensible partner, now relegated to a nursing home in Manchester, her body giving way until a broken hip finally sealed her fate. But even if her body had failed her, one could see from the sparkle in her eyes that her mind was still sharp.
"Oh laddie, it's so good to see you. It's been quite some time, you know."
"Yes, Peachy, it has been awhile. Entirely my fault." Shane made a mental note to call her more often once this mess was cleaned up. "Not to make excuses but I've been very busy with Kim's book tour and moving back to Salem."
Peachy's eyes lit up, as they always did, when Shane mentioned Kim. From the very first time she had met Kim, on an undercover assignment disguised as an Italian chef working in Victor's mansion, Peachy knew Kim was the one – the only one – for Shane. Peachy was thrilled when Shane had told him that he and Kim were back together. "How is Kim? I miss you two so much. You really should come visit," Peachy admonished again. "I would visit you if I could."
Chastised, Shane replied, "I know you would. And we will visit – soon."
"Andrew was here last week. Looking more and more like you everyday … and acting like you, too." Shane was happy to hear that his son had visited her. Peachy had always been more like a grandmother to his children and that had given him much joy, especially since Andrew and Jeannie had never known his parents. "You know, he is thinking of joining the ISA," Peachy confided to him, her tone taking on a conspiratorial hush.
Shane grimaced at the notion. Andrew had casually mentioned that same idea the last time they had talked and even then, Shane had been upset at the prospect. Shane had sacrificed too much for the ISA and he definitely did not want that kind of life for his only son. But Shane had held his tongue, keeping his opposition to himself. As parents, both Shane and Kim had always taken pride in how they allowed their children to make their own choices and decisions. Shane never thought he would change that attitude but this notion of Andrew joining the ISA was possibly too much. Shane was torn as to what to do and had clung to the hope that it was just a passing idea and Andrew would soon forget it. But if Andrew had mentioned it to Peachy, then he was probably serious and Shane would once again have to struggle against the urge to meddle in his son's affairs.
"Shane, did you hear what I said? Andrew wants to join the ISA."
"Yes, I heard," Shane mumbled, unable to hide his displeasure. "He already told me and I'm not happy about it, not at all. I haven't even mentioned it to Kimberly. I can only imagine how she will feel."
"Now, now laddie, we need good men in Intelligence. The ISA could use a smart fellow like Andrew."
"Yes, USE! That's the definitive word," Shane shot back, his voice rising uncontrollably. "Just like they used me. I sacrificed too much for that organization and I don't want my son to make the same sacrifices."
"Well, it may not be your decision," Peachy replied calmly, knowing Shane well enough not to let his outburst upset her
With that comment, Shane knew Peachy was right. If this was a path Andrew was determined to take, nothing Shane could say would make a difference. But he should at least make Andrew aware of the dangers he would face which brought Shane back to the reason he had called Peachy.
"Peachy, I want you to know that Drew has surfaced."
"Drew … your brother?" Peachy's eyes grew wide with astonishment.
"Yes, he's alive after all these years."
"Oh my," Peachy replied worriedly before realizing something. "Where has he been all this time?"
"That's just it Peachy, I don't know. He's surfaced but he hasn't contacted me or the ISA." Peachy listened attentively as Shane continued, "Most recently, he was spotted in Toronto. But originally, it seems, he had been following me and Kim during her book tour. And he has actually spent quite a bit of time in your backyard – Derbyshire."
"Derbyshire?"
"Yes, that was where he first appeared. Near where Sir Reginald Sinclair lives, my father's oldest and dearest friend. I believe you knew him, as well."
"Ooh, I never liked that fellow. Way too haughty. I never understood how your mother could have been with him."
"My mother and Reggie?"
Peachy bit her lip. "Oh laddie, that was a long time ago. Anyway, it ended once your mother met your father. Now there was a man who didn't need a title to command respect. Everyone admired your father, even Sir Reginald. There was absolutely no class distinction when it came to your father. He would walk into a room and everyone wanted to talk with him, from the highest ranked officer to the person in the field. Yes, your father was highly respected. They don't make them like that anymore. Except maybe you. You remind me so much of your father. "
Shane smiled at the comparison, enjoying Peachy's description of his father. Then he remembered why he had called and his smile faded. "Peachy, what can you tell me about my father's service during the Greek Civil War?"
"The Greek Civil War? I don't believe your father was in Greece at that time." Peachy replied as matter-of-factly as she could but Shane, the trained specialist that he was, detected a slight guarded tone in her reply and he wondered if she was hiding something.
"Well, Victor Kiriakis says he was."
"Kiriakis? What does he have to do with anything?
So Shane recounted all the mounting secrets and information he had compiled since first learning Drew was alive. Her eyes opened wide at the news of Sinclair withdrawing a large sum of money from his family's estate, Shane's visit with Eve and finally the letter that ultimately brought him to Victor.
"Victor is just bluffing, Shane," Peachy concluded, almost angrily.
"I considered that. I clung to the idea that Victor was lying, through every file I read, every lead I followed that said my father was not in Greece. But there was one fact I couldn't overlook," Shane took a deep breath before proceeding. "There is absolutely no mention of my father during this entire time period. No record of him being assigned anywhere. It's as if he didn't exist for nine months."
Peachy cast her eyes downward and paused before answering, choosing her words carefully. "Shane, it was a long time ago. Records can get lost or misplaced." She paused again and looked at Shane's eager, waiting expression. Even through the hazy distortion of the video screen, Peachy could perceive Shane's desperate need to know. Pushing aside her private reservations, Peachy reluctantly continued, "What I can share with you needs to be told in person. You need to come and see me."
Shane sighed deeply, relieved at last to finally have a lead and from someone he could trust. "Can't you tell me now? This line is secure," Shane reassured Peachy though he questioned the security himself.
"No, what I need to tell you needs to be told in person, face-to-face." Peachy spoke firmly and Shane sensed there was no reason to argue with her.
"All right, I'll come. I have Jeannie's graduation this weekend and then I'll come directly to England."
"And bring Kimberly."
He frowned at the request. He had succeeded so far in keeping Kim out of this mess that Shane wasn't sure bringing Kim was a good idea. But he also realized he probably couldn't plan another secret trip without once again raising Kim's suspicions. And that meant possibly reawakening her determination to leave. It just wasn't worth the risk. Shane's mind was already conjuring up some plausible reason he'd give Kim for going to England as he agreed to Peachy's terms. "Fine, we'll both come. Plan on seeing us by Tuesday."
"Good laddie, by Tuesday." Then Peachy disconnected the call and Shane was left looking at a blank screen.
Later that morning
"Hey sleepyhead, are you going to be in bed all day?" Kim tossed a pillow across the room as she entered the master bedroom. The pillow hit Shane in the shoulder, rousing him from the first night of restful slumber he could remember having since learning Drew was alive. After talking with Peachy and finally getting a hint that all his questions would soon be answered – and from someone he trusted – Shane had tiredly climbed the stairs to go to bed. It was almost dawn but he was eager to sleep even if it was only going to be a short nap.
He crawled into bed next to Kimberly, pulling her into his arms as he settled into a peaceful sleep. Now he found it disrupted by the one person he loved the most. As she approached the bed, ready to toss another pillow at his head, Shane reached out and grabbed her arm, pulling her into an embrace. "Hey, none of that, I'm sleeping" he teased as he fought to pull the pillow from her grip.
Kim playfully struggled in his arms, repeatedly trying to strike him again with the pillow but Shane held fast, pinning her arms down until her struggles ceased. Victorious, Shane leaned down and kissed Kim, first tenderly and then more passionately. As his kisses moved across her cheek and down her neck, Kim felt herself responding to Shane's ministrations. "I thought you wanted to sleep," she said breathlessly.
"Not anymore." Shane and Kim smiled at each other knowing what the rest of the morning would bring.
Noon, Km and Shane's bedroom
"I think we should get up." Kim broke the silence that had settled over the room.
"No, I think we should stay in bed all day," Shane pronounced triumphantly and Kim noted a contentment in his voice that had so long been missing. After so many months of secrets and distractions, Kim felt the old Shane was finally returning. Maybe it had been the right decision to stop nagging and plying him with questions. It had taken every ounce of reserve to give him space but now seeing Shane so content, Kim knew she had made the right choice.
What she didn't know was that Shane's contentment sprang from his conversation with an old friend. Since that talk, Shane had been trying to think of excuses for visiting England and taking Kim with him. He knew it wouldn't take a lot to convince Kim to go to Donovan Manor, he just didn't want to raise her suspicions about a hurriedly planned trip unnecessarily.
"Kim," Shane started to broach the subject of visiting England, "I was thinking we should visit Donovan Manor after Jeannie's graduation.
Kim's eyes opened wide, surprised at the suggestion. "You mean straight from LA? You've been so preoccupied with Bo's cases, I figured you'd want to get back to Salem as soon as possible."
"I've been too preoccupied." Shane welcomed the excuse Kim had unwittingly given him. "I could use some time away… I need some time away. A little R&R at Donovan Manor with you is just what I need."
Kim was too pleased at the prospect of going to Donovan Manor with Shane to suspect any other motives for the trip. Maybe the old Shane was back, Kim thought. And Donovan Manor, the place where they had first proclaimed their love for each other, would be the perfect setting to tell Shane she had changed her mind about marriage. "Oh Shane, I think it's a wonderful idea." Kim quickly kissed Shane as if to seal the deal but Shane deepened the kiss and hugged Kim close to him. "None of that," she teasingly admonished as she struggled to break the embrace. "I have to go and make new travel arrangements."
She slid out of his arms and grabbed her robe before happily scampering out of the room, leaving Shane smiling as he stared after her. It was good to see her so happy again but even better; it was good to feel this contented again. Yes, going to England to see Peachy and taking Kim along was a good idea, Shane concluded.
Two days later
"Shane, did you lock the windows in the guest house?" Kim brushed past Shane as she hurriedly entered the living room.
"Yes, all locked up."
"How about the terrace doors?" She asked as she double-checked the windows overlooking the garden.
"Those, too. Kim, everything is secured," Shane said impatiently. "What are you so nervous about?"
"We're going to be gone for so long, I want to make sure everything is locked."
Shane feigned a fake French accent as he grabbed the luggage and headed for the front door. "Everything is locked, Madame."
Kim pointed at the luggage Shane was dragging towards the door. "Did you pack your blue striped shirt, the one you got in Dallas?"
"Yes, I packed the blue shirt, the red shirt , the yellow shirt… we're all packed." His voice was firm but his eyes twinkled as he remembered Kim was always like this on the book tour. "I'm putting the luggage in the car and then I will recheck every single window," Shane conceded with a hint of sarcasm.
"Good!" The corners of Kim's mouth turned up slightly as she looked after him.
"Oh, that worman will drive me crazy," Shane mumbled to himself as he headed out to the driveway. Just as he reached the car, his cell phone beeped. He looked at the screen and frowned. "Damn it." The call he had been waiting so long for now came at the most inopportune time. He drew a deep breath before answering. "Yes …"
"Shane, I'm glad I reached you. I had heard you were heading out-of-town."
Shane sighed at Victor's comment, wondering if the timing of the call was calculated. "Yes, I am going out-of-town. As a matter-of-fact, I will be heading to the airport shortly."
"Good, then you can stop here first," Victor pronounced, as if his request had no hindrance. "I have some information for you. What I had promised."
"That was almost two weeks ago!" Shane couldn't hide his anger.
"Yes, I know. But there were some things I needed to check. It took longer than I first anticipated." Victor's voice remained calm and controlled.
"Well, now is not a good time to meet," Shane responded coolly.
"That's too bad. I do believe you'd be very interested in what I have to share."
Shane put the luggage aside and glanced quickly at his watch, quickly calculating how much time he needed to make the flight to LA. "All right, I'll stop by but I don't have very much time."
"It won't take very long. I will be waiting." Shane detected a note of triumph in Victor's voice before the phone call was disconnected.
Shane finished loading the luggage in the car before hurrying back into the house to face Kim. He found her sitting on the sofa looking over their itinerary. "Kim. I have an unexpected errand I need to run. You go on ahead to the airport and I'll meet you there."
She turned to face him, narrowing her eyes in disbelief. "An errand? You'll miss the flight."
"No, I won't. We have plenty of time." Shane tried to sound as reassuring as possible but even he knew the timing was tight. "The luggage is all loaded. Just head to the airport and I'll be there shortly."
Kim stood to her feet and Shane could see the disappointment spread across her face. "Shane, if you miss this flight … Jeannie will never understand. Tonight's dinner is so important to her."
He put up his hands to stop her protests. "I won't miss the flight and I won't miss tonight's dinner. But I need to go now."
Kim's voice grew quiet as she accepted defeat. "Fine, I'll see you at the airport."
"I'll be there in time, I promise," Shane called back as he rushed out the door.