Why aren't you home yet?
Kim asked herself that question as the phone continued to ring. Finally, she heard a click and then Roman's recorded voice started to tell her to leave a message. In frustration, Kim hung up the phone.
Something's wrong, she thought. Roman and Marlena had been gone for more than a week and the family had not heard a single word from them. According to the woman taking care of the children, they had not called to check up on Eric and Sami since the day they arrived in Mexico. That just did not sound like Kim's brother and sister-in-law.
Picking up the phone again, Kim dialed the Salem PD and asked for Abe. A moment later, he came onto the line. Hearing her explain her concerns, he tried to alleviate them.
"I don't think it's anything to worry about," Abe said. "You know Roman. He and Marlena are probably just off in some island paradise, enjoying a relaxing vacation."
Abe's cavalier attitude did not placate Kim. She said, "We both know that's not true."
There was a pause on the other end before Abe agreed. "I know. . . . Look . . . I'll make some calls and see what I can find out." There was another pause. "Unfortunately, we both know I'd normally call Shane on something like this and he'd call in the ISA. But I'll do what I can."
Hanging up the phone, Kim crossed the library and poured herself a cup of tea. With everything going on, she desperately wished Marlena was in Salem. Kim had talked briefly with Kayla about her concerns about Shane, but she needed someone who could listen and be open to discussions. She knew Kayla meant well but Kim also knew that Kayla could hardly be objective about the situation, and objectivity was exactly what Kim needed right now. Being told just to "trust" Shane. . . . That was too simple an answer.
"And this situation just isn't simple," she muttered aloud. Then Kim sighed and stared at the television. She considered watching Shane's video again. Maybe this time, she would see or hear something that would convince her that she could trust his assurances about their future.
Oh, who are you kidding, Kimberly Brady? She had watched the tape about 20 times. If there was something capable of assuring her, she would have seen it by now.
With another sigh, Kim walked over to the fireplace. On the mantle was a photo of Shane with Eve and Andrew. Kim stopped and studied it.
The picture had been taken shortly after Shane regained his memory. He was seated in an overstuffed chair, Andrew perched on his lap and Eve leaning over his shoulder. They all seemed so happy. Holding her tea in one hand, Kim raised her other and ran her index finger over Shane's smiling face.
"I wish we could be happy like that," she said. "I wish I could do what you want and make you happy."
"Really?" said a sharp voice from behind her. "Is that really what you want?"
Kim was so startled that she nearly pitched the cup of tea. She caught it just before it upended, though some of the hot liquid splashed over the edge and splattered on the rug. Setting the cup down, Kim turned and saw Eve step into the room. Her arms were crossed defiantly in front of her and she was scowling.
"So you really want to make my dad happy?" Eve asked.
Kim steeled herself and forced her voice even. "Yes, Eve. You know I want your father to be happy."
Eve stopped at the edge of the sofa. "So that's why you haven't visited him?" She gave a derisive snort. "And don't tell me you're afraid of getting him sick. We both know you're just fine."
"Eve-"
"No, Kimberly," the girl snapped. "Do you know why I'm here? I'm here because my dad asked me to tell you how much he loves you and misses you. He buys this story that you're sick, but how do you think he'd feel if he knew that was a lie?"
Kim looked away. Eve could never understand. "It's complicated, Eve."
"Yes, that's how it always is, isn't it? It's 'Eve, you can't understand' or 'Eve, you're just too young' or 'Eve, you've never been in love like this.' I get it, Kimberly. But here's the thing. My dad is sitting in a hospital bed right now, planning on some wonderful future with you, and he's completely clueless that there's a problem."
She waited and Kim wondered if it was to give Kim a chance to deny that there was a problem, but Kim stayed silent. There's no point denying it.
"I see. . . ." Eve pursed her lips. "So when do you plan on crushing his hopes this time? Let me guess . . . when he's strong enough?"
"It's not like that." Kim tried to explain. "Your father and I need to talk about things before we make plans for the future. He . . . he's assuming some things right now and-"
"You're right." Eve cut Kim off. "He's assuming everything. He's got in his mind that you're going to have this perfect little family, and that's so important to him that he's about to make a huge mistake that could cost him his freedom."
Now Kim was confused. "What do you mean?"
"He told Mickey Horton that he won't plead guilty." Eve put her hands on her hips. "He can't bear to be away from you, so instead of just going to jail for a few years, he's going to risk going away for the rest of his life."
Kim felt the air leave her. She raised her hand to her mouth and turned away to face the dark window. Outside, there was a slight breeze and the bushes moved like shadowy figures against the glass.
She did not know how to process Eve's information. It made no sense. In the video Shane had left, he talked about accepting the plea deal so he could be with the family. Why would he change his mind? Wasn't his case hopeless? Hadn't he said that to Kim over and over?
"So you've got nothing to say," Eve said. She rolled her eyes. "Whatever. But I'll tell you this. My dad's been through hell because of you, but, for whatever reason, he's convinced that you're the love of his life and he wants to have a future with you. If that's what he wants and what you're prepared to give him, I'll just have to live with it. But if he's just opening up his heart for you to rip it out. . . . If you're just going to crush his dreams . . . . I beg you, Kimberly, do it now. Do it now and don't lead him on. You'll only hurt him a lot worse if you wait."