"You know EJ said we shouldn't be here until he takes a look at it," Will said as he helped Chad carry some takeout bags inside of their house.

"Do you want to go somewhere else then," Chad asked uncertainly. He never knew when Will was going to listen to instructions and when he was going to rebel.

"No," Will said as he took the key from Chad and unlocked the door. "He also told me not to watch the DVD your father left me and that didn't stop me from taking what I assume is a second copy of it."

Chad smiled proudly, "How devious of you."

"I know, right," Will said tone happy and bright. "So many years of watching my mom and EJ have paid off."

Unloading their food on the massive island in their kitchen Chad couldn't help from asking, "So how was your thing with Sonny and Paul?"

"Pretty good," Will admitted as he started eating. "Although they really kind of annoyed me at the end."

"What did they do," Chad wondered.

"Well they put me through all that crap, right? Apparently they thought after we talked today I was just going to move back in and everything was going to be normal again," Will rolled his eyes and stabbed his fork viciously into his food.

"Seriously," Chad asked unimpressed. "So they just think you're going to do whatever they want when they want it?"

"I guess," Will shrugged. "I mean it's not like I've never given them that impression before though." Chewing his food Will looked at Chad, "Can I talk to you, like completely honest even though it's going to be uncomfortable, talk to you?"

Chad put his fork down, "OK just spare me the sex details. I don't want to know that."

Will made a face, "Fine." Clearing his throat and twirling his food around his fork Will sighed, "So you know how I call them Daddy sometimes?"

"I had forgotten but thanks for the reminder," Chad commented while shaking his head. 'Definitely didn't need to remember that.'

"I said it was going to be uncomfortable," Will rolled his eyes, "Anyway, I kind of always liked that Sonny and Paul wanted to take care of me. I liked that I could rely on them instead of having to do it myself."

"And how is that working out for you lately," Chad asked pointedly.

"Not so good," Will admitted. "I thought everything was fine. That we were fine. I thought all our problems were outside of us, like Stefano or my mom. I didn't even know there was anything wrong with us.

"And I think that maybe it's because I was relying on them so much," Will confessed, biting his lip. "Like it was too much pressure for them and they cracked."

"Well they shouldn't have told you they would take care of you if they couldn't handle it," Chad said trying to play devil's advocate.

"I think it's different though from letting me get lost in my own head," Will countered, "And having to see me go from one crisis to the next. And I don't like the idea of having everything ripped away from me without warning. I don't want them in charge of me if I can't trust them to be there."

"So you want to become more independent," Chad nodded understandingly. "I can understand that. It's probably what's best for you in the long run."

"It's not necessarily what I want to do," Will stated, "But I think I have to. I can't rely on them for everything anymore. Especially now that I'm not sure I can trust them."

"Well I wouldn't trust them with your well-being right about now either," Chad firmly said. "And not to play favorites since we're all technically friends but you're totally my favorite."

Will chuckled before getting back to eating. He didn't know why but that made him feel good. "Well you and I obviously have a special bond," Will tried to keep a steady tone, "What with our Christmas wedding and our baby boy."

"Ugh don't remind me," Chad shook his head. "I'm going to have nightmares about that room."

"I really hope we can find out more about what your father was thinking," Will sighed. "And also we need to figure out what to do about the house and the wedding money and everything."

"I've got no clue," Chad offered. "I think once we do some digging we'll be able to decide. I don't know how I feel about using any of the money until we know why we got it."

"Yeah I agree," Will nodded.

"So, we didn't really talk about it this morning," Chad began, "But what was going on with Neil and that Brian guy last night."

"Ugh," Will groaned putting his head on the counter top. Trying to get out of answering Will touched the counter, 'This looks expensive I wonder what it's made out of?'

"Hello," Chad waved his hand in front of Will's face. "What was that mess about?"

"You know how they took me out right? Well I obviously got a little drunk. And on our way home I got a bit too emotional and I tried to kiss them," Will explained feeling a bit ashamed. 'And then I ignored all their messages today because I'm an awful friend.'

"Well I'm not surprised," Chad finally said shaking his head at Will. "It was bound to happen sooner or later with as weird as your friendship is." Noticing the odd look on Will's face Chad sighed, "For starters Neil and you were dating. He only started dating Brian because he couldn't have you. Brian kept bugging you about sleeping with him. And now you're all best friends. I'm shocked this didn't happen before."

"To be fair," Will countered, "Now that I know Brian better I really do think he was just teasing me the whole time. Not that that's important. Um, yeah I know it's weird. And Sonny and Paul don't want me to hang around them anymore."

"What did you say to that," Chas asked. On one hand he hated the idea of anyone telling Will who he can and cannot see. But on the other hand he knew how hard it must be for Sonny and Paul to see Will around Brian and Neil. 'Tough call there.'

"That all five of us should sit down and talk and figure everything out," Will told Chad. "Because I can sympathize with how Sonny and Paul feel but I'm not going to just give up on Neil and Brian after everything.

"They know so much about everything and they're some of the few people I can talk to about everything. Or almost everything," Will admitted. "Is that bad? That I won't cut them out of my life."

"No not necessarily," Chad thought about it. "You understand why it bugs the boyfriends and are willing to negotiate with them all. Now the thing I want to know is if you didn't have Sonny and Paul would you want Neil and Brian?"

"I don't think so," Will tried to explain. "It's like when I was seeing Neil. I liked him as a friend. And when we would kiss it felt nice but it didn't give me butterflies or anything. So I think that would be a no. And Brian I'm sure would be nice in bed but he would drive me insane after a few hours."

"I said no sex details," Chad complained putting his hands over his ears. "Yuck!"

"Oh please," Will laughed at Chad. "Grow up. Besides Neil and Brian are not interested in me that way."

"You sure about that," Chad double checked. "It seems like they are. Don't they constantly try to get you away from Sonny and Paul? They offered to help me woo you last week."

"What? Why would they do that," Will questioned. Shaking his head, "Never mind it doesn't matter. Neil and Brian are just protective. They worry about me in kind of the same way Sonny and Paul do. And I think maybe that's why I tried to kiss them. Because they try to watch out for me and protect me too."

"Right," Chad rolled his eyes to look up at the ceiling. "You need some less complicated friends too you know."

"Well I'd say that's what you're for," Will said with a shrug, "But I think that we're pretty complicated too."

"Because you want to sleep with me," Chad asked completely straight faced.

"Uh huh," Will shoved Chad. "Right. That's exactly it."

"So speaking of our weird situation," Chad laughed, "How are we going to find out about everything that my father had planned?"

Will, swallowing his last bite, hopped off the stool and went to get his bag. Unzipping it and pulling out a laptop Will put it on the counter, "That's what this is for."

"Is that my father's," Chad questioned shoving his food aside.

"Oh yeah," Will smiled as he turned it on and waited for it to boot up. "I might have taken it and found some things in his office."

"Like what," Chad smiled widely.

"Like a certain key we were looking for," Will held up his hand to high five Chad.

"You little buddy are full of surprises," Chad laughed in delight. "Now we're going to get some answers."

Paul walked inside with the pizza and slammed the door. "Tonight sucks," Paul offered to Sonny. "They tried to give me the wrong pizza, I almost got ran over on the way across the street, and Will ditched us," Paul grumbled setting down the pizza.

"Yeah," Sonny sighed, grabbing two plates, filling his up and slumping on the couch. "I just, I never expected him to do that. I thought that he would have been thrilled when we said we wanted him home."

Sitting next to Sonny Paul put his feet on the coffee table, "Maybe we're thinking about this the wrong way. I mean we told him to think about everything and that's what he's doing. So maybe this is going to be a good thing. Even though it sucks now."

"This is probably how Will felt," Sonny decided after taking a bite. "Certain everything was going to go a certain way and then getting thrown for a curve ball."

"Well it sucks," Paul huffed. "I can't believe we sprang that all on him and then wanted him to just come right back when we wanted him to."

"But isn't that what usually happens," Sonny said, "We decide what's best for Will."

"That's true yeah," Paul sighed. "I don't know. Maybe he doesn't want that anymore. We didn't really talk about it but it would make sense."

"I don't know how I feel about that," Sonny shook his head, "I've always liked taking care of him. That he let us take care of him."

"But we haven't exactly done that great of a job," Paul pointed out. "So maybe we should all try to grow away from that at least a little bit. I mean it wasn't going to last forever right?"

"I guess not," Sonny replied. "Will was so lost and confused when we started everything. And now he's still lost and confused. But maybe he needs to find his own way this time. As scary as that sounds."

"Yeah," Paul pouted a bit. "I'm going to miss it though."

"When we get to talk to him again maybe we can bring it up," Sonny suggested feeling as upset by it as Paul was. "Maybe there can be a middle ground for us all."

Sonny and Paul ate the rest of their pizza quietly while they watched a cheesy made for TV movie. Watching the male protagonist try to win back the female he jilted seemed to inspire Sonny and Paul.

"Well," Paul said as he tossed his empty plate on the table. "I think we know what we need to do now."

"Find a way to prove to Will that we're sorry for all the crap we do and that we love him more than anything," Sonny commented as he watched the female lead smile when she received a present from the male lead.

"So," Chad shook his head, "Gabi is the reason my father was so determined to get the two of us together. I guess that explains why he jumped on the idea so quickly."

"Too bad for Gabi your dad wasn't a homophobe like she wanted," Will commented as he began searching through more files. Most of them he didn't understand so he just moved on. "Although it's interesting that everyone thinks your dad and EJ are horrible monsters but they're just about the only ones who literally didn't give a crap that I'm gay."

"Huh," Chad mused. "That is interesting. Now that you mention it he never did seem to care that he thought I liked guys."

As Will perused the laptop he glanced at Chad out of his peripherals, "We haven't really spoken much about your dad. Well we have but not about him dying. Do, um, how do you feel about it? I know EJ's a bit of a mess."

"It kind of doesn't seem real," Chad confessed. "I know I didn't know him very long. That I haven't been a DiMera officially for that long but I always thought Father was going to be around. It's like he was more of a myth than a man for me. Does that make sense?"

"A bit yeah," Will nodded. "He's always been around town. And every time he's been pronounced dead it hasn't really lasted." Finding a file labeled, 'Doctor,' Will clicked it open. "How, um, how do you feel about almost shooting him?"

"Kind of numb I think," Chad gave Will a half smile. "It's almost like it hasn't really sunk in. When I took that gun I never imagine having to use it. But he was always telling me things about how it wouldn't be long until it was time. Time for what I didn't really know. But I wanted to be prepared.

"And when he came down those stairs with that look on his face I just knew. I knew he wasn't going to stop. I knew that whatever plan I had wasn't going to work. I just wanted it all to stop," Chad finished with a deep breath.

Will turned from the laptop and put his hand on Chad's shoulder. "I understand and it's OK."

Will bit his lip and deliberated before finally saying in a low voice, "Actually I understand perfectly. Because, um, actually I've been in your shoes before."

"What are you talking about," Chad questioned.

"When I was 14 I kind of maybe shot EJ," Will rushed out pressing his lips together.

"Wait, what," Chad shook his head. "I thought that was your dad. Oh, oh, right. Wow."

"Yeah," Will nodded sheepishly. "I was young and upset he was going to marry my mom. My dad took the wrap and they shipped me off to my uncle."

Turning back to the computer Will sighed, "So speaking as someone who actually hit their target I completely understand how you're feeling."

Chad didn't know what to make of that story. 'It's nice to have someone to understand how I feel. But wow. How are they so close now?'

"How exactly did you and EJ ever get over that hurdle," Chad couldn't stop himself from asking, "Shooting him kind of seems like a big thing to get over."

"Well," Will admitted, "He kind of blackmailed me into working for him. Then this whole mess happened and I don't even know. We're just a lot closer now than we've ever been. I guess we just understand each other."

"Like you and me," Chad bumped his shoulders together with Will. "So, I guess you can also relate when I say I loved my father, still do, even if I hated the things he did."

"You remember who my mom is don't you," Will joked. "And my dad and EJ and my grandma. Basically anyone in my family who I'm in any way close to." Thinking about it Will said, "Huh no wonder I'm so screwed up."

"Hey," Will said turning back to Chad. "Now that you know I almost killed EJ can you talk about Zack?"

Chad shrugged, "There's not much to talk about. I knew that it was going to be either you or him. And I wasn't going to let it be you."

"But," Will tried to find a way to phrase what he was thinking, "When I did what I did I felt really bad about it. Well once I realized the consequences of what happened."

"I don't know how I feel," Chad offered, "I, I feel like I should feel bad. That I should be horrified by my actions but I'm not. Is that, is that a bad thing?"

"I guess not," Will said after a few moments of thinking. "I don't think EJ's bad and he's done a lot of really scary things. Hell maybe you and I are just desensitized to this kind of stuff."

"That's probably it," Chad quietly replied.

Will started reading over a few things in the Doctor file he opened. "Oh, oh my god," Will stated. "Read this."

Reading over the section Will highlighted on the screen Chad's eyebrows raised in the air, "So I guess he was a lot sicker than we all thought."

"That would explain why he was so determined to get us together quickly," Will nodded. "And why he had everything all set."

"He was planning for the inevitable," Chad stated not sure how to feel about it. 'He could have at least let me and EJ know he could die any minute.'

"That still doesn't really explain what else he had in mind for us," Will sighed as he exited the file. He had mixed feelings about knowing Stefano was ill and potentially in a lot of pain. A part of him felt like Stefano earned it for all the wrongs he had done to Will and other members of his family. 'But no one should be miserable and live like that.'

"That might tell us," Chad pointed at a file on the screen.

Immediately clicking on the file labeled 'W&C' Will bit his lip almost afraid of what he was going to find. The first section within the file held a series of pictures.

"Well I guess we know who was taking the paparazzi pictures," Chad commented as Will scrolled through several frames of Will and Chad walking down the street. "Fuck there's even some of Neil and I when we were looking for you went missing," Chad hissed completely outraged.

"I don't like looking at this," Will said as he quickly clicked on the backspace wanting to find something else. "Oh, OK, this is worse."

The next section was dedicated to paperwork necessary for the two of them to get married. Everything from copies of their birth certificates to blood tests proving they weren't related and even an announcement written in English and translated to Italian.

"How did he get blood tests," Will questioned focusing on that.

"Probably stole them from the hospital," Chad answered, "We've both spent enough time there. So I'm guessing our wedding was abroad."

Will wrinkled his nose, "It's tacky getting married in the same place you go on your honeymoon."

"Really," Chad gave Will a judgmental look. "Shouldn't you be more worried about the fact that he literally had everything planned out from the official performing the ceremony to the menu?"

Reading over the menu Will frowned, "You'd think he'd at least let us pick the food."

"Will," Chad was getting annoyed.

"Well what do you want me to do," Will shrugged. "It's already done and over with. We aren't getting married."

"Just keep looking through things OK," Chad said feeling on edge about everything.

"So this list is kind of pathetic," Sonny informed Paul. The two had been brainstorming ways to both show Will they were very much committed to him as well as prove he could trust them.

"Yeah," Paul nodded reading over Sonny's shoulder. "Maybe we need to watch a few more movies to get inspired?"

"Enough with the damn movies," Sonny grumbled. "Why do you even like them? They're cheesy and ridiculous."

"I like happy endings," Paul muttered looking away from Sonny.

"Well do you think we should start trying these out on him tomorrow," Sonny questioned moving on from the movies. "I feel like tonight might be pushing it."

"Definitely not tonight since we don't have anything planned," Paul agreed. "Tomorrow would be good though. And it would give us some time to work on this one," he pointed to one of the items on their list.

"And there's no way I'm doing this one," Sonny pointed to another one, "That's all you. If I did it we'd just get Will running away from us."

"You're not that bad," Paul said trying to be nice. 'He really is.'

"Let's just get started on this stuff," Sonny replied with a smile knowing Paul only said that to make him feel better.

Over the next hour Will and Chad had gone through every piece of information in their file. And they were quite disturbed.

From what they gathered Stefano intended to take Will and Chad with him to the home he left them in Tuscany. While there he planned to, at the very least, put Will through some sort of training program in order to force Will to do and believe what Stefano wanted. According to the notes Stefano hadn't decided if he needed to put Chad through the same thing or not.

After the program was finished the reward for their good behavior was going to be a lavish wedding in which none of their friends or family were going to attend. The wedding that Stefano had planned down to the very last detail including all of the paperwork that needed to be filed in Rome.

After their honeymoon Chad and Will were expected back in Salem where they were to move into the house Stefano had set up for them. Stefano planned for Chad to take a large role at DiMera Enterprises while Will was allowed to stay working with EJ. Over time Stefano intended for Chad to take over the company with Will as his unwavering support.

Immediately upon returning to Salem Stefano planned to throw a large welcome home party where he would announce to the entire town that Chad and Will were married. Where he also planned to inform Will and Chad that they were going to be having a baby.

However the one thing they couldn't figure out is where the baby was supposed to come from or how Stefano would know it was a boy.

"Was he going to buy a baby or steal one or what," Will asked rubbing his temples. All this information was giving him a headache.

"I don't even know," Chad shook his head. "I don't think I want to know."

"No offense Chad," Will said firmly, "But I think your father was kind of fucking crazy."

"Clearly," Chad snorted. "No sane person would do this," Chad gestured at the laptop screen. "I mean honestly this is just ridiculous."

"And I am completely offended that Stefano's giant plan for me was to be a trophy husband," Will complained arms crossed over his chest. "Why does everyone assume I would be awful at business stuff? Do I really look that stupid?"

"Let's face it you would not make it as a business mogul," Chad replied easily enough not wanting to upset Will. "Besides he wanted you to work with EJ still."

"To distract him while you started climbing the corporate ladder," Will pointed out.

"He set up all those charity projects for you to do," Chad added, "That's at least helpful to the city."

"Oh sure," Will rolled his eyes. "Make me do all the goody-goody stuff to divert the town's attention from whatever shady things he wanted you to do."

"Quit complaining," Chad argued, "I'm the one who was going to have to do all the potentially illegal business things. Not to mention I would be married to a dude when I'm straight."

"Like I would want to be married to you," Will responded giving Chad a sharp look.

"It would be a dream come true," Chad sniffed. "We all know about the crush you had on me."

"Oh my god," Will shook his head. "I didn't even know it was a crush until after I came out."

"Well it doesn't matter anyway," Chad said, "Because none of it is happening now. I don't work for DiMera Enterprises and I'm not marrying you."

"Right," Will nodded before moving his face around while thinking. "Unless," Will bit his lip. "Do you think Stefano had a backup plan? He took the time to plot all of this would he really let it all fall apart in the event of his death?"

"I-I don't know," Chad tried to think. "Well it's not like he can force us to get married from beyond the grave. How would he know? And if it was required to get the money or the house or anything we wouldn't take it."

Trying to think of any possible ways Stefano could work something like this Will said, "Well what if he went to someone else to make us do it. EJ hasn't been able to get ahold of your brother or sister."

"Why would either of them want us together though," Chad offered. "They would hate the idea of us getting all of that instead of them."

"Oh right," Will's shoulders relaxed slightly. "Maybe he really didn't think he was going to go so soon. He seemed pretty damn pleased when he locked me in my room. If he was scared he probably would have forced everything a lot sooner."

"He did drag everything out," Chad nodded, "From the time everything with Ian happened to the day he died was about a month. That's a long time to wait if he thought he wasn't going to make it."

"Plus it would have been a little less than a month until our 'training' would be over," Will added. "So I guess maybe this is it. Except wouldn't we know about the baby before the big old coming out party? Seeing as how he had a room decorated."

"Maybe training involved dumbing us down," Chad shrugged. "I don't know."

After a few moments of silence Will said, "Chad, I don't want to have anything to do with this house. Or anything to do with your father. I don't want any of the money. I don't want anything."

"Yeah," Chad sighed, "I know this place needs to go. I'll keep my money though. And you should really think about keeping yours. Financial security is going to be worth a lot more than holding a grudge against my father."

"I'll think about it," Will acknowledged remembering he had a meeting tomorrow about money anyway.

"So, since we already have this all mostly figured out," Chad said after a minute, "Should we take a look at the DVD?"

"Oh right," Will said reaching into his bag for it. "I forgot." He opened the case it was in and put it in Stefano's laptop. "Hopefully it's not a snuff film."

"Don't say that," Chad shivered. "I wouldn't put it past my father."

"I was being serious," Will mumbled under his breath.

The DVD started loading as Will and Chad waited anxiously. Getting a menu screen Will hit play and watched.

Stefano appeared on the screen in what was clearly a homemade film. 'Thank god that means he doesn't have anyone else helping him,' Will thought.

Sitting down at his desk chair Stefano smiled at the camera, "William, if you are watching this it means that my plans have fallen through due to my unfortunate demise. Do not roll your eyes either," Will pressed his lips together upset that Stefano knew him so well.

"Now that you have received the benefits from my will you must have many questions," Stefano continued. "I had hoped that everything would be settled and you need never see this video. However, I know that my plans will still come to fruition since you are dedicated to my son."

Will and Chad shared disbelieving looks. 'What the fuck,' Chad thought while frowning.

"As for the money I have gifted you with I hope you put it to good use. Elvis will guide you to good investments I am certain. It is important that you keep him well within your grasp. You do not want to make an enemy of him. Advance in your education as that is essential. Learn all that you can from the company. Do not lose your sense of self. I have always thought your best features are your warring emotions between doing what is right and what is necessary."

Will held onto his elbows wanting this video to be over with.

"I only hope that you and Chad use everything I have set up for you in Tuscany. If you do not though I have left aside enough money to handle even the most extravagant of weddings.

"The only thing that I have ensured is that you do not sell the house I have given you," Stefano said gravely on the recording. "Now you might be wondering how I could do such a thing. The answer is simple. Upon purchasing the property I had it remodeled with an unpermitted basement. Underneath the slab of concrete they would find two bodies that you have long assumed to be buried at the DiMera Mansion.

"Chad and Elvis should have known better than to leave Zack and Ian's bodies unattended before construction on the playground took place. It was quite simple to make an easy switch. As the deed to the home is in your and Chad's name," Stefano smiled on the screen. "It would be rather difficult to explain how the bodies of a missing DiMera employee and a wanted criminal happened to turn up in the basement you had ordered if you ever tried to sell it."

Will and Chad stared at the screen in horror.

"At least in death I can know that I provided for my future legacy," Stefano nodded at the screen before the recording ended.

Will and Chad both shot off of their stools and moved toward a door in the kitchen they assumed was a pantry. Opening it they both frowned at the set of stairs they found. Quickly rushing down the stairs Will and Chad stopped and looked around the finished basement. It was the only room in the house so far that wasn't decorated.

"Oh god," Will said feeling a bit sick looking at the floor.

"I guess we're keeping the house then," Chad commented forcing Will to go back up the stairs.

"I didn't even know there was a basement," Will whispered once they were back in the kitchen. "This is awful."

"I guess it could be worse," Chad said lightly. 'Stupid, stupid why didn't EJ double check which bodies were going into the ground?'

Spotting the key on the countertop Will grabbed it, "Might as well get this over with."

Chad took the key from Will and bent over unlocking the drawer in the desk. Inside was a single file folder practically stuffed full. The first piece of paper in the file was a letter to Chad from Stefano.

Son,

If William is ever to waiver use this folder to guide him back.

-Father

Chad handed the letter over to Will for him to read as he subtly picked up the folder, angling it away from Will. 'Whatever is in here isn't going to be nice.' Chad started leafing through the contents beginning to feel nauseous.

"Chad," Will said quietly. "What's in the folder?"

Chad shoved everything back into the folder and snapped the top closed. "Nothing," he replied. "It's nothing. You don't need to see."

"If it was nothing you'd let me see," Will pointed out noting how pale Chad suddenly looked. "So let me see."

Holding the file to his chest Chad shook his head, "I'm sorry but no. You're never seeing what's in here."

Will, sick and tired of people doing whatever they think is necessary instead of consulting him, lunged for the folder.

Chad, holding the file tightly, dodged out of Will's grasp. The two began scuffling for the file Will blaring, "Let me see" as loudly as he could.

Wrenching the drawer open again Chad shoved the file inside and slammed it closed, shoving the key in his pocket. "I'm sorry Will but you can't see." He ran his hands through his hair, "Just try to understand why I can't let this happen." Waiting for Will to respond Chad turned around to face him and gasped when he saw Will looking at a picture that had fallen out.

Snatching it out of Will's hand Chad screamed, "No don't look at that!"

The picture slipped from Will's fingertips easily as he slumped into the desk chair. "Is that, is that the whole file? Is it all like that," Will asked dejectedly.

Chad hesitated before answering, "I, um, yes. That's what it is. It's pictures like this over and over again."

"I want to go home now," Will responded blinking tears out of his eyes.

"OK," Chad nodded.

EJ frowned when he saw William tearing up the stairs face in his hands. Putting down his glass of Scotch EJ went to follow him when he saw Chad standing in the entryway.

"What happened," EJ demanded, "What did those idiots do to him?"

"It's not them," Chad admitted knowing EJ was going to be pissed. "We found out what was in the desk at the house."

"What," EJ hissed through his teeth. "I specifically told him to stay away from that place."

"Well he didn't listen obviously," Chad started pacing.

Trying to focus on the matter at hand EJ questioned, "What did you discover?"

"There was a file. I tried to make sure he didn't see what was in it but you know how stubborn he is," Chad sighed. He picked up the picture that Will had seen. He wasn't even sure why he kept it. Holding it up for EJ to see Chad explained, "It was nothing but pictures like this."

EJ frowned at the picture ripping it out of Chad's hand. "What did you do with the rest of the pictures?"

"I locked them back in the desk," Chad admitted handing EJ over the key.

"Do not take him back there again," EJ warned. "Not until I say so. Do you understand me?"

"Yes," Chad nodded. He took the picture back from EJ when he noticed him staring at it rather intently.

EJ shook his head and sighed but nothing seemed to get the image out of his head. Knowing what had happened to William was one thing but seeing stills of what Ian did to him was something else entirely.

Author's note:

Nothing really new in regards to Stefano's big plans just having them clarified. And he was so confident in them that he thought Will and Chad would even go along with them without him. However who wants to guess what was up with the baby?

What does everyone want to see Sonny and Paul do to show Will they're serious? I have a few ideas already but some suggestions would be great. I'm thinking they're going to try a few things out but the biggest factor will be more or less their actions as opposed to anything they might be able to buy or say.

Thanks for reading!

Up next: Will has a few meetings and Sonny and Paul begin trying to earn Will back.

PS I'm well over 500k words now. How are you people still reading this and how am I still writing?