Chapter 10
A few hours later…
John and Abe are on John's private jet on their way to San Francisco. John went to Laura's and begged her to tell him where Marlena was. Laura wasn't going to say anything until John told her that Marlena was in danger; she finally caved in and told him.
John is sitting looking at a map, trying to find where Marlena's townhouse is. Abe is on the phone with some contacts in San Francisco. They are going to help with the search once Abe and John get there. The more people they have out there helping, the better. They will be able to find Marlena much faster.
Shawn and Caroline were more than happy to watch Brady while John is gone. Brady loves spending time with them as well. John knows his son will be in good hands while he is gone.
Abe joins John as he sits down next to him.
"So John, any luck finding Marlena's place on the map?"
John looks up from what he is doing and looks at Abe.
"Yes as a matter of fact I have, Abraham."
John puts his finger on the map and points to Marlena's address.
"If I have this figured right, her townhouse is right there on this street. So we shouldn't have any problem finding her. "
Abe pats John's back.
"That's great, partner!" Abe says with a laugh.
John smiles back at his friend.
Meanwhile…
Marlena has fallen asleep holding Belle. They are lying on the bed as Marlena has her arm wrapped around her daughter. The video that was playing has ended and now there is nothing but static coming from the TV. They are both so tired that they don't hear it.
Ruby enters the room and sees the two of them sleeping. She smiles briefly and then approaches them to wake them up.
"Dr. Evans, it's time to wake up!" Ruby yells as she nudges Marlena's shoulder.
Marlena stirs as she slowly opens her eyes. She looks around for a moment trying to remember where she is. She finally remembers as she starts to sit up but Belle is lying on her arm. She nudges Belle awake as Belle sits up and rubs her eyes.
Ruby starts to pick up Belle.
"Come on, Belle. It's time to come with Aunt Ruby. I have a surprise for you in the other room."
Belle doesn't want to go so she begins to protest.
"No, I stay with mommy!" She cries as she clings to her mother.
Marlena embraces her daughter as she begins to cry.
"Ruby I don't think it will be a problem if my daughter stays here with me. She's in a strange place, with strange people; she's very shy and I know she would be more comfortable if she could just stay with me."
Ruby shakes her head.
"Mr. DiMera said I was to come and get her because he needs to talk to you. " Ruby explains.
"Stefano needs to talk to me? You mean he's going to come in here?"
Ruby shakes her head again.
"No, he will be talking to you on the TV. Remember when I told you he has a hidden camera in here?"
Marlena nods as she pulls her daughter closer to her.
"Well Mr. DiMera can see everything you are doing in here through a TV in the room he is staying in."
Marlena just shakes her head, not believing what she is hearing.
"So now you see why I have to take your daughter while he speaks to you."
"No I don't understand, but if you must take her I guess I can't stop you. But like I said, she won't go willingly." Marlena explains.
Ruby nods before answering.
"I understand. I will bring her back as soon as Mr. DiMera is done speaking with you."
Ruby says as she grabs Belle from Marlena, and just as suspected Belle puts up a fight. Ruby just lets her as she carries Belle; who is kicking and screaming. Before Ruby leaves the room, she stops to tell Marlena something. She turns around and looks at her with Belle still struggling in her arms. It breaks Marlena's heart to see her daughter like that.
"I wanted to let you know to change the television to video, so you will be able to see Mr. DiMera when he comes on to speak to you."
Marlena nods as Ruby leaves the room, closing and locking the door behind her. Marlena can still hear Belle crying as she gets up to change the channel on the TV. As soon as the TV gets to "video", Marlena sees a black screen before Stefano appears. Once his face appears on the screen, it startles her as she jumps back.
She looks behind her as she sits down on the foot of the bed. She focuses all of her attention back on the screen as she just looks at Stefano.
"Hello Marlena."
Marlena doesn't respond back, she just looks at him with tears in her eyes.
"I see that you are getting settled in the room very quickly. I hope you like it; I wanted to make you and your daughter as comfortable as possible. Nothing is too good for you, my Queen of the Night. Is there anything else I can get you?"
Marlena glares at Stefano.
"Yes, I want to go home with Belle." Marlena hisses.
Stefano gives a smile and a small chuckle.
"Sure you do, Marlena. But you see, I can't let you do that because you and Belle belong to me now. We will all live happily together as a family."
Marlena stands up and points her finger at Stefano.
"Never! I will never live happily together with you and my daughter! I will never love you, Stefano!" Marlena cries.
"It will only be a matter of time, Marlena. The longer you stay here, you will discover how much you really do care for me and will want to stay with me."
"You can't force someone to love you, Stefano! "
"I realize that and I'm not forcing you to love me, I'm telling you, your love for me will come all in due time. I have all the time in the world to wait for you because I love you that much, Marlena."
Marlena just cries as she shakes her head.
"There is something I want to show you before I let you go."
Marlena looks up with tears in her eyes as she looks to see what Stefano has in store for her.
The screen suddenly switches to another room. It's dimly lit and there is a chair in the middle of the room. There is a person tied to the chair with tape over their mouth. It takes Marlena a moment to realize who it is. It's Kelly, her nanny!
Marlena gasps.
"Stefano! What are you doing with Kelly?! Why do you have her bound to a chair and gagged?!"
Stefano appears on the screen once more.
"I am doing it for her own good. She knows too much about you and where you are. I had to take her so she wouldn't run to the police and tell them that you are gone. I don't want anyone to know you are here. It's our little secret."
Stefano gets a devious grin on his face.
"Until next time, Marlena. Good night and sweet dreams."
The screen then goes black.
Marlena falls down on the bed in a fit of sobs.
I'm never getting out of here! What does Stefano have in store for me?" Marlena thinks to herself as she continues to cry.
To be continued…
