Instinct (Read 5,200 times)

[sudsyclassix]

"What a night, what a night," Shane mumbled, as he plopped down next to Steve. He was thinking of just sleeping on the suite's couch since exhaustion was already winning him over. "Now, what is it that you wanted to tell me?"
"Sweet Thing is on board with bringing Aiden down. "She looked through his phone while he was in the shower. Check this out."
Shane scanned the printout Hope had emailed. "Looks like he's been busy calling one number in particular."
"It was a 'collector's agency' Some dude named Rico", said Steve
"A loan shark. What's he in the hole for?"
"That's just it, dude. He's out."
"Have you checked Hope's bank accounts?"
"If he's skimming, he's doing a damn good job covering it up."
"Or else he's working off his debts. Clyde Weston's connected, he's probably making them go away. All Jennings had to do was sell his soul, and all we have to do is get our friend Rico to work with us. You're up, Johnson."
"Piece of cake! I don't look the part for nothing."

The place was a hole in the wall that was-Shane decided-probably decades behind the current health codes. Nevertheless, he sat there, concealing himself in the corner as he watched Steve work his magic at the bar.
"On the house," a blonde college-aged girl purred. She leaned over, making sure Steve had a view down her tight uniform top as she slid a drink down the bar.
Steve toasted her and downed the shot. "Pretty thing like you shouldn't be alone," he observed.
"You offering, Daddy?"
"You must be Patch," called a man before Steve could answer her. "Move along, sweetheart."
"Aw, loosen up, Rico."
Shane raised his eyebrows. Their target was a lean thirty-something with a receding hairline. He hardly had the build one would expect of the muscle behind a loan shark.
"...She's even pretty when she sulks," Steve was saying.
Rico brushed that off with a dismissive hand. "You can do better than her, and better than Jennings for that matter. How'd ya meet the little SOB?"
"Broke his nose," lied Steve smoothly, in such a way that Shane had a suspicion he was talking out some unrealized fantasy. "And everything else I could swing a bat at. Friend's of mine away, and I took it upon myself to make sure no one came sniffing around his wife while he's gone."
"Wish I had the pleasure, but someone took on Jennings' debts before I could make good on my threat," Rico lamented. "The way I see it, if Jennings had two brain cells to rub together, he wouldn't be going after the spoken for. All he'd have to do is marry some rich chick and off her for the insurance. Then he'd have both of us off his back."
Rico seemed to find himself very amusing. Shane watched Steve force a chuckle."Who was stupid enough to take on the dude's debt?" he asked.
"Not my problem anymore. But I know the guy doesn't have a family, 'cept a little boy. I make it my policy not to hurt kids, ain't his fault his Pop's good for nothing. Wait, that's right...the money didn't come from nowhere I'd heard of."
"Can you write it down?" Steve suggested.
"'M not a very good speller," Rico apologized as he scribbled something on a cocktail napkin.
Shane could tell from Steve's face that things had just gotten a hell of a lot more complicated.

[sudsyclassix]

"I don't believe it," whispered Sami vehemently, as she crumpled up the napkin and tossed it in the living room fireplace.
"Why not?" asked Shane. "DiMeras have risen from the dead before"
"They're the cockroaches of the humankind," Steve laughed without humor.
"Why should Andre be any different?" Shane went on. "All of Stefano's children are dead or disowned. He might find better luck with Andre, who, unlike the others, conforms to his uncle's ideologies."
Sami could hear Vanessa in the kitchenette, updating the agents' ISA superiors on the higher level of protection Allie, Johnny, and Sydney would need if Andre was still alive. Sami knew she wouldn't find an ally there.
"You don't believe this Rico guy, do you, Aunt Kim?"
"I don't know what to think," Kim sighed, "but I know one thing: I don't believe in coincidences where the DiMeras are concerned, and there are too many here."
"Exactly," Shane threw up his arms in frustration. "Don't be stubborn for the sake of it, Sami. This is far too important for that. Think rationally for once!" He stooped down to retrieve the scrawled address. "The ISA has been aware of this place. It's a known DiMera medical facility!"
"Since when?" Sami stood up, her anger making her seem much taller than she actually was.
"Since Kristen gave birth to my grandson there," Shane roared, before quieting under Kim's glare. He took a mug of tea in his shaking hands. "I'm sorry- that was quite uncalled for."
"You think," Sami shot back. "Forgive me if I need something a little more concrete before I let you disrupt my children's lives any more than you already have! Or maybe, this time you'd like to be the one to tell them that you're taking yet another part of their childhood away from them. You deal with the tears when they find out there won't be any trick-or-treating this year because I'm tired of breaking their hearts!"
She stomped upstairs living her aunt and uncles in silence.

"Well, that was bloody productive," declared Shane gazing after her.
Kim hummed thoughtfully. "Come on, Shane, Sami reacted just like any wife and mother who's just had her hopes dashed. What did we really expect after we told her the DiMeras might've managed to resurrect someone, but there was no way that someone was her husband? I think she's holding up well, to be honest with you."
"Red's got a point." Steve sniffed the air, "she'll have a hot chocolate and be fine."
"Hot choc-?" Shane echoed.
"It's on the stove if you want some," Vanessa replied, appearing with three steaming cups. "It seems to help Sydney get some shuteye."
"She had a bad dream," Allie elaborated, holding her pouting sister's hand.
"The bad man hurt Mommy too," Sydney wailed.
Kim knelt before her nieces. "That must have been really scary, but I promise you it's not going to happen. Know why?"
Sydney shook her head. "Why?"
"Because Judge Craig is a very fair man. He'll make sure Mommy is protected while she tells him what she saw-"
"We'll all be there too," Vanessa added, gesturing to herself, Shane and Steve.
"We sure will," Kim nodded, "so will Grandpa, Aunt Hope, Rafe... Tell me somethin', what was it that Rafe used to do for you when you needed to get back to Dreamland?"
"He used to read to us," Allie answered.
Kim considered this. "Didn't you promise them a story, Cap'n?"
"I believe I did. No time like the present, is there?"
"I don't think so."
"All right, this is the story of the Alamainian Coin. We have a king and a queen, a whole slew of princes, and princesses, dukes, and knights, lords, and ladies...."
"And a very cool harp-playing minstrel," Steve interrupted.
Vanessa snorted. "Johnson, I did not need to picture you in tights!"
"Now we know what you dream about, don't we baby?"
"Would the overgrown children like to hear the story too?" Shane teased, silencing the pair. "Now where was I?"
"Once upon a time," Sydney supplied eagerly.
"How could I possibly forget that? Can't start a story without it. Once upon a time, the entire kingdom of Olde Salem was celebrating the homecoming of their brave King John, particularly his loving wife, Queen Marlena, who was known throughout the land for her wisdom and kindness. Unfortunately, an unwanted guest was also enjoying the festivities. A knight in black armor appeared in the middle of the square.
"Your Majesty," he said to the king. "Surrender the fruits of your quest, or put your family in grave peril."
"Oh no," gasped Kim, playing along.
"And a vast family it was," Shane continued. "While still a princess, she gave birth to twins with Sir Roman, a knight who had protected her from the evil wizard lurking in the forest. Years later, King John was a traveler in the same forest when the wizard put him under a spell. The queen found him and nursed him back to health, uniting their kingdoms with the birth of Princess Belle.
"Are Your Majesties not scared?" asked Lady Carrie, who had come of age under Queen Marlena's patient tutelage.
"Indeed, yes," admitted the Queen.
"Fear not, daughter," Sir Roman assured the Lady. "I shall come up with a plan for the protection of the kingdom."
"It looks like Sandman struck again," chuckled Steve, gesturing at the two sleeping form between Vanessa and Kim. "But keep going, I'm on the edge of my seat." "You're in luck," Shane responded with similar good nature. "The trial starts this week, and I can't think of a better way to keep their minds off their mother."

[sudsyclassix]

On the next episode of Instinct 

Halloween hits Salem in a big way

[sudsyclassix]

“All rise, the Court of the Second Judicial Circuit, Criminal Division, is now in session, the Honorable Judge Donald J. Craig, presiding.”
The Don Craig that walked toward the bench was older and grayer than the one Kim remembered but still looked as earnest as ever. The knot in her stomach loosened the tiniest bit. She was still worried about whether Shane, Eve, and Paige would emotionally survive the trial, but she had faith in her old friend to keep Paige calm.
Judge Craig's voice was confident and firm as he spoke, “You may be seated. If councilors are ready to proceed in the matter of the case of the State of Illinois versus Clyde Fillmore Weston, then Mr. Kiriakis may make his opening statement.”
“Thank you, Your Honor. Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, today you will meet Paige Larson, a nineteen-year-old college student in the pre-med program at Salem University, and I mean no disrespect to our fine institution of higher education when I say that Paige’s grades were sufficient enough for her to get into Stanford.” There were a few gasps in the gallery, as Justin began to pace in front of the jury box. “That’s right, a smart, compassionate girl with dreams of becoming a doctor. It's certainly my definition of a bright future, but that future was dimmed on the night of August 27, 2015, when that defendant, Clyde Weston, followed Paige through Horton Square as she was walking back to her dorm. Why, you ask, because Paige had just been to the police station giving evidence in the case of murder victim, Serena Mason. Evidence, apparently threatening enough to Mr. Weston that he felt the need to put his hands around Paige's throat. He ignored her gasps as she fought for her life, and I ask you, ladies, and gentlemen...ignore his pleas for mercy. Find Clyde Weston guilty. Thank you."
"He's got this," Steve mouthed. "I'm telling you, he's got this."
Steve briefly broke concentration to smile grimly at his partner, before continuing to glare fiercely at the defense table. So fiercely, that Steve watched as Aiden stood, surprised to find there were no singe marks on the defense attorney's suit. He joined Kim and Shane in their staredown, only too happy to make Jennings as uncomfortable speaking front of the jury as possible.
"I don't disagree with opposing counsel, what happened to Miss Larson last summer was horrible...nor am I going to point to Clyde Weston and proclaim, "Here stands a saint!" Clyde Weston is many unsaintly things: an unloving and unfaithful husband, a harsh and imposing father, but a murderer? The burden of proof lies with the prosecution, and if they leave you with even a second of doubt, it's your very duty to vote not guilty."
"We will adjourn until 1 p.m., at which time, Mr. Kiriakis may call his first witness.”
"Thank you, Your Honor.”

A court officer knocked on the door of the first witness room.
“Come in,” called Sami.
“You’re first to testify after lunch, Mrs. DiMera.”
Sami nodded. “May I have my phone back so that I can check on my children?”
The court officer produced it from his pocket and handed it to her. “Just don’t discuss the case.”

“Allie,” Vanessa scolded, shutting her laptop quickly.
“I wasn’t peeking, I promise.”
“Good. Trust me when I tell you, when it comes to this trial, ignorance is bliss.”
“Your phone’s ringing.”
Vanessa gazed at the screen, which showed a picture of Sami. “It’s your Mom. I’ll take it in the kitchen. Sami…”
Johnny scrambled to his feet. “Come on,” he hissed.
Allie shook her head. “Uncle Shane told us not to watch.”
“Ciara’s right, you are a goody-goody. Fine, watch the door, then.”
He opened the laptop. “What the—?”
“What is it?”
“It’s not the live stream. Well, it’s on the first screen, but on the second screen, there’s a questionnaire... Uncle Steve ISA security clearance.”
“What does Nessa want with that?”
“Did you guys call me?”

“No,” the twins yelled, diving on the sofa cushions.

Vanessa gave them both a searching look before she gazed drifted over to the coffee table where Johnny had tossed the closed laptop.

"Okay then, you two. Go wake Sydney up and get your costumes on. We're going to the Halloween party at the hospital." When they were gone, she laughed. "You twerps could've caught me. And we can't have you warning Uncle Steve or his murderess mother. No. No. No."

[sudsyclassix]

"Mr. Kiriakis, you may call your first witness."

"We call Samantha Brady DiMera to the stand."

"Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth so help you, God?"
"I do."
Marlena sat up straighter in the gallery letting herself catch her daughter's eye for just a fraction of a second before wiping all the emotion from her face as Justin's voice begin to wash over her.
"Good afternoon, Mrs. DiMera."
"Is that what you call it when you're sitting across from a psycho?" asked Sami sweetly at the defense table. It was a smile every member of the Brady family had seen before. Sami had every intention of bringing Clyde Weston down in flames. Apparently, Aiden recognized this as well, because he jumped to his feet.
"Objection, Your Honor, the witness's speculations are argumentative."
"Sustained, let's keep the extraneous comments to ourselves, Mrs. DiMera."
Justin didn't miss a beat, going on as though nothing had happened. "Mrs. DiMera, let me take you back in time to the night of August 27, 2015. Can you tell us where you were that night at around 7:00."
“I exited the Brady Pub through the back door and walked through the alley into Horton Square. I guessed who Paige was because she looks just like her grandfather, my uncle, Shane Donovan. I heard Clyde Weston say, "Dead girls don't bite," as he strangled her. Paige was getting weaker...I yelled for Weston to get off of her and hit him with my gun. His face started to bleed, and that's when he took off."
"But you stayed," Justin prompted.
"Yeah, I called an ambulance."
Justin nodded. "With the court's permission, I'd like to present Prosecution Exhibit A, Paige Larson's medical report signed by the lead paramedic. Mrs. DiMera, will you please read the highlighted areas?"
"'Patient was unresponsive, presenting with a bruised throat and enlarged and swollen lymph nodes."
"Thank you, Mrs. DiMera. Nothing further.
"Cross," Aiden announced bumping Justin's shoulder as they crossed paths. "Defense Exhibit A, Mrs. DiMera do you recognize this weapon?" He held a bagged pistol up for inspection.
"It's my gun," Sami replied.
"The gun you used to hit my client over the head for no apparent reason."
"No apparent reason, are you kidding me right now?"
"I'll ask the questions here. Why did you buy this gun?"
Sami fidgeted. "For protection."
"Protection from whom?"
"My father-in-law, Stefano DiMera."
"Isn't it true that your husband, Elvis DiMera, died last year in a drug-related incident?"
"Yes," Sami whispered.
"An incident, as I understand it, that the DiMera family blames on my client. By any chance, did that influence your testimony today?"
"I don't take orders from Stefano, and in case you haven't noticed, he's getting weaker every day!"
"It doesn't always take strength to strike fear into someone, particularly a parent's fear for their children."
"Stefano wouldn't hurt my children!" Sami cried, just as she had when Shane had broached the point months ago
"But Will and Allie aren't related to him, are they?" pushed Aiden.
There was an immediate and complete silence in the gallery, and then an uproar.

“The jury is dismissed until further notice," announced Judge Craig, "and I urge you not to let this outburst color your perceptions of this matter!"
Even as the jury filed out, shouts of “Bastard!” and “Son of a bitch!” still came at Aiden from all directions. Shane flashed his ISA credentials and rushed to Sami’s side, blocking the feral-looking mother’s descent from the stand. Steve stood in a lunge, ready at a second’s notice to guard Will, whose bicep was in his husband’s protective grip.
“One more sound and this entire gallery will enjoy the hospitality of my holding cells,” boomed Judge Craig. “And believe when I tell you your individual $1000 fines will not go toward your comfort!”
“Your Honor, opposing counsel just engaged in blatant witness intimidation.”
“I noticed, Mr. Kiriakis, which is why councilors will be joining me in my chambers. As for the rest of you, the court is in recess until ten o’clock tomorrow and I expect more decorum than I saw today.”

Eve sighed in irritation. She had been hoping to catch Paige in the courthouse parking lot, but Brady had pulled the Kiriakis car around before Eve managed to get a word in. Now the only sound she could hear was the annoying echo of heels hitting blacktop. "For heaven's sake, Theresa, will you stop chasing me?"
"As soon as you quit stalking Paige."
"I don't know what you're babbling on about."
"Sure, you don't. Consider this a piece of sisterly advice, okay? Let it go, because trust me, empty nest syndrome is looking desperate on you."
"This from the aspiring fashion designer. Why don't stop playing house with my daughter and go back to playing Barbies?" Eve suggested, looking impatiently at her phone screen.
"And the claws come out! Wow, this really is getting under your skin. Why don't you call that john back and see if he can make you feel better? Ta-ta, Eve."
"Bitch!" Eve fumed, anchoring her phone to her shoulder as she slammed the car door.
"Temper, temper, Evie." She could just see Drew wagging his finger at her from whatever pub he was sitting in. "As a matter of interest, who are we talking about?"
"Theresa."
"Who?"
"Jeannie."
"Ah, never did get around to meeting her. I was a bit occupied, wasn't I?
"Just as well, she thinks you're my john."
"I thought you were through with that," said Drew, real concern tingeing his tone.
"I am," Eve growled, "That's just what Theresa and Daddy think. They almost caught us talking the other day."
"Can't have that, can we now?"
"Cut the phony Irish brogue, Drew. Do you want to hear about court, or not?"
"Oh, goody, I'm sure you're testimony was just riveting."
"Didn't get that far. Sami Brady was the first witness, and he couldn't get through cross without threatening her kids. Now, he'll probably get himself thrown off the case."
"Come on, Evie, give us a smile. You go on worrying like that you'll be a gray as your father. My hair, on the other hand, is still black as a bear's behind. As for Jennings, well, indentured servitude in an archaic practice, but the servants have one thing in common: self-preservation. He can't very well roll over and play dead, so he gives us a jolly good show for our money. I only wish I were there to see it live! No more worries, love, you just sit back and trust Uncle Drew to deliver a 'smashing' finale."


“Will,” Shane gazed at the image on his laptop screen, about an hour later. “Sonny, I sincerely hope you’ve thought my offer though.”
“We’ve talked about it,” Will began, “and thanks, Uncle Shane, but I really think you shouldn’t worry about giving us an ISA detail if it means taking an agent off of Mom and the kids.”
“You are still my kid!” Sami reminded her firstborn, “and what about…what about Arianna? Honey, you need to listen to me, please reconsider. Jennings was a shark before, but now he’s—”
“Different,” Vanessa supplied, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “Desperate, almost. So either he’s defending Weston because he’s under someone’s thumb, or he’s actually completely lost it, both of which are dangerous.”
"If you ask me, he's always had a screw loose," Steve muttered.
Sonny nodded in agreement. "That's why Uncle Vic sent some of best people over to the house. There's gonna be a guard here 24/7."
"Fine," sighed Shane. "We'll let Victor's people handle it on your end."
"Fine?" Vanessa repeated. "Since when are you a member of the Victor Kiriakis Fan Club, Captain?"
"Far from it," Steve assured the young agent with a shake of his head. "The crap that's gone done between us and Kiriakis over the years, now there's a history book for ya."
"Then why?"
"I realize you're new here, Agent Lennox," said Shane, his formality betraying impatience, "but trust that my reasoning is sound. You know as well as I do that there's been a rash of rogue agents, recently. Well, the DiMera Task Force is notorious for moles. Three years ago, that snake, Agent Harmon almost got half the town blown up."
Sami nodded in confirmation.
"So, we do what?" Vanessa asked, "Trust the devil we know?"
"Two of my grandchildren are living at his house, Lennox, I have no choice but to trust him."

Eve sat watching the costumed children, as they chased each other through the square and ducked behind the decorated pillars. It was much better than sitting in the apartment wallowing over memories of Halloween with Paige. Every year, Eve would sew a costume in secret and leave it on Paige's bed for her to wear. Cowgirls, fairies, and a doctor of course. Paige had made such a beautiful fairy, Eve recalled, as she automatically stooped to pick up something that had clattered to the ground, and placed it in a little girl's outstretched hands.
"Thanks."
Eve knew her by voice. She was Kimberly's niece, her brother's little girl... But all Eve could see was a miniature Paige.
"Y-You're welcome," she stuttered, saved from further speech by a kind laugh from behind her.
"Nice horns, Ciara. Couldn't decide between a witch and a devil?"
"Maleficent isn't a witch, she's an evil fairy."
"Ah, well, whatever you are, I hope you get lots of candy tonight."
"Oh, I will. Bye, Cousin Justin. Look out, Chase!"
"She's something else, isn't she?" Justin smiled as they watched her run off. "Actually, Eve, running into you saves me a trip. Do you have a minute to sit down?
"Sure." Eve headed to one of the empty cafe tables. "I hope the judge threw the book at Aiden Jennings for the stunt he pulled today."
"That's just what I wanted to talk to you about. Judge Craig went through both of our cases with a fine-toothed comb, to make sure there were no more surprises."
"And?"
"And he threw out your testimony. Said it was inadmissible."
"Inadmissible? I'm the mother of one of the victims, damn it!"
"But you weren't there during the commission of the crime, so you can't bring evidence during the trial phase. You still have a powerful and important point of view, only now you'll speak during sentencing."
"Is there is a sentencing."
"I fully intend for there to be a sentencing.
"And what verdict do you intend to ask for."
"The only one that's fair, death by lethal injection."

[sudsyclassix]

Thanks for the graphic design advice @heriocmuse.  Next week...

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[sudsyclassix]

Please Review

“Fewer trick-or-treaters this year than I thought there would be,” Shane remarked, relocking the door of the Brady Pub, where he was keeping an eye on the DiMera family while Steve took Joey around the neighborhood and Vanessa stayed back at the suite and monitored the DiMeras’ overseas movement

Kim smiled sadly. “When I was a kid, we’d be running up and down the pier ‘til the streetlights came on, just watching each others’ backs. These days parents would cut off their arms before letting their children come down here at any time remotely approaching sunset. Times, they are a-changing’” Sami, Caroline, and Shane nodded in agreement, but none of the adults wanted to ruin the evening by mentioning Clyde Weston by name.
The silence broke when Shane’s phone buzzed. “Before you get too melancholy with nostalgia, darling, you may want to look at these pictures of our grandson that Theresa sent.”
“Oooh, will ya take a look at Tate in the costume,” Kim leaned over the pub counter so that Caroline could see the screen. “Isn’t he just the cutest Peter Pan you’ve ever seen, Ma?”
“Theresa should enter that boy in a contest,” Caroline agreed, “and I know three kids in this room right now who will miss the costume contest at the hospital if you don’t skedaddle.”
Kimberly’s heart ached with love for the strong, beautiful woman in front of her. She didn’t have the heart to correct her mother, and even if she’d wanted to, she couldn’t speak around the lump in her throat. Allie must have noticed, because she patted Caroline’s shoulder and said, “Nessa already took us to the Halloween party, Grandma. Johnny won a medal for creativity.”
“Of course he did.” Caroline squeezed Allie’s hand in her own. “What you all must think…watching me go senile like this.”
“Mama, no! You’re still the same old toughie who can control the rowdiest crowd with that shillelagh behind the bar.” Kim’s voice turned soft and cajoling, “Kayla should be here soon to sit with you while we run everybody home.”
“Who needs her,” Johnny mumbled, fiddling his medal. He hadn’t told anyone he had been at the top of the staircase when his mother told Grandma Kate about Aunt Kayla choosing Abigail’s side in their fight last year, but it really hurt when he heard that his aunt wished his mother (and by extension he) weren’t related to the Bradys. He scowled as the subject of his thoughts entered the pub.
“Sorry, sorry, I’m here!”
“Don’t be sorry,” Kim shrugged, “just tell us what has you so frazzled, sis.”
“Well, we can start with the fact that Ciara doesn’t have time to compete in the Halloween contest.”
“Are we still talking about the most competitive kid in Salem?” Sami asked tearing open a leftover bag of Skittles.
“Yeah, one who’s a little preoccupied with her maid of honor duties.”
“Hold the phone,” said Shane. “Are you telling me that Hope managed to move up the wedding.”
Kayla studied Shane carefully before saying, “If I had more than five minutes before Mom and I had to get out of here, I would tell you how weird it is for you to have such an effusive reaction to a man you’ve hardly spoken to.”
“Well,” Shane replied. “Then I suppose I would tell you not to worry because everything is taken care of.”
Kim snorted. “I know that’s the standard ISA answer, but has anyone clued the agents in on how patronizing it is?”
“It doesn’t matter right now, I’m late as it is,” Kayla sighed. “That ceremony might stop in its tracks without a witness.”
“And so will our plan,” whispered Shane, “I guess we’d all better get to the square, then. I'll call Vanessa, let her know you're heading home, Sami."

Paige took out her earbuds and closed her laptop when Theresa knocked on her door. The last thing she needed was a lecture from her aunt about the perils of getting back together with the charming singer on her Ewe Tube screen, which wasn’t even on her radar at this point, though it was sweet to be serenaded.
“Listen, Tate’s Halloween candy is up for grabs in the living room. I made sure to ask for chocolates and things that will melt really easily in your mouth, but if you don’t feel up to it now, that’s okay too…I just…didn’t want you to miss out, you know? Wow, I’m rambling like an idiot, aren’t I?” Paige shook her head, but it didn’t seem like her Aunt Theresa was waiting for an answer because she said, “Brady and I are on our way out. Emma’s here with the baby if you need anything,” and went back downstairs
Brady turned as he saw her coming down the steps. “So Paige is good with it?”
“As good as can be expected,” Theresa answered, but Brady caught the caginess in her voice.
“You didn’t tell her a thing, did you?”
“Well, not in so many words, or in any words, really. Hey, don’t start looking at me like that!”
Brady softened as he watched the way Theresa fidgeted with her sunglasses. “Look, you might as well let Paige in on the fact that you’ve organized a protest. If for no other reason, than to celebrate the miracle of you and Eve agreeing on something besides you hatred of Jennifer Horton.”
“Shocker, huh? But if I’d have told Paige, she’d’ have just done her best to talk us out of the whole thing. No, I learned early in life that sometimes it’s better to ask for forgiveness than permission.”
“A particularly apt expression for acts of civil disobedience,” Brady laughed.
“You’re not chickening out on me, are you?”
“Hate to break it to you, Jeannie T, but you and I are stuck with each other.” He leaned in and gave her a short but passionate kiss.
“Hmmm,” Theresa giggled. “Well, if there’s more where that came from. I think I could definitely live happily,” Kiss. “Ever,” Kiss. “After.”

[heroicmuse]

Love all the Halloween celebrations and the tensions and conflicts.

So glad to see Caroline's condition being treated seriously!

[sudsyclassix]

Thanks for commenting. Come back Friday to see the wedding. 

[sudsyclassix]

Please review

“We need to get to our seats,” said Shane taking Caroline’s arm and leading the group toward a moonlit arbor in the middle of the square. “My best to Hope.”

Kim nodded, keeping an eye on a scowling Johnny as she followed Kayla and Ciara to Club TBD where Jennifer was helping Hope get ready. When they were out of earshot, she whispered, “What was that about?”
“I have no idea,” Kayla replied, grinning at Hope. “I have something your ‘something old’ right here, Hope.”
“She means you,” Ciara giggled.
“She better not mean me if she knows what’s good for her.” Kim made a face just as Hope and Jennifer appeared.
“Kimber, you’re here!” Hope cried. “I didn’t think you would be able to make it.”
“Of course, I made it. You’ll always be a sister to me, Hope. And you look so beautiful, I think I’m gonna cry.”
“Hey, hey, hey, no crying,” said Jennifer “You have to go down the aisle preferably without mascara running down your face.”
“I know, I know.” Hope fanned her eyes. “Will you guys let Daddy know it’s okay to come in?”

“Ready?” mouthed Abe, who stood below the arbor with Aiden and Chase.
Kayla nodded as she sat down next to Jennifer and Abe motioned to JJ who strummed something classical on his guitar as a signal for Ciara to come down the aisle. They all stood as she was followed by Hope, who glided down the aisle on Doug’s arm to the chords of the wedding march looking radiant in an off-white gossamer gown.
“Friends,” spoke Abe, “we are gathered here tonight to join in this beautiful celebration of the love between Hope Williams Brady and Aid—”
He was interrupted by feedback from a microphone Nicole was holding as she fought her way through an oncoming crowd of Salem University students led by Brady, Theresa, and Daphne.
“Aiden Jennings…”
He stammered to a stop as the crowd began to chant. “Are you stupid? Are you blind? Why are you defending Clyde? Are you stupid? Are you blind? Why are you defending Clyde?”
JJ appeared conflicted, split between standing beside his family and grabbing a JUSTICE FOR PAIGE sign himself.
“Here JJ, grow a pair,” Theresa giggled as she took one from Brady and handed it to him.
“Jeannie, what do you think you’re doing?”
“What does it look like, Daddy?”
It looks like you’re ruining the entire plan
“This cannot be happening!” Hope groaned.
“Oh, it’s happening all right,” Nicole replied. “Would you like to answer the question, Mr. Jennings?”
“Yes, I would. Every man and woman in this great country deserves the best defense that can be offered—”
This drew catcalls and jeers from the crowd.
“Dad?” Chase tugged on Aiden’s suit jacket, looking nervously at the crowd encircling them. “Are you still getting married?”
“Yes,” Roman replied, “they are. We’ll finish this somewhere else, and anybody who tries to follow us will be arrested for disturbing the peace.”

[heroicmuse]

I love that JJ is playing the guitar for this wedding. The protest was great and realistic. Can't wait to see what happens next.

[sudsyclassix]

I love that JJ is playing the guitar for this wedding. The protest was great and realistic. Can't wait to see what happens next.Th

The beginning of the next umbrella storyline will blossom next week. Formal preview to follow (I have to make it).

[sudsyclassix]

“Aiden, you may now kiss the bride.”
“You don’t have to tell me twice, Mayor,” said Aiden, capturing Hope’s lips with his.
As those assembled the Salem PD squad room clapped, Roman caught the eye of a newcomer. He was wearing a fedora on his bent head along with an overcoat and bedroom slippers.
"Congratulations to the bride and groom."
"Thank you, Judge," Aiden shook Don Craig's hand, "but why do I get the feeling this isn't a social call."
"It isn't," Craig agreed, turning to Roman. “Not to keep you from your bed, Commissioner, but may I speak to you for a minute?”
“Of course.” They went into Roman’s office. “What can I do for you, Don?”
“I saw the news report.” Roman flinched as he continued, “and loath as I am to trample on freedom of the press, I also saw the scared look on that little boy’s face when he asked if the mob would stop his father from marrying Detective Brady. The three of them need a guard for the duration of the trial. I want you to put your best detective on the job.”
“That would be Rafe Hernandez,” said Roman confidently, “but he’s not here at the moment.”
“Call him.”

A bleary-eyed Rafe checked the time on his ringing phone. It was after midnight.

"Yeah, boss?"

"Rafe, you're on speaker." Roman then took a moment to explain the plan.

"I'm flattered, but I'll need some relief at night. I'm at Will and Sonny's watching Ari right now."

"Understood. I'll arrange for Price to take graveyard shifts."

[sudsyclassix]

Please review

Across town, there was movement in the kitchenette of the DiMera hotel suite. The sound and smell of fresh popcorn were usually enough to send Johnny running, but as Kimberly took the steaming bag out of the microwave and poured its contents into the waiting bowl, she listened for the pitter-patter of footsteps that didn’t come. “Better get to the bottom of this one,” she said to herself, as she carried the snack to Johnny’s room. It was her job to tend to the kids’ psychological states, to patch them up, as best as she could, after everything that had happened to them in the past year—starting with EJ’s death.

Johnny was lying stiffly on the bed. Too stiff to actually be sleeping, even though that’s what he should’ve been doing considering it was almost midnight.
Kim placed the bowl on the edge on the bedside table right under Johnny’s nose.
“Mm,” he groaned.
“Gotcha,” Kim laughed. “Faker, faker, bellyacher.” She began to poke the little boy in the stomach
Johnny wriggled under the sheets. “Aunt Kimmie,” he giggled. ”Stop.”
“You right, we don’t want to wake everybody, or they might steal our midnight snack. Wanna tell me why you’re not asleep.”
“Not really,” said Johnny with his mouth full.
“Chew,” Kim instructed. When he reached for another handful, Kim held the bowl out of his reach. “Let’s make this into a game. I give you a word you tell me the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear that word. Every time you answer you get to have more popcorn. Ready.”
Johnny nodded.
“First word: apple.”
“Pie.”
“Ball?”
“Soccer.”
“Dog?”
“I want one.”
“Aunt Kayla…”

[sudsyclassix]

"Feel free to call your next witness. Mr. Kiriakis. I know everyone is well-rested and cooperative..." Kim held in a laugh as she watched Don Craig stare the courtroom into submission. It was the same look of steely determination that had scared Kim to death on the day the young lawyer had expressed a wish to wipe Salem's streets clean of prostitutes. At the time, she had been working for a faux-French madam. Now, she hoped that Johnny, in particular, would be well-rested when she got home from court and ready to continue their midnight therapy session. He had shut down completely when her questioning turned to Kayla, insisting, that he was suddenly exhausted.
"....the prosecution calls Agent Sebastian Watts to the stand."
"Doesn't look happy, does he?" Steve whispered to Kim, as the man mumbled his oath through gritted teeth.
Justin must've been thinking along the same lines because he said, "You were subpoenaed as a hostile witness, were you not?"
"You bet your ass. Can't be parading myself in front of criminals with 'DEA' stamped across my forehead. You know how word gets around on the street. How am I ever supposed to go undercover again?"
"Do you do much undercover work now that you're in a supervisory position?"
"No."
"And were you the supervising agent who decided to put Jack Deveraux Jr. undercover?"
"I was."
"And what exactly did JJ do under your instruction?"
"I told JJ to get close to Kyle Southern, a senior dealer in Weston's ring. We like to use people like JJ, they fit in."
"People like JJ?" Justin repeated. "Could you clarify?"
"Former drug dealers."
"Nothing further," Justin announced, inviting Aiden forward with a sweep of his hand.
"Why thank you, counselor, you've done such a good job of shining your nephew's halo that it almost pains to ask this..."
"I suggest you ask before I reach retirement," Judge Craig warned sternly.
"Yes, Your Honor. Agent Watts, was JJ under your instruction when he interfered in the arrest of Clyde Weston, allowing another suspect to flee?"
“Right there,” Watts stuck his finger in Aiden’s face, “right there is the problem with you lawyers. You think the world’s as black and white as your little law books, but what ya need to do is come out of your hobbit hole and live. Then you’ll see different, you mark my words.”
Aiden’s lips twitched into a patronizing smile. “I beg to differ, this question is very simple, Agent Watts.”
Watts looked at Aiden with intense loathing before turning pleading eyes to the sighing judge, “Answer the question, Agent Watts.”
“Well, no but—”
“Nothing further,” said Aiden triumphantly.
Justin raised a hand. “Redirect, Your Honor, I’d like to hear this. Please, continue, Agent Watts.
“I was trying to say that this was a joint investigation between the DEA and the Salem PD. I may not have agreed with Commissioner Brady’s decision, but Deveraux wasn’t going rouge. As I understand it—”
“Objection, what the witness understands cannot be submitted as evidence under the hearsay laws.”
“Sustained. If that’s all, Agent Watts, you may step down. Mr. Kiriakis, let’s move this along.”
“ Of course, Your Honor. The prosecution takes great pleasure in calling Benjamin Weston to the stand.”
Jennifer clasped her daughter’s hand, resisting her own urge to retch when Ben sent a wink Abigail’s way.
No one noticed the disturbance in the gallery, however, because Clyde had sprung to his feet. “Why, you yellow-bellied traitor. How dare you put your hand on that Bible and lie, boy.”
“Sit down Clyde,” Aidan hissed.
“Councilor, control your client.”
“I understand, Your Honor.”
“Good, look this way, Mr. Weston, don’t look at your father.”
“Sorry,” Ben mumbled, turning to Justin. “Ask away, Esquire.”