Breaking Ties: An Ensemble Story (Read 248,985 times)

[André DiMera]

It’ll be interesting to see how this hearing goes! Glad Paige encourages J.J. not to drop the story! Rory’s idea is interesting. I hope J.J. agrees with Steve’s idea. Of course someone is gonna threaten Judge Walston’s family. I should hope he doesn’t give in to this threat, but I understand wanting to protect his family. Sorry, but Hannah’s spent WAY more than enough time in jail, and if this judge does send her back, there’s gonna be trouble.

Glad everyone’s going to see Sarah. Hopefully, this will teach her a lesson. Melissa, as well. She can’t keep enabling Sarah. Not sure how she and Maggie are gonna react when and if they find out what Victor did.

Can’t wait for this surgery to happen. Not surprised Chloe has reservations, though. Roman, your job is done, and you’re the main reason. Hope Johnny doesn’t succeed in getting Sydney in trouble.

Thanks for the previews, heroicmuse!

[heroicmuse]

Week 235 - 1

Melissa paced around the suite. “Victor’s taking forever finding anything out and if even the great Victor Kiriakis can’t… Sarah’s really in trouble, isn’t she?”

“Gosh, I hope not.” Maggie was holding back tears too. “Here,” she said, holding her hand out. “In the program we pray to let go of trying to control things we can’t control, which is a big part of this disease. How about you and I do that right now?”

“Pray?” Melissa’s eyes were wide. “My sister -- your daughter! -- is missing, and the best you can come up with is pray? Shouldn’t we be driving around looking for her or something?”

“What good would that do? I’m scared too, Melissa. In fact, I’m terrified! But the only person who can help Sarah now is Sarah. We just have to believe that God will watch over her, that He’ll keep her safe and that whatever happened to her last night will open her eyes and get her to realize she has a disease and she needs help.”

“Yeah right.”

“It can happen. It did for me. It has for Brady, for Lucas, for JJ… in each and every one of our cases something happened that was so bad that it made us realize that we couldn’t go on like this and we became ready to take that first step and admit that our lives had become unmanageable. Now, only Sarah can make that decision a-and she’s not here right now. But you know who I have in front of me? You. And your life has also become unmanageable, Melissa. You’ve been putting so much time and energy into taking care of your sister. You’ve been cleaning up after her, covering for her, sometimes buying alcohol for her…”

“I’m not the alcoholic. I don’t need - “

“Oh, but you do. There’s a reason they call it a family disease, and that’s because the people who love someone who is drinking themselves to death take on so much of the burden of their loved one’s alcoholism that their lives are just as affected as if they were drinking too. And that is you. Let me ask you something, Melissa. How are things at work?”

Melissa’s eyes narrowed. “All right, I guess.”

“All right? What does that mean?”

Melissa sighed. “I’m barely keeping my head above water. I mean, I’m not in danger of being fired or anything like that but my latest performance review was just average in everything so I won’t be getting a promotion any time soon.”

“And can you live with that?”

“Not really, but with Sarah drinking, it’s the best I can do. I don’t need a promotion, I just need to stay employed because otherwise we’re going to both be out on the street.” Melissa blinked back tears. “I was getting awards and recognition at work all the time before Sarah came back into my life, but it’s okay. I’m making enough to put food on the table and a roof over our heads, that’s all that counts.”

“No, Melissa, it isn’t.” Maggie patted Melissa’s hand. “You deserve a good life, Melissa. Just because Sarah is choosing to drink doesn’t mean you have to follow her down into the gutter.”

“I’m not! I’m just doing whatever it takes to keep us afloat.”

Maggie was quiet for a second. “Once we know for sure what happened to Sarah last night, I’m going to go to a meeting and I think you should come with me.”

“What for? I don’t even drink.“

“Not AA, not this time. Al-Anon. It’s the sister group for friends and family members of alcoholics and right now that’s both of us.”

“I don’t know. All that program stuff you do isn’t really for me.”

“I hope you’ll think about it. You need help, Melissa, just as much as your sister does, and the sooner you start getting it, the better off you’ll both be.” Maggie held her hand out again. “Would you at least say the Serenity Prayer with me? Please?”

“If it makes you happy, I guess.”

Maggie took Melissa’s hand. “I’m sure you know this by heart after hearing me say it over and over from the time you were old enough to understand English, but if you want you can repeat after me.”

She recited the prayer one line at a time:

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change
The courage to change the things I can
And the wisdom to know the difference.

Melissa blinked back tears as she repeated the last line.

Just then, Victor came out of the bedroom. “I have news that you both may want to sit down for.”

“Oh God,” Maggie said. Victor pulled out a chair for her while Melissa got her own chair. Then he sat down across from them and took Maggie’s hands. “The good news is that Sarah has been found and she is alive and more or less well. Apparently she was hit over the head by some lowlife who saw a most attractive opportunity to make some quick cash by knocking her out and stealing her valuables. However, a good Samaritan found her this morning and took her to the hospital. The doctor I spoke with was less than amused by my suggestion that she should be transferred to the Children’s Hospital, but he did say that if we come down to the hospital he will explain everything and then allow us to see her.”

Maggie put her hands to her mouth. Melissa said, “At least she’s safe, I guess. Um, this is awkward, but Mom, I think maybe Victor should stay here while we go see her. S-she was ranting about him so much when she was drunk it could send her into a tailspin.”

“That’s Sarah’s problem,” Maggie said. “Not yours, and not Victor’s. And quite frankly, I need him.”

“But Mom - “

“Don’t but Mom me!” Maggie snapped. “I’m sorry that you and Sarah don’t see what I see in Victor, but I chose him as my other half for a reason and I cannot do this without him.”

“It’s not about that! It’s about Sarah. She was attacked because she was so drunk that it made her an easy target. Shouldn’t we do everything in our power to make it easier for her to recover?”

“If I may interject my opinion into this discussion that clearly concerns me,” Victor said, “it seems to me you’re both right. Sarah’s preferring the vision of herself staggering drunkenly down the street and into a mugger’s arms to that of me by Maggie’s side should be no one else’s concern. However, I am also aware that this is the proverbial crossroads where she could either descend further into Hades or choose to care enough about her continued survival to agree to some sort of rehabilitation program. So for that reason I will stay out of her hospital room for the time being.” He took Maggie’s hand. “Have no fear that I am abandoning you. I will accompany you to talk to the doctor and then use the time that you are with Sarah to call Philip and see what support I can offer from afar while he prepares for Charlotte’s surgery.”

“You should do that,” Maggie agreed. “Sarah’s disease certainly isn’t his fault.” She sighed deeply.

“All right, then,” Victor said. “If we’re agreed I shall summon a driver.”

“We could take my car,” Melissa suggested. “That’ll save time. Unless it’s too low-class for some people, of course.”

“That will be most beneficial,” Victor agreed. “Let’s go then.”

Victor was the last out of the room. He glanced at his phone as he turned the lights off.

Text from: --private number--
Everything is going according to clockwork. Took her to the hospital myself. Good luck getting her into rehab.

He shook his head and sighed. “I hate to keep this from Maggie,” he said to himself, “but I’m afraid even she may think I went too far in my quest to save her daughter from herself.” He put his phone away before leaving the room.



“No way,” David said. “So you’re telling me my mother adopted you and didn’t even tell me?”

“I guess so,” Rory said. “I heard all about you, though, you sure she didn’t tell you and you forgot?”

“I’d remember I have a new brother.” David sank down onto the couch. “Wait. What has she told you about me?”

“Only that you’re like, the apple of her eye or however you say that. Every Christmas she gets all teary eyed when she sees your ornament and says something about how she wishes she didn’t go wrong with you cause you’re wherever you are that’s not here. Sometimes she gets so worked up you’d think you were dead.”

“Really.” David crossed his arms. “Too bad she never tells me anything like that.”

“Who was - “ Julie said, coming downstairs. She froze. “Oh my goodness. David! Is that really you?”

“Last time I checked.”

Julie waved that away. “Oh, stop being such a smartass and come here.” She hugged him. “I can’t believe you’re really home.”

“I am,” David said, pulling away, “and it seems a lot has changed. You adopted a boy and didn’t tell me?”

“You had a daughter without telling me. So I guess now we’re even. But that’s all in the past. Let me get you a cup of tea and we’ll get all caught up, how about that?”

“I think I’ll skip the tea.” David didn’t sit down, either, he just stood there, his arms crossed. “I actually came to talk to you about Hannah. You know, the granddaughter I forgot to tell you about.”

Julie froze. “What about her?”

“She might need your help. I just went up to the jail to see her and they wouldn’t let me, but boy did they get scared when I told them who my mother was. Now she’s supposed to have a hearing this afternoon and there’s a chance she’ll be released, but if it goes wrong… well, I was hoping you’d use your clout in this town for a good cause and make sure she comes home like she should.”


“Wow,” Paige said. “So you’re leaving it up to me?”

“You come first. I wanna go after this story so bad you don’t even know, but if it’s gonna make things worse for you I can’t do it, especially not after the way it’s tearing Kelsey and Alison apart. I’m not losing you over this, Paige, it’s not worth it.”

“First of all, you’re not losing me.” Paige stared down into her soda. “You’re a saint to have put up with me while I’m trying to get over everything that’s happened to me in the last four years, I wouldn’t walk away no matter what.”

“First time anyone’s called me a saint.” JJ laughed a short, bitter laugh. “Seriously, Paige, you stuck with me at my worst, no way in hell I’d leave you high and dry now.”

“And I’m not leaving you either. So now that we’ve established that, can we take it out of the equation for once and for all?” Paige sipped her soda. “I don’t know what’s going on with Kelsey and Alison and I guess you can tell me that after, but it has nothing to do with us. I’m proud of you for working so hard to get justice for Squeaky when you don’t even know her.”

“She’s my cousin. But that’s beside the point. Stuff’s going on with Thorpe that shouldn’t be and innocent people are getting locked up over it. You, her, maybe other people too. Everything seem on the up and up with Angel’s case?”

“I think so. I don’t know the whole story but she was arrested for fighting and she got in trouble a million more times for the same thing while we were in jail together, so it seems legitimate. Though I wish she’d been sentenced to anger management instead, I don’t think getting locked up has done her any good at all and when she gets out she’s going to end up in trouble all over again the first time someone looks at her funny.”

“I know the feeling.” JJ patted Paige’s hand. “Maybe she actually deserved to go to jail but I didn’t serve a day after I lost it at the bookstore and that had to be at least as bad as anything she got into.” He sipped his root beer. “Anyway, the point is, there could be a ton of people locked up for the wrong reasons and even if they’re not, something’s shady about the warden. And whatever it is, it’s gotta be big cause I’m getting threatened over it and so’s Hannah. And that’s why I wanna do this story b-but if it’s gonna hurt you in any way…”

“Stop,” Paige said. “I already told you, as much as I hate the idea of going back to jail I’d do it in a heartbeat if it meant you get to expose the warden and whoever else for once and for all.” She bit into her tuna sandwich. “When’s Squeaky’s hearing?”

“In an hour.”

“Good. Let’s finish lunch and then go support her. And no more talk of dropping the story. It just makes me more anxious.”

“Deal,” JJ said. Under the table he texted something to someone.

[André DiMera]

Of course the person who found Sarah was also hired by Victor. Honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if they and the attacker were the same person. Not sure how Melissa and Maggie will feel about this if it comes out.

Wonder how Julie’s gonna respond to that.

Glad Paige is encouraging J.J. to keep going with the story!

Great chapter, heroicmuse!

[tghca]

Of course Paige would encourage JJ but does she not think about the consequences? She could go back to prison and not to mention Hannah could end up in prison for an even longer sentence...but Paige seems set on exposing the truth and so does JJ never mind the fact that they don't know just how dangerous Paula really is. For all we know, besides the warden and Thorpe we have no idea who else Paula could be connected to

Sarah needs help but clearly Melissa does too...but how about Melissa's son Nathan? I wonder why Nathan isn't involved because Sarah is his Aunt and Melissa is his mother

It seems David and Rory as brothers have gotten off on somewhat of a wrong foot but I am sure Julie will be able to get her sons together and actually get them to bond as brothers

[heroicmuse]

Jun 3, 2019 8:51:54 GMT -5 tghca said:

Of course Paige would encourage JJ but does she not think about the consequences? She could go back to prison and not to mention Hannah could end up in prison for an even longer sentence...but Paige seems set on exposing the truth and so does JJ never mind the fact that they don't know just how dangerous Paula really is. For all we know, besides the warden and Thorpe we have no idea who else Paula could be connected to

Paige is well aware of that, hence why she told JJ that she was willing to risk going back to jail for the sake of the story.

[Kpatch]

I can't wait until Maggie finds out that Victor played a role in Sarah's mugging.

[heroicmuse]

Week 235 - 2
Chloe took Philip’s hand as they sat down. “You’re right, I’ve been having second thoughts. I’ve been doing some reading too and it just makes me think we’re not doing the right thing for our daughter.”

“What reading? Where?”

“Just Ewe Search. I know, I know, I shouldn’t search for medical conditions. But I wanted to know how to best prepare her for surgery and what we should do to help Parker understand and I found all these sites full of people who say that it’s better to wait. They say that if they’d been given a choice they’d have been a lot happier, that their lives were ruined, that it’s inherently prejudiced and hateful to give a baby this kind of surgery instead of waiting until she’s old enough to state what she wants. They say unless there’s a medical reason, leave it alone instead of making a surgeon operate on a tiny set of genitals in a way she might not be happy with when she gets older.”

Philip’s eyes narrowed. “We’ve been through this, Chloe. I thought we agreed that we can’t predict the future and that it was better for her to be like all the other little girls.”

“Better for her or better for us?” Chloe twisted her necklace. “What if when she’s older she tells us she’s not a girl?”

“And what if she tells us she is and we didn’t do anything? We’ve discussed this a million times and agreed we can’t predict the future, we can only do what we think is best for her right now. And until you read a bunch of propaganda - “

“It’s not propaganda, though. It’s people’s experiences, people like Charley who can tell us what her future will be like.”

“And what about the people who had the opposite reaction to having the surgery? Did any of these sites mention them?” Philip crossed his arms. “Anyone can cherry pick to make their point, Chloe, maybe these sites were run by a bunch of people with an agenda, people who believe that this kind of surgery is wrong and that nobody should have it. And I respect them for advocating for themselves but if they’re not going to even acknowledge that the other side of the debate exists and act like 100% of intersex women feel this way… that’s not entirely trustworthy. Now my father got us the best doctors in the world and they told us that she needs this surgery. That’s why we signed the consent forms and with the surgery happening tomorrow, it’s a little late to take it back now. So please, try to relax. Charley will not hate us forever just because some anonymous person on the Internet said so.”

“I hope not,” Chloe said uncertainly. She sighed. “I guess it is too late to back out, isn’t it?”
Philip squeezed her hand. “You’re always telling me to have more faith. Why don’t we call Eric and see if he has time to come pray with us?”

“Prayer. Right. I can’t believe I forgot that.” Chloe sighed. “I hope Parker’s doing better than I am at the moment. I went off on Jennifer when I dropped him off and probably she didn’t deserve it but she’s not exactly patient with him so…”

“Parker will be fine. Charley will be fine.” Philip picked Chloe’s phone up off the table. “Here. Call Eric. And then while we’re waiting for him, let me hold you.”

“How about the other way around?” Chloe leaned on Philip. He held her close and stroked her hair.


“I’d be happy to,” Julie said, “but what exactly do you expect me to do?”

“I don’t know. Throw your weight around, you’re good at that. Better than me, I tried to at the jail and got nowhere.”

“Contrary to popular belief, I don’t just go around bullying people!” Julie snapped. “Look, I want to help, but I don’t know how I can.”

“I know how,” Rory interrupted. “Didn’t you just say there’s a court thing or something? Why don’t you go? Doug too? All the judge got to do is take one look at you and he’ll know he doesn’t want to mess around.”

“Exactly,” David said. “You got a suit, Rory? You should come too, Hannah’s your niece now.”

“I don’t think any judge wants to see me in his court,” Rory said, “but if you really want me there…”

“Of course he does,” Julie said. “Go get dressed and I’ll call Doug.”


Abe leaned his phone on his ear. “Let me know how it goes with Hannah’s lawyers. Of course I will be at her hearing this afternoon. I want to see justice done and I want to meet this wonderful young lady you have raised.” There was a knock on his door. “I need to get back to work but I am thinking of you. All right. See you soon.” He hung up and called, “Come in.”

Roman came in. Abe smiled slightly. “Roman. It’s good to see you -- what can I do for you?”

“Nothing, really.” Roman crossed his arms. “I got my IAB meeting in a couple minutes. I’d ask you to wish me luck but I’m not so sure you want me back here.”

“Let’s not go there. After all our years of friendship - “

“I’m not angry. But just so you know, I’m not quitting either. If IAB clears me, which I hope they got the sense to do, I’m coming back to work. If you want this job you’re just gonna have to get it the old fashioned way, by getting the Mayor to agree to it, not by pushing me out.”

Abe’s eyes widened. “If I can’t tell my best friend when I think he’s in trouble, then the friendship is not as strong as I thought it was. Now, I’m sorry that you’re upset and that certainly was not my intention. But for you to think that this was a political maneuver on my part, to think I would stoop so low as to try to get you to doubt your abilities so that I could steal your job out from under you… you know me better than that, Roman, and to say I’m disappointed that you think so little of me... well, that would be an understatement.”

Agent Maxwell came in before Roman could respond. “Excuse me, Commissioner Brady, but we’re ready for you.”

“Coming right up,” Roman said. He gave Abe a look before he turned and followed Agent Maxwell out of the room.



Aiden looked up as Valerie came into the conference room at the courthouse. “Mrs. Martin,” he said. “Rest assured that when this hearing starts in a few minutes, it’s going to go the way we expect it to go.” He gestured towards Berger. “This is Martin Berger, the lawyer who is in charge of your daughter’s case.”

Valerie shook hands with Berger. “So there’s two lawyers on her case?”

“Yes, ma’am,” Berger said. “I’ve met with Hannah twice and will be presenting her case to the judge.”

“Mr. Berger is what we call first chair,” Aiden added. “I’m second chair, which means I’m there to provide additional support and input for the judge’s consideration.”

Valerie nodded. “That’s all wonderful, but it’s not really why I’m here.” She sighed. “My husband and I attempted to visit Hannah this morning and… well, they wouldn’t let us. They said something about her being on punishment. Do you know about that?”

“I do,” Berger said, “and it’s as bogus as the charges she was originally arrested on. We intend to bring that up before the judge and in the event that she’s not granted probation today, we’ll make sure she’s returned to general population and her visiting rights restored.”

“But that’s only a contingency plan,” Aiden added. “And one we’re not going to use cause there’s no way in hell she’s not getting probation. This nightmare’s coming to an end.”

“I hope so.” Valerie sighed. “I don’t suppose you can tell me exactly what’s going on. They were very tight lipped at the jail and I’m afraid David -- that’s Hannah’s father -- might have made it worse. He yelled at the guard on duty that his mother wouldn’t stand for the way her granddaughter is being treated and I just… I don’t know, maybe this is coming from watching too much television, but I got this sense that the guards could take it out on my baby.”

Aiden frowned. “All the more reason to fight hard for Hannah to come home. Now, it wouldn’t be smart for the guards to go that way. As it is they’re on thin ice. I could sue Salem City Jail on her behalf real easily if she’s interested and the more they mess with her the bigger settlement she’s gonna end up with. As it is we’re almost all the way to proving someone planted evidence on her as an excuse for throwing her in solitary. But out of curiosity, who’s your mother-in-law that has all this power?”

“Julie Williams. I’m sure you’ve heard of her. She’s - “

“Hope Brady’s stepmother, which makes her a grandmother to my kid. Hope and I are getting married this fall.”

“So that makes us cousins by marriage,” Valerie said. “I think.” She smiled slightly. “Where are my manners? Congratulations on your wedding.” She frowned. “That doesn’t mean you can’t continue with my daughter’s case, does it?”

“Not at all. I’m only sitting second chair. Which means that once Hannah’s out she’ll be invited to the wedding, along with you and your husband, of course.”

“If David’s still in town.” Valerie sighed.

“If I could interject,” Berger said. “Is your husband coming to the hearing?”

“He should be. That’s what he came to town for. Why?”

“Because,” Aiden said. “The more family the better. And now that we know Hannah’s related to one of the biggest families in Salem, we should get on the phone and do our best to get the courtroom packed.”

“Why? What difference does that make?”

“Judge sees she’s got a lot of family support, he’s gonna be more comfortable releasing her back into the community.”

“Even if most of them have never met her?”

Aiden shrugged. “Maybe it seems a little shady to you, but the way I see it, the deck’s been stacked against her from the beginning. So let’s get the scales tipped back towards justice.”


In his chambers, Judge Walston sighed as he took his robe off its hook and put it on.

Judge Thorpe gave him a nervous smile. “Don’t be ridiculous, Henry. The only thing I’m eager to do is give you a little more time with your family. Is that so bad?”

Judge Walston crossed his arms. “Please don’t play me for a fool, Alan.” Lowering his voice, he said, “I know that you botched Hannah Martin’s original sentencing and you want to make amends, but I cannot in good conscience allow you to do that. You can’t be objective, Alan! Not when you sent her away in the first place and especially not when you’re involved with the warden in charge of this defendant’s custody.”

“My relationship with Wanda has nothing to do with this. Why would you - “

“Because if you’re dating her, you surely have heard stories about the prisoners whose lives she manages. Including Hannah Martin.”

“And who says that’s a bad thing? What if she told me the girl is a model prisoner?”

“It doesn’t matter! Whether she’s given this prisoner a glowing recommendation or told you that she is a serial killer in the making, it has predisposed you to rule a certain way before you even hear the case for leniency. If I were to give you this case you would have to recuse yourself, leaving the defendant hanging until a new court date could be set. And again, I must wonder… did you ask for this as a favor to me or a favor to your girlfriend?”

Thorpe’s face hardened. “Are you accusing me of something, Henry?”

“No. Of course not. But I am telling you that you are allowing this relationship to influence you unduly. Now I told you before that if I suspected the relationship was leading to any impropriety on the bench - “

“It isn’t. I was just trying to do an old friend a favor. But since you insist that there’s something nefarious, I’ll withdraw my offer.” Thorpe crossed his arms. “But since this clearly was a mistake, can I at least ask you to act as if this conversation never happened?”

Judge Walston sighed. He glanced at an ethics book on his shelf and said to himself, “The ethics have not changed since I was a young man in law school. If you have reason to believe a judge is not executing his duties fairly, you must report to the oversight board.” He shook his head. “The question is, do I have reason or am I overreacting to what I think is a foolhardy relationship?”

There was a knock on the door. His clerk came in and said, “I’m sorry, your Honor, but I thought you should see this fax right away.”

“Thank you,” Judge Walston said as the clerk handed him the fax and left. He glanced at it. Then his face went pale and he reached for his phone. “This is Judge Henry Walston. Could someone come down to my chambers immediately? I need to report a serious crime.”


Allie wriggled. “No reason, really.”

“Uh huh.” Sami stood. “Let’s go over what we know so far, shall we? We know that you and Johnny have some secret that’s literally eating you up inside because I’ve had to force feed you for months. We know that whatever this secret is involves something completely illegal, probably on your brother’s part. Not that I’m judging, considering the things I’ve done. And we know it happened at camp and had something to do with your friend Amelia accidentally drinking your smoothie. So we have two choices. You can fill in the blanks right now or I can make you and Johnny so miserable that you both wish you’d gone to jail until you decide to tell me what the hell is going on.”

Allie pushed her hair behind her ear. “All right, all right, I’ll tell you. But you can’t tell Johnny I squealed.”

“Why? What’s he going to do to you?” Sami’s eyes widened. “Allie… did Johnny give Amelia your smoothie?”

Allie fidgeted. “It was supposed to be a joke. He didn’t know she was allergic to peaches.”

Sami crossed her arms. “How many times have I told the two of you not to trade food with your friends? Now do you see why?”

“I didn’t do it!” Allie’s voice shook. “It was so scary. She took a sip, just one, I swear a-and her whole face swelled up like a balloon a-and she couldn’t breathe.” Tears rolled down her face. “I should have stopped Johnny.”

Sami’s eyes were wide but her voice was quiet. “Allie. Are you telling me you knew that your friend was allergic and you let Johnny give her that drink anyway?”

Allie hesitated, then she nodded. 

[André DiMera]

While I can understand Chloe is concerned, I agree with Philip on this. It sounds like there may have been some biases on that website. Glad the surgery is still going ahead.

Sounds like Julie is gonna go along with David’s plan.

Roman’s definitely mad, despite what he says. But Abe has to do his job, just like Roman thought that’s what he was doing when he relentlessly pursued Paige. We’ll see what happens with Roman and Maxwell.

So glad Aiden, Berger and Valerie are talking, and that there’s no problem with Aiden being on the case when Hannah is Hope’s niece.

Wonder what that was all about. And no, Judge Walston, you are not overreacting! Thorpe needs to go!

Well, I’m glad Allie told Sami what happened. Interested to see what happens from here.

Great chapter, heroicmuse!

[tghca]

Wow Allie I can't believe that she actually told her mother Sami the truth but now that she has I wonder what Sami plans on doing about her son Johnny?

[Kpatch]

I wish Charley's surgery was over. The waiting is agonizing, and you are doing a good job of depicting just that for Charley's parents.

[heroicmuse]

Week 235 - 3

Sarah pushed the bedpan away, disgusted, and flopped back onto her hospital bed, breathing hard.

She rubbed the right side of her stomach, which was hurting like hell. “Please don’t let me puke again,” she said to herself.

A doctor came in. “Sarah. I’m Dr. Lowder. How are you feeling?”

“Awful,” Sarah said, “but that’s probably because I overdid it last night. There’s really no reason for me to be here, can’t I go sleep it off at home?”

“In a word, no.” The doctor crossed his arms. “First of all, you were conked over the head hard enough to knock you out, which mandates we observe you for 24 hours to make sure there’s no life threatening damage to your brain.”

“Oh, I have a hard head.” Sarah rubbed her temples. “I’m sure I’ll be fine. Can’t I - “

“Not yet.” The doctor sat down by her bed. “Tell me the truth. Was this the first time you got so heavily intoxicated?”

Sarah shrugged. “It’s not like I’m an alcoholic. I like to have a beer or two to unwind, so what?” She rubbed her belly again.

Dr. Lowder frowned. “Is that where your stomach hurts? Upper right side?”

“I guess. Why?”

“May I?” Dr. Lowder put on gloves.

“I guess.”

Dr. Lowder felt Sarah’s belly. She winced. “Tender to the touch,” he said. “Do you get stomach aches like this often?”

“Only after I drink too much.”

“Uh huh. And again, how often is that?”

Sarah crossed her arms. “I’m not answering any more questions until you tell me what this is about.”

“Fair enough. Your symptoms suggest you might be suffering from fatty liver disease. I’d like to do a CT scan to see for sure.”

“Liver… what? No, I’m too young for anything that serious.”

“I’d still like to do the scan just in case.” Dr. Lowder stood. “Better safe than sorry, right?”

“How much is this going to cost? I don’t have insurance.”

The doctor hesitated, then he said, “This is a public hospital. We treat uninsured people here. Besides, your health comes first. No more excuses, now. Will you let us do the scan?”

“I guess.” Sarah rubbed her temples again.

“Great. We’ll get it all set up and then the technician will be in to take you for the scan.”

Dr. Lowder left. Sarah grabbed her pillow and hugged it to herself, wishing she had a beer instead. “He’s full of crap,” she said to herself. “There’s nothing wrong with me a little hair of the dog won’t fix. I bet that stupid Victor Kiriakis paid him off to say that just because he doesn’t like me drinking.”



JJ and Paige were about to walk into the courtroom when Steve called out, “Happy Junior!” JJ turned and Steve was standing with Kayla. “And Mrs. Junior too,” Steve said, grinning. “It’s real good to see you without bars between us.”

“Thanks,” Paige said. “Hopefully you’ll be able to say that about Squeaky soon. Is that why you two are here?”

“I called him,” JJ said. “For one thing, Hannah’s family, and she’s gotta know we all have her backs just as much as we did yours. Plus I figured if anyone can help us find Paula Jefferson and find out what the hell she and her mom are up to, it’s Uncle Steve.”

“Good idea,” Paige said. She twisted a lock of hair around her finger. “Um, why don’t you two talk and I’ll meet you in the courtroom? I want to talk to Kayla for a second anyway.”

JJ looked concerned but he said, “Cool. Come on, Uncle Steve, we got time to go up to the cafeteria for a quick coffee.”

JJ and Steve left. Kayla said, “What’s up?”

“Maybe this is the wrong time, but I wanted to give you this before I forget.” Paige handed Kayla the release form. “My therapist signed it this morning.”

Kayla looked surprised. “Thank you for doing that,” she said. “I know it wasn’t easy for you to accept the need for input.”

“Whatever it takes to be able to work at the hospital again. Even if I have to have reduced hours or whatever, it’s better than sitting at home wishing my life was going somewhere.” Paige reddened. “My birthday is next week and there’s only two things I want. One is for Squeaky to come home and the other is to get back to work so that I don’t feel like I’ve turned 25 without anything to show for it.”

“Your birthday is special no matter what,” Kayla told her. “But I’ll get on this as soon as I can.” Just then, Valerie passed by with Abe. “Valerie!” Kayla called to her.

Valerie turned. “Kayla! I didn’t think you even knew about my daughter’s situation, but I so glad you came to support her.”

“Of course,” Kayla said. “I really hope things work out for her. I also wanted to introduce you to Paige Larson. Paige is - “

“- the woman who gave my daughter the second chance I should have given her,” Valerie said softly. “If It wasn’t for you, she’d still be stuck behind bars with nobody but an overworked public defender to speak for her. I can’t thank you enough.”

“I was glad to do it. Squeaky - sorry, Hannah - didn’t deserve to be behind bars any more than I did and she went through a lot because of it, when I got out I just felt bad I had to leave her behind. So you’re her mom?”

Valerie nodded. “Did she ever mention she had one?”

Paige remembered Squeaky telling her that her mom was angry and didn’t believe her side of the story. “Only that she hoped you’d take her back when she came home,” she said, cautiously.

“Of course I’m going to,” Valerie said. “I never stopped loving her, I only did what I thought was best. Anyway, we’d all better get inside.”

“Let’s,” Kayla agreed. “I wanted to introduce you to Paige because she wants to be a heart surgeon someday and I thought that when she’s ready, you were just the person for her to work under.”

“I’d be delighted to talk medicine with you,” Valerie said. “Let’s just get my daughter home so I can think.”

“Of course,” Paige said. “No rush, I’m not ready yet anyway.”

They all started to go in. Valerie and Paige were in the front and Kayla and Abe followed.

David came around the corner with Julie, Doug, and Rory.

Just as he came up behind them, Kayla said to Abe, “So, Valerie, huh? I know it’s been a lot of years but I can’t help wondering… is there any chance you two could pick up where you left off?”


Meanwhile, up at the cafeteria, Steve’s face was grim after hearing everything JJ had told him.

“Uh oh,” JJ said. “That look mean you can’t help us?”

Steve’s good eye narrowed. “You ever known me to give up just cause the goin’ gets rough?” JJ shook his head slightly and Steve said, “I didn’t think so. Now don’t you worry, Mrs. Junior’s not getting locked up again and once this new cousin of yours gets out she’s stayin’ out, no little girl playin’ at being a judge’s clerk’s gonna get away with making it otherwise. Fact, if you leave it to me we’ll have this Paula creature in silver bracelets and on her way to jail herself before you know it.”

“I trust you. But why the long face?”

“Cause seems to me you’re pickin’ at a scab that could bleed a long time. Paula Jefferson’s nothing, she’s too much of an amateur to do you guys any harm. But if you’re right and you hooked a crooked judge… you’re gonna have to be real careful reelin’ this one in cause there could be a lot more piranhas where this Paula came from and some of them might actually have teeth.”

JJ swallowed hard but he said, “Everyone keeps telling me that! I get that I did a lot of stupid crap in the past, but I’m not that dude anymore, Uncle Steve, I’m not gonna run off half-cocked.”

“Oh, I know. But you gotta remember, dude, I knew your dad real well and even with all the therapy and medication and whatever else is keepin’ you from goin’ off the rails, you still got a lot of him in ya. Now he grew up a lot too from the time he learned his real name was Billy Johnson, but there was one thing he couldn’t resist and that was an opportunity to pull the covers off some deep dark secret. And unless I miss my guess, you’re the same way.”

“Yeah, but - “

“But nothin’,” Steve said. “I’m offerin’ you a once in a lifetime opportunity. If you’re willin’ to do things my way, I’ll train you up real good in everything I know about private detectiving so you’ll be all set to take on the next big story without puttin’ yourself or anyone you love in harm’s way.”

JJ’s eyes narrowed. “Paige’s grandpa already gave us a ton of ISA self-defense training.”

“Can’t beat that,” Steve said, “but still not the same as goin’ to work with your favorite uncle.”

JJ thought for a sec. “Ever since this thing began, I can’t stop thinking about what my dad would say if he was here. And I know he’s gone so… maybe working with his brother’s the next best thing?”

“Now you’re talkin’!” Steve patted JJ on the shoulder. “For the record, if your dad was here he’d be so damn proud of you he could hardly talk. Now come on, let’s go downstairs before we miss this court hearing.”


Johnny and Sydney were at the table by themselves, picking at what was left of their pancakes.

“Lucas is taking forever paying the bill,” Johnny complained. “You think he forgot how to add or something?”

“No,” Sydney said. “It’s a test, he wants to see how much syrup we’re going to pour on our plates while he’s gone.”

Johnny rolled his eyes. “We’re way too smart for that. Besides, there’s better stuff for us to get our hands on.” He lowered his voice. “They have a bunch of mints in a bowl on the counter. How about we see how many we can grab while Lucas is distracted with the bill.”

“Johnny! That’s stealing.”

“Not if they’re free,” Johnny said. “Now are you going to be a baby or are you going to try to get some candy?”

Sydney sighed. Johnny never let her play with him, so she guessed she’d better go along with this. “I’m coming,” she mumbled.

She followed Johnny to the counter. “Where’s Lucas?” she whispered.

“He’s over by the door,” Johnny whispered back, “so let’s - “ He stopped. “Wait… who’s he on the phone with?”

“Maybe with Grandma Kate?” Sydney suggested. “You know how she always calls at annoying times.”

“She’s not our real Grandma,” Johnny said, irritated. “And Lucas would be madder if he was talking to her, anyway.”

“What do you care?” Sydney hopped on one foot. “If he’s on the phone he’s not watching.”

“True.” Johnny’s eyes sparkled. “How about you grab a handful of mints? I’ll stand lookout and warn you if anyone’s coming.”

“Yeah, right,” Sydney said. She went and stood by the counter so Johnny would think she was stealing the mints. There was a handwritten sign over the bowl that said “$1 each.” She opened her purse and digging through it for coins.

Meanwhile, Johnny tiptoed up to Lucas. Lucas was saying, “I don’t know how much longer I can keep them here. We already ate and I can’t take too much longer paying the bill. So call me back and tell me you got something out of Allie, will you?”

Johnny’s face darkened. “That’s why Lucas took us out for breakfast,” he said to himself. His eyes narrowed. “Allie had better have kept her mouth shut.”

He turned and hurried over to the mint bowl, where Sydney was counting out change. “Stop being such a dork,” he said.

“Don’t be mean,” Sydney complained.

“Shut up. And move over.” Johnny lunged towards her like he was going to shove her.

Just then, Lucas came back. “HEY!” he said. “Get your hands off her, Johnny!”

“Sydney was trying to steal the mints,” Johnny said. “I was just stopping her.”

“I was not!” Sydney said. “I was going to pay for them unlike some people.”

“I have a couple dollars. Too bad no one’s behaving like someone who should get a mint,” Lucas said. “We’re all paid up and we’re going now. Come on.”

Sydney glared at Johnny as they left. He looked away, feeling bad about getting his baby sister in trouble. But it couldn’t be helped. He needed to get home before Allie caused bigger problems. “Mission accomplished,” he said to himself as he followed Lucas out of the diner.


[tghca]

If only Johnny knew that his twin sister Allie already told their mother Sami the truth and that Sami knows what Allie and Johnny both did at camp...I wonder how Johnny is gonna lie his way out of that one? Johnny is nothing more than a bully not only towards his own sisters but also towards his own cousin Theo too. Johnny is disrespectful towards adults too. Johnny is quickly becoming a DiMera in training, hell he is just like his father EJ and his grandfather Stefano but worse if that is even possible. But then again Johnny is half-Brady too and he is just showing just how much he is his mother's son as well.

Johnny hates his step-father Lucas not that I can blame him...most kids hate their step-parents but then again Johnny has been acting out for years now ever since his father EJ died

JJ at this point he may as well stop being a reporter and he may as well become a PI now and go to work for his Uncle Steve at this point because as a reporter...as a journalist he is just not cutting the mustard anymore

Abe thinks he has a chance with Valerie...well wouldn't surprise me if he did or if he does because let's face it David and Valerie have been having problems in their marriage for a while now

Sarah having liver disease makes perfect sense now at this point especially with all that drinking she has been doing...and because of that Sarah is probably gonna need a liver transplant in order to live

[André DiMera]

I think that may be the one thing Victor didn’t do. I wonder if Sarah really does have that disease.

Glad Paige gave Kayla the paper, and that Valerie is gonna talk to Paige. I doubt Abe and Valerie would ever go back to being a couple, but I’m sure it was hard for David to hear that, regardless. Glad J.J. is gonna let Steve help him with Paula, and teach him private detectiving.

Glad Sydney didn’t actually steal the mints. And that Lucas didn’t believe Johnny’s lies. I don’t think the plan went quite the way Johnny thinks it did.

Great chapter, heroicmuse!

[Kpatch]

Sarah is a blight on society.

Dr. Lowder! As in Kyle Lowder (aka Rex). Good one!

Love seeing Steve and JJ together.

[heroicmuse]

Week 235 - 4

Sarah was flipping through channels on the TV when Dr. Lowder came back. She threw the remote down as he closed the door. “Well? Can I go home yet?”

“We need to talk,” Dr. Lowder said. “I got the results of your CT scan back.”

“And?”

“And it’s just as I suspected.” Dr. Lowder opened the folder he was holding. “This is the CT scan of your liver on the left. On the right is the CT scan of a normal liver. I want you to take a good look.”

Sarah’s eyes flitted to the scans, then away, but not fast enough that she didn’t take in how swollen her liver looked compared to the healthy one. “I can’t…”

“Did you see what I saw?” The doctor’s voice was soft. “Your liver is twice as big as a normal liver, Sarah. I’m sorry to tell you this, but you have fatty liver disease.”

“No,” Sarah said. “I don’t have anything like that. Y-you enlarged that other scan to make it look like - “

“Hey. This isn’t a death sentence, not yet. This is actually a precursor to serious alcohol related liver disease. You’re at the stage now where your liver has become enlarged, but it hasn’t yet been seriously damaged. So if you stop drinking… the swelling’ll go down, your belly will stop hurting, and you’ll be perfectly healthy. But if you don’t stop drinking… well, you’re looking at non-reversible damage that could eventually kill you.”

“Stop drinking altogether?” Sarah blinked. “I can’t even have one, like at a party or something?”

“I wouldn’t advise that, at least not until you can get your drinking under better control.”

Sarah’s eyes flashed. “You don’t know anything about me and my drinking! I told you, I have one or two to relax, I don’t - “

“I know you were extremely drunk last night. You still had alcohol in your system when you were brought in. And I know you have liver disease that is only found in heavy drinkers and that the first question out of your mouth when I diagnosed you with it was about whether you could still drink. All of that is symptomatic of alcoholism.”

Sarah was quiet for a second. She remembered waking up in the alley and thinking she couldn’t overdo it like that anymore. But she hadn’t meant not drinking at all, just not being excessive anymore.

“Like I said, you don’t know anything about me or how much I drink. And you definitely don’t know enough to tell me I’m an alcoholic.”

“I’m not going to argue. You need to stop drinking if you don’t want to get very, very sick.” Dr. Lowder stood. His phone buzzed. He looked at it and said, “One last thing. Your mother is here to see you. How much of this do you want me to tell her?”


Everyone filed into the courtroom and took their seats. As David sat down, Doug said, “As glad as we are to have you back, wouldn’t you rather sit with Valerie? Your daughter’s freedom is on the line here. You should be with her mother.”

“I’m not sure she wants me. She’s perfectly happy sitting next to Abe Carver.” A bitter note crept into David’s voice.

“Dude!” Rory said. “Even I know this is the wrong time to be jealous.” 

“I’m not jealous,” David protested. “But I’ve been away a long time and clearly a lot’s changed, even with my wife.” He shook his head. “Years ago I was stupid enough to break her heart, fooling around with another woman. But I never thought Valerie was the type to…”

“She’s not,” Julie said, “and even if she was, Abe Carver certainly isn’t! Besides, since when do you slink away with your tail between your legs? Stop sitting here feeling sorry for yourself! If you want her, and I know you do, go make sure she knows it.”

“I don’t want to make a scene when this should be about Hannah.”

“That’s exactly why you need to go over there,” Doug said. “In a few minutes they’re going to bring this granddaughter we haven’t met yet out in chains. That’s going to be hard enough for us to bear. For her mother, it’s going to be impossible.”

“For me too,” David mumbled.

“Which is exactly why you need to face it together. Go sit with Hannah’s mother, young man, and take the first step towards putting your family back together.”

“I guess you’re right.”.

“Want me to go with you?” Rory asked. “JJ says I’m a great wingman.”

David smiled slightly. “What you are is a real card. I’m gonna enjoy getting to know you. But right now I need to be with my wife.”

He walked off. Julie said, “I do hope that Valerie is less snobby than she was all those years ago when I came to visit. That’s what caused all the trouble, you know, if she’d been more accepting then maybe David wouldn’t have wanted to shut me out of Hannah’s life in the first place.”

“It takes two to tango,” Doug said, “but in any case that was almost 20 years ago so let’s move on. Oh, I do hope the judge does the right thing and releases Hannah today. I want to test out my granddaughter’s singing voice and I can’t do that in a jail visiting room.”

Julie patted his hand.


Meanwhile, Valerie was saying to Abe, “Even if David has no interest in me anymore, I thought he’d be here for Hannah’s sake. That’s the whole reason he came back to Salem in the first place.”

“I don’t have to think it,” Abe said. “Here he comes. And I have no doubt he is interested in both of you.”

David came up to them, awkwardly. Abe said, “David. It’s good to see you again.” He held out his hand.

David hesitated, then shook it. “I hope you can squeeze one more in,” he said. “I’d like to sit with my wife while we deal with the latest development in our daughter’s case.”

“Of course,” Abe said. “Why don’t I just move over?”

“There’s room on my other side,” Valerie said, which disturbed David. She turned towards Abe. “I’m surprised you didn’t bring your son.”

“Abe has a son?” David asked as he sat down next to Valerie. “What happened to the man who would never settle down?”

“The impossible. I fell in love.” Abe smiled sadly. “Lexie’s been gone almost seven years now, and I still can’t get used to the emptiness.”

“I’m sorry,” David said.

“But she left behind a beautiful son from what I hear,” Valerie interjected. “Abe told me he has a fourteen-year-old boy who is on the Autism spectrum.”

“High functioning, I assume?” David asked.

“Yes,” Abe said. “I thought this would be too much for him, plus he doesn’t do well with disruptions to his usual routine and he is in school right now. On the other hand, maybe I should have. I don’t know.” He rubbed his temples. “I had a talk with him the other day about how Hannah ended up in this predicament. I hope you don’t mind, but I felt it was important to alert him to the fact that police officers can make mistakes and that arguing with them if they do could have very serious consequences.”

“I thought I’d impressed that on Hannah,” Valerie added, “but clearly I didn’t.”

“That’s my fault,” David said. “She takes after me, stubborn as all get out.” He squeezed Valerie’s hand and said, quietly, “I’m sorry I stayed away so long.”

“You were here before Hannah was brought in, that’s what counts.”

“I don’t mean just today. I mean… you know, the past six years.”

Valerie nodded. There were tears in her eyes but she just said, “Like I said, all that matters is that you’re here now.”


JJ and Paige sat in another row with Jennifer. Nicole was on JJ’s other side and Sally was next to her.

“Thanks for coming,” JJ told Jennifer. “Aiden said the more of us pack this room, the better Hannah’s chances are.”

“Of course, sweetheart,” Jennifer said. “She’s family.”

“I just wish this wasn’t your first introduction,” Paige said. “She’s not a criminal, I swear, she’s really sweet.”

“I’m sure she is,” Jennifer said.

Behind them, Ciara said loudly, “I already said I understood how close I came to going to jail! Why do I have to sit here and see some girl get sentenced just because I got suspended?”

“Uh oh,” Jennifer said. “It looks like Hope might need some help. Excuse me.”

“It looks like Ciara is me all over again,” JJ said under his breath. “Hope she gets her head on right before she’s the one in Hannah’s place.”

“She will,” Paige said. “I’ll make sure of it.” She patted JJ’s hand.

JJ turned towards Nicole while he squeezed Paige’s hand. “Where’s Rafe today? I figured he’d wanna be right by your side seeing justice get done for once.”

“If justice is done,” Sally added. “Til the second it happens, I’m gonna have my doubts.”

“This’ll turn out all right,” JJ said. “This judge is cool, he gave me my Certificate of Good Conduct and everything.”

“I hope he’s as cool with a girl like Hannah as he is with you,” Sally said. “With everything we know about this case so far I can’t trust anyone to do the right thing til they do.”

“Don’t be so optimistic,” Nicole said. She turned towards JJ. “Rafe got a call from the field office while we were on the way out the door. Can you believe him, putting work above sitting here with me to support a girl neither of us ever heard of before last week?”

“The nerve,” JJ joked. He frowned suddenly. “What the hell kind of case is he working?”

“That’s for him to know and us not to find out til later,” Nicole said. “Finish covering this story first.”

A side door opened and two guards brought Hannah in. Paige’s eyes filled with tears when she saw her all chained up, her arms chained to her waist and her hands cuffed in front of her, while heavy iron chains on her legs made it impossible for her to walk without help. Paige had to wear those the last time she’d been in court too and they were so uncomfortable. She was barely able to move, chained up a million different ways like the world’s most dangerous person, and it had been so embarrassing to go before the judge like that.

Valerie gasped when she saw Hannah be escorted in. “I can’t look at her like that,” she whispered to David. “I know it’s standard procedure but she’s my baby and I can’t…”

David put his arm around her. She leaned on him.

“Docket #1819426, the people v Hannah Martin,” the bailiff called. “All rise for the honorable Roberta Hilliard.”

JJ and Paige looked at each other as they rose. “Hilliard?” JJ whispered. “What the hell happened to Judge Walston?”

Paige put her finger on her lips as the judge came in. The judge told them all to sit and Paige leaned over as she did. “It’ll be okay. She’s the only judge who was fair to me, she has to be fair to Squeaky too.”

“I hope so.” JJ leaned forward. “If I didn’t have to be here for her I’d go find out what’s up right now.”

The judge opened the file the bailiff handed her. “Mr. Berger,” she said. “I understand that some eight months into a plea bargain, your client developed buyer’s remorse. Kindly explain to me why her sentence should be converted to probation rather than sending her back to jail to wait out the last four months of the agreed-upon sentence.”


Meanwhile, Judge Walston was at his desk, looking at a photo of his grandson and shaking his head sadly.

There was a knock on the door. “Come,” he said weakly, rubbing his temples.

Rafe came in. “Judge Walston,” he said. “I’m Agent Rafe Hernandez from the Chicago FBI Field Office. Can I see the threat you called in about?”

Judge Walston nodded. He showed Rafe the fax.

It contained a copy of a bunch of photos of Judge Walston’s grandson and daughter. “These were all taken this morning, I think,” Judge Walston said weakly. “I had the morning off and I spent it in the park with my daughter and grandson. And as you can see…”

He took his hand out of the way. Under the photos, someone had typed a message:

Beautiful family. I’d hate for anything to happen to your grandson...