Sweet Schemes (Read 8,709 times)

[sudsyclassix]

I read Ken Corday's interview about DAYS' declining ratings. As far as I'm concerned this happened for two reasons:
1) The complete misuse of vets.
2) Aging characters without knowing what to do with the new teen scene.

My story starts in August 2015, around the time of Serena's murder. Look for updates every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.


She was in Kyle’s apartment, watching as he gaped at the open safe. "You think I'm an idiot, don't you, Paige?"
"No, of course not! I don't know what you're talking about."
"You think I don't know that JJ is hiding right behind the counter. I really don’t want to hurt anyone, so it’s a good thing this will be painless.”
JJ slumped to the ground.
“Paige…”
“NO!”
“Paige, wake up!”
Paige Larson tried to even her breathing. As images of her bleeding ex faded from her vision, she focused an unsteady gaze on her worried roommate.
“Daphne…did I wake you?”
“Nope, I just got back from that party across campus. I would’ve invited you, but you’ve been kind of MIA lately.”
“Right,” Paige sighed. “So, why are you back so early. I mean, it’s barely after midnight.”
“Not soon enough, there was this drunk jerk who couldn’t keep his hands off of me. Look, if you’re sure you’re okay, I’m going to get ready for bed.”
“You don’t need to worry about me.”
“But I have plenty to worry about,” she thought, as the water began to run in the next room. She wondered who had the unpleasant task of cleaning up after her mother before she born. Mostly likely, it had fallen to Grandpa.
“That’s it!” Paige snatched up her cell phone.
To GRANDPA: SOS! Mom’s at it again, and I think somebody’s in trouble this time. Big trouble!

[heroicmuse]

This sounds great. Can't wait!

I hope JJ is actually still alive but I love the idea of Paige working with Shane to defeat Eve.

[Kpatch]

Welcome sudsyclassix. Great start to the story. I'm a big Paige fan and I am intrigued. Thanks for providing your posting schedule. Looking forward to more.

[sudsyclassix]

Shane Donovan rubbed his temples tiredly. “Gotten yourself into quite the fix, haven’t you, Eve?”
“I woke up and you weren’t there,” Kimberly growled seductively, wrapping her arms around her husband’s neck. “And it looks like you’ve been up for hours. What was that about Eve?”
“Look for yourself.”
Kim took the tablet from Shane and came around to join him on the sofa. “Dealing meth out of the Horton Center? That’s just not possible, it’s libel. Tom and Alice Horton must be turning in their graves.”
“I know.”
“And you think Eve did this?”
“I wouldn’t put it past her, would you?”
“No, no I wouldn’t.”
“Paige seems to think there’s more. Apparently JJ Deveraux’s turned DEA. They love people like him, dealers who have gone straight, but still look like they belong on the drug scene. It’s an awfully thin, awfully dangerous line to be walking, especially when you think about what might happen if the secret got out…”
“Eve might as well pull the trigger herself. Have you talked to Roman about this?”
“No, but I think I’d better.”

"Brady here."
"Roman, it's Shane."
"Shane, I'm glad you called. Look, we have a situation here in Salem."
"I understand that. Eve did it, I'm afraid."
"Eve did what? Are you talking about the article in Sonix?"
"Unfortunately. Eve also has Paige under the impression that she's put your UC in jeopardy. And for the record, I believe her. She and her mother have their issues recently, but she's a level-headed girl."
"So Kay tells me. I'll look into right away."
"Out of curiosity, what did you think I was talking about?"
"Ma's in the hospital," Roman answered.
"The hospital? What on earth for?”
"She had a stroke. I’m sorry, Shane, but I’ve got to go. The place has been a zoo lately. I’ll do that, bye.”
Roman waved a waiting Rafe into his office. “Detective, I need you hold down the fort.”
“Sure thing.”
“And Rafe, I’ll be watching you, so don’t let me down this time.”
“Yes, sir.”

[heroicmuse]

I'm glad that Eve is going to get some comeuppance for her stupidity and putting JJ's life in danger.

I am also glad for Shane being part of this story. I can't wait for more. Will there be previews sudsyclassix

[sudsyclassix]

Next Week on Sweet Schemes:

Monday
Roman searches for the source of Eve's information.

Wednesday
A patient emergency prevents Kim from heading home, but Shane isn't unaccompanied.

Friday
Kim has a heart to heart with a family member.

[Kpatch]

Great setup. Very excited for more! Thanks for the previews.

[sudsyclassix]

“Don’t even answer it,” Jennifer groaned, as a knock sounded from the foyer. “If they want a statement they can call the Horton Center, and Aunt Maggie will tell them that I’ve already resigned from the board.”
“I’m sorry, Mom.”
“I’m not. This is not your fault. Do you understand me?”
“But they’re not going away.”
“Oh, yes they are!” Jennifer threw the door open with more force than necessary. “For the last time, we have no comment!”
“Good, keep it that way,” Roman advised, entering the house behind Hope. “I’d ask how you were doing, but that would probably be a stupid question.”
"Probably," JJ agreed. "Can we just cut to the chase? You wouldn't be here if it wasn't important."
"No, I wouldn't. Hope is the lead investigator on the drug surge. She's here to arrest you."
"On what charges?" Jennifer gasped.
"Possession with intent," Roman answered, gripping JJ's arm. "Make it look good," he hissed. "The house is bugged."
JJ sighed but allowed Hope to lead him outside.
"Do I need to get a lawyer?" Jennifer demanded, chasing Roman as he wandered into the living room. "Hey, you need to start talking!"
Roman put his finger to his lips. He kneeled down, taking inventory of the baseboards. Recognition swept across Jennifer's face. She swept her fingertips across the mantel, moving picture frames out of the way.
"Here!" she mouthed, giving Roman a glance of the object in her hand, before crushing it under her shoe.
"If this is the only way you can keep my son safe, it sure as hell better work."

[gapeach]

This sounds like it is going to amazing. Great start!!

[heroicmuse]

Ooh protective custody maybe? Either way I'm glad the bug was found.

[Kpatch]

Great scene! The image of Roman getting on his hands and knees to search for listening devices is priceless!

[sudsyclassix]

 Vanessa Lennox lifted the driver’s side visor, as she parked the driveway of the Donovans’ Los Angeles estate.
“Everybody out,” called Sami DiMera.
“Finally. Aunt Hope doesn’t make Ciara sit in the back.”
“And who told you that, Johnny?” Vanessa laughed, as she helped Sydney unbuckle the car seat.
“See, Johnny, I told you she was bragging again.”
“I’m going to have to side with Allie on this one,” said Sami.
“It’s still a stupid rule,” Johnny muttered.
Vanessa shrugged “If you want to be an agent like me when you grow up, you should get used to rules.”
“Especially the stupid ones,” sighed the bearded man who opened the door. “Party’s out by the pool. Ambience and sunsets and stuff.”
“That’s nice, Uncle Steve, but why did we all rush over here?”
“Donovan has news.”
“You do?” Sami turned to the head of the table.
“Well, yes, Kim talked to Kayla this morning.“
“Is Grandma Caroline okay?” Allie asked.
“Don’t worry about a thing, honey,” Kim smiled. “Aunt Kayla said she’s going to get stronger every day, and we’re going to check on her as soon as we get back to Salem.”
"We?" repeated Sami. "We who?"
"Kimberly and I,” Shane replied. We'll be leaving tonight."
"You won't be here for Labor Day," said Johnny sadly.
"Well, we'll just have to swim tonight then, won’t we?" Kim said.
"Can we, Mommy?" the three kids chorused.
Sami nodded indulgently. "Go get your extra suits from the guest wing."
"Yay!"
"'Yay!' Uncle Shane can I talk to you for a minute?"

Shane held the sliding glass door open. "What can I do for you, Sami?"
"I'm going with you."
"That's out of the question."
"The kids might in the dark, but you and I both know that my brother was almost killed! Stefano wouldn't hurt me, I'm the mother of his grandchildren."
"Wouldn't he? And anyway Stefano isn't our only risk."
"The ISA has no proof that Andre is even alive!"
"If that were true they wouldn't have seen fit to call me out of retirement to partner with Steve, or to give you such an elaborate cover story as a Hollywood movie deal, complete with an ISA-trained nanny. Now, we've confirmed movement at a known DiMera medical facility, and we’ve traced a seven-figure money transfer from Stefano himself to an off shore account there. Clearly, Andre and Stefano are allies.”
“Good, I have a few things I want to say to Andre too if he shows his sorry face. So when do we leave?”
“Good God, Sami! Since you obviously haven’t been listening to a bloody word I’ve said, I suppose—” Shane took a measured breath. “I suppose the only thing left for you to do is say goodbye to the children.”
“Throw Nessa next,” Sydney giggled, as she landed with a splash a foot away from Steve.
“Me?” Vanessa stuck her tongue out at the girl, making Kim and Allie laugh.
“They’re back,” Johnny called, as two lengthy shadows rippled across the pool. “What’s wrong, Mommy?”
“There’s something I need to talk to you about. Before we left Salem, I made a promise to Uncle Eric that if he ever needed me really badly, I’d come back right away. And we know how important promises are, right?” The kids nodded. “Well, now that’s a promise that Mommy needs to keep, so I’ll be going to Salem tonight too.”
“Without us?” asked Sydney, her lip trembling.
“You have to stay in school, sweetheart, but Uncle Steve and Vanessa will be here, and I’ll call you every…who’s phone is that?”
“Uh-oh, speaking of calling.” Kim quickly draped herself in a towel. “Don’t hang up, don’t hang up, hello? `Oh hi. When was this? No, you stay right there, I’ll come right over. Bye.
“Patient emergency?” said Shane knowingly.
“I’m afraid so. When does the flight leave?”
“Four hours.”
“Well, gang, it looks like I'm staying here, too.”

[heroicmuse]

This was such a vivid scene! Absolutely loved it, and I'm especially glad that you remembered the special connection between Sami and Eric.

[sudsyclassix]

Thanks! It was my favorite scene to write so far. I should have next week's preview up soon.

[sudsyclassix]

Kim stood silently in the back doorway watching the hunched silhouette of her former brother-in-law.
“Pictures really do last longer,” Steve said softly.
“Guess I’m caught. I just never pegged you for a stargazer, Steve Johnson.”
“Well, I am a man of mystery. Are the kiddies asleep?”
“Like little angels. As a matter of fact, Mr. Mysterious, I happen to know that as much as you’re pretending to be out of your element, those children can’t get enough of you.”
“Is that right?”
“Oh, yeah. Not that I’m surprised.”
“No?”
“Not a bit. I saw you with Max when he was growing up. When I was working with him on his speech, you were one subject, probably the one subject he wasn’t shy about. ”
“Here we go with the speech.”
Kim started, taken aback by his sudden change of tone. “What speech, Steve?”
“The whole ‘Steve is great with kids, as long as he gets to be the cool uncle, but when it comes to dealing with his own kid…no, that’s too much responsibility for the dude to handle and he runs away.’”
“That wasn’t what I was going to say at all. Actually, I understand you more than you think I do.”
“And now you’re going to explain me to me. Are these billable hours?”
“I’d forgotten what a kick you get out of being frustrating! Now, since you’re the one who brought it up, do you want to hear what I have to say or not?”
Steve beckoned impatiently.
“It’s instinct to want to protect you children, any parent would want that, and for an agent, a lot of times, that means keeping your distance. Adventure’s not the only drug in the ISA, there’s distance, detachment, numbness. That pragmatic lack of emotion, it’s appealing to some people, but it’s going to be different this time. There’s a good chance this mission will put you in Kayla’s orbit again, and Steve, this time, you won’t be able to run.”

I know my kingdom awaits
And they’ve forgiven my mistakes.
I’m coming home. I’m coming home.
Tell the world I’m coming home
.
Sami turned down the volume on the car radio. “Even with the time change, we missed visiting hours at the hospital.”
“We can see everyone in the morning, Caroline, Eve, Paige.”
“You never finished telling me about Paige, is she my cousin?"
“No, Frankie’s not her father, though he would have been better for them both. Anyway, Nick Corelli’s dead, and Larson, well, he ran off as soon as the ink was dry on the adoption."