Sweet Schemes (Read 8,971 times)

[sudsyclassix]

"I assume you're talking about Johnny, Allie, and Sydney," Marlena guessed. "I'm glad. They'll open up better to someone in the family."
"They're coming along," said Kim gently. "Johnny's really taken what Roman said about taking care of Sami and his sisters to heart. He's an old soul, just like his grandpa. More than once, I've had to talk to him about putting too much weight on his shoulders."
"I'm just glad there's a plan in place  to keep the kids away from the trial," breathed Marlena, "and I hope they can be convinced stay off their devices. Especially with what they might hear."
"Which is?" asked Kim.
"Sonny is very important to the three of them. I can't see how hearing about his stabbing after the fact would benefit them, and it's bound to come up."
Kim shivered. "Adrienne told Steve it was supposed to be some sort of message for Victor. The guy doesn't know too much about Victor, thinking he was going to back off after that."
"It's hard to believe Sonny was his first target. They think EJ's death but also have been drug-related. This trial is going to open up a lot of old wounds, Kim. I just hope...I hope Sami and Paige...I hope we all can get through the storm."

 

[sudsyclassix]

"Looks like you're about ready to get out of here," Daniel said conversationally, as he leaned against the doorway of Paige's room.
"You have no idea," Kim interpreted with a laugh. 
"So let's get this release in the works." Daniel passed a clipboard of papers in Paige's direction. "This prescription will help with any throat discomfort. Stick to the blended food for now, and make sure you keep your appointments with Bridges..."
"Don't worry, Dr. Jonas, I'll make sure she follows everything to the letter," Eve promised, sweeping into the room.
Paige pointed to her mother in disbelief, shaking her head. "Don't be ridiculous, honey. Of course, you're coming home with me. You can't live in the dorms unless you're taking classes, and you're going to need some help until you get on your feet."
"Unfortunately, we can't spare the bed," Daniel added, when he saw Paige looking mutinous.
Eve brushed that off as a trivial detail. "And don't you worry sweetheart, I brought just the right thing for you to wear to your homecoming party tonight."
"Party?" Paige asked, sparing a dirty look for her mother.
"Nothing big, or formal," Kim stepped in quickly. "Just a little get-together at the pub,"
"I guess you haven't heard then," Daniel hedged.
"Heard?"
"Mom was supposed to call you, Kimberly. She's on this kick about getting Victor to be more welcoming of Theresa's side of the family. She's offering to have the party at the mansion."
"Those Hortons, they always take over, don't they?"
"Eve," Kimberly hissed. "I think what she's trying to say here is...well, that place is more of a mausoleum than a party house, to be honest, but-"
"That would be great,"
 "-but Paige seems to appreciate the thought. I'll call Maggie and tell her we'll be over tonight." 
"Good. I have rounds."
"What?" Eve snapped in a low voice. "Call me crazy, Kim, but I thought we were actually about to agree on something,"
"We do, believe me we do. Hey, look on the bright side, hmmm, a little quality time with Tate and Theresa. You know your sister is positively allergic to family otherwise."

[sudsyclassix]

"What the hell did I do to have the likes of you two darkening my doorstep?" Victor grouched as he took in the sight of Eve and Kimberly among the crowd of arrivals.
"Honestly, Victor," chided Maggie from her place at his shoulder. "Naturally, Paige's family would come to her own party. Behave yourself and come help me in the kitchen!"
“He just gets better with age, doesn’t he?” Kim whispered to Shane as Henderson took their coats and ushered them into the living room.
"Grandad again," Brady apologized. "He's been giving everyone an earful as usual. I'm taking a chance going in there, but I have to get Tate's teething ring out of the freezer. Can I get anybody a drink? Ladies?"
"No need." Eve made a beeline for the decanter herself. Kimberly shook her head.
"Where is this grandson I've yet to meet?" Shane asked. "Or Theresa for that matter?"
"I don't know," Kim answered. "Good idea," she nodded as Paige set off upstairs

The mansion was even bigger than Paige had hoped.  When the house was this large, everybody could be left to their own devices for days. Or maybe it only seemed that way, because Paige was used to making space in cramped apartments and dorm rooms. Either way, this was exactly what she needed. Paige was so lost in thought, she didn't turn the corner in time to stop herself from running into the edge.
"And you're supposed to be the smart one," said a voice behind her. There was no real heat behind it, though, Paige guessed this was just her Aunt Theresa's brand of humor. Shrugging she held out her arms.
"Yeah...sure." Theresa relinquished the baby. "Hey, could you come into the nursery for a sec?"
Paige followed, sitting down with Tate in his rocking chair. She looked at Theresa expectantly, noticing for the first time how young Theresa really was. Not even thirty. They could just as soon be siblings as aunt and niece. Before now, their interactions had been so limited, thanks to Eve and the ones they did had consisted of Theresa warning her about JJ. That was it. She must have found out that JJ had visited Paige in the hospital. Paige had seen the visitors' sheet herself, it couldn't have been hard for Theresa to take a peek.
They sighed at the same time
Finally, Theresa spoke, "Um...what happened to you, it was scary as hell, but I guess I don't need to tell you that. You were the one who went through it, God I really suck at this sentimental stuff. I guess what I'm trying to say, is that... I'm really glad you're okay." She looked relieved when Paige smiled, accepting the statement for what is it was.  "Right, so they must be looking for me down there, huh? I can't hide forever and somebody needs to meet his Grandpa. Come here, my sweet boy."
They were nearly to the landing when Theresa stopped, putting a finger to lips as she knelt. Paige crouched down too. She could hear her mother voice one-sided and rushed. "...no I can't come see you! My daughter's recovering and she needs me! What do you expect me to do, just hop on a plane? Well, that's not going to happen. Just do what you said you'd do already."
Paige made sure to silence her phone before typing. There she goes again. I was kind of hoping I could stay here to recover. Mom lost the right to call me her daughter when she bedded my boyfriend.
By the time Theresa processed the request, Eve had hung up, and been joined by Shane in the foyer. Tate let out a cry of recognition when he noticed Eve, forcing the two to make it appear like they had been heading downward all along.
"There you are!" Shane called. "I'm sorry, but I have to be going." He kissed Tate on the forehead. "One of these days we'll have a proper introduction, young man."
"But Daddy you just got here," Theresa pointed out.
"I know, but your Uncle Steve has dug something up that he thinks I'd like to see."
"Well, in that case, go!" Eve insisted. "Go right away. In fact, honey, I think we should be leaving too."
"You go right ahead, Eve," said Theresa. "We'll send for her things."
"What did you say?" Eve spluttered, as Shane froze with his hand on the doorknob.

[heroicmuse]

I love the idea of Theresa supporting Paige. I've played with that in mine too.

This has been an interesting week. I love the way you write Kim and Shane. Looking forward to more sudsyclassix.

[sudsyclassix]

Huffing, Eve turned on her heel and stomped back into the living room. "This was your brilliant idea, wasn't it, Kim?"
"Stop it," Shane cut in. "Your stepmother has no idea what you're talking about!"
“It’s all right, Shane,” the redhead soothed. “Whatever it is, Eve has clearly decided to get it off her chest.”
“Oh, this has got to be good,” Victor muttered but Theresa only laughed.
“You’re right about that, Victor. I know I’m going to have a blast watching you put your money where your mouth is.”
“And why would I do that?”
“What better way to prove you’re welcoming me into the family than welcoming my niece too. She doesn’t really care about Eve’s bedside manner, and who can blame her? Especially, when she could just get the cliff notes from JJ himself.”
Shane put a supportive arm around Paige’s shoulders, as Eve charged at Theresa. “I feel badly enough about that without you throwing it back in my face!”
“Not too badly, or you wouldn’t have promised to fly out and meet some other guy in the foyer just now!”
“What guy?” Shane hollered. His face had turned stormy. “What guy, Eve?”
“He’s nobody, Daddy, really.”
"Then why are you seeing him," asked Kim calmly, since Tate had begun to cry.
"I'm- that's not-"
"Why is everybody so surprised? I mean you had to know it was coming, right Mom? Daniel Jonas tells her she can't sing anymore, so she goes back to the oldest profession in the world!"
"I think this is the first time Theresa and I agree on something," Victor admitted.
"Nobody asked you!" Eve snapped, making Tate howl louder.
"Back?" Paige signed. "What do you mean 'back?'" She looked pleadingly at Kim, who sighed at her, with eyes full of pity.
"I think Tate has heard just about enough of this," Brady decided, taking his son from Shane.  He motioned to Paige. "Help me tuck him in while Grandad and Maggie talk to Henderson about your room."
Paige nodded gratefully, stopping to peck her grandfather on the cheek before rushing back up the stairs.
"Goodnight, sweetheart," Shane whispered.
Maggie stood up and clasped a teary Eve's hand. "We'll take care of her, but I think Brady has the right idea. It would do us all good to call it a night."

[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."
 

[gapeach]

Can't wait to see Steve in action. He is GREAT!!!!

[heroicmuse]

I'm excited to see Steve in action too. Also to see Shane acting like Shane.

[sudsyclassix]

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. He tuned back into what Steve was saying.
"...she's even pretty when she sulks."
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 Jenning's 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.

[heroicmuse]

Nice reference to the stupid events of Fall 2016 on the show.

Love seeing Steve and Shane do their thing.

[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.

[sudsyclassix]

"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. 'in 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]

“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 council, 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."
"Mr. Kiriakis, the prosecution may call their first witness."
"Thank you, Your Honor. We call Samantha Brady DiMera to the stand...

[sudsyclassix]

The #2 Scene most intense scene of this entire trial: Sami takes the stand. Make sure to reply and tell how it went. I've never written trial scenes before, just watched them on SVU.
"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 jury box, letting herself catch her daughter's eye for just a fraction of a second before wiping all emotion from her face as Justin's voice begin to wash over her.
"Good morning, 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 argumentive."
"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, particular 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.

[heroicmuse]

Uh oh, sounds like Sami lost her temper and might lose the case.