Instinct (Read 5,048 times)

[sudsyclassix]

JJ sped up when he heard a splash, ducking the last of the trees and coming into the clearing beside the bank of the Salem River. Not quite aware of himself or what he was doing, JJ dove in. “You don’t…get out of this…that easy,” he huffed, his jeans becoming waterlogged. “Help me!”
“My God,” Roman cried as he burst into the clearing. He waded out and helped JJ drag Ben’s unconscious body to shore before starting compressions. “Breathe, Ben, come on!”
“Stones in his pockets,” JJ reported.
“Well, it’s a good thing you got to him in time.” Roman looked up. “You did the right thing, you know. I don’t know if I would’ve done that at your age.”
JJ shrugged. “I almost didn’t, but all I was thinking about was how much he needed to pay for framing Abby and hurting Paige.”
“And now he will. This is Brady,” Roman spoke into his walkie-talkie. “I need a medevac here on Smith Island, ASAP! Two suspects injured. CPR in progress. ”
“Copy that, Commissioner.”

“I want this man on 24/7 suicide watch,” Roman told the uniformed officer outside of Ben’s room. "A crafty man who has lost his will to live is a bad combination."
“Roman,” Justin greeted.
“Dr. Jonas hasn’t cleared anyone for questioning yet.”
“We have a bigger problem. We drew Judge Tyler for Clyde's murder and attempted murder case, and he’s all about defendants being able to face their accusers. Now, I can squeak past arraignment with Rafe backing up Paige’s written statement but sooner or later, she’ll have to testify in court.”
“Justin, be reasonable, the girl can’t speak! You'll have to give her time."
"Trust me, I argued the point, and I was promptly reminded of Clyde's right to a speedy trial. This was one of the worst judges we could have possibly gotten. I just hope this doesn't make us lose the case."
"Here's a thought, Justin, don't let that happen."

[sudsyclassix]

Cleared up the JJ/Steve animosity scene. Please review and give feedback! I forgot to say that the role of speech therapist Nate Bridges is being played by Jacob Young.
Daniel took the blood pressure cuff of JJ’s arm. “Well, the river beat you up a bit, but otherwise you’re fine.”
“Great!” JJ jumped off of the exam table. “Now, can you tell Mom that?”
“You know what your mom’s like,” Daniel shrugged, “she just—”
“Smothers?”
“Worries, your mom worries. Especially when she’s already stressed out, but once everybody finds out Abby didn’t do the drug theft…Hey, listen, are you still okay babysitting Parker? Because I have to warn you, he misses Paige. I’ve tried to explain to him why she can’t babysit right now, but first, I’d have to explain it to myself.”
“I know the feeling,” JJ remarked. “Don’t worry, we’ll be fine.”
“So will she,” Daniel said, stopping JJ in his tracks. He let go of the doorknob and turned around to face Daniel, who continued, “I met with the speech specialist her grandfather called in from California. He seems like the type of guy who hits the ground running. Have faith, okay?”
“Yeah, right,” JJ muttered. “Faith.”
“I thought I heard your dulcet tones, nephew.” JJ looked up to see his Uncle Steve sitting in the waiting area.
“It’s not my best day,” he admitted. He swung his arm across his body and connected a sucker punch to Steve’s good eye. "But now, I feel a hell of a lot better."
Steve took a step back “What’s the matter?” he chuckled. “Did you want us to have matching faces?”
“There was a time when I might have been interested to know why you’ve decided to show up now, you know, instead of when Dad died and we really could've used you around here. But since I know you’ll probably feed me a load of BS, I’ll just cut to the chase and save both of us a lot of time. Get the hell out of Salem,” JJ stomped off to the elevator.
“You know the guy, Steve?” The voice belonged to a man with blond hair and a sharp, chiseled jaw.
“You could say that” Steve answered. “Now it’s my turn to ask the questions. How do know my name? Have you been following me, dude?”
“Don’t be paranoid.”
“Being paranoid is part of my job description.”
“Well, you can relax, my name is Nate Bridges and I work for Dr. Hunter.”
Steve’s tone changed slightly. “Oh yeah? How’s Hollywood treating the homie?”
“ I'll tell you over some grub. You should at least let me buy you a steak for that eye and maybe you could tell me what that was all about.”
“All right, you’re on.”

[sudsyclassix]

“I haven’t seen my nephew since he was knee-high,” Steve was saying as he and Nate walked across the square. “In the end, he’s right. I should have come back when my brother died. But I just loved the open road. Enough of this introspective stuff, I starving." He pushed open the pub door.
“Papa!” Joey shouted, hopping down from the bar stool and rushing into Steve’s arms.
“Little dude,” Steve knelt down to accept his son. “Glad somebody’s happy to see me.”
“Papa, what happened to your face?”
“Oh, this? Just some old grizzly bear I was wrestling, that’s all.”
Joey considered this—his face a mask of five-year-old concentration—then leaned closer to his father and whispered seriously, “I think the grizzly bear won.”
“So do I,” Kim laughed, mussing Joey’s hair as she came around the counter with an ice pack for Steve.
“Who are you?” Joey asked when he heard Nate chuckle.
“Nate is Uncle Marcus’s friend,” explained Steve. “What is it, baby?” he asked when Kim let out a gasp.
“Sorry, I…I guess we’ll be seeing a lot of each other. You’re going to be treating my granddaughter, Paige. Anything you want, on the house.”
“Small town,” Nate whistled.
“Like living in a fishbowl,” Steve agreed. “I wouldn’t argue with her, dude. These Brady women are stubborn.”
“Mommy’s a Brady,” Joey piped up. “Is she stubborn too?”
Steve directed his answer to Kayla, who was coming down the stairs from Caroline’s apartment. “She will be if she doesn’t join us.”
“Mr. Bridges,” said Kayla, pointedly. “How are you liking the hospital?”
“Call me Nate. My first day went pretty well, Dr. Brady.”
“Kayla. Say goodbye to Daddy, Joey, we’re meeting Sonny and Aunt Adrienne for dinner. Will you keep an eye on Mama, Kimmie? She’s resting.”
“Sure thing,” Kim saw the question in Steve’s eyes, and added, “I’ll bet Arianna’s one little girl who’s happy to have her daddy back. I thought Will was expecting Sonny next week.”
"That was before things got a little...shorthanded at the club."
She didn’t need to say anything else. Earlier that day, Roman had cut into the noon newscast to issue a prepared statement from Smith Island. No matter how many times he used words like “allegedly”, Kayla knew her brother well enough to conclude that Ben Weston not only knew where his father had been hiding as the police had long suspected, but had somehow snuck out to join him during the night.
"Whoa," breathed Nate, watching Kayla and Joey leave.
"Actually," smiled Kim, "That went better than I thought it would. Baby steps," she whispered to Steve as she got up to take another order.
"You sure have good dinner theater here in Salem," said Nate. "My dad always said: 'Watch out for the nice ones.'"

[sudsyclassix]

Justin, Kim, and Shane ducked their heads in an attempt to plow their way through the crowd that had assembled on the courthouse steps. It seemed as if the entire town- and definitely the entire press corps- had turned out to see Clyde Weston be arraigned. "I feel like I'm back in LA," Kim whispered to Shane. "This is O.J. Simpson 2.0."
"Although I’d bet you're hoping for a different outcome," Nicole guessed, putting a Titan TV microphone in Kim's face. "Does Clyde Weston deserve to die, Mrs. Donovan?"
"Can the soulless be killed?" Kim replied.
"An interesting point..."
"And a perfect sound bite," interjected Justin. "Now go find the public defender and leave my clients alone."
"One client seems to be missing. Where's Eve this morning?"
"Ever think she's holed up somewhere waiting for you vultures to clear off," Sami snapped, swatting at the mic. "Take a hint, Nicole!"
"Actually, that's a damn good question," Shane muttered.
"Relax, honey, she'll be here soon," Kim looped her arm through his and pulled him into the building. "I think..."

Paige was sleeping, the only time she didn't object to her mother's presence in her hospital room. Eve placed a kiss on her daughter's temple and hurried to the corner before her buzzing phone could disturb the peace.
"You've been a naughty girl, Evie," laughed the person on the other side. "Naughty, but ingenious. You get your brains from me, of course."
"You are supposed to be rotting away in a Scottish prison somewhere," Eve hissed. "How did you get my number?"
"Never mind how. Suffice it to say that reports of my demise have been greatly exaggerated, which, it turns out, is to your benefit."
"My benefit...how?"
"It's come to my attention that a Mr. Clyde Weston has made a proper nuisance of himself. Xander Cook is an old cellmate of mine. He'd like to make his displeasure known. And so, I gather, would you."
"You've got that right."
"Not to worry, love. Good old Uncle Drew will take care of everything."

Eve burst in through the side entrance, balancing on Rafe’s arm as she hopped on one foot. “You should be in the clear now. Good luck in court.”
“Do I want to know?” Justin drawled, as Eve gave Rafe a smile.
“I do,” remarked Shane. “Where the devil have you been, Eve?”
“She probably wanted to walk here and clear her head a bit,” Kim reasoned.
“Yeah, that’s right,” Eve brushed flyaway hair behind her ear. “I broke my heel in the rush."
“Well, no time for fashion statements.” Justin eyed the beckoning bailiff. "Judge Tyler is not a patient man." Justin took his place at the prosecution table while the others filed into the gallery behind him.
Eve eyed Clyde. He sat next to the defense attorney in a gray suit jacket and light blue tie. "How can a man using a public defender afford clothes like that?" she whispered.
Shane shrugged. "I imagine this isn't his first time in front of a judge." The bailiff boomed over them, charging Clyde Fillmore Weston with the first-degree murder of Serena Mason, the first-degree attempted murders of Paige Larson, Roman Brady, and Jack Deveraux Jr., and possession of a controlled substance."
"I just hope the judge isn't fooled," mouthed Kim.
"Clyde Weston isn't fooling anybody," Shane assured her, soon becoming aware of a silence in the courtroom.
"Are we interrupting afternoon tea, Captain," barked Judge Tyler.
"No, Your Honor."
"Good. How do you plead, Mr. Weston?"
"Not guilty."
"The people are asking for remand, Your Honor," said Justin. "The defendant has known connections in Florida, where he's suspected of yet another violent crime."
"There's insufficient evidence to prove my client had any connection to that unfortunate incident," spoke the public defender.
"You and I both know that doesn't mean squat." The venom in Eve's voice was so clear, it cut through the courtroom. "This man gets his power from watching the life leave people's eyes..." She tried to push her words past the mounting lump in her throat. "...stealing beautiful futures. If a man...if a man can do that without blinking an eye, well, we don't what else he's capable of do we?"
The corners of Clyde's mouth twitched. "I'll tell you one thing I'm capable of: dressing for court. You look like the biggest hillbilly I've ever seen in your stocking feet, and I'm an expert."
"You'll be black and blue by the time I'm done with you." Eve lunged toward the defense table. "How dare you put your filthy hands around my baby girl's neck, you bastard!"
"Order! Order in the court! Someone control that woman!" When the combined efforts of Shane and Rafe had a now crying Eve back in her seat, the judge continued, "While I cannot condone Ms. Larson's theatrics, I tend to agree with her sentiment. Mr. Weston is hereby held without bail until trial. I urge you to prepare a victim impact statement for that time, madam. And I call on God himself to help poor Don Craig control this circus at trial. Next case.”

[sudsyclassix]

Nate exhaled in frustration as he left Paige’s room, concentrating so hard on the hospital tile beneath his feet that he bumped straight into someone. “Ms. Larson, I didn’t see you there.”
“That’s all right,” Eve smiled. “How was today’s session?”
Nate bit his lip. “I did the best I could.”
“The best you could,” Eve repeated. “That doesn’t sound like a very promising prognosis. In fact, if I didn’t know any better, Mr. Bridges, I’d say that you had given up on my Paige’s case before you even got going.”
“Not me, I don’t give up that easily. But I have to tell you, I can’t make much progress with Paige unless she’s willing to work with me.”
“Oh, she’ll be willing, don’t you worry. You just show up here at the same time tomorrow.”
“Good luck,” shrugged Nate.
“You are going to stop using that damn whiteboard,” Eve ordered as she stomped into Paige’s room. "I did not raise my daughter to be a quitter! No, I will not ‘shut up,’ Paige!”
“What is going on in here?” Shane inquired from where he and Kimberly were now standing in the doorway. “’I hate speech therapy!’” he read. “Oh, dear.”
“Hate it or not, you’re going to keep it up!” Eve snapped, advancing toward the bed. “Will one of you back me up here?”
Shane put a hand on Eve’s shoulder. “When’s the last time you slept, sweetheart?” he asked calmly. “You look exhausted. Go on, go home and get some rest. We’ll stay for a while.”
“I guess I am a little tired. Fine,” Eve sighed. “Fine, I’ll be back later, but we are not finished with this, young lady. ”
“I’ll walk you out,” Shane offered.
Kim let out a low whistle as the two of them left. “Mind if I sit?" When Paige shrugged, Kim climbed into the empty side of the bed, smiling when Paige leaned into her touch "Betcha can't wait to get out of here, huh? Sleep in your bed in the dorm, but it's scary too, isn't it? Starting over. I've done it a few times myself...Europe, Salem, LA. It's like that old Christmas special says, 'Put one foot in front of the other.' Kim said, Try it. Just think of a simple word, and focus on stringing the sounds together."
Paige's lips thinned as she thought. "Kim," she croaked quietly.
"That's it, honey, that's wonderful!"
"Beautiful," Shane agreed as he reentered the room.
"Beautiful? Wonderful? Guys, I sound like a mutant frog! I can't stand up in court!"
"Now, you listen to me," said Shane firmly. "The only monster in this story is Weston himself. Besides, speaking will get easier when your vocal chords learn to stretch again. Uh-oh..." Shane glanced at his wife, a twinkle in his eye. "Looks like your grandmother has an idea."
"Hush," joked Kim, "I have great ideas."
"Share with the class," said Shane.
"I was just thinking I could teach you a way to communicate more complicated words."
"You could?"
"Only if you promise to keep on trying this speech therapy thing, and who knows, sign language might come in handy when you're big, fancy Dr. Larson. Ooh, it's so good to see you smile again," Kim added, accepting Paige's hug.
"We'll have her laughing before we know it," said Shane triumphantly. "Probably at me as I keep asking someone to translate. Don't worry, darling, it will all be over soon."

[sudsyclassix]

“Daddy!” Arianna giggled at the sight of Sonny, who stood up and took her from Will’s arms.
“Come here, sweetie. Next time I see your Uncle Alex, he’s going to have to come out this way, because I missed you too much, my little angel. I really did.”
“Miss Daddy too.”
“You did, did you wear that pretty sundress for me?”
“Mommy!”
“For Mommy?”
Will nodded. “Gabi picked it out and had Rafe buy it, so we thought we’d show her how it looked. I’m glad you could make it, Sonny.”
“Yeah.” Sonny studiously avoided his husband’s eye. “Well, I love Gabi too. Do you know what the hold up is?” he asked a passing guard. “This little girl needs her nap soon.”
“Go on in. Her time with the other visitor should be up.”
“One other visitor,” said Will. “She’s allowed four at a time.”
“Maybe she wanted privacy,” Sonny guessed. “The kind of privacy you wanted when you were in Paul’s hotel room.” He couldn’t pretend he didn't notice the look of hurt that ghosted across Will’s face, and at that point, he couldn’t pretend to care.
Will recovered his features quickly, injecting false cheer into his voice as he said, “Mommy and Abigail…are crying.”
The women shared a look as Gabi reached for a tissue. It was Abigail who finally spoke. “Gabi, I’m so sorry.”
“Don’t be.”
“No, really. Here I am complaining and you’re worried about something so much more important—”
“Like seeing my baby girl,” Gabi blurted, giving Abigail a hard look. She spun Arianna around before settling her daughter on her hip. “I’ll see you later, Abigail."
Abigail hesitated, reluctant to go, but gave them a parting smile. Sonny pointed a questioning finger at her back.
"She's worried about coming face to face with Ben," Gabi lied.

[sudsyclassix]

Starting to spice things up next Monday, with a Salem Halloween storyline you won't see coming.
“That’s strange of them,” Justin admitted. He was sitting at the bar at Club TBD, sipping a drink while Sonny filled him in on the visit to the prison. “Maybe I’ll check on Gabi while I'm there this afternoon."
"Lunch with the warden," said Sonny. "Sounds appetizing."
"Your sarcasm is noted. Warden Cruz has never been the life of the party, but if I’m lucky it's a suspect looking to plead out. I think I'll go over there now, get this over with. Kiss Ari for me."
"I will.”

"You have twenty minutes before Weston has to be back in his cell."
"That's all I'll need," Justin assured the guard.
"Watch out for this one, counselor. I'll be outside."
"Thank you."
"Well, well, Mr. District Attorney." Ben put his feet up on the table and propped his elbows behind his head. "You seem so happy to see me."
"Don't flatter yourself," Justin drawled, "I spend my days dealing with human slime, and may I say you look ravishing in orange. You're going to be in that charming attire a lot longer if you even think about harassing Abby Deveraux."
"Is that what your little niece told you?" Ben scoffed. He was about to say something else but was drowned out by a ringing sound that bounced and echoed off the walls.
Justin jumped up. "Guard," he called, pounding on the door. "Guard!"
"The guard's gone," Ben informed him smugly. "Probably checking the fences or breaking up a fight. This place is so understaffed they've forgotten all about us. Looks like you and I are in it for the long haul."
"You can't be serious!"
"Oh, but I am, this is a lockdown. And may I say, it's such a pretty picture to watch you squirm."
Justin sighed in resignation. "All right, I'm listening."
"Of course you are, you don't have a choice."

“You want to turn on your father, am I hearing this correctly?”
Ben glared at Justin. “How many other ways do I have to say it before you understand?”
“So make me understand, Weston.”
“That,” Ben pointed a finger at Justin’s face. “That right there, that’s just it. I’m a Weston, and I always will be. You know what? I don’t even know why I’m trying to explain this to you of all people. You hide behind the Hortons, the Bradys, the court, anything to make yourself look respectable when you’re really nothing but a product of your family. Just. Like. Me.” He turned his head as the lock clicked and a guard came into the room.
“Time to go.” The guard steered Ben toward the door.
“To his cell?” Justin asked.
“To the infirmary. I’m sorry to tell you this, Weston, but your father’s been stabbed.”
“I can feel the sympathy just radiating off of you,” said Ben.
“Stabbed him with what?” asked Justin.
“A toothbrush sharpened into a shiv. You can see him if you like.”
“I’d like to,” Justin agreed. “This may affect the outcome of his trial.”
Justin stood silently as the prison matron—a sharp-tongued woman in her fifties whose name, Justin learned, was Greta Fugate—enumerated Clyde’s injuries. The stab wound was dangerously close to his aorta. The next twenty-four would be critical as to whether or not they would be able to staunch the bleeding. “Whoever did this had death on their minds,” she explained, her British accent strikingly apparent.

“You’ve reached Eve Larson, please leave a message at the tone…”
“Not in bed already, are you?” Drew laughed. “Just thought you might like to know that the unfortunate event I arranged happened tonight, and we’ve only just begun. I have a much more lingering fate in mind for our friend.”

[heroicmuse]

Ooh so Eve was behind the attack on Clyde.

Why is Abigail really crying? I feel like I missed something.

[sudsyclassix]

Well, Drew did. Whatever his faults, he is twistedly loyal to his niece. You're not missing anything, I haven't revealed yet.

[sudsyclassix]

On the next episode of Instinct...

Clyde's trial date is set.
Drew delights in Aiden's sticky situation
Hope and Sami clash.

[sudsyclassix]

Happy Holidays, everybody! Monday posts will resume next week.

“What’s going on,” Chase asked, his eyes fixed on the line of strawberry shortcakes coming out of the Chez Rouge kitchen. “Hey, Dad, can I have some of that cake?”
Aiden nodded, beckoning to a passing waitress. “Cake, all around, please. This is a special occasion.” He winked at Hope. “You think we should tell them?”
“But who will do the honors?” Hope smiled.
"Someone just tell us, already!" Ciara urged
"Together," Aiden decided. "Hope and I-"
"-have set a wedding date," Hope blurted.
Chase held out his palm to Ciara "Pay up," he demanded.
"Not yet."
Aiden rolled his eyes. "Is there anything you two won't bet on?" he asked.
"Nope," said Chase. "I think a Halloween wedding would be awesome!"
"But you're going to get married at the Salem bicentennial," Ciara countered. "Right, Mom?"
"Actually, Aiden and I have decided to get married on New Year's Eve. We can't think of a better way to start off 2016."
"I was closest," Ciara gloated. "You don't have to pay me now," she added as Chase grumbled, "I know where you live."
“I think it’s about time you budding entrepreneurs got off to school,” Hope announced, kissing both children on the forehead. “Make good choices,” she called on her way out of the restaurant.

“Want some coffee?” Sami greeted Hope, as she walked into the living room of Sami’s hotel suite. It was paid for by the ISA so that no withdrawal was made from the DiMera accounts and was all the more comfortable now that Shane and Kim had moved to the apartment above the pub to assist Caroline. Previously, Sami had had to sleep on the couch, giving the last available bedroom to Johnny.
“No coffee, thanks,” Hope declined. “I want to know why you didn’t show up at the station this morning to go over your testimony.”
Sami lowered her voice to a hiss so that she couldn’t be overheard outside of the room. “Hmmm, let’s think, maybe because I’m homeschooling my kids so that I can keep them safe from their grandfather. You know, the homicidal maniac you haven’t put in jail yet.”
“Knowing Stefano may have had a hand in EJ’s death, and proving it are two different things,” Hope sighed. ”Meanwhile you hold the proof that can put Clyde away. And we need you now more than ever.” Hope turned to Steve and Vanessa, who were sitting on the couch watching the conversation like some kind of sport. “Hasn’t she seen it?”
“She is in the room, thank you very much,” Sami snapped.
“Maybe you ladies would like to move this little discussion to the hotel spa,” Steve suggested. He grinned when Vanessa looked at him oddly. “What’s the matter, Thin Mint, don’t like mud wrestling?”
Vanessa shook her head good-naturedly. “Just when I think I’m getting used to you, Johnson.” She rewound the morning news until it was frozen on the image of a grim-looking Nicole.
“’New developments are emerging in the case of alleged murderer Clyde Weston. Judge Donald Craig has set the trial date for Halloween, denying Weston’s request to delay proceedings while he seeks new representation after firing his assigned public defender.’”
“Trick or treat,” Steve muttered.
Hope nodded. “Now do you see why we need your testimony to be iron-clad? This isn’t some rookie lawyer from traffic court anymore.”
Sami glanced at the engagement ring on Hope’s finger. “If I were you, I’d be more worried that my new fiancé might take the case.”
"Do you know something I don’t? Never mind," Hope picked up her purse. "I have more important things to do than sit around and listen to this!"
"Say it," Sami challenged Steve. "You think my instincts are right, don't you?"
"Haven't been back long enough to figure out Jennings' game," Steve replied.
"You think he has one?" asked Vanessa.
"I think it would make me real angry if Sweet Thing got hurt."


“St. Luke’s School, how may I help you?”
“Father Louis, this is Aiden Jennings. I know this may sound strange, but I found an unsigned note slipped under my office door this morning that says and I quote ‘I need your help’. I thought maybe Chase typed it up because he was too afraid to tell me something happened in person. Has he come to you, by any chance?”
“After working with children there are very few things that I find strange anymore, Mr. Jennings. I’m sorry to say I haven’t seen Chase, but I do hope he would come to me if something were wrong.”
“Thank you, Father." Aiden hung up the phone. If it wasn’t Chase looking to unburden his conscience, it had to be a potential client. He slipped the note into his briefcase and set off for the station, thinking that he might be able to eke out some alone time with Hope. All thoughts of a romantic interlude were dashed when he found his fiancée absent from the squad room.
“She’s out trying to track down a witness,” said Rafe, as though reading Aiden’s mind.
“I’m here trying to track down a potential client,” replied Aiden. “Take a look at this.”
Rafe scrutinized the note. “One guy did kick his legal aid to the curb. Did you see the news this morning?”
"Hope and I took the kids out to breakfast."
"Call the prison. The guy's only allowed visitation by phone."
"So much for attorney-client privilege," Aiden muttered.
"Not many privileges in maximum security," Rafe shrugged.
"Guess I better get on the horn, then."
Aiden found a park bench to sit on while he went through a tedious conversation about civil rights with a grand total of three guards before he got through to the warden. When his new client came on the line, the voice gave Aiden chills that had nothing to do with the September breeze.
"Got the note I had left for you."
"Yes, I did...but I don't think this business relationship is going to be possible."
"Anything's possible for you, Jennings," Clyde drawled. "You're one of the best suits money can buy."
"Are we talking about blood money or drug money?"
"I'm not paying you to have a sense of humor here."
"You're not paying me at all."
"You offering to do this pro bono? Mighty nice of you. Just might be enough incentive to keep my mouth shut. No, no, no, I talk. You listen. The pretty wife of yours, her grandma lived in Poplar Bluff. Everybody there knows the truth about how little Meredith died. If you're not careful, everyone in Salem will too. What do they call a black widow that's a man? I guess they just call to warn Detective Brady."
"You've got yourself a lawyer," said Aiden quickly.
"Excellent."


Drew picked up his phone before the first ring was even finished. "Mission accomplished, then?"
Aiden sighed on the other end of the line. "Weston knows."
"I'm going to need you to buy me a vowel."
"This isn't a joke, Donovan. Clyde knows what really happened the night Meredith died."
"Oh that," Drew laughed, "That's not going to be a problem."
"Do you play these kinds of games with your own life?" Aiden snapped, "or just with mine."
"I'm a child at heart," Drew replied, putting on an Irish brogue just to irritate the attorney further. "And if you have a weak stomach, I would've suggested you not get into debt with my former employers, but you are. Unless you fancy killing your ladylove or watching your son join his dearly departed mother, this is your only option. Just think of it as the easiest case you've ever had."
Aiden was about to reply but since Drew had hung up without ceremony, he was left talking to himself. "Yeah, easy case. The hard part will be telling Hope."

[sudsyclassix]

Happy New Year, all!

Chapter 30

That fancy attorney of Hope's was sitting on the planter in the middle of Horton Square trying to casually catch his eye. Steve took the harp from his lips and arched an eyebrow. "Sorry, dude, I don't have a tip jar."
"Too bad," Aiden shrugged awkwardly, "that's some good music."
"Is there something I can help you with?"
Aiden stuck out his hand. "Mr. Johnson, I'm-"
"I know who you are," Steve interrupted.
"And you don't seem to care for me, but, I think I have something that may change that. A job offer. I hear you have PI experience, and all I'd be asking for is a simple fact-find. Why don't I give you my card, and we can discuss the details later?"
"Won't be any details unless you give me a name."
"Paige Larson."

"Hey, Paige," Hope smiled, taking a seat in the guest chair beside the woman's bed. "I was hoping I could talk to you before you got discharged tomorrow. I'll keep it to simple questions. Unless you want Dr. Evans to come in here and interpret. I hear Kim's teaching you sign language."
"Yeah," Paige croaked.
"I know you won't get your speech back in the three weeks left until the trial, but I thought I should tell you that Judge Craig has approved the DA's request to have an interpreter there during your testimony."
"Sure you're not leaving anything out, Sweet Thing?" asked Steve. "Like maybe who'll be sitting at the defense table."
Hope's jaw dropped.
Paige looked at Steve and Hope, her mouth moving as she tried to form syllables. "W-h-tsss?"
Steve smiled kindly when she pounded the sheets in the frustration. "No, that was good! They're sending you home because you can swallow now. Not because you can quote plays written by some dead dude." Looking somewhat relieved, Paige switched to sign language.
"What's wrong?" Steve interpreted. "I thought he couldn't A-F-F-"
He looked at Paige, "Afford?"
She nodded.
"Got it. Afford a lawyer. Yeah, so did we. Don't just stand there gawkin', Donovan. Come in. I was looking for you in the first place."
"Vanessa's with Sami and the children," said Shane by way of greeting. And then, "Did I hear you correctly? Weston managed to find himself a decent lawyer?"
"Not just any lawyer, dude. Aiden Jennings."
Shane whipped his head in Hope's direction. "You can't be serious!"
"I'm just finding out myself. I've told Paige what I came to tell her. I've got to pick up Chase and Ciara. Guess now I know why Aiden's AWOL."
"Right," Shane sighed when she was gone. "So how did this happen?"
"Jennings approached me in the square, asked me to investigate Paige. But I won't," Steve assured, sensing the question before Paige could start signing. "I'm outta the PI biz, Full-time ISA now. But..."
"What?" asked Shane, recognizing the gleam in his partner's eye.
"Jennings doesn't know that, does he?"

"What do you think of Chase’s idea of a Halloween wedding? Getting married in costumes, maybe."
Aiden considered. "I think you will be a very sexy bride whatever you wear."
"Oh, really?"
"Very..." Aiden captured her lips in a kiss. "In fact, I wouldn't mind if we got straight to the wedding night right now..."

[sudsyclassix]

Please Review

“Kimberly,” someone called, making the redhead turn toward the source of the sound—the opening hospital elevator. “I hear Paige is getting released today."
"It's wonderful, isn't it, Marlena?" Kimberly smiled, embracing the woman she still considered family.
"It is," Marlena agreed, taking hold of Kim's shoulders and searching her expression. "What is it, honey?"
Kim laughed as she and Marlena sat down in the waiting area. "You could read me since the day we met."
"I remember one time, back in '84...in fact, you hadn't been in town very long at all. You told Carrie that some of the happiest things made you emotional," Marlena mused.
"That's me, true to form." Kim gave a self-deprecating chuckle.
"Well, I think Paige's discharge would certainly qualify, but there's something else too, isn't there?
Kim nodded. "I'm afraid this is only the beginning of a long road for Paige. I know she's strong...God, I know that. One of the strongest people I know, but look at what she has to go through. The attack, the trial, the need to find a new normal...on top of the problems she and Eve have been having lately. It's enough to make even a Donovan break down."
"Then it's a good thing you're doing, teaching her sign language. If she didn't have an outlet to bridge the communication gap, I'd say all the turmoil she's going through would be a hundred times worse."
"You sure know how to make a girl feel better, Marlena," Kim sighed, before continuing to laugh. "If we hadn't kept missing each other, we'd have had a proper catch-up long before now. Let me take you out to dinner sometime."
"It's a date-"
"Good."
"-but I have another idea. I need some help on a case."
"Oh, Marlena, I appreciate it, but three grieving children is a full-time job," Kim dropped her voice to a whisper. "I told myself I would never work for the ISA again after the Alamain fiasco, but they've been keeping their cards close to their chests with this mission. Especially here in Salem, where the entire population has been either bankrolled or blackmailed by Stefano at one time or another."
"Isn't that the truth," Marlena drawled, "but I think our agendas would coincide too well for the ISA to have much of an objection..."
"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."


"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 the speech therapist..."
"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 bought 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, but before I go, I told Parker you were getting released today, and he made me promise to give you this.” Daniel handed Paige a drawing of a male and female stick figure standing on a green squiggle Paige assumed was grass. Her stick person seemed to be holding a celebratory smiley-face balloon. She hugged the picture to herself and grinned up at Dr. Jonas. “You’re welcome,” he replied, nodding to the three of them as he left.
"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]

Chapter 32

"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 a text. 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.

[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 bad 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."