Fallen into Shadows

Fallen into Shadows

 

Part 9. Cry without weeping.

 

 

 

Glancing down at his watch, Steve saw it had only been three minutes since the last time he checked. Stephanie was off at the far end of the showroom, talking on her cell. It was a safe bet to guess she had called Max. That reminded him, he needed to talk to her about her interest in Maxwell. Kayla already told him that Max was keeping their relationship friendly and nothing more. Seems his baby was trying to change things again. Somehow, the idea of his baby girl dating was making him anxious and extremely overprotective. It wasn’t that she was too young, but he just found her again. He missed too many years already.

 

He was watching her, the mixed emotions running over her face as the call wasn’t ending up the way she wanted. A part of him was glad he’d have her to himself for a while longer. But the other half was feeling the disappointment clearly written on her face. He didn’t like seeing her unhappy. He’d do anything to make her smile. She already went through so much, and it was past time she was feeling good about things again.

 

Kayla had narrowed her choice down to two beds. She just couldn’t decide which one to buy. She looked around for Stephanie and saw her talking on the phone. Steve was still standing by the post watching their daughter. He had stayed close, but not near enough to touch that past half hour. She mulled the question over in her mind, and after a moment’s hesitation, she went up to him.

 

“Steve? Which bed do you think I should get?” She pointed to her two choices, and then turned to receive his answer.

 

He stumbled slightly, losing his balance a split second before facing her. He looked at her nervously, glancing first at her then at the beds she was referring to. “Which bed?” She asked of him. Big dude, just kill me now, he thought to himself. Standing no more than three feet from him just wasn’t far enough. He could actually feel himself touching her. No amount of distance helped him. This wasn’t working anymore, he said to himself. Maybe he should just tell her and put himself out of misery.

 

Instead of waiting she took a hold of his arm and brought him closer to her selections. When they stood between the two choices, she started pointing out the things she liked about each bed. He could hear reasons and truthfully he was listening, but the words never made it inside. With his wife beside him, Steve could do nothing but simply watch her, enjoying the most ordinary moment they had shared so far. Her attentions where elsewhere as she tested the mattresses again, noting the sturdiness of one to the other. If she had just looked back at him then, she would have known in an instant what he felt inside.

 

“So which one do you think?”

 

He took a deep breath and closed his lips tightly. He made a show of looking at each one before answering. He turned slightly away to try and regain his composure before turning back to face her.

 

“That one.” He pointed to the sleigh bed. “That one looks good.”

 

She frowned slightly at his choice. Kayla didn’t think he would choose that one. “Oh I don’t know, but I was actually leaning towards this one. It the same style as our… an old bed I used to have.” She said clearing her throat, then glancing up at him.

 

He looked at her hard, his breaths deep and strong. Yeah baby, I know damn well it’s a carbon copy of our old bed. And yes, I am going crazy just thinking about the two of us in it. He wasn’t going to look at it again. With the most plastic smile he could muster, he answered her. “I guess you should buy it then. Maybe afterwards, we could get some lunch and soon.” He added.  “The chauffeur is getting hungry here.”

 

Kayla checks the time and looks apologetically back at him. “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize I had taken so long. Let me just tell the sales person, so I can pay, get it delivered and then we’ll be on our way”

 

“Good! Okay. I’ll just be outside then.” He didn’t bother waiting for an answer, but moved swiftly to the exit and stood just outside the door. The false smile disappeared from his face and was replaced by the intense stare. Looking around, he tried to direct his energies and thoughts elsewhere, rather than with the woman who was right now buying the same style bed he had last shared with her. He watched a few people who had walked by him and at the small groups that entered and exited the mall. He didn’t know what he would be looking for, but he kept his focus of each and every person he viewed. It was better than thinking about what was currently transpiring inside the store behind him.

 

Kayla and Stephanie joined him a few minutes later. Stephanie looked dejected again, but she smiled happily up at him. He was tempted to give her one of those hugs, but he held himself at check. It wouldn’t be too long before he could do just that, letting his baby girl know how much he loved her. Kayla was smiling at him too and he just couldn’t stop himself and smiled back at her. Her response was immediate as she positively glowed and lit up inside. She told him they would delivery the beds that afternoon around four.

 

“So where do you want to eat?” She asked him.

 

Stephanie looked to him too for an answer. “You decide Dad.”

 

“Well, it’s doesn’t matter to me. Someplace close by?”

 

Kayla thought for a moment then suggested a new place a few blocks away. “They do really good pies there. I think you would like it.”

 

“Well, let’s go then.”

 

Stephanie walked ahead of them reaching the curb first. By the time she had taken two steps onto the street, the car was already barreling downs towards her. She had looked behind at them, barely seeing at the approaching vehicle. Kayla yelled out as Steve grabbed at his daughter. They both fell to the ground rolling out of harms way as the driver quickly speed down the street and turned the first corner making speed marks on the ground. Kayla ran to the two of them as Steve carefully pulled his daughter up. A few bystanders also approached offering help and assistance.

 

Kayla looked her daughter over and was relived to find her marked with only a few bruises and dirty stained clothes. Steve had taken a few steps from them and looked down the street where the car had disappeared too. He wasn’t able to see the driver and the car had gotten away before he could get the license plate number or make. All he knew was that it was a dark blue, sporty sedan. And whoever was driving, had just tried to kill his daughter.

 

 

 

Stephanie had completely dismissed the incident by the time they returned home that afternoon. “Probably some driver I beat at race last year. “She told her parents. “Just shows what a lousy driver he is.” She tried to joke about it, but Kayla was still a little shaken.

 

“Honey, that’s not funny.”

 

“I’m fine mom! Look, most of the damage is on my skirt and jacket. The rest of me is just fine.”

 

Kayla placed her purse on the nearby coffee table and took off her own jacket hanging it behind a chair. “I just can’t believe he didn’t see you. And he shouldn’t have been driving so fast on that street.”

 

Following behind them, Steve carried one of the lamp boxes. Earlier, he had excused himself to wash his hands while at the restaurant and called Bo. Without a license plate number, Bo couldn’t do much of anything, but offered to send another officer. Steve decided against the idea and told him he was going to take care of that himself. Entering the living room he watched as Kayla started sorting through her purchases and handing Stephanie new towels and bed sheets. He placed the box containing one of the lamps on the floor and left to retrieve the second one from the car. By the time he returned Stephanie had gone upstairs and Kayla was sorting through another bag that held the curtains.

 

He made one last trip and returned with the large box of china and placed it on top of the dining table. He sat wearily at a folding chair. Kayla was so busy trying to sort through the new bed sheets that she didn’t seem to notice him sitting there. A part of him was somewhat happy that she was able to forget the incident and just focus on getting the house fixed up. But he was also upset and shaken at the second attempt on their lives. If he hadn’t been with them, or if Kayla was walking nearer to Stephanie, they both would have been hit. He had thought about this ever since he found out Portia had left him the money. It was the only answer he had right now. So long as Kayla didn’t find out yet, he could hire someone to watch them. Money was no longer an issue. Right now, the only important thing was to keep them safe until he could find out who was behind all this.

 

He kept his focus on his wife even after Stephanie came back down. Opening one of the lamp boxes, she went onto the kitchen to get a knife and started cutting away at the cords that were wrapped around the lampshade and stand. As Stephanie worked beside her, Kayla could feel Steve’s gaze on her. She always knew when he watched her. Maybe it was part of the connection between them, but even now, after all these years, she felt that same pull whenever he watched her. She stole a quick glance at him and sure enough, he was looking.

 

She wasn’t going to tempt fate by asking him if he was remembering anything. More than anyone, she knew that question had been asked a dozen times too many. He sat there, just watching her as she worked. She wished he would say something. He barely spoke during lunch and afterwards, just walked silently behind them, carrying their shopping bags as she finished buying the items on her list. If he was affected by what almost happened, he was keeping it to himself. She wished he would stop doing that and just open up to her. It always bothered her when he kept things to himself. Seems he reverted back to his old ways and bad habits.

 

The sound of the delivery truck pulling into the driveway made all three of them look towards the door. As the drivers started unloading, Kayla instructed them on what bed would go to which bedroom. Steve stayed in the living room, keeping an eye on the workers. When the third bed frame was brought in, he looked confused and questioned Kayla about a mistake. The frame was part of the sleigh bed he chose earlier. She gave him a small smile and told the workers to set it up in the guest room near the master bedroom.

 

“I know you moved out of the Pub and are staying in a room at the motel by the riverfront. But I thought, maybe you would reconsider moving in with us. There’s two extra bedrooms upstairs and you could use both of them is you needed more room.”

 

She was looking a little flustered, but she kept her eyes on him. “You wouldn’t have to worry about rent or anything like that.” Pausing a moment she continued. “You’ve been coming around a lot lately and I just thought, if you were already living here, you wouldn’t have to drive such a distance every day.”

 

“I see.” He told her. Yes, it would make more sense if he were with them at the house. It was better than worrying himself to death wondering if they were safe every night. But to be this close to her now?

 

“I’m not trying to pressure you Steve. I know you’re still… uncomfortable with things. But you can think about it, can’t you?”

 

“Yeah, sure. Let me think on it a few days.”

 

“Fine! You know Stephanie would love having you around. She misses you so much.”

 

“I miss her too.” He spoke the words, but he looked into her eyes when he said them

 

"And it's been really nice having you with us." She told him softly.

 

He took that first step towards her and then stopped. His right hand slowly reached towards the strands by her cheek and he let them shift through his fingers. "You've got a small... twig there." He lied to her.

 

"Yes. I see." Her eyes locked with his as his hand dropped down to the collar of her blouse. He played with the material a moment before realizing his actions and pulled his hand back.  The sounds from above captured their attention as Steve moved a few steps away. With his back towards her, he watched at the staircase waiting for Stephanie

to come back down.

 

"So, I hear you'll be starting work at the hospital next week." He changed the topic then.

 

"Yes, I can't wait, but I've got the evening shift for a while." She hesitates before asking him. "Have you thought about working there?"

 

"I did, but I think I need to find some other job." He thought about Brymera then and a sudden idea came to him. "I have an interview tomorrow at some company."

 

She looks disappointed but doesn't pressure him to reconsider. He turned back to look at her. With his hands shoved down his jeans pocket, and his gaze turned towards the floor, he starts shifting in his stance and an uncomfortable silence builds up between them.

 

"It might be awkward with the two of us working at the hospital, don't you think?" He casts his eye downward as he asks her this. What he was thinking was how awkward it would be for him working as an orderly while his wife was a staff doctor. She could have

guessed that much for his actions clearly indicated the discomfort he was feeling.

 

"Well, I hope you do well in your interview tomorrow."

 

"It's no big deal." He told her "A friend set it up for me. She knows the owner so I'm pretty sure I'll get the job."

 

"That's great Steve." Kayla smiled at him, but inside she couldn't help but wonder if that friend was Billie. Still, she wasn't going to spoil the rest of the day by bringing it up. Steve was here with her now and not with Billie. She wasn't going to let him go just yet.

 

"So, can we expect you to come around tomorrow?"

 

"I've got some things to do in the morning, but I should finish after lunch. So yeah, I might swing around here then."

 

"Great! The new furniture I ordered will be arriving tomorrow. We could use your help in arranging things."

 

"Right! I'm good at that, moving heavy things from one spot to another."

 

"I didn't mean that..."

 

"Don't sweat it baby. Just making a poor joke."

 

Kayla gave a small laugh as the awkward silence descended between them again. "So, got any plans for dinner."

 

"No, not really."

 

"Well, you're more than welcome to have dinner with us. How about some pasta? I make a really mean pasta sauce."

 

"You're cooking?" He asked in disbelief.

 

"Well Stephanie's still working on how to boil water, so yes, I'm cooking."

 

"Okay! I'm game. I'll try anything new."

 

"Trust me, I'm a good cook." He just nods at her and smiles that false smile again. Kayla cooking? Well, he thinks to himself, he guesses a lot can change in sixteen years.

 

 

The trip to Brymera turned out more cryptic information than he needed to know. Steve was able to speak with the senior vice president Henry Torrance who was apparently expecting him. Handing him the financial report of the last two quarters, he explained how well they were doing and would probably exceed their estimated sales goal again.

 

"We couldn't be happier with the current fiscal year end reports Mr. Johnson. At this rate, we expect a profit margin of nearly fifteen percent."

 

"Well, that sounds really good. Doesn't it?"

 

"Yes we're quite proud of our accomplishments and with the new drug being approved, it should reach the shelves by spring next year."

 

"So, did Portia... I mean Ms. Lansing tell you I was coming here."

 

"She did inform us a couple weeks ago of the ownership change and that you would be contacting us soon. Whenever you are ready, you can assume your position as the new CEO. Though Ms. Lansing did say you may choose not to take the position."

 

"She said that?"

 

"Well, she mentioned you might choose to remain a silent owner and let another take control."

 

“She's right. I have some other matters to deal with, so I don't think I'll be taking that job right now."

 

"I understand."

 

"So which of the other shareholders will take control, or will there be a vote."

 

"I'm sorry sir, I don't know what you mean."

 

"If I'm not the CEO, then who will be? There will be a vote right?"

 

"I wasn't aware that a family meeting had been called."

 

"Family meeting?"

 

"Yes, sir. The family only gathers once a year. I suppose with the Ms. Lansing’s death, a special meeting would be necessary, but I haven't heard anything."

 

"So Brymera is owned by family only?"

 

"Of course! And it always will be."

 

"Portia never said anything to me..."

 

"Well, Ms. Lansing was a bit eccentric, but the family has always owned the company."

 

"So how many of the family are there?"

 

"Just the five of you control the company now. A few others choose not to be involved"

 

"I see! So the new CEO would then be the one would the next largest amount of shares?"

 

"Normally, but I the old master has been ill for some time, so I believe either his son or Ms. Lansing’s' heir will assume the position."

 

"When will this family meeting be held?"

 

"It is always on the first Monday in the year."

 

"Well Mr. Torrance, You have been a wealth of information, but I just have one more question for you. Just how much is Brymera worth today?"

 

The man smiled hugely at him as he turned to the page in the report that listed Brymera's estimated worth. In today's market, Brymera S.r.L. was estimated to be valued at two point three billion dollars. Steve wordlessly looked back up. There wouldn't be any worry

that he would run out of gas money now.

 

 

 

"Mom, I'm sure someone is following us." Stephanie looks around again as they both get out of the car and walk towards the motel room Steve had been staying at. They were going to pick Steve up and help him move his belongings to the house. He finally told them yesterday that he decided to move in with them.

 

"Honey, I haven't seen anyone. Are you sure?" Kayla looked around herself but didn't see anyone. Stephanie stood beside her as she knocked on the door.

 

"Well I haven't exactly seen anyone, but I just can't shake the feeling that we're being followed."

 

The big, rough looking thug that Steve had hired watched the two women from behind the dirty window at the bar across the street. Steve Johnson had befriended him offering him a job to guard his wife and kid. He needed someone who knew his way around the

streets and wouldn't be afraid to do some dirty work if necessary. Looking at them through the window, he had trailed their movements for the last four days. So far, everything was quiet, but his gut instinct told him, something bad was coming. With his focus on Kayla and Stephanie, he failed to see the two men who entered the bar and walked up behind him.

 

They looked like dock workers on break, but one of the men pulled out a long blade from beneath his jacket and worked his way around to where he was standing. He ordered a beer and took a step closer to him. As the bartender turned to fill his glass with brew,  the knife slid into his belly, as the second man grabbed at him holding him steady.  A noise in the back room pulled the bartender's attention from the trio just then and he went to the

back room to investigate the noise. The two continued their grisly work and the knife was pulled and plunged back in his heart. He didn't even have time to scream, his death was swift. He slumped against them as he was lowered onto the nearest stool. They positioned his body so it looked like he was resting his head on the table. Before leaving the bar, one of the murderers left a five-dollar bill by the glass of beer on the counter, and then exited out the door.

 

 

“He’s not home mom!” Stephanie looked through the window past the slightly open curtains and saw the empty, dark room inside. “He did know we were coming today right?”

 

“Yes he did. But look over there.” Kayla pointed across the street.” There’s his car, so he must be around. Probably went out for a while, so he’ll be back.” “Tell you what, let’s go and get some lunch at the pub first then come back.”

 

She linked her arm through Stephanie’s and walked back towards the wharf area. Neither one saw the two men waiting by the corner who approached their car as soon as they moved out of sight. The larger of the two picked the lock on the drivers seat. Sitting down, he pulled away at the wires behind the steering wheel. His partner in crime kept watch, staring down any witnesses that may get too close. As he attached the small box, he flipped the switch on and adjusted the readout on the small screen. He then pushed the wire back and pulled out a matching device from his pocket checking to see if the connection was in motion. He gave a thumps up and got out of the car, locking the door behind him. Both men walked the next street down and were picked up by a waiting car.

 

 

 

He was waiting at the Cheatin Heart having a couple of beers by the time Billie walked in. He stood up as she approached him, but when she leaned in to give him a kiss, he turned his face away. The expression on her face changed as she took the empty seat opposite him. She watched as he drank his beer and placed the empty glass back on the table.

 

“I haven’t seen much of you lately.”

 

“You wouldn’t have. I’ve been with my wife and daughter.” His expression was serious as he answered her. He kept his glance lowered and made little eye contact.

 

“Your wife and daughter…” Explanation understood, loud and clear she thought to herself.

 

He nods and sits back in the chair. “I just wanted to pay you back the money you loaned me… for the motel.”

 

She smiles a little at him, and shakes her head, forcing a laugh. “You could have mailed it.”

 

“I could have. But to be fair, I thought… I’d say goodbye in person.” “I’m really sorry Billie. You’ve been a good friend, but I just need to be…”

 

“No. No, you don’t have to say anything.” “Look, I always knew it was temporary. It’s my own fault I let myself hope for more.”

 

He shifts around in his seat, looking at her and down again at his empty beer glass. Her hands are on top of the table. She grasps them together, holding them tight as the seconds tick away. She doesn’t look directly at him, but keeps the smile on her face. Steve takes out the envelope from his shirt pocket and pushes it towards her. She just stares down at it then looks him in the face. She smiles at him again before taking it in her hands.

 

“I’m moving in with Kayla today.”

 

“I’m happy for you. I really am.”

 

Unable to look at her any longer, he gets his jacket and puts it on. “Well, I’d better get going. I’ll see you around?” He stands and looks down at her, as she remains seated.

 

“Of course. I’m not going anywhere.” Her eyes grew a bit teary, but she keeps herself steady. “Goodbye Steve.”

 

He takes a step beside her and places his hand on her arm a moment. He sighs and gives her a soft squeeze before heading out the door. Billie lets the tears fall as several drops land on the envelope in her hands.

 

 

 

It was a matter of being at the wrong place at the wrong time. The police report would mark it down as a tragedy, but most people would think it was fate. Sometimes, when you’re number is up, it doesn’t matter who you are, what age or family background you have. If it’s your time, the grim reaper makes no distinction between his victims. He’ll take anyone.

 

The three were as average as any sixteen year old could be. If they hadn’t decided that day to try beer for the first time, maybe their judgment wouldn’t have been impaired. But alcohol and foolishness usually went hand in hand, so when they saw the expensive car parked outside the motel, the idea of stealing for a joy ride was too great to pass up. They snickered and pushed at each other as one them picked at the door lock. All three piled in and the chosen driver pulled at the wire trying to jumpstart the car.

 

Kayla and Stephanie had returned from their lunch and were just approaching when they saw the strangers in their car. Kayla had stopped and looked at them in surprise. Stephanie yelled out to them as they looked up at her and laughed out loud.

 

“They’re stealing the car!” She started to run towards them as Kayla pulled on her arm to stop her. The car’s engine started then, and the explosion that followed a second later was strong enough to blow off the car’s roof off as its doors were thrown several feet away. The force of the bomb threw Kayla and Stephanie back several feet. The fire was raging as the three dead bodies burned briskly inside the mangled car. People started coming then, and the first sight Steve saw was his wife and daughter lying motionless and bloody on the street.

 

Falling to his knees, he grabbed Kayla in his arms first. “Baby, Sweetness! Oh God, please wake up. Please!” He looked around as the crowds grew around them and someone knelt down next to him.

 

“Steve what happened!” Billie asked as she reached over for Stephanie. She checked for injuries and saw blood running down Stephanie’s arm. She ripped a part of her skirt and used it to bind the wound. Stephanie started moaning then and tried to sit up as Billie put her arms around her. “Careful! You’ve hurt your arm.”

 

Kayla was still unconscious as Steve put her back down and saw the dark stain on her blouse. He carefully pulled away at the fabric and saw the deep gash on her abdomen. He took off his t-shirt and used it to stop the flow of blood.

 

“Call 911! Do It!” He screamed at Billie.

 

Someone from the crowd had grabbed a fire extinguisher and tried to put out the fire, but it kept burning. The crowd of spectators grew larger as Steve ran into his motel room to grab some blankets and towels. He returned and took the blood soaked shirt and replaced it with a towel. Stephanie was coming around and Billie wrapped a blanket around her.

 

“Dad?” She looked groggily up at him. “What happened? Mom! Mom!”

 

“Steve we’ve got to move them.” Billie yelled at him. “That car can go off any minute. I can smell the gasoline.”

 

“Can you handle her.” He motioned towards Stephanie. She nodded back at him as she carefully helped Stephanie to her feet and walked her towards the store across the alley. Steve took his wife in his arms as she emitted a cry of pain. He looked down at her face and saw her grimace trying to push away from him.

 

“Sweetness! I’m sorry, but just hold onto me. I’ve got to get us out of here.” He held her against him as he stood and joined Billie and Stephanie. The sound of the ambulance horns blasted through the crowds, clearing a wide path around the burning car. The fire department finally arrived and the water was forced upon the burning vehicle as the fire slowly burned down revealing the three figures inside. Steve was beside his wife as she was taken on the stretcher and placed inside the ambulance. Stephanie was being bandaged and watched as her mother opened her eyes and looked for her. She reached over and took Kayla’s hands in hers. Kayla gave her daughter the barest hint of a smile, then closed them again. The doors were closed as they were rushed to the hospital. Steve sat on the bench beside the paramedic and watched his daughter as she laid her head on her mother’s hand. He couldn’t see her face from where he sat, but he knew it was covered in tears as his own was.

 

 

 

Stephanie suffered minor injuries, the worst of which was the cut on her left arm. Shawn and Caroline came and took her home to the Pub with them. Roman ordered two officers to stand guard there. Another two were posted outside Kayla’s hospital room. Kayla suffered a deep gash to her abdomen and would need to stay at the hospital a day or two before being released. Other than that, she and Stephanie were lucky to have come away as they did. But Bo was no longer taking any chances with them. The three young men were buried just yesterday as families around the riverfront protested the danger that had crept into their small community.

 

Steve had stayed by Kayla’s bedside the past two days. Standing inside the doctor’s lounge with Bo, it was the first time in forty-eight hours that he had left her side. He changed into the clean clothes Bo had brought for him.

 

“Pop’s bringing Stephanie over this morning to see Kay.” Steve nodded at him but remained quiet. “Time’s up, man. You tell her now, or I will.”

 

“I almost lost them.” He whispered the words. He had barely slept since Kayla was brought in. They tried to get him to leave but he wouldn’t budge. When Stephanie had left to go home with Shawn and Caroline, he held her tightly in his embrace and kissed her half a dozen times before letting go. Kayla was supposed to be released today. The doctor examined her just an hour ago and said she was well enough to go home. Roman promised the officers would follow them to the house and stay on guard there.

 

The body of the man Steve had paid to watch Kayla and Stephanie was currently in the morgue below. The cause of death was written down as loss of blood due to a stabbing. In the papers, people assumed he has been involved in a drunken brawl that resulted in a knife fight, but Steve knew otherwise. John had some news too. Marlena had been found and he was bringing her home. He wouldn’t elaborate on her condition, only that they would talk when he got back into town.

 

“Well Steve?” Bo walked up to him and stood behind. He face was hard and angry. “I suggest you tell my sister right now that you remember who you are. I never should have agreed to keep quiet. I should have told Kayla the truth all this time. If I had, maybe those kids wouldn’t...”

 

Steve turned around to face him, but the color drained from his face as he looked passed his brother-in-law and saw Kayla and Stephanie standing just within the doorway looking at the two of them in shock. Her eyes were wide and her mouth fell open as she looked at him. She started shaking her head as if to dispel what she just heard, but the expression she saw on Bo’s guilty face just confirmed the truth. Steve had remembered who he was. He had known for some time now and he said nothing to her.

 

The pain grew swift inside her and shown through her eyes. They filled with tears as she walked closer to her husband. She searched his face and saw the recognition there. He looked back at her, broken and defeated and tried to apologize. “Sweetness, I’m sorry… I didn’t want to hurt you… I just… I’m sorry Kayla.”

 

“Papa? You remembered? Why… why didn’t you say anything. I don’t understand. Why didn’t you tell us?”  She started crying then. She had her arms around Kayla but removed them and stood across the room from him.

 

“Baby, I’m sorry!” He told her. “ I was just trying to protect you. I was trying to protect you and your mama.”

 

“But you should have told us? You should have told us!” She yelled back at him.

 

Kayla just watched him. Her cheeks were wet from her fallen tears. She stood unmoving, her eyes seeking him out as he came towards her and tried to take her in his arms.

 

“Please, Sweetness! You were in danger! I was just trying to protect you. I just didn’t want you to worry. I wasn’t trying to hurt you. Either of you.”

 

Bo had stood off to the side watching his sister. He wanted to say something, but there wasn’t any excuse he could come up with to explain his part in the deception. He was as much to blame as Steve for what had happened. He didn’t have to keep silent. No one forced him. Against his better judgment he went along with the lies and they backfired on him.

 

Steve reached out to take his wife in his arms as she suddenly lifted her hand and slapped him hard across his face. His head snapped back at the force of the strike. He turned back to her in surprise as she struck him again. Her face was a mass of anger now and she glared up at him. A small trickle of blood seeped from his lip. He grabbed a hold of her hand when she tried to strike him a third time. Holding it securely, but gently in his he held his stance in front of her.

 

“You never learn Steve.” She told him. “You’re still trying to play God with our lives. Well, not anymore. You’re never going to do that ever again.” She pulled her hand free from him and struck one more time as he staggered a few steps away from her. He put his hand up to his cheek and sat himself down at the nearest chair. He looked back at her and saw she wasn’t finished with him yet. God help him now, he prayed.

 

 

 

 

 

Fallen into Shadows

 

Part 10. With or without you, I can't live.

 

 

 

Bo was eyeing the door, but so far, had not made an attempt to leave the room. Kayla stood rubbing her right hand as Steve sat stunned into silence in front of her. His cheek was starting to turn red and he kept his hand over it. There was a slight throbbing on his lip, but the blood no longer flowed. Steve looked over to his brother-in-law, but Bo was choosing to remain quiet and out of his sister's view at the moment. He knew he was next on her list. Standing slowly and warily to his feet Steve faced his wife again and braved another confrontation with her.

"Mom, does your hand hurt? Do you want me to get an ice pack?" Stephanie came up to her and reached for Kayla's hand.

"No honey. It stings a little, but I'm fine. Why don't you wait outside with your grandfather."

"You sure?" Kayla nods back at her. "'I'll just get your bag then." She tells her and heads towards the door.

"Anyone going to ask how I'm doing?" Steve calls out to them. He rubs at his cheek now and wonders if a tooth has come loose. Bo walks over to him and tells him to keep quiet. Kayla gives her a hug before she leaves and lets her mother deal with her papa and Uncle Bo. Stephanie looks back at Steve; her eyes are full of tears as she slowly leaves the room. Kayla looks at her husband as he continues to rub at his cheek. The anger inside her grows again as she steps closer to him.

"Stop playing the injured victim Steve! You're fine."

"Fine, my jaw hurts like hell!" He snaps back at her.

Her eyes narrow at him and he takes a step back from her. Right, he thinks, this is definitely not going well for me.

"Don't you talk to me about pain, Steven Johnson. Don't you dare!"

"Sweetness...?"

"And don't Sweetness me either!" She starts walking around the room and spots Bo who shrinks back and sits himself down at a chair in the far corner of the room. "I can't believe you lied to me again... After everything... " She approached him and he cautiously looks back at her.

"All right, I was wrong! Wrong! I admit it!"

"Wrong? That the biggest understatement of the year! You just couldn't resist! You had to play God again with our lives. You did the same thing with Jack and I way back then, and when Marina came into our lives. You just had to be the one who made all the choices. "

"Look I wasn't doing that, I just wanted to protect you. I just didn't want you to worry!"

"Protect us? From who! Whom are you protecting us from?" She yelled back at him.

"I don't know yet. Bo and I... we're still trying to find out."

"You and Bo? That's what the two of you thought?" She glared at Bo then. "The two of you decided how mine and Stephanie's lives were going to play out?”

"Kay, I wanted to tell you...but?"

"But what? Someone forced you to keep quiet? Someone held a gun to your head? Taped your mouth shut?"

Bo shook his head and slumped back in the chair. "I have no excuses. I was being an idiot."

"Don't expect me to correct you." She told her brother then turned to face Steve. "So you kept us in the dark again. What is this? Some kind of thrill for you to try and come out looking like a hero?"

"No! It's nothing like that!"

"Than what is it, damn it!" She comes right up to him then and tries to stare him down, but her eyes are awash in tears. "You knew who you were and you said nothing. Do you know how my I prayed each night for you to remember? I thought... I thought I would wear a hole in my knees I prayed so much." "I'd cry myself to sleep every time I felt I was pushing you too hard and you'd turn away from me."

He looks at her, but falters as her tears start to fall. He reaches out a hand and almost touches, but pulls it back down as her pain crosses and enters him. It was inside him then, the longing, the guilt, the desperation she had felt.

"I kept praying, asking for the answers that would help you. I would ask for forgiveness when I thought I pushed too hard, or guidance to make the right choice." The tears came faster now. She found herself sobbing between each and every sentence. "I thought, please make him remember, even if it's a little bit everyday, just make him remember something, anything!"

Steve tried reaching for her again and grasped at her shoulder as she turned away from him. With her back towards him, he saw the slump in her shoulders. "I said to myself, it doesn't matter if he turns away from me, just let him remember his daughter. She loves her papa so much. Let him remember her now. I could wait, but Stephanie can't. She's waited her whole life for him. Please, just make him remember her."

Kayla pulls away from him and stops by the table. She still has her back to him a moment, but finally turns to face him again. "I don't... I don't know why you would keep that from us." She barely whispers the words.

Steve takes cautious steps towards her, trying to get as close as possible without actually touching. "Kayla...I.... thought I was protecting you. I was afraid you would be in more danger if you knew I had remembered. Someone was after us, all of us. I just didn't want to see that fear in your eyes. I didn't want you to be afraid."

"Afraid? Do you know what being afraid feels like to me? It's knowing the man you love with all your heart may never know you. It's knowing that at anytime, he can decide to leave you… and walk out of your life forever. It's seeing your daughter lose again the father she has cherished her whole life. It’s seeing the pain in her heart when her father looks at her, but can't return the love she has stored up for him since she was a baby. I prayed for a miracle, Steve. Every day that you were gone from our lives… I prayed that God would you bring you back to us and he did. But I didn't realize it came with a heavy price. I didn't realize that no matter how hard I tried and wished for you to just look at me with love in your eye just one more time, I may never get it. Not ever again. That's what I'm afraid of Steve. I am so afraid you would never let me love you again. That all I was meant to have was the five years we had together and no more." She broke down then. A waterfall of tears emptied itself within her. "How could you do this to us?"

He pulls her in his arms then. Whether she was willing or not, he wraps his arms around her as she sobs into his chest. Bo gets up from his chair and tries as quietly as he can to exit the room. Having her in his arms again, he tightens his hold. The years apart melts away as he holds her tenderly. She lifts her head and looks up at him. He gently touches her face and strokes her cheek with his fingers. As he starts to lean down towards her for a kiss, Kayla pulls herself away. He reached for her again, but she keeps herself at a distance from him. His hand grabs at hers as he pulls her towards him again.

"How long have you known?" She questions him again.

He looks back at her with sadness in his heart. The answer will only bring her more pain. "Since the night of the shooting at the pub."

Instead of another outburst, she smiles faintly at him before she looks away. "Stephanie said you were different that night. She told me she felt something change within you. I didn't believe her."

"Kayla...?"

"That was almost two weeks ago. You've known for two weeks." She says painfully and tries to walk away from him, but he refuses to let her go. "That explains your behavior. It makes sense now, why you were always coming around. Why all of a sudden you wanted to spend all your time with us? I guess I must have been really blind not to see... I should have figured it out when you agreed to move it."

Steve pulls her back towards him and holds her face in his hands. "Baby, look at me?" Kayla tries to avert her eyes, but he keeps her face to him. "Sweetness, please! I know saying I'm sorry isn't enough, but you have to know, I never wanted to hurt you. I love you so much! I love you Kayla. I love you! Please, baby, please give me a chance. Please let me try to make things right. I didn't want to hide anything from you. If I could change things I would. I'd tell you everything from the start. But I'm asking you to please give me a chance. Please Sweetness!"

Her eyes fill with tears again as she gazes up at him. She can feel the pounding of her heart, beating deeply in her chest. He was looking at her, the way she had dreamed of all these weeks. There was tenderness there and longing. She searched some more and found pain too. The pain mirrored her own and left scars within both of them. But she was tired of the pain; she grew weary of all the hurt and anger.

"Will you tell me everything that's happened? I couldn't bare it if you shut me out now."

"I'll tell you everything I know. I won't lie to you again." He whispered the words softly to her. The love was there for her to have. She only needed to reach for it and it would be hers for all time. Steve gazed lovingly down at her. He offered her the love that was overflowing in his heart. There were no doubts, no confusion. His heart had always been hers. He only gave back to her what she had always owned.

"Then let's go home. I want to go home, Steve."

She reached up to embrace him as he held her securely and gently. Steve looked towards the door and through the glass opening saw Stephanie watching them. Her expression was one of worry and concern. She questioned him with her eyes and looking at her, he finds himself answering her back with a smile.

 

 

Her hand was pressed up against the bandages as Kayla sat herself down in the loveseat. The wound was throbbing again and she would need to take a painkiller soon. Stephanie had gone to the kitchen to get her some water as Steve carried her bag upstairs. Her gaze followed him as he walked up the stairs and disappeared from view. Her stomach grumbled a bit too and she remembered someone had to fix lunch. When Stephanie returned, she swallowed two pills and laid her head back against the sofa cushions closing her eyes.

“Mom? Do you want to go upstairs and lie down?”

“No, baby. I’m okay. Just let me rest a minute. Are you hungry, honey?”

“Starved!” Stephanie grinned back at her.

Kayla smiled at her and sat back up. “Just as soon as the pills kick in, I’ll go and make us some lunch.”

“No, mom! I’ll just go and pick us up something!”

“Stephanie wait…”

Steve came back down just then and saw his daughter putting on her jacket. “Where do you think you’re going?”

“To the pub to get some lunch.”

“You’re not going anywhere. Look, there’s someone out there waiting for you to just to go off alone.”

“Papa, I’m just going to the pub. I’ll be fine there.”

“No. No, you’re staying here with your mama. I’ll fix lunch.”

“Mom, can you tell him it’s okay for me to go?” She looks to her mother for help, but Steve is having none of it.

“You just listen to me and leave your mom alone so she can rest.” He walks over to Kayla and sees her sitting comfortably. He looks back up at Stephanie who stands by the coffee tables still wearing her jacket.

“Dad, you’re going overboard here.”

“Don’t sass me baby. I didn’t imagine any of the three attempts on your lives these past two weeks.”

“Honey. Your papa’s right. Just come here and keep me company. Okay?”

“This is so juvenile mom!” Stephanie flops herself down next to Kayla as her mother reaches over and puts her arm across her shoulders giving her a quick hug and kiss. Stephanie pouts back at her father and Steve turns around to enter the kitchen. He suddenly comes back into the room and calls out to her again.

“And don’t think about disappearing after lunch. You’re doing the dishes.”

Stephanie opens her mouth to protest but Steve has walked away. Kayla watched her daughter grumble knowing she won’t be getting away with things anymore. Keeping her head turned so Stephanie can’t see, she smiles before closing her eyes to rest.

 

 

“Papa, one of the cops can go with me to the garage.”

“No.”

“Fine, you go with me to the garage.”

“No.”

“You’re being unreasonable, you know that!” Stephanie angrily argues back with him. She goes over to the windows and sees the two officers her uncle Roman sent to watch over them. It’s been three days since they came home and they only went out once, all together to visit her grandparents at the Pub. Her uncle Bo came by just yesterday. He and Steve spent the morning talking about the evidence found in the car wreckage. When she tried to listen in, they had her go upstairs to check if Kayla needed anything. Now uncle Bo was coming over today and he and her dad were going off somewhere to do some more investigating. She heard her father come up to her as she stood by the window. She was angry with him that morning. She turned back to glare at him and he grabs at her shoulders and pulls her close.

“And I love you more than anything in the world, do you know that!” He told her.

She puts her arms around him and gives him one of those hugs she reserves only for her dad. “I’m such a brat, aren’t I?” She tells him afterwards. Steve just smiles down at her and ruffles her hair. “Well thanks a lot for not disagreeing!” She laughs in return.

“Look baby, I know you’re feeling restless being cooped up here, but it’s just dangerous for you to go out. These people... who ever they are, they’re getting bolder. Can you just try and trust your papa to take care of things?”

Stephanie nods back at him. He had told them everything he knew so far. During their first night back from the hospital, all three sat around the dining room table as he told them what happened the day he went to check up on the company Brymera. He mentions taking the road by the lake and getting a vision of a dark paneled room. Then he gets a pain in his chest and end up crashing his car in the ditch. Walking to the house for some help, he picks at the door lock letting himself in and finding the owner, Portia Lansing upstairs. She helped him, bandaging up his wound and letting him stay the night. It was there that he kept having vision of a small dark room. He also experiences sharp overwhelming pain that nearly kills him. When he questions Portia about, he remembers who she is and finds out she was the one who took his memory away through hypnosis. She had put some sort of mental block on him making certain the only way he would remember is if she let him.

The reason she did what she did was to save his life. The person responsible was going to kill him, all of them because Steve found out something that threatened him. When he got caught in the boat accident, they had easy access to him at the hospital. Portia stepped in then and begged to save his life. She made the person agree that if she could remove his memory, thereby also removing the threat, he would be spared.

He tells them about going below to a hidden secret room there and having his memory returned to him. He looks at Kayla then and she sees something else within him, something he’s not telling her then, but before she can question him on it, he continues with his story. Steve mentions how everything changed when he remembered. That Portia betrayed their enemy by helping him and it placed their lives in danger again. He tells them of a death list. It’s a list of people Steve knows and loves and one by one, people will die if he doesn’t keep quiet.

Taking her hand in his, Steve tells Kayla, Jack was suppose to die first because he found him and brought him back home, but he was passed over since he was already dying then. Another name was chosen and he tells her they killed Marcus. Kayla breaks out in tears as Steve holds her. She sobs uncontrollably within his arms. Stephanie sits silently next to her mom looking down at her hands. She never met Marcus Hunter, but she had heard all about him from her mom. He was the best friend her dad ever had. Steve swallows hard and takes several deep breaths before Kayla pulls away and sits back in her chair. Her face shimmers with tears, but she looks encouragingly back at him.

He looks both Kayla and Stephanie in their eyes and tells them they are next on the list. That’s why so many attempts have been made on their lives and more will come until they complete their mission. That’s why he tried so hard to protect them. Whoever was behind this wasn’t going to stop until the both of them were dead.

After a moment of silence he pulls out the set of car keys Portia gave him. He says it was her car that he had been driving. He also points out the safe deposit box key and says he went to the bank and found what Portia left for him. He gets up and returns with the bankbook, statements, the company information on Brymera his friend got for him, the financial reports and stock papers from the desk in the living room. He shows them the bank account Portia set up for him and says all that money was suppose to be severance pay for the last sixteen years. He also shows them the company stocks and says they are legal and he currently owns thirty percent of the company. In the financial reports, he points to the line that shows how much the company is valued at today’s market. Both Kayla and Stephanie look back at him in shock. He also says the DiMera family seems to own Brymera and it won’t be long before they come after him for the stocks.

He takes all of the papers and places them in a pile. Stopping for a moment he takes several deep breaths then continues and says to them that Portia is dead. Her body was found a week ago floating in the lake. She was shot in the heart. Kayla reaches over and takes Stephanie’s hand in hers. Steve also mentions that he hired some guy from the waterfront area to watch them secretly. He was just some guy he met at the Cheatin Heart, who wouldn’t have minded getting his hands dirty or doing something illegal to protect them, so long as he was paid. That man was found stabbed to death the day of the car bombing.

Stephanie shivered when she recalled what Steve revealed to them that night. She went to check the thermostat and turned up the heat. It was very chilly that day. The weather had turned so cold over the past couple of days. Glancing once more outside, she watched the officers standing by the pathway. They looked cold and she thought she should go out there and bring them some coffee. Her dad had gone upstairs to check on Kayla and now returned carrying his jacket.

“We won’t be gone long.” He told her. “Bo thinks they found something unusual about the device used for the car bomb. You stay here and watch over your mama. Will you do that for me, baby?”

She nods and smiles back at him. “Dad? You said… you were in pain when you got your memory back.”

“Yeah, I was.”

“You don’t hurt anymore? Do you?”

“No baby.” He strokes his fingers through her hair and cups her face in his hand. “ It doesn’t hurt anymore.”

“I’m glad.” She hugs him then as someone knocks at the door. Steve looks through the peephole before opening. Bo comes in, giving Stephanie a quick hug before turning back to Steve.

“Ready to go.”

“Yeah. Let’s do it.”

“How’s Kayla doing?”

“She’s good! Her injury’s much better. This shouldn’t take more than an hour, right?”

“An hour tops. “Bo tells him. “Right, I’ve got my car running. Be careful kiddo.” He tells Stephanie before walking back outside.

Steve gives his daughter a kiss on her forehead and follows Bo out the door. “Stay inside.” He calls back to her. “And don’t answer the door to any strangers.” Stephanie locks the door and leans against it for a moment. She goes into the kitchen and starts the coffee maker, then looks through the cabinets for a thermos all the while humming her favorite song.

 

 

“I could smell the coffee from the staircase. Think I could have a cup?” Kayla entered the kitchen as Stephanie was pouring the coffee into a thermos. She took a cup from the shelf and poured a cup for her mom, before setting the kettle back on the stove. “That’s nice of you honey. I’m sure they’ll appreciate it.”

“Dad got some muffins this morning. I’ll give them a few of those too.”

Kayla got herself some cream and sugar then brought her cup over to the breakfast table. She took a seat and reached for one of the muffins. Stephanie joined her as Kayla offered her half of the muffin.

“Dad just left about ten minutes ago.” She told her mom. “He told me to watch over you until he returns.”

Kayla smiled back at her daughter and took a sip of coffee. She watched Stephanie as her daughter picked away at the muffin in front of her, not eating it, but just rolling it around on the napkin. “Something wrong honey?’ She asked her.

“Mom, this has been the craziest two weeks I’ve ever known. What are we suppose to do? We can’t stay locked up in this house for the next couple of months. I’d go crazy.”

“I know baby, but at least we’re safe here. Hopefully your father and Bo can figure something out soon. I hate this too, but there’s nothing much we can do about it yet.”

“He won’t even let me go to the garage, mom!”

“Stephanie… I thought we settled that already.”

“Look… there’s nothing… going on there. Max made that clear, but I just like being there. We’re still friends and we can talk about racing and all that.”

“Okay, I’ll talk to your father when he gets back. Maybe he’ll agree to take you there this afternoon. Now don’t go celebrating yet. I said maybe he would.”

Stephanie smiled back at her then got up from the table. She grasped the thermos and the small bag of muffins and walked towards the front door. When she opened it, she found herself face to face with a tall blond haired man who stared back at her with the most expressive blue eyes. He had a huge smile on his face as he looked down at her. Behind him stood the two officers.

“Excuse me miss. This person here says he knows your parents.”

The blond man took out a piece of paper and wrote something down before handing it over for her to read. She switched the bag of muffins to her left hand and took the paper he offered. She read his note and looked back at him in surprise. He wrote, Hi! You must be Stephanie, I’m Benji.”

Stephanie handed the thermos of coffee and bag to one the officers and told them it was okay. He was an old family friend. She motioned for him to come in and closed the door behind him. She led him to the sofa and again motioned for him to take a seat. He smiled back at her as he sat down. She called out to her mom then.

“Mom? We have a visitor!”

Kayla came out from the kitchen into the living room. “A visitor?” She looked the man now standing beside her daughter. He took a step towards her and started signing. “Hi Kayla. It’s so nice to see you again.”

“Benji?” He smiled and nodded at her. She went and gave him a big hug as Stephanie watched them. She remembered her mom talking about the small boy that she and her papa found during their honeymoon. They had taken him in for a while before he went to live with his grandfather. He came back to see them again, when they remarried. Now she was finally meeting him in person.

Kayla started signing. “I wish you had let us know you were coming. Steve will be so happy to see you.”

“He’s the reason why I’m here.” He told her. “I’m here to help him.”

“Is there something wrong?” She asked him.

“I’m not sure? I just need to talk to Steve first.”

“He had to go out, but he should be back soon.”

He looked over at Stephanie then and signed again to Kayla. “She’s all grown up now.”

“Yes, she’s not a baby anymore.”

“No. She’s a very beautiful woman. Just like her mother.”

Kayla had interpreted for her daughter and found Stephanie blushing at the compliment. She was looking at Benji who smiled back at her with sparkling eyes.

 

 

Steve saw the strange car and rushed into the house. He immediately went up to Kayla and asked if everything was okay. Bo came in running after him. Stephanie ended up being the one who told him Benji was there. Steve looked the young man over and pulled him into his arms for a hug. He then took his face in his hands and smiles back. Benji looks at the man who had taken care of him so long ago, the man who was more of a father to him than his real one.

“Hey look at you! Damn! You’ve grown big dude!” Steve told him then playfully slapped his cheek. “So tell me. What are you doing here?”

“My father.” Benji signed back to him.

“Your father?” The thought of the stocks came to him. “He knows then?”

“Yes. He’s sent many men after you.”

“I know. He’s already made a few attempts on their lives.” He points to Kayla and Stephanie.”

“I have something that may help.” He pulls out an envelope from beneath his coat pocket and hands it over to Steve. “I want you to know, I’m here to help you. To help you.” He repeats.

Steve takes the envelope and opens it. Bo comes over to see what’s inside. There are several pieces of paper. Put together, they are a copy of the DiMera family tree. Bo looks at Steve then Benji before taking a seat on the couch. Glancing quickly at the papers, Steve finds Portia’s name near Stefano’s. She was his cousin. Their father’s were half brothers.

 

 

Benji unpacks his things and places them in one of the drawers Steve has cleared out. He pulls back the covers on the bed as Steve enters the room to get some of his things.

“You got everything you need?”

“I’m fine.” Benji signs back at him. “This is your room?” Steve nods. “Why aren’t you with Kayla?”

He looks at him and sighs loudly. “You know dude, that’s a good question.” “See you tomorrow.”

“Goodnight Steve.” He says as Steve goes downstairs to sleep on sofa. Lying in the dark, Steve feels at the chain around his neck and at the ring that hangs there. He hears someone coming down the stairs and turns his head to find Kayla walking towards him. He pulls himself up as she sits at the end of the sofa.

“You okay down here?” She seems flustered and a bit uneasy. Her eyes look quickly at him before casting her gaze downward.

“Yeah. It’s not bad.”

“Could I get you some more blankets or another pillow?”

“No. I’m good”

She nods at him and looks around the room, avoiding eye contact. “It’s a surprise isn’t it, having Benji show up like that.”

“Yes.” He says softly. There are no lights, but he doesn’t need them to see her. He could feel her next to him.

“Well... I guess I’d better get some sleep.” She gets up slowly and starts walking back to the staircase. She turns back to see him looking at her. She wets her lips nervously and she takes the first step. “Good night Steve.”

“Goodnight Sweetness.” He says as she climbs back up the stairs. Lying back down, he pulls out the ring he has been wearing around his neck. He puts it to his lips before placing it back under his shirt.