Kayla gave him that look when he told her about John. Steve wasn�t even going to argue with her. Anything not to cause her distress was his utmost priority, but it didn�t mean he wasn�t worried about the strain of a long journey. Pulling out their suitcases, she already started gathering clothes from the closet, plus adding a few assorted toiletries. Kayla just went in for another checkup not too long ago, but Steve was still worried

"Maybe we could have you checked out when we get to London. You know, Jennifer could maybe� contact her doctor or something?"

"We don�t need that. This is just a simple trip across the ocean. I think I can handle it relatively well."

"But it�s not just a trip, baby! I�ve got to dig for information too� and I have to go back to Lansing�s home." He sighed aloud.

Kayla paused a moment and went over to where he sat on their bed. She thought for a moment of how this trip was affecting him. It really wasn�t just a question of returning to seek information, but more the physical act of entering Lansing�s home again that seemed to be causing Steve distress. When they were there last time, the visit lasted just under two hours and not once was he relaxed while inside the house.

Steve had not spoken much about his captivity there, nor of how he felt having to return to that prison. Kayla could practically feel how tense he was becoming. Just watching her pack for the journey and he started to get all agitated and fidgety. All she knew was Greyson Lansing was dead and her husband was freed. If he had to return, he wasn�t doing it alone.

"Will you be all right� if we had to stay there?"

Steve�s head snapped up at the realization and it dawned on him, the answers may not be that easily accessible. If they had to do a thorough search of the man�s things, it would make sense to just stay there. He really didn�t know what to think, but he could feel his hands grow cold and a nervous hollow feeling appear in the pit of his stomach.

He wanted to tell her they could always get rooms at the Inn again, but it made him sound fearful. The house was just that, a house made of brick and wood and stone. If it made him uncomfortable, it was because Steve lent it power to scare and haunt him. His past as Gabriel wasn�t pretty, but it was nothing he would shrink from. What ate at him was the prison. Those four walls kept him hidden away for too many years. Returning to it was something he thought never to do.

Steve took Kayla�s hand in his and brought it to his lips a moment as she continued to watch him. He tried smiling, as big a smile as he could muster, but it still fell short of what she deserved. "As long as I have you by my side, Sweetness�I�ll be okay."

"You�ll always have me, Steve. I�m here� for you." Ruffling her fingers through his hair, she leaned over and softly kissed his cheek before standing. "Just lean on me if you need too. I�m strong. I won�t break."

"I know that baby, but� it�s not just you in all this." With that, Steve placed his hand on her tummy and rubbed small circles again. "I got to think of you and this little one here. This is not a fun adventure type of trip. John�s all Gun-ho about finding out what happened to this family, he thinks he had before. If Lansing was involved with that, there�s no telling how John will react."

"I just can�t believe Stefano would do something like that."

"He did it with me baby."

"But that was for revenge."

"Maybe this was too."

"But what could John have done�" The words trailed off as Kayla recalled Stefano�s anger towards John. She thought then of how, when she thought he was her brother, he had also been imprisoned and brainwashed to be another of Stefano�s men. Back then it was Benjy who suffered under a mistake John made. "Benjy�s deafness!"

Steve nodded and pressed his lips tightly together. "The time frame would fit. That was before he ended up here in Salem, so Stefano could easily have kidnapped his family as punishment."

"If it is the same woman and child, Greyson must have proof somewhere."

"That�s what we�re all hoping for. John thinks it could be a starting point into finally finding out what happened to him."

"How does Marlena feel about all this?"

"Right now? She more worried about Belle and Claire. They haven�t heard from her or Shawn. Bo doesn�t expect them to make any contact, incase Victor or Philip may overhear or are watching."

"But she�s got to know how this is affecting John?"

"I think she does know� and she�s scared, Baby."

"I would be too."

Getting to his feet, Steve takes Kayla into his arms, holding her close to him for a couple of minutes. She places her head just under his chin and he rubs her back, calming any fears she may be feeling. "You�ve got nothing to worry about there, Sweetness. I was too busy trying to escape. Anyway, no one would marry a man with no name, or someone who calls himself the third Gabriel." He tried to joke about it, but Kayla was still upset.

"I could understand how she would feel... if there is a chance she could lose the man she loves." Looking up at him, he sees her eyes grow misty. "I think I'd kill anyone who tried to take you away from me again."

His eye opened wide at her declaration. Steve always knew Kayla would fight for him, no matter what, but to have her actually say the words out right? It made him feel so cherished and loved beyond what he ever expected. People dying or willing to die for someone like Kayla was expected, but for him? Steve may have thought it, even secretly believed it was true, but it was the first time she truly said the words aloud. It was a humbling thought and it left him momentarily speechless.

"Baby... you never cease to amaze. I think you must be the only person in the world who would say something like that."

"Why is it so hard for you to believe how much you mean to me?"

"I believe it... I do. But sometimes I wonder... I think I shouldn't."

"Why? Because you don't feel worthy?"

"Maybe... or maybe I'm being selfish in wanting it."

"Well if you're selfish, then I am too... and so it Bo and Hope and John? Cause we all want and expect it."

Finding himself grinning down at her, he had to chuckle too. It wasn't just anyone man who get end up with a wife like Kayla. "You know women like you should come with warning labels. It's misleading to guys like me who fall prey to your sweet innocent looks only that find himself trapped by a ferociously protective woman hiding behind a pretty mask."

"Perhaps you just chose to ignore the warning signs. I've never hidden myself from you."

"I never looked. I didn't want to look with you. I just wanted... you."

"Do you still... want... me?" When Kayla's hands reached his shoulders, she pulled slightly at the fabric of his shirt as his head came down towards her and met her lips in an eager kiss.

Her lips opened as their tongues met and he deepened the kiss. When they fell down on the bed. Steve pushed away at the open suitcase, hearing it fall loudly to the floor as he turned back into his wife's embrace. Her hands were already working at the buttons on his shirt and quickly removing it, started on the buckle of his pants next. Steve tried to distract her, by placing kisses along her neck and cheek, but Kayla freed him of his pants moments later.

When he felt her hands upon his exposed back, he lifted himself off her as she was divesting herself off the blouse she wore. She saw him stop and paused in her movements as well. There was a bewildered look on her face as she saw he look down at the small round mound at her tummy.

"Baby? Do you think we should?"

Her eyes spread wide as she thought she must have imagined him actually posing the question. "Should what? Make love?" Nodding at her, Kayla was incredulous as to why the question was made at all. "Don't you want to?" She asked.

"Oh, Baby... yes, but maybe... we have to get up early tomorrow and you'll be tired if we... I don't want you to overexert yourself."

"I just want to make love to my husband, not run a marathon."

When he didn't make a move, Kayla did it for him. Her hands went to hold his face as she brought him down to her, then rolled him onto his back as she pushed herself over him. His arms came around her back and held her there above him. Her breasts were pressed against his chest, as their kisses grew longer and deeper. When Kayla finally rose to remove the rest of her clothing, Steve leaned up slightly to help her, then they both came back down on the bed.

She started placing small kisses along his chin and down towards his ear, when she bit gently at his earlobe and a groan came from his lips. Soothing the same spot with her lips, she whispered softly, as Steve felt himself gulp.

"Do you feel tired Steve?"

"No, I don't Baby." He told her as his voice came out raspy and harsh.

"That's good." She told him as her tongue swirled just inside his earlobe. "I'm not tired either." She added as her hands reached down to find him and she smiled against his cheek.

**********

Yawning slightly, Kayla walked behind Steve as he carried both their suitcases from the car. The private airstrip had it's own parking lot, as they had parked their car and approached the jet plane just on the other side of the small terminal building. An airport official stood waiting with John as their bags were taken and placed on board by one of the plane's attendants. Still waiting for daybreak, the dim early morning shadows passed around them as not too far off in the distance, the first shoots of the rising sun were just visible on the horizon.

Handing their passports over for inspection, the airport personnel checked off on his important looking ledger and handed them back. Marlena stood just a few feet away watching and not joining in or making any attempt to. From where she stood, Kayla could see right off, but she was almost certain the woman had been crying. She could feel her sadness and misery from across the fifteen feet that separated them. Looking over at the plane a moment, Steve saw the captain emerge and tip his hat to them, then joined the rest of his crew on the ground.

He turned to face John, who had kept a stony expression on his face for the last few minutes. Looking over his shoulder, Steve could see Marlena look longing at them. "John... maybe should..." He told him motioning with his head to where the woman stood.

"Marlena's fine." He answered him. "Maybe we should get going."

"Aren't you forgetting someone? Elliot's not here yet."

"Well he better hurry up." John answered harshly then looked down. He took several deep breaths before turning to face his wife. He didn't like seeing her like this, all broken and teary eyed. They had already argued that she should have stayed home while he left to go to the airport, but she insisted on coming. He hesitated only a moment before he walked back to where she stood and took her in his arms.

The relief on her face clearly showed how anxious she had been. They remained embraced as Steve looked away and focused instead on his wife. Kayla smiled warmly at him as the rising sunlight illuminated her fine features. Casting a soft glow around them. The airfield brightened more and more, the sunbeams bouncing off the metal from the plane; bringing sharp sparks of light at different angles. When Elliot finally arrived, most of the dim shadows from the previous night had already retreated and true daylight had was at hand.

He was approached by the official first. "Your passport sir?"

Taking only a momentary glance, Elliot was quickly cleared and all necessary papers were signed off and given to John. Wishing them all a good flight, they were left alone as the airport personnel returned inside the building and gave the go ahead for the flight clearance. Elliot's bags joined theirs on board as one by one, John's flight crew re-entered and boarded the plane.

The younger man looked to where John and Marlena were, watching their goodbyes, before walking over to Steve. It had been an early morning for all of them, but Elliot looked remarkably well, considering the circumstances. Steve got a whiff again of the man's cologne and wrinkled his nose slightly at the scent. Kayla narrowed her eyes at him, as he turned his head to the left, hoping the morning breeze would cleanse the air around him and send the fragrance downward and in the opposite direction.

"Be careful." Marlena tearfully whispered before John kissed her one last time.

"Don't worry, Doc, I always am." She hugged him again as he felt her tremble in his arms and she finally pulled away. Taking her face in his hands and gave her another kiss. When he finally stepped away, the captain came back out to tell them they had been given clearance and could leave.

"Go back inside where's it's warm." John told her, but Marlena just shook her head at him.

"I'll wait right here. I want to see you take off."

Smiling back, he playfully brushed at her cheek before turning away and joining the rest of his party. "We've been given clearance. Time to go."

Boarding the plane, Kayla went in first followed by Steve, then Elliot. John stayed at the door and looked once more at his wife, before entering and closing the door behind him. Taking his seat by the window, he faced Steve and Kayla as Elliot sat at his side. The captain announced take off would commence in five minutes as they all buckled up and prepared themselves.

Steve reached over to take Kayla's hands in his. John noted the movement, but said nothing. He closed his eyes as the planes engines sounded and they began to taxi down the runway. He opened them briefly to look out the window, catching one last glimpse of Marlena before she disappeared from his view. Steve leaned slightly over to his wife, seeing her looking a little pale.

"Are you all right, Sweetness?"

"I'm fine, really."

"You look pale to me. As soon as we reach cruising level, I'll get you something to eat and drink."

"Still trying to over feed me?"

"Something like that." He smiled back at her.

When the plane came to a halt, the captain announced they were ready to take off. The engines grew louder as the plane bounced slight then gained speed. When the cabin began it�s upward tilt, all of them were pushed slightly back in their seats as the aircraft lifted off the ground and rose into the air. For several minutes, the angle of their ascent remained the same until the plane began to level and the pressure eased off.

John still sat with his eyes closed across from them. Elliot had remained nearly silent since they boarded the plane and as Steve finally looked to the fourth member of their party, he found the younger man smiling curiously at him. The man's smile was beginning to bother him, as it grew larger while his discomfort grew as well. Steve looked over at Kayla and saw her watching Elliot too. Her confusion mirrored his, and she gave him a small shrug of her shoulders.

Waiting for John to break the silence first, it was Steve's loud sigh that echoed in the cabin instead as Elliot finally found his voice and spoke first.

"I thank you, for accompanying me. I would have found it difficult to attend my father's funeral alone."

Steve wanted nothing more than to tell him that was the last reason on earth, but he held his tongue. Technically, he would be there for Lansing burial. At least that thought gave him some comfort. It may have seemed cruel, but seeing his jailer put under ground brought a good deal of satisfaction, even if he wasn't able to personally do it himself.

Kayla answered for the two of them since Steve seemed to have lost his voice as well as his manners. "I'm glad we could go to. No one should have to go alone to a funeral."

"Yes. I know Stephanie would have wanted to attend too."

At the sound of his daughter's name, Steve perked himself up in his seat and turned his full attention on the man seated across from him. "She was busy." Steve informed him, though Elliot already knew that fact.

"And so she has told me. But... I would have enjoyed her company on this trip very much." Smiling to himself, Elliot thought about Stephanie's luminous face and felt himself smile even more. Steve saw that smile and scowled in return. "When I'm with her, I never feel as lonely... as I know I am. She's quite remarkable, your daughter. It really is quite a shame she couldn't come with me."

"With me!" Steve thought to himself. "Oh man, are you digging yourself a hole. Keep it up junior." Steve thought. He turned to Kayla a moment and stared at her intently, giving her a look he knew she would understand. His wife smiled back in understanding, but also in compassion for the younger man who would soon feel Steve's disapproval. Kayla looked to Elliot and saw his smile in full bloom, while the scowl on Steve's face just grew larger and larger still. John still kept his eyes closed, removing himself from their conversation. Kayla sighed once and wished she had done the same.

**********

When Elliot opened the door into his London townhouse, Steve really expected at least two if not five servants to come popping out to take their things. Feeling like he just stepped into the world of Eliza Doolittle, Steve looked straight up at the high-vaulted ceiling, eyeing the massive chandelier that took center space. It easily weighed several hundred pounds and probably cost twice any amount he was currently thinking of.

"This is really nice of you." Kayla told him first as they gathered in one of the open rooms on their left. Double doors were pushed aside to reveal a massive size room that that ran nearly half the length of the house. Across from the foyer was another equally large room followed by a formal dining hall at its rear.

The staircase ran up four floors as both Steve and John looked up, then back at each other.

"We could have easily stayed with my brother-in-law and his family or gotten rooms at a hotel�" Kayla added as Elliot shook his head at her.

"I couldn�t allow that Doctor Johnson. Please make yourselves at home."

Steve strolled into the massive room, spotting the marbled fireplace and grand piano. "Nice digs you got here. It�s just so homey� and inviting isn�t it, Sweetness?"

But Kayla just ignored him and took a seat at the nearest chair. "I should still call Jack and Jennifer� let them know we�ve arrived."

"I can do that later baby." Steve went over to his wife and took the seat next to her. "Are you feeling tired? Maybe you should get some rest first."

Turning back to Elliot, he stood as the younger man reached a desk by the wall and checked for messages on the house phone. Elliot picked up the phone then and pressed on number, speaking immediately as the other person answered at once.

"Yes, are the rooms ready? Good. Excellent. Please have their bags sent up."

When Elliot hung up, his three guests eyed him with mild curiosity as he explained the call. "That was the housekeeper. All your rooms have been prepared and tea will be sent in shortly. So if you�ll follow me�" He told them as he started walking towards the staircase, pausing just at the bottom as they followed after him. "�I�ll show you two your rooms. This way." He explained as they all ascended the staircase.

The second floor held a Billiards room, ladies sitting room and Elliot�s office. It also had two large guest rooms of which one was offered to Steve and Kayla. They opened the doors to reveal a room almost as large as their living room at home. A sitting area came first with a fireplace on the side wall, the bed chamber slightly hidden from view, but peeking out from around the corner.

"I thought you would prefer a room closer to the ground floor."

"Thank you, Elliot." As Kayla stepped in, with Steve following, a servant came in shortly after them, leaving their bags just by the sofa. Neither of them had noticed where the young man came from and he left as quickly as he came in, with every intention of being unnoticed.

Their host smiled and mentioned again to consider his home as their own. "Tea and cakes should be brought up shortly. If you�ll excuse, I�ll show Mr. Black to his room. Enjoy your rest." He said as he backed out and closed the door behind them. John was led up the next floor and given a room one door away from Lansing�s own bedchamber. It was just as spacious as the Johnson quarters, but darker, more masculine colors were predominantly present in this room.

"Quite a few rooms you got here." John asked him as he took a quick look around. He narrowed his eyes slightly, but saw nothing amiss, other than everything looked very expensive.

"I usually have many guests visit when I�m in town. It�s to my benefit to have the available space for them."

"And the next floor up. I take it those are for the�help."

"Yes, they house the servants quarters, as well as the attic." He was anything if not gracious.

The same young man who brought up Steve and Kayla�s bags now knocked on the door as Elliot motioned for him to enter. Placing John�s bag by his bedside. He gave a quick nod towards his employer the quickly exited the room.

Taking off his coat, John laid it down on a chair in the sitting area and looked around for a phone. Elliot stood just within the door, quietly watching for a few moments before speaking up again. "There�s a phone on your bedside table, Mr. Black."

John quickly turned and spotted in, then looking back, he gave Elliot a smile of thanks. "It gets rather chilly during this time of the year. I�ll have one of the servants come up and build your fire." Glancing casually at his watch, he took hold of the door and prepared to exit. "If you have everything you need, I�ll be leaving you for now. I have some business to attend to and maybe be off to visit with my father�s solicitor. If you or Mr. or Dr. Johnson require anything, please dial number four on the house phone and the housekeeper will attend to you."

"You�re going out?"

"I may have too. I�m certain there are certain things� that must be attended too for the funeral tomorrow. If I don�t see any of you tonight� I�ll be sure to join you all at breakfast tomorrow." He turned to leave then, but stopped again and mentioned the trip to Barnstaple, Devon. "I�ll arrange for our train tickets as well, so you needn�t concern yourself over that matter. And of course, my invitation also extends to being my guests at the house in the country."

"You�re being extremely generous."

"If you say so, Mr. Black." He grew silent for a moment, a small strange look appearing on his face like a shadow crossing over his features before brightened up again. "I hope you will discover what it is you seek while in Devon."

"That is� why I came here."

"I honestly don�t know what my father�s things hold, but if you and Mr. Johnson need answers, they should be there." He told him and turned to leave.

"Elliot!" John suddenly called out as he walked to the door and faced the younger man. "You lived here the entire time that Steve was held captive?" Looking down almost in shame, he nodded back to him. "Did you see Stefano bring him here?"

"No. The first time I saw my uncle was when he came to take my mother away. He visited her at her house in Salem a few more times� but I always found an excuse not to be present when he was there."

"You don�t like that man, I take it?"

For a moment, Elliot�s eyes darkened to pure black pools and a harshness slashed across his features. "I hate him." He said in a deadly calm voice.

"Is that a fact?" John inquired, almost comically.

"It is." And with that Elliot closed the door and walked back down the stairs.

**********

Taking the cup and saucer from her hands and placing it temporarily on the night stand, Steve pulled at the bed cover and motioned for Kayla to go in. "All right, Sweetness, get in there."

Sitting up against the pillows, Kayla looked back at him, a sultry look in her eyes as she held onto his hand. He was trying to place the sheets up around her, but she wasn't cooperating. "Come in here with me."

"None of that now. You need your rest." He ordered her.

"I can rest better if you are next to me."

"I'm not tired... but I know you are." She gave him a small pout as his eye rose at her mischief. "That won't work with me baby."

Her hand touched him next and started an upward climb as she leaned forward and kissed the open skin at his neck. Steve felt her tongue at the hollow in his throat and he swallowed hard. Hearing her soft sigh, he had to stop her before things went too far. When his hands took hold of her shoulders and he tried pushing her back down, she grabbed onto him and pulled him down with her. Steve twisted his mouth feeling her grow soft beneath him. "Changed your mind yet?" She asked as she placed a small kiss on the corner of his mouth.

Expecting he would crumble, Kayla was surprised when he grinned back and quickly pulled himself up from her grasp. "Oh no you don't... when I said you needed rest� I meant it. Now be a good girl and get a little shut eye."

"I'll be lonely here all by myself."

"Then dream of me."

"It's not the same." She pouted again as he took the teacup and walked around the corner to place it on the serving tray. "Steve!" She suddenly called out as he popped his head back at her. "What are you going to do... while I'm napping?"

Letting out a breath, Steve thought for a moment and mentioned Jack. "I don't know? I saw a pool table maybe I'll shoot a couple of games... or see what John's up to. Or I guess I could give Jackson a call then... explain what we're doing here. You know... maybe he could do a little more research for us."

"Research what? I thought you already did all that the last time we were here?"

"That was for Lansing. I meant look up any old articles regarding shootings. Something like that would have to be reported."

"But you don't even know when or where it happened? How could you research that without any information?"

"Jack's a bloodhound. I'll say one thing for the man, he can find anything, no matter how deep it's buried. I know it was in Europe, during winter and in a walled city. That's got to bring up some news, somewhere."

He stared off into space a moment then looked back at his wife. She was watching him curiously as if trying to see what he was thinking. The room had gotten warmer after the fire was started in the sitting room and Steve could feel it at his back. The air in the bedroom space still felt a little chilly, but it wouldn't be long before the heat transferred there too. Kayla snuggled back under the covers and smiled at him. He lowered his eyelid and looked at her, the inviting picture she presented to him in the large bed.

Sensing his thoughts, Kayla tried once more to lure him over. Letting out a chuckle, he blew her a kiss and left her to get some rest. She sighed deeply as she heard the door open then close a minute later. She took a quick look around the room, admiring the gold and cream colors chosen, before closing her eyes and taking her nap.

The sound of the billiard balls striking together caught his attention immediately. Steve was quite familiar with that and followed the noise into the room at the end of the long hall. The open staircase was at his right as he entered and saw John leaning against the pool table rolling the balls across. He wasn't playing a game, but was absentmindedly tossing the balls around. He stood up when Steve approached and asked about Kayla.

"She�s taking a little rest." Steve told him. Walking to where the cue sticks were hung, he eyed the rich wood and pulled one down for a closer inspection. The weight and feel of the one he chose was well balance. It wasn't a personalized one, but it was in good form and handsomely made. The rich so like their toys, he thought, as he returned it on the rack.

"I hope this trip isn't too much for Kay."

"Don't worry, she's doing okay. How long have you been out here?"

Sighing at him, John rolled another few balls down the table before answering. "Bout half an hour, maybe more."

"Maybe you should call Marlena... tell her we've arrived."

"I already did. It's around two am in Salem, but she stayed awake, waiting for my call."

Looking around again, Steve was becoming increasing uncomfortable at the silence that filled the room and the entire house. He knew there were servants around, but it felt more like he, Kayla and John were the only ones in that large house.

"So where's our host, hiding in his room, maybe?"

Grinning back, John told him of Elliot's afternoon meeting. "He's out... meeting with his solicitor."

"When's he coming back?'

"Not sure. He couldn't say if he would even be back for dinner."

"We should keep an eye on him."

"Can't exactly do that when he's not around... but I know what you mean. I don't trust him all that much myself, especially after he told me that he hates Stefano."

"What?" Steve asked him surprised.

"He told me that earlier. I asked him if he saw when Stefano brought you here and he said he didn't."

"Greyson hated DiMera... so I don't think he would let his son around him."

"Seems Elliot avoided him as well when he would visit his mother. So much for family loyalty and love huh?'' John said

"Elliot didn't care about his mother... and any way, he really only saw her a few weeks a year. It was his father who really raised him.

"Well he said he had funeral arrangement to take care off. He also mentioned getting our train tickets for Barnstaple tomorrow, so we don't have to worry about that."

"Well, he's efficient, I'll give him that. What about rooms at the Inn?"

"We're not staying at the Inn. We're to be guests at his house in the country too! Can you imagine that?"

No, no I can't. For a second, Steve felt a huge weight fall deep down inside him. He could hear a screaming in his head that grew louder and louder, blocking out all other sounds around it. He looked back at John and saw his roll another ball across the billiard table, but he couldn't hear it. When it struck another ball, sending that one in a corner pocket hole, he couldn't hear anything.

The only thing he was thinking of was the house in the country. The house he was to enter again tomorrow. No, not just enter, but stay under its roof, for a night, for a long dark night. His hands started to shake and he could feel a chill run through his body. Steve felt his breath grow labored and he tried to shake the trembles inside of him. It's just a visit. You won't be there long, the hours will pass quickly, they'll fly by. Soon it will be daybreak and you can leave, you'll be able to leave. They are no guards this time. They're all gone, they're all dead. Your jailer is dead...he's dead. And you can leave, you'll leave... leave."

Taking several deep breaths he closed his eye and concentrated on that, the moment he will walk out and leave. Steve focused hard on that single though, repeating a chant in his head, that he will be going home. Home. When John rolled another ball, he heard the sharp crack this time and turned around. Most of the balls had been sent to any of the six holes and the table was laid bare again.

Checking the time from the clock at the side table, John sighed again and walked over to take a seat by the window. "So what are we going to do for the next few hours?"

"Well I've got to call Jack and let me know I'm here and maybe ask him to do a little research for us."

"What kind of research?"

"Check some old newspaper clippings of shooting in Europe, say around twelve of thirteen years ago."

"I guess it couldn't hurt."

"You never know, Jack may find something."

"Are you going to use the house phone?"

"It's probably bugged or the servants will listen in."

Pulling out his cell, Steve dialed the long distance number for the London headquarters of the Spectator. When he told Jack's assistant who he was, the call was immediately forwarded over and the next voice he heard was the same high and over eager tones of his brother.

"Jack, it's me"

"Steve! Hey this is a surprise. How are you?"

"Fine. And Kayla's fine too."

"So how are things in Salem?"

"Everything's great back home... but I'm not there right now. I'm here in London?"

"Huh?"

"I'm here... in London... right now. Kayla's with me and so is John."

"You're here! Why didn't you tell me? Why are you here? John is with you? Is Abby okay? Let me call Jen so she can leave early and get your rooms ready!"

"Hold on Jack. Just slow down. For one thing, Abby's fine. She�s doing great� you don't have to worry there. Secondly, this was a spur of the moment trip. John flew us over in his jet, so we arrived maybe three hours ago."

"You should have called. I could have gone to the airport to pick you up."

"Yeah, well sorry about that. Everything was just sort of rushed."

"Well where are you now? I can take off and get you."

"There's no need for that. We're staying with someone."

"What? What do you mean? I just need to tell Jen and she can have your room ready..."

"Look, Jack... the reason John and I decided to come here was because of Lansing."

"Lansing again? Is he causing you more trouble?"

Heaving a deep sigh, Steve brought up Elliot and the new memories. "No, he's not causing anyone anymore problems. He's dead. He killed himself a few days ago."

A loud whistle sounded on the other end as Steve pulled his ear away from the phone a moment. "Damn it Jack. Don't do that!" He thundered back.

"Huh? Oh sorry! So he's dead! Like really dead!"

"Yeah, dead, as in ready to go under ground the day after tomorrow. And if you can believe it, we're staying at his son's house here in London and going back to Barnstaple tomorrow. We'll all be attending his funeral."

"You're staying there?" He almost sounded hurt at the thought and Steve could hear it in his brother's voice.

"It's easier to keep tabs on the man, if he's nearby, Jack!"

"Oh I get it, you're spying on him. Okay! That makes sense. Hey you know... if you need someone to trail after him. I could do that."

"No. We don't want him to get suspicious, you know. John and I can handle things here. What I actually need from you is a little research work."

"You want me to dig up some dirt on Elliot Lansing. That's easy. It's only take me a few well placed phone calls..."

"Just hold on there. I need different information. It's not about Lansing. This one is regarding any shooting that happened maybe thirteen years ago."

"Shootings in London. That's still easy."

"Jack!" Steve felt a strong urge to just strangle the man just then, but he counted to five and held his temper. "No, not in London. You'll have to dig for this. All the information I have is of a possible shooting, during winter, in a walled city. The victims being a woman and her child, a boy."

"Okay. So where does this happen?"

"I don't know." The line went quiet for a minute and Steve took a seat, waiting for his brother to start speaking again. John looked at him for a second then turned away. "Jack? Hey Jack. You still there?"

"I'm here, just... thinking."

"Well think louder, okay."

"So... you want me to find some story about a possible shooting, in an unknown walled city, during winter, involving possibly a woman and child?"

"Occurring roughly thirteen years ago." Steve added

"Right! Think you could give me any more information... like the victim's names? Maybe?"

"Sorry, that's all the info I have." He waited for the man to continue, but the silence grew again at the other end. "You don't think you'll be able to find anything?"

"No. I didn't say that, but it might be difficult."

"Maybe Jennifer can help you search?"

"Oh I know she will. I'll call her right away on this."

"That sounds good. You know, maybe we'll drop by later and meet up with you and Jen at your place."

"Sure, we can have dinner out. Find a nice restaurant somewhere that doesn't serve English food."

Rolling his eye, Steve took a deep breath first then continued. "Think you'll have something for me by this afternoon?"

"I might. You know, I think there's a way to narrow this search down. Let me call Jen now and get her started on this too. Come by around five. I think I'll have something for you then."

"Will do. Thanks Jack."

"No need to thank me." He told him. You haven't said... but does this have something to do with Lansing?"

"Indirectly... it does. It's more about a memory I recovered about my past while I was living here."

"You were involved in this... shooting?"

"Maybe... I don't know for certain."

"Well I'll dig up what I can and get you the info later." He was just about to hang up when Jack got on the line again. "I'm glad you could visit again Steve. It's nice having family come around."

Steve was tempted to tell him, he wasn't there for him, but he couldn't do it. Lansing's death and his memories may have brought him back to England. But he actually liked the thought of visiting with his brother again.

"Yeah... I guess this traveling bit is growing on me too. Maybe Kayla and I will visit more often. See you later"

"I'll be waiting. Bye, Steve!"

"Bye, Billy-Jack."

**********

The Deveraux�s held court on opposite sides of the house that afternoon. Well, in truth it was Jack in his library office while Jennifer commandeered the living room. JJ walked back and forth between his parents, peeking in occasionally at his father as the man typed relentlessly away at his laptop. His mother had kept her pretty face glued to the screen of hers as well and he was beginning to wonder if they forgot about tea time, cause his small stomach was reminding him, it was already past due.

At the sound of the doorbell, Jennifer got up and ran towards the door, opening it up to greet the three people they had been expecting all afternoon. Kayla reached in first and gave her sister-in-law a hug as Steve strode in past them and picked up the tiny little man at his mother�s side. He gave the boy a hug and kiss, but his small hands were now searching through Steve�s jacket, looking for the harp he promised to bring on his next visit. Spotting it just inside his breast pocket, JJ pulled it out as the one eyed man laughed aloud and took it from him a moment.

Jennifer gave her brother-in-law a hug last as both Kayla and John were now on their way into the living room. Steve started playing a few notes when JJ reached for the harp again and kept it in his hands. His uncle gave in and let him hold as they he sat down beside his wife. They all saw Jennifer�s computer on the coffee table, but Jack was no where in sight.

"He�s probably still holed up in his room." Jennifer told everyone. She came back in from the kitchen carrying a tray. Instead of the expected, English tea service, she surprised them by having a pitcher of iced tea instead along the famous Horton donuts. "We sort of� disagreed on how to research the info you wanted."

"How can you possibly disagree on how to research a story?" Steve looked incredulous at her as he reached for a glass and took a long drink. After putting it back down on the table, JJ instantly pushed the harp at his lips, wanting to hear from him his music. Grinning at him, Steve obliged a little by playing a soft, simple tune.

"You�d be surprised at how often we can argue about something that trivial." Jennifer answered back.

"But did you find anything?" John chimed in.

"Of course!" She smiled back and turned her laptop towards him so he could see. "Right here, Zermatt, Switzerland. Dated Jan. 9^th, 1993. A shooting occurred at the ski resort city of Zermatt, late yesterday afternoon. Eye-witness reports tell of a young child and his mother injured and taken to nearby hospital. Anyone with information regarding this matter should contact the police immediately�"

John had leaned forwarded to read, but now sat back, silent and unmoving. The article hadn�t divulged much information, but it had mentioned they were taken to a hospital for their injuries. Even then, there was no way of knowing if either one had survived or not. Even then, there was also no way to prove these two were the same individuals that Steve had been ordered to guard. Without a name, they still had nothing.

Hearing the song Steve was playing was what finally brought Jack out of hiding. Only one man could play like that and unless his wife decided to switch genders and take up harmonica lessons, Jack would be correct in thinking his brother had finally arrived. He scurried into the living, carrying his laptop in his hands and placing it down the coffee table besides Jennifer.

Steve was on the sofa, with JJ on his lap when Jack walked up to him. Looking up, Steve hesitated only a brief moment as he passed JJ over to his wife then stood and gave his brother a heartfelt embrace. Jack felt a single tear form, but he held it in and bent down to give his sister-in-law a hug as well. So it was getting better, the kinship between Steve, though he himself faltered a little.

"So how are you doing Jack? You turned completely British yet or will you still bleed red, white and blue?"

"Those are the colors of the Union Jack too?" Jack reminded him grinning

"I know they are. Just making sure you still remember where you came from."

"I�d never forget that. Jennifer would shoot me first before letting me go completely native."

"Yeah, well see that you don�t change too much." Giving him another affectionate slap on the arm, Jack laughed heartily, but as soon as Steve turned, he rubbed at the bruise now forming on his arm.

He took a seat by his wife and mumbled how Steve just doesn�t realize his own strength and missed the wink that passed between Steve and Jennifer. She told him that the news article she found apparently was the one they were looking for when he interrupted her with his own findings.

Steve and John watched them bicker again as they went back and forth over which method of research brought about the news article. Bringing up his computer, Jack showed then the newspaper clipping he found by research crimes committed during winter months, as opposed to Jennifer�s idea of researching walled cities. Amusement set in when the exact same article flashed on the side-by-side screens. Both combatants smiled back sheepishly at their own foolishness, but neither would back down from claiming their method had been the best one.

When Steve mentioned traveling back to Barnstaple, Jack looked longingly at him, contemplating tagging along again. Work at the office had been rather dull as of late, and he was itching for a good adventure somewhere. Jennifer was also feeling the effects of a dry season and decided she needed a little dusting off too. Anyway, Jack needed looking after, since his tendency to get in trouble was always a high possibility.

Kayla had been cuddling with their little one for the past few minutes as talk of adventures was springing around. While she wouldn�t say no to having either of them along, they both seemed to have forgotten a certain little man, who now stared back at the grownup with his huge blue eyes. Clearing her throat, Kayla interrupted their excited banter and pointed to JJ who was happily munching on one of his mother�s homemade donuts.

Looking at their son, then at each other, the Deveraux�s sat silent for a minute before coming up with a solution. "Mrs. Williams can baby sit. She loves JJ and it would only be for a couple of days."

"Are you sure about this Jen?" Kayla asked her. "I�d hate to leave this baby all alone."

"No it�s okay. Mrs. Williams always baby sits for us. And it really is for just a couple of days. Right? Right Jack?"

"Two days tops!" He answered his wife. But after a moment, he wondered if bring him along wasn�t so bad an idea. "You know we could always bring him. I mean, why not get him familiar with being in the newspaper business." Leaning forward he called softly to his son as the boy turned at the sound of his voice. "What do you say son? Feel like going on a trip with Mommy and Daddy?"

"No he doesn�t!" Jennifer spoke up for her son. "And you�re not dragging him around for any trips anytime soon." She stood up then and went to get the phone. "It won�t be a problem to leave him next door. Mr.s Williams loves him like her own and I trust her implicitly. He�s usually there all day when we�re at work, so may not not notice any different, except at night." For a moment she looked worriedly at her child and began having second thoughts. Dropping to her knees in front of him and Kayla, Jennifer turned the boy to face and started talking to him. "Baby... Mommy and Daddy have to go on a trip, but we will be back so soon, you won't even know we're gone. And I'll call you... all the time. Okay! Mommy is going to miss you so much." Giving him a kiss, she also took his hands in hers and put them to her lips. "We just need to help your uncle Steve with something then we'll come running back. Okay baby? I love you so much. Mommy and Daddy love you."

As Jennifer went and called her sitter, Steve took JJ back in his arms and held the boy close to him. Kayla placed her arm across her husband�s back as they both looked down at the boy in his lap. A wistful expression stayed on Steve�s face as he gently stroked the soft blond curls and gave him another kiss on his forehead. "I think you miss your mama and papa a great deal when they�re not home. Don�t you little dude?"

He whispered the words softly in JJ's ears, but Kayla heard him and smiled at the two of them. Jack was at his computer already booking their own train tickets to Devon when Jen returned and told them everything was set. They would drop JJ off at Mrs. Williams on the way to the station. John had been silent all the while, but finally spoke after the plans for their trip was set.

"Do you think Elliot would mind if they came along."

Steve frowned slightly at the question, not really understanding John�s meaning. "Mind? Why should he? They can travel to Barnstaple and back if they wanted."

"I meant... they would probably be staying with us at Lansing's home. I'm not sure he was extending an open invitation to everyone."

The thought of staying there flooded him with chills. Steve felt himself tremble at the thought and pulled JJ closer in his embrace. He just had to keep reminding himself that things were different now, he wasn't going to be trapped there. Steve hadn't wanted to admit how scared he was deep down inside of returning to that house. It made him feel like he was a child again, trapped at the orphanage. Trying to shake away the dark memories of his childhood and saw John was still waiting for his answer regarding Jack and Jennifer.

"Don't worry. I don't think he'll mind if a couple more people come along. He's been so accomodating with his hospitality, he probably would welcome a few more attendees at his father's funeral."

"Funeral?" Jack remarked questioningly. "Oh yeah, I almost forgot about that." Looking to his wife, she returned a unpleasant expression indicating how she wasn't looking forward to that part of the trip. "Better pack some dark clothes, Jen."

"Jack!" Jennifer just rolled her eyes at him and sat back down on the floor. She logged off her system and closed iher laptop for the evening. Jack copied her actions and turned his off as well, then turned smiling to his guests.

"So..." Jack said. "...Anybody hungry for dinner?"

**********

The restaurant was a nice establishment located not too far from where Elliot's townhouse stood. They had driven by the house on the way there and Jennifer's eyes bogled when she saw how big and grand the place was. Jack gave it a momentary glance and looked away as he drove down the street. He later remarked to Steve how it reminded him of Harper's home in Washington D.C. Steve was surpised that he would mention his adopted father's name after so many years. Though Jack retained the Deveraux name, he seldom mentioned if rarely Harper.

JJ enjoyed being the center of attraction at the dining table that evening. His uncle especially loved to indulge him as more of his dessert ended up in JJ's small tummy than Steve's. No one seem to mind though. When the waiter brought over a bottle of champagne and five fluted glasses, he looked around for his glass and couldn't find it. His mommy handed him a small glass filled with his white drink, but he was wondering why his didn't bubble up like the others. Their drink looked funny since it was moving while his just stayed still.

Kayla and Steve announced together the arrival of the newest Johnson to arrive sometime around Thanksgiving. Jack gave his brother a hearty slap on the back after hearing the news. Steve, wasn't ready and was caught off guard spilling some drops on his pants. Apologizing, Jack stood and made a toast to his newest nephew. As the glasses clinked, the happy group toasted next the proud parents to be as Steve gave his wife a kiss. Sitting at a table off towards the far wall, a solitary figure watched them. The male figure had been watching them all evening, having followed them in soon after their dinner was served. He ate as well, but seemed to enjoy watching the group at the table more than his meal.