Chapter 11

Alistair's will heeds a few surprises.

Julian and Eve took a limo to the Crane mansion. Eve stared out of the window all the way home. Julian did not bother her, because he knew she was worried...about Simone.

Julian knew it would be hard winning Simone over, but, he was hellbound and determined to try. She was Eve's child and Julian wanted to love anyone that was a part of her.

Whitney had been easy to care for. She was so open and loving. He had every intention of making sure that Fox treated her right.

But Simone...in many ways, she was very much like T.C..

When Eve had agreed to leave the airport with him, Simone went off on the both of them! She asked Eve how she could destroy their family with the likes of him.

Julian had thought about interfering, but the look Simone cast on him...it was as if she wanted to stab him or something!

Julian reached over and picked up Eve's hand.

'Eve, just give her time, that's all. It made no sense for you to return to your house with Simone. T.C. wasn't going to be there, and she said she wanted both of you together. Besides, that young man that's with her will look after her. She's a grown woman.'

Eve nodded, and squeezed his hand.

'I know. But Simone has always felt as if she came in second to Whitney...and now to you.'

Julian moved closer to her.

'It isn't as bleak as all of that. Simone will come around. Just give her some space.'

Eve nodded absently, then stared out of the car window again. Julian looked away and focused on the task at hand...getting Ivy the hell out of his house!

With the trying day they had all had, Julian didn't want Eve to even have to set eyes on his ex-wife! He had already called ahead and found out that Ivy was out by the pool. When the limo pulled up out in front of the house, Julian looked over at Eve again.

'I have something I need to deal with. The driver is going to let you out, and there will be maids waiting to show you to your room.'

Eve raised a brow and smiled

'I get a separate room?'

'Well,' Julian began, suddenly feeling shy. 'I guess I assumed you would want privacy.'

Eve scooted over to him and touched his cheek.

'Your room will be just fine, Julian.'

Julian pulled her into a kiss, thinking that he was with the woman he should've brought home here with him, to live, in the first place. But, he wasn't going to dwell in the past. Eve was here now. That was all that counted.

Eve broke off the kiss.

'When I get in, maybe I should call Simone?'

Julian shook his head.

'Do whatever you like, but remember, Whitney and Fox will be back soon. I just think that we ought to be surrounded by positive people now, Eve. People that will be supportive. Whitney and Fox are not only supportive, but they're practically us, only young.'

'Really young!' Eve noted, smiling.

'Like I said before, give Simone some time to think about things a bit. I'm sure she's fine.' Julian knew it sounded like he didn't want Eve to talk to her own daughter, but she looked so tired, and Simone could be trying. He just wanted Eve to rest.

Eve nodded.

'Fine. I'll give her some space, I guess.'

'Good.'

The limo driver got out of the car and pulled Eve's door open. He then helped her out. Julian got out on his own, his eyes focusing on the pool area. He then looked at Eve.

'I'll be with you in a moment. There's something I have to take care of.'

Eve nodded, then watched as Julian walked off. She then looked up at the house. Would she ever be able to think of this place as her home?

****

Julian found Ivy stretched out on a chaise, reading a magazine. She was wearing white shorts and a top. Her blonde hair was in a ponytail. She looked up when he stepped into her sun.

'Why Julian! You're alive...how unfortunate!'

Julian just stared down at her. For some reason, he wasn't as angry with her as he had expected to be.

'Yes, well I'm sure you're not alone in your feelings. Now, I've had one of the maids pack your things.'

Julian then turned towards one of the doors that lead back into the house. A maid brought out two suitcases and set them next to a table. She then went back inside.

Ivy slowly stood up.

'Well, of course I'll leave then. I was really concerned for Rebecca and wanted to visit with her. Where is the dear?'

'Well, she had someone send for her things. My wife and I are no longer together.'

Ivy faked sorrow!

'Oh that's too bad! Tell me though, did T.C. and Eve run into one another's arms? Surely, you did not think that Eve would ever want you over T.C. Russell? Or worse yet, Tony DiMera?'

Julian decided to say nothing of Eve's whereabouts. Ivy would learn soon enough about Eve and him.

'Ivy, if you really love Sam Bennett...'

'What the hell are you talking about?! How dare you speak his name!'

Then,' Julian continued coolly, 'you should show him the Ivy Winthrop he fell in love with, long ago. I'm sure he hasn't seen her in years. God knows I never met her. Now, I want you to leave these premises immediately.'

Ivy blinked. Show Sam the Ivy he used to love? Wasn't she the same...well with the exception of looks, she was still the same. Wasn't she?

Ivy said nothing to that. She walked past Julian and over to her bags. As she bent down to pick them up, she happened to glance into a window. Eve was standing in the foyer of the house!

Ivy looked back over at Julian, who was watching her like a hawk. Ivy picked up her bags, then dragged them over to Julian.

'You know, you could help me!'

'I could, but I just got off of a tropical island. I'm really bushed.'

'I saw Eve in the house. That bit of quasi sage advice you just offered me, has to do with how you won Eve back, doesn't it? You pretended to be nice in order to get her back, didn't you? Now what, Julian? Go back to being the real you? You'll have to, because you won't be able to keep up this act for long!'

'Goodbye, Ivy.'

Ivy stared at him. Julian had not risen to the bait, like he usually did in arguments with her. It gave her the creeps! And she couldn't believe that Rebecca agreed to any of this! What the hell was really going on here?!

Ivy dragged her bags towards the garages, where her car was. She would now have to find a nice hotel to stay in!

****

An hour later, Julian had just hung up the phone with Sheridan. They had been confirming the funeral arrangements. Not many people would be there. It was just as well.

Julian opened the door to his study, and found Whitney and Fox carrying in luggage. He walked over to them.

'What's all of this?' he asked.

'Whitney wanted to stop by Sam and Grace's to pick up some things for her mother.' Fox confirmed.

'Why would your mother's things be there?' Julian asked.

'Well, remember, that's where Mom was staying, after Daddy found out everything.' Whitney reminded him.

'Oh, yes. Well, I'll take them up to her. She's taking a nap.' he said, reaching out for the suitcases.

Whitney handed him one. Fox handed him the other. Julian looked at Whitney. She looked a bit upset.

'Is something wrong?' Julian asked.

Fox put an arm around Whitney.

'Simone has been staying with Grace and Sam. Whitney had to hear a load of garbage about how Whitney was a traitor for not helping her get her parents back together...and for agreeing to marry me. You know, the same ole, same ole.'

Julian put the suitcases down and looked at Whitney.

'Whitney dear, just stay away from your sister.'

'What?'

'I was telling your mother earlier, that things are going to be hard enough around here, with Alistair's funeral and your mother recovering from her accident and subsequent kidnapping...I just don't want her to have to deal with any stress.'

'I know what you're saying, Julian. But Simone just feels alone and left out.'

'Yes and we have been nothing but welcoming, Whitney. Your sister is going to have decide on her own, if and when she wants to see her mother again. I won't allow Eve to put up with anymore abuse from anyone...including her own child.'

Whitney looked at Fox, who shrugged.

'She is kind of a bummer, Whit.'

'I understand that. I guess your father does have a point.'

Julian nodded.

'Whitney, all I've ever wanted to do is pamper and cherish your mother. And that's what I intend to do. Simone is perfectly welcome around here when she can behave herself, and not a moment before.'

Julian then took the bags upstairs. Whitney looked at Fox.

'What was that all about?' she asked him.

'He loves your mother, Whitney. And I love you. I think we ought to take a page from my father's book.'

'Meaning?'

'Meaning, you don't have to kiss Simone's ass to get her to be decent to you! I don't think you should ask her to be in our wedding.'

'Fox, surely by then, she'll be a little more accepting?'

'Who's to say? But if she isn't, then you leave her out of it. You have made every effort to reach out to her, only to be rebuffed, time and time again. That and it's not like you're still seeing Chad. What is she so mad about?'

Whitney looked away. Fox turned her back towards him.

'What?'

Whitney looked at him.

'I get what you're saying, but it is still just so sad.'

Fox pulled Whitney into his arms.

'I know it is,' he said in a low voice, 'but there is some good news.'

Whitney pulled away.

'What's that?'

'Father kicked my mother out of here. So, we don't have to worry about her.'

Whitney nodded. She had not told Fox about catching Ivy paying off Chad earlier. Maybe it was better that he didn't know how awful a mother he had, though somehow, she figured he did know, on some level.

****

Pilar sat on her couch. Luis, Teresa and Miguel had wanted to be with her, but she told them she needed to be alone. Antonio was at the hospital with Liz.

The livingroom was dark. It was also a mess. She had just finishing throwing things around. Pilar had vandalized her own living room, after looking over what was in the package.

The doorbell rang, but she did not answer it. She just put her head in her hands. The door opened, and Spence Lowell walked in.

'Pilar?'

Pilar did not look up,. but recognized his voice. She said nothing.

'Pilar, how are you holding...'

Pilar's head suddenly whipped up and she looked around for something to throw at him! Sensing this, Spence held out his hands in a defensive stance.

'Please, try and listen to what I have to say...'

Pilar jumped up, grabbed up the 'evidence' and began throwing it around!

'DID YOU KNOW ABOUT THIS????' she screamed, feeling as if she was going to lose control any minute!

Spence took a deep breath.

'Yes.'

Pilar tried to calm down.

'So, that bull %$#$@@@ about Stefano DiMera having Martin, was just that, bull%$$#@##?!'

'We needed someone to get close to Liz Sanbourne. I thought you were the perfect person to help us. I knew you probably wouldn't unless there was something in it for you.'

Pilar walked up to him, her face contorted with rage.

'And you've always known that I lived for the day I would see Martin again! How could you have lied to me all of these years?!'

'Pilar listen...'

'Spence! I can't tell my children this! I can't! I won't!'

Spence looked down at the papers and pictures that Pilar had thrown to the ground.

'Would it really be so bad?'

'Oh, that was almost funny, Spence! I don't even know where to begin myself, as to how to unravel that man's lies!'

'Why don't you let me help you?'

'Like you never did before? You know, all of those years, when I thought that Alistair or Julian, maybe might have done something to my husband?'

Spence inched closer to her.

'Pilar, when Martin became CIA...'

'Without ever telling me he was going to do so!' Pilar snapped.

'Alright, I know in theory he should have told you. But the mission he was asked to head was just too sensitive to share. He didn't want to put yourself or your children in any danger.'

Pilar stared at him with hatred.

'Forget the CIA crap! Forget about his 'work'!' Pilar hissed, then reached down on the floor and began sifting through some papers and pictures. She then picked them up and shoved them at Spence!

'Who the hell are these people?! Who is this woman?! And it says here my husband fathered two more children! This man here would've been about Luis's age! He had a second family when WE were together! And this article about him, under this other name...it says he raped some woman who was his wife!'

'Pilar...'

'I can't tell my children this! I can't show them any of this crap! But I will tell you one thing: I am going to this place where he lives now, this..this...Springfield! I want Martin or Roger or whatever the hell his real name is, to know that he didn't get away with anything!'

Spence gently set the papers and pictures down on a table. He then touched Pilar on the shoulder. She soon fell into his arms, sobbing.

Spence closed his eyes. Martin Fitzgerald, a.k.a. Roger Thorpe, was a friend of his. And right now, in his life, he had won back the woman he really loved, Holly Lindsey. Pilar's presence would destroy the new life Roger so desperately wanted with Holly.

But, Spence knew that no one could really live a 'new life', without coming to terms with their past ones. Martin/Roger, owed Pilar, Antonio, Luis, Teresa and Miguel, an explanation for ripping apart their lives. And he was not going to stop Pilar from getting the answers she had sought for over 20 years.

****

Julian sat up in bed, late in the evening, looking over some documents from Crane Industries. His lamp was on. Eve was on the other side of the bed, asleep.

She was wearing a white, spaghetti strapped nightgown, that Whitney had brought her from Grace's.

Julian could hear splashing from down below. He knew that Fox and Whitney were taking a late night swim. The thought made him smile. He wanted those two to enjoy every moment of happiness they could.

His thoughts then moved to Alistair. Julian knew his father would think him a sentimental idiot, for thinking of someone's happiness above his own. He was going to make sure that the old man's eulogy was short and sweet.

A lawyer was coming tomorrow, from a small town in Wisconsin, to play Alistair's video taped will. This lawyer, a Michael Baldwin, told Julian, that Fox and himself, were the only two people required to be there. That told Julian that his suspicions about Sheridan, and all the other women in the family, had been correct. They had been disinherited.

Eve stirred slightly. Her eyes opened and she sat up slowly, not completely aware of her surroundings. She then looked over at Julian, who seemed to be staring off into space. She touched his arm.

'Julian?'

Julian blinked and looked over at her. He then smiled.

'You have been out like a light most of the day. You must be famished. I'll ring the maid to bring you something.'

'No, I'm fine, really. Where were you just now?'

Julian sighed.

'Truthfully, I was thinking about Father's will.'

'Oh. You're thinking he may disinherit you, because of me?'

Julian did not answer that directly, and changed the subject slightly.

'I don't want you at the funeral, Eve.'

Now Eve was wide awake!

'Why?'

'Darling, the man was a cruel beast, especially to you, and the baby he ripped away from us. I wouldn't put you through that.'

Eve touched his arm.

'He's gone, Julian. And even though he wasn't the nicest of human beings, I know that deep down, you're just a little sorry he's dead.'

Julian stared at her, then mouthed the word, 'no'.

Eve grinned.

'I guess I'm really not either. But still, I want to be there, for support. He was a human being...sort of.'

Julian put aside his work and reached over to turn off the lamp. He then reached for Eve's hand and held it. They sat up in his bed, under the cover of darkness.

'You never answered my question from before. Are you afraid Alistair disinherited you?'

Julian decided to come clean.

'Eve, before I found you again, Alistair lied to both Fox and I. He said that if I could win your love again, and Fox could get Whitney to love him, he told us he would accept both you and Whitney in to the family, and nothing more would be said on the matter.' Julian refrained from telling her that there was a time limit to his offer.

Eve rubbed his arm.

'And you believed him?' she asked, smiling tiredly.

'I did at first...until he sent Rebecca a letter, telling her I wanted to repair our marriage. That was why she came to Salem that day. That told me he had no intention of ever leaving us alone.'

Eve's eyes began to feel heavy again. She was more tired than she thought.

'Julian none of that matters. We'll face whatever your father throws at us together. Okay?'

Julian just nodded, but it would not be okay if he and Fox suddenly ended up in the poorhouse! Yet, he couldn't imagine who else Alistair would give everything to?

'Julian?'

Julian looked over at her. She began to lay back down on her pillow.

'Yes, darling?'

'You never would have had to win back my love...because...you never lost it....'

She then drifted off to sleep again. Julian kissed her forehead, pulled his pillow close to hers and put his arms around her. He soon drifted off to sleep as well.

****

The next day, after the pitiful funeral service(Julian, Fox, Whitney, Eve, Sheridan, Luis and Austin Reed, were the only ones there!), Julian paced the library, wondering why this lawyer Alistair had handle his will, Michael Baldwin, was so damned late?

Fox eyed his father, and began to feel uneasy.

'You don't look calm, Father. Do you know something?'

'What could I know, Fox? This could go either way!'

'But at the airport yesterday, you seemed pretty sure that we had it in the bag. Hell, we were the only ones that lawyer told to be here!'

Julian sat down quickly.

'Maybe it's just the idea of watching a videotape of Alistair. How many put downs will we have to listen to, before he tells us whether we'll be running everything or not?'

Fox nodded. He then cleared his throat.

'Mother called today.'

Julian raised a brow.

'For what?'

'She wants to know if she can help with the wedding plans.'

Julian stood up again.

'That's up to Whitney and yourself. I think I'm going to call and find out where this...'

The library door suddenly opened, and a butler showed, Michael Baldwin, Alistair's estate lawyer, into the room. The butler then left, closing the door behind him.

Julian had expected to meet someone older. This Baldwin character was maybe forty.

Julian shook hands with him. Fox stood up and shook hands as well.

'I hope you all weren't waiting too long?' Baldwin asked breezily.

'Actually, we have, Mr. Baldwin.' Julian replied, somewhat annoyed. 'Now, if you will just put in the tape so we can get this over with...'

'Well, we have to wait for the others.' Baldwin said, setting his briefcase down on the desk.

'Others?' Fox asked, looking at Julian. But Julian's eyes were on Michael Baldwin.

'What 'others'? When we spoke on the phone yesterday, you told me that Fox and I were the only ones that were going to be here.'

'Ah, yes, well I lied.'

'You lied?!' Fox seethed, and took a step towards the man. But Julian put a hand against his son's chest. He then eyed this Michael Baldwin fellow. It was clear he was one of Alistair's minions.

'Alright, Mr. Baldwin, who else are we expecting?'

The doorbell rang. Fox looked at his father, then turned away. Julian moved so that he was in front of him.

'Keep calm, Fox.'

'Calm? Grandfather is getting ready to screw us! And we both know it!'

The study doors opened again. The butler than showed in a clueless looking Austin Reed, and of all people...Chad Harris! They were both wearing suits.

'What the hell?!' Fox yelled, looking them both up and down.

Austin raised a brow, then looked over at Chad, who was clearly enjoying Fox's discomfort.

Julian kept a civil tone.

'What is the meaning of this, Mr. Baldwin?' he asked.

Michael Baldwin smiled. He would miss Alistair Crane. He had paid him so well!

'Your father asked me to keep the presence of two other people mentioned in his will, a secret until the last minute.'

Fox cracked his knuckles, then turned away again. Julian eased over to him.

'Calm, Fox. Keep calm.'

'Father, there is no reason in the world why either of those two, should be in Grandfather's will!'

'Well, that Reed character was a suck up. Alistair has probably just thrown him out a pittance.'

'And Harris?'

Julian had to admit, Chad Harris's presence here, puzzled him more than anything else. Julian looked at Michael Baldwin.

'If everyone is here, then I suggest you play the tape.'

****

Eve and Whitney sat in the TV room and watched the news. Whitney kept looking at her watch.

'Honey? Don't worry about Fox. I'm sure everything will be fine.'

Whitney nodded.

'Mom, Fox doesn't think I know he's worried about that will, but I do. I guess I just hope he realizes that I don't care if he has nothing.'

'Oh honey, I'm sure he does.' Eve answered, looking at her own watch.

'What?' Whitney asked.

'I was thinking, maybe I should slip over and see Simone?'

'I don't know, Mom...'

'I know what Julian thinks, Whitney. But, you just can't let anger fester! There's a part of me that is afraid she'll turn into Liz or something! I just want her to know that I'm still here for her.'

Whitney touched her mother's hand.

'She does, Mom. Deep down, she does.'

The two hugged briefly. Briefly, because they were soon interrupted by a loud, guttural, animal cry!

'God! What is that, Whitney?! Does Julian or Fox have a dog or something?' Eve asked, standing up.

'No! There's no pets around here!'

'Maybe something got into the house?' Eve asked. She then eased over to the door and slowly opened it. She peeked her head into the hallway.

'I don't see anything.' Eve said, looking up and down the hallway.

They both heard the guttural cry again, followed by a loud smashing noise, as if someone had broken a lot of glass! Whitney jumped up.

'That came from the library, Mom!' Whitney cried out.

Eve and Whitney left the drawing room and quickly hurried down the hallway until they reached the library. What they saw caused both of their mouths drop open.

No one was in the library. The TV had snow on it. Eve stepped in and saw the room was a mess.

Whitney then pointed to the glass doors that went out to the pool. They were shattered, as if something, or someone had been thrown through them! Eve could see Julian standing with his back to them. He was watching, as Fox held someone underwater! Eve and Whitney ran outside to him.

'Julian! Stop this! Stop this before Fox kills that man!'

Michael Baldwin and Austin Reed had jumped into the pool and pulled Fox away from the guy. Whitney gasped when the man brought his head up from under the water. It was Chad!

'Chad?! Fox! What were you thinking? Why were you trying to kill Chad?!' she screamed at Fox.

'Because,' Julian answered in a stunned, yet, dull tone, 'Father left everything, including this house, to Austin and Chad.'

Eve wondered if Julian was going to need a sedative! She waved a hand in front of his eyes, but he did not notice. Whitney looked over at a coughing and sputtering Chad. He had pulled himself out of the pool and stood up.

'Both of you...get the %$$#$% out of my house!' Chad screamed.

Austin climbed out of the pool uneasily.

'C'mon Chad! This is probably a joke of Alistair's or something...don't get crazy!'

Chad looked at Michael Baldwin, who was dripping wet as well. Fox was breathing heavily.

'Tell him, Mr. Baldwin! Tell him it was no joke!' Chad yelled.

Michael coughed, then tried to wring his tie dry.

'No, it's no joke. Mr. Harris, Mr. Reed, you both ARE Crane Industries, the empire, this house...everything'

Austin's mouth dropped open! Chad glared at Fox, then looked at Whitney.

'Both of you, get the hell out! Now! Get to steppin! Out...get the %%$#$@@ out! And take your raggedy assed father and everyone else here with you! OUT! GET OUT!!!!' Chad screamed.

Fox looked at Julian. Julian then fainted.

This is the End of 'Island of Passion'. The next installment will be titled 'Not So Secret Passions' . Eve and Julian are in for more heartache, as Eve makes a deal with the devil, so that Julian can get back his fortune. But, will it be worth the ultimate price? And Pilar confronts Martin, who is now living another life in a small town called Springfield.