Jennifer, looking cozy and content, was sitting up in bed, propped up by pillows. She was holding an ice pack against face which still appeared slightly swollen, and her eye and jaw were now vivid shades of black and blue. Jack, wearing his robe, entered the bedroom, carrying two wicker trays. Jennifer watched amusedly as he tried to balance the trays without dropping anything. Jack placed the trays on the table, and then propped up her pillows. He reached over and placed one tray of toast and coffee in front of Jennifer; and then in front of him, a tray with a plate of pancakes, in the shape of happy faces, bacon, tea, and a small crystal vase with a single red rose in front of him.

He was about to begin to eat when Jennifer coughed, "Excuse me, but I think one with the rose was meant for me."

Jack looked back and forth between the two trays, 'Really?" Jennifer nodded. Jack shrugged and exchanged the trays, "Okay, whatever you say."

Jennifer grinned at the pancakes, and then leaned over to give Jack a kiss on the cheek, "Jack, how sweet, what an atypical Jack thing to do, happy face pancakes. "

"Au contraire, mon amour!"

"`Au contraire, mon amour', Jack?"

Jack replied mischievously, nodding, "It's French!"

Rolling her eyes, and frowning, "I know it's French."

Jack ignored her last remark, "Lest we forget, Jennifer Deveraux Birthday Week, I made them for you then. You refused to acknowledge not only their existence, but mine as well -- if I remember correctly."

Pretending to chide Jack, "After you forgot my birthday!"

"You're never going to let me live that down, are you?"

"Damn straight. I am going to hold it over your head whenever I need to; but knowing you, my dear husband, you'll provide me with other fuel to use."

With that two of them sat contentedly side-by-side, enjoying the moment together, eating their breakfast in bed.

Some time later, Jack returned to the bedroom after having cleared away the dishes. "Now, this is the plan. I am going to call Vern, and tell him that he's in charge for the day -- I suffer the all too distinct probability that this little foray into power may create a.... a Frankenstein's monster, but that's the chance I'll have to take.... Anyway, I think it is best if I delayed my return and spend the day making sure you're okay."

Jennifer reached over and took Jack's hand, "Jack, I'm not that hurt. I admit I am enjoying all this attention, but you're mother henning me. I'm a big girl. I can look after myself. " She paused for a moment, "I know what the paper means to you." She looked deeply into his eyes, and kissed his lips, "It holds a very special place in my heart too." Jack smiled, kissing her lips. "The craziness of the past few months is over, the paper is yours again. You've been looking forward to this day for a long time, so don't delay, Jack. I want you to be happy, and I know the paper makes you happy--" Jack was about to speak, but she continued before he had a chance, " I know you love me too; so prove it by doing as I command," she smiled, "get your butt over to the paper and start working on making it the best newspaper in the country, like you always wanted. Now scoot Jack."

A happy and excited Jack bounced out of bed and rushed to the bathroom. Jennifer laughed. She waited a few moments until she heard the shower come on, and then crept out of bed. Jack's voice could be heard, singing, slightly muffled by the shower, "I am I, Jack of Deveraux, the Lord of the Paper, my deadline's come.... and the wild winds of fortune...."

She walked quietly to the bathroom, and then gently opened the door. "....I am I Jack of Deveraux, the Lord of the Spectator, who shall vanquish the dreaded Chronicle." Jennifer stood, leaning against the door and gazed at Jack, his body was slightly distorted by the frosted glass of the shower door. She sighed happily, at the happy image of her husband -- in his excitment of going back to work at the paper, he looked like an adorable little boy. She continued to stare dreamily at him for a moment, and then with a grin quietly walked away.

Jennifer creeped back to their bedroom, and then went rummaging through her closet. On the top shelf she saw what she was searching for. She could hear the water stop and Jack closing the shower door, "And with my mighty pen my bylines of eloquence will change the world; and I will be showered with Ferarros and Pulitzers, my multitude of fans will bow prostrate at my feet."

Jennifer was sitting up in bed, reading Wilhemina the Wanton Widow, trying to act nonchalant, as Jack walked into their bedroom. Jack looked at her sideways, detecting that she was hiding something, "Okay, Mrs. D, what is it your hiding? A lover under the bed? Cracker crumbs on the sheets? Your recent issue of Tractor Pull Magazine?"

With a flourish, and flashing an excited and expectant grin, Jennifer presented Jack with a present, which was about four inches by twelve inches, and wrapped in white paper with red hearts. "What's this for?"

"Well, I had intended on giving it to you for Valentine's Day--"

"Valentine's Day?"

Jennifer teasingly, punch Jack's arm, "Valentine's Day, you know the holiday devoted to lovers -- as you and I supposedly are. The holiday that you haven't forgotten right, Jack?"

"Well I guess so, what with the heart motif running rampant , and all." Jack took the package and shook it. Hmm, he squinted his eyes and looked at her in mock disgust. "Oh, I get it now. You see me as your personal sex slave, dontcha? I am just a body and well.. and a... you know. That's it isn't? It's probably one of those.... those.. whatchamacallits, one of those tongs that you expect me to wear you know where."

"'Tong, Jack? Oh you mean 'Thong,'" Jennifer laughed, but then looked wickedly at Jack as she envisioned him wearing a thong.

"I'm right, I'm right, I see that lascivious glint in your eye. And wait a cotton picken' moment, today is the 11th, not the 14th of February--"

"Jack I know what day it is. Just open the present, okay."

Jack tore off the wrapping paper, and opened the box. Inside was a beautiful Armani silk tie, it was vivid blue and with thin dark blue strips. Jennifer could tell by Jack's expression that he loved it, which made her beam. Inwardly she laughed, most men would be disappointed receiving a tie, they would prefer power tools; but not her Jack -- suits and ties were his passions. "I saw it a Saxton's. He assured me it was the coming thing for anyone with plans of world conquest. I had planned on giving it to you for Valentine's Day, but I thought what with 'The King of the Spectator's' first day back on his throne, after such a long absence, that it would be more fitting for today."

Jack bent down and kissed Jennifer on the mouth; Jennifer returned the kiss. "Now go get dressed and if you are a good boy I may help you tie your tie. Jack kissed her forehead, and went to his closet to dress.

Jennifer noticed the clock on the table, it was time for the WATB morning news. She turned on the TV, Madeline was on screen, "That's the tackiest dress I ever saw... tacky." On screen Maddie spoke, "....this is the Salem social event of the year, if not decade, and I, your multi-award winning reporter, am the only reporter in town covering this gala event." "Sheesh, talk about exaggeration. And I swear.... I swear you can see her...." Back on the TV Maddie was about to interview the mayor, when Jennifer pushed the mute button. "That opportunistic bitch!"

Jack had finished dressing, and was putting on his jacket, he peeked from behind his closet door, with an amused smirk, "Tisk, tisk, language."

"Errr, I can't help it; that.... that.... that woman makes me furious. She's a back-stabbing, no talent, hussy."

Jennifer put the sound back on, just as Jack put on his jacket and walked over to the bed. Just then on the TV a loud explosion could be heard. And the screen went dark. The next instant a disheveled Maddie appeared, it was now morning, and she was standing in front of the museum which was littered with debris from its walls; it was charred from smoke, and was surrounded by water. Cops rushed back and forth; emergency workers were treating a number of wounded individuals. Superimposed on the screen read the caption "Live." "The clip you just saw was from my live broadcast last evening. I was the only newscaster at the gala, and the only one to experience the devastation of the explosion, and the resulting destruction and casualties. It was about twelve hours ago, that Salem's gala event of the 90s was shattered by an explosion. Roman Brady of the Salem PD has refused to comment. But it is this reporter's belief that it was the result of a bomb, possibly multiple bombs.

Jack slumped down on the corner of the bed. He and Jennifer listened in shock as Maddie related the terrifying events of the past twelve hours. Jack and Jennifer looked at each other helplessly. Their heart sickened with the thought that their family and friends had been there.

Just then someone ran up to Maddie and handed her a note. This just in from our reporter at Salem University Hospital, there now is one confirmed fatality from last night's explosion. The name is being held until the person's family has been contacted. Fortunately I am alive to relate this horror. Tragically, it's this reporter's belief that many others will not be able to say as much. This reporter estimates that there is at least forty casualties, and probably at least ten, if not more fatalities.

"Oh God, my grandparents, Julie, Uncle Mickey and Aunt Maggie--"

Jack's voice cracked, full of despair, "Jo.... No, they're probably... you know.... they probably weren't even in the building. They were with us, your grandparents, Jo, Vern. Yeah, that's right. Remember. Yeah. Right. They're okay. They're--" Jack thought to myself, Jo has to be okay.... she has too be.They both clinged to each other, to trying to seek comfort from the other; not wanting to think of the possibilities.

Jack jumped up and was about to rush out the door, "Jack we're you going?"

"I have to go.... to see if they're all.... if.... To make sure that someone from the paper is covering this story, I can't leave it up to Vern, Vern will just.... he'll just--"

"Jack wait, I'm coming with you."

"But you're hurt--" Jack saw Jennifer's concern, her family was involved too. Besides, when she got into that stubborn, pigheaded mood of hers it was like bashing one's head against a brick wall trying to dissuade her. "Okay, get dressed I'll make a call, maybe we can find something out." Trying to convince her but himself as well, "I really believe that they didn't make it back and are okay."

 

Jack was driving like a maniac while Jennifer tried to tie her hair back. "Jack, slow down, please."

"I'm not speeding. I'm just getting there as quickly as I can."

"I can't believe that nobody called us. That explosion was last night. How could we not know?"

"I guess we were too busy with our own problems, namely Baby Howie or the lack thereof." Jack blasted his horn at a slow driver in front.

"Jack the hospital is only a block away now, please slow down." As Jennifer spoke they both heard the sound of an ambulance siren and Jack pulled over to the side as it roared past on the wrong side of the road. "My god Jack, there must be serious injuries. Hurry."

"Oh how fickle they become."

"Shut up Jack and drive."

He pulled into the parking lot and found a spot quite close to the ER entrance. Without waiting for Jennifer, Jack leapt from the car and burst through the doors. "Jack Devera...." He paused as he took in the full extent of the emergency. The ER was filled with walking wounded as well as numerous people lying on gurneys. Every member of staff was involved in some kind of emergency treatment. The line at the Triage desk was long and every chair was taken in the waiting area. Jennifer ran in behind him and took a deep breath at the sight.

"Oh Jack, we have to find out if any of the family is injured." She grabbed his arm for support but he ignored her as he pounced on a doctor walking past. "Jack Deveraux, Spectator. Tell me how many injured, as well as names."

"I beg your pardon. Listen, I don't have time for the press. You'll have to wait until the hospital makes an official statement. Now get out of my way." The doctor pushed past Jack and went into an examination room.

"Jack let me handle this." Jennifer smiled sweetly at a nurse she'd known for some time since her candy striper days. "Hi Debbie. Can you give me any news about the injured from last night's explosion?"

The nurse smiled back. "Jennifer, I'm sorry I just don't know anymore than you. I've been on all night. We all have. We're all just taking patients on a case by case basis. Most seriously injured first. Sorry I have to go."

"Well nice didn't do any better than....

"Nasty, Jack? Is that what you were going to say."

"No, I was just behaving as a responsible member of the press. The printed press. I have to find out Jennifer. Lots of people we know were there."

She placed her hand on his cheek. "She'll be all right Jack. Vern would have called if anything had happened to Jo. It's grandma and grandpa that I'm worried about. They are getting on and....there's grandma."

Jack craned his neck and spotted her also. "Mrs. Horton, Mrs. Horton." Alice turned at the sound of Jack's voice echoing over the ER. He pushed his way through protecting Jennifer's face from getting bumped. "My dear Mrs. Horton, any news?"

Alice stepped towards Jack and Jennifer and they saw Julie sitting on a chair behind her looking like she was in shock. She didn't even acknowledge Jennifer's presence. Jennifer sucked in her breath. "Julie, oh my god, Julie. Grandma, is she badly hurt?" Alice took them aside and spoke quietly. "She has some nasty cuts and abrasions and at the moment she is not hearing properly but Tom thinks that her hearing loss is only temporary. We're waiting for CT scan results now."

"So grandpa is all right too. Oh grandma I was so worried when I heard about the explosion. Is Julie going to be all right? She is going to be all right, isn't she grandma?"

"Calm down darling, calm down. Yes, she's going to be fine. We're just waiting for a bed now. However there was a fatality last night."

Jack froze. He closed his eyes expecting the worst. Alice saw his distress and reassured him quickly. I'm sure that Jo is fine Jack. I haven't seen any sign of her this morning. The fatality was one of the guards on duty. He was right next to spot where the bomb went off."

"Bomb!" Both Jack and Jennifer spoke together. "There was a bomb?"

"It appears so. That's what the police are saying anyway. I have to get back to Julie."

"Can I see her grandma?"

"Of course dear but keep things calm."

Jennifer walked over to Julie and she moved her head slowly up to look at Jennifer. Her eyes widened when she saw Jennifer's face. "Oh Jen, darling, you too."

"No, no, Julie, I wasn't hurt in the explosion."

Julie frowned and pointed to her ear. "I can't hear you properly. Grandpa said it was only temporary but I'm frightened. Oh Jack, there you are. Take care of our girl will you?"

Jack nodded as Jennifer gave Julie a kiss on the cheek. Jack lead Jennifer away from Julie because he could see that Jennifer was about to cry. "Come on, it's okay. She's going to be fine. After all she's a Horton, you know."

Jennifer melted into Jack's chest and sobbed a little. "It's all too much, First Hawk, now this. I just can't seem to stop the tears."

"You have been very emotional lately. Look it can't get any worse than this. Your grandmother said that Jo isn't here. That must mean she is not injured. Julie is going to be okay and your grandparents are both working. I mean who else is there to worry about. I'm going over to Triage to see if I can get any details for the paper."

"I'm coming too Jack.... for the studio."

"Always competing, eh?

"Of course."

As they approached the desk, a doctor came up ahead of them. "You better get in contact with his family. I think he'll be okay but he is out of it a bit."

The nurse responded, "Sure and what is his name again?"

"Ah, let me see, yes Scofield. Vern Scofield."

"VERN!" Jack slammed his fist on the desk. "Did you say Vern Scofield?"

The doctor turned to Jack. "Excuse me are you a relative?"

"Ah.... yes, yes of course I'm a relative."

"I thought I heard you say that you were from the press before."

"Ah, no that was the other guy. You know the press, always pushing for answers. Nasty bunch, nasty."

"Hmmm, well Mr. Scofield has some serious head injuries. He's only partly conscious but I can take you to see him if you wish. You're his son, I presume?"

"Whatever, let's go."

As they were about to go in with the doctor, Carly came over. "Jack, Jen, what are you doing here? Oh my god Jen, look at your face. Have you been checked out. You must have been hit by shrapnel from the bomb. Come over here and I'll take a look."

"Carly, I'm fine. I wasn't at the seen of the bomb. This happened at The Spectator. Grandpa looked at it last night. I'll tell you about it later. We just heard that Vern is here."

"He is? Frankly Jennifer, I've been too busy to know exactly who's been admitted. It's been going on like this for hours and they still haven't cleared the site."

The phone suddenly screeched out again at the Triage desk and it was obvious to everybody that there was a critical injury coming in. The nurse was taking details. "Yes, okay, male, round 35. Multiple injuries, unconscious. Fine. Any ID? Wait, what name did you say? Oh, Scofield. That's funny, we already have a Scofield here."

Jack and Jennifer looked at each other and both leaned over the desk. Jack spoke first. "Did you say that another Scofield was coming in?"

"Why yes. Oh you're the relative aren't you?"

"Yes, yes, tell me are you sure that his name is Scofield?"

"Yes I am, they spelled it out for me. I'm sorry but he is in a bad way. I think you should be prepared for the worst. Would you like to go in and see your father now?"

"Ah.... yes, yes." He turned to Jennifer. "It must be Brian. Oh god Jennifer, what do we tell Vern?"

 

"Brian, Jack, Brian. Why did it have to be Brian?" Jennifer kept repeating the same thing over and over again while Jack tried to work out how to tell Vern.

"Jennifer, you have to calm down. I'm going to speak to Vern's doctor and see how he thinks we should handle this." Jack walked over to the doctor and grabbed his arm. "Doctor?"

The doctor turned and recognized Jack as a "relative" of Mr. Scofield. "Ah, yes, I'm very busy. Can I help you?"

Jack sighed heavily. "I.... we are about to go into see Ve....Mr. Scofield but now that we have news that his son is seriously injured, I wanted to check with you about what to tell him. Is he....is he....is he well enough to get bad news.... possible bad news?"

"Mr. Scofield has sustained a number of injuries. The most serious is a nasty hip fracture that will require surgery. However, emotionally, he's very shaken up and although I don't advise keeping bad news from him, I think you should be careful and break it to him gently. He's still groggy from the impact of the explosion and he's not thinking too clearly. Actually I think you should wait until after his surgery. He should get up to OR in about 30 minutes unless something more urgent takes precedence."

"Thanks Doc. Thanks. We'll take it from here." Jack walked back to Jennifer. "Did you hear that? He thinks we should keep any bad news from Vern until after his surgery and then take it easy with what we tell him."

"Surgery, Jack? Vern needs surgery?"

Jack put his arm around her shoulders. "Nothing life threatening, okay. At least not for Vern. Brian is another matter altogether. Come on, let's face the music....or the Vern as the case may be."

As they were talking, Marcus walked up and overheard the last thing Jack said. "Jack, Jennifer, are you here to see Vern?"

Dr. Hunter, as a matter of fact we were about to see Vern. Is that a problem?"

"Why no Jack, only if tell him about Brian."

"Well we were going to wait until after his surgery. His hip, you know."

Jack, don't you think this kind of news should come from family."

Well ideally yes but then when it comes to family, we are virtually all he has."

"Jack, Vern has another son and a daughter. I think you should leave it to them."

"Tanner, you mean Tanner! All I'm saying is that Vern needs us to be in there with him and if the question arises after his surgery I don't think that it's a problem if we break the news."

"Jack, leave it okay. For once in your life take some advice. Stay out of it."

Marcus walked off shaking his head. Despite his request there really was nothing he could do to stop Jack telling Vern.

Hand in hand Jack and Jennifer pushed open the door to Vern's room. Jo was seated beside his bed and was patting his hand. Vern had his left leg immobilized as well as bruises on his left arm and cheek. He appeared to be asleep. Jo turned and saw Jack. She immediately stood up and put her arms around him. "Oh Jaaaack, I'm so glad you're here. He's in such pain Jack. I....I can't help but think of what happened to Steve. An explosion Jack, an explosion. It's happening all over again."

Jack slowly put his arms around Jo. Despite years of reconciliation, he still found it hard to show emotion around her. She clung to him for reassurance. "Jo, this is not like St....Steve. I spoke to the doctor and he said that Vern was going to be fine. He just needs surgery on his hip or leg or something. It's not life threatening. All the rest will heal and he'll be back at The Spectator yelling at me in no time. As a matter of fact I should get down there right now while he's laid up."

Jo smiled. "Oh Jack, stop kidding me. You're sure he's going to be all right?" Jennifer repeated what Jack had already said. "Mrs. Johnson, Jack did really speak to Vern's doctor and he did say that he was going to be up and about in no time." Jennifer glanced quickly at Jack. They both knew what the other was thinking. They could not mention Brian at this point to Jo or Vern.

Jo let go of Jack and sat back down as Vern stirred. "Jack, is that you old buddy?" Jack leaned over closer. "Wild horses or even cowboys couldn't keep me away, Vern, you old....newspaperman. Now what's this I hear about you wanting time off work?"

Jack's remarks made Vern spark up. "Don't you start getting cheeky with me. You couldn't run that paper without me. I mean who was down there trying to get a story for the paper and got themselves all blown up. me. Come to think of it, this is should all be covered by the paper's insurance. After all I was working at the time."

"Insurance Now Vern we have to talk about this. Only kidding Vern, only kidding. No seriously, Jennifer and I want you to take a couple of days off after your surgery to get back on your feet and then I say you should be back on the job by say....next Wednesday."

Jennifer stepped in at this point. "Jack be quiet. He's just being Jack, Vern. Tight. We want you to take as much time as you need to recover."

Vern looked across at Jack. "Jack, I was meaning to ask. Have you seen Brian around? I'd really like to see him."

Jack took a deep breath as he gave Jennifer a quick glance. "Aaaaah, I guess I could....well you know he's probably not able to visit you at this point."

Jo burst in. "Why couldn't Brian visit Vern, Jack?"

"I...I just meant that...." As Jack began to stumble, Jennifer interrupted. "Jack means that Brian is probably too busy. You know being a police officer and all." She couldn't look at Vern as she spoke. "Ah Vern, would you mind if Jack and I went to visit Julie. We saw her as she was being admitted but we didn't really get to speak to her. We'll be back soon."

"Julie's hurt too? Of course you must go see her. Take Jo with you. She needs to get out of this room for a while. Go have a bite to eat Jo. Or better still go home and get some sleep. I'll be okay. I'm due for surgery in just a few minutes."

As Vern spoke, two nursed came in with a gurney. "Mr. Scofield, time for OR." They carefully lifted him across to the gurney and he waved goodbye. Jo bent down and kissed his cheek and Jack frowned. Jennifer squeezed Vern's hand. Jack stood back a bit afraid to show any emotion.

"Remember Vern, next Wednesday, bright and early." Vern grinned at Jack's comment. "Right boss, next Wednesday. I'll get the nurses to wheel me in."

"That's good Vern, good."

Vern was wheeled out and Jack turned to Jo. "And what was that about?"

"That? What that Jack?"

"Don't deny it. I saw it. The kiss. What's with the kiss?"

Jo giggled. "Oh Jack, you know Vern and I are getting sort of close. It was just a brief show of affection, that's all."

Jack immediately went into protective mode. "Well I don't approve. I think it's totally out of place in a hospital. I mean the man's ill."

Jennifer grabbed his arm. "Come on Jack. Leave Jo alone. Jo come outside with us and get a cup of coffee. We need to tell you something before you see it on the news or hear it around here." Jack shook his head but Jennifer nodded back at him in determination. She took Jo's arm and took her outside and down to the cafeteria. After they all had a cup of coffee in front of them, Jennifer began. "Jo, it's about Brian. He's been seriously hurt and the doctor told us to keep it from Vern until after his surgery and then to take it slowly, telling him."

Jo gasped. "Oooooh Jennifer." Jack patted her hand. "Jo you have to be strong for Vern."

"Oh Jack you know I'll try but I don't think I can lie to him."

"We're not asking you to lie. We just don't want him to be told in a way that sets him back."

Jo dabbed at her eyes. "How serious is it with Brian? I mean he's not....he's not...."

"At this point we can't be sure. They are bringing him in now. I guess the doctors will have an assessment soon after that. Till then, it's best to keep this to yourself. You can do that, can't you Jo?" Jack looked her in the eye.

"Jack, I....I don't know. I know I'll start to cry and then he'll fall apart and...."

Jennifer handed Jo a tissue. "Mrs. Johnson, I'm sure the doctors will know what's best. Marcus is going to be looking after Brian when he arrives and maybe you should talk to him. Of course if you'd rather, I know Jack will gladly be the one to tell him."

Jack glared at Jennifer. He hated being the one to handle situations like this. Jennifer gave him a reassuring look. "We can handle this Jack. It will be all right. Vern knows how you feel about him. He'd want you to be the one to tell him. Jo, why don't you go home for a few hours and get some rest. Take a shower, lie down and we'll stay around for Vern....and Brian."

"I really do need to lie down for a while. What with the explosion, Vern getting hurt, being up all night....and you two getting yourselves in trouble and now Brian. I need some time to think."

Jack stood up. "Good, then let's go back upstairs. I'll see if Mrs. Horton knows of a quiet place you can wait while Vern in OR."

Jack and Jennifer led Jo back upstairs to the ER where Alice was still working.

"Grandma, I wonder if it's all right if Jo waits in grandpa's office while Vern is in surgery. She's really worn out and wants a bit of time alone."

"Of course, darling. Jo you go right up there and stay as long as you like. Tom's going to be too busy to use his office for some time yet."

"Thank you Alice. It really has been a terrible night."

Jack escorted Jo to the elevator and then Jennifer turned to Jack and sighed. "I guess we better go and find out how Brian really is." Jack just sighed and followed her. The ER was still a mad house full of frantic relatives, piercing phones and injured people. Jennifer saw Tom getting out of the elevator and ran for him. "Grandpa, grandpa. I'm so glad you're all right."

"Jennifer, of course I'm all right. Have you had that face checked out this morning?"

"I haven't had time yet grandpa but I will. We just heard about Brian. How is he grandpa?"

Tom lowered his head and frowned. "We just took him straight up to OR. It's not good Jennifer, it's not good. He has multiple fractures but the most serious injury is to his head. It seems to have taken a major part of the explosion straight on. He has serious head trauma and there is a possibility of brain swelling. Apart from that we don't have all the results back yet."

For a brief instance as Tom spoke, Jack's mind flashed a picture of Steve lying in bed after the explosion that eventually killed him. He threw back his head and closed his eyes to shut out the image.

"Are you all right Jack?" said Tom. He noticed Jack's anguish. "Yep, just fine and dandy" Jack responded but both Jennifer and Tom knew he was lying.

"Look Jack, we'll do all we can for Brian but it's best if you don't hold out much hope. I know how close you are to Vern but I'd wait until he's fully conscious after his surgery before I'd mention Brian. Vern's not getting any younger."

Jack nodded. "We will. Promise. By the way, how's Julie?"

"Just a few scratches but we're keeping her here for 24 hours until her hearing is back to normal. We can't be too careful."

"Grandpa, where is she? Can we see here while Vern is in surgery?"

"She's in room 12b."

"Come on Jack. Let's get the elevator." They ran to the open elevator door and just made it inside. It was crammed with people and Jack wriggled over to the side trying to get some air. "Have I ever told you how much I hate crowded elevators?" Everybody heard him and turned in his direction. "Claustrophobia, you know," said Jack. He half grinned at them all. As the elevator door opened on twelve, Jack pushed his way out.

"Aaaaah, fresh air. Now where's 12 b? Right here. I hope all of your family isn't in visiting your cousin. I hate crowds and especially crowds of Hortons."

"Well let's go in and find out." Jennifer pulled him inside. Julie was alone and seemed rather perky for somebody who had been through a night of hell.

"Jennifer, darling and Jack. How nice to see you again. Jack, two visits in one day. I am impressed."

Jack grinned. "Well she made me do it." He pointed to Jennifer.

Julie frowned and capped her ears with her hands. "Jack even you will have to speak louder. Or better still write it down. Grandpa doesn't want me to take it quietly for a few hours. My hearing is improving but very slowly."

Jack picked up the pencil and notebook that Julie was holding. "Well the pen....or pencil in this case is mightier than the sword.... or voice in this case. Now...." He began to write and write and write until Jennifer grabbed the pencil from his hand. "What are doing Jack? Julie doesn't want the bible on a postage stamp. Just write, Hi, how are you."

"And how boring is that? I'm a newspaperman and I can put pen to paper." He grabbed back the pencil.

"But you're not writing an article for the paper, you're just substituting the note for your spoken word."

"And.... that's exactly what I was doing."

"You never could shut up Jack, even in writing. Here, give it back to me." Jennifer picked up the pencil and asked Julie how she was feeling in simple words. Julie said she was really feeling fine and even a bit hungry so she was sure that she would be back after a rest. Jennifer then wrote down the news about Brian and Julie was shocked. She'd heard about the guard dying but thought that he was the only one critically injured. Julie asked if they'd told Vern and Jennifer tried to describe their dilemma.

"I'm sure you'll find the right words Jack," Julie reassured him. "Vern loves you like a son and he'll need you now Jack." Jack nodded and walked over to the window and stared out. Other people had needed him before at times like this and he hadn't always been able to deliver. Jennifer saw his contemplation. "Jack, Vern is strong and we'll be there together for him as well as Jo."

Jack turned to her and his face was full of sadness. He understood loss better than anybody else. "Julie, if you'll excuse us. You probably need the rest anyway. I think we should get back downstairs so that we're there when Vern gets back from surgery. And you probably need to get that rest you were talking about." He took Jennifer's hand and she just had time to give a confused Julie a quick smile before he directed her out the door.

"Jack, it's going to be all right."

"So they keep telling me. Come on, there's the elevator.... crowded as usual."

 

Jennifer stood and walked over to the window in the waiting room. It was snowing again. Three inches had fallen this morning according to the television news. She knew the amount despite the fact she was deliberately ignoring the television in the corner.

Why didn't someone turn down the volume? She had heard enough. Again and again, Madeline's face came on screen repeating what had happened ad nauseam. Jennifer wondered if it was her imagination or if Madeline really did sound smug as she hogged the spotlight. Jennifer could not help but think Madeline saw this tragedy as some kind of career boost. The sad thing was, Madeline was probably right. Even CNN had picked up the news feed.

Jennifer laid her hand against the window pane. It was cold outside, she thought even as she realized she felt cold inside herself. So many people had been hurt and injured.... and Vern. Sweet, teddy bear Vern was in surgery with a pin being inserted in his hip. And Brian.... Poor Brian. Jennifer closed her eyes and prayed silently for a moment.

Jack hung up the phone and came over to her. "We're going to hold the run of the afternoon paper," he told her.

She frowned. "Why?"

"The police are saying that they have leads. Seems that while digging through the rubble they found one of the men who set the bomb."

She glanced at the TV screen.

"They haven't released it yet. Roman Brady was the one who told me. He said that the paramedics dug the man out. He was still alive but in bad shape. Before he died, he had an attack of conscience and to make a long story short they think they have a lead on the Torres family hide-out."

"Bo!" she gasped. "You mean they have a lead on Bo?" Bo had been abducted by the Torres family more than a month earlier.

Jack shrugged. "Maybe, maybe not. But Roman thinks there might be some hope. I have a reporter writing up the stuff about the Torres informant found in the wreckage for the evening edition. We'll hold the presses for another hour in hopes of news on Bo."

Jennifer sighed. "It would be great if something good could come out of this mess." She turned and looked up at her husband. "Jack, how could all of this happen? And how could all of this happen as we not know!"

"Are you asking in a personal or a professional sense?" Jack wondered. "Professionally, the news is a fast paced business that doesn't wait around until it's convenient for us. And personally? It's been a hectic few weeks. We've been out of touch and people probably didn't want to bother us."

"Bother us?!" Jennifer asked in shock. "A building blew up in downtown Salem." She shook her head. "How unbelievable is that? How could anyone do something like that?"

"I could tell you it was greed, Jennifer, but that wouldn't be an answer."

"No, it wouldn't."

"Although greed makes people do a lot of weird things," Jack admitted. "Look Hawk and us."

"But that doesn't explain this, Jack. Whatever the Torres family wanted or didn't want, to blow up a building isn't just disregard for human life. It's contempt for it."

Some spark of admiration seemed to light Jack's eyes. "You should be doing those editorials on screen instead of Madeline."

"Speaking of greed...." Jen drawled.

"She isn't half the reporter you are."

Jennifer gave a ghost of a smile. "And you're just soooo objective where I'm concerned."

"Hey," Jack protested, "I was impressed by your work before I fell for you. And Vern thought you were the bees knees from day one."

"Vern," Jennifer murmured and glanced at the clock. "How much longer? He's been in surgery for hours."

"I don't know. We can go check though."

Just as they were about to go to the nurses' station, Lawrence Alamain walked in the waiting room door.

 

Lawrence's sudden appearance startled Jack and Jennifer. Jennifer stepped back, and stood behind one of the lounge's large chairs. Jennifer had repeatedly vowed to herself that she was not going to let Lawrence intimidate her and make her feel like a victim. However, after all that occurred the past twenty-four hours she just could not deal with him at that moment.

Jacked noted that there was something about Lawrence's expression when he walked into the room. He seemed almost as startled as them. Jack smiled, after the turmoil of the explosion he had forgotten that he -- for other than a few select people -- had been a dead man. "Lawrence, it looks as though you've seen a ghost. However, the report--"

Lawrence interrupted him, "Yes, I know 'The reports of my death have been exaggerated.' A quote from one of your quaint American novelists, Samuel Clemens, Mark Twain. I was visiting my estate and just returned today, I was most disturbed to read in The Chronicle about your death. Actually I was visiting my estate, you remember it don't you, Jasper Jasper?"

Jack was somewhat unnerved by him, but he had to hide any sign of weakness -- he knew that Lawrence fed on it. "Oh, I don't think any of us will ever forget your brand of hospitality. It was most unique to say the least."

Just then Lawrence turned his gaze towards Jennifer. A subtly wicked smiled crept over his face. "If it isn't the former Mrs. Alamain."

Jack moved over towards Jennifer, assuming his standard protective pose.

"Of course, had I been in town I would have sent the grieving widow, my former consort my condolences."

Jennifer had remained facing away, but with that last remark she defiantly turned to face Lawrence, stepping in front of Jack, "I was never your consort. "

Lawrence noticed her bruised and swollen face. He flashed a look of concern -- an outside observer would not doubt the sincerity of his expression and tone. "My dear, what happened to you? It just wounds me to the core seeing you hurt and in pain." With that Lawrence raised his hand about to stroke Jennifer's cheek.

In disgust Jennifer stepped aside. Jack's lips whitened, and his eyes narrowed. He placed himself between Jennifer and Lawrence. Jack stood erect and stared unflinchingly into Lawrence's eyes. Though he spoke jovially, his eyes blazed with hatred. "Lawrence shouldn't you be hanging in some dark closet, or reclining in your coffin filled with your homeland's soil, instead of bothering Jennifer and myself?"

"Mr. Deveraux, your pathetic attempt at wit always amuses me. And yet again you and your lovely bride misconstrue my motives. I was just concerned for my former bride. Til the day I die she will have a tender place in my heart."

Seething with anger and hatred Jennifer was about to reply, but Lawrence spoke first, staring into Jack's eyes; with a faint smile but with an underlying sadistic pleasure in his eyes, he continued, "Mr. Deveraux sadly it seems that history has again repeated itself."

Jack fought against showing any sign of weakness; however, Lawrence's last remarks affected him. He did not know the meaning behind the words, only that -- as with all that Lawrence said -- the words were meant to inflict pain.

Feigning friendship, Lawrence wrapped his arm around Jack's shoulders, looking over at Jennifer and focusing on her face, he continued, "Oh, come on Jack, your first wife, the lovely widow Johnson, and now Jennifer?

Jack followed Lawrence's gaze, the full implication of his words struck at Jack. Lawrence knew he was winning. "But then again blood will always out. And no matter how many names one goes by, that will not change one's ancestry. Violence begets violence. An abusive father; a two-time loser, bum brother, a homocidally insane mother--"

Jack practically shook with anger; his eyes hardened; with his elbow he violently pushed away Lawrence's arm; the force was such that Lawrence nearly fell backwards. In a rage Jack moved towards Lawrence; however, he stopped upon seeing the victorious look in Lawrence's eyes.

"It's a pity that such a sweet and gentle creature as you, my dear Jen, is married to someone who doesn't deserve you. See Jen, Jack has just proven my point. Just like the rest of his family, the only thing Mr. Deve.... Mr. Johnson knows is violence. "

Jack's shoulders slumped; he stumbled and walked over towards the window. Breathing heavily; beginning to sweat, he loosened his tie. A myriad of remembrances flooded his mind: Raping Kayla, killing Harper, and dangling Hawk from the Spectator roof. Then there was Jennifer, he may not have hit her, but he was very much to blame for her getting hurt.... Jack shuddered, or worse nearly killed. Meanwhile a slight smile of victory spread over Lawrence's face.

Jennifer walked over to Jack and gently turned his face to meet hers. She looked into his eyes; but Jack turned away and continued to stare out the window. Unfazed she gently cupped his chin in her hand. Looking into his eyes she spoke to Jack, "Jack don't listen to him. He's an evil and pathetic man. Lawrence will never be the man you are: you're gentle, loving, caring. He's the one who's violent, and evil. He is just jealous of you.... of us. You have friends and family who love you. And you have me, who loves you more than anything in this world. Lawrence has no one." Jennifer lovingly kissed Jack's cheek.

Lawrence applauded, that was a wonderful performance. The devoted wife. Though it seems to me you played that role for me not so long ago. The devoted fiancee, all the while betraying me under my very own roof with your lover. I feel for you Jack. She pulled the same thing on you with that cowboy -- cuckold. All the while you were gone, she definitely wasn't the devoted Penelope, knitting away. And now that you're back, she's playing the role of the devoted wife. In my country the husband has rights. And any husband would be justified putting his wife in her place and teaching her a lesson.

Jennifer tried to fight back tears, "I love Jack. And I always have. I have always been faithful to him. Lawrence, you're just a petty, evil, vindictive man, who cares about no one and has no one who cares for you. You think you can destroy our love with your words. You didn't in the past. And you aren't now. The fact that you can't eats at you--"

Just then the lounge door opened, it was Carly. "Law.... She stopped, and her eyes moved back and forth between Jack and Jennifer, and Lawrence. Her tone became forceful, and her eyes focused on his, "Lawrence, leave them alone."

Carly's entrance had snapped Jack out of that dark void; he turned towards the door and watched her. He frowned, something was strange. It was almost imperceptible, but there was something there. A very subtle interchange between Lawrence and Carly. Jack always prized himself for being perceptive. He thought back, Lawrence wasn't shocked seeing me alive. No, he was expecting someone. Carly had called out his name. I'll be damned he was expecting her.

"I apologize Jennifer -- Jack. Come Lawrence. Vivian is fine. I will take you to see her now.

With a serpentine gleam in his eyes, Lawrence followed Carly out the lounge, "Jen, Jack, it's been a pleasure as always. We'll have to talk again."

After they had gone, Jack ran to the door and opened it, he was determined to spy on them, sotto voice, "Something definitely is rotten in this Midwestern state."

"What did you say? And what the heck are you doing, Jack?", questioned Jennifer."

Jack did not reply. "Dammit," Carly and Lawrence turned the corner, out of his sight. He waited, and tried to listen, but heard nothing. Just then he saw Carly turning the corner, returning to the lounge. Jack quickly rushed over and sat down, trying to act nonchalant .

"Jennifer, again I apologize." Carly looked over towards Jack, who was trying not let on that he was trying to read her expressions. "Vivian was injured in the explosion and I was treating her. I told Lawrence to meet me here to inform him of her condition."

"I understand, but that man he.... he just--"

"I know he repulses me too. But I have to put aside my personal feelings and act professionally.

Jack knew that there was more to this than met the eye. There was more to this meeting between Carly and Lawrence than professionalism. Jennifer was always too trusting. He never trusted or liked the secretive Katerina von Leuschner, aka Dr. Carly Manning. He never bought into Carly-the-Best-Friend-in-All-the-World, much of the responsibility for what happened to Jennifer at the villa lay on Carly's shoulders.Then again it is said that husbands are always jealous of their spouses' friends. But still, Jack's curiosity was peaked. He could never pass by a mystery.He listened intently to Jennifer and Carly's conversation.

Jennifer injected into the void left by Lawrence's exit, "He's just so.... so....

"Despicable?" Jack supplied.

"Disgusting! Ugh!" she growled. "He's just hateful. Why couldn't a building drop on him?" She stopped short. "I shouldn't have said that. It was crass and inappropriate and-- "

"Jennifer?"

"What?"

"You have enough bruises. Don't give yourself any more of them." Jack reached out and lightly touched her bruised cheek. "It's what Lawrence wants."

She sank into one of the chairs . "You're right. Good thing Carly came along and took him out of here."

"About Ms. Manning --"

"Don't start, Jack. And don't think I didn't hear that stuff you were saying under your breath."

A rueful look crossed his face. "I didn't miss the death glares you were shooting me. I'm well aware you heard every word I said."

"Well you're wrong. I can't believe you would suspect that Carly has any kind of 'thing' for Lawrence. She may have been engaged to him once -- an arranged engagement in case you didn't notice -- but there is nothing, absolutely nothing between them now."

Jack looked doubtful.

"I mean it, Jack."

An arrested expression crossed Jack's face. "Marcus...." Grabbing Jennifer's hand he pushed through the glass door to intercept Marcus. "You're going to see Vern aren't you? Carly told us he was conscious and out of recovery--"

"Jack, please," Marcus requested.

"It's about Brian, isn't it?"

Marcus paused and explained, "Vern should be clearheaded enough now to deal with the news."

"What is the news?" Jack asked.

"Jack, it's family business."

Jennifer stepped in. "Marcus, you know that for all intents and purposes we are family."

There was cry beyond the double doors marked "Surgical I.C.U."

"Vern!" Jack recognized and when Marcus pushed through the doors, Jack and Jennifer were right behind him. Jo, holding Vern's hand tightly, looked up at them in teary eyed compassion. She told him, Jack realized without his mother saying a word. Inexplicably, Jack felt.... It's not resentment, Jack assured himself. Surely it wasn't resentment. But deep down, in that tiny spot of honesty inside himself Jack realized that in some weird way he felt like Jo had stolen something from him. After all Vern was Sancho Panza to his Don Quixote. Jo shouldn't have usurped--

"My son, " Vern gasped startling Jack out of his reverie. "How is my son?"

"Vern, you shouldn't upset yourself," Marcus comforted. "Everything that can be done for Brian is being done."

"What's being done? Surgery? What?" Vern asked.

Marcus shook his head. "Surgery isn't really an option at the moment. He has a badly fractured femur but we won't do anything about that until he is more stable."

"So what is being done?"

"He's in P.I.C.U.--"

"Which is?" Jack asked.

"I'm sorry. I should have explained. Progressive Intensive Care. The broken bones really don't present a problem but Brian has a concussion and should be observed."

"Concussion? That's not so bad is it?" Jo asked. "Jack had one just a few weeks ago."

Marcus shook his head. "This isn't the same. This is a severe concussion. Severe enough that Brian is losing spinal fluid."

Jack frowned. "How exactly does one 'lose' spinal fluid?"

"It backs up and...." Marcus grimaced. "The pressure has built up. At the moment Brian is draining fluid through his right ear which means that if.... That is to say, Brian will be deaf in his right ear due to this. But again, that's not a significant problem. What worries us most is the pressure that's causing to fluid to drain. If there is excessive pressure in the spinal fluid that means there is excessive pressure to the brain. The easiest way to explain this is to say that Brian's brain is swelling. We have to stop that swelling. If the pressure grows too great or lasts too long. . ." Marcus paused. "It's possible that Brian could have brain damage if that happens."

"If that happens," Jack repeated. "Meaning he's not brain damaged now?"

"No," Marcus reassured. "The possibility of brain damage isn't from the concussion. At least not directly. The danger is the pressure on the brain. If that stops.... well that would be the best case scenario. Vern, I promise you we're doing everything we can, but to be perfectly honest, all we can do at this point is observe and hope for the best."

Jo gripped Vern's hand. "Well, of course that's what we'll do. That's what we'll all do. And.... and we'll pray as well. Brian will be fine." She patted Vern's hand. "You just have to believe that. Your son will be fine."

---

[ CM006 ] [ TJDS: CM Index ] [ CM008 ]
[ Matthew Ashford Page ] [ TJDS ]