Jack wiped away the condensation from the window, all he saw were clouds and more clouds. He turned to say something to Jennifer, only to realize she was back in Salem.

The day before Jack and Jennifer were to leave for Switzerland, Dan informed her that she was now covering the Bartlett murder trial. Jennifer had debated turning it down. In the end, Jack had convinced her that she should take advantage of this opportunity, it could possibly be an award winning story. If all went well, he promised that they would have a romantic get-away . However, what Jack had not told her was that he had twisted Dan's arm to get her the assignment. Privately Jack told himself that she deserved it, that she was a thousand times the journalist that Madeline was. However, had there been another reason for Jack wanting Jennifer to have the story? If there was Jack refused to acknowledge it to himself.

As for John, through research, Jack had discovered that he was staying in Lucerne, at the Romatik Wilden Mann Hotel. Jack however was to stay at something far less romantic and far more cheap; he had never stayed in anything so plebeian in his life — well that was not true, when he was on the run he slept in meat packing plant. Jack planned on following John around for a couple of days, and then to confront him. Of course that was if his sources were right about John's whereabouts. He did not want to think about all too distinct possibility that Roman/John/Whoever was in fact Romulus. The little research he had been able to do had not shed any light on the identity of the master thief, and possible spy. As for the mystery woman Danielle, he had been unable to dig up any information on her — she seemed to have appeared out of the blue, as if she had never existed prior to her arrival in Salem.

Jack glanced over toward Julie, she was reading Vogue and humming along to "Mi chiamano Mimi" from Puccini's La Boheme, which she was listening to on her headset. Jack finished his Martini. And then making sure Julie did not see him, he surreptitiously reached into his carry-on and pulled out The New Daddy's Guide to Pregnancy and Infant Care which he quickly covered it with Switzerland for Cheapskates.

Seeing Todd, the jet's steward, Jack nearly jumped out of his skin. "Sorry to startle you Mr. Deveraux, I just wondered if you would like another Martini. Yes, I know extra dry, with three olives." Jack nodded. Todd left and immediately returned with the drink.

Jack ate the three olives and then quickly downed the drink. Making sure Julie was not looking, he began reading. Well, of course I know how my wife got pregnant. Jack skipped ahead to the next chapter, "Chapter One: The First Trimester: What Every First Time Dad Needs to Know." "It all begins with the joyous words, 'I'm pregnant.' We don't have to remind you how thrilled you were. How these scant few words bonded you and your wife even more than on your wedding day. The love for you mirrored in your wife's eyes; and her for you in yours." Jack sighed, thinking over what actually happened when he had heard the news.

Jack skipped ahead a few pages. "It is now when your wife needs you the most. She is going through major hormonal changes, effecting her physical and emotional state. Morning sickness — which in fact can be perpetual nausea, lasting throughout the first trimester — hemorrhoids, bloating, enlargement of the breasts, her expanding stomach, and numerous other conditions. Not to mention mood swings. It is at this time that your wife needs you there for her. She needs your patience, your understanding, and most of all your love."

Just then everything became distorted, time appeared to slow down. He closed his eyes. Damn, I should not have had that second drink on an empty stomach. He looked over towards Julie who appeared frozen in time. He blinked several times in disbelief. It definitely was that second Martini — unlike the commercial airlines, Todd did not water down the drinks. He looked over towards Julie still frozen in time. Just then Jack heard maniacal laughter, followed by a loud boom and a cloud of smoke. The laughter continued, and the smoke slowly dissipated, revealing Harper and Duke.

Jack could not believe his eyes. Harper was in the regalia of an Imperial Roman senator, white toga, with royal purple trim, part of which flung over his right shoulder; he was wearing a laurel crown of pure gold. Duke was dressed as a Roman gladiator. He had a bronze breastplate engraved with scenes of gladiatorial battles; a leather skirt; topped off by a full skin of a lion, which he wore as a cape and headdress.

"Wha.... Wha.... what are you doing here?"

Harper put his arm around Jack's shoulder. "Jack, we were on our way to Caligula's annual bash when we saw you needed us. So we came to help."

"Caligula, as in the Roman Emperor?"

"And let me tell you he throws one hell — pun intended — of a party. Only hell's best are invited. It is one big orgy, it almost puts those DC parties to shame.

"Yeah, but you two are in hell. Fire, brimstone, perpetual torture."

"Propaganda, all the most interesting people are there — history's movers and shakers. Hell is one big constant party with every known vice imaginable." Harper whispered in Jack's ear "We in hell let all those sanctimonious religious hypocrites spout all that stuff about torturer. We like to keep the truth to ourselves. If word got out then everyone would want to go there.... And as the saying goes, 'there goes the neighborhood'—"

"Yeah, let all them boring goodie-two-shoes have their clouds and harps," added Duke."

"So if the party is so fun why are you yet again bothering me?"

"Duke answered, "It's like the Senator said, we saw you needed our help. That book's for those wussie whipped husbands. Listen to me kid and I'll teach you the best way to handle that little woman."

"Yeah Jack, listen to Duke. In this instance — I have to admit — he does have more hands on experience than I. Fortunately, Camille never was pregnant and I never had to deal with all the nastiness that pregnancy entails," he shuddered in disgust—

"Yeah, that's because you were shootin' blanks there Harpy. BillyBoy here's like the old man, a regular stud." Duke slapped Jack on the back, nearly knocking him over. "Sonny Boy, I'm proud of you. You got that woman of yours knocked-up pretty damn fast. But don't buy into that crap that those pansy, no nothings are trying to sell. Do what I done to your mother, when she moans about not feeling well or gets into one of her stupid female moods, you just, smack," Duke demonstrated by making a fist with his right hand and hit the palm of his left.

Jack flinched, stepping away in disgust, "I would never hit Jennifer."

"Whatever! But you feel differently when the baby's screaming and dinner's not ready," Duke replied. "But I must admit it, I'm actually proud of my BillyBoy. You're doin' the right thing, continue ignorin' her—"

"I'm.... I'm.... I am not ignoring Jennifer—"

"Come on Jack," Harper interrupted, "We are your two dads, we live inside your head—"

"Yeah, it's got a lot of free space," Duke cut in.

"Where was I," continued Harper, "Oh yes . You cannot lie to us, we know all your thoughts. Ever since that pretty little wife of yours told you she was pregnant you have avoided her. The night she told you, it did not bond you more. You were not supportive. You were not happy. You ran off to be alone. Ever since, you've been spending all your time at the office or at her grandmother's greasy spoon drinking coffee. You leave before she wakes up, and do not return until the evening. You barely look at her. When she wants to talk about the baby you change the subject or run out the door."

"Bu.... I'm not avoiding Jennifer. It.... It.... It's just that I need to get the paper back in shape or I will lose it. And Vern needed the time off. And there has been a lot of big stories, the explosion, the Bartlett trial—" Duke and Harper looked at each other and laughed. "What, it's true I am not avoiding Jennifer."

"Well, Jack, then why are you running off to Switzerland, alone?" Harper asked.

"I wanted her to come." Seeing the disbelief in their eyes, "I really did! Something came up at the studio—"

Harper did not let Jack finish, "You did not want her to come, the only reason you agreed at first was because she wormed her way into coming. But Jack, we were very impressed. You virtually blackmailed her boss into giving her the assignment so she would stay home." Duke nodded in agreement.

"Tha.... Tha..... That is not why I did it. She deserves the assignment she is one damn fine reporter."

"Jack, I remember when Josephine was PG with you. I couldn't stand being around her neither. She wasn't nice to look at, getting fatter every day. Always sick. All she seemed to do was cry, cry, cry. It drove me crazy."

"Duke is right Jack. You set it up so that you could go alone. You wanted to get away from that rat trap apartment, and most of all your wife. You cannot deny it, Jack. How many times do we have to tell you we can read your mind. And we know what you are about to say, that you are going for your friend Isabella. But that is not why. Admit it, isn't it a tad hypocritical going to bring back John for Isabella when you yourself are doing everything possible to ignore your own pregnant wife?"

Jack stumbled back in defeated. "That's not true. Now get out. I DON'T WANT YOUR ADVICE. I DON'T NEED YOUR ADVICE," he shouted.

"Whatever BillyBoy. Hey Harpy, if that brat of ours is in de Nile, hahaha, let him. Atilla's calling, time to go; the fun stuff's about beginning."

"Sorry Jackie, as always it has been a nightmare, but we have got to run; don't worry we are here for you, anytime, anyplace. And heed Duke's advice, he may be a no good, low class , illiterate, inarticulate, drunken bum, but at times he does give sound advice. Don't be whipped. If wifey gets into one of those moods, POW!" And with that, laughing, they disappeared puff of smoke.

Jack was moaning loudly, flaying his around. "Jack wake up!" Julie was standing over Jack, shaking him. He awoke with a start, dropping the books to the floor . "Jack, are you okay?"

"Yeah sure, everything's cool, peachy keen, perfectamundo." Jack tried to divert his gaze from the book, hoping that Julie had not spotted it.

"Come on Jack, Todd's prepared lunch."

"I'm not feeling too ravenous. I think I shall reluctantly pass the invitation."

Julie looked at Jack with concern. "Are you sure you're okay?"

"YES," realizing he was being curt with her, "Yes, it's just airplane food and my digestive system and it do not see eye to eye. I think I shall pass."

"Well, this isn't just any airplane food. Doug made sure that Todd made it as per his request. So sit! Enjoy!

"Uncle, after all this time I've discovered it does not pay to argue with a lovely female member of the Horton clan." Jack had to admit that it was impressive — fine china and crystal; and for their meal, cantaloupe with Parma prosciutto, Beluga caviar, risotto with white truffles, ossobucco, polenta, and fresh asparagus.

Throughout the meal Jack mechanically played with his food. It was preposterous, sure he had to admit the timing was wrong, and he had his doubts about the type of parent he would be, but he was not purposefully ignoring Jennifer. But still.... No.... There was no one in the world that he loved more than Jennifer. And once their financial problems were solved he knew he would feel the same way about the baby. Unlike John, he had been there for Jennifer. Maybe he worked long hours but he was at least there for her and not off with some mystery woman from his past. There were no dark ulterior motives for asking Dan to give Jennifer the assignment—

"Earth to Jack, come in Jack?" Julie said as she snapped her fingers in his face.

"Hah.... what?"

"The other times that you ignored my existence were because you were preoccupied staring at my beautiful blonde cousin, so I didn't take offense; but unless you smuggled her aboard without me noticing—"

"I apologize most humbly, Ma' dame," Jack said making a chivalrous bow, "I was just...."

"Thinking of your lovely wife? Missing her?"

"No, I mean, no I mean well.... I mean no, I'm not missing her. Of course that is not to say that I will not miss her, I mean I will. But I just said good-bye to the girl only a few hours ago. I mean despite appearances, I.... I.... you know of course I—"

"I know how you feel about Jennifer, Jack. And I did see that book you tried to hide?"

"Okay I admit it, Switzerland for Cheapskates leaves much to be desired, but as per my current financial situation, I have to economize. But if auspices are good, I shall have outsmarted Mr. Kiriakis, found Harper's secret-secret bank account; after which, I shall be able to finish payment on the paper, and then shall be able to support Jennifer in a manner to which she has become accustomed — and so rightly deserves. I cannot let her live off the kindness of strangers buying her things—"

"Jack, for one thing Maggie and I aren't strangers we are family; and we are Horton women and love to shop, even if you were Bill Gates we still would buy things for her. Second, that's a very sexist thing to say — I'm disappointed that you of all people would say something like that. Jennifer can take care of herself — financially or otherwise—"

"True, but I just.... You know me. My history. For whatever reason, Jennifer got it into her thick skull that she wanted me. I just want to.... I just want to be worthy of her. It is my fault that we are in the financial quagmire that we are in. Not only did I lose all our money, but her personal trust fund. Because of me neither I nor she can buy her all that she needs and deserves."

"Jack she needs and yes deserves you, Jack; not money. Yes, I know you. Remember our first encounter the night of the flood?" Jack shrugged pretending he did not know what she was talking about. "Jack you've got a memory like an elephant. You volunteered to help me search for Scott and Faith. I saw potential then. I saw your love and devotion on the cruise; on the island as your nursed Jennifer back to health; and your dogged persistence at Lawrence's villa.

"Maybe so; but I sure failed afterwards didn't I?"

"Jack we all make mistakes. I've made mistakes too. Don't look so shocked. After your past you changed your life; that's what you need to do now. You need to be honest with yourself about Jennifer — baby. They need you and not the money. Remember what I told you just after that sham wedding to Eve, that there would come a time when you and Jennifer would need each other." Jack looked away, it still tore at his heart thinking about Jennifer's rape. "Jack look at me," Jack turned reluctantly to face her. "And when the time came, when she told you about the rape. You were there for her. That took courage Jack. Especially considering your past. You gave Jennifer your support and love. And that's what she needed, not your money. Jennifer needs you now. Pregnancy is a difficult time like that book said — and yes Jack, you can't pull anything over on a Horton we're damn perceptive, I saw what you were reading. Be there for her spend time with her."

"Ha.... ha.... has she said anything?"

"I won't say if she has or hasn't. All will say is, don't run away from her — from this — it won't change the situation. And you have nothing to fear. Don't use work or finding supposed bank accounts as excuses. I have a great deal of faith in you. And I know that things will work out in the end whether you find the money or not."

Julie got up and kissed Jack on the cheek, leaving him alone to ponder what she had said.

---

(June 18, 2000)
CHAPTER TWO: SWITZERLAND, ZURICH AND LUCERNE.

Switzerland was great.... if you had a lot of money to spend. If however you were just a bit strapped for cash it could be a slight problem in some nonessential areas — like food.

They had landed in Zurich and, unfortunately, Jack's luggage had been M.I.A. After watching the luggage carousel turn for forty-five minutes with not one of his bags turning up he had gone to the attendant who had told him that his luggage was lost.... somewhere.

"What do you mean 'lost'?" he asked. "How the hell could it be lost on a private jet?"

"I don't know sir. Perhaps it was lost in transfer. We are checking now."

With visions of his suitcases wandering around a tarmac in Salem... or here in Zurich he had gruffly walked off. He knew his choices were simple. He could spend what was left of the night in the airport waiting for his luggage which they assured him would be there first thing in the morning or he could rent a hotel room and go shopping. Basically, that meant there was no choice. Of course Julie had offered to 'help out' but a man had his pride and if that man was Jack Deveraux, he had a lot of pride. His dinner had been from a vending machine and his bed an excruciatingly uncomfortable chair. However, thank whatever gods there may be, his luggage did arrive and he and Julie caught the train to Lucerne.

Trains in Switzerland ran — as one would expect in this country — like clockwork. Clean and fast they cut through what could only be called a spectacular landscape. Jack had been to Switzerland before — a couple of times actually — and the mountains hadn't changed at all in the intervening years. He couldn't say the same for himself.

The last time he had been here, he had been 23 and on a ski trip to Zermatt, a lovely village on a slope facing the Matterhorn where the air was thin, the slopes were steep, and a Diet Coke cost the equivalent of six bucks. Six bucks for a soft drink, a small one at that, and Jack hadn't blinked an eye. He had lounged casually on the deck of the warming house above a truly spectacular double black run and thought — not humorously — that he was a young prince of the world.

Oh how the mighty have fallen. Now he cringed at the thought of eight hundred dollar ski boots since to his horror that would now pay his monthly apartment rent. He shuddered. He lived in a place that cost less than a pair of plastic torture devices. Life could certainly take unexpected turns. Still though, when he thought of that younger version of himself knocking snow off of the bottom of ski boots with one hundred and eighty dollar ski polls — one of which he lost on the trip down that awesome double black slope— he could only think what a blind, shallow fool he had been. How very little he had known of the world.... and even less of the 'L' word.

They stepped off the train in Lucerne and exited to Bahnhofplatz. Once on the street he and Julie went their separate ways for the moment. Julie checked into an expensive hotel while Jack took more.... um.... economical accommodations.

So first on the agenda? How to find Roman.... or was it John now? Jack shook his head and considered for the umpteenth time how damn strange that was. Jack had thought it was weird when he had added Billy Johnson to his Jack Deveraux. But at least he knew for certain he was the one and only Jack Deveraux. John/Roman/Whoever the hell he was this week couldn't even manage that much.

It was rather difficult to track down a man who was that indecisive. At first Jack had tried Swan Square or in German, Schwanenplatz. It was in the middle of town and as good a place as any to check out. No luck of course. Next had been the Reuss is Altstadt or the "old town." Still zip. Nada. Zilch. He was tired, hungry, ticked off and not willing to complete a walking tour of the place. His started to wish he could just go home. Okay so he didn't miss the apartment all that much, but the woman inside that apartment? The bright smile and flashing blue eyes? The laughter and the affection? He missed that. This town felt cold and strange and he started to wonder why the hell he was here.... then he saw a woman he sort of remembered.

Okay, he had met Danielle at most, twice. But she had been an interestingly beautiful woman. Not like Jennifer with her open, expressive face and bright blonde hair but a sleeker sort. The kind with dark hair that could wear black and still make it look good and make it look like it fit in the most interesting ways. So, seeing her, he followed her.

Given the fact that the mystery woman admitted to having been involved with an art thief who may ‹ or may not — have been John/Roman/whoever the hell et al in some former life, Jack shouldn't have been surprised when she had trekked to the Kunstmuseum. The place held paintings that dated from the sixteenth century.

Jack bought a ticket and followed the woman inside. He ducked behind a doorway when she crossed into the first gallery. It wouldn't be a great thing to be seen, at least until he had found what's his name. She glanced idly at a painting or two, but Danielle didn't seem to be particularly interested in the artwork. Jack put is hands in his pockets and tried to look casual yet attentive to the paintings and still keep an eye on Danielle. Then he noticed a plaque in the room. His German was...well to put it bluntly, his German sucked. But he could read the name "Alamain" on it.

He caught a security guard by the arm, "Excuse me," he said. "Could you translate? That is if you speak English."

The guard nodded. "It says that these paintings were graciously donated by the Alamain estate."

"Thanks."

The guard walked away and Jack traced the letters on the bronze plaque. Then he realized that Danielle was no longer in a line of sight. Quickly he exited the gallery into the next. There, Jack saw a similar dedication... but this one said Von Leuschner. He frowned and glanced back at the gallery he had just left. No doubt Jennifer would say to put his suspicious mind to rest. They already knew the connection between the von Leuschners and the Alamains, but still to see their names so closely linked unnerved him. Exiting to the next gallery, Jack stopped in the door.

Danielle stood by John — for the sake of simplicity Jack had decided to simply think of him as John. She placed her hand on John's shoulder and said softly, "So have you accepted the truth?"

Jack leaned forward trying to catch what "truth" that John was supposed to have accepted. Was John Romulus?

"I can't accept this," John told her gruffly.

Great, Jack thought, just what is it that so unacceptable?

"If this is true," he continued, " I don't know who or what I really am."

"You are a rich man, that's who you are," Danielle stressed.

John cut her a squinty eyed look that was sort of a trait he was known for. "I don't want that money."

"Money doesn't carry a taint," she told him. "Money is nothing other than itself. It isn't the root of evil, it doesn't mark moral decay. It buys things. Nothing more, nothing less. However, it can make a person's life extremely comfortable."

Again John shot her a squinty eyed look of dismay. "You think this would make my life more comfortable? I think it just might make it hell. What do I say? Hi, you may have thought I was dead. You may have thought you killed me, but I'm not and I want my fair share of the family fortune. Yeah, that will make a great life."

"You need more time," she said in her beautifully accented voice. She wrapped her arm through his. "Come, we will have wine and dinner and you will consider your options."

After they exited the gallery, Jack entered it and looked at the spot at which John had been staring when Danielle had approached him. A familiar string of unfamiliar words was on the plaque in front of him but the thing that struck Jack one more time was the name "Alamain."

---

(June 20, 2000)
CHAPTER THREE: A RESTURANT, LUCERNE, SWITZERLAND.

Jack sat at a table at the restaurant across the street from the Romatik Wilhem Mann Hotel, where John was staying.... at least Jack hoped he was staying there. Jack didn't want to be forced to witness John following his libido around Europe and leaving Isabella alone pregnant in Salem. Jack paused and thought about.... well about what he had just thought about. After all, he had left his own wife alone pregnant in Salem.

But first of all it was his wife as opposed to whatever John had going, and second of all, Jack had every intention of returning home as soon as possible. John seemed to show no inclination to do the same. Plus, in John's case there was also the beautiful brunette that had been in the museum talking about John being an Alamain.

Now there was a kicker. John ‹ Mr. Solid Middle Class ‹ was of the European aristocracy. Who would ever have thought of that? Certainly not Jack Harcourt Deveraux, American aristocrat truly of the middle class.

John exited the hotel. Jack saw him and thought quickly about what was the best way to catch John's attention. Then forgot it all as John walked by the restaurant within arms reach.

"John," he said. "Or do you still go by Roman?"

John squinted. "Jack? What on earth are you doing here?"

"Enjoying the early spring."

John frowned, then a few seconds later shook his head. "Why are you here?"

A waiter arrived with Jack's coffee. Jack accepted the cup and tipped the waiter. "I had.... um.... business here and just before I left Salem I ran into Isabella. Remember Isabella? About yay high, sort of reddish hair, out to.... um.... here." Jack made a round gesture with his hands. "You do remember her, right? She lives in Salem."

"What are you talking about Jack?"

"Your fiancée. Your very pregnant fiancée, home alone in Salem and due to deliver your progeny," Jack checked his watch. "Oh, any minute now I think."

John looked shocked. "She's in labor?!"

"Labor? What? No.... at least I don't think so. How the hell am I supposed to know." He frowned and leaned forward. "More importantly how are you supposed to know all the way in Switzerland"

John rolled his eyes. "Did you fly all the way here to give me a lecture? You?" His disbelief was obvious.

"I'm not much of one for hypocrisy and in general I'm not left a lot of room to lecture anyone. But I can recognize stupidity when I see it. And this, whatever it is you're calling this excursion to Switzerland, is pointless."

"I'm trying to discover my identity. Remember that?"

"You want your identity? Look in the mirror. Trust me that's the only place it can be found."

"Come on Jack ‹ or should I say Billy-Jack ‹ aren't you the king of the identity crises?"

Jack cocked his head to the side. "Well let's see. Did it do me any good? Um.... the answer would be no. Whatever crisis I may have had I'm still the biological son of Duke and Jo Johnson and I still carry the name of the psychotic senator. And it's still only myself I look at in the mirror when I wake up to shave."

John walked around the table and sat opposite Jack. "I found out who I am. Who I really am."

"The guy in the shaving mirror."

"No. I'm an Alamain. I'm Lawrence's brother."

Jack crossed his arms. "So?"

"So? So! Aren't you the one who went all but nuts when you discovered that Steve Johnson was your brother."

"Yeah, I sort of went off the deep end. He was still my brother."

"I don't want Lawrence Alamain as a brother."

"I didn't want Steve."

"Steve and Lawrence are hardly the same thing."

"True. Then again, I'm sure Steve was anything but pleased with me as a brother. There are those who would say that there isn't a whole hell of a lot of difference between having me as a brother and having Lawrence as a brother."

"Come on, Jack, there is a world of difference."

Jack thought about that for a moment then murmured, "Thank you. The fact still remains though, that no matter what you think or feel or don't feel, facts are still facts. Who you are related isn't a matter of choice. And it shouldn't be your identity. Not at the ripe old age of.... how old are you anyway?"

"I know you're right."

Both of Jack's eyebrows raised and he hit his pocked. "Damn, I should have brought a recorder. I could have used a quote like that for posterity just so that I could have someone on tape actually admitting that for once." Jack sat up straight. "So let's review, you came to Switzerland to find an identity. You found it, now Dorthy it's time to click your heels three times and say that there's no place like home, a white wedding dress and your best girl with a ring on her finger before there is a John Jr. running around. And don't argue. Just remember what you said a minute ago and repeat it three times. Jack, you're right."

But silently Jack thought that perhaps it was time for him to take his own advice.

---

(June 29, 2000)
CHAPTER FOUR: THE LUCERNE TRAIN STATION.

Jack had just escorted John onto his train bound for the Zurich airport, swearing John to secrecy, especially, Isabella, about his role in getting John to return home. He remained on the platform, waiting for the train to pull out of the station. As he waited he thought back over the past two days. At that first encounter he practically had John on the train heading home. However, Danielle had convinced John she had more information about his past and about Romulus. The past few days had been a battle for John's soul — okay Jack thought to himself, that might be a tad bit hyperbole. Danielle had been extremely persuasive seducing John with hints that there was more to his past and if he stayed with her she would help him to discover it, and with her sex appeal. However persuasive she may have been, she was no match for Billy Jack Johnson Deveraux; he was every bit as cunning as she, "devious and manipulative" to quote Jennifer — at the thought of Jennifer Jack sighed.

Jack had realized that Danielle was holding the Romulus card over John. He was now positive that John was not Romulus; Danielle was Romulus. He had decided to take a big gamble: Openly accuse her. Thinking it over, it made sense, she had discovered that John was in fact Forest Alamain; (The past few days Jack was able to uncover that Forest Alamain had been the first-born and heir to the vast Alamain fortune. However, he had "died" mysteriously in youth.) Danielle must have known this and saw John as her personal goldmine — far more safe and lucrative than robbery. Taking a chance, Jack had threatened her with his hunch; as a member of the Fourth Estate he would break the news wide open if she did not leave John. Shortly afterward Danielle had mysteriously taken off without a word to John.

Jack then had revealed to John that Danielle, not he, was Romulus — hoping that piece of information would remove the last obstacle for John to remain in Europe—

At that moment the shrill blast of the train's whistle interrupted Jack's thoughts.

As John's train slowly pulled out of the station, Jack gave a semi-salute to John. Once the train was out of sight, Jack smiled to himself and walked away, feeling invigorated: The first part of his mission was a success, Jack could almost feel his luck changing. And it even turned out better than he had hoped, he was the sole beneficiary to not only one major news scoop but two. Things definitely were going his way. It was now time to track down and reacquire his money.

The following morning Jack awoke from his one star hotel definitely one of Dante's circles of hell — it might have had been better had he remained at the youth hostel after all. The upside of the place was it actually made him home sick for that rat trap that he and Jennifer called home. He had not slept at all last night, the bed was impossible; instead he stayed up all reading The New Daddy's Guide to Pregnancy and Infant Care.

After washing and dressing in the communal bathroom, he emerged into the lovely, spring morning. Had Jennifer been there, Jack thought, she would have made some comment about how beautiful the day was. This morning he was returning to the L'Allemande Banque du Suisse, the very first bank he had visited the day before; but where, at the time, a junior clerk had told him that Harper Deveraux never had an account.

The rest of the day yesterday he had visited several banks — with no luck. Then last evening, just before closing, Jack had visited the last bank, L'Italiana Banca di Svizzera, there he was told that although they had done business with Harper, L'Allemande Banque du Suisse in fact was his primary bank. He immediately ran back to L'Allemande Banque du Suisse. However, by the time he had arrived they had closed.

So here he was, the following day, back at L'Allemande Banque du Suisse. Jack looked at his watch again, it was official now, he had been waiting for over two hours for Herr Karl Magnus von Rothenberg, the bank's principal official — not some two bit junior clerk. Von Rothenberg had promised him that it would only take less than an hour and all would be settled. Just as he was about to get up and pace the room he heard footsteps approaching the door. Immediately, he sat back in his chair and pretended to read a German financial paper. Herr Karl Magnus von Rothenberg entered the room. "Yes, Herr Deveraux. I apologize for your proverbial wild goose chase. I can assure you that the late Senator Deveraux did do business with us and our former partner L'Italiana Banca di Svizzera...."

Jack did not want some long rambling explanation; just a simple yes or no. Though under the circumstances he thought it best just to be quiet — Jennifer had repeatedly warned him that at times he tended not to know when to shut up

Von Rothenberg continued, "....I admit it is confusing. Let me try to explain. We bought L'Italiana Banca di Svizzera in 1986, and then sold it to La Banque du Geneve in 1987. Prior to 1986 Herr Senator Deveraux held his funds with us, then moved his account to L'Italiana Banca di Svizzera — which we used solely for special safety box clientele. Then in 1987, we sold L'Italiana Banca di Svizzera to La Banque du Geneve. At that time Herr Senator Deveraux decided to transfer his funds to La Banque du Geneve's main bank in Geneva. Some of our former officials remained with L'Italiana Banca di Svizzera and moved with them to Geneva. Unfortunately, some of our files were transferred with them — hence the confusion. This morning I tried to get in touch with the officials in Geneva, but they are in London for a meeting of the World Bank. However, they should be back two days from now. It may serve you best to go there and speak with them personally."

Jack used all his will-power to hide his excitement; with great restraint he solemnly shook von Rothenberg's hand and left the bank.

A while later Jack was walking inside the Chapel Bridge, the large and ancient, wooden covered bridged that united the two sides of the town. Well, things are not that bad, he thought. He at least had confirmation, and Herr von Rothenberg seemed reliable and efficient. He stopped and looked out over the Lake Lucerne. He knew if Jennifer were there with him she would find the place extremely romantic. Just then his thoughts were interrupted by a pair of lovers. Jack sighed as they walked passed him, hand-in-hand, lost in each other's glances. He waited a several moments, not feeling very much like following behind them.

Once outside he blinked several times, allowing his eyes to adjust to the bright afternoon day sun, only to see another couple, straddling a Vespa moped. The woman sitting on the man's lap. Jack turned away, not wanting to see their mutual tonsillectomy. The truth of the matter was that he missed Jennifer dreadfully — and all these lovers only made it worse.

"Excuse me," said a very American voice. Jack turned around to see a man around 55+, of average height and build, with thick stark white hair. "My fair lady and I wonder if you can take our picture."

Jack rolled his eyes, Great more lovers..... sheesh! He sighed, "Sure! Okay you two—"

Just then he heard familiar sounding laugh. "Jack, darling, fooled you didn't we?" It was Julie. Jack was taken aback by how lovely she looked. Julie always looked ravishing, but now there was something more to it. She was positively.... glowing was the word.

Doug put his left arm around Julie, and extended his right hand, "So, you must be Jack. Julie's talked a lot about you."

"Mr. Williams I presume," Jack said as he extended his arm.

"Jack darling, I'm glad we ran into you. We dropped by that quaint hostel looking for you and were told there was no such individual."

The threesome walked along the lake as Jack explained how he opted to stay at a hotel and then described his movements in Lucerne — leaving out the John/Forest stuff.

Some time later, Doug and Julie seeing how forlorn Jack looked asked him to join them for dinner that evening. They were about to leave arm-in-arm when they stopped and whispered to one another. Jack vainly tried to listen in on their conversation. He noticed them nod and smile to one another.

Julie went up to Jack and gave him and big bear hug. Okay, Jack now remember no excuses tonight dinner... our treat — and don't let that Jack Deveraux pride get in the way. The dinner is not charity but payment—" Jack was about to say something but Julie flashed him a glaring look, "No hints Jack."

"Yes, Jack," Doug added, "We need you for a top-secret assignment. But you'll have to wait until tonight for the details.

With that Julie and Doug walked off arm-in-arm. Jack smiled at them. Jack had always liked Julie and he was glad to see her happy. Doug seemed like a decent guy. Not at all like he imagined, there was a hint — no more than a hint — of the con man to him. Jack liked that. "Hey, you two love birds," Jack shouted, "Don't do anything I wouldn't do."

---

(July 2, 2000)

CHAPTER FIVE: A SECOND CLASS TRAIN
COMPARTMENT EN ROUTE TO GENEVA.

 

Time was running out for Jack and he still knew very little about Harper's Swiss bank accounts. He couldn't believe that he'd wasted a whole day trying to get information from the wrong bank. However now he was on the right track. The bank in Lucerne said that the officials would be back from London in two days so it was time to head for Geneva. He hated traveling second class anywhere but on trains it was particularly irksome for a man who once could have probably bought the railway. He'd been pushed and shoved around by a variety of backpacking tourists who all seemed to have the same intention of crowding him as much as possible.

The train was full of them and they all sounded like gregarious Australians and they all talked to him even though he made it obvious that he'd rather be alone. One girl had asked him if he was in the wrong carriage. Definitely, Jack thought. He did feel out of place in his suit when the rest of the passengers were in jeans and rapidly disintegrating t-shirts.

As the train approached the station it began to slow down and the push for the doors became manic. Everybody wanted to be first off. Jack stood up and asked for room. He was right in assuming they'd think he was some kind of official traveling in second class to observe. They parted slightly and he managed to be right in front of the door as it opened.

He stepped off and took in a breath of fresh air. Well air tinged with the tang of a railway station crowded with travelers, commuters and Swiss railway officials. At least the Swiss knew how to run a railway as the train was right on time. He hurried out to the street and was confronted with a long line of people waiting for a taxi. As he was alone and with only a small bag, he decided to hop a small commuter bus which was heading straight to the business district. His mind was racing with ideas on how to approach the bank. They said in Lucerne that all Harper's accounts had been moved to Geneva. Jack was betting that Victor was actually the one who did that. After Harper was back in prison after his attempted jail break, Victor had gloated to Jack and Anjelica about getting control of all Harper's funds.

However Jack had been with Harper quite a few times at these banks and he even knew the numbers of a couple of the accounts so he was sure he'd have little trouble finding out something about any money left in them. After all he wasn't intending to make a withdrawal right at this point. First he had to establish where the money was and then he could set about getting his hands on it. Anjelica had moved on and didn't seem interested so he didn't have to worry about her. No, this was his time and he deserved it after all that Harper had put him through.

He stood on the pavement and looked up at the large impressive buildings. In this short strip of real estate, stood the money that controlled most of the world. It was at times like this that Jack felt he could smell the money and the power. Harper used to say it was in the blood and he tried to deny it but when he was this close to this much money, he knew that somewhere along the line he did value money above most other things. It was time to find out if any of his Deveraux heritage was tangible. He crossed the road, took a deep breath and walked up the front steps of La Banque du Geneve.

The main foyer of the bank was cavernous. Ceilings almost two stories high with extraordinarily intricate chandeliers and detailed paintwork soured above him. Words spoken in whispers echoed around the walls. He approached the main desk with the confidence that Harper had taught him to assume in places like this. After all he was the customer. The perfectly groomed clerk looked up and Jack began his well practiced introduction.

"Good morning. I assume you speak English. I am Jack Deveraux of the Washington Deverauxs. My father Senator Harper Deveraux has had accounts here for some years and I wish to get a record of the balances in all of his accounts. Here is my passport for identification and I can supply a variety of other forms if you wish."

The clerk seemed suitably impressed. "Of course sir. Excuse me while I see the manager. I'm sure he will be able to help you. Please take a seat."

Jack sat on the regency stripe gilt chair. He was an elegant man and seemed right at home in these surroundings. A very attractive woman at the next desk definitely noticed him but he ignored her. He seemed oblivious to his attraction to women. Within minutes the clerk returned and asked Jack to follow him to the manager's office. Jack's eyes were busy watching everything as he walked through the security door and into the real workings of the bank. He was shown into a small waiting room and told the manager would be with him in a few minutes. Once again he sat and observed. He was a people watcher. He studied them, understood them and analyzed them at every turn. The manager's secretary was male. Interesting. Neat, precise and with a superb sense of style. Jack understood style and always managed to maintain his, even with his current lack of funds.

He was busy thinking over his well rehearsed speech when the secretary stood up and opened the door to the manager's office. It was also cavernous room with oak paneled walls. One complete side was taken up with leather bound volumes and across one corner was a large oak desk with a soft green leather inlay. The chairs were covered in the same green leather. The manager stood up as Jack entered.

"Mr. Deveraux. I am so glad to be of service. What can we do for you?"

"As you are no doubt aware, my father was Senator Harper Deveraux. He has extensive accounts with your bank and I wish to view the current balances of those accounts together with a record of all his invested funds."

The manager looked surprised. "Mr. Deveraux, I am well aware that your father had accounts with us but prior to his.... demise, his accounts were all transferred to a new name. It was all done in 1988. Since then the accounts have been operated by the new owner."

Jack was well aware that Victor had got hold of Harper's money but he was hoping that the bank still had something that he could make a claim on. Jack sat up straight. "Sir, you do realize that I am very influential in financial circles and I insist that I see my father's records at least up to the date of his.... demise."

The manager began to sound pompous. "I am well aware of your current.... status Mr. Deveraux and I can assure you that if it was at all possible I would accommodate you. However I have been given a strict list of persons able to access this information and your name is not on it."

Jack's lips turned white with rage. Victor Kiriakis seemed to foil him at every turn. But Jack wasn't beaten. If he could just find out who was on that list. A thought came to him. "Sir, I came here with the intention of reviewing your bank for my future European expansion but as you seem determined to refuse me any information about my family's previous business with your bank, I see that we cannot do business."

This immediately got the manager's attention. He looked carefully at Jack. Yes, the clothing was exceptional, the style was there, the manner. Perhaps the stories he'd heard about this Deveraux were just rumors. Yes it was better to play along for a while. "Mr. Deveraux, I didn't mean to offend you but you must be aware that security is of the utmost importance to a bank of our standing. Perhaps we can discuss your future plans. Would you like some coffee Mr. .Deveraux?"

Jack saw his chance. "Yes and I think I left some papers in the outer office, could you get them for me?"

The manager sighed. He had no option but to go do what Jack asked until he assessed exactly what business he might gain from Jack. He walked quickly to the door leaving it open as he went through. Jack leaned forward and squinted to see the list of people who could view the accounts. There were only three names on the list and he managed to read the name Justin as second. He sat back as the manager returned.

"I'm sorry Mr. Deveraux. I can find nothing out there of yours."

"Oh I must have been mistaken. Well as we you can be of no help to me, I will leave."

Jack stood up and walked straight out the door before the manager could say a word. The manager sat down and closed the file in front of him. "Arrogant American!" he whispered under his breath.

Jack was furious. Since the whole deal with Hawk, he had been foiled at every turn. He had to find out if there was any money he could make a claim to. All he needed was a plan. He looked up he length of the street and a thought came to him. He nodded to himself and smiled.

An hour later he was pacing up and down in the foyer of the hotel that Doug and Julie were supposed to be in. They said they were flying to Geneva that day but so far there was no sign of them. Just as his patience was about to run out, a limousine pulled up outside and Doug got out followed by Julie. The concierge was busy unloading Julie's vast array of matching luggage. Julie saw Jack straight away and while Doug checked in, Jack told her that he had something very important to ask her. Minutes after they entered their suite, they were sitting on the sofa and listening intently to Jack's plan.. Doug seemed very keen but Julie had reservations.

"Jack, Jack! You know I love your tenacity but really, this is really stretching it. Do you honestly think this will get you what you want?"

Jack turned back to her. "Julie have you ever known a plan of mine to fail? Don't answer that. But think of the possibilities. This could be the way for Jennifer and myself to get back on top. I've exhausted every other possibility and you know how tricky Victor is and I know you would delight in foiling him for once."

Julie shook her head. When Jack was at his most charming, he was also at his most persuasive.

"All right Jack, you've won me over. But I'm telling you, if we end up in trouble I will never forgive you."

"Julie, my plans never involve big trouble.... well almost never. Like Shane Donovan always says, a man must have a plan. So tomorrow, ten o'clock, on the dot. Now I better leave you.... love birds alone. I mean who wants company on a night like this. Goodbye."

Jack walked out quickly and the door shut behind him. Julie turned to Doug who had a big grin on his face.

---

(July 6, 2000)

CHAPTER SIX: GENEVA, THE FOLLOWING DAY,
OUTSIDE LA BANQUE DU GENEVE.

It was five minutes past ten and a tall dark swarthy looking man entered the revolving door at one of Geneva's biggest banks. He was followed by an older man who was carrying a very expensive leather briefcase. Both were dressed in expensive but showy suits. They walked straight up to the clerk sitting at a desk on the left side of the foyer.

The taller of the two men spoke first. "Sir, I wish to see the manager."

The clerk looked up. "The manager? Do you have an appointment, sir?"

"No, I don't have an appointment. I don't have much time. Just tell him that Justin Kiriakis is waiting."

The clerk picked up the phone and pressed number one on the pad. He spoke quietly and nodded as he hung up. "Sir, the manager will be happy to see you. He does however have an appointment in 15 minutes so his time is limited. Would you like to see the Assistant Manager instead?"

"Yes that will be fine." The two visitors exchanged satisfactory glances.

"Follow me sir." The clerk stood up and in a few minutes the two men were shown into the assistant manager's office.

The room resembled the larger one that the manager resided in but was much smaller and more humbly furnished. Both visitors immediately took seats opposite the desk.

"Mr. Kiriakis, it's so good of you to visit our wonderful country. We are used to doing business with you by email. It's a pleasure to meet you in person. Now what can we do for you?"

The younger man straightened his back as he spoke. "I wish to see the current status of all my uncle's accounts including those transferred to his name from Harper Deveraux. I don't have a lot of time so I would appreciate print outs of the balances immediately."

The assistant manager looked startled. "Ah, Mr. Kiriakis, that is not something we can do in seconds. I will have to contact the main accounting office upstairs. But first you must understand that we need some identification.... for security reasons, of course."

The older man sighed and opened the briefcase. He carefully handed over two official letters on Kiriakis letterhead stating that they had official permission to see the documents. The bank official perused them and then looked through a file to check the signature on the bottom of each letter.

"It seems that everything is in order. You understand that we cannot withdraw any money without Mr. Victor Kiriakis giving personal permission but I'm sure that this is sufficient to view the balances and current standing of the accounts. Please excuse me for a minute."

He walked out of the room and the two men relaxed a little. They didn't say a word but glanced satisfactorily at each other. The younger man was a little jumpy but the older one was reveling in the whole performance.

They waited there for at least ten minutes before the assistant manager returned. He apologized for the delay but said that he would have all the documents shortly. They sat awkwardly for another five minutes before a small attractive blond walked in holding a folder of papers.

"Ah at last, thank you," said the assistant manager. The younger man watched the woman as she walked out. She reminded him of someone. After she had left his attention returned to the matter at hand. "So, you have all the information we require. Thank you, we will take them now."

The assistant manger looked surprised. "Mr. Kiriakis, I'm sorry but these are only for your perusal. I cannot allow you to remove them from the bank."

"What? You know who I am and that I have permission to see them? What's the problem?"

"I'm sorry you misunderstood. We never allow these kinds of documents to leave the bank under any circumstances. We can leave you alone to go over them though."

Both men were obviously upset. This was not part of the plan. They needed to get these documents out of the bank so that they could go over them properly. They sat there looking at the folder. There really was nothing they could do but look at them here. They glanced at the first couple of sheets and their eyebrows raised. It seemed as if there was money still left in a couple of the trusts and it seemed like it might be claimable. Their excitement grew.

The door of the office opened again and the manager of the bank walked in. The younger man made a point of averting his face as the manager walked in but the assistant manager made a stronger point of introducing them.

"May I introduce Mr. Justin Kiriakis and Mr. Gustav Fossel, his Financial Controller."

The manager extended his hand and both men had no choice but to stand up and shake it. The younger man coughed as he spoke and covered his mouth with his left hand.

"I hope our cool weather hasn't given you a chill, Mr. Kiriakis. Tell me have you been to Switzerland before?" He looked straight in the eyes of the younger man.

"Ah.... a few times but I haven't spent much time in Geneva before. I prefer the countryside."

"Nothing can surpass our beautiful mountains. I hope you have a chance to enjoy them on this trip also. Now I hear you wish to view the documents concerning your uncle's accounts. That is fine but I would first ask you to sign this release for me. It's necessary for us to keep a record of anybody viewing such personal information."

The younger man stood perfectly still as the manager held out a pen. He slowly took it in his left hand and leaned over the desk, staring at the form the manager had placed there. The older man decided to take action.

"I hope we're not taking up your valuable time. We understand you have a very important appointment."

"Yes." said the manager. "In fact it's with a beautiful American woman who wishes to invest in our bank."

"Ah American, you say. Well I must say I also have a thing for American women. Perhaps I know her."

The manager looked doubtful. "It's such a big country that I doubt that. Her name is Julie Williams."

The older man looked totally surprised. "Julie Williams! I don't believe it. You must take me to her immediately. Julie and I are old friends. Please." He indicated the door and the manager stood confused about what to do. He glanced back at the younger man who was still holding the pen. As he thought about what to do, he noticed the watch that the younger man was wearing. It was an unusual style and he'd seen it before. But where. Suddenly he remembered.

He grabbed the man's arm. "Mr. Deveraux! Is that you? I remember the watch. You had it on yesterday. Mr. Deveraux!"

Jack looked up and instantly knew that his cover was blown. He glanced at Doug who swung straight into top gear. "JULIE!" he called at the top of his voice.

Both bank officials were startled especially when Doug repeated his call. Within seconds, Julie came running into the office of the assistant manager.

"Gustav, is that you? I can't believe it. Fancy meeting you here. And Justin, you're here too."

The manager was totally confused as Julie swept past him and hugged both visitors. She flung her portfolio onto the desk scattering all the papers over the floor.

"Oh look what I've done," she said. Instantly, she, Jack and Doug began scrambling over the floor picking up papers. Julie bundled most of them into a pile and stuffed them back into her portfolio then without stopping she took the arm of both men and walked towards the door of the office.

Glancing back, Julie smiled her most charming smile. "Good day gentlemen. I can't possibly stay for that appointment when my two dearest friends are here in Switzerland. Perhaps tomorrow. I'll call you."

She swept out at a fast pace with Jack and Doug on each arm. They were on the street before the manager could catch his breath. The three amigos jumped into the limousine that was waiting for Julie and were out of sight in seconds. They sat back and released some tension. Julie was first to have a go at Jack.

"Jack! I told you this would mean trouble."

Jack smiled. "Julie, it's over. I mean we got out of there and we got the papers I wanted. I stuffed them in your portfolio while you were distracting those guys. You were [b]great[/b] Julie. And you Doug. Where would we have been if you hadn't thought to call Julie. Quick thinking."

"Quick thinking!" said Julie. "I wondered what he heck was going on when I heard Doug call. Talk about split second timing."

Doug smiled. "That's the secret of a good con, beautiful lady."

Jack was first out of the limo when it pulled up outside the hotel. "Come on, come on. I need to get a good look at these documents. From the quick glance I got at the bank, I'm about to be a rich man again.... and it's about time." Jack literally bounced into the elevator. He was a man on top of the world.

As soon as they shut the door to Doug and Julie's suite, Jack began to pull out the relevant papers. He sat quietly as he sorted them and began to read every detail. Doug was pouring champagne in anticipation of Jack's good fortune. "Jack, a toast."

Jack absentmindedly took the glass without taking his eyes off the documents. Doug made the toast again. "Jack, a toast to your good fortune and to a good con successfully carried out."

Suddenly Jack threw the papers across the room spilling champagne in the process. Julie put her hand on his shoulder. "Jack, is there a problem?"

Jack looked up at her and put his hand over hers. "You could say that. There is no money. There is nothing. Nothing. I guess I always knew it but what is a man without hope. Hmmm, that man is Jack Deveraux, destined to be foiled at every turn. By birth, by adoption, by stupidity. You are looking at a man with nothing."

Julie took a step back. "No, I am looking at a man with everything because you see Jack, love is the only thing you need in life. Everything else is topping. You have love Jack. You have the one single thing that nobody can buy or.... adopt. You have Jennifer and you have a wonderful baby on the way. You are richer than rich Jack.

"Here, here," said Doug and raised his glass.

"To love, the only thing that keeps us alive and human."

Jack slowly raised his half empty glass. "I guess I keep needing to be reminded of that, huh. To love." He closed his eyes and slowly sipped the champagne as his mind drifted back to Salem and Jennifer waiting for him.

---

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