"Salem Lives"

-At Lucas’s apartment, Kate bangs on Will’s bedroom door, trying desperately to get him to come out. He sits on his bed, refusing to even acknowledge her. All he keeps telling her is for her to leave him alone. Kate doesn’t want to hear that. She loves him so very much and knows something is bothering him. It kills her to see him like this, all cut off from his family, so if nothing else, she wants him to open the door so she can at least see how he’s doing.

Will slowly gets up, walks to the door, opening it up just enough for Kate to see his tear stained face. Now, he says, she saw him. Now he wants her and everyone to just leave him alone. He then slams the door in her face and she jumps back in surprise. Will then returns to his bed and Kate softly tells him, through the door, that when he is ready, she will be there, for him. Kate walks to the couch and sits down, leaving Will alone in his room to deal with his torment.

-Eric is drying himself off after taking a shower and sees Nicole walk back into their suite. Eric is glad to see her and gives her a kiss on the cheek, which makes her a little ashamed to accept it after what happened. She asks him how he’s doing and he says that with everything his crazy family is going through, he’s doing just fine, thank you. That makes her chuckle.

Then Eric asks her why she never told him where she was last night before she left the suite this morning. Nicole gets slightly defensive before saying that she just went for a walk to clear her head last night. He says he didn’t mean to accuse her. He just wanted to know if she was ok and if there was anything they needed to talk about. He doesn’t want her to worry about a thing. She says she won’t as he kisses her on her cheek and then goes into the bedroom to get dressed, saying that he has to run to work to handle something for Kate. She is left in the outer room to hope that everything will work out in the end. Eric comes out, kisses her goodbye and professes his love, and then leaves. Frustrated, she grabs her coat and decides to head out to Chez Rouge for a drink.

-Sami and Lucas walk through the parking lot of the hospital. They are happy that they and Carrie and Austin have decided to leave the past in the past. Sami says that she now hopes that Will can open up about what is bothering him. Lucas says he just might do that if they stop constantly asking him what is wrong and let him open up when he is ready. He hugs her as they both walk to his car.

-At Chez Rouge, Maggie is unconscious on the floor while Julie continues to scream for Maggie outisde the restuarant, in hopes that she is inside . When Julie sees smoke coming out of the windows, she gasps in horror and then tries to call for help. She throws her cell phone to the ground when she realizes that it is dead. She then looks inside the restuarant and around the outside, helplessly watching it burn.

Meanwhile, on the other side of town, Hope is looking for Maggie as well. She walks past one of the bars in the area and looks inside the window. She doesn’t find Maggie.....but does see Bo, who she hasn’t heard one thing from in quite some time. She watches him pour one drink after another down his throat, feeling like less of a man because of what he remembered happening to him and for being betrayed by his brother and sister. Hope realizes she is watching a man who is at war with the entire world.

-Back at Chez Rouge, Maggie is starting to wake up and notices that flames are all around her. She realizes what she has done, especially when a flame catches her clothing and sets them on fire, causing her to scream in pain. Julie hears this as she is running up to the restaurant and yells inside for whoever is there. Maggie screams back that it is her, as she puts out her burning clothes with her hands. As Julie tries getting her phone to work, she is gratefully surprised to see Doug running up behind her.

Julie tells him that Maggie is inside and that they need to get help to get her out before she dies. He pulls out his cell and throws it to Julie as he races around to the back door, trying to get it open. Julie yanks on the front door trying as well but both doors seem to be locked. As Julie follows Doug towards the back, he notices that the service entrance door seems to be ajar enouigh to pull open. Julie tries to stop him from going in but all Doug can say is....

Doug: If it were you in there, I would have just walked through the fire. Time is a wasting, my lady.

Julie can only cry, touch Doug’s face and say......

Julie: Thank you, my darling, for just loving me.

Doug smiles at Julie right before he disappears into the burning building. She tries to follow him once again but the door slams shut behind him. Julie screams out in desperation but then realizes that she must dial 911.

Once again, back at the bar, Hope starts to walk up to Bo when she receives a call from Julie, telling her about her father and the fire. Hope knows she has to make a decision.....stay with her husband or race off to help her father. She pauses for a moment before hesitantly deciding to go help Julie and Doug at Chez Rouge. She looks at Bo desperately, hoping that he is still there, or at least in Salem, when she tries to find him again. She hangs up her cell phone on Julie and takes off towards the restaurant.

What she doesn’t see is Bo’s manhood being challenged by some drunk regulars and Bo jumps up, breaking a beer bottle and trying to pick a fight with the men. All they keep calling him is a sissy boy for using a bottle, which makes Bo more and more angry. Bo says he will show them a sissy and throws the bottle down, right before hitting one of the patrons with a right cross. It is returned and soon five men are fighting toe-to-toe with Bo. The owner of the bar then runs around the counter and orders all the men outside, telling them that his place won’t be used for a fight club ring.

When all the men get outside, Bo continues pushing the men until they all gang up on him and beat him to a bloody pulp, leaving him barely conscious on the ground.

-At the Kiriakis Mansion, Victor and Nico go over plans on how to capture the MCF. Nico notices that Victor’s mind is not on work and tells him that he did what he had to do concerning Maggie. Victor thanks Nico and does remind himself that it was for her benefit. As they are conversing, Henderson rushes in and tells them that there is breaking news on the television. When Nico turns it on, the report about the fire comes blaring across the screen. Both men look at each other and then Victor tells Henderson that they will be at Chez Rouge should anyone need him. Victor and Nico then race out into the night, hoping that Maggie is ok. Victor can’t get over the fact that there is a report of a woman trapped inside the building.

Meanwhile, back in the Salem University Hospital parking lot, Lucas gets a phone call from Julie. She tells him that Maggie’s restaurant is on fire and that she is trapped inside. Lucas hangs up his phone in shock and tells Sami that they have to go. His Aunt Maggie is in danger. They jump into the car and speed off.

At the restaurant, Hope has just ran up to her half sister/stepmother, begging to know what happened and where her father is. Julie is crying, saying that she saw him run into the building and hasn’t seen or heard him since. Hope tells her that it is up to her and that she is going after her father. Julie tells her that she can’t but Hope looks at her, telling her that her daddy has always been there for her........and now is the time to return the favor. Hope runs towards the back as Julie looks on, helpless.

Julie is getting hysterical as she iswondering where the fire department is. Hope tries to calm her. Julie tries once again to convince Hope not to go in but she insists and goes around back to find a way in as Julie follows, horrified.

The MCF is watching from the shadows, clearly pleased at what he or she is witnessing. The MCF then says:

MCF (via voice changer): This gives me an idea.

The MCF takes out his/her cell phone and dials it.

MCF: Hello, Marlena. It's me. I need you to come down to Chez Rouge right away. Make sure you aren't spotted as something is going on here and there is likely to be alot of action. I will be around the area so just look for me.

The MCF hangs up the phone, laughing about how prime opportunities keep presenting themselves.

Meanwhile, Doug yells out for Maggie inside as the entire restaurant is an inferno. Maggie is trying to crawl her way to safety but finally succumbs to the smoke and passes out. Doug calls to her, with no response. He then hears Hope calling out repeatedly to him:

Hope: DADDY! DADDY! CAN YOU HEAR ME?! ARE YOU OK?!

Doug is about to answer when a fiery beam falls on him, pinning him to the ground and knocking him unconscious as Hope's screams:

Hope: DADDY!? DADDY?! AUNT MAGGIE! CAN YOU HEAR ME?! ARE YOU OK?!

Julie: DOUG! AUNT MAGGIE! PLEASE ANSWER US!

Hope and Julie's screams and pleas can be heard as the screen fades out on a split screen of Maggie lying unconscious amid the flames and Doug's lifeless body under the beam with flames surrounding him.

On the Next Salem Lives...

Billie to Jack (watching the fire): This has our cloaked friend's name written all over it.

Kate to Sami and Lucas: It's Will. He's gone.

Will (looking at something on the pier): Oh my...

Victor to Caroline: This is all my fault.

Julie to Hope: He has to make it...they both have to.

Roman (searching through the flames): Doug! Maggie! (a beam then begins to fall right above Roman)

-Hope and Doug are at Maggie's house after returning from searching for her all morning. Doug has no idea where Maggie could be and is really worried, as is Hope. Alice calls Hope on her cell and asks if there is any word. Hope apologizes saying there isn't but says she will let her known as soon as there is. Hope tells Alice to get some rest as she has been up all night with worry. Alice tells Hope not to worry and tells Hope to just pray and have faith that Maggie will be alright and to encourage others to do the same. Hope says she will and hangs up. Hope tells her father that she hopes Maggie is alright as she isn't sure any of them can take much more tragedy and turmoil.

Meanwhile, Julie is searching Salem Park for Maggie and wonders where she could be. The scene then shifts to Chez Rouge. Maggie has locked all the doors and closed the restaurant for the day. She has all the light off so no one will know she is there and she has a single candle lit on the bar. There are empty liquor bottles lying around the bar area where she is sitting. She is disheveled and completely out of it. She is angry at the world and at God but says he is not completely at fault. She lost Mickey because she chose to stay back on the island and because she never reached for him before the explosion. Her other mistake was being naive in thinking she could find love again...a love like she had with Mickey. She bought Victor's act and he trampled all over her heart and then some.

Maggie opens another bottle of whiskey and begins to down it. She says she no longer cares what happens to her anymore. She can't live like this...thinking about all that she has lost and how it's her fault and how she was so stupid in thinking Victor loved her. She should've saw it coming. He was probably using her for something. She then walks around the restaurant and has flashbacks to special times with Mickey and with Victor, including the romantic night they had when she opened Chez Rouge for him privately in December. She begins to break down and goes into a rage, throwing the bottle at the wall near the bar.

-At Salem University Hospital, Abby is stunned when Greta comes to see her. They embrace and Greta says she just wanted to check in to see how she is doing. Abby says fine and asks how Greta is doing. She heard that she is the new Spectator editor and that she is her father's boss now. Greta says she loves it and feels like things are just about to get exciting. She tells Abby she is sorry for everything she is going through but encourages her to keep the faith. Abby says that it's getting harder and harder to do that.

Meanwhile, Max is having coffee in the cafeteria when Frankie joins him, asking what he needed. Max says he called him because he has no idea what to do or who to beleive concerning Cassie's fall. Frankie says it's easy...he knows Abby. Abby has made mistakes behavior-wise recently but her mother had just died. She is paying for them now and the poor girl is suffering. Frankie asks Max if he really thinks Abby would deliberately hurt Cassie and his baby. Frankie reminds him that Abby is someone he knows and trusts. Cassie is a Dimera that has wanted him for some time now due to their one night stand. He asks him who he should beleive...someone from a family they know and trust or someone from the Dimera family who seems to care more about the hold the baby had on him rather then the baby itself.

Max tells Frankie that Cassie isn't as bad as he says. Frankie says he knows she is bad news. Even when she was believed to be a Brady, she was never stopped being what she was. She is conniving, manipulative...it's who she is. Max is silent and Frankie tells Max that he knows the right answer deep down. It's no contest and the fact that he ever would side with Cassie is laughable as Abby would never lie about or do something like this. She feels guilty enough as it is. Max contemplates Frankie's words.

-In Cassie's hospital room, Chelsea arrives and asks why Cassie had a nurse come get her. Cassie says she has another task for her...it's what they discussed before. If Chelsea chooses not to do it, she will go down in flames and see her two dirty secrets come out. Chelsea turns around in disgust and her eyes well up in tears as she begs Cassie to stop this. Cassie refuses saying she will stop when she gets what she wants and she wants Max and revenge on Abby for what happened to her child.

Chelsea reminds Cassie that Abby did nothing to her but Cassie thinks otherwise. She should've just stepped aside and let her be with Max or, at the very least, should've bowed out of their argument before it reached the stairwell. Chelsea notes that Cassie could've stopped the argument too. Cassie quickly changes the subject and tells Chelsea to do what she asked of her...go to the hospital security headquarters and find a way to get the surveilance tape from the day of her fall. The headquarters is in the basement so all she has to do is create a diversion and take care of the security camera in that room so she doesn't get caught. The other cameras won't be a problem as no one would think that Chelsea is helping her.

Cassie tells Chelsea that hospital security is holding on to the tape until they get word on whether she is going to seek an investigation and legal action against Abby in regards to her fall. Cassie can't be blamed for stealing the tape because she is in her room and the security cameras will show that. Chelsea asks what Cassie is going to do with it. Cassie tells her nevermind and to find a way to get the tape...now.

-At Lucas's apartment, Sami is calling for Will and he tells Sami from his room that he doesn't feel good and has a headache. He just wants to be left alone. Sami continues to wonder what is wrong with him and vows to get to the bottom of it. Lucas arrives and tells Sami there is someplace he wants to go and he will tell her about it on the way. Sami doesn't want to leave Will right now but Lucas notes that he won't be alone. There is then a knock on the door. It's Kate. Sami rolls her eyes and tells Lucas that now is not the time to call her. Kate reminds Sami that Will is her grandson and she is worried about him too. Sami is upset that Lucas told her but Lucas insists she has a right to know.

Lucas tells Sami he really wants to get going and tells Kate thank you for coming over. They don't want Will alone and are afraid he may run away again. Kate says it's no problem and says she will try to get him to talk to her. Sami says that won't be necessary. She can help her son. Lucas then ushers her out to prevent a fight, telling her they need to go. After they leave, Kate knocks on Will's door and asks if he is alright. There is no answer. Kate calls out to him and begs him to answer and to talk to her about what's going on.

Meanwhile, in his room, Will is lying on his bed in tears as he is thinking about what Alan did to him and how he threatened to him and his family if he didn't remain silent. Will begins to shake and puts his head into his pillow so that Kate won't hear him crying.

-At University Hospital, Austin is with Carrie. Carrie is very much contemplating telling Austin the truth about her baby in hopes that they can find him together. Austin mentions how much they have been through and hates that there has been so much hurt. Carrie feels the same and feels horrible that things are so tense with them and Sami and Lucas. Lucas then comes in and says they don't have to be that way. Sami adds that it's time they put the past behind them all and moved on.

Lucas: I wanted to do this today, despite all of us having so much to deal with. It couldn't wait any longer. I don't want to live like this and I know none of us do. I don't condone what you two (looking at Carrie and Austin) did. You betrayed me and you hurt me. You keeping this from me hurt the most and, Carrie, you going into hiding with what could've been my baby...and considering what happened...

Carrie: I know, Lucas. I am so sorry. I know I hurt you...all of you deeply. I have made so many mistakes in my life and it just seems like I keep making worse and worse ones.

Lucas: We all made mistakes. All of us and I know we all regret them but that is all part of growing. Just look at Sami. After all she has done, she has finally grown up. She is finally the Sami we all knew she could be and I couldn'e be more proud.

Austin: Either could I.

Lucas: If Sami can change, we all can change and improve ourselves so it's time for a fresh start. For all of us.

Sami: Lucas is right. We have all hurt each other and many others and rehashing everything and holding grudges isn't worth it. Life is too short. We are family and we need each other. Whatever it was...fate, destiny...for whatever reason we all ended up mix matched together but, deep down, we knew it wasn't right. I belong with Lucas and you guys belong together. I guess we were just meant to go through all this but, now, it's all been righted and I think moving on and just starting with a blank slate will maintain that and our happiness. So, what do you guys say?

Lucas: No more rehashing. No more anger. It will be hard to forget but we all have things that we did that need forgiving. We all made mistakes so let's just leave them where they are and vow to always be honest with each other.

Carrie begins to tear up and thinks about telling all about the baby but can bring herself to do it.

Lucas: Let's just remember the good times and joke about the bad. Just as long as we don't mention the ugly we will be alright.

They all laugh.

Lucas: So, is that ok?

Austin: Sounds great.

Carrie: Fine by me.

Lucas: Ok...so...friends again?

Austin: Friends again.

Carrie: Yep. Friends again.

Sami: Friends and sisters again (smiles at Carrie).

Austin and Lucas embrace and shake hands as Sami embraces both Carrie and Austin. Lucas gives Carrie a friendly kiss and hug.

-Back in Cassie's room, Chelsea reluctantly agrees to go get the rape, remembering what her secrets coming out could do to her and her family. She leaves as Cassie look on, pleased that her plans are on track and promising that she will have Max and Abby will be destroyed.

Meanwhile, Greta tells Abby to just have hope and pray that things work out. Max will come around. If not, he is stupid to let a girl like her go. Abby says she just doesn't want to end up alone. Greta looks down and Abby apologizes, realizing Greta has had trouble with her love life. Greta says it's ok. She tells Abby she needs to go and will see her later. Abby thanks her for stopping by and they embrace and promise to see each other soon.

At that same moment, Frankie tells Max he has to go. Greta then walks by and says hello to both of them. She asks Frankie if he was just on his way to meet her, Jack, and Billie at The Spectator to start their research and investigation. He says he was. Frankie takes Max aside and tells him to go to Abby and make this right. Deep down, he knows that what he did was wrong and that Abby should not be treated like this by him. Frankie hugs him and wishes him luck as he leaves with Greta. Greta asks Frankie if he is ready to get going on this MCF stuff. He says he is as ready as he will ever be.

-Max goes to Abby's room and paces back and forth outside it. He is hesistant to go in, realizing how much he probably has hurt her as it is just know setting in how awful he treated her. He understands now that he really screwed up. He realizes he just needs to go for it and make this right. He then walks into Abby's room, stunning Abby. Abby asks what he wants. Max says they have to talk.

Meanwhile, in the basement of the hospital, a mysterious person is walking through the hospital security headquarters. It's the MCF!! The camera then pans around to reveal a guard on the floor unconscious. The MCF has a video in hand, that is dated 2/13/07 and says "SECURE AND HOLD IN LIEU OF POTENTIAL POLICE INVESTIGATION-CASSIE DIMERA FALL CASE." The MCF then walks out of the security headquarters, closing the door behind him or her. Chelsea then arrives and wonders how she is going to do this. She enters the headquarters and finds the guard knocked out, seeing this will be easier then she thought

Chelsea looks around for awhile and finally finds a video dated 2/13/07 and with the same title "SECURE AND HOLD IN LIEU OF POTENTIAL POLICE INVESTIGATION-CASSIE DIMERA FALL CASE." She takes it and checks the security camera, noticing it's not on. She wonders what is going on and checks the guard's pulse. He is alive. She wonders what is going on here and leaves before she is blamed for it. As she leaves, the MCF steps out of the shadows, holding the video, saying:

MCF (via voice changer): Sure you got the right video, young Chelsea?

The MCF then laughs as he or she exits via a maintenance entrance.

-Hope and Doug are on the peir searching for Maggie. They decide it's best to split up so they can cover more ground. Doug asks Hope if it's time to get the police involved. She says it's near that time and they should probably consider it if they don't find Maggie within the hour. They separate and Hope tells Doug she will call and check in with him in an hour.

Meanwhile, Julie arrives at Chez Rouge. She tries to open the front door and, later, the side doors and employee entrance and learns they are all locked. She sees the lights off and wonders what is going on and why the place is closed during the day. She bangs on the front door and yells to Maggie if she is in there.

Maggie, with tears streaming down her face and liquor still in hand, says:

Maggie: I AM DONE!!! I AM DONE WITH EVERYONE!!! WITH ALL OF THIS!! NONE OF IT MEANS ANYTHING...I LOST MICKEY...VICTOR BETRAYED ME AND PLAYED ME FOR A DAMN FOOL!!! TO HELL WITH THE MEMORIES...THE FEELINGS...TO HELL WITH THIS PLACE, EVERYONE, AND EVERYTHING!!!

Maggie, in her emotional drunken rage, intentially knocks over the candle. The area around the bar catches fire, with the broken liquor bottle on the floor and all the liquor behind the bar only enhancing the flames.

Maggie (crying): Mickey gave me this...I don't deserve it or anything...or anyone. Let it burn...let it all burn. It doesn't matter...nothing matters. I destroyed everything including myself...I may as well destroy this place too.

The flames consume the front end of the restaurant. Maggie walks away from the flames but trips and falls while in her drunken state, hitting her head on a table. She lies unconscious as the restaurant is engulfed in flames and Julie can be heard screaming outside "Maggie!!! Are you there?" as the screen fades out.

On the Next Salem Lives...

Eric to Nicole: You never did tell me where you went last night.

Hope: Oh my God...Bo!!

Kate to Will: Open this door now and tell me what the hell is going on!!

Sami to Lucas: What's wrong? It's my Aunt Maggie.

Victor to Nico (watching TV): Oh God...

Julie to Doug: She's in there. Maggie is in the restaurant!! (as Maggie lies in the restaurant inferno).

MCF (watching the fire): This gives me an idea.

-At the motel outside of Chicago, Kayla continues to be confused as to Steve forgetting the last two months. She asks him again if he is sure he doesn't remember anything since right before the shootout at the New Year's Eve Ball. Steve says he is sure...the last thing he remembers is Stefano and Victor's men, along with the SPD and ISA, all surrounding the room looking like they were going to open fire. He then remembers passing out and that is it.

Kayla recalls hearing Steve scream a few minutes ago while she was in the shower and she wonders if maybe he had another traumatic memory of being tortured or something. That could cause him to block out some things but it wouldn't cause him to block out all the happy memories and all the progress they had made over the past few weeks while on their trip. Steve feels horrible that his condition has regressed and begins to break down. Kayla takes him in her arms and tells him it will be ok. They will figure this out and beat this together. They will go on another trip and help bring those memories back again.

Kayla reminds Steve that if he remembered before, he can remember them again. Steve still feels bad hearing that he had made so much progress and that he and Kayla were close to getting their lives back. Kayla says they will find happiness and he will recover. She won't give up on him and she begs him not to give up on her. He says he won't and thanks her for supporting him. He can't remember much about her but he can see that she cares and loves him, although he doesn't think he deserves it. Kayla tells him not to say that and says he does deserve it. She promises him that he will get his memories back and be Steve again and that he will recover. She adds that they will find out what happened tonight to make him forget the past two months...that she promises him.

-At Salem University Hospital, Lexie enters Stefano's room with Rich. Rich tells her that Stefano made it through surgery but is in a coma. It looks like he will recover but they don't know when he will wake up. Lexie thanks him and asks if she can be with her father alone. Rich leaves.

Lexie sits down next to her father and takes his hand lovingly. She then breaks down in tears and begs her father to fight and come back to her. She needs him to help her get revenge and get her son back. She also needs him to tell her what the MCF said. They can never get rid of the MCF if he doesn't wake up. He may hold the key. She tells him that she doesn't understand what he told her before going to surgery. She says that she thought about Tony and him being what the MCF was talking about when he hinted at something to Stefano prior to being shot.

Lexie notes that they have no idea where Tony is and that Stefano has had people looking for him since summer. That could very well fit in with what the MCF told Stefano about having "something he wanted" and something he had been "searching for." Lexie sees Stefano's heart rate go up on the monitor as she is mentioning this. She asks out loud if he thinks she should increase the search for Tony. She looks at Stefano and admits that she can feel that he would want that...that he would want to explore this to see if Tony is who the MCF is talking about. She needs to check this out and, if she checks out the obvious places that Andre or Ernesto would've kept him, then it would lead to the conclusion that the MCF has Tony.

Lexie promises Stefano that will get revenge on the MCF for doing this to him and she will look into the Tony possibility. She kisses his hand and lays on his stomach. Meanwhile, outside Stefano's room, Celeste has overheard the whole exchange. She goes in search of Abe and finds him at the Nurses Station. He asks her if she is finally ready to go home. Celeste explains to Abe the conversation she heard Alexandra having with Stefano and she says she has an idea.

She reminds Abe of their plan to do their own investigation to find a way to bring down Stefano and the Dimera's to stop their influence on Alexandra and to protect Theo. She tells Abe that Tony could be the key. He has always tried to give the Dimera name honor and respect. He would want to clean up the Dimera image so he may be willing to provide some sort of info to help them somehow bring down Stefano and the Dimera organization. This way, Tony could rebuild it in a more positive light. Abe likes the idea. Celeste explains that Lexie is going to be looking into the possibility that the MCF has Tony, based on what the MCF told Stefano before his shooting, so Celeste thinks they should monitor Lexie and tail her every move.

Abe is hesistant at first, saying this may be a wild goose chase and could push Lexie further away from them, but agrees it could work out. He says it's worth a shot. Celeste thanks him and says she hopes this helps with getting the Lexie they know and love back and maybe with bringing down the MCF somehow. Abe hopes so too.

-On another end of the hospital, Eric doesn't get what Austin is tyring to say. He asks Austin if he is suggesting that the baby he and Nicole found is Carrie's. Carrie overhears and is stunned. Eric whispers to Austin to cool it and not to give Carrie false hope. Austin tells Carrie that she misunderstood. They were just talking about how they need to watch her so she doesn't become delusional after all she has been through. Rich then comes by and tells Carrie she needs to be in bed if she wants to go home later today. He also reminds Eric and Austin visiting hours are over.

Eric and Austin apologize. Austin kisses Carrie good night and Eric embraces her. Carrie goes back to her room, wondering if Eric and Austin lied and if they may be on to something in regards to her baby. Carrie begins to lean more and more towards admitting the truth...that her baby is still alive and she lied. She begins to beleive that may be the key to finding her baby. Outside the room, Eric tells Austin to be more careful. Carrie has been through enough. She doesn't need false hope. Austin apologizes. He just thinks it's weird that Nicole and him found a newborn child at Green Mountain on the same day as they found Carrie and learned that her baby had "died." Not to mention they found Carrie about 5 miles away from Green Mountain Lodge.

Eric tells Austin it's nothing more then a coincidence. Nothing more. Carrie wouldn't lie about her baby dying and she certainly wouldn't give him or her up. Austin agrees that Eric is right. They shake hands and bid each other goodnight after admitting it's been a long day and night. Eric leaves while Austin continues to ponder what Eric told him. Austin thinks about how Carrie went into hiding and lied to all of them about being with her mother just because she didn't want to cause problems with those she cares about and she didn't want her baby to grow up around alot of tension due to the paternity. He wonders if it's possible Carrie lied again saying her baby died when it's actually alive and she only gave it up. He looks in on Carrie lying on her bed, wondering if his theory could be true.

-At the Kiriakis Mansion, Julie tries to comfort a devestated Maggie over the sight of Victor and Nicole in bed together. Victor and Nicole quickly collect themselves and leave the room to get dressed. Maggie asks Julie how he could do this to her. Victor and Nicole return fully dressed. Victor apologizes for them walking on on this.

Maggie (crying): How could you do this???!!! I thought you cared about me!!! You were my friend and I thought we were turning into something more!!!

Victor: I'm sorry, Maggie. I'm sorry if you misunderstood. I am still your friend and I do care about you but it was never anything more then that. I'm sorry. I will still be there for you...

Maggie: You told me you loved me before you left. How and when in the hell did you hook up with this tramp?

Nicole: Hey!

Victor: It just happened. I have been gone for awhile and...

Maggie: Don't tell me things chance. Julie tracked you down and met with you. She would've told me if you had intentions to...

Victor: Well, there are things Julie doesn't have the right to know so I kept it to myself.

Julie then recalls herself telling Victor to either settle things with Maggie or cut all ties to her. She figures he is cutting all ties to her right now and that this is all a setup with Henderson and Nico's help. She wonders what Nicole is getting out of this.

Maggie: I can't beleive this. HOW COULD YOU DO THIS?!!

Victor (puts head down): I'm sorry. I didn't want you to see this...

Maggie (crying hysterically): Well, I am glad I did. Now I know the truth. I got played. Now I know Mickey is and was my only true love. I will never have anything close to that again. I had hope I found it with you but...you hurt me so much!!!

Victor: I'm sorry. I don't know what else to say.

Maggie: Don't say anything. I'm through anyway. I'm not going to stand here and subject myself to looking at this disgusting display anymore.

Maggie gets in Victor's face and says:

Maggie: I HATE YOU!!! I HATE YOU!!! YOU BROKE MY HEART!!! YOU KNOW WHAT I HAVE BEEN THROUGH!!! THE HEARTBREAKN, THE SUFFERING...HOW COULD YOU STEP ALL OVER ME LIKE THIS?! IT'S NOT RIGHT!!! I guess I deserve this...Mickey did die because of me so maybe it's payback. I chose to stay on the island and he stays back and BAM! He's gone and so is my life. I may be still living but, tonight I realize, I will never be as happy again as I was before that night Mickey died. Never. Thank you, Victor Kiriakis. Thank you for giving me hope and making me think everything could be ok again...and then ripping my heart out and walking all over it. I hope you burn in hell!!

Maggie slaps Victor and then races out in tears with Julie behind her. Maggie races out of the mansion and Julie can't catch up. Julie reaches the car and notices that Maggie hasn't returned to it. She realizes Maggie has taken off on foot.

Meanwhile, Victor tells Nicole her work is done. She can leave. Nicole wants Victor's assurance that no one else will find out about their ruse. She can't have Eric or anyone else find out that she had "sex" with Victor. Victor tells her not to worry. She also reminds Victor to take care of his end of the deal. He says he will. Nicole tells him he better and leaves.

Julie returns to Victor and asks how he could do this. Victor reminds her of her saying that he needed to settle the Maggie situation. He just did...he cut ties to her. Julie asks if he had to be that extreme and that harsh. She warns Victor that if Maggie goes over the edge, he will be to blame. Julie leaves as Victor looks on, thinking and hoping he did the right thing and that it will all turn out for the best.

Julie then calls Doug, who is still up in the the early morning hours with Alice as they were worried about her and Maggie. Julie tells Doug she will need his help and that maybe he should call Hope to help as something has happened and Maggie is missing. Doug says he will and that he will be right there. Julie hangs up and prays Maggie is ok.

Meanwhile, Nicole gets in her car and hopes that Victor keeps his end of the bargain. She also hopes that he makes sure Julie, Maggie, and anyone else that knows she was with Victor will keep their mouth shut. She drives off in her car while, out of the shadows, the MCF emerges with a camcorder. The MCF presses play on the unit and it shows Nicole and Victor in bed and having "sex." The MCF stops it and says:

MCF (via voice changer): Oh, don't worry Nicole. No one is going to say a word...they will be able to see what you did.

The MCF then laughs as he or she walks away and the screen fades out.

On the Next Salem Lives...

Max to Abby: We need to talk.

Cassie to Chelsea: I have another task for you and, if you refuse, you go down in flames.

Sami (with Lucas) to Carrie and Austin: I think it's time we lay everything out and put the past in the past.

Kate to Will: What is going on?

Hope to Doug: I'm not sure any of us can take much more.

Julie: Maggie!!! Are you in there?

Maggie (crying): To hell with this place...to hell with everyone!!!

-It's past midnight in Salem and a new day is in it's early stages. Kayla and Steve are in a motel outside of Chicago after their return flight to Salem was grounded due to bad weather. Kayla apologizes to Steve for them having to make an unscheduled landing. She also apologizes that they had to cut their little trip down memory lane short. Her mother called and told her that there was issues with her family and that they needed her so she felt like this was right.

Steve is ok with it and tells Kayla it's fine. He has already remembered so much and the memories of his being tortured have not surfaced in awhile. Kayla says they can pick up right where they left on on the trip once she handled what she must. She figures it will be good for him to get a break from putting pressure on himself to remember anyway. Steve agrees. Kayla goes to take shower and smiles at home before she enters the bathroom, saying that she feels like they are so close to getting their life back. Steve smiles back as Kayla closes the bathroom door.

Steve decides to lay down on the bed and, as he watches TV, someone is watching him from outside the motel room.

-Back in Salem at the Deveraux home, Billie pulls away from Jack and walks away from him. Jack kissing Billie and then Billie returning the kiss has clearly flustered both of them. Both are silent until Jack says:

Jack: I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that. I...

Billie: No. It's...ok. I...

Jack: I only did it because you were hysterical and upset. I just wanted for you to calm down and kissing you was the first thing that...I'm sorry.

Billie: No. I'm sorry. I was irrational. I still blame myself and I feel guilty as hell but JJ, Angel, and their mother and brother...whoever killed them would've gotten to them anyway regardless if we told the police what we knew. I can't change what happened but I can avenge their deaths and make sure they don't die in vain. I can make sure we break this mystery open and catch this mysterious cloaked figure and whoever is working with him or her.

Jack: Now that's the spirit. That's the Billie I know. The four of us...you, me, Frankie, and Greta. We will get to the bottom of this. God knows the police and ISA are having trouble.

Billie: Yeah. Hey...Jack. Thanks. Thanks for being here and for listening and....

Jack: That's what friends are for. You did the same for me when Jennifer died and when our daughters nearly died. I'm just sorry I had to kiss you to shut you up.

Billie: Yeah...well, it meant nothing. I mean, we're just good friends and, even if it did mean something, I have been hurt so many times and with so much going on...I'm not ready for another relationship right now. Not now...maybe not ever.

Jack: Yeah. I'm not ready to move on either. Jennifer has only been gone for eight months and I have so much on my plate as it is. You don't have to worry. We are just good friends and that is all we will be. I'm sorry if I compromised our friendship.

Billie: You did nothing wrong...just like you tell me. It's fine.

They embrace, both clearly upset and both apparently still affected by all that has happened.

-At the Kiriakis Mansion, Victor tells Nicole to sit down. Nicole asks what Victor could possibly want from her. He says he has a proposal for her. He says he has a plan...a plan that will push Maggie out of his life. It's a little extreme but it's necessary. He needs to cut ties to her. It's simply too dangerous for her to be involved with him and he cares too much. Nicole asks what Victor needs her to do. He looks at her and says he just needs her to put on a show. Nicole looks at him, wondering what he means and her face then turns from one of confusion to one of shock. Nicole tells Victor that she can't do that, especially since she is married and she would lose everything if it ever got back to Eric, which it's bound to if Maggie and anyone else sees it.

Victor assures her he will make sure everything works out. Nicole asks how. He asks for her to trust him. He says he will give her a great reward in return. Nicole suddenly has a look of contemplation on her face, which then turns to a devilish look. Victor says he knows that look and asks what Nicole has in mind. She fills him in on the baby she and Eric found at Green Mountain and how she wants to adopt him. She asks Victor to pull some strings and to make sure she gets custody of the child. Victor asks if that's all. Nicole thinks for a moment and then says no and adds:

Nicole: There is something else I want. I gave up my job for my husband and now he is working and I will not be homemaker, even with a child. So...what I want from you is a job worthy of my talents. I want you to give me a high-ranking position at Titan. I know Philip fired Lucas while you were presumed dead so you have an executive position to fill. You know I do a good job and my track record speaks for itse...

Victor: Shutup Nicole. So...you want this baby you found and Lucas's former job at Titan?

Nicole: Yep. That's it. Oh, and your word that none of this gets back to Eric or anyone else that can ruin things for me. That's all.

Victor: Yeah...that's all. Fine...Nicole. You have yourself a deal.

Victor reaches out his hand and Nicole reaches back and they shake hands.

-At Maggie's house, Julie tells Maggie she doesn't think it will be a good idea if she sees Victor. Maggie asks why. Julie explains that he just got back and it may be too soon. She also tells Maggie she knows Victor has alot to deal with. Maggie asks how she knows so much. Julie reminds her that, while she was drunk, Maggie let it slip that Victor was alive so she tracked him down and convinced him to come home. She saw Maggie falling apart and felt like she needed to do something. Maggie doesn't remember that and it makes her wonder who else she may have told about Victor. She embraces Julie and thanks her for helping to bring Victor back. Julie begs Maggie not to tell Doug. He would be furious. Maggie agrees.

Maggie says she still wants to head for Victor's. They have alot to talk about afterall. Julie's cell phone rings. She excuses herself and answers it. It's Victor and he asks Julie where Maggie is. She explains that she is right there with her and that she wants to see him. Maggie tries to grab the phone once she hears it's Victor. Victor, figuring word of his return had spread, tries to tell Julie to bring Maggie over to the mansion with her as he doesn't want her to be alone. Julie can't hear him as Maggie tries to grab the phone. Julie drops her cell phone and loses the call. Maggie says to forget it...she will just head over to the mansion right now.

Maggie races out with Julie behind her, wondering what Victor was trying to say to her. Julie reminds Maggie she had a few drinks and shouldn't drive. Maggie then asks Julie to drive. Julie gives in and agrees and they head for Victor's. Meanwhile, Victor tells Nicole it's showtime and then goes to give Nico and Henderson their instructions.

-Back at the motel room where Steve and Kayla are staying, Steve's eye is closed and Kayla is enjoying her shower. Just then, the person watching Steve from outside picks the lock on the door and enters the room. The person walks over to the bed and watches over Steve. The person then pulls out a syringe and prepares to use it. The person is....

the MCF!!!

Steve then opens his eye, feeling someone is watching him. He is stunned to see the MCF with the syringe and it reminds him of the memories he had of being tortured and of them drugging him with syringes and all sorts of needles. Steve tries to fight the MCF off but can't as the MCF shoves the syringe right into his leg. Steve then screams in pain, getting Kayla's attention in the shower. The MCF then kneels down next to Steve and says:

MCF: You have been a naughty boy, haven't you? Leaving Salem like that...tsk tsk. Well, not to worry. The problem has been solved and all is right again. I must go...Patch. Can't be caught in here, you know. Don't worry, though. I will be in touch.

The MCF then leaves as Steve's eye slowly closes and he begins to go into convulsions.

-At Salem University Hospital, Eric is with Carrie in her room and they are catching up. He he apologizes for not being there for her when she needed him. Carrie says she understands. Austin comes in and hugs Eric and they shake hands. He asks how Nicole is. He says she is fine. A nurse comes in and tells Carrie it's time for bed and that visiting hours were over some time ago. Austin and Eric apologize. They say their goodbyes to Carrie with Austin giving her a kiss and Eric giving her a hug. They both leave.

Outside Carrie's room, Austin and Eric talk about what happened while he was away. Eric feels horrible for Carrie and says that is why he didn't mention the baby he and Nicole found. Austin asks what baby. Eric tells him that he and Nicole found a newborb baby boy near Green Mountain Lodge. CPS now has control over the child but Nicole wants to adopt it. Austin's interest is piqued and asks when Eric and Nicole found the child. Eric says it was the first night they were at the lodge. Austin notes that that was the same night they found Carrie and she told them her baby "died." Austin asks Eric if he knows where the baby is. He says no and asks why. Austin tells Eric that he needs to see the child ASAP.

-Back at the Deveraux house, Billie decides to go up to bed. Jack tells her that the guest room should be all set for her. She thanks him again for everything and they share an awkward embrace. She then smiles and turns and looks at him as she walks upstairs. After she leaves, Jack thinks about the kiss and notes that Billie kissed him back. He wonders if there really is more between them and if they are both just afraid to pursue it. Meanwhile, upstairs, Billie thinks about the kiss too and can't help but wonder the same as Jack.

-Back at the motel room, Kayla races out of the shower and over to Steve, asking why he screamed. Steve doesn't respond and isn't waking up. Kayla begs him to wake up. She checks his pulse and notices his breathing is heavy and that his heart rate is high. She wonders what is going on. She is about to call 911 when Steve wakes up. Kayla asks if he is ok. Steve looks around confused and asks where they are. She reminds him of their trip but Steve is clueless as to what she is saying and simply asks:

Steve: What happened at the Ball?

Kayla (confused): What ball?

Steve: New Year's Eve. There were guys with guns all over and they were ready to shoot. Is everyone ok?

Kayla: Steve...what are you...is New Year's Eve the last thing you remember?

Steve: Yeah...I think so. The last thing I remember is passing out in the middle of the ballroom as the shots were about to be fired. Other then that, I don't remember anything after that and I certainly don't remember how I got here.

Kayla: Oh my...how did this happen?

As a confused Steve and a bewildered Kayla try to figure out what is going on, the MCF watches outside and laughs, pleased at what he/she is seeing.

-Maggie and Julie arrive at the Kiriakis Mansion. Maggie is about to enter. Julie pulls her aside and, remembering Victor wanted to tell her something on the phone, says she doesn't think that this is a good idea. She just has a bad feeling. Maggie dismisses Julie's instincts. Julie says that maybe Maggie should just cut ties to Victor for awhile and focus on cleaning up her life. Maggie reminds Julie that she started drinking again when Victor left. Julie tells Maggie that she needs to be strong enough on her own to fight the temptation to drink and that she needs to get some help. Victor can't always be around.

Maggie ignores her and rings the bell. Henderson answers and asks what Maggie is doing there. Maggie says she must see Victor. Henderson insists it's not a good time and that Mr. Kiriakis isn't there. Nico then comes downstairs and tells Henderson that he can go home as Mr. K doesn't need him the rest of the night. Nico doesn't see Maggie there. Maggie pushes past both of them and races upstairs to find Victor. Julie follows behind her while Henderson and Nico look at each other and smile. Nico says:

Nico: Good job. It went just as planned.

Henderson: I just hope this doesn't push Mrs. Horton over the edge. She is such a nice person. I would hate to see her...

Nico: Mr. K knows what he is doing. Otherwise, he wouldn't be doing this.

Maggie is now upstairs and is checking all the rooms. She is now outside Victor's bedroom. Julie advises her to knock first but Maggie is so excited to find Victor and reunite with him that she just opens the door and stops dead in her tracks, stunned by the scene she has come upon.

The camera then pans across the room to reveal Nicole and Victor in bed together, kissing passionately. Tears stream down Maggie's face as she tries not to beleive what is right in front of her as Julie comforts her.

Maggie (crying): No...No...it can't be.

Julie: Aunt Mag...

Maggie: NO!!!!!!

Maggie's scream gets Nicole and Victor's attention as Victor and a devestated Maggie lock eyes as the screen fades out on her horrified face.

On the Next Salem Lives...

Celeste to Abe: I think I may have some answers that you are looking for.

Lexie to Stefano: You saved my life and I promise you I will catch the person that did this and make them pay.

Kayla to Steve: How could this happen? How could you just forget the last two months?

Eric to Austin: What are you saying?

Austin to Eric: That maybe there is a chance Carrie's baby is still alive and...

Carrie: What?!

Maggie to Victor: I hate you. I HATE YOU!!!

Announcer: VICTOR AND MAGGIE...

Clip of Victor and Maggie sharing their kiss under the mistletoe.

A BLOSSOMING ROMANCE THAT SEEMED DESTINED TO SURVIVE...

BUT...THIS WEEK...

Nicole to Victor: What do you propose?

Victor to Nicole: I have a plan and I need your help.

A PLAN TO PUSH THE WOMAN HE CARES ABOUT AWAY....

Clip of Maggie at the Kiriakis Mansion with Julie, breaking down in tears.

BACKFIRES...

Maggie: HOW COULD YOU DO THIS?!!!

AND PUSHES HER OVER THE EDGE!!

Clip of Maggie drinking and a candle falling over followed by a clip of flames consuming Chez Rouge and Maggie passing out on the floor.

Victor: What have I done.

THE QUESTION NOW IS...

Clip of Roman entering the burning restaurant, Doug trying to enter the building, Hope comforting a screaming Julie with Caroline and Victor in the background, and Maggie lying on the floor of the burning restaurant.

WHO WILL GO DOWN IN FLAMES?

IT'S ALL PART OF....

***DON'T FORGET TO CHECK OUT THE LIST OF MCF APPEARANCES UNDER THIS PROMO!!!***

Week of 3/5/07 Edition

INSIDER FEATURE: SPRING PREVIEW!!!

The NCAA basketball tournament isn't the only thing causing madness this March as an amazing Spring begins on Salem Lives with several huge twists and turns. It really is one shocker after another as SALEM LIVES VENDETTA begins. "It's our biggest event yet," says EP/HW Tim Lowery. "It's huge in that it's not something that lasts for a few weeks. This MCF mystery has been going on since Fall and now we are getting to what he or she wants to accomplish. That is what VENDETTA is about." VENDETTA begins on March 1 and will continue into the Summer. "It will reach it's dramatic climax in the summer," says Lowery. But, before we get to summer, we need to get through March and Spring so here is a sneak peek at what lies ahead for the people of Salem.

VENDETTA: "VENDETTA began with a bang as James found his family savagely murdered, Stefano was shot, and it was revealed that the MCF is holding Tony and Anna hostage. Fans will see just how evil and diabolical the MCF is. He or she is pulling so many strings. It has already been revealed that Alan, James, and Marlena are working with the MCF and you can expect more Salemites to fall into he or she's web as they become allies of the MCF. The MCF offers them what they want and they all bite, not realizing the danger and risk they are taking. This MCF mystery builds to May sweeps and the summer. It's really full of shockers and big twists. You can't miss a day because this story is a classic umbrella story that focuses on everyone. The fans won't believe what is coming."

Roman/Marlena: "Now that it has been revealed that Marlena has multiple personalities, we will start to go inside her mind a little bit. Fans will learn about each of her personalities in depth and all will be explained. Fans will see what caused all this and what each personality draws from. Roman and Marlena's family and friends will fight to reach the Marlena they know and love. The MCF sets Marlena up for a fall and she ends up in a virtual hell that only increases her inner rage. The real story here is about Marlena and her history and how we got to this point. That will be explored and her and Roman's love story will be pivotal to this plot."

Sami/Lucas/Will: "Sami and Lucas try to get to the bottom of what is going on with Will. She gets interesting info from Shane and starts to think Alan did something to Will. The closer Sami and Lucas get to the truth, the more dangerous Alan becomes. The Will crisis brings Sami and Lucas closer together and gets them to a place where we see the solidifying of their family. Will is falling apart and look for him to forge a deep bond with Bo as they go through their pain and suffering together."

Nicole/Eric/Carrie/Austin/Alan: "The bitch is back!!! Nicole revisits her old ways and strikes up some unlikely alliances to get what she wants...Carrie's baby. Nicole will do some things that will shock you and will come back haunt her. She begins to see that life with Eric isn't what she thought it would be and he becomes nothing but a nuisance to her. Meanwhile, Austin takes steps to have a future with Carrie as they finally put things in the past with Sami and Lucas. Carrie decides to tell Austin the truth, which will spark the unraveling of the mystery surrounding Carrie's baby. It sets the stage for a dramatic showdown as Alan will fight to keep things from falling apart and more and more people will be on his tail as the truth about Carrie's baby slowly filters out."

Bo/Hope: "Bo deals with the discovery that he was molested. This is a huge issue for the Brady family. Hope tries to get the truth from Caroline and Kim but gets nothing. Bo goes MIA and we will see him go through a journey of self-discovery. He has alot ot work through and Will will be important to him in terms of his accepting what happened and coming to grips with it. Hope will have to deal with a family crisis and that will detract her attention for a bit. She isn't giving up on Bo that's for sure."

Steve/Kayla: "Steve suffers a major setback. We begin to see that there is more going on with Steve then meet's the eye. Kayla will learn about what happened to Bo and how Roman and Kim hid the truth so she will deal with that. Steve is still her main focus. Meanwhile, Steve is dragged into something unwillingly and it becomes clear that there is a huge secret from his missing years that is among his lost memories. Expect that secret to be revealed towards the end of May and it will definitely have far reaching effects for many Salemites."

Maggie/Victor/Caroline/Doug/Julie/Alice: "Victor has a plan but it spins out of control, setting up a tragic series of events. Maggie goes over the edge, endangering many lives and leaving a beloved character's life hanging by a thread. Julie digs a deeper hole for herself when she does something that only the old Julie would do. Alice will play a role in this story as well, along with Caroline who, along with her family issues stemming from what happened to Bo, will try to reach an understanding with Victor. Caroline and Victor will bury the hatchet in a way and that will give a ray of hope for a future between them. Expect Lucas to be a much bigger player in Maggie's story as we go along."

Jack/Billie: "They will still deal with their children's problems but they will be pivotal to the VENDETTA plot. They, along with Frankie and Greta, are the under the radar investigators. The cops can catch the MCF and Jack and Billie feel obligated to get to the bottom of this because of what happened to JJ and Angel. As they try to piece together this mystery, their feelings for each other grow stronger. However, it's always one step forward and two steps back for them. Jack's fears of moving on and Billie's fear of committment and being hurt are big obstacles for them."

Max/Abby/Cassie/Chelsea: "There is hope for Max and Abby yet but Max's lack of faith in Abby becomes a sore spot. Cassie gets one upped by a shocking person and it only increases her drive for revenge. It becomes more about revenge them about getting Max. She will seek out help from her family. Meanwhile, Chelsea can't seem to break off from Cassie's web and discovers that Cassie isn't the only one who knows her secrets. Look for something shocking to happen to Abby and Chelsea in April that really ups the ante for Jack, Billie, Max, Cassie, and others."

Frankie/Greta: "They help Jack and Billie with the investigation of the MCF. We aren't really building them as a couple. We are putting them together in story and seeing what develops. It's more about developing them as characters with Greta's drive to make a difference and her job at The Spectator and Frankie gaining more of an edge and not being such a pushover."

James: "He has his sights set in finding out who killed his family and getting revenge. He is manipulated big time by the MCF, who uses his rage to his or her's advantage. We start to see James lose his way a bit but, underneath it all, he is still a good guy. Just like he always was. The pain and agony of losing his family is driving him and that means he could be capable of anything."

Kate: "Kate's meddling becomes a sore spot with her children, especially Philip. She begins to evaluate her parenting and her actions. She will come across a stunning secret and then get herself dragged into something bigger, forcing her to make a huge decision that will, ultimately, have tragic consequences, She will have to live with for the rest of her life."

Belle/Philip: Now that we know what went down in San Francisco, Philip continues to force Belle to cooperate with him. He wants them to be this stand up family, for his sake and for the Kiriakis name. He seems very driven to impress his father. He wants more power and influence. He was hurt too many times and won't be anymore and that is what is pushing him the desire he has to do more. He thinks his father is holding him back and it becomes apparent how far Philip will go to have what he wants. he will take action against Belle and against his own father. One decision, in particular, that he makes will make it apparent how strong his obsessions with power and prestige are and how much Philip really has changed.

Shane/Kim: "They help each other through the backlash they are getting from keeping the big secrets they kept. We see the bond still there and it becomes quite apparent that they may be on their way to something. Shane tries to piece together the MCF mystery with the SPD and will also worry about losing his job as a result of helping Carrie. Kim will be right by his side and we will get them to a point where they must evaluate if there is enough between them to give it another whirl."

Cal/Katherine: "Cal has finally found happiness and is set to start this new life. The past is nothing but an afterthought. There is some great romance for them coming up and it all leads to them taking a big leap of faith. However, there is the matter of the MCF having that file on Cal's past. What will Cal do when the opportunity to learn about his past and, possibly, remember it, presents itself? That is the big question."

Abe/Lexie/Stefano/Celeste: "Stefano is out of commission for awhile so Lexie takes over things. She thinks that Tony is who the MCF was talking about when he spoke with Stefano so she leads a search team to find him. Celeste and Abe get involved as they worry about Lexie being in danger from the MCF and they somehow think that finding Tony and interrogating him could help them bring down Stefano and end the Dimera influence on Lexie. Celeste begins to have strange visions that give her reason for concern about the future. Look for Stefano to take major action against the MCF once he is on his feet again."

PENGHLIS AND HUNLEY RETURN!!!! MCCLUER FAMILY OUT!!!

Fans were told the debut of VENDETTA would be a huge shock and it clearly didn't disappoint. On Thursday March 1, fans were shocked when it was revealed that the MCF was holding long missing Tony Dimera (Thaoo Penghlis) and Anna Fredericks (LeAnn Hunley) captive in an unknown location. "We kept both returns under wraps and thought it would be the perfect way to kick off VENDETTA," says EP/HW Tim Lowery. "We needed a huge twist and we thought it was best to use this reveal because it shows how far the MCF will go and also shows that the scope of this revenge plan the MCF has going reaches outside of Salem. We had talked to Thaoo before he finished playing Andre last summer and we told him he would be back in Spring. We talked to LeAnn in the Fall to get things in line and here we are. It was planned all along." As for how long both will stick around, Lowery is taking a wait and see approach. "They are pivotal to VENDETTA and their part of the story will be slow initially but will build over the Spring and into the summer. I think fans want to see some Anna and Carrie interaction and I also think they would like to see Tony with his daughter, Cassie, and to see him interact with Stefano and Lexie would be fun. We'll see." When asked if VENDETTA will bring more former favorites or new cast members to the canvas, Lowery is tight-lipped. "I am not going to comment because VENDETTA is such a huge event for us. All I can say is there are surprises everyday and I only hope the fans enjoy this ride," he says.

In other news, all February fans heard that murder would strike Salem. Little did they know that it would be mass murder. On February 26, fans learned that Renee McCluer (Sharon Wyatt) and her three children James Jr aka JJ (Michael Trucco), Jonathan (Zachary Knighton), and Angelica aka Angel (Hayden Panettiere) were savagely killed. It is not yet clear who murdered the family in cold blood but the aftermath of the murder sent major shockwaves through Salem. "It was huge because everything the MCF did was child play compared to this," says Lowery. "Sure, we don't know if the MCF did it or Marlena or whomever but the MCF was still involved somehow. It ups the ante of the story and tells the fans how serious this story and it's situations are. It also adds to the character of James and helps to show the complexity and layers of his character. I can assure the fans that James isn't going anywhere anytime soon. He has great stuff coming up." Roscoe Born (James McCluer Sr) reveals that it was hard to play these scenes. "It was difficult but it was certainly meaty material," Born says. "I like what is coming and it really allows me to dig deep. I couldn't have asked for better onscreen children or a better onscreen wife. They were great and I only wish I had worked with them more." Lowery adds that the fact that these roles were always meant to be short term had a major impact on casting. "Alot of actors we wanted shied away because they knew it was like a 13-18 episode arc,"admits Lowery. "In Hayden's case, she could only take the role if it was short-term. Same goes for Sharon, who has to take care of her mother. I am grateful we had who we had because they did great. I only wished we could've kept them and used them more. They were wonderful keeping the details of the story private."

There are rumors of major cast cuts yet to come for Salem Lives and that VENDETTA and it's climax will facilitate many exits. "I can't comment on all that," Lowery says. "It's too early and we are trying to limit spoilers and info on what is ahead with this story. It's too big of a story and too dramatic to just come right out and say that we are building to some mass exodus. I just want the fans to sit back and enjoy what is happening. It's going to be a huge spring and summer. That you can take to the bank."

COMINGS AND GOINGS!!!

COMING

Thaoo Penghlis and LeAnn Hunley (Tony Dimera and Anna Fredericks): Both actors made surprise returns on March 1. The length of their stay is unknown but it's expected to be quite lengthy.

GOING

Sharon Wyatt, Michael Trucco, Zachary Knighton, and Hayden Panettiere (Renee, James Jr aka JJ, Jonathan, and Angelica aka Angel McClure): All four actors last appeared on February 26 when they were found brutally murdered.

Previews and Peeks into Wk of 3/5/07

-Nicole and Victor make a deal.

-It's one step forward, two steps back for Jack and Billie.

-Lexie makes a promise to her father.

-Celeste and Abe decide to trail Lexie.

-Eric's story has Austin's interest piqued.

-Sami, Lucas, Carrie, and Austin bury the hatchet.

-There is hope for Max and Abby.

-Cassie's latest request stuns Chelsea.

-Steve has a setback.

-Victor's plan backfires.

-Maggie goes over the edge, putting the lives of some beloved characters in danger.

-Bo spirals out of control.

-Will falls apart and makes a disturbing discovery.

-The MCF sets up Marlena for fall.

RED LETTER DAYS!!!

Tuesday March 6: Maggie gets a shock.

Wednesday March 7: Victor's plan backfires as Maggie goes over the edge.

Thursday March 8 and Friday March 9: The lives of some beloved Salemites are in danger!! Plus, the MCF sets up Marlena and Will makes a disturbing discovery.

Next Week: Marlena learns she has been betrayed. Maggie comes clean. Nicole rethinks her marriage to Eric. Steve's condition confuses Kayla. Lexie decides to go to Europe. Cassie is one-upped.

-Eric and Nicole return to their suite at the Salem Inn after their stay at Green Mountain. Nicole is still angry they left and reminds Eric of his promise to do everything he can to make sure they gain custody of the child they found. Eric tells Nicole he will do what he can but can't guarantee anything. He then checks his messages and is stunned to learn about Will missing and being found and about Carrie being found and her baby "dying." He is angry with himself for not checking his messages but he wanted a quiet vacation with her and with everything going on he just forgot to check his mailbox.

Nicole tells him it's ok. He also has a call from Kate, telling him he is needed at the office, which upsets Nicole yet again due to Eric having a job and she not having one. Eric says he needs to go see his family and then needs to stop by the office. Nicole tells him to go ahead. He asks if she wants to come with him but she opts not to, saying her presence won't help much and she wouldn't be of any help when he goes to the office. He kisses her goodbye and promises her everything will work out. They will have the life they dreamed of.

Eric leaves and, after he leaves, Nicole says:

Nicole: You bet we will, Eric. All I know is I already gave up my job to stay with you and now you have a job and I am sitting around. I want the life you promised me...the life we dreamed of and I am going to get it. That baby we found is meant to be our's and you can say all you want that you will do your best to make it happen but your best isn't good enough. We need help...I need help and I think I know who to go to. The question is, will he help me? Hell, it's worth a shot. I will do whatever I have to do to have that baby. He is meant to be our child and I won't stop until he is.

Nicole gets her coat and purse and leaves.

-At University Hospital, Roman goes over to Lexie and asks her what her father told her when she visited with him before he went up to the OR. Lexie, realizing that it still isn't clear what is meant by what her father said and that this is a very dangerous situation, says:

Lexie: Roman, he said nothing. He just told me he loved me.

Roman: Are you sure? You looked upset.

Lexie: I'm sure. Now, please, leave me alone. I am upset enough.

Roman walks away to talk to Shane as Abe and Celeste walk over to Lexie.

Abe: Are you that was it? You seemed really upset.

Lexie: Well, of course I am upset. My father was shot by this cloaked maniac and may die. What do you want me to be? Happy?

Abe: Lexie...

Lexie: Abe...just shutup. I don't want to answer anymore questions. I told you all what I know and I just want to be alone. Besides, I have no interest talking to a bunch of backstabbing traitors anyway.

Abe: Lexie...

Celeste: Alexandra, please. Don't push us away. We love you.

Lexie: You have a funny way of showing it. You both and all of my former friends here in Salem. You are united together and stood by as Theo was taken from me. Now, I can't even see him.

Abe: Lexie, you can always see Theo. I just want him around the Dimera influence or your father.

Lexie: Well, I am a Dimera and so is Theo. Stefano is his grandfather and I am not going to close Theo off from that side of his family. Mark my words, Abe. I will get my son back and he will grow up a Dimera heir, as he should. I will have my revenge on you and all of Salem. Consider yourself warned.

Lexie walks away as a stunned and horrified Abe and Celeste look on.

Meanwhile, Victor decides to go back the mansion and get the ball rolling on unraveling the MCF mystery. Victor tells Roman that he is leaving and tells him to call if there is any word on Stefano and if he says anything. Frankie, Greta, Jack, and Billie are nearby. Shane comes over to them and says they all four should go home. There is no sense them being there as Stefano could be in surgery for hours and they aren't supposed to be investigating anymore. Jack, Billie, Frankie, and Greta lie and say they know, even though they know full well they are still going to investigate on their own.

Frankie thinks leaving is a good idea. There is really nothing they can do now. Shane leaves. Frankie offers to take Greta home. She thanks him and both of them tell Jack and Billie to call them if there is an update. They remind them not to investigate on their own. The four of them are a team now. Jack and Billie agree to do all that and bid them good night.

-At the Horton house, Doug is sitting with Julie and Alice. They are getting ready to watch the late local news and are discussing the murders at the McCluer home.

Alice: It's so horrible. The McCluer's use to go to St. Luke's every Sunday. Caroline and I knew them well. Poor Renee went through so much pain when James was in jail all those years. She was so hoping things would get better when he was released and came home. Now...look at what's happened.

Julie: Do you think James killed his family, Grandma?

Alice: No, dear. I do think James was involved with the wrong people and those people may be behind it. James loved his family and sometimes that love drove him to make poor choices. He would do anything for his family and he may have been so desperate to give them a better life that he made the wrong choices and, sadly, here we are.

Doug: It's just so horrible. I mean, whoever did this is sick. To butcher a wife and mother along with her three children. What is this world coming to. That's why I thank God everyday for my blessings and that all of you, including you my lady (looks at Julie), are safe and sound.

Julie: I feel the same way.

Alice: I agree.

Doug: I worry about all of you everytime you are all out of sight. Like when you were gone, sweetheart. I mean, you were only gone for a day but it felt like an eternity. I couldn't help but worry about what could happen.

Julie: Doug, I only went away with a day with a few friends. It was nothing. Stop being such a worrier.

Doug: Oh, I know that. I need to relax but I can't help it. The worst case scenarios just pop into my head, especially after all our family has been through. Hey...by the way, you never did tell me what you did on your little trip, darling.

Julie is silent, not knowing what to say. She knows telling Doug that she learned Victor was alive and that she tracked him down to convince him to return to Salem would make him very angry, especially since he was so enraged over her support of Victor's relationship with Maggie and was clearly jealous of Victor due to her past relationship with him.

Julie decides she must lie so she tells Doug that she and a few friends just spent the day shopping at a fancy mall a few miles outside of Salem. They had heard good things about it so they went to check it out for themselves. Alice says she has heard of that mall. Julie says it was quite nice but there wasn't a whole lot of buys for her. Doug says he is sorry about that. Julie says it's fine and sarcastically says she saved money. They both laugh and embrace each other as Alice smiles.

The news then begins and the McCluer murders is the lead story. Alice, Doug, and Julie are focused on the TV when, suddenly, their faces turn to faces of shock when they see Victor, Stefano, and Lexie at the crime scene. Julie realizes Victor must have decided to return. Doug is wondering why Stefano and Victor are roaming free and worries about what will happen when Maggie learns Victor is back. Julie worries about the same thing and tells Doug she is going to head over there to make sure she is ok if she saw Victor on the news. Doug offers to go with her but Julie insists he stay with Alice. She can handle Maggie on her own.

Meanwhile, at Maggie's home, Maggie is pouring herself a a drink out of the vodka bottle that is on her living room table. She can't help but think of Victor and where he is right now. She misses him terribly. She knows he wouldn't be happy with her drinking, nor would Mickey who is probably looking down on her with shame. She just can't find another way to deal with the pain.

Maggie continues sipping her drink and turns on the TV. She turns to NBC to watch the news and sees the McCluer murders being covered. She is then stunned to see Stefano, Victor, and Lexie at the scene. She wonders why all three haven't been arrested and why they have come back. She wonders, in particular, about Victor and is happy he is back. She decides she must see him. She gets her coat and opens the door to find Julie right behind it, asking where she is going. Maggie is silent. Julie tells Maggie she already knows the answer...she is going to see Victor.

-At the Kiriakis Mansion, Victor arrives home and fills Nico in on the events of the evening. Nico asks if Victor thinks Stefano found out something about the MCF. Victor thinks Stefano learned something and that is probably why he was shot but they will see providing he wakes up. Nico tells Victor that the McCluer murders are all over the news and asks how they should handle James McCluer given that he worked for them on the side.

Victor tells Nico that he wants James found. He may know about about the MCF and could be the key to getting to the bottom of this mystery. Nico also asks him what he will do when Maggie sees him on TV, as she is bound to with so much coverage. Victor assures Nico that he knows he has to handle the Maggie situation and he already has a plan in mind to help deal with her. He doesn't want to hurt her but he has no choice.

The doorbell then rings. Nico tells Victor that Henderson went home for the evening. Victor agrees to answer the door. He answers it to find Nicole waiting for him.

Nicole: Hello, Victor. (walks in to the mansion without being invited in) I was with Eric at Green Mountain and heard you were alive when Eric was downstairs packing the car. Never thought you were dead but I digress. Look...I hate to ask this and I know it's a long shot based on our history but...I need your help.

Victor: You know what, Nicole? I need your help too. Perhaps we can make a deal.

Nicole looks at Victor with confusion, wondering what he could be thinking.

-Back at the hospital, Roman and Eric are catching up. Roman has filled Eric in on Will going missing and returning and on Carrie being found and her baby "dying.". Eric can't believe all that has happened and apologizes for not answering his phone or messages. Roman says it's fine. He says they really need him right now and Eric says he knows. He promises to be there for them to help them through all this. He then fills Roman in on the baby Nicole and him found at Green Mountain.

Eric tells Roman how Nicole thinks it was fate and how much she wants custody. Roman remarks that it's strange how they found a baby on the same night as Carrie's "died." he says if he didn't know any better, he would think the baby they found was Carrie's but that can't be the case. Roman gets paged and says he has to go. Eric tells Roman he will go visit his sisters. Roman thinks that is a good idea and he and Eric embrace before going their separate ways.

Nearby, Abe is with Celeste and he asks her if she thinks Stefano told Lexie more then she is saying. Celeste thinks he did but has no clue what. Celeste worries that if Stefano told Lexie something he knew about the MCF, she could be in great danger, especially if she pursues the MCF now that he shot her father. Celeste tells Abe she has this horrible feeling that there is great danger and tragedy in store for all of Salem thanks to this MCF.

Meanwhile, Lexie is by herself and thinking about Stefano's words. She wonders why the MCF would tell Stefano that he/she had something of his that he had been searching for for some time. Lexie contemplates the words and then comes to a shocking realization:

Lexie: Oh my...father had his people looking for him for so long and nothing. Could that be it? Could the cloaked figure have...Tony?

The scene the shifts to a secret hideaway and focuses on a cell. Tony and Anna are walking around the cell in frustration.

Anna: Why are we here? When will this be over?

Tony: I have no answers. I have been here for months. I was held held in a dungeon for years by my cousin Andre and then, I believe it was last summer since being imprisoned so long can confuse the time frame, these masked men broke into the dungeon. They blindfolded me and I ended up here.

Anna: And I had just finished work on a fashion show in Milan when I recieved a letter from Carrie. She hardly ever contacts me and she said she was in trouble and to meet her at a local restaurant. I knew she had gone missing in Salem so I figured she had tracked me down so I went to meet her. I waited for so long at the restraurant and she never showed. I was grabbed on my way to my car, blindfolded, and brought here. God...why is this happening? We have compared notes about all this so many times and none of it makes sense.

Tony: Anna, we will get out of here. We will find out what is going. I promise you.

They embrace, both having looks of worry on their faces.

-Frankie drops Greta off at her new apartment near the Salem Towers. He says the building is beautiful. She agrees. She admits to Frankie she is a little worried about what is to come. She really wants to get to the bottom of this mystery with the MCF because she took over The Spectator to make a difference. This is part of the territory. However, she doesn't want anyone else to get hurt. Frankie says there is no way of preventing that. There is no telling what this MCF might do. They just have to hope they or the police can break the case open before it's too late.

Greta thanks him. He always makes her feel better. She says she looks forward to working with him on the case, along with Jack and Billie. Frankie feels the same but warns they have to proceed with caution. Greta agrees and says they will all just have to watch each other's back. They both smile and say goodnight. Greta enters her apartment and closes the door, praying to God to help all of them stop this MCF.

-Jack is driving Billie and she mentions to him that she doesn't want to go home tonight. Her mother is there and she just can't deal with her after everything that happened. Jack tells her she is free to stay at his house tonight if she doesn't mind a screaming baby from time to time. She smiles and thanks him for the offer but refuses. Jack insists and she gives in.

They arrive at the Deveraux home. Jack pays the sitter and goes to call Abby to check on her. While alone, Billie thinks about JJ and Angel. She turns the news on and sees coverage of the McCluer murders. Tears well up in her eyes and begin to stream down her cheeks as Jack returns to the room:

Jack: Hey...no tears. Come on. I thought you were past this.

Billie (crying): It's my fault, Jack. JJ and Angel came to me for help. They wanted their father investigated. I should've known they would go off and do things on their own. I knew how dangerous the situation was. I should've told the police.

Jack: Billie...your a private investigator. Your job is to take on cases and...

Billie: But this was different. These kids...they didn't know what they were getting into. They meant well but they had no idea how dangerous and...I just handled it all wrong. Their poor mother and brother. They had to tell them the truth and that signed their death warrants too...GOD, JACK!!! I SCREWED UP!! WHAT HAVE I DONE?!

Jack (grabs Billie tightly): YOU DID NOTHING WRONG!!! YOU DID YOUR JOB!!

Billie: Yeah but...

Jack: No. No buts. There wasn't much evidence. We only had the little bit JJ and Angel told us and how they saw the cloaked person with Marlena and their father. Sure, we knew it could and probablt was dangerous but...we didn't know that something like this would happen...at least not this quickly. Plus, it may have happened anyway. This cloaked person seems to know everything. He or she would've known if we called the police and would've found some way to get to them and off them...

Billie: YOU DON'T KNOW THAT, JACK!! THOSE KIDS TRUSTED US!!! THEY TRUSTED ME!!! I FAILED!!! IT'S MY FAULT!!! WHY DIDN'T THEY KILL US!! WHY DID THEY KILL RENEE, JJ, JONATHAN, AND ANGEL AND LEAVE US!!! WE KNEW THINGS TOO!! DID THIS PERSON WANT US TO FEEL GUILTY BECAUSE I DO!!!

Jack: BILLIE...WE DON'T KNOW WHAT WOULD'VE HAPPENED. THERE WAS NO WAY OF STOPPING IT!!! LISTEN TO ME!!! I HAVE NO IDEA WHY WE WEREN'T KILLED IN THAT HOUSE BUT I DO KNOW YOU DIDN'T FAIL. DO YOU HEAR ME?! YOU DIDN'T FAIL!!

Billie: YEAH I DID. IT'S ALL MY FAULT. I SHOULD BE DEAD!!!

Jack (grabs Billie tighter and tries to shake some sense into her): NO, DON'T SAY THAT. DAMNIT BILLIE!!! YOU HANDLED IT HOW YOU SHOULD AND THE BEST YOU COULD!!!

Billie: I WISH I HAD DIED!!! IT SHOULD'VE BEEN ME!! THEY WERE ALL SO YOUNG AND THEIR MOTHER!!! IT'S MY FAULT, JACK!!! I DID THIS!!! IT'S MY FAULT!!!

Jack: NO!!! NO, YOU SHOULDN'T HAVE DIED!! STOP THIS!! JUST CALM DOWN!!! IT HAPPENED AND IT'S NOT YOUR FAULT!!

Billie: YES IT IS!!!

Jack: DAMNIT, BILLIE (turns away from her and lets go of her in frustration)...JUST SHUTUP AND LISTEN!!!

Billie: NO!!! I KNOW THE TRUTH...I KNOW WHAT I...

Jack then turns back towards her, takes her in his arms and kisses her passionately. Billie then pulls away, her tear stroked face looking into his eyes, and then leans in and kisses him again as the screen slowly fades to black on an overhead shot of them kissing.

On the Next Salem Lives...

Celeste to Abe: I think I may have some answers that you are looking for.

Lexie to Stefano: You saved my life and I promise you I will catch the person that did this and make them pay.

Nicole to Victor: Ok, Victor. Let's hear what you have in mind.

Eric to Austin: Nicole and I found this baby...

Austin to Eric: wait, you found a baby on the same night Carrie's died?

Julie to Maggie: I think you and Victor should end things once and for all.

***DON'T FORGET TO READ THE EXCLUSIVE VENDETTA SNEAK PREVIEW CLIP BELOW THIS EPISODE!!!***

-Lying on the ground barely conscious and breathing shallowly, Stefano drifts in and out of consciousness. He drifts back to yesterdays past..........his childhood at his parents’ estate, life with his brothers, when his older brother was killed in an ambush, when he took over his father’s businesses and became the head of the family, his first meeting with Roman Brady, his battles over the years, his children.......Antony, Megan, Renee, Alexandra, Kristen, Peter & Benjamin.

And his undying affection for his Queen Of The Night, Marlena. His love for her has ended but he will always respect her and admire her, even if this is his last day on Earth. His mind continues to cycle though all of this as his eyes slowly close. He can barely hear Roman calling his name as he slips into unconsciousness once again. Victor, Abe and Shane run from behind Roman as he bends down over Stefano, checking his pulse as Abe calls for EMTs and back-up.

Other officers run up in the night and Abe orders them to fan out and find the gunman/woman who did this. Victor slowly bends down and takes Stefano’s hand, looking at his former friend and mafia brother, and hoping that if this is the end for him, he gave as good as he got. Celeste and Alexandra now run up with a police escort, having just heard about Stefano’s shooting. Celeste watches as Lexie slowly walks over and takes Victor’s place next to her father’s side.

Stefano is being worked on by the EMT team as he slightly regains consciousness. He slowly looks over to Roman, as he holds up his head, cradling it in his left hand. Stefano struggles to speak. He looks at him and, with one last breath, deeply says one word........

Cloak.

His head slumps to one side slowly as Roman looks at him in shock and places his head on the thin pillow that it was resting on. Roman then looks at a determined Abe as Shane stands next to him. Lexie cries out and is consoled by her mother. Celeste holds Lexie in her arms and rocks her back and forth as she tries to calm her down, every now and then taking a glance at this man who once loved so very deeply. Frankie, Jack, Billie & Greta now walk up quickly and survey the grisly scene. Greta gasps in horror as she is consoled by Frankie as he, Billie and Jack look on. None of them will admit it but they are not upset to see this scene........after everything The Phoenix has put them through.

And then...........as one of the EMTs shocks Stefano’s chest once again............Stefano takes one deep breath. His eyes open wide and he breaths deeply again. His eyes then close and his breathing is very shallow and slow but steady. Everyone looks on shocked. His family, and his enemies. They have now witnessed what many have wondered. They all cannot believe that........

Abe: The Phoenix Has Risen.........

Jack: AGAIN!!!

Everyone watches on as the EMTs load Stefano into the back of an ambulance as Celeste and Lexie jump in and they all watch it speed off into the night.

-In the hospital hallway, Austin is helping Carrie walk back to her room after loosening up her legs. Carrie sits down slowly on her bed and takes Austin’s hand, apologizing for all the bad mistakes she’s made since late last year. Austin tells her to calm down and sits next to her on her bed. He tells her that he loves her very much and that they will get through all of this together.......

No matter how long it takes. He then leans and kisses her on the hand and they both smile deeply at each other as the moonlight shines in on their darkened room.

-A mile in the other direction from the McCluer crime scene, James asks Alan if MPD is what is happening with Marlena. He says it could be. James then remarks that he is in so much pain he can’t even think straight. He doesn’t want to believe that this good woman would murder his people in such a manner. He then walks over to her and looks at her as Alan asks if she has been acting weird. James tells him that other than being a go-go dancer at the Cheatin’ Heart, trying to kill Roman in his hospital room, and saying that she is her dead sister, she’s just fine.

He then turns back to her and asks if she is ok. When he says her name, she looks disgusted, saying that her name is Marcy, not Marlena, and for him to get it right. She then tells them both that they are giving her the creeps and that she really doesn’t want to be around them right now while they ask her all these questions. She looks at them frightfully as she slowly starts to walk away. As she runs off, James tries to stop her but Alan grabs hin, telling him to just let her go. They have bigger problems. James says he doesn’t have any problems. He needs to talk to their boss.......

And get to the bottom of who killed his poor family.

-The EMTs wheel Stefano into the emergency room as everyone follows closely behind. Lexie demands to get in to see her father but is being held back as she is reminded that she is no longer on staff there. All everyone can do is look through the window as they work on Stefano before they close the drape. Celeste leaves Lexie in the care of Frankie as she walks to the other side of the waiting room to talk to Abe and they both hope that this is the end for Stefano. Celeste feels his influence will be over when he dies, to which Abe concurs.

Roman, Victor and Shane also feel that it would be best if this is Stefano’s final day. Victor remarks that even though they started out as friends and comrades, he doesn’t know what happened to Stefano that has turned him to this point in his life. Shane says that maybe if that was known, the rest of this madness from him and his family would be put to rest. Roman agrees, saying that between this and the MCF running loose..........

There is no telling who is next on the list.........to die.

They all turn around when one of Lexie’s nurse friends comes out with news on her father. Greta, Frankie and Billie listen as Jack wonders why the MCF would target him, of all people. Does this person realize who they are picking a fight with? Billie doesn’t think so. To also go after Victor, which makes Greta grimace, is shocking as well. Frankie wonders if Stefano has maybe stumbled on to something to become a target of this psychopath. Billie says she was thinking the same thing.......

And hopes he doesn’t die before he tells someone what that may be.

They stop talking as Lexie and Celeste listen to the update. The doctor joins them, telling his family and everyone else that Stefano has a collapsed lung and has lost a lot of blood. He is holding on but his blood is so rare that they are having trouble getting more. Lexie steps forward, as Celeste looks on in worry, and everyone is shocked when Roman steps forward and also volunteers to give blood.......to save his greatest enemy’s life. Roman says as much as he would like to see him die, he needs him alive in case he knows something about the MCF.

Lexie is then allowed to see Stefano and the doctor reminds her that she doesn’t have long. He is on his way to surgery. She walks into a slightly darkened room and sees her barely conscious father fighting for every single breath. She slowly walks over to him as he holds his hand out. She takes it and starts crying, telling him how glad and happy she is that he is not gone just yet. He smiles ever so slightly and then, softly, speaks to her. He tells her that she has to know that........

It was the MCF who did this. And the person also told him that they have something that belongs to him. She gasps in horror. When she clutches his hand tighter and asks him who this person is.......Stefano slowly loses consciousness and the medical team rushes in, with Celeste and Victor coming in behind them. Alexandra breaks down as they wheel her father out past her and everyone in the outer room. Roman comes and stands at the door, looking in on the scene as Celeste and Victor try to calm Lexie down. Victor asks her what did she ask Stefano. Lexie is unconsolable at this point as everyone reacts to what has happened. The scene goes to a reaction shot of each and every person and when the scene reaches Victor, Celeste and a crying Alexandra...the scene slowly fades to black.

The scene slowly fades back in. We are now in a wooded area. Someone opens up a cell phone and calls an associate.

The caller...............The Mysterious Cloaked Figure.

The person being called is only being seen by the very expensive cufflinks they have on their suit coat. The MCF wants to know.........

MCF: How are they?

Associate: Resting comfortably. No problems at all.

The scene shifts to a darkened cell room where the Associate is communicating with the MCF. The Associate turns around and faces the glass on the cell surrounding it.......

MCF: That is excellent. No need to reveal what is at stake until the right time.

Associate: I agree.

MCF: Make sure they are comfortable and at peace........until the time......

That I want to make their presence known.

The Associate takes his orders and, as the camera watches him, he stares at these two sleeping people.

A man and a woman. Lying in two very comfortable beds, unconscious and breathing quietly. The Associate walks into the cell room and stands at the feet on the beds holding both people Shocking Two Prisoners as he starts to chuckle in glee. The scene freeze frames on these two captives as the scene slowly fades to black.

On the Next Salem Lives...

Victor to Nico: I think I know what I have to do. Even if it hurts Maggie. I have no choice.

Maggie (watching TV): Oh my God...Victor!!

Doug to Julie: You never did tell me what you did on your little trip.

Nicole: I can't depend on you, Eric. I will have to go to an old friend for help.

Greta to Frankie: I am worried. Worried about what is to come.

Roman to Lexie: What did your father tell you in there?

Billie (crying) to Jack: It's all my fault!!

Jack to Billie: No, it's not. You did nothing wrong. You understand?

At Salem University Hospital, Carrie sees Alan walk on to the hospital floor through her window. As he looks into her room, he sees her wave him in. After he slowly makes his way in, she starts getting upset, begging him to bring her baby to her. Alan tries to calm her down, reminding her that for one, CPS may have him by now. And two, her mental state isn’t the greatest, so he is doubtful that they would give her back custody after everything she has been through. He also tells her that with his history, there is no way anyone will give him temporary custody of any baby, much less hers. He probably can't even obtain information on the child from CPS because of his past so she needs to just let go of that thought entirely.

Carrie, through her medication, tells Alan that all she was trying to do was protect everyone. But a voice from the doorway tells her that it was not her call. When Alan turns around and Carrie looks up, they come face to face with Austin, who wants to know what Alan is doing there. He then asks him if he still remembers him telling Alan to stay the hell away from not only her but all the Bradys. Carrie tells Austin to leave Alan alone. She is convinced that he has changed for the better. Austin tells her if that is true, where is her child? That's right. Their child is gone.

She needs to stop being so damn trusting all the time. He doesn’t mean to say that to make her upset. Just to open her eyes. She knows that and Austin says he knows that too. Now, it’s time for Alan to leave. Austin stands up and faces off with Alan, with their noses not even an inch away from each other's. Carrie sees where this is headed and tells Alan that she is ok. He can leave. Alan gives Austin a once over, chuckles, and leaves silently as Austin watches him walk out, seething.

She then tells Austin she can’t believe he did that. Austin is trying to hold it in, telling Carrie that he has not changed one bit. And he can’t understand why she doesn’t see that. Carrie says he didn’t see what type of man he was in that cabin, taking care of her. He wouldn’t be asking that if he had. Austin responds by saying that she always demands that her family show her the utmost trust and loyalty but she apparently has no problem giving it to the man who raped her sister. She does realize that and says that he has to trust her.

Austin then says like he trusted her to be honest when she was carrying the baby. She grows silent as Austin sees what he has said has hurt her deeply. He bends down towards her once again, saying that all he is trying to do is get through to her. That man is dangerous and he still doesn’t trust the fact that he was working alone during that whole episode. Maybe, he tells her, if she was really with her mother, Anna, none of this would have happened. She silently agrees and then after a few moments, speaks up. She says that the last time she spoke with her was last August and that she has been on the run ever since then. She gets the occasional message but that’s it. She would really like to speak with her right now.

When Austin says he’ll call her, Carrie gives him the number and he dials. When he reaches someone at the hotel that she is supposed to be staying at, that person tells Austin that she hasn’t been seen in quite some time. Austin thanks the person and then hangs up. He relays the news to Carrie, who tells him how weird that is, but they both hope that she is ok.

-Back at the McCluer crime scene, half of the city is now standing outside the crime scene, and it's becoming harder and harder for the S.P.D. to keep order. Frankie and Greta now join everyone else and start talking about how they are going to pool their resources to find out who did this. Abe was walking back towards the house when he overheard this statement and pulls them over to the side. He then reminds them in no uncertain terms that he doesn’t need any John Steeds, Mrs. Peels, or any other super spies on this case. An entire family has been slaughtered and he and the department will find out who did it, why they did it.......and bring them to justice. Period. He then quickly walks off in anger as he leaves the group standing there looking at each other in silence.

As they watch Shane walk back into the house behind Abe, Jack turns back around and tells them that they are not dropping one damn thing. Two of the kids who came to him for help are now lying on gurneys........dead. Their lives will not have ended in vain. Billie, Greta, and Frankie shake their heads in agreement and then stand back and watch everything unfold.

Nearby, Celeste sees Alexandra slowly pacing back and forth, waiting for her father to say it's time to leave. When Celeste takes a step towards her to go up to Lexie, she spots her mother, turns, and walks right past her, not even acknowledging her. Celeste then has another feeling of dread and tragedy coming to Salem.

-Victor is stunned that Philip is not all that happy to see him. He thought he would be so grateful to know that his father is alive......unless he started getting drunk with power before he thought what was left of his body was cold. Philip says that he is so very happy that his father is well but he must understand that all that money and power is quite tempting. Victor tells him that one of his old mentors told him the same thing that he taught his two sons about being in any business.....

Nobody gives you power. Real power is something you take.

Philip says that no matter what, he’ll remember that in the future. Victor tells him good. The name he has still wields scaring influence around the world and that is something that he should be grateful for. When Philip tells him that he can’t feel that way with Victor belittling him every chance he gets, Victor says he only does that because he doesn’t think he’s ready for this right now. The men in his family have lost so very, very much to be made men. His face is different and he lost a leg. That is a deep, personal loss that none of them can feel. But, in the context of a mafia family.....

What does it mean? So far, all Philip has shown is that it means treating the household staff and his wife like garbage. How does that garner respect from the men he hopes to lead one day? Philip says nothing. Victor tells him that in order for a man to kill.....or die for you, in this world, they must first give you total control of their lives. And they gladly will....when he has earned. But, not now. Victor walks away, leaving Philip standing there to say to himself, that he needs that kind of power, and he’ll have it........

No matter how he has to get it.

On the other side of the house, Roman slowly walks back over to Stefano and a now returning Victor. They both ask him what his decision is and, he says, for the safety of the people in this city, he’ll do what he has to do. And if that means making a pack with them....

Then so be it. Both men smile at each other and now no one knows what tomorrow may bring.

-A few miles away, James has slowly picked himself up off of the ground. He wipes his face of the tears but knows his life is over, no matter how anything turns out. He holds himself responsible for the deaths of his entire family, even though he had nothing to do with it directly. He also holds two other people at fault.....

Marlena.....and the MCF, who watches Marlena walk up to James and observes the angry exchange between them. James grabs her and asks if she is the one who killed his people and she says no. He tells her to wake up but she doesn’t know why he is referring to her by the name Marlena. Her name......

Is Samantha. Marlena is dead.

James can’t believe what he’s hearing but then notices the MCF has suddenly vanished. He asks Marlena where their boss went to, to which she can’t reply. James grabs her and starts shaking her, demanding to know what the hell is going on. Before he shakes her out of skin, Alan shows up and pulls James off of Marlena, asking where their boss is. James says ask her. She has all the answers, even if she can’t tell him what they are. Alan says he has issues that need to be dealt with and asks Marlena again where the boss is.

Marlena: I'm not Marlena. Marlena is gone. She isn't coming back.

James: What the hell? Marlena? What is...why are you saying that? Why did you say your name was Sam and...

Marlena: I'm not Sam. My name is Marcy. That is my name. Use it.

James (looking at Alan): What the hell? Why is she...

Alan: I think I know. I noticed her clutching her head when I got here. I also saw the look in her eyes shift. Before she said call her Sam and then, again, after that, right before she said her name is Marcy.

James: What are you saying?

Alan: I think it could be multiple personality disorder.

James look at Alan and then at a confused Marlena, wondering if what Alan is suggesting could be the case.

-Back at the crime scene, Stefano is about go get Lexie so they can leave when he notices something strange in the wooded area nearby. He slowly approaches it. The MCF is hiding. He then hears someone approaching but it's too late as Stefano has grabbed him. The MCF breaks free and pulls a gun on Stefano.

MCF (through a voice changer): It's not that easy. I should say you came closer then anyone else has to catching me.

Stefano: Returning to the scene of the crime I see. Not too smart. I like the voice changer. Clever. Theatrical, as well.

MCF: Thank you.

Stefano: So...did you kill those 4 people in there. I mean, they were on to you and it seems the family patriarch is involved in your scheme.

MCF: Well, you already know so much. What do you think?

Stefano: Haha...I don't know. It's possible you had one of your minions do it since you clearly can't be carrying all this out in your own. I don't think James McCluer Sr would do this so, maybe, Marlena. I hear she is in league with you. Did you take advantage of her poor mental state?

MCF: Enough. I don't have time to waste playing 20 questions. I can't be seen so it looks like the great Stefano Dimera will have to die. And, this time, I mean actually die.

Stefano: Oh, but don't you know, I don't die. So, tell me, why are you doing this? You first known act was blowing up Sami Brady's apartment. Then, you infiltrated by operation, as well as Kiriakis's. I also hear that you tipped the SPD, Hope Brady, and Caroline Brady off to Bo Brady and Victor Kiriakis's whereabouts when they were in hiding. Were you hoping for a massacre? Who are you targeting? The Brady's?

MCF: Too many questions. That is all for me to know and, sadly, for you not to find out. But, since you are so interested in my plans, I suppose I can give you a little hint of what I am up to. Just a small one that you can think about as you go to your grave.

Stefano: What's that?

MCF: I have something you want.

Stefano: What could you possible have that I...

MCF: I have something that you have been searching for...for quite some time.

Stefano: What...

MCF: Think, Mr. Dimera.

Stefano: I...have everything I want so...oh my...you have one of my children?

Stefano looks at the MCF and his face turns to one of terror.

Stefano: Tell me!!! Do you have one of my children?

MCF: I really must be going but you can think about my words on your way to hell!!

The MCF then pulls the trigger and fires two shots. Stefano is hit and falls to the ground. Everyone at the crime scene nearby hears the gunshots and races for the wooded area. The MCF goes over to Stefano, who is still conscious:

Stefano (whispering): Why....are you...for what purpose are you doing all...this?

MCF: I believe it's called a VENDETTA, Mr. Dimera. Something I would think you know all too well.

The MCF then races off after hearing people approaching. Victor, Roman, Abe, and Shane arrive first and are shocked to see Stefano lying there, bleeding. The MCF watches nearby, saying:

MCF: May you burn in hell, Stefano Dimera. One less problem for me to deal with.

The MCF snickers quietly as the screen fades out on a split screen of the MCF and Stefano lying on the ground.

On the Next Salem Lives...

VENDETTA BEGINS WITH A HUGE TWIST AND AN ENDING YOU CAN'T MISS!! DON'T FORGET TO CHECK OUT ALL THE VENDETTA INFO IN THE BLOG CATEGORY TO THE RIGHT OR IN THE SONBC THREAD IN THE SONBC FORUMS!!!

-At Marlena and Roman's penthouse, Belle is trying to get a crying Claire to calm down. There is a knock on the door. It's Philip and Belle tries to close it but he forces his way in. Philip wants to see his daughter and asks to hold her. Belle refuses and a fight ensues as Philip tells Belle he knows she is scared of him. She proved that when she ran away the last time they were together at the mansion.

Belle puts Claire in her playpen and says to Philip:

Belle: I'm not scared of you. You may think that now that you have all your father's power and money you can push your weight around but you don't worry me or anyone else. You may think you are threatening but your not. I will never let you have Claire. I don't want her following the wrong path like you did. You used to be such a great guy. What happened, Philip?

Philip: You know what happened? First, I lost Chloe to your brother, which led me to join the Marines. Then, I fall in love with you and we have Claire but I find out you still love Shawn and that you went behind my back with him...I don't want to rehash this. You betrayed me, Belle, You hurt me!! All I wanted was to be a family with you and Claire. What is so wrong with that? I have been through hell and you can't even grant me...

Belle: Grant you what? I am not a genie, Philip. Even after everything, I still care about you. I want you to be a part of Claire's life but the way you are doing this...it's not right. Now with all this power...you have become a monster. Someone I definitely don't want near my daughter.

Philip: She's our daughter, Belle. Remember that. Also, remember our deal.

Philip coldly stares at Belle and grins. He then slowly grips her arm and then begins to tighten his grip.

Philip: You know...the deal we made in San Francisco while I was recovering from my coma and injuries. The one you agreed to.

Belle: Yeah because you forced me, you bastard, Argh...you're hurting me.

Philip: Oh, that pain is nothing Belle. That is nothing compared to the pain and suffering I will inflect upon you if you don't agree to my demands. You know the deal, Belle!!! The terms were made very clear in San Francisco.

Belle (tears welling in her eyes): You forced me to agree. You know that. I had no choice.

Philip: Whatever the case, the deal was made. You need to keep your end of it, Izzy. Or else. Come on...you know what will happen. Say it!! Say it!!

Belle (crying and shaking): Stop...please!!! You will scare Claire.

Philip: Ok. Fine. I will say it for you. The deal, my beloved, was for you to live with me. You, Claire, and I spend our lives together as a family. We put up the appearance that we are the happiest family in the world for the good of the Kiriakis empire and name. No one knows the wiser. In return, I don't use the Kiriakis power and name to take Claire away from you and destroy your life. Now that my father is dead, I now have unlimited resources so I am an even bigger threat. You know that, Izzy. Does all this ring a bell? Huh?!

Belle: It's all a joke. All of it. The whole deal. People already suspect we are hiding something from our time in San Francisco.

Philip: Well, that is because you did a horrible acting job, my dear. Maybe you need to be more convincing (he grips her arm tighter).

Belle: PHILIP!!! Please stop!!

Philip: I will when you obide by the terms of the deal. Leave the penthouse right now and move into the mansion with me. I will give you and Claire everything you need. I don't get it, Belle. You will get the world being the wife of the head of the Kiriakis empire. This is an easy choice. Why do you make it so difficult?

Belle: I'm not going anywhere. I came here with Claire because I wanted to be away from you. I still want to be away from you and I don't want you near Claire...

Philip then throws Belle to the ground and takes Claire out of her playpen.

Philip: You decide what you want. Either way, Claire is coming with me.

-At the Green Mountain Lodge, Nicole returns to her and Eric's room and is shocked to see him packing. She asks what he is doing. Eric says he checked them out of the lodge. They have been there long enough. He needs to get back to work and they need to return to their lives in Salem. Nicole, clearly still upset that he is working and not her, reminds him that he promised they would stay until the baby issue was resolved.

Eric promises her that they can handle it from Salem. There is no need to stay there. The baby is already in the care of CPS. They can't do anything until they are called to meet with them. Nicole tells Eric she isn't leaving without the baby. Eric reminds her that they don't even know if they will get the baby. There will be many that want the child. Nicole says she knows that the baby they found is a miracle baby for them. He is meant to be with them and she isn't leaving until she knows one way or the other. Eric shakes his head in frustration.

-At The Spectator, Greta is in the editor's room working on some things when Frankie rushes in. He asks if she heard the news. Greta says no. Frankie turns the TV on and the murders at the McClure home are being featured. There is then a camera shot of Jack and Billie at the scene being tended to by EMT's. Frankie tells Greta that Jack and Billie were found unconscious in the house. Greta tells Frankie they have to get to them and find out what happened. She grabs her coat and races out with him.

-At the McClure home, Abe and Roman are conversing with officers. Shane reminds one of the officers to keep an eye on Stefano and Victor. He also tells the officer to keep everyone behind the yellow tape, except for SPD and other officials.

Stefano tells Victor that Roman needs to make a decision soon before this MCF strikes again. They must put a stop to the threat now. Victor agrees.

Jack and Billie are being examined and tended to by the EMT's. Billie feels guilty over what happened. Jack comforts her saying that Mrs. McCluer and those kids may have been doomed no matter what.

Lexie then arrives at the McClure home to be with her father after parking her car. She is behind the yellow crime scene tape. Abe is on the other side and turns and catches a glimpse of her. Abe is stunned. He walks over to the yellow tape and crosses it to meet with Lexie. Lexie simply says, "Hello, Abe."

Meanwhile, Celeste is at home reading to Theo as she watches the news, stunned at the McClure home murders. She had a feeling there would be great danger and terror in Salem and she was proven right. She then sees Lexie in the background of a camera shot of the scene. Celeste is stunned and immediately gets up to call a sitter for Theo.

-Back at the Green Mountain Lodge, Eric tries to get Nicole to listen to reason but she won't. She orders him to go downstairs and tell them they are staying. Eric refuses and tells Nicole that if he doesn't get back to Salem, he will lose his job. Eric notes that he knows Nicole hates he is working and she isn't, especially since she gave her Highstyle for him, but losing his job will pretty much end any chance they have of ending up with the child. They both can't be out of work. Nicole realizes he is right but asks if he can possibly get a few moredays off. Eric shakes his head and says he just started working at Roberts and Co. and taking so much time off early would not be good, even if he has close relations to Kate, Lucas, and Austin.

Nicole finally agrees to go home but tells Eric he better mean what he says about doing everything he can to obtain custody of the baby. Eric says he knows he promised her and he will do his best to follow through. He kisses her and thanks her for listening to reason. He promises it will all be ok. Eric leaves to start putting their bags in the car. While alone, Nicole tells herself that Eric's promises aren't good enough and that "doing everything he can" isn't good enough. She will have to seek out someone else's help. Someone with influence. She then gets an idea but isn't sure if it will work but thinks it is worth a try. She vows to do whatever it takes to obtain custody of the child.

- Back at the Penthouse, Belle has the TV on with the volume low while her and Philip continue to fight. Their fight is interrupted by news of what is happening at the McCluer home. Belle is horrified at the news of the murders. They both then see Victor at

the scene alive and well. Belle laughs and tells Philip it looks like he isn't the head of the empire and not so powerful anymore. Philip puts Claire down in her playpen, gives Belle a defiant stare, and races out of the Penthouse. Belle watches him leave with a sarcastic smile on her face before turning her attention to Claire in the playpen, vowing to her that she will never leave her or let her daddy take her away. She will do everything she can to give her daughter the best life possible.

-Back outside the McCluer home, Abe asks Lexie how she has been. Lexie says she has recovered finally from the gunshot wound she sustained in Sydney but it was painful. Abe is pleased and says he and so many others were so worried. Lexie tells Abe to cut the bull. She knows he and the rest of Salem don't give a damn about her. She reminds him that she saw where his and everyone else's loyalties lied at Theo's custody hearing when all of her beloved friends and loved ones turned on her and supported Abe. All she had was her father.

Celeste then arrives and goes to embrace her daugher but she pushes her away, saying that she is no mother to her. She didn't support her at Theo's custody hearing. She betrayed her, just like everyone else but her father. She admits she was wrong to turn her back on the Dimera's years ago. They will stick by her through everything, unlike her husband and mother and the rest of her so called good friends in Salem.

Abe asks Lexie why she is lashing out and being so cold. He saw the Lexie he knows and loves coming out in Sydney. He saw her conflicted and feeling guilt over what was happening to him and her friends. He knows the Lexie he knows and loves is still there. Celeste agrees and tells Lexie that Abe is willing to give her another chance now. Lexie looks at Abe and says she isn't interested. That part of her life is done. Her only family is the Dimera's. Everyone else turned their backs on her and now she is doing the same. Abe and Celeste try to get through to her and beg her to just come home with them and try to work through everything. Lexie won't listen and says that all she wants is revenge on all those who turned their backs on her and stabbed her in the back and says they are all her enemies now. She wants revenge on all of them and won't stop until she gets it.

Lexie then walks away as a devestated Celeste and stunned Abe look on, wondering what they can do next. Stefano, who just witnessed the entire scene, walks over to Lexie and tells her he is proud of her. He vows to support her and help her in any way he can so she can have her revenge and get her son back. Lexie thanks him and embraces him as a horrified Abe and Celeste, who saw and heard the exchange, look on.

-Frankie and Greta arrive at the scene. Jack and Billie see them and cross over the crime scene tape to fill them in on what happened. Greta and Frankie agree with Jack and tell Billie there was nothing she could do. Billie says that they should've let the cops in on it. She made a dire mistake and now has to live with it for the rest of her life. She wonders if she should close down her PI business.

Jack, Greta, and Frankie try to convince her otherwise but Billie's feels heavily responsibly. Greta asks Jack why he never told her about his working with Billie and the investigation. Jack says it was too dangerous and the less that knew, the better. Greta says that she wants in now. Jack asks what she means. Greta knows that Jack is no way going to give up on this case now, especially with the murders. This is a big story and she knows Billie and him will want to make it up to JJ and Angel and their family by catching the MCF and ending this nightmare so she wants in too. She became editor of the paper to help influence society and this gives her a chance to solve this mystery and get this person off the streets.

Jack laughs, saying Greta knows him all too well. He just warns Greta that no police can be involved. If they are going to catch this person, it needs to be on their own. The police will only drive the person away. Billie overhears and reminds Jack how not telling the police is what caused the murders. Jack says that it probably would've happened anyway. Billie is stilll confused as to why her and Jack weren't killed and Jack says that is what he wants to find out. Jack tells Billie that maybe if she helps break this case wide open, it will make her feel better. She would avenge the deaths of JJ and Angel and their brother and mother.

Billie agrees and says she needs to do something and now, more then ever, she wants to bring this MCF to justice before the person hurts anyone else. They need to pay. Frankie overhears and says he wants in as well. He has some CIA and FBI contacts that may be able to help without tipping off the police or anyone they don't want on their tail. Jack likes that idea and says it looks like it will be the four of them together now. Hopefully, they can bust the case wide open and put this MCF behind bars before it's too late.

-Philip then arrives outside the crime scene and Victor turns to see him. He is happy to see his son and goes to embrace him.

Philip backs away and says "Your alive." Victor nods. Philip asks him, "What the hell, dad?" Victor is stunned by this reaction.

-Stefano motions for Roman to come over to him behind the yellow tape. Roman asks what he wants. Stefano says the clock is ticking and that Victor and him need an answer concerning the deal now. Roman looks at the crime scene, contemplating what to do.

-A few miles down the road, James is crying out in grief and pain over the loss of his family. Marlena and the MCF continue to watch him. Marlena then begins to clutch her head and walks away. The MCF looks at her as she leaves. However, as she leaves, she steps on the tree branch, creating a large noise. James hears it and asks who's there? The MCF and Marlena race to hide but James reaches them before they are out of sight.

James: Hey!!! What are both of you...oh wait. I know. You are watching me grieve. You are happy about this, aren't you? DO YOU GET CHEERS OUT OF SAVAGELY KILLING 4 PEOPLE?!! Three people in the prime of their life!!! My children!! My wife!!! WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH BOTH OF YOU?!! SO, WHICH ONE OF YOU DID IT? HUH?! WHICH ONE OF YOU!!

The MCF and Marlena looks into an enraged and grief-stricken James's eyes as the screen fades to black.

On the Next Salem Lives...

Alan to Carrie: I'm sorry. I just don't think I can get your baby back.

Abe to Jack: You four stay out of it before more innocent people die, understand?

Roman to Victor and Stefano: I have made my decision.

Philip to Victor: Why did you have to come back? Why did you have to ruin everything?

James to Marlena (with MCF): You did it didn't you? You followed orders and killed my family.

-At the Salem Police Department, Victor and Stefano have been escorted to another office and guard as Roman thinks about what he should do about their offer. Both men can see Roman from across the hall and they stand there, looking at him. Then, moments later, Stefano silently turns and looks at Victor, who is staring at him. They know that they are doing what they have to do but they also know that they are taking a huge risk. Stefano finally speaks to his fellow godfather and remarks......

Stefano: It hasn’t been this interesting since we were in the family together, hasn’t it?

Victor: Yes. Those were some exciting days and nights. I’m just glad we lived through it.

Stefano: As am I, old friend. So......do you think Roman will take our deal?

Victor: No idea. As far as I’m concerned, staying out of prison is the by product. Someone out there is taking aim against the people of Salem and using our families to get the job done. And I’m not about to take the blame for something I didn’t do.

Stefano: Agreed. This person must be stopped. And, when they are.....

Victor: Then WE settle our business, once and for all. Agreed?

Stefano: Agreed.

Both men smile slightly and then give each other a gentleman’s handshake, knowing that when the capture of the MCF is completed........

They will settle their old debts, once and for all.

Meanwhile, back in Roman’s office, Roman sits at his desk, mulling over this offer. He fears what may happen if he were to recommend to Abe and the prosecuting attorney to let them off the hook for what they’ve done for the past six months if they could stop this MCF from doing more damage. Roman asks himself the ultimate question.....

Roman: Can I really give my two greatest enemies a complete pardon in exchange for their help?

Roman then drops his pen on the desk not knowing what to do. But then, one of his officers runs into the office, telling him about the scene at the McCluer home. Roman sighs deeply, thinking that his decision might just have been made for him.

-At the deadly crime scene, Abe finds a woozy Jack trying to wake up an unconscious Billie. It takes a few moments but she starts to stir and then comes to. Jack and Abe pick her up off of the floor and stand her up, asking her if she is alright. She says that her head is killing her but, other than that, she’s fine. Abe then starts filling them in on the grisly crime scene, telling them that the entire family, with the exception of the father, were brutally murdered. Knife wounds and gunshot wounds are on the bodies and they looked like they all suffered before they were killed. The person who did this was sending a message.

Then, Jack and Billie fill Abe in on what they have found out about James Sr. They tell him that he was turning his life around and that he was also doing some work for Victor under the table, to which Abe says is there any other kind of work to do for that man? Jack feels that there really isn’t any way he would do this to his family. Abe then says that he is the police officer here, not Jack. He’ll make that determination, thank you. Billie is silent and devastated, feeling like she added to what happened because she waited to tell the police about what she and Jack knew before it was too late. Jack tells her not to blame anyone but one person......

The MCF.

So, Abe asks, is there anything else he needs to know? Jack says that they spied Marlena and James in a meeting with the MCF. Abe drops his head in dread, hoping that this isn’t the beginning of another serial killing spree in Salem.

Meanwhile, still behind his house, James is still grilling Marlena on why she has blood on her person and why does she have a bloody knife in her jacket. Before she can answer, James hears someone in the bushes behind him and ducks back into them for cover. After a few moments, he comes back out, only to find Marlena gone. He then decides, silently, to disguise himself and enter his home to find out what is going on......

And what has happened to his family.

At the cop shop, both Stefano and Victor overhear a cop talking about the latest murders at the McCluer home. They look at each other and then walk across the hallway into Roman’s office, asking that since this involves them both, they should be allowed to go along and see what’s happening. Roman says on a police investigation? For all he knows, they may have set the whole thing up. Stefano, for revenge against the father of the family for going against him and, Victor, for maybe betraying him in some fashion. They both say that he is wrong. That is not their style. Roman may have believed that to have been true once......

But, after New Years’ Eve, not anymore.

Victor agrees that neither of them have any right to ask for this but......

Victor: After what the three of us have been through over the years, maybe this will go some way to putting that in the past.

Stefano remains silent.

Roman: I don’t know about that. But I’m sick of this city being some murdering ground for anyone who wants to settle some old grudge or who wants to take over behind the scenes. Ok. Fine. After some thought......you two can come.

Both men smile again.

Roman: But.......you will be watched at all times by my officers. And, if at anytime you want to step one inch out of line......this truce goes out the window.....

And you two spend the rest of your unholy lives behind bars.

Roman gets several officers and orders them to keep an eye on these two men as they head to the McCluer crime scene. When Alexandra says that she wants to join them, Roman tells her no. It’s more than enough to have Stefano and Victor there. Lord knows what she would do. Stefano shakes his head in agreement slowly, calming Lexie down. She wonders, as they all head out, if this is some plan of her father’s.....

Or is he really going to help out the man he hates most in the world.

Much later, back at the McCluer home once again, Roman walks up to the crime scene with Stefano and a very much alive Victor. They join Abe and Shane, with Shane remarking can anyone stay dead in this damn town? No one laughs at the irony of that statement. When Abe asks how in the hell did Victor survive this time, Roman says he’ll explain everything later. Victor does say that James Sr. worked for him when Shane asks him what was his involvement with his family. Victor then says that he never got to know his family.

Abe then tells Roman that he better talk to him later so they can get to the bottom of everything. When Victor says that they now know who did this, he says that for right now, all differences need to be put to the side, for the betterment of the people of Salem. This MCF is now wreaking havoc and they need to pool all of their resources if they want to bring this person to justice. Roman says nothing and turns and walks away silently. Victor turns and looks at Stefano, hoping that Roman takes their deal.....

Before it’s too late.

Meanwhile, at the very same moment, James Sr. walks into his blood soaked home under disguise. He is dressed as a police officer and can’t believe what he is seeing. He then slowly walks around the corner and then stops dead in his tracks. He slowly walks up to a gurney and slowly pulls back the covering....

To see the body of his dead wife, Renee. She has a deep slash on her throat and a gunshot would to her head. James then slowly bends down and, while starting to cry, kisses his wife on her forehead and tells her how sorry he is for everything. He then recovers her and looks over at the other three gurneys that are in the same fashion. He walks from gurney to gurney, bidding his children goodbye and promising that he will make the person who did this pay.......with their life if necessary.

He stumbles against the nearest wall, almost unable to recover from his grief. His entire family is now dead and he feels it may be because of who he got involved with. He runs from the house in anger and grief, not stopping until he gets a half mile down the road. He is trying to outrun his pain but knows he can’t. He then slowly slows down and stops when he is near exhaustion, collapsing to the ground.

What James doesn’t even notice in his grief is that Marlena now watches him from the dense bushes. She then hears someone walk up behind her and, when she turns, she comes face to face......with the MCF, who uses the voice changer to ask what she is doing there. Marlena then asks him/her the same thing. The MCF says it doesn’t matter and Marlena agrees, saying that they both just might be in the clear. They then turn and look at a deeply grieving James Sr. as the scene slowly fades to black.

On the Next Salem Lives...

Philip to Belle: Claire is mine. I think it's time you remember our little deal, Belle.

Lexie to Abe: Hello, Abe.

Victor (with Stefano) to Roman: It's decision time. What's it going to be?

Billie to Jack: It's all my fault.

Eric to Nicole: We have to go.

Nicole to Eric: I'm not going anywhere without the baby.

Announcer: THIS WEEK...

A FANTASTIC FEBRUARY CONCLUDES...

WITH SEVERAL HUGE TWISTS!!!

FIRST...

A GRUESOME MURDER ROCKS SALEM!!

Clips of Billie, Jack, Renee, JJ, Jonathan, and Angel.

WHO WAS KILLED?

Clip of the MCF, Marlena, and James.

WHO IS THE KILLER?

Abe: Dear God...

THEN...

A HUGE DECISION...

Stefano (with Victor): Our immunity and freedom for our unlimited resources and assistance in catching this cloaked figure. Sounds like a fair deal, Roman.

IS MADE!

Roman: What the hell do I do?

PLUS...

Clip of Philip grabbing Belle and holding her tight.

Philip: Don't you remember what happened in San Francisco, my beloved.

THE TRUTH ABOUT BELLE AND PHILIP IS REVEALED...

AND...

THE BIGGEST REVEAL SO FAR THIS YEAR...

Clip of Marlena dancing at a bar and trying to smother Roman.

FOR WEEKS FANS ASKED ONE QUESTION...

Clip of Marlena with the MCF and aiming a gun at Roman.

"WHAT IS GOING ON WITH MARLENA?"

Marlena: No one can learn the truth.

THIS WEEK...THE QUESTION IS ANSWERED!!!

Marlena: They won't know what hit them.

THE TRUTH ABOUT MARLENA REVEALED!!

OH, AND, THAT'S NOT ALL!!!

Clip of the MCF lurking on the pier.

THURSDAY...SALEM LIVES VENDETTA BEGINS!! DON'T MISS BEING A PART OF SALEM'S GREATEST MYSTERY YET!!

EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED. MISS A DAY, MISS ALOT. FANTASTIC FEBRUARY!!!

WEEK OF 2/26/07 EDITION

INSIDER SPOTLIGHT: PETER RECKELL (BO) AND JEREMY SUMPTER (WILL) DISH ON THEIR CONTROVERSIAL NEW STORIES AND WHY THEY FEEL IT IS PERFECT TIMING.

Interviewer (I): Hey guys.

Peter Reckell (PR) and Jeremy Sumpter (JS): Hey.

I: Thank you for joining me to talk about your hot new stories. Now, both of you are involved in a similar story only, Peter, in your case, your character was molested in the past and it is only being brought to light now, correct?

PR: Yes. None of this was known or even hinted at until after Bo's shooting in Sydney. In the aftermath of that, he began having flashes to a traumatic event from his childhood. He wasn't sure if he was having nightmares or memories. They kept going on for awhile and then went away, only to come back after the explosion that "killed" Victor. He then realized he had to find out what was happening because he was going into a trance and becoming violent. He needed to do it for himself and for his loved ones so he underwent hypnosis and remembered he was molested by the same person who traumatized his sister, Kimberly.

I: And, Jeremy, your character was just molested by the same man who raped your character's mother, Sami, correct?

JS: Yeah. Will finally learned that the man he knew of as "Ace" was none other then his mom's rapist. He had just learned of his mom's rape before he was born and it all hit him hard. Alan kidnapped him to shut him up because Will was becoming clued in to his plans. He then decided that molesting Will was a way to get his revenge on Sami and his enemies so he went ahead with it. I also think it was a way of hurting Will enough to make him remain silent. It was a scare tactic to convince him that he was serious. Now, Will knows what Alan can and will do and it keeps Will busy dealing with what has happened.

I: Jeremy, you aren't new to acting but you are new to Salem Lives. Will had been sparingly used in the past and in your first few months up until this point. Did they tell you that you were going to have this story and were you aware that your character would end up gay? Does any of this bother you or make you uncomfortable?

JS: No. I'm cool with it. It makes the role meaty. I was told about everything beforehand. Tim (Lowery, EP/HW) felt I should know because I am young and he wanted to make sure I was ok with it and that everyone involved was. I love the way the writers have handled it. There had been rumors I guess for years about Will ending up being gay and I think it was a matter of timing because it seemed like it was well thought out. I love the story. I absolutely loved the scenes right after what happened where Will is trying to sleep and can't. Then, he tries to keep his composure and can't. Later, he tries to shower and tries to wash his body but keeps scrubbing harder and harder remembering what Alan did to him. That is powerful stuff. Sure, some of the molestation scenes and the aftermath were hard to play. It's very difficult to get myself into the same mindset as someone who has been through that but I do my best. Same for playing a gay character. I want to make sure I do it right because this is serious stuff and we are trying to do a good story here with a nice message.

I: Peter, how do you feel about this twist in your story and are you uncomfortable with it?

PR: Love it. The writers had lots of wiggle room in Bo's backstory. I mean, we hear about how Bo grew up but the audience never saw it. There was room to create things since he only showed up in the early 80's. Tim Lowery told me about it in September. He said it was Co-EP/HW Patrick L. Ewing's idea to go ahead with this. I heard the story and loved it. It's powerful and very emotional. There is a great message to it. It is my challenge to do right by it and make it an accurate portrayal. The scenes where Bo remembers and the aftermath scenes were intense. Bringing Kim and Roman into it as the ones that knew and kept it hidden for years was a great touch. Good family drama and especially ironic considering Kim was also victimized by the same man as Bo. The setup and buildup was great. I couldn't ask for a better story. It's nice to get away from the mafia and cop stuff for a bit.

I: It seems both of you guys' stories will parallel each other. Tim Lowery mentioned that last week. Does this mean Will and Bo will be interacting alot?

PR: Yes. That was actually mentioned as an integral part of the story. Tim, Patrick, and TPTB want to start interacting other family members. It is vital to Salem Lives to do that. However, they don't just want to put people in scenes without purpose and Will and Bo will have scenes filled with meaning and emotion. They will forge a deep bond from all this. They are vulnerable and need someone for support and fate brings them together. I am pleased that they have Bo interacting with that part of his family.

JS: Yeah. It's great to work with Peter and it is going to be happening alot. The interaction makes the story that much better and is great for long time fans. They love Bo and it may help them get use to me as Will and get better invested in my character.

I: Can you guys offer up any previews of what is to come?

PR: Ummm... (Laughs)everything is very close to the vest right now. All I can say is Bo and Will will interact quite a bit and they are both pivotal to story and the upcoming VENDETTA event. I can also tell you that Bo's issues will have a huge impact on Hope. He will push his loved ones away again, including her. It's a very difficult time for all involved but it's worth it. There is great reward and payoff for the fans if they stick with us on this emotional journey.

JS: I will echo what Peter said. Also, look for Will to be pivotal to the Alan story. Sami and Lucas will try to reach Will and get to the truth of what is going on with him. I think we are seeing the journey to Will and his parents coming together, understanding each other, and coming full circle as a family.

I: Sounds great. Thanks guys for talking about this.

PR: No problem. We hope the fans love what is coming.

JS: Yep. We hope they are happy with what will happen. Bye!

Previews and Peeks for Wk of 2/26/07

-Murder sends shockwaves through Salem.

-The truth about Belle and Philip is revealed.

-Lexie has a not so happy reunion with Abe and Celeste.

-Philip has an interesting reaction to Victor's return.

-Julie lies to Doug.

-Eric and Nicole have hope.

-Roman makes his decision.

-Victor seeks out an old flame for help.

-Lexie vows revenge.

-The truth about Marlena is revealed.

-Salem learns of Victor and Stefano's returns.

-Nicole reverts to old ways.

-Maggie believes she has a chance with Victor.

-VENDETTA begins with several huge twists.

RED LETTER DAYS!!!

Monday February 26: Murder rocks Salem!!! Also, the truth about Belle and Philip is revealed.

Wednesday February 28: The truth about Marlena is revealed. Meanwhile, Stefano is involved in a shocking face off.

Thursday March 1: VENDETTA begins with HUGE twists.

Next Week: Victor's plan backfires. Maggie goes over the edge. There is hope for Max and Abby. Bo spirals out of control. Will falls apart and makes a disturbing discovery. Sami, Lucas, Carrie, and Austin bury the hatchet. Steve has a setback.

SALEM LIVES VENDETTA BEGINS THURSDAY!!!

On Thursday March 1, Salem Lives will unveil it's biggest event to date: SALEM LIVES: VENDETTA. This interactive fan event will pull readers into Salem's biggest mystery yet. A category titled "VENDETTA" has been created on the right side of the blog. Entries will begin to be posted in that category in the weeks leading to VENDETTA to keep readers and fans well-informed of what is to come. There will also be a short post made on the main page of the Salem Lives blog to inform readers of there being a new entry in the VENDETTA area of the blog so they can go check it out.

As far as the story purposes behind VENDETTA, check out the VENDETTA page of the blog for info on that when it comes available. I can tell you that the story has been happening for quite sometime as the Mysterious Cloaked Figure (MCF) has been lurking around Salem since early Fall. Only now we are building to the real story, which is finding out this person's plan and what the residents of Salem will be up against. In the weeks to come, fans will be seeing the buildup to all this. Jack, Billie, Frankie, and Greta are at the heart of the action as the four of them team up to piece together this mystery as the police and ISA are having a hard time figuring out what this cloaked figure is all about. The readers will be taken on a journey with these four characters and the police and they will help investigate the mystery on their own.

How will the fans be a part of this? Well, it's up to them. Readers will be given the opportunity to get involved in the story in a way never done before. Readers will be given the chance to play the VENDETTA GAME. When the official VENDETTA event begins on March 1, a post will be made recapping all the MCF's appearances thus far and citing the actual episode dates so readers can go back and look at them for clues. At that time, readers can then PM me (Phoenix) or comment in the blog whether or not they want to participate in the official VENDETTA GAME. The deadline to inform me of the your participation will be March 11. The game will being Tuesday March 20.

The game has similarities to Passions' online VENDETTA event from last year. Every Tuesday and Thursday a short scene will be posted. The scene will have to do with the MCF or Jack, Billie, Greta, Frankie, or the Salem Police or ISA investigating the MCF. It will be like cutting a small piece off a full episode and posting it separate from a full episode. These short scenes are very much like the clips from the Passions online events and will show the characters working through the mystery and this will help readers gain clues and hints to the MCF mystery. Some of these scenes may also contain the MCF committing certain acts. The first scene in conjunction with the game will be posted Tuesday March 20, the first day of the game. However, when the VENDETTA event officially gets underway on March 1, there will be a special short scene posted to officially begin VENDETTA.

The idea is to look back at the appearances, read the short scenes, and keep up with reading the normal episodes to collect clues. The reason doing all that is important is where the main part of the game comes in. Those readers who choose to participate in the game will have to answer 3-5 trivia questions every week. The questions will be based on the Salem Lives episodes from the week that just ended and will be posted every Saturday night in the SL INSIDER. The answers will be due every Tuesday as that is the day the first short scene of the week is posted. The game players will be judged on correct answers and how fast they PM me the answers. The game player with the most correct answers and who submitted in the quickest time will be given a level one clue by PM. The 2nd and 3rd place trivia winners for the week will be given Level 2 and 3 clues. There are 3 levels of clues in the game.

Level 1= Major clue (as in short clip scene, MCF letter written to a character, etc).

Level 2= Big clue (as in picture of a character, past episode clip, etc)

Level 3= Minor Clue (as in a riddle, something vague)

The goal is to get to first place every week as it gives you the best clue or, at least get in the top 3 each week to get a clue. Clues will be PMed to the top 3 trivia winners every Tuesday. The game will work by this system until June 3. On that date, the game will take a one week break and will return for the second half of the game on June 12. The game will reach a new level as some game players with low total trivia scores will be eliminated and the 5 finalists decided. Trivia scores will be posted in the SL Insider every Saturday. The second part of the game will focus on the buildup to the grand finale of the MCF mystery. More info on that as this point in the game grows near.

Now why would anyone want to be a part of this? Well, on June 3, the top 5 trivia players in terms of score will be written into the blog as minor characters during a big event. The portrayers of the characters will be decided by Roman and I but the 5 finalists will be asked for input. The higher your score, the bigger your character's involvement in the event. You will be given the chance to name your character as well. Then, when the game reaches it's end in summer, the overall winner will be revealed in the final Trivia Challenge which will ask the game finalists to reveal their guess for who the MCF is. The overall winner in terms of score will then be able to decide who the character created in their honor will interact with, some of what the character does, and will see their character play a part in a story that will be featured in the aftermath of the VENDETTA event. The winner will also be given a big surprise that will be revealed at the end of the game.

Game rules and details will be posted in the VENDETTA area of the blog in the weeks to come. REMEMBER, THE VENDETTA EVENT BEGINS MARCH 1 AND THE GAME BEGINS MARCH 20. YOU MUST LET ME KNOW VIA PM OR COMMENTING IN THIS BLOG IF YOU WILL BE PARTICIPATING IN THE VENDETTA GAME AND TRIVIA CHALLENGE BY MARCH 11. DO NOT START LETTING ME KNOW UNTIL BEGINNING ON MARCH 1.

Also, be on the lookout for more VENDETTA info and story info pertaining to VENDETTA in the VENDETTA blog category. Again, I will post on the main page of the Salem Lives blog and in the SONBC discussion thread whenever new info is on the VENDETTA area so you all can go into the blog and into the category to read it. If you have any questions, please comment in the blog or PM me and I will get back to you as soon as I can. I know some may sound complicated here but I think this is fun and a great way to get readers involved in the action. Oh, and a note to readers of Salem Lives who end up not playing the game, YOU CAN STILL BE INVOLVED BY READING THE VENDETTA INFO AND SHORT SCENES IN THE VENDETTA AREA OF THE BLOG. REMEMBER, THE SHORT SCENES ARE BASICALLY SCENES TO FILL IN THE BLANKS LEFT DURING THE NORMAL DAILY EPISODES AND TO HELP THE MYSTERY ALONG FOR EVERYONE, NOT JUST GAME PLAYERS. JUST WANTED TO SAY THAT SO THOSE THAT DON'T PLAY DON'T GET LEFT OUT.

So, be there when VENDETTA officially begins March 1 and look out for more info on this as we approach the launch date.

-Driving down the highway towards the SPD, Abe is listening to the radio when he gets a call from headquarters. It’s a message from Billie, telling him to call her back ASAP. He pulls off the highway and uses his cell phone to get in contact with her. Billie then tells Abe to get over to the McCluer home as quickly as he can. Something may be going down. He thanks her and hangs up, quickly calling into the station to get the address. When he hears that the family lives at 729 Coleman Ave., he realizes how close that is to the more working class district in Salem. He hopes that everyone is ok and orders men to get out to that address. Now.

He jumps back into his car and speeds off into the fresh daylight.

-Meanwhile, at the cop shop, Roman has overheard the message that Abe has gotten. He walks back into his office and grabs his jacket so he can go join him but, when he turns around, he stops dead in his tracks. A mix of seething anger and excitement goes through his system and registers on his face because the people standing before him are Alexandra DiMera.......

And her father, Stefano.

He stands silent in front of Roman as Shane walks in behind them. Roman just looks at Shane as he walks past all of them and orders some officers to cuff Stefano and take him downstairs for booking. Stefano remains silent as some of Salem’s Finest take him to the outer office. Roman stops Lexie and tells her how happy he is to see her. Lexie looks at Roman and tells him his happiness no longer matters to her. In fact, she says, no one in Salem really registers on her radar anymore. She then turns and leaves Roman shaking his head slowly.

He puts his coat down and walks past Shane once again, asking what the hell does he want. Shane wants to know when they can discuss Carrie’s situation like adults. Roman tells him that he really has some nerve. He keeps all of the information from him for all this time and now he sounds like he is trying to tell him that he doesn’t have the right to be upset. Shane says if it were Jeanne, he would be livid as well. He just wants to sit down and discuss it like gentlemen. Roman tells him that that went out the door when being a spy was more important than protecting family.

Roman also tells him that he’s lucky that he is still speaking with him after the last time he made a decision like that. Shane says that was a long time ago and that he had to leave him under Stefano’s thumb. His brother’s life was at stake and, if it were Bo, can he honestly say he wouldn’t have done the same thing? Roman takes a step towards him and tells him that he may just have a point. But, that was between men. This has to do with Carrie, his child. He tells him that he was wrong for what he did and that he just doesn’t know if they can get past it.

Shane says they can if, for once, he would stop being the high and mighty supercop and just be a father for once. Roman grows angrier at this tone as Shane continues, telling him that he is so busy being a superhero that Carrie didn’t feel like she COULD come to him. So, why doesn’t he consider that before he once again goes placing blame, acting like he’s never done anything wrong in his life. Roman grabs his collar and gets ready to hit him when one of his officers says that DiMera would like to speak with him. Roman just looks at Shane and lets him go. Shane straightens himself up as Stefano walks in. Shane stands near the window and observes Stefano smiling at Roman, telling him that.......

Stefano: My, my Roman. I see that you and your agent friend here are at odds. Anything I can help with?

Roman: No, Stefano. You’ve done quite enough, thank you. What do you want? I’m busy.

Stefano: I see. (Sitting down) I guess it’s time to get down to business.

Stefano stares at Roman and remarks.....

Stefano: You know, Roman, you should thank me. That face that my doctors gave you all those years ago seems to be holding up quite nicely.

Roman: Thank you for the complimen, Stefano. You’re taking up my time. If you have nothing to say but smart-ass remarks, then..........

Stefano: Ok, ok Roman. (Laughing) I still can’t see what Marlena saw in you all those years ago.

Roman: And you don’t need to.

Stefano: Fair enough......for now. I have a proposal for you, Roman.

Roman: Oh. You want to skip the trial and just have me shoot you right here, right now?

Stefano: You still have that sense of humor, my friend. I’m glad. But for right now, why don’t you put that on hold while I offer you this deal.

Roman: What deal?

Stefano: There is someone who is using my family as a means of carrying out whatever plan they have in mind. I’m sick of it. And I was offering this. If we can pool our resources and bring this person out into the light of day, I think it will go a long way in bringing some peace back to your little town.

Roman: And it would get you off the hook for all the crimes you have committed, right?

Stefano: Roman, think what you want. But I have evidence that will prove that the same person who almost killed your daughter Samantha.....

Roman: What?!

Stefano:.......is the same person who has used not only me.............

Victor: But me as well.

Victor walks in right before Stefano can finish his sentence.

Victor: Good to see....(Looking at Stefano)....most of you. I think the same person that DiMera wants dealt with is also the person who is using my family as well. I’ve had it. And, I’m here to offer the very same deal Stefano is alluding to.

Roman: You two kill me.

Both men smile.

Roman: Anyway........you want me to give you both a free ride after all the blood and dead bodies that have been left behind by you both? Are you nuts?!

Victor: Not nuts, Roman. Just looking out for the greater interest. This person needs to be brought to justice and, if you don’t want to do it.......

Stefano: Then I guess we’ll have to.

Victor: You know it wouldn’t be the first time I’ve had to do whatever it took to stop the madness, Roman. Or you either, Stefano.

Stefano: As do you, Victor. So Roman, what will it be? Will Victor and I have to take care of this matter by ourselves.......

Victor: Or is it time to make a deal with two devils?

Both godfathers stand side by side as Roman stares back and forth at both of them with Shane and a few officers looking on, wondering what decision he will make.

-The MCF and another lurking cloaked figure are stalking around the McCluer home separately, looking for the family......and brandishing huge butcher knives and handguns. While they look for the members of James’s family......

JJ has them all barricaded in the basement. None of them know that Billie and Jack are outside and that they have seen the MCF and the other dark figure lurking about their home. Jonathan is beyond terrified, saying that he can’t believe it has come to this. He doesn’t know what their father has gotten them into. J.J. says that it truly is not the time for any of that. They need to be quiet before either of those two figures find out that they all are down there.

Angel is in her mother’s arms sitting on the couch as Renee prays to herself for someone to come and help them. Jonathan looks over at his mother and sister and starts breaking down, apologizing for his attitude as of late. He can’t believe he has been acting like that. Renee tells him that he has got his father’s temper. She hopes that James hasn’t gotten them into something that they wish they weren’t involved in. J.J. hopes the same thing, as she tells everyone to be quiet. She hears someone trashing the upstairs.

Meanwhile, outside the house, both Jack and Billie see a dark figure come out to the bushes, looking for something. When the person looks up and spots them both, the person runs off, with Jack and Billie looking at each other and then giving chase.

On the outskirts of Salem, James Sr. is looking for Marlena. He hopes that he can find her before she does anything stupid or causes harm to anyone. He drives up and down the highway and side streets, looks in the park, and starts over again. After 3 and ½ hours of looking for her, he throws up his hands in defeat and decides to go home.

Once again back at the McCluer home, the family is now terrified because it now sounds like someone is getting close to finding them all. Then, all of a sudden, they hear the door open and close quietly. Renee realizes that the phones are upstairs and Jonathan volunteers to go up and get it and call for help. He looks at his family and then up the stairs and then slowly walks up to the top. When he is there, he slowly opens the door and looks around the corner with one eye. He then slowly and quietly walks through the kitchen and into the living room.

He sees that the home has been trashed and then he calls out for the others to come upstairs as well. After the family walks upstairs, they see that their home is in complete disarray. No one can believe what has happened and want to know what is going on. It is at that moment that Angel hears something behind them, and tells everyone to be quiet. When Jonathan and J.J. go to see what it is, they slowly walk into the back hallway......and then the scene switches to their P.O.V., as they slowly walk backwards in complete terror.

On the outside of the house, Jack has finally returned having been outran by Billie. He goes up to the backdoor and notices that it is open. He also sees that it is trashed and when he goes to look in the kitchen, he hears screams coming from downstairs. The scene then shifts once again to the outside of the house but a violent struggle can be heard on the inside. Billie then runs up to the house looking for Jack and hears the screams herself. She pulls her gun and goes racing inside, with the view once again returning to the outside of the home.

The scene fades out and back in sometime later as Abe and Shane arrive. A police officer runs up to both men, telling them that screams were heard coming from the residence. All the officers surround the house and, on Abe and Shane’s orders, move in. When they break into the house with guns drawn, everyone is aghast at the trails of blood that has covered the entire home.

On the outside, James walks through the bushes silently to avoid being seen and sees his home surrounded by police. He then hears something in the bushes and sneaks up on a mysterious cloaked figure. When he jerks the person around and snatches off the hood, it shows......

Marlena, who is standing there shocked and shaken. When a very surprised James asks her what she is doing, she responds, saying that she did what she had to do. He looks down to see blood on her hands and, when inspecting her closer, sees that there is something sticking out of her cloak pocket. He pulls out the item, which is revealed to be a huge knife covered in blood. He then is terrified of what she may have done, staring at her with abject fear.

Meanwhile, back in the house, Abe walks slowly into the back room and, when he opens the door, he is left speechless by what he sees. He recovers long enough to order one of his officers to get EMTs and other officers out there and to canvas the area right now. When Shane walks down the hallway and looks at what Abe has seen, he can’t speak either. They just look at other and then back at the scene. The screen then slowly fades to black.

On the next Salem Lives...

FIND OUT WHO HAS BEEN MURDERED...

AND

DID MARLENA REALLY DO IT...OR DID THE INFAMOUS MCF STRIKE AGAIN? OR IS IT SOMEONE ELSE?

BE HERE MONDAY FOR ALL THE ANSWERS!!!

-At the Carver house, Abe rushes downstairs to see Celeste and Theo at the dinner table. Celeste asks how his shower was. Abe says it was good and that now he has to go back to the station. Celeste says there is something they need to discuss first. It's about Alexandra.

-At the McCluer home, Renee confirms to James that she knows he had a meeting with some cloaked person and Dr. Marlena Evans. She tells him she wants answers. Their family deserves answers. JJ and Angel begin to fill him in on how they found out but he stops them and says he knows all about it. He just didn't know that Renee and Jonathan found out. JJ says they just told them because they were beginning to figure it out.

A frustrated James reaches for his head and begins to pull on his hair. He tells them he wishes they had just stayed out of it. Renee says she is sick of all the secrets. They deserve the truth. James says he can't tell them anything. They already know enough and now that they even know what they know, they have alot of problems. James says they are all now in grave danger.

-At University Hospital, Billie is with Abby in her hospital room.

Abby: I'm sorry I threw Chelsea out. I was just upset and...

Billie: She said the wrong thing. It happens alot. It's fine.

Abby: You know...you don't have to be in here with me just because my dad is gone and no one else is.

Billie: I want to be in here with you. It's fine.

Abby: Even after the horrible way I have treated you in the past.

Billie: It's forgotten. We have a clean slate. (smiles) Is there anything I can get you?

Abby: I wish you could turn back time or be a miracle worker so I wouldn't have to be paralyzed and Cassie wouldn't have fallen down the stairs.

Billie: We can't turn back time. You can't give up. Fight for Max. Fight to beat your paralysis. Don't give up a chance at happiness and a good life like I did.

Abby: Yeah but you have another one don't you. With my father.

Billie: Abby...we are just friends. Good friends.

Abby: I know but you were also good friends with mom. It's different with you and dad. You guys are best friends but, lately, you two seem alot closer. I just feel bad for being so mean before and trying to mess with you both.

Billie: It's in the past, like I said. As for me and your father, we will always be close but there is nothing but friendship between us. We spend alot of time together on cases and stuff but that's it.

Abby: For now. It could always end up being more. Mom and dad started out working together and they slowly fell in love. You and dad are already close and now working together can only bring you closer. Billie, I can see it in your eyes everytime you look at dad. You care about him more then you say. Don't you?

Billie is silent.

-In Cassie's room, Cassie is caressing her stomach.

Cassie: I am so sorry little one. I may not have been ready to be a mother but I would've loved you. I feel horrible but your death was just the thing I needed. Now, Max and Abby are falling apart and, with Chelsea's help, it's only a matter of time.

Chelsea (walking in to the room): The hell it is.

Cassie: Chelsea, how nice to see you.

Chelsea: Shutup. Do you know what you are doing to Max and Abby? God, you don't even give a damn about the child you lost or what this is doing to both of them? Your just happy that this gives you what you need to break Max and Abby up, aren't you?

Cassie: I loved that baby. I would never wish harm upon any child, let alone my own, just for a guy. I didn't want this to happen but, now that it has, you better believe I am going to use it to my advantage. Now, kindly be quiet because you and me have to talk about the next step of the plan.

Chelsea: I am not doing anymore for you. I killed me having to make Abby feel so guilty. I am not helping you anymore. They are my friends and...

Cassie: Tell me, Chelsea. Do you feel like destroying so many lives, including your own? That is what will happen if your little secrets come out. Bo, Billie, and so many others will be devestated by the fact that Hope and some unknown guy are your parents. You will go to jail for murdering your rapists and your family will have to deal with that black eye forever. You don't want that so just cooperate. Otherwise, you and your loved ones pay the consquences.

Chelsea: I hate you.

Cassie: Beleive me, darling, the feeling is mutual. Now that we understanding each other, on to the next step. We do understand each other, right?

Chelsea (after a long pause): Whatever.

Cassie (smiling): Knew you would see it my way.

-In another part of the hospital, Max is on his way back to Cassie's room with a juice drink for her when he is stopped by Jack, who says they have to talk. Max says he really needs to get back to Cassie.

Jack: Oh, yes. Everything is about Cassie these days. What about Abby? You know, the girl you said you cared about? The one that is paralyzed and was promised by you that you would be by her side no matter what.

Max: Look, Jack. I know all that. I don't need to be reminded nor do I need a lecture from you. I just lost my child and the mother of my child needs me.

Jack: I get that Max. I know how much you loved the child. I know because of the childhood you had you wanted to give it a good life. But, don't you see, Cassie is using that to manipulate you. I know Cassie. We spent months in captivity together. She cares about others but not before herself. All that time on the island and in the castle she kept talking about how she missed the mall and all these material things. It was all about her and not about seeing loved ones again. They were second. It's always about her first. Now, I know she loved that child but a big part of that love was that it gave her a hold over you. I know she feels horrible about losing it but it also gives her what she wanted. She needed something, Max. Something that could take you away from Abby and something she could mainpulate so you would be by her side. This was it. She is using the death of your child. She knows about your childhood and how you wanted better for the child and she knows damn well that Abby is so good-hearted and caring that she would feel guilty as hell. She knows she can get you by her side now and manipulate you. Open your eyes, Max.

Max: Look, I don't know what to believe. One thing I know is that I would now if I was being manipulated and, while I know Cassie is a Dimera and was diificult to deal with in the past, I can't see her using our baby's death like that.

Jack: Then you are naive and stupid. You know Abby...she wouldn't force her to fall. Yes, Abby played a part in this but Cassie could have walked away too. Neither of them did, Max. You can't put this all on my daughter. You promised her that you would be by her side. She needs you. You gave her hope when she was giving up. Without you, she has nothing to keep her going right now.

Max: Jack, this is not the time for this. I don't know what to think or believe. It's been really rough. I know Abby is hurting but I can't deal with her right now. I think it's for the best that I avoid her for awhile until things settle and we know more.

Jack: You shouldn't have to know more. You know my daughter. What the hell is your problem, Max?

-Back at the Carver home, Celeste and Abe sit down. Abe tells Celeste he thinks about Lexie everyday and wonders if she survived that gunshot wound in Sydney. Celeste says she has visions of Lexie and she believes she has. Celeste asks Abe what would happen if and when Lexie came back. Would he take her back?

Abe stops to think and says that he isn't sure. Her betrayal with Tek hurt him so bad but, over time, he realized he still loved her and wanted to be with her. Everything that happened in Sydney made him see that. Even after everything that went down at Theo's custody hearing, he still loved her. Celeste reminds Abe that he told her that Alexandra showed signs of her old self down in Sydney and asks if that is correct. Abe says that's true. She seemed conflicted over what her father was doing to him and all of their friends. She was trying to hide the fact that it upset her but he saw that it did.

Celeste says that there is hope they can save her from the Dimera curse. It would be even easier if she was there with them. Abe agrees and says he thinks the only way to save Lexie from her family and becoming one of them is to destroy the Dimera's. Celeste agrees and says she has wanted to destory them for many years. Abe admits that he can only do so much in his role in the SPD but he really feels like he should start doing some investigating under the radar. It may make it easier to find something to bring the Dimera's down.

Celeste says that is a good idea and that she can help. She knows the Dimera family and organization. She was a part of it and knows all the inner workings. She suggests they work together on their own to find something that can help them stop Stefano and the Dimera's for good. Abe agrees but says they need to keep it quiet. He is not a supporter of off the record investigations like this but he feels it is something that could work. Celeste agrees and says she will start jotting down some notes about the Dimera's that may help them investigate.

Abe says that is a good idea and then says he really has to be getting going and gets up to leave. Celeste tells Abe she needs to ask him something before he goes. She asks him if he would give Alexandra another chancer if and when she came back. She begs him to consider giving her another chance to work things out. She thinks that another chance to be a family with him and Theo could be the thing to pull her away from the Dimera's and Stefano.

Abe thinks for a moment and says he will think it over but thinks she is right. It may be what is needed so giving her another chance to try to work things out may be a good idea. He then agrees that if and when Lexie returns, he will talk to her and they will try to work things out. However, he still wants to go ahead with the secret investigation. Celeste agrees and thanks him, saying he won't be sorry, as he leaves for the station.

-Back at the McClure home, everyone is clearly upset.

Renee (crying): We have been through this before. All the lies and deciet. You ended up in jail and now here we go again. What the hell is your problem? Why are you putting us through this again? When I married you, you were a kind and thoughful man. What has happened to you?

James then grabs his life and grips her tight.

James (right in her face): You know I care about you. (looks at JJ, Jonathan, and Angel) I care about all of you. Everything I do is for you. For a better life...to protect you. Please, you all already know too much. I can't tell you anymore about anything. Please...all of you. Listen to me. This is a matter of life and death. This is serious. You have already put yourselves in danger. You are targets.

Renee: Oh, great. That makes me feel better. Where did all this start? Does this have to do with you working for Victor?

James: I can't talk about anything, Renee. Don't you understand? This is dangerous!! You are all in danger now. If you open your mouths to anyone, you are all dead. Do you hear me? I'm not kidding. This is why I don't tell you!!!

Renee: Then why did you get involved!!!

James: BECAUSE I LOVE YOU!!! I LOVE OUR FAMILY!!! ALL THIS IS FOR YOU!! DAMNIT!! WHY COULDN'T YOU ALL JUST STAY OUT OF IT!!

JJ: Dad...we just wanted to prove that you weren't doing anything bad and...

James: I know, son. I appreciate it. You too, Angel.

Jonathan: Oh please. dad, you are just mad you got caught. All this talk about us being in danger and as good as dead. Give me a break.

James: I am sorry you feel that way, son. I know you have a problem with me because of the way I have hurt your mother but I am being serious. I need all of you to promise me..promise me you will stay quiet about what you know. Please!!!

JJ: Yeah, dad.

Angel: Yeah. Jack and Billie already warned us.

Renee: I don't want to be a part of this.

James (holding Renee in his arms): Renee...please. Do it to protect the kids. Look, trust me. I know that is hard to do but this is the right thing. Please stay silent.

Renee: Fine. Fine. Whatever.

James: Jon...

Jonathan: No!! I am telling the police. I am sick and tired of you messing up this family. I want you to pay and wheover you are involved with to pay. I am reporting everything I know and then you can just burn in hell, pops.

Meanwhile, outside, the MCF is watching.

MCF (with voice changer): Not the right thing to say, kid

Marlena then arrives, dressed in a black cloak as well.

MCF: What the hell are you wearing?

Marlena: Upset I stole your look. So, the kid doesn't want to keep his mouth shut...oh well. I wasn't on board with letting James try to keep them quiet. I knew that action needed to be taken and now I know it has to be.

MCF: You don't do anything without my permission. I am in charge here.

Marlena: I am not standing by and letting everything be shot to hell. I have come too far. I am not going to see my plans...

MCF: Ah, always about you and your plans. Remember, we have to complete my plans dear. That was the deal. Me first and then you are free to do your thing.

Marlena: Yeah, well, I am out for me. All I know is I am not letting Jimmy boy's family blow this. I am going to do something....tonight.

MCF: Yeah, you will do something. You will follow Jack and Billie around and make sure they don''t find out anything else.

Marlena: I have to take care of them too. They are loose cannons, just like the McClure's.

MCF: You won't do anything but follow Jack and Billie and report to me. If I see that you do anything else, then you will pay the consequences of defying me. Understood?

Marlena (snidely): Understood.

MCF: Good. Now go find Jack and Billie and report to me later.

Marlena: Yeah. Fine.

Marlena walks away and then pulls out a knife, saying:

Marlena: I am not going to see my plans go down the tubes. The loose cannons need to be taken care of and I will do it my way. People are going to die tonight...it's the only way.

Back inside the McCluer home, James continues to beg Jonathan to be like the rest of the family and stay quiet. James then embraces Jonathan, telling him he loves him. He knows that he is disappointed in him but he wants him to know he loves him and just wants to protect him. Jonathan says he doesn't need it but James says he does. Renee jumps in and says she will make sure Jonathan says quiet. She will make sure they all will...for now.

James says thanks her but says they need to stay silent until he says otherwise. He begs them to trust him on this. James then sees the MCF outside the house and says he has to go. He embraces his three children and tells him he loves them. JJ and Angel say they love him too...no matter what he has done. James then looks at Renee and asks her if she knows how much he loves her. Renee says sometimes she wonders. He then kisses her passionately and says there will never be another woman for him.

Renee's eyes well up with tears as Jonathan turns away in disgust. James tells them all goodbye and warns them to remain silent and to be careful.

Outside, James meets the MCF in the bushes and asks:

James: What do you want?

MCF: I need you to go and find Marlena. She may be up to something and I need you to keep an eye on her. I sent her to watch Jack and Billie until you take over.

James: Fine. Why are you here?

MCF: Just making sure it went well with your family. Your wife and the other kid knowing is disturbing but good job. I am satisfied but I will be watching them. Nothing happens to them unless they break their silence.

James: They won't.

MCF: They better not. Now, go find Marlena.

James: Fine.

James leaves as the MCF watches Jonathan argue with JJ, Angel, and Renee about keeping what they know to themselves. The MCF then approaches the house, as does another cloaked figure as night falls on Salem.

Jonathan continues to stand by his stance of calling the police but Renee. JJ, and Angel beg him to reconsider. Renee says she has never saw the fear in their father's eyes that she saw tonight. They need to take this seriously. Jonathan shrugs it off and says it's dad's fault that their family keeps getting put through the ringer. He needs to pay so why not turn him in and get the cops on his ass. Nothing is going to happen to them.

The lights then go off. Renee, JJ, and Angel huddle together as Jonathan looks around and is then pulled into the huddle by Renee. They are all scared and wonder if someone could be there as the MCF and another cloaked figure lurk around separately outside.

-Back at the hospital, Max tells Jack he doesn't have time for this. Jack then takes him by the shirt and throws him against the wall. He tells Max to make time and warns him that if he keeps hurting his daughter like this, he will feel pay. He lets go of Max and walks away as Max looks on, somewhat frightened and confused over what is going on.

Meanwhile, Cassie has finished telling Chelsea about the next step of the plan and she is appalled. She refuses to do it but Cassie reminds her what will happen if she doesn't and says:

Cassie: You do as I say or you lose everything. Easy concept, Chelsea.

Chelsea then walks out, angry and in tears, as Cassie smiles and sadistically laughs . She doesn't want to do this to her friends but feels she has no choice. Only two people get hurt this way but many get hurt if her secrets come out.

In Abby's room, Billie tells Abby again that nothing is going on with her father and her. Abby reluctantly agrees to change the subject, even though it helps her keep her mind off of things, and says she is worried about her father. She hopes he didn't go to talk to Max as that could turn ugly. Billie says she told Jack not to get involved heavily but Abby mentions that he never did heed words of warning. Billie agrees and offers to go and find him to make sure everything is ok. Abby thanks her.

As Billie leaves, her cell rings. She realizes her mistake in not turning it off in a hospital and answers it. It's JJ and he says:

JJ: Billie, it's JJ. Something is wrong.

Billie: Hey, are you ok? You sound upset?

JJ: Look...my mom and brother know everything. We had to tell them. Our father came home and warned us to stay silent if we wanted to protect ourselves.

Billie: Oh, God. Ok. Well, it seems everything is fine other then your father knowing and...

JJ: It's not fine, Billie. Shortly after my dad left, the lights went out. Everyone else's lights on the street are on but our's. Someone must have cut the power.

Billie: Is someone there? Do you hear...

JJ: We heard something outside. There isn't any wind tonight but we may just be hearing things and...

Billie: Ok. Look, sit tight. I will be right there and I think I will need to bring some help. Just stay put and be careful.

JJ: Ok, thanks.

Billie: Hey, JJ. Say a prayer or two. ok.

JJ: Yeah.

Billie: Bye.

JJ: Bye.

Billie hangs up just as Jack shows up.

Jack: Hey, everything ok?

Billie: No. We need to get over to the McClure's. JJ just called and all hell may be about to break loose. Him and his family may be in alot of danger. I think it's time we bring in the police.

Jack: Billie, I...

Billie: I know but we may need reinforcements, Jack. This could be serious. It's about people's lives. We have to. Tell Abby we are leaving and l will call the police so we can go.

Jack: Ok.

Jack goes to Abby as Billie dials her cell.

Billie: I just hope this is nothing but, if it's something, I hope we aren't too late.

The screen then fades out on Billie's worried face.

On the Next Salem Lives...

DON'T MISS ONE OF THE MOST GRIPPING, SUSPENSEFUL EPISODES OF SALEM LIVES EVER!!

MURDER HITS SALEM!!!

YOU WON'T BELIEVE HOW IT ALL HAPPENS!!!

DON'T MISS THE LAST FANTASTIC FEBRUARY FRIDAY!!!

-It's a new day in Salem as Carrie opens her eyes at University Hospital to see Austin looking back at her. They both smile at each other as she asks him if he has been there with her all night. He nods and says there is no place he would rather be.

He asks if she is ok and she says she is fine but could use a glass of water. He goes to pour some and accidentally knocks over a medical chart left on her nightstand. It falls on Carrie's legs and she picks it up and glances at it. Austin, knowing the information that is on the chart, tries to prevent her from reading it but fails as Carrie reads the doctor's notes on the bottom of the chart that read, "Be alert for signs of depression and other mental health risks due to loss of child."

Carrie then recalls what happened the night she went into labor and how she lied about her baby being dead. She also recalls her asking Alan to find him and his informing her that he doesn't think he can. She realizes she was so upset fomr that news that she must have blocked everything out for awhile. Austin sees that she is upset and asks if she is ok. Carrie then tells him she remembers...her baby is gone.

-Outside Carrie's room, Alan is looking in on Carrie and Austin when Kate walks up behind him. She scares him when she comes up behind him and asks him what he is so curious about. He composes himself and says nothing. He is merely concerned for Carrie and he cares about her. She is the only one that beleives he has changed. Kate then asks if he really has or if he is playing some sick game to get revenge on those that made him suffer.

-At Lucas's apartment, Sami and Lucas are eating breakfast, worried that Will still hasn't come out of his room. He finally does a few moments later and Sami serves him some waffles. She asks if he is ok. Will, trying to keep his composure, nods and says he is still a bit tired. He had a hard time sleeping last night. Lucas asks if there is something they should know about. Will stays silent.

Sami begs Will to tell them if something is wrong. They may be able to help. She asks him where he was when he was missing for a day. Will says he just had to get away for a bit. He has had a rough time in school and he just got really shaken up when he learned about her rape. Sami says she knew she shouldn't have told him. Lucas says it's not her fault and Will agrees. Will tells Sami that it was just a shock and he is glad they finally told him. It's just that finding that out on top of everything else was too much and he needed to go somewhere and just chill. Lucas asks where he went and with who. Will clams up.

-At the McClure house, Jonathan and Renee are up and pacing in the kitchen. Renee can't believe how late JJ and Angel got in last night. It must have been after midnight as she never saw them return. Jonathan agrees and says that they need to figure this out as soon as JJ and Angel come downstairs.

Renee wishes James Sr was there but he is gone yet again. She is at her wit's end and can't take any of this anymore. Jonathan comforts her as JJ and Angel come downstairs and ask what's for breakfast. Jonathan says nothing is until mom and him get what they want. JJ is confused. Jonathan says he wants the truth right now. Mom and him deserve to know what Angel and himself have been up to.

JJ and Angel are speechless. Jonathan asks what they are waiting for. If they don't tell them, they will just find out on their own. Renee tries to calm him and tells JJ and Angel they deserve to know the truth and asks if this has anything to do with their father. Angel grabs JJ and takes him aside and, whispering, says:

Angel: Maybe we should tell them. They will find out sooner or later. Jon is not going to stop pushing and, at least by telling them, we can make sure they stay quiet to protect themselves.

JJ: Your right. This way, we can at least tell them in our own way rather then them finding out and everything getting twisted somehow. We don't want them to find out and so something stupid.

Jonathan: Come on!! Talk to us. Mom and I noticed your strange behavior of late. The secrecy, racing to answer the phone so we don't answer it, going out late and being gone for hours, hanging up the phone when one of us picks up and your own the line...your hiding something. Tell us!!

Angel (whispering to JJ): We have to tell them. He isn't going to give up on this. Who knows? Maybe they can help somehow.

JJ: Yeah, maybe. Your right. This is best for their protection and at least they will hear it from us the right away and not the wrong way and on their own.

JJ then tells Jonathan and his mother to sit down. Angel and him will tell them everything.

Meanwhile, in an alley near pier 6, James emerges. He looks at his watch and turns to see the MCF. James tells him it's about time. The MCF (with the use of the voice changer) tells him to shutup so they can get down to business.

MCF: Now...I hear you are not in agreement with an aspect of our plans.

James: I know that you know about JJ and Angel helping out Jack and Billie. Marlena told me you want to take some sort of action to silence them all but I don't think extreme action is necessary. I can talk to them and tell them to remain silent for their protection. If Renee or Jonathan fidn out, I can do the same.

MCF: I know you can, James. I have no intention of harming anyone in your family. In fact, I was counting on you to see to it that anyone in your family that knows anything about what we are doing, is kept silent. I am giving you one chance and any screwups will result in the most extreme measures being taken. Do you understand?

James: Yes. I am pleased to hear that. From the way Marlena spoke, I was worried about them and...

MCF: Marlena and I think differently. I am in charge so ignore her musings.

James: What about Jack and Billie? You aren't going to harm them, are you?

MCF: They will need to be dealt with. They are loose cannons and to smart for their own good.

James: They have families. Can't we just kidnap them or blackmail them or something? I don't want to see anyone harmed or worse.

MCF: That won't happen...yet. As long as range of knowledge in regards to us stays the same, there will be no need for those sort of measures. I have instructions for you. I need you to keep an eye on Jack and Billie and to report to me what you observe. This way we can be one step ahead and know if they are in line. Got it?

James:Yes. Fine. Uh...I am going to talk to my family first, though. I think it would be a good idea to make sure JJ and Angel stay quiet and away from Jack and Billie. I will also find out what my wife and other kid know and do what is necessary on that end. After that, I will put my focus on Jack and Billie. You have nothing to worry about.

MCF: I better not. I am glad we understand each other.

James: So am I and thank you for not rushing into doing something extreme. I am sure we can take care of all this without anyone getting hurt.

MCF: If all works out, then yes. Now...go do what you must. There is no time to waste.

James leaves. The MCF then pulls out a knife.

MCF: That bought me some time to take care of what needs to be. Ha...what a fool you are, James. Just because I may not cause harm to your family or Jack and Billie doesn't mean our friend Marlena won't to protect herself. Single-minded fool. As for me, I will watch closely and, if I feel it's necessary, I will do what must be done.

The MCF then walks off.

-Back at the hospital, Alice and Doug are visiting with Abby. Abby is depressed over her condition, which she feels is hopeless, and all that has happened with Cassie losing her baby and Max seemingly blaming her. Alice tells her to have faith that it will all work out. Abby says she isn't so sure she can have faith anymore with all that has gone on in her life recently.

Doug reminds Abby that her mother and so many people that love her are watching over her. It will all be ok and Max will realize he is making a mistake by thinking she is responsible. Jack agrees and comes in and embraces his daughter. Abby says she hasn't seen Max in days and that makes her think that he really beleives she somehow forced Cassie down the stairs. Jack tells her that if he wants to think that, let him. That means he doesn't deserve you and that he isn't right for her if he can't even beleive in her.

Meanwhile, outside Abby's room, Chelsea is torn up over Cassie blackmailing her into making Abby feel even more guilty about Cassie's accident. Chelsea is sure that Cassie will ask her yet again to help and she is worried about what she may ask this time. She wonders if Cassie will ask her to actually frame Abby for the incident. She just wishes she could refuse but she can't go to jail and no one can know Hope is her mother. Too many lives will be destroyed by both revelations.

Billie arrives and asks if Chelsea is ok. She says she is just upset about Max and Abby and everything happening with them. Billie tells her that it will all work out. She tells Chelsea that Abby should be glad to have such a good best friend like her. It is clear that she really cares about Abby and Max. Billie embraces her as Chelsea's eyes well up with tears, in agony over what she is doing to her friends and what she may have to do next.

-In Cassie's room, Max arrives with a piece of chocolate cake. He says he remembers her saying she loves it. Cassie thanks him and also thanks him for how good he has been treating her. She feels so bad for what happened and begins to break down over losing the baby. Max says it's not her fault. Cassie says she could've prevented it so she is somewhat at fault but, he's right, most of the blame is on Abby. Max's face turns somber as he turns away, clearly upset by that statement.

-Back in Abby's room, Alice has asked Doug to call Maggie to see if she would like to meet for lunch. He calls Chez Rouge, using Abby's room phone, but is told by an employee that she didn't report for work this morning, citing that she felt under the weather. Doug calls Maggie's house. The scene then shifts to Maggie's home, where we see empty liquor bottles lying on the table next to Maggie, who is passed out on the couch.

The phone rings and Maggie struggles to pick herself up to answer but she finally manages too. Doug is happy to hear her voice and asks if she is ok. He heard she is sick. Maggie says she is fine. It's probably just the beginning of a heavy cold or sinus infection. Doug can tell by her voice that she isn't feeling very well. He asks if she needs anything. Maggie says no. She just needs some rest. Doug understands and tells her that he or someone else will check in later to make sure she is ok. They bid each other goodbye and hangup.

Maggie then lays back down. She holds her head and moans about a killer headache. She gets up for some apirin but opts against it, saying another drink might help the pain. She opens a bottle of Brandy, pours it into a glass, and begins to drink it.

-Back at Carrie's room, Austin tries to comfort Carrie but she says she just wants to be alone right now. She thanks him for everything and for being with her. They will talk later. They kiss and bid each other goodbye.

After Austin leaves, Carrie turns towards the window and is regretting what she did. She should've trusted that they could all work through it all. She should've never lied that her baby died and should've never given it up. Carrie begins to contemplate admitting everything, hoping that maybe Austin and everyone else knowing will help find her baby and get him back in some way.

-Outside Carrie's room, Kate is still waiting for an answer from Alan. Alan says that he has changed but he doesn't expect anyone to beleive him. He only hopes that someday maybe others will but he isn't going to hold his breath.

Austin comes out of Carrie's room. Alan asks how she is. Austin says it's none of his business but she is fine. He tells Alan that he should just leave. Carrie wants to be alone anyway and he doesn't feel comfortable having him around her. Alan reminds Austin that only Carrie can decide if she doesn't want him to see her anymore. Alan agrees to leave and says he will stop by soon to see Carrie. He says goodbye to Kate and Austin and leaves.

Kate then turns to Austin and tells him that Will is back. Lucas called and says he is fine but they don't know where he went and why. Austin says he will watch up with Sami and Lucas later. Right now, he is worried about Carrie and how she is going to move on from the baby's "death." Kate comforts him.

-Back at Lucas's apartment, Will still hasn't responded to Lucas' question. Finally, after a few moments of thinking, Will says he went to see an old friend of his in Chicago who tranferred out of Salem High. His parents were out of town and they just hung out and played video games and stuff. Sami asks Will if they can call this friend of his or if his parents even knew that Will was there.

Will gets upset that Sami and Lucas don't trust him. Lucas urges Sami to lay off and tells Will they were really worried. He tells Will that he is going to be grounded for two months and to never run off like that again without letting them know what he is up to. Will understands and says he is happy he is grounded. He doesn't want to go out anyway. He also asks Sami and Lucas to trust him. He doesn't want to be interrogated anymore. What he told them was the truth. There is no more to it.

Will then gets up and goes into the bathroom to shower. Sami asks Lucas if he bought all of that. Lucas says that something still isn't right. Sami agrees and adds that him being happy about being grounded was weird. He hates being grounded and being stuck in the house. Lucas agrees that something is definitely up with their son as he seems to upset about something. He is trying to hide it but he can see it. Lucas adds that they need to get to the bottom of this...fast.

Meanwhile, in the bathroom, Will is showering and begins to recall Alan attacking him. He then begins to scrub his body harder and uses more soap. He repeatedly does this as he continues to repeatedly flash back to Alan's attack on him.

Will: I got to get it off...got to get it off. He was all over me...I have to get it off...DAMNIT!!

Will then stops scrubbing and leans against the wall in the shower. He crumples to the shower floor in tears, wondering why this had to happen.

-Back at Abby's room, Doug returns and says he checked his cell messages and Julie called. She will be home in a matter of hours. Alice says then they must get home so they can greet her. Both wish Abby and Jack well and say they will be praying for them. Abby and Jack thank them and say goodbye as they leave.

Jack asks Abby if she is ok. Abby says she doesn't know if she will be. She just can't believe Max would believe so easily that she would do this. Billie and Chelsea enter the room. Billie asks Abby how she is. Abby says she could be better if she didn't have to deal with all this. She just can't understand why Max doesn't believe her since everyone else that knows her does.

Chelsea mentions that maybe it's for the best and maybe she is better off without Max, privately hoping to spare Abby more pain by getting her away from Max and Cassie's wrath. Abby gets upset and asks Chelsea how she could say that. She tells her to get out and leave her alone.

-Back at Cassie's room, Cassie asks if Max is on her side. He seems bothered everytime she blames what happened on Abby. Max says it's just stunning to think about. He can't see Abby ever hurting anyone. Cassie insists she did and she will pay. Cassie admits she is partly responsible because she should have just walked away but Abby could've stopped the fight too and she kept it going and she forced her down the stairs.

Cassie begins to break down in tears again, saying she just wants some peace and for their child to rest in peace and she knows it won't until Abby pays for this. She begs Max to stand by her and to support her on this. If not for her, then for their poor baby. Max takes a deep breath and agrees to stand by Cassie's side and their deceased child's. He promises her that he is here for her and isn't going anywhere. They embrace as she smiles, pleased with how things are progressing with Max and herself.

-Back at the McCluer home, JJ and Angel have just finished telling Jonathan and Renee about their investigation of James Sr and what they saw in the park. Renee can't beleive her husband is somehow involved with this MCF and Dr. Marlena Evans. She doesn't understand any of this. JJ adds that they don't quite know what dad was doing for Victor yet but Jack and Billie are looking on everything.

Renee is upset and says they should've come to her. JJ and Angel insist they were trying to help. There is so much tension in their family and they wanted to find out what dad was up to in hopes of clearing the air and them being a happy family again. Renee hugs them and thanks them but says this is dangerous.

JJ asks Jonathan what he thinks. Jonathan says he could care less about their father and what he is up too. He is sick of it and sick of him weighing down their family. Jonathan adds that their father is better off dead for the hell he puts mom and all of them through. James Sr then walks in. Renee, JJ, Jonathan, and Angel all stare at him. James looks at Renee and Jonthan and says:

James Sr: Dear God...you know too.

Meanwhile, outside, the MCF is watching as he/she caresses their knife and the screen fades to black.

On the Next Salem Lives...

Celeste to Abe: Give her a chance, Abraham. Give Alexandra one more chance.

Billie to Abby: Fight for Max and to beat your paralysis. Don't give up a chance at happiness like I did.

Abby to Billie: Yeah but you have another one don't you. With my father.

Cassie to Chelsea: You do as I say or you lose everything. Easy concept, Chelsea.

Jack to Max: You and me have to talk.

James: Please...all of you. Listen to me. This is a matter of life and death.

-At Billie's PI office, Jack and Billie are awaiting JJ and Angel's arrival for their meeting. They hope nothing has happened to them. JJ and Angel soon arrive and say they had a hard time finding the place. Billie tells them she thought it would be safer meeting at her office since it's new and not public. They all sit down.

Meanwhile, James has followed them to the office and is eavesdropping through a small crack in the door. He tells himself he needs to find out how much they know so he can protect them. He needs to protect his family at all costs and make sure that none of the people he is involved with learns that they are on to them.

Meanwhile, at the McClure house, Renee gets up to get a drink of water and runs into Jonathan. She asks why he is up. Jonathan says that JJ and Angel are gone and he wonders where they could possibly be at this hour on a school night. Renee isn't sure but given their behavior of late, she knows they are up to something and worries that it may have something to do with their father. Jonathan asks if dad has come home. Renee shakes her head and says she knows he came home breifly earlier but she never saw him and he left yet again. Jonathan comforts her and says it will all be ok. He tells her they need to fidn out what is going on with dad, JJ, and Angel as soon as they come home. It's time that the truth came out. Renee agrees.

-At the Brady Pub, Hope asks Roman and Kim what made Bo so upset. Roman, Kim, and Caroline all look at each other. Roman says that he doesn't think he should tell her. Kim agrees and says that it may be best for Hope to find out from Bo himself when he is ready. Hope looks at Caroline, who agrees, remembering how Bo was afraid of how all this would affect Hope and their relationship. A frustrated Hope tells them that she will just go out and find Bo but warns that if he doesn't give her anything, she will let up and will be back to ask them again. She will find out what is going on. Hope leaves.

Meanwhile, Bo is on the pier. With tears in his eyes and his rage apparent, he recalls what he remembered tonight and how Roman and Kim knew all along. He then throws a crate and breaks down in tears, looking up to the heavens and asking "Why??!!" repeatedly.

Back at the Pub, Roman and Kim ask Caroline if she can ever forgive them. Caroline tells them both that she loves them and they are her children but there have been so many lies. From Roman and Bo's ruse to this, it's too much. It's going to be hard but, in time, she can forgive them. She can't say the same for Bo and everyone else and, even if they forgive, they may never forget, just like she might never. Caroline points out that it is understandable they wanted to protect their brother but it was bound to come out someday. Bo was going to remember. They also could've told her, Shawn Sr, or even Kayla. Someone could've helped.

Roman explains they didn't want to put the whole ordeal on the family. Bo repressed the memory so they thought it best to leave it buried and give everyone one less thing to stress over. As time went on, it became easy because they both even forgot they were keeping the truth. Caroline looks down in shame and says she has had enough for the night. She hopes Bo will be ok and that they can get through this, together as a family. She is going upstairs to pray it all works out and that Bo comes home tonight safe. She tells them both to lock up when they leave and tells them to consider going out to look for Bo and bring him back to the Pub.. It's the least they can do. Caroline goes upstairs.

Roman then gets up as Kim asks where he is going. Roman says he is going to send some men out to look for Bo and bring him home before he does something stupid. Roman also says he needs to check up on the search for Marlena. Kim asks if there is anything she can do for Bo or Marlena to help. Roman shakes his head and says thanks. He apologizes to her for what they are going through. Kim says it was her idea and most of the blame falls on her. She is sorry she brought him into it. Roman walks back and takes her hand, saying they will get through this together. They both smile as he leaves.

Kim then looks at a Brady family photo of Shawn Sr, Caroline, herself, Roman, Bo, and Kayla. She breaks down in tears and repeatedly says she is sorry. She is then touched on the shoulder by someone and turns to see Shane looking at her. They then embrace as he tries to comfort her, telling her repeatedly that it's ok and that he is here for her.

-At Lucas's apartment, Sami hangs up the phone after just calling the SPD to see if there was an update on Will. She is really worried now and a hysterical mess, asking Lucas what could have happened to him. She tells Lucas she has had this awful feeling all night and is now frightened that Victor, Stefano, or even Alan did something. Lucas comforts her.

Meanwhile, outside, Will slowly walks up to the door. He wipes the tears from his face and eyes and tries to compose himself but can't help recalling all he has learned about the man he thought of as "Ace" and what he did to him on this night. Will remembers Alan's warning to stay silent or him and his family would suffer greatly. Will begins to tremble and cry but realizes he must compose himself before going inside.

After a few moments, he feels ready enough to enter and knocks on the door. Lucas answers it and is shocked to see Will there. Lucas yells out his name, causing Sami to jump up. Lucas embraces his son, asking if he is ok. Will silently nods and says he is fine. Will then comes face to face with Sami and, remembering what Alan put her through and what he has now done to him, then breaks down in tears while running into his mother's arms. Sami begins to cry too as Lucas embraces the both of them and they reunite as a family.

-Back at the Pub, Shane asks Kim what happened. Kim says she isn't sure she should tell him. Shane laughs and reminds her of all the years they have spent together and known each other. He promises her she can trust him. He admits to being worried about her lately as she has been lashing out alot and worried about something, like when Bo was at the hospital and she lashed out at him. He asks Kim if that has something to do with this and Kim nods. She makes Shane promise to keep what she is going to tell him a secret. He promises and she explains to him all about what Eric did to Bo and how Roman and her kept it a secret for years, with help from Bo repressing the memory. She explains how she and Roman were worried lately about Bo remembering with the memories and nightmares he was having and that is why she acted as she did.

Kim explains that Bo remembered tonight and Roman and her told her mother. Now they all hate her and, once more family and friends learn the truth, they will hate her too. Shane doesn't think that is true. She was trying to protect her brother. Kim isn't so sure people will sympathize. She should know better but going through what she did with Eric added to her motivation for keeping the secret. Eric hurt her real bad and she was ashamed. She didn't want Bo to go through that or to have to deal with it publicly, especially with him being a guy. She knows that pain so that was a contributing factor to her motivation, in addition to protecting Bo. She feels like she will become the black sheep of the family now.

Shane jokes and says that Sami or Chelsea may be that black sleep. Kim sarcastically laughs and says neither will be anymore. Shane says he has similar troubles and isn't sure if he will be forgiven. Kim asks him what he is talking about. Figuring she will know sooner or later as it's public knowledge, he fills her in on how he helped Carrie remain in hiding. He explains he knew Alan was with her but she claimed he changed and she wanted to do this because she had no idea who the father of her baby was. She did it to avoid huring Sami, Lucas, Austin, and others and she did it for her child. She didn't want her child to have all that tension around him or her when it was born. He fills her in on everything that has transpired with Carrie and how Roman, Caroline, Kate, Sami, Lucas, Austin, and Abe are all angry with him and probably will never forgive him. His job may even be on the line as a result as there is still no telling if Alan has really changed or if he is dangerous.

Kim conforts him and says she is sure he will be fine, job-wise and with everyone else. He did it to help Carrie because she asked for his help. People will understand in time. Shane isn't so sure. Kim laughs, saying they are in the same boat. Shane smiles and says he is glad he isn't in the boat alone. They smile at each other and tenderly embrace. Shane says they will just have to be there for each other through all this. Kim agrees and says she thinks she is going to need him. They both promise to stand by each other and again lovingly embrace.

Meanwhile, upstairs, Caroline is in her room, tearfully praying to God to give her family peace and to help them through this difficult time. She calls out to Shawn Sr to watch over their children and to bring Bo home safe and sound and to help him deal with what has happened.

-On the pier, Bo tries to fight back the tears and then gets up, wandering aimlessly around with no sense where to go or what to do. He then begins to throw crates around and grabs on to the pier railing. He looks down at the water as Hope yells out his name:

Hope: Bo!! You don't want to do that.

Bo: I wasn't going to jump.

Hope: I wasn't going to take any chances. (Looks at Bo and lovingly touches his face and turns it towards her) Bo...please. Let me in...let me help you. Tell me what is going on. I know that Caroline, Roman, and Kim know. I know something has been going on for weeks. (Looking at Bo, who is fighting back the tears and remains silent) Does this have something to do with those outbursts you had at the warehouse or in the hospital? DAMNIT BO!!! THERE HAVE BEEN ENOUGH LIES!!! You, Shane, and Roman lied to us for months because of that ISA operation and, just when things settle down, here we are again. I am trying to get something out of you AGAIN!! After all we have been through with Zach, the island, all the deaths, Victor and Stefano...BO, DAMNIT LET ME HELP YOU!!! TELL ME!! TELL ME WHAT IS GOING ON!!!

Bo: SHUTUP!! LEAVE ME ALONE!!! I CAN'T TELL YOU!! I CAN'T!!! WHY CAN YOU GET THAT? WHY CAN'T THAT THICK HEAD OF YOURS GET THAT!! GO HOME...GO HOME TO JT!! JUST LEAVE ME ALONE!!!

Bo then runs off as Hope gives chase. She chases him to a warehouse district before losing him. She then leans up against a wall and crumples to the floor, frustrated and wondering what is happening to her husband. Tears roll down her cheeks as she asks herself, "Why won't he let me help him? Why won't he tell me what is happening?"

Bo is inside a abandoned warehouse. He runs into a back room and closes the door. He then slams his fists on a desk and breaks down in tears, saying:

Bo: I'm sorry, Fancy Face. I can't tell you...I can't tell anyone. It's how it has to be. Damnit...I can't live like this. I can't live knowing this...remembering this. How am I...the images won't get out of my head. How am I going to deal with this? HOW DAMNIT???!!! TELL ME GOD!!! TELL ME!! THIS HAPPENED TO ME AND I DON'T KNOW WHY SO THE LEAST YOU CAN DO IS TELL ME HOW TO DEAL WITH IT!! HASN'T MY FAMILY BEEN THROUGH ENOUGH??!!! HAVEN'T I??!! WHY DID I HAVE TO REMEMBER?! DAMNIT...SO STUPID...I SHOULD'VE LEFT IT ALL ALONE. DAMNIT...WHY?! GOD...WHY?!! WHY??!

Bo, in tears, then crumples to the floor near the desk, repeatedly asking why all this has happened.

-Back at Lucas's apartment, Sami sits Will down as they both dry their tears. She asks him where he has been and what happened. Will says he just needed to get away for a bit. Sami asks if it was because of what she told him...about her rape. Will then snaps and says to stop with the questions alright. Lucas and Sami stare at him. Feeling uncomfortable and worried he will admit all, Will gets up and runs to his room. Sami and Lucas chase after him and learn he has locked the door. They repeatedly ask him to open up but he just lays on his bed, quietly crying about what happened and how he can't tell anyone about it.

Later, Sami has given up and then asks Will if he will at least answer them to make sure he is ok. Will says he is tired and wants to go to bed. Sami asks if he has eaten and Will lies, saying he has even though he is very hungry. Sami reluctantly gives up and tells Will they will discuss everything in the morning. She begs him not to run off again. Meanwhile, a crying Will continues to relive what happened and tries to close his eyes but can't. He keeps seeing Alan. He begins to tremble and prays that he can deal with this and that him and his family will be safe and protected.

Outside Will's room, Lucas tells Sami that he has the security and some of the neighbors they know in the building next store watching the fire escape in case Will decides to run again. The security in their building also knows to look out for him and to make sure they are informed if he tries to leave. Sami thanks him and asks Lucas what he thinks is wrong with him and where he thinks Will went. Lucas doesn't know but says he is really worried. Sami says she is too. The way he broke down in tears when he saw her...something isn't right and she is going to find out what it is. Lucas agrees they need to find out ASAP so they can help him if he needs it, before it's too late.

-Back at Billie's office, Jack and Billie are warning Angel and JJ of the danger they could be in if this MCF learns what they saw and that they are investigating him/her. They already know this person is a huge threat and very dangerous given what they did at the New Year's ball. Billie also mentions Marlena and how unstabile she was prior to her presumed death on the island and she could very well be unstabile now as she would never be involved with someone like this MCF if she was her normal self. JJ and Angel understand all that but they also know there is nothing to fear from their father, no matter what he is involved in. They know he will do anything for them and to protect them. Jack tells them he believes that is why their father is involved in this.

JJ and Angel asks Jack and Billie how they will protect themself. Billie mentions she used to be ISA and Jack says he has been in dangerous situations before. He adds that they will be fine but they urge the both of them to be careful and to protect the rest of the family too, without telling them what they know or that they are helping him and Billie. They agree to do all that. JJ and Angel thank them for everything. Jack and Billie say it's no problem and it's all part of what they do. They tell each other to take care.

Meanwhile, outside, James back away and hides when JJ and Angel leave. They enter the elevator and, as it closes, James comes out of hiding around the corner. Jack closes the office door so James knows he is in the clear. He sneaks past the door and is about to exit via the stairwell. He opens the door and is stunned to see....Marlena!!!

James asks her what she is doing there. Marlena explains that she was instructed to keep an eye on him and his family. Their great leader knows someone is on to them and is feeding Jack Deveraux and Billie Reed information.

Marlena: You should know by now, James. We are always being watched. Everyone in Salem right now that is of concern to what we are doing is being monitored. We need to be one step ahead of the game. No one can learn what we are up to or catch on to us. Unfortunately, some have. Action will need to be taken to prevent any more information from getting out.

James: So you are implying that my family knows what is going on? Mar...

Marlena: Oh please, James. Don't play dumb. Why else would I be here when you are? You know I know everything. Everyone involved knows. JJ and Angel saw us meeting in the park, which was a bad idea by our great leader in the first place but I digress, and they told Jack and Billie. All four have been working together and it needs to stop. The cloaked one is not happy and action is going to be taken.

James: Marlena...look. This is my family. You have children, a husband...let me talk to JJ and Angel. I will talk to my whole family. I will keep them quiet...maybe you can help. We can tell the others that it as a mistake and...

Marlena: Come on, James. No one will buy that. They saw it with their own two eyes. They know your kids saw us. They have been watching them for awhile now to make sure. They know your wife and middle child have no clue as to anything yet so, as of right now, they are in the clear, but JJ and Angel need to be taken care of.

James: What do you mean by "taken care of?"

Marlena: I don't know yet. Nothing has been decided. And if JJ and Angel tell your wife and your other kid, or if they find out something on their own, they will need to be taken care too. Just like anyone that gets in our way.

James: Marlena...you can help me convince them. You can help me protect my family. You love your family, don't you? You see where I am coming from. I don't want them to be in harm's way. I...

Marlena: It's not up to me and I would probably do the same thing if it was. Whatever is necessary must be done.

James: How can you saw that? I know you are a kind, loving woman. You have changed but I still think you are like that deep down. Are you saying you would be ok with someone you love being in danger? If they came after your children or husband, you would stand by and let it happen?

Marlena (coldly staring at James): Yes. Whatever is necessary.

James: Wow...you really are nothing like the Marlena I heard about. The Marlena that Salem adores...she is gone isn't she?

Marlena: I will just do anything to get what I want. I told you before that I am involved in this to further my own plans...to further my own agenda. As soon as I get what I want, I am done with this great plan we are involved in.

James: I still don't understand what you are up to...

Marlena: You don't have to. Just know...like I told you the morning after you got me out of that bar...I will do whatever it takes to get what I want. I will do whatever it takes to secure my freedom and to remain in the clear to do what I have to do. That means following instructions for the moment and I intend to do that because I must...if I want to do what I have to. No matter what I have to do. No matter who I have to hurt...family, friend, what. No matter what. No restrictions. Do you understand?

James (looking into Marlena's cold stare): I see evil in your eyes. Evil, hate...you really would stand by and let them harm someone you love, wouldn't you? You would actually do it yourself...hell, you almost did. I almost forgot you tried to kill your own husband and you stood by when it was decided to blow up your daughter, Sami's, apartment. Why I am surprised? I haven't worked with you that long but...from what I have seen, I wonder if you are even Marlena Evans. You can't be the same Marlena that is beloved by Salem. She wasn't evil and cold-hearted like you.

Marlena: Whatever. I am out of here beforev we get caught. Take care James and...a little warning. Don't get in the way.

Marlena then leaves via the stairwell as James looks on, horrified at what was just discussed and the danger his family is in. James leaves through the stairwell. After he leaves, the MCF comes out of a janitor's closet nearby. The MCF, while using his/her voice changer, says:

MCF: I should've known. I can't trust either of them. Good thing I never have.

The MCF then pulls out a knife and looks in the direction of Billie's office.

MCF: What must be done, will be done. Nothing will stop me. Nothing.

The MCF then puts the knife away and leaves via the stairwell as the screen fades to black.

On the Next Salem Lives...

Carrie to Austin: I remember...my baby is gone!!!

Kate to Alan: Have you really changed?

Sami (with Lucas) to Will: If something is wrong, tell us. Please.

Max to Cassie: I am here for you. I'm not going anywhere.

Abby to Chelsea: Get out. Leave me alone.

Jonathan to JJ: I want the truth.

-At one of Victor’s secret hideouts, Nico brings Julie in to see Victor, who is waiting for her in his study. Looking out his window, he turns to see Julie walk in and is still not very pleased with how she duped Nico into giving away his location. Julie tells him that she really doesn’t care about any of that. He left a troubled woman back home in Salem and it’s his duty to go to her and see her through what he put her through. Victor disagrees, saying that what Maggie got herself into was of her own choosing. He can’t count how many times he told her to stay out of everything, only for her to go off and do whatever she wanted to do, so if she wants to blame anyone....she can blame herself.

Julie knows what Victor is trying to do. And she appreciates it. But, she knows that she and Maggie can use their Horton name to get leniency for him with all the charges he’s facing. Victor thanks her for that but he tells her that he got himself into this and he’ll get himself out of it. Julie asks him if he knows what the charges are that he’s facing. He says that he has a pretty good idea. Julie is glad that he does. She also tells him that Doug doesn’t have one clue about what she is doing. Victor is glad, saying that it would defeat the purpose of faking his death if everyone knew about it.

He then gets back up, walking over to his desk and pulling out a file on the MCF. He tells Julie that this person was the reason why he went underground. This person is using both his operation and Stefano’s to infiltrate Salem and do as much damage as he/she can. That’s why he felt it was best to take Bo out of the equation. He loves his son very much and doesn’t want him to suffer for a life that Victor has lived since he can remember. Julie understands al of that and tells him how much she truly respects him. She also tells him that she knows he did what he did for Maggie as well, no matter what he says. Victor tells her it’s true but he also tells her that he must put this all to rest. Nothing is more important than that.

Julie agrees and as they wish each other well, Julie is blindfolded and led out of the compound. Nico then steps into Victor’s study and stands by his godfather, telling him that now would be a good time to return to Salem, if for no other reason than to put an end to this MCF mess once and for all. Victor is sick of it, especially with the fact that this person used him to get what they wanted. Nico shakes his head in agreement, saying that he and his men will make the necessary arrangements. Nico leaves Victor to sip on his finest Brandy, looking out of the window into the ocean, and thinking to himself that the time is quickly approaching where sides will have to be chosen....

And also for revenge to be savored.

-Meanwhile, a continent away, Bo can’t calm down in Dr. Harris’s office, having just remembered a tragic incident that happened when he was a boy. The doctor tries to calm him but Bo gets up from her couch, in a deep rage. He can’t believe that not only did his uncle molest him but that both Roman and Kimberly knew and said nothing. He really can’t believe his sister, he tells the doctor. She was also raped by this man and why she would decide to hide this from him is beyond his reasoning. The doctor walks over to him standing by a window, looking out and remembering everything.......

How Roman pushed for him to go into the Merchant Marines later in his life. How he never saw his uncle again. How, when they were kids, Roman would never leave Bo alone with their uncle. Neither would Kimberly, even though this is when her tragedy began with their uncle Eric. How, after the first time it happened, Roman would not let Bo out of his sight for one moment. All of this now comes rushing back to him and he can’t believe that both of them would handle it in this fashion. The doctor tries to comfort Bo, who breaks down in anger and shame, as the scene slowly dissolves back to.....

The Pub, where Roman and Kimberly have just told their mother what Eric did to Bo all those years ago and how they knew about it but said nothing. They explain they were trying to protect Bo, knowing full well how traumatized he was. Once he repressed the memory, they just went with it and never looked back, hoping he never remembered. Caroline is shocked at this confession and even more shocked at their behavior. Roman explains to Caroline that she and Pop were away and they didn't want to burden them with this when they returned home. They had enough issues with making a living for the family and all. Both Roman and Kimberly are having a hard time looking at Caroline, who just stares at them in anger. Not only for what they kept hidden but for what Eric did to another one of her children. She then says that she wishes Victor was alive so he could meet out the right form of payback to Eric.

Roman and Kimberly can’t believe these words coming from the same woman who held Victor at gunpoint and wished him dead. Sometimes, Caroline says, that is the only type of justice certain people understand. Roman can’t believe his mother is talking like this. Caroline can’t believe her son would hold something back like that and she tells him to not judge her with what he’s done these past few months. Caroline walks past both her children and into the restaurant to calm down. Roman and Kimberly follow, trying to explain why they did what they did. Caroline doesn’t want to hear any of it, especially from Kimberly. She also tells her oldest daughter that she loves her so very much and understands and realizes the pain she went through at Eric’s hands.

But......that does not excuse her from not telling her what had happened. Period. Kimberly shakes her head in shame before lowering it and Roman does the same. Caroline then tells him that all those years as a cop must have made him quite arrogant. He is shocked by this statement but Caroline tells him not to be. Apparently, battling men like Stefano and Victor his whole life has made him forget what is most important.........

Family. That’s it, that’s all. Bo is his brother, she tells him, and he should have came first. Nothing else. She can’t understand how two men who once shared a bedroom together can’t look out for each other more. And they all know that Bo is the baby boy of this family. They should never forget that no matter how old he gets, he is still the same little brother who used to follow them to the corner store, wanting to do everything that Roman did, and worshiped the ground Kimberly walked on. And maybe that’s what it is......maybe all that damn hero-worship has gone to their heads.

Roman and Kimberly are speechless. Roman can’t even look at Caroline and Kimberly wipes away tears. At that very moment, Bo walks through the door. Everyone turns to look at him and, without saying a single word, realize that he now knows everything. Roman starts to walk from the bar counter and towards Bo, trying to explain. But Bo, in a moment of seething rage, runs towards Roman......And hits him a very powerful right cross, sending Roman crashing over the dining room tables and into the counter behind him.

Bo then runs past Caroline and Kimberly and grabs Roman, standing him up in one fell swoop and demanding to know one thing........

Bo: How in the HELL could you let that man do that to me and keep that from me?! (Crying) I loved you, man! You’re my brother. You’re supposed to protect me, no matter how much I screw up. What?! Cat got your tongue?! You can’t say anything?!

Roman: What is there to say? I can’t excuse what I did anymore then you can. All I can say (Rubbing his jaw) is that I’m so, so sorry. I pray you find it in your heart to forgive me.

Bo: Really. Well........keep waiting. After everything I’ve done for you. I left my wife.......

Hope walks into the Pub, observing what is going on. She doesn’t say one word. She just watches.....and listens.

Bo: Put my family in harms way, helped Victor in this stupid blood feud with Stefano and all for what? For an older brother who apparently loves his name in the PAPER more than he loves me!

Kimberly tries to step in and calm Bo down but he’s not having any of it.......

Bo: And what the hell do you have to add to this, Sis?! What......you want to tell me how you did this for me?! Then say it. SAY IT, SIS!! TELL ME HOW YOU DID THIS OUT OF LOVE FOR YOUR LITTLE STUPID BROTHER!!

Caroline tries to stop Bo from getting violent again and Bo looks at her, with a pain she has never seen in his eyes. All he can say to her is.....

Bo: How could they do this to me, Ma? How could they let me hurt like that? I feel so ashamed. You must hate me for letting it happen, don’t you?

Caroline walks up to her baby boy and hugs him, telling him that.......

Caroline: I could never hate my baby, ok? Don’t you ever think that. That man was sick. And......this is not your fault.

Bo: But it feels like it is. I don’t know what to do. Hope will hate me when she finds out.

Hope: No, I won’t.

Hope stands in the background and slowly walks forward, asking that all she wants Bo to do is....

Hope: Just tell me what happened and we’ll get through this together. But, I can’t help you if you shut me out, Bo!

Bo: I.......just.....I can’t right now, Hope. Please understand. But, I suggest that if you want to know....talk to these two. Because as far as I’m concerned......

I don’t have an older brother or sister anymore.

Bo storms out of the Pub as Roman tries to follow but Caroline and Kimberly stop him. He’s still a little woozy from Bo’s massive punch and they tell him that Bo needs space. He’ll be back......

And together, they’ll get through this......as a family. The scene pans from Roman, Kimberly and Hope, who are not nearly as optimistic.

-At Lucas’s apartment, Lucas brings Sami some hot cocoa to calm her down, telling her that it always does the trick. Sami thanks Lucas but she sits the cup down, saying that there is nothing that will calm her down.....accept her son coming home. She prays that he didn’t do this because of what she told him. Lucas doesn’t think so. He also wants to know if she is saying that he doesn’t love Will as much as she does. Sami insists that is not what she meant and she takes his hand as she tells him that she is just talking out the side of her head. All she hopes is that he is ok.......and Lucas turns to look at her, hoping that Victor or Stefano hasn’t done anything to their son as revenge.

Sami picks up her cocoa and takes a sip, laying in Lucas’s arms as they both think about their son, who could be involved in God Knows what.

-At the hotel, Will is laying there, unresponsive and trembling. Alan asks him why isn’t he saying anything. He thought he would enjoy what just happened. Alan fixes his clothes as Will speaks finally, saying that his mother was right the whole time. Alan is nothing but a sick, twisted bastard. He starts to cry again, saying that one day, Alan will get exactly what is coming to him. Alan takes him by the neck and tell him he will keep his mouth shut or him and his family will suffer a fate worst then death. A shaking Will nods slowly as Will forces him to promise to remain silent. Alan laughs and says that it must be in the genes. He is just as good as his mother was. Alan laughs again as Will lashes out, forgetting that he is still bound in place.

He also tells Will that his aunt Carrie is just as dumb and stupid as his mother is. She still thinks he’s changed. Shee doesn’t know his true motives and, as far as he’s concerned, she never will. He then bends over and cuts Will loose. Will gets up with tears running down his face and rubs his wrists, looking at Alan with deep seated hatred and contempt. Alan then tells him that he can get dressed. He’s free to go. He reminds Will to remain silent about everything he knows and what happened here tonight or else. He then walks over to the window and says isn’t that something.......

Two Bradys gotten by the same man. Will slowly gets dressed as Alan watches and laughs and then he slowly opens the door, stopping long enough to stare daggers into a beside-himself Alan. Will then walks outside......

And collapses on the ground, crying hysterically. The scene closes in on his tormented face as it slowly fades to black.

Next Time, On Salem Lives.....

Sami to Lucas: Something is wrong and I am going to find out.

Hope to Bo: Tell me what is going on. Please!!

Caroline to Kim and Roman: There are just too many lies. It's going to be very hard to get past this.

Jack (with Billie) to JJ and Angel: If you aren't careful, you could be in real danger.

James: I have to protect my family. No matter what I have to do.

Salem Lives's Monday episode will be delayed until tomarrow. Two episodes will be posted either tomarrow or Wednesday to catch up so that the rest of the week will be normal after Wednesday. Monday's episode will definitely be posted tomarrow though. We thank you for your patience and, trust me, you will not want to miss this episode when it gets posted. Monday's episode includes:

-The fallout from Bo remembering and Alan's attack on Will.

-Caroline learning the truth about Bo.

-Julie trying to persuade Victor to return to Salem.

So, in summary, look out tomarrow for two episodes to be posted. If not tomarrow, there will be two episodes posted Wednesday to catch up. Thanks. smile.

Announcer: A FANTASTIC FEBRUARY CONTINUES ON SALEM LIVES...

FIRST...

Clip of Bo in Dr. Harris' office.

Bo: I remember!!

A LONG BURIED SECRET IS REVEALED...

Bo: This can't be true!!!

LEADING TO A CONFRONTATION YOU CAN'T MISS!!

Clip of Bo entering the Brady Pub, where Caroline, Kim, and Roman are.

Bo (teary eyed) to Kim and Roman: I know the truth!! How could you do this to me??!!

THEN...

Clip of Will laying on the bed in Alan's hotel room.

A HORRIFIC ACT...

Will (crying) to Alan: Why??!! Why did you do this to me?

Alan to Will: I had to.

LEAVES A YOUNG TEEN TRAUMATIZED...

Will (crying): What am I going to do?

WILL HE ADMIT ALL?

Will to Alan: Your not going to get away with this.

Alan (while grabbing Will by the neck): You say a word about anything and you and your family will suffer a fate worst then death.

PLUS...

TWO BIG RETURNS...

Clip of Stefano and Lexie walking into the Salem police station.

Stefano: It's good to be back.

Lexie: Time to get my revenge.

AND TWO BIG DECISIONS!!

Julie to Victor: Make the right choice. Come home Victor.

Roman: What the hell am I going to do?

AND...

FRIDAY...

MURDER HITS SALEM!!!

IT ALL LEADS TO SALEM LIVES VENDETTA BEGINNING MARCH 1!!!

EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED, FANTASTIC FEBRUARY!!!

WEEK OF 2/19/07 EDITION

INSIDER SPOTLIGHT: SALEM LIVES HW TIM LOWERY DISHES ON FEBRUARY SWEEPS THUS FAR, TWO CONTROVERSIAL STORYLINES, AND WHAT IS COMING UP NEXT.

Interviewer (I): Hi again, Tim.

Tim Lowery (TL): Hey. Nice to talk with you again.

I: It's been a huge sweeps. Salem Lives is doing well in the ratings and things seem to be happening at a breakneck pace.

TL: Yes. This is the best pace we have had since our regime took over. The island stuff was kind of like this but what is happening now is a little different. It's not all action and adventure. It's mostly emotional, dramatic kind of stuff. It's fun right now because alot of last Fall was building the stories and I think that took longer then any of us thought. Sure, we had the Sydney adventure and the stuff around the holidays but I really feel like we have hit our groove. I said that 2007 would be a HUGE year and, so far, I don't think we are disappointing. Things are happening every day, especially this sweeps, which is what was promised to the fans. I feel we are delivering and, judging by the ratings and comments, I think fans are satisfied.

I: The Carrie baby story seems to have been the big focus this sweeps this far. It seems like the story has finally come along after being on the backburner for awhile. Obviously, it had been 9 months and Carrie as due to go into labor but it seems like the Alan part of the story has finally exploded too. Why choose Ferbruary sweeps for that?

TL: Well, alot of what we wanted to do with Carrie, Alan, etc revolved around Carrie's labor. We also wanted to get the Stefano and Victor stuff and some of the other stories to a point where we could move them out for a bit to play other stories. That is why this sweeps has dealt with Carrie, Austin, Lucas, Sami, Alan, Will and with Max, Cassie, Abby, and Chelsea. Those stories have been off the stove for awhile. Sami was being featured but the other characters were being tossed in here and there just so we could remind fans that those stories were still around. We really wanted the beginning of this sweeps to be about those stories and setting them up for what will happen in those stories during VENDETTA. Now, the second half of sweeps will be focusing on Bo and the aftermath of what he remembered, the aftermath of Alan's attack on Will, the returns of Victor and Stefano, Lexie's return, and the MCF storyline. We still have some huge twists left to go and, at the same time, we are setting up for Vendetta and it's launch on March 1. We will save the Vendetta stuff for another time though (laughs).

I: Ok. We will stop asking about the rest of sweeps and let the fans be surprised. I am sure you wet their appetites enough. Now, on to this past Friday's episode. You promoted it as a shocker and boy, was it ever. Can you tell us your feelings on the episode and what transpired with Bo, Will, and Alan?

TL: Well, for starters, we wanted it to be powerful and emotional. Bo remembering what happened to him in the past was to parallel what was happening to Will in the present. I am glad the fans liked that and caught on to that because that is what makes it so powerful. It adds to the essence. We had alot of concerns about this and I need to give all the credit concerning this Bo story to my co-HW Patrick L. Ewing. Going back into Bo's past and bringing this issue to light with this character was his idea and this story was his brainchild. He wrote Friday's superb episode and I just want the fans to know that and credit him with that. I had this story in mind for Will since we recasted with Jeremy Sumpter so, when my co-HW pitched the story about Bo being molested in the past and blocking it out, I began to think about how we could parallel both stories. That is how we came up with the plan to have Bo remember as Alan carries out the very same horrible act on Will. It's powerful and emotional. Everything you could want in a drama. We were careful not to be too graphic. We didn't want to turn people off to the story or the issue at hand. I love every aspect of this story and I hope the fans stick with it and enjoy it because it has a powerful message and is just a good, solid story.

I: Why write this for Bo and why have Alan do this? What was the motivation and where is this story going?

TL: Bo has always had a temper and this anger inside him. He was always rebellious since the character appeared. He flies off the handle so much and doesn't care about rules or going by the book. My co-HW and I think this incident from his past is a good way of explain so much of the rage that Bo often feels. He always has this need to put criminals behind bars at any cost, especially if his family is in danger. He doesn't care about protocol and his only focus is on putting the person behind bars, whether it be on the right side of the law or not. Bo being molested in the past kind of is an underlying cause to alot of Bo's behavior and why he does what he does, even if he never remembered it until now. Roman and Kim were the only ones that knew and he blocked it out for years. He felt alone during and after the incident and was completely horrified. It's traumatizing for a child that young and, even if you have no memory of the incident, I think somehow it always stays with you and drives alot of your emotions and your actions. The aftermath of this is going to really affect the Brady's, especially given Kim and Roman knew and never told him. It's going to be really emotional and gut-wrenching. There is also Hope and his family with her. This will really affect them and Bo's relationship with Hope. His manhood comes into play and as does so many other issues.

As for Will and Alan, the motivation behind doing this with them was to being the growth and maturation process of the Will character. We have been slowly doing that but now it ups the ante. We felt doing this was good because he is going through what his mother did in a way. She had just finally told him about Alan raping her and then this happens. It also ups the stakes in the Alan story and brings us full circle to when Alan raped Sami. The fallout from this is huge for Sami, Lucas, Will, Carrie, Austin, and so many others. It all ties together in a dramatic way. Sami and Lucas will have to come together for their son and we will see Will go through a long journey of self-discovery and we will see him grow up having to deal with what Alan did to him. His sexuality is big here as well. He was coming to accept being gay and was contemplating how to deal with that in regards to telling his family and so on and now this.

Both stories will go in stunning directions from here. The parallels will continue as we see Bo and Will deal with what has happened to them. There will be some great interactions between them too and they will work to get through this together. I know the fans will love it.

I: Sounds good. Can you tell anymore about what is coming up?

TL: Not too much. In addition to what has already been said, this Friday will be the last in our 4 Fantastic February Fridays so don't miss that. There is a huge ending to that episode that will be stunning. The following week will deal with the aftermath of that episode and on February 28 we end sweeps in dramatic style with a big Marlena reveal and another huge twist that sets up for the first day of VENDETTA on March 1. The March 1 episode contains a huge twist to kick off VENDETTA too. Things aren't slowing down any time soon that's for sure. It's a mile a minute on Salem Lives and you just can't miss an episode, especially with VENDETTA coming up. Missing a day is definitely missing alot.

I: It was nice talking with you again. We will do this again.

TL: Definitely. Thanks for having me.

PREVIEWS AND PEEKS INTO WK OF 2/19/07

-Bo confronts Kim and Roman.

-Caroline learns the truth.

-Will falls apart.

-Sami and Lucas worry about Will.

-Julie tries to persuade Victor to return to Salem.

-Maggie's drinking becomes worse.

-Billie and Jack issue a warning to JJ and Angel.

-Carrie remembers and then contemplates telling the truth.

-Abby lashes out at Chelsea.

-Max vows to stand by Cassie.

-Marlena threatens James.

-Celeste tries to convince Abe to give Lexie another chance.

-Lexie and Stefano return to Salem.

-Victor makes his choice.

-Roman is faced with a difficult decision.

-Shane gets a frantic call for help.

-The MCF takes action to cover his or her own tracks.

-Murder rocks Salem.

RED LETTER DAYS!!!

Monday February 19: Bo confronts Kim and Roman as Caroline learns the truth. Meanwhile, Will deals with the aftermath of what Alan did to him.

Tuesday Ferbruary 20: Julie tries to convince Victor to return to Salem.

Friday February 23: Lexie and Stefano return to Salem as Roman is faced with a difficult choice. Also, murder rocks Salem.

Next Week: Eric and Nicole have hope. Victor seeks out an old flame for help. Lexie vows revenge. The truth about Belle and Philip is revealed. Nicole reverts to old ways. Philip has an interesting reaction to Victor's return. Murder sends shockwaves through Salem. The truth about Marlena is revealed. VENDETTA begins with several huge twists.

-A worried Hope walks through the door of the Brady Pub just as Caroline comes downstairs. When Hope meets her at the counter, she asks where Bo is. Caroline informs her that Bo isn’t even there. Hope takes a moment to let that comment sink in and then turns and starts walking towards the door, telling Caroline that she will go and find him. Caroline tells her to keep her updated when she finally gets in contact with Bo. Hope shakes her head yes and then rushes out the door.

As Hope walks out the door, she runs into Roman and Kimberly, who are headed inside. They stop Hope and ask her where is she rushing off to so fast. She tells them that Bo isn’t in his room and with the tension in their marriage and all the pain and tragedy that Bo has been through, she doesn’t want to leave him by himself. Roman can understand that but, he tells her, Bo’s grown. He can take care of himself. Kimberly concurs, also telling Hope that she knows how much of a rebel he is. And, the fact that he always keeps his thoughts and feelings to himself when something is bothering him shouldn’t also be lost on Hope.

Hope agrees and tells them that she understands what they are saying. But, he has been more closed off than usual and she just can’t let that slide. Hope hopes that they can also see that as well since she loves him so much. Kimberly looks at Roman and then back at Hope and takes a step forward, kissing Hope on the cheek and wishing her luck. Roman does the same and tells Hope to get in touch with him if she can’t find him by sundown so that he can put some men on it. Hope thanks them both and they separate, Roman and Kimberly going into the Pub, and Hope racing off to find Bo.

As Roman wheels Kimberly into the Pub, he parks her right along side a booth and Caroline walks over, greeting her two oldest children. She asks what they want for dinner and both say bacon and eggs at the same time, which makes Caroline laugh, because they used to do the very same thing when they were kids and always used to like eating breakfast foods for dinner. Roman says:

Roman: I know that, Ma. That’s why we said it.

Caroline: Yes, well, you two better eat everything on your plates, instead of having another food fight like you used to, ok?

Kimberly: Of course, Ma. We’re grown now. We wouldn’t dream of dirtying up your nice floor.

Roman and Kimberly look at each other and smile as Caroline smiles wryly and leaves to go fix them dinner. Kimberly looks at Roman as they watch her leave and says to him:

Kimberly: I thought she would never leave. I think she knows something’s up, don’t you?

Roman: I never had doubted that woman. Even when I wasn’t Roman, she still could tell me what was wrong with me even without me saying a word. I know that’s not about to change now that I am her son again. And, if she knows that about me, and you.......

Kimberly: Then she knows that something is up with our little brother. I wonder has he made a breakthrough yet?

Roman: No, he hasn’t. Because if he had, my head would be on a platter right now and he would be holding the ax. Yours too, sis.

Kimberly: I know that. You don’t have to remind me. I just hope one thing.

Roman: What’s that?

Kimberly: That when he does remember, that he won’t hate us........

Or worse.......hate himself.

Roman shakes his head slowly as Caroline and a waitress returns with their huge dinner. She puts it down and asks if anything is wrong. Both Roman and Kimberly look at one another and say no. Everything’s just fine. Caroline tells her children that a lie may hold for now but, soon, she will want the truth.......

And as their mother, she will get it. Caroline walks off to let Kimberly and Roman eat their meal in tension-filled quiet.

Forty-five minutes later, after Roman and Kimberly are through eating, Kimberly says she can’t take it anymore. It’s not right to keep the truth about Bo from her. She says she’s going in the back and telling Caroline everything. Roman says fine. Go ahead. He’ll sit right out there and watch for Bo and Hope. Kimberly tells him that since their father died he is the man of the family and he isn’t leaving her to do this all by herself. He’s going in there with her, right now.

Roman sighs deeply and says ok. He’ll do what he needs to do. He just hopes it goes well. He gets up and wheels Kimberly into the kitchen, where they both tell their mother there is something she needs to know about Bo and it can’t wait any longer. Caroline looks scared as she puts down her apron and both Kimberly and Roman look at their mother with fear and worry.

-At Lucas apartment, both parents are worried sick about Will. It’s been a day and they haven’t heard a word from him. Sami goes and looks out the window of Will’s room and then sits on his bed holding his basketball jersey. She then sees a picture of the two of them at the last Forth Of July parade and she then breaks down slowly. Lucas comes and stands at the doorway and slowly walks over to Sami as she starts crying harder and harder. She then tries to get up so she can go look for her son.

But, Lucas grabs her. He turns her around and tells her that she is in no shape to go and look for him. She asks Lucas:

Sami: Are you saying that I can’t go look for my son?!

Lucas: What I’m saying is with the state you’re in, you may do harm to yourself and more harm to Will. He may have just pulled the same stunt he did when he went to Chicago last summer. He has done things like this before.

Sami: You think he’s acting out after what I told him about.......my.......

Lucas: I don’t know, baby. This maybe his way of dealing with it. But.......you do know who your father is, don’t you?

Sami: Yes, I know. But, he has so much on his plate now. With my mother acting strange and everything between Stefano and Victor and then with Uncle Bo, I just don’t want to give him anymore to worry about.

Lucas: I know, Sami. But we may have to ask him for more help and soon, ok?

Sami: (Crying harder) Ok, Lucas. If it’ll bring my baby home......I’ll.....I’ll do whatever I have to.

Lucas: Good. Now, let’s get you cleaned up, ok?

Sami: Ok.

Lucas takes Sami into the bathroom and tries his best to calm her down but even he is beyond worried at what may have happened to his son. He just doesn’t want to show his lady how scared he really is.

-Meanwhile, at a motel, Will is still bound and gagged and being held at knife point by Alan, who is smoking a cigarette. When Will tries to yell through the binding in his mouth, Alan tells him to shut up or he’ll have to do him like he did his mother. That makes Will violently thrash against his bindings in anger at the thought of what happened between Alan and Sami all those years ago. Alan then walks over to Will, bends down towards him, and whispers into his ear:

Alan: Be still and very quiet, little boy. Or.........I’ll have no choice but to silence you myself.

This calms Will down enough to where he stops fighting his restraints. Alan then stands back up and looks down at Will, as the scene slowly dissolves into.......

Bo, who is walking into Dr. Barbara Harris’s office. He introduces himself and says:

Bo: Dr Harris, I’m glad you could see me on such short notice.

Dr. Harris: No problem, Detective. Even though you are a famous man in this city, I guarantee absolute discretion. Patient/doctor confidentiality prohibits me from talking about your case at all. So, if you’ll have a seat, we can get down to business. Bo, what I know is your case history from your doctor here at University Hospital and I want to have you tell me....when did these memories start coming to you and how have you dealt with them?

Bo proceeds to tell the doctor what has happened up to now. He also tells her that this is bothering him so much, it’s starting to affect his marriage. He loves his wife and children and wants to be the best person he possibly can......for them. But, he knows he has to get past this first.

The doctor suggests that for this meeting, they try hypnosis. Bo says that he has tried that before and, frankly, is sick of constantly going through the same stuff and not getting anywhere when all is said and done. The doctor tells him that what he is trying to remember is buried deep in his sub-conscious and that may be the only way to bring it out. Bo says ok. He’ll try it one more time but, if it doesn’t work this time, that’s it. No more. The doctor says that’s a deal.

Meanwhile, back at the motel, Alan walks around the hotel room, staring at Will with an evil gaze. He paces back and forth at the foot of Will’s bed as Will wonders what will come next. He didn’t’ have to wait long as Alan stops dead in his tracks and says that.......

Alan: I think it’s time that I taught you the same lesson I taught your mother.

Will’s eyes grow wide with terror as Alan starts to slowly take off his shirt. Back at the doctor’s office, Dr. Harris has been successful in putting Bo under with hypnosis and now she begins to ask him a series of questions. When she asks him if there is someone in his dreams, Bo calmly says yes. At the very same moment, in the motel room, Alan is now partially undressed, telling Will that it will be ok. This won’t hurt one bit. He then unsnaps his pants and smiles sadistically as the scene once again shifts.......

Back to the doctor’s office, as Bo is now getting more and more agitated. Dr. Harris asks him what is the man doing in his dreams. Bo says that he is walking closer and closer to him, telling him it will be ok. He won’t hurt him. Bo then starts crying, calling out for his father, his brother, his mother & his oldest sister to help him. He tells the man the same thing Will tells Alan after having his mouth piece violently ripped out of his mouth.......

That he doesn’t want to do this. He wants Alan to leave him alone. Will is crying now as Alan is fully undressed and he walks towards Will in a menacing gesture. He gets on the bed and, after ripping Will’s shirt off, tells him that everything will be just fine. Alan says that he has nothing to worry about and tells him just to relax. This will all be over soon. Will screams out in terror.....

At the very same moment Bo does. He snaps out of his hypnosis and announces that......

Bo: I remember. I remember everything. I now know that.........

My Uncle Eric molested me when I was a child! That bastard molested me! HOW COULD HE DO THAT?! WHY DID HE DO THAT TO ME?!

Bo is crying hysterically as the scene split-screens, showing him on one side and a crying Will on another, with Alan touching him all over. The camera focuses on the faces of both Bo and Will and then suddenly freeze-frames on their crying faces as the scene slowly fades to black.

Next Time, On A Very Special Salem Lives....

Caroline to Roman and Kayla: What do you have to tell me?

Hope: Where are you, Bo?

Barbara to Bo: Where are you going?

Bo to Barbara: There is something I need to do.

Sami to Lucas: I am telling you something bad is happening right now. I can feel it.

Will to Alan: GET THE HELL AWAY FROM ME!!! PLEASE!!

-At the Green Mountain Hospital, Eric and Nicole return after going back to the lodge to rest. They are approached by the doctor who examined the newborn they found last night and ask about the baby's status. The doctor says the child is fine and is ready to be released. CPS has been unable to find out where he came from, however. No newborn babies were reported missing last night.

Nicole asks what will happen to the child now. The doctor says that CPS will take care of it and wait to see if someone claims the child or reports a missing child. If none of that happens, they will seek out a foster or new permanent home for the child. The doctor leaves as Nicole's eyes light up. She turns to Eric and tells him that no one is going to claim the child. It's their miracle chid. She knows it. They are finally going to make their dreams come true and have the life they dreamed of.

Eric tries to be realistic and tells her that even if no one claims the child, there will be many people out there wanting a child. They will face alot of competition and they aren't going to be the only ones that want this baby, Nicole realizes that but feels like this happened for a reason. They found this child for a reason. They wre losing hope and their marriage was under alot of strain. This miracle changes all that. It gives them what they have always wanted and, even though she doesn't have a job, she can be a full-time mom. Nicole begins to think everything is working out for a reason and that there perfect life that they dreamed of is finally becoming a reality.

Eric insists that they wait and see how things turn out before getting their hopes up. Nicole reluctantly agrees but does think this is their miracle and it will turn out well in the end. She then asks Eric to promise her that they will do whatever they can to gain custody of the baby if it isn't claimed. Eric promises they will do whatever is possible and gives his word. Nicole embraces him and says she feels like it will all work out just the way they dreamed it. They will be a family with this baby and will live the life they always wanted. Eric says he hopes that is the case and then privately worries about how Nicole will react if things don't go as she hopes.

-Jack and Billie are her office, working on their investigation of James McCluer and his connection to the MCF. Billie wonders why Marlena was with them and wonders if they should tell Roman. Jack thinks they should wait until they learn more. The police are already looking for her anyway. Billie is also worried about the MCF finding out they are on to them. She is especially worried about JJ and Angel as they were the ones that saw the MCF, Marlena, and James meet in the park. If the MCF knows or figures out they saw somehow, they could be in danger. Hell, they could be in danger from their own father and who knows if Marlena is still off the deep end or not. Jack says he doesn't know about Marlena but doesn't think James would hurt his children since they are probably a reason why he is involved in all this.

Jack suggests that they meet with JJ and Angel to caution them and give them some advice on how to be careful. Billie think that is a great idea but also wonders if maybe they are doing wrong by not taking this to the ISA and SPD. Jack reminds her that it's easier to investigate this under the radar. They can find out more this way. Billie sarcastically says that Jack just wants to break the story but Jack says that isn't the only reason. This MCF scares him. Some of the things that have already happened as a result of he or she show what this person is capable of. He wants to catch the person for everyone's sakes and feels them investigating it on their own is the best way.

Jack tells Billie they can take their findings to the ISA and SPD when they know more or when things get to be too dangerous. Billie agrees to. Jack asks her to call JJ and Angel right now so they can have the meeting ASAP.

-Meanwhile, at the McCluer house, JJ and Angel are upstairs in his room. They discuss the meeting they witnessed between their father, Marlena, and the MCF. They wonder if Billie has made any progress. JJ isn't sure but is sure they will hear from her soon. Angel admits that she is worried about what could happen if the MCF or anyone else finds out what they know. They may be in danger. JJ doesn't think their father would hurt them. Angel says maybe not him but there are others who would just to make sure their plans aren't exposed or ruined.

Meanwhile, downstairs, Jonathan is helping his mother with the dishes. Renee is complaining about another Valentines day without her husband. She was told by him that it would be different this year with him being out of jail but it's the same old pattern. Jonathan comforts her and says that they can go watch one of her favorite movies. She smiles and tells him what a good soon he is.

Renee asks him what JJ and Angel are doing. They have been awfully secretive lately and are always whispering. Jonathan agrees. They are up to something. He even wonders if they know where dad is going or what he is up to. Renee tells him she wouldn't go that far but she wonders if maybe they are trying to figure out what is going on with their father. If that is the case, she is worried because there is no telling what dangerous mess their dad is involved in.

The phone then rings and JJ and Angel, knowing full well it could be Billie, race to answer the phone yelling "We got it!!" Jonathan and Renee are suspicious as JJ and Angel have been answering every phone call while home, almost like they want to intercept a call to keep something a secret. Meanwhile, JJ is pleased to hear Billie on the other line but then hears someone pick up the downstairs phone and quickly hangs up. Billie wonders what is going on. Jonathan tells his mother that JJ hung up the phone but he could hear a girl on the line. Renee doesn't think JJ would be hiding a girlfriend from everyone but says it could be true and Angel knows he is dating someone else. Perhaps he is afraid they won't like her. Jonathan doesn't think so and things this is something else...something bigger.

-At Lucas's apartment, Sami and Lucas are in his bed, basking in the glow of the lovemaking. They both wish each other Happy Valentine's Day and laugh. Sami can't understand how they didn't break the bed this time. Lucas laughs and says he can't figure it out either. Lucas holds her and says that everything is perfect, except for Will being missing. Sami says there is more wrong then Will being missing and that things are far from perfect. There are still some things they need to talk about. Lucas asks what.

Sami: Lucas, have you really forgiven me? I mean, I kept that secret for a long time.

Lucas: I know and I'm sorry for how I reacted right away. I as upset. I mean...Will is missing and then everything with Carrie and her baby...that baby could be mine, Sami. Now it's gone and that baby was something to me no matter what. A son...daughter...niece...whatever. Then...finding out that Carrie cheated on me and that so many knew...

Sami: I know.

Lucas: It all was too much at once. Now it's going to be very hard for me to be so understanding of what Carrie and Austin did. My mother hiding it is hard for me to condone too but, in your case, I understand. It wasn't your place and I guess I see how you believed you were doing the right thing. It's hard for me to see it that way but I understand it and forgive you for it.

Sami: Really? You do?

Lucas: Yes. Otherwise, I wouldn't be here. I need you, Sami. I was so upset last night and thinking about everything...when I walked in here I was so vulnerable and I felt like my insides were being torn apart.

Sami: It's been very hard.

Lucas: Yeah and it all felt better when I saw you. Walking in here and seeing you...I felt a huge weight come off me. I just needed you so much and I needed to feel you close to me.

Sami: I felt the same way. It's been so tough lately and we both needed each other because what is between us is meant to be. We have something special here and being together is a comfort for all that is wrong. It makes everything better for both of us. It's like our way of getting through the bad times.

Lucas: Yeah...all the emotions. Fear and worry over Will, anger and rage over the baby and Carrie and Austin...

Sami: Grief over what could be your child...going through all those emotions in a short amount of time...I think we both needed each other and were reaching out to each other.

Lucas: Yeah. Even though I feel better after making love to you and holding you, all good things must come to an end. I feel better but I still feel so angry and...you know what? I should be thinking about Will and not what Carrie and Austin did to me.

Sami: Lucas, I udnerstand. It's all fresh in your mind.

Lucas: Yeah but our son is missing and I should be focused on that and comforting you. Look, baby, we will get through this. Will is going to be found. He is probably mad about something and punishing us.

Sami: I should've never told him about Alan raping me.

Lucas: Please, that had to happen. This is not your fault. Ok?

Sami: I'm so worried, Lucas. Where is he? It's been nearly a day.

Lucas: I don't know but don't worry. He will come back to us. He will be found. We will get through this. Our love will get us through anything.

Sami: Yeah. We've been through worse. I love you, Lucas. I never want to lose you again. Without you...

Lucas: Hey, you won't. I love you too and I'm not going anywhere. I'm in this for the long haul, just like you. This time it will work. This time it's forever...you, me, and Will. The way it should be and the way it was meant to be. Carrie cheating on me and everything...it was all because we all were stubborn and denied what was in front of us. We weren't with the people we belonged with...the people who truly own our hearts. We may have to deal with alot of pain but things happen for a reason and, now, we are where we are supposed to be. In the arms of the people we truly love with all our heart and soul.

Sami (crying): Yeah, this is right. Right where we both belong. Now and forever. We can build the life we always dreamed of. We habe another chance here and I'm not going to screw it up. I just hope our son is here to share in this with us.

Lucas: He will be. I promise you.

Lucas embraces Sami and holds her in his arms, striking her hair gently. Both hope and pray that Will is found or that he comes back safe and sound.

-At the Salem Park, a tearful Marlena and Roman hold each other after reuniting. Roman asks Marlena where she has been. Marlena says she doesn't know...she doesn't remember. Roman asks if she is ok. He reminds her of her out of character behavior towards Belle and Sami on New Year's Eve and how she aimed a gun at him and tried to smother him at the hospital. Marlena is horrified and says she doesn't recall insulting and lashing out at Belle and sami and she certainly doesn't remember aiming a gun at him or trying to smother him.

Roman mentions that she seemed to revert to the Marlena they all know and love during the time she was trying to smother him and that is what stopped her from killing him. Marlena insists she remembers none of that and asks Roman what is going on. Roman asks Marlena to tell him. Meanwhile, nearby, James is walking around. He is talking on his cell:

James: Yeah, I'm here. Yeah. Marlena is with Roman. Ok, so you are going to call Roman and get him to turn his back and you want me to grab Marlena? Alright. You better hope I don't get spotted. Shutup. You have nothing to worry about. You walk around in a cloak and use a voice changer. Yeah. Fine. Bye.

Roman tells Marlena not to be afraid. Marlena says she is afraid. This reminds her of when she was posessed and was being told about awful crimes being committed but she couldn't remember herself being the culprit. She breaks down and asks Roman what is wrong with her. Could she be posessed again? Roman doesn't think so. He then gets a phone call and answers it, slightly turning his back. James then sneaks out from behind Marlena and grabs her.

Roman is yelling "Hello!" repeatedly into the phone, with no answer. He hangs up and turns around, just in time to see Marlena being dragged off by someone. Roman yells out "Stop!" and gives chase but loses them right away. Roman notes that it was a man who grabbed Marlena and he looked to have greyish hair. He calls the station and fills them in on what happened, telling them to send more men to the Salem Park right away.

Meanwhile, James drags Marlena to a wooded area. She manages to pull away from him.

Marlena: Who the hell are you and why did you kidnap me?

James: Kidnap you? Marlena? What the hell?

The MCF then arrives.

Marlena: You...you are behind this. Your doing this to me...making me do these things that Roman told me about.

MCF (with voice changer): I'm not making you do anything, doc. You are doing this all of your own free will.

James: What the hell is going on? Why can't she remember...

MCF: Leave!!! I will take care of this. Go home and make sure your family isn't suspicious of you being missing. You need to do a better job of keeping up appearances. I will be in touch.

James: Fine.

James leaves.

Marlena: Why are you...

MCF: Silence, dear. You know why...your mind is just a little clouded right now. I will help you clear it...not to worry.

-Back at the McCluer house, JJ and Angel have taken the phone off the hook so Billie doesn't call again. They know that their mother and Jonathan were trying to listen in. Angel is worried they are on to them. Jonathan then pops in and says he is and asks for the truth. JJ says there is nothing to tell but Jonathan says they are being awfully secretive and rushing to answer the phone and, now, tonight, the way he hung up when he could hear that he had picked up the other phone.

JJ tells Jonathan it's none of his business. Jonathan says he has a feeling it is and will find out what is going on. He leaves. Angel is worried. JJ says they only need to hold off a bit longer. Once Billie gets more info, they can tell Jonathan and mom and , hopefully, make things better for their family. JJ then remembers that they can turn the ringer off on the phones. This way, Billie can call and no one will hear. Angel rushes down to turn the ringer off on the phone downstairs.

Angel bumps into Renee after turning the ringer off. Niether notices how Angel's arm knocked the phone off the hook when Renee scared her and she jumped back with her arm. Renee asks if she is ok and apologizes for scaring her. Angel nods and says she has homework to do. Renee reminds her that if something is wrong they can talk about. Angel says she knows and runs upstairs. Renee hopes that JJ and Angel haven't gotten caught up in James's troubles.

Later, JJ and Angel see that they have a call as the light on the phone is lit. They answer and it's Billie, asking why they hung up and why the phone was busy. JJ says they had phone issues and also don't want their mother or brother to find out, which is why they are whispering. Meanwhile, James arrives home to no one being downstairs. He figures Renee went to bed and the kids are upstairs. He then sees the phone off the hook and picks it up to put it back. He hears JJ's voice and then hears JJ asking Billie where she wants to meet. Billie tells him at her office. It will be safer there. She tells JJ that this is just to give them some advice and how to be safe and to update them on everything. She tells them to be careful. If the MCF, Marlena, or their father learns that he and Angel saw their meeting in the park, there is no telling what might happen to them. JJ agrees and tells Billie thanks for everything. He says that he and Angel will see them later before hanging up.

James is shocked by what he has heard and realizes that JJ and Angel are on to him and working with someone to investigate even more.

James: Dear God...what do I do? If the boss find out, my kids...my family...they could all be in great danger. What the hell am I going to do?

The screen then fades out on a worried and horrified James.

On the next Salem Lives...

Hope to Caroline: I'm worried, Caroline. I have to find Bo.

Roman to Kim: It's time. It's time we admitted the truth, once and for all.

Bo to Barbara: I'm ready. Let's get to the bottom of these nightmares, memories...whatever the hell they are.

Sami (crying) to Lucas: I have this awful feeling. Something bad is happening...to Will.

Will to Alan: If you want to kill me, go ahead. Just kill me and be done with it already.