CARBO FAN FICTION-Déjà Vu CHAPTER 4

 ‘Sorry it’s not the best brand.’ Roman chuckled as Clarice made a face after taking a sip of the coffee he’d gotten from the station’s coffee machine.

‘Don't worry about it; I’ve tasted worse.’ Clarice grinned ruefully. It was hard for Roman to think of her as Clarice in the meantime; again he wished he knew the reason behind her amnesia. And like Bo, he couldn't help but notice; she really looked more beautiful than before.

Clarice looked at Roman carefully, thinking how good looks ran in the family; Roman was as handsome as his brother. And funny and witty; comfortable to be around with unlike Bo who set her heart fluttering anytime he was near.

‘You should try the coffee served at our family Pub; best one in Salem though The Java tries to prove otherwise.’

‘Your family owns a Pub?’

Roman nodded, inwardly wanting to scream in despair. When she was Carly she had helped with the renovation.

‘It used to be a Fish Market, then my parents decided to change it to what it is today. You should stop by and see it for yourself.’

Clarice nodded then frowned. ‘Is Victor Kiriakis your stepfather then?’

Roman shuddered at the very idea. ‘Lord, no. He’s Bo’s biological father that’s all. My father Shawn was the one who really raised Bo. We lost him a few years ago.’

‘I’m sorry.’ Clarice murmured sympathetically. ‘Bo must miss him as much as you do.’

‘Yeah they were very close.’ Roman thought of Shawn with a small wave of sadness.

Clarice put down her cup. ‘I don't mean to pry, but what’s going on with Bo and Hope? I got the feeling she’s angry with him about something.’

‘Oh that...’ Roman waved his hand dismissively, ‘just a misunderstanding; the usual stuff between married couples. They’re probably settling things as we speak.

‘And you? What’s your story?’

‘Divorced 16 years; five kids and four grandchildren.’ Seizing the opportunity, he leaned forward, watching her intently. ‘And your story, Clarice?’

‘I have no family; only my work. When I’m not chasing criminals and secrets around the world, I’m at my small lake house in Connecticut; fishing or tending to my garden.  I have an apartment in New York but I try to get away from the city whenever I can.’

‘You’re so lucky!’ Roman sighed enviously. ‘I don't remember the last time I went fishing.’ Not wanting to digress from the subject, he probed further. ‘You said you were in the FBI, before that... with the NYPD. So... you grew up in New York?’

Before Clarice could reply, Bo appeared at the doorway, looking shaken. Roman guessed rightly that he and Hope have been at each other’s throats again.

‘Bo...’ Clarice got up, walking to him. ‘Are you alright?’

How could he be alright... when his wife persisted at being hostile to him. Bo felt like pounding his fist against the wall, break something.

‘Bo?’ Clarice took his arm. ‘What is it?’

Oh God, Carly... please don't touch me, he thought as he looked down at her beautiful eyes which were filled with genuine concern. Sixteen long years apart and she was affecting him in a way he wasn't at all comfortable with. He cared enough about her to want to help her get back her memory but it didn't mean he was interested in going back to their past. He was very much in love with Hope; he and Carly were the past.

With that in mind, he smiled faintly; gently removing his arm from her touch. ‘I’m fine. Hope and I just got in a little disagreement, that’s all. Nothing to worry about.’

‘Okay... if you say so.’ Clarice replied, although she didn't believe him. She didn't like the way he looked upset and she felt oddly protective of him. Why am I so aware of him? She wondered.

She glanced at her watch. ‘I have to report to Headquarters now. So, I’ll see you later at your mother’s house?’

‘Yeah, here’s the address.’ Roman wrote it down on a piece of paper and handed it to her. ‘Mum’s a great cook so I hope your meeting won’t take long.’

‘It will be nice to have a home cooked meal for once.’ Clarice agreed, laughing. Glancing at Bo, she said quietly. ‘See you both later.’

Bo nodded at her, his eyes following her as she left.

‘What happened?’ Roman asked.

Bo sank into a chair. ‘Hope feels I screwed up... by offering a reward instead of letting her pay the ransom. Now she wants to give the ransom to Dean.’

‘Dean’s isn't eligible for the reward.’

‘I told her that but she seems to be playing the tit for tat game; I didn't listen to her hence she won’t listen to me! And Justin, I’ve had it up to here with his meddling and I’m going to make sure he knows it the next time I see him.’ Bo said angrily.

Roman shook his head, exasperated by Justin as well. ‘I think you and Hope need to get away from town for a while. Take Ciara and go to Chicago and see Shawn D and Belle; go sailing. Hope will probably feel better then.’

‘Ciara’s case isn't over.’

‘Carly... I mean, Clarice and I will handle it. And speaking about Clarice... you need to be careful.’

Bo turned his head to look at his brother warily. ‘What do you mean?’

‘Bo, I’m not an idiot. I saw the way you looked at her in your office. Things between you and Hope are already rocky... you don't want to bring Clarice in the middle.’

‘Nothing’s going to happen between me and Clarice, Roman; it was a long time ago and a lot of things have changed since we broke up. I just want to help her, that’s all. I love Hope, always will.’

As he spoke , he tried not to think of Clarice’s emerald green eyes and how his body had reacted when she touched his arm. How wonderful it had felt to hear her voice again...

That may be true little bro, but you and that little girl had a deep connection back in the day; way deeper than whatever you had with Billie, thought Roman. Bo’s love for Carly had been deep, spiritual. Letting her go really devastated him.

‘Whatever. Have you talked to Shane?’

‘Yeah.’ Bo straightened up in his chair. ‘He’s going to get back to me as soon as he’s gathered what we need. Did you call Frankie?’

Roman shook his head. ‘He’s in Brazil on business. I left a message.’

‘Damn it!’ Bo snapped. ‘Well we’ll just have to...’

‘Bo.’ Victor entered. ‘I was just at your office looking for you.’

‘If you’re here to start with me about the ransom again...’ Bo began angrily.

‘I’m not here to talk about your bad judgment call, it’s about Carly. What’s that woman doing back in Salem?’

Bo rose from his seat. ‘How’s that any of your business?’

‘I’m making it my business.’ Victor said coldly. ‘Especially if she’s going to be a threat to your marriage.’

‘You don't know what you’re saying.’ Roman retorted. ‘And you have no right to assume Carly’s here to make trouble.’

‘Oh really?’ Victor scoffed. ‘Coming here and carrying out that performance for Ciara’s benefit, what am I supposed to think otherwise?’

‘Carly doesn't know us, she doesn't even know who she really is.’ Bo snapped. ‘She has amnesia and we’re trying to get to the bottom of it.’

Victor looked momentarily taken aback. ‘Amnesia?’

‘That’s right, sorry to disappoint you. Right now, she’s Clarice Parker and for the record, I don't want you anywhere near her, for any reason.’

‘What... you think I’ll harm her?’

‘Why not... you did all you could to hurt her years ago,’ Roman replied. ‘Since she can’t remember anyone of us or her own past, it will be more than convenient for you.’

‘You’re being ridiculous, I’m just watching out for my son’s welfare.’

‘Let me worry about my own welfare, Victor; thank you very much.’ Bo said coldly. ‘My marriage’s none of your business. And stay away from Clarice. I’m not about to let her get confused her by a damned inquisition from you.’

‘Does Hope know she’s your ex?’

‘No she doesn't, and Bo just told you this got nothing to do with you!’ Roman shouted. ‘She may be Bo’s ex, but her brother was adopted by this family which still makes her one of us and we’re willing to do all we can to help  and protect her. You leave her alone or you’ll answer to us. And don't you dare tell Hope anything.’

Victor’s eyes glittered, furious at being spoken this way. ‘She just better not cause trouble within the family that’s all I’m saying; amnesia or not.’ With that, he stalked out.

‘Damn him!’ Bo spat savagely.

‘We’ve got to keep him away from her, Bo.’ Roman said. ‘And he can’t find out she’s ISA; not with his criminal ties.’

‘I know!’ Bo ran his hand over his head in aggravation. ‘But that might not be too difficult; ISA agents usually have cover identities so she’s safe unless Justin tells Victor.’

‘Justin’s got his faults but he won’t deliberately expose her like that and if he does I’ll kick his ass from here to Harmony.’ Roman vowed. ‘I wish Shane will hurry up with that info; I can’t stand this whole suspense!’

::::::::::::::::::::::::

Clarice’s debriefing lasted for a few hours and was commended for a job well done afterwards. As soon as she left the ISA building- its cover name being Transworld Finance- she shopped for some new clothes and a hair trim before going back to The Salem Inn to change into something more casual for her lunch with the Bradys; a white silk blouse with elbow sleeves and black pants, sprayed on some Givenchy and brushed her hair. As she looked at the mirror, she thought of Bo Brady again and the connection she felt with him. Like he was someone who’s been missing from her life... her missing other half.

She put the brush down, shaking her head. Oh Clarice... Clarice... snap out it! How can you possibly feel a connection with a man you just met!

But there was no denying it; she was deeply attracted to him... whether she meant to be or not. She could avoid him by cancelling and say she couldn't make it to lunch but she didn't want to offend Mrs. Brady either. She could only rely on sheer stoicism especially since Hope was going to be there.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Caroline met her at the door; enveloping her in a warm hug. ‘I’m so glad you’re able to join us, welcome.’ She led her in, watching her closely; like Bo she wondered if the house would trigger a memory.

‘Thank you Mrs. Brady; you have a lovely home. Hey Ciara!’  She opened her arms as the little girl ran to her, scooping her up in her arms then flinched at the dull pain from the healing gunshot wound on her lower back. 

‘Are you okay?’ Ciara asked anxiously as she was set down.

‘I’m fine, just a little pain on my back, nothing serious. Hello again, Hope... Bo.’

Hope nodded, while Bo smiled warmly at her in spite of himself. She looked so beautiful in the casual clothes she’d changed into. Luckily some of the family members were either too young to remember Carly or not born when they were together; Stephanie, Phillip, Will and Brady- who looked at Clarice oddly- when they were introduced, the few who did remember her: Sami, for instance, stared at her in amazement but did what her father instructed her to do.

To her relief, Caroline seated her next to Roman but she still had to cope with not meeting Bo’s eyes since he was seated opposite her. As they ate, Bo watched Clarice, unobserved as she chatted with Ciara who was seated on her left. Already she had a rapport with his daughter just like with Shawn D when he was a boy. He suddenly wondered about Nicky; if he was aware of his mother’s condition. And until Frankie returned from his trip, they were yet to know his own answer.

Clarice suddenly met his eyes. Brown and Green locked again for a few seconds. Blushing red, she turned away and resumed tucking into desert.

This is not going to easy at all, thought Bo.

CARBO FAN FICTION-Déjà Vu CHAPTER 3

Bo contacted his brother-in-law Shane Donovan via a video call the next morning.

How come you didn't know Carly’s in the agency?’

‘ISA agents are scattered round the globe, Bo; you know that.’ Shane said. ‘You know I’m with the L.A branch, she obviously belongs to one of our many other branches; here or outside the States. And I have to tell you; this memory loss of hers disturbs me a lot.’

‘Me too and I have no idea how long she’d had it Shane, or why. Which is where you come in; I want you to find out everything you can about her life before she joined ISA, how long she’s been an agent.’ Bo gave Shane her ID number.

‘Fine; I’ll go through her records and get back to you today. Does Kimberly need to know about this?’

‘Yeah, you can tell her.... just send me the information as soon as possible.’

‘Will do, Bo.’ After having breakfast with Ciara and Hope- whose manner towards him was still decidedly frosty- to his distress, he went to the station. As he was reading Dean’s typed statement, Roman put his head round the door. ‘She’s here.’

 Bo got up immediately, straightening his tie. Carly... no Clarice for now, he reminded himself, managing to assume a neutral expression as Roman ushered her in. Whatever caused her memory loss hadn’t affected her beauty; she was even more beautiful than the last time he’d seen her sixteen years ago, a face any man would look at over and over again.  Her emerald green eyes, what he’d especially loved about her, were still the same; vibrant yet shrewd and she looked very elegant in caramel pants, matching long jacket and a  black turtle neck.

‘Hello again, Commissioner Brady.’ Clarice smiled. The same sweet smile. As he enfolded her slim fingers with his Bo felt another strange rush go through him; which he firmly ignored.

‘We’re not formal around here, Clarice; please call me Bo.’

‘Bo... of course.’

‘And Roman to you,’ Roman added, pulling out a chair for her. ‘Sit down.’

Bo reached for the small tape recorder used to tape witnesses’ statements and Clarice told them what happened, including what Ciara had told her at the diner. Bo and Roman listened intently; Ciara hadn’t been questioned about what went on during her captivity because Hope didn't want her reliving the harrowing experience.

Bo and Roman looked at each other thoughtfully. Whatever the sound Ciara had heard, it wasn't important now since Kyle his accomplice were dead. Bo explained the case to Clarice, adding the part of the torched cabin.

‘We figured the third kidnapper must have been arguing with Kyle and his partner and was about to torch the place when Dean arrived since we found Dean unconscious outside when we got there. Whoever he is... he’s still out there so we have to keep Ciara at close guard.’ Roman added.

Clarice looked thoughtful. ‘Commissioner Brady... sorry... Bo,’ she corrected herself as he shook his head. ‘Obviously the third kidnapper’s someone Ciara knows, someone she’s seen before. She already knew how this Kyle looked and sounded like because he was the one who came up to her in the park and at the carnival in the first place. So... why would he take the trouble to block her ears with music?’

Spoken like a true detective... thought Bo, filled with admiration, as he kept his eyes on her. Roman too was impressed.

Clarice went on, ‘Ciara’s a very observant little girl. On the way here I asked her if she heard the woman’s voice. She said she didn't sound like anyone she knows. If this woman was planning on skipping town with Kyle once they got the ransom...’

‘Why bother shielding her voice if she’ll be long gone before Ciara can identify her.’ Bo finished her sentence. ‘The third kidnapper didn't want Ciara to recognise his voice because he’s not a stranger to her. It makes a lot of sense.’

 ‘Bo, Roman... I’m going to be in town for a while. With your permission, I’d like to help you with what’s left of this case. Like you said, Ciara’s still in danger since whoever this person is covered his tracks well by making sure she didn't see or hear him. It could be anybody you both know. Obviously a “him” since Ciara didn't sense two types of perfume.’

Bo met his brother’s eyes and Roman nodded in agreement.

‘Any help you give us will be appreciated, Clarice. We’re glad to have you on board.’ Bo shook her hand again as she rose from her seat, immediately wishing he hadn’t as he experienced the odd sensation again as their hands made contact. He met her eyes, finding it hard to look away.

Roman swiftly rescued him by clearing his throat and Bo let go of her hand.

‘Yeah Clarice, we’re glad to liaise with you on this case, considering the kidnapped person’s a member of our family.’

Clarice shrugged. ‘It’s no problem at all. Besides, anybody who goes around kidnapping children need to be taught a lesson.’

Roman patted her shoulder. ‘Oh, he will be once we catch him.’ As he spoke, Hope entered the office.

 ‘Clarice, this is my wife; Detective Hope Brady.’ Never, never did Bo ever think he would be doing this, introducing Hope to a former great love. ‘Hope, this is Agent Clarice Parker.’

Hope looked over her carefully as they shook hands; taking note of the woman’s exotic features.

‘Mrs. Brady...’

Hope shook her head, looking scandalised. ‘Nobody calls me that, Hope please. And thank you for helping my daughter.’

‘I just happened to be there. How is she?’

‘She’s very glad to be home; I just dropped her off at her grandmother’s. She’s been asking for you, actually. And Caroline wondered if you will join us for a family lunch today.’

Say yes... Bo willed silently, watching Clarice. Being back in a house she went to many times in the past might trigger something in her mind. It could be a start.

‘Uh... sure. I’d love to.’ Clarice smiled.

‘By the way; Clarice is going to help us close the case.’ Roman informed her.     

Hope frowned. For some reason this didn't sit well with her. ‘Really? Why?’

Bo told her what their daughter had told Clarice and Clarice’s theory. ‘So she’s offered to help us catch this guy, whoever he is.’

Hope hesitated for a minute. ‘ISA don't usually handle kidnappings.’

‘I know. But I was recruited from the FBI; back then I was with the BAU... I profiled suspected kidnappers who also turned out to be serial killers and before that, I was an officer with the NYPD.’

Bo and Roman barely managed to hide their amazement as they digested her words. Shane better hurry up with that info before I lose it! Bo thought in frustration.

Hope bit her lip, suddenly feeling she’d just been made to look foolish. ‘Of course I don't doubt your expertise, Agent Parker. I’m just saying...’

‘Hope.’ Bo firmly cut in, ‘Clarice volunteered to help us and Roman and I are in agreement. And with the theory she’s given, we could really use her.’

‘Look, if this is going to present a problem...’ Clarice began anxiously.

‘No Clarice, no problem at all. You have my complete approval. In the meantime, I’d like you and my brother to leave me and Detective Brady alone for a minute.’ Bo said, looking daggers at his wife.

Roman took Clarice’s arm. ‘Come on, I’ll make you some coffee.’ Clarice followed him willingly; puzzled by the hostile vibes in the air.

‘Does it hurt you to show a little courtesy and gratitude?’ Bo hissed at Hope as soon as the door closed.

‘What are you talking about?’ Hope snapped.

‘You basically hinted that we don't need her help. What the hell is that?’

‘I wasn't trying to offend Agent Parker... I just think it isn’t necessary; we can handle this ourselves.’

‘Well, it’s not your call. She’s going to help us solve this case; period.’

Hope stared at him, dark eyes angry and resentful. ‘Well, since she’s going to have to put up with you bossing her around, good luck to her. Has Dean come in yet?’

‘I imagine he’ll probably sleep in today. Why?’

‘I told you last night I’m giving him the reward.’

‘No way.’

‘Are you going to tell me what I can and can’t do with my own money again? You were the one who decided to offer a reward instead of paying the ransom, remember?’

‘Department’s rules state that an officer on duty isn't eligible for the reward, you know that very well.’

‘My rule,’ Hope said with emphasis, ‘states that a promise is a debt. Dean put his life on the line when he went out there to rescue Ciara and I’m going to make sure he’s compensated. Justin agrees with me and he’s going to arrange for the money to be wired.’

‘Oh sure... Justin.’ Bo snapped. ‘You can guarantee him agreeing with you, can’t you?’

‘Well, it’s not like I’ve had much luck with my husband in that area.’ Hope snapped back. ‘Dean’s getting the reward; end of discussion.’

Swiftly, Bo walked across the room as she turned away; grabbing her arms before she could open the door and forced her to face him.

‘What’s happened to us?’ he whispered. ‘Why are you being this way with me... why?’

Hope disentangled herself from his grip. ‘Because you refuse to admit you screwed up, that’s why. Now you won’t let me do the right thing, even after you proposed it on TV.’

‘For God’s sake... ’

‘Brady, just leave me alone. When you’re ready to say you were wrong, let me know, okay?’ Shoving him aside, she opened the door and left, slamming it behind her.

CARBO FAN FICTION-Déjà Vu CHAPTER 2

Roman shook his head as he listened to what Bo told him over the phone. ‘I can’t believe it... after all this time, Carly resurfaces and she didn’t even recognise us. What could’ve happened?’

‘That’s what kept going through my mind the whole time she was talking... what the hell happened to her?’ Bo said angrily. ‘What the hell did that son of a bitch do to her; why the hell is she an ISA agent... Carly’s a doctor, she saves lives!’

‘Have you toyed with the possibility she might not be Carly?’

‘This woman isn't pretending to be Carly; she is Carly!’ Bo insisted. ‘She was wearing the ring I gave her for Christmas years ago, the Claddagh ring Pop helped me get.’ And what he couldn’t say out loud; the rush he’d felt when their hands touched...

‘I remember it.’ Roman replied. ‘What are you going to do now?’

‘I’m going to call Shane soon as I can to get some answers; but in the meantime, nobody says a word to Hope about Car... I mean Clarice being my ex. The last thing she needs is somebody freaking her out with questions she can’t answer and I don't want anyone else asking her anything when they see her, okay? You can tell Hope and the others some woman found Ciara and leave it like that. I’m coming over.’

‘I’ll take care of it, don't worry.’ He understood perfectly; as an ISA agent, Carly couldn't afford to get confused and bewildered by suddenly being forced to dig into a past she knew nothing about.

‘I’m on my way over now.’ After he hung up, he pondered on Carly; wondering how long she’s been suffering from amnesia. What had caused it; Trauma? Brainwashing? Larry had brainwashed her after digging her out of the grave but she’d regained her memory, it had been too late for them to salvage their relationship.  Maybe Lawrence had abused her or used more extreme methods... stronger than whatever Vivian injected in her before, something that damaged her mind and changed her from Dr. Carly Manning; M.D to Agent Clarice Parker; ISA. And what was she exactly ... a spy? Or an assassin? No... Not Carly; she cared too much about human life. The family will of course respect his instruction about not pressing her. Hope knew nothing about Carly so she would be easy to deal with. Mickey Horton was trustworthy but Maggie, though a sweet, wonderful woman was Salem’s biggest gossip. Victor was a much bigger problem; he was Carly’s  vindictive ex husband and a career criminal who’s  wormed his way out of  arrests over the years, nobody really  believed he was legit like he’d  claimed to be since Pop’s death. He can never know the wife who left him was ISA; he could do anything to her out of pure spite; finger her to one of his underworld associates or harm her emotionally.

‘My God...’ he whispered, anger burning his insides. ‘What did you do to her, Larry?’

::::::::::::::

Hope’s joy at seeing her darling daughter again, safe and sound, couldn't be described; she was still sobbing as she held and kissed Ciara, Maggie laughing and crying as well. Which was what was still going on when Bo arrived, Ciara enveloped by hugs and kisses from all present.

‘Hey there, Bo.’ Mickey Horton greeted warmly, shaking his hand. ‘All’s well that ends well, eh?’

‘Yeah.’ Bo agreed, opening his arms to pick up Ciara who ran up to him. ‘Where’s Clarice, Daddy?’

‘Yeah, where is this Clarice Parker?’ Hope asked. ‘I thought she’ll come with you; I wanted to thank her.’

Bo noticed that Hope made no move to hug him; her manner towards him still not softened.

‘She’s coming by the station in the morning to give a statement; she’s tired from the long drive.’

Hope nodded, touching Ciara’s hair; avoiding her husband’s face. ‘You’ll see her again tomorrow, sweetie. But we have to go the hospital now.’

‘Why?’ Ciara whined. She hated hospitals.

‘Just routine, I promise. Aunt Lexie’s going to check you out and you’ll be home in bed before you know it.’

Ciara shrugged resignedly before her eyes lit up again. ‘Can I have ice cream afterwards?’

Bo laughed, kissing her on the forehead before setting her down. ‘Lots and lots... whatever you like. First go upstairs and wash up a bit before we leave, alright?’

Hope took her hand and led her up the stairs, still not looking at Bo.

‘Is something wrong, Bo?’ Mickey asked.

‘Why don't you ask Hope, she’s the one being weird with me.’ Was Bo’s bitter reply.

‘Hope will be fine, this whole thing’s been a nightmare for her; would be for any mother. I’m talking about the way you sounded when Ciara asked about Clarice. Who is she?’

Bo looked towards the stairs to make sure Hope wasn't near enough to overhear what he was about to say. ‘It’s Carly.’

‘Carly? As in Carly Manning, your ex fiancée?’ Justin exclaimed.

‘Keep your voice down!’ Roman hissed, glaring at him.

‘What is she doing in Salem?’ Justin lowered his voice, his expression stunned.  ‘And under a different name? Is she in trouble?’

‘It depends on what you define as trouble... Carly’s suffering from memory loss.’ Roman said. ‘At least that’s what we think it is.’

‘Memory loss?’ Maggie asked, incredulously.

‘She didn't recognise any of us at the station; not even Bo.’ Caroline said, looking worried and upset. ‘It was like she was just meeting us for the first time; just like with Steve when he came back.’

Justin looked at Bo. ‘What is she doing in Salem then?’

‘Listen, this can’t leave this room... you especially are not to say a word about this.’ Bo addressed Justin warningly. ‘Carly’s ISA. She was coming back from an assignment and that’s how she found Ciara on the road.’

‘I don't believe this,’ Caroline whispered, hand to her chest. ‘How is this possible Bo... Carly’s a doctor; what is she doing with the ISA? What could’ve caused her amnesia?’

‘Not what, who.’ Bo said grimly.

‘Lawrence?’ Mickey guessed.

‘Yeah. I’ll get answers from Shane in the morning. In the meantime... nobody says anything to Hope and nobody asks Carly anything. As far as she’s concerned she’s Clarice Parker, okay?’

‘No, no... Of course not.’ Maggie promised, though she was already burning with curiosity. So was Justin, who watched Bo’s face the whole time. What was Bo actually feeling about Carly’s return and what did he intend on doing about it?

Hope came downstairs with Ciara and the conversation was temporarily suspended.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

As Lexie examined Ciara with Hope hovering close by, Roman took Bo aside, away from the others. ‘One thing I want to know Bo... do you think Frankie knows about Carly’s condition?’

Bo thought about it for a few minutes then shook his head. ‘I don't think so, he would’ve told me the last time he was here. Or Jennifer at least, he spent a lot of time with her. Come to think of it...’ he realised, ‘we never talked about Carly.’

‘Your choice or his?’

Bo shook his head. ‘Mine. Of course I asked after her, he said “fine” and changed the subject.’

‘Why would he do that?’

‘I don't know, I didn't think much of it at the time. I didn't... I didn't want to go down memory lane. Letting Carly go was the most painful thing I ever had to do; for years I blocked her out of my mind, Rom.’

‘I know.’ Roman squeezed his shoulder. He was the only one besides another who knew what had happened on the boat; Carly had remembered Bo but Lawrence had gotten to her emotionally, using the time she was convalescing from her ordeal to fall back in love with him. Bo had been devastated but he’d loved her too much to force back something Larry had taken away. ‘But we have a catch-22  situation right now. If Carly does have amnesia, we can’t let her go on like this; she has a right to know who she really is. On the other hand, what’s going to happen if she does remember? It’s going to complicate things with you and Hope.’

‘ I’m fully aware we can’t let Carly keep thinking she’s Clarice. Hope and I are going to be alright, she’s just upset with me right now but it doesn't mean our marriage’s on the rocks.  All I want to do is help Carly get her memory back, nothing more. And when that happens, Carly will never do what Billie did to me.  She’s not Clarice Parker and she doesn't belong to ISA.’ Bo couldn't bear to  imagine Carly wielding a gun.

Roman nodded. ‘But how are we going to keep her  here?’

Bo raised one eyebrow. ‘We?’

Roman snorted. ‘I didn't always agree with Carly’s ways of handling things but I  loved her like a sister. Of course I want to help her get her life back.’

Bo smiled gratefully at his brother, very glad they were on the same wave length. ‘We’ll find a way. But right after I talk to Shane. And... I think you should call Frankie. Don't tell him she’s here, just pretend you were calling to see how he’s doing and work Carly’s name into the conversation.’

Roman nodded. ‘I’ll do that. Find all you can from Shane. This whole thing’s got me very curious.’

:::::::::::::::::::::::

Clarice could still feel his hand on hers; akin to a warm flame, even after she stepped out of the shower. From the moment she’d laid eyes on Bo Brady across the room, she’d gotten full blast of the raw animal magnetism he radiated.  His name had been mentioned in passing once by some fellow agents who worked with him on a few cases in the past and she hadn’t given it much thought, now that she’s seen him in the flesh at last she couldn't get him out her mind. Especially his brown eyes, piercing yet sensitive. No man has ever made her feel this way and on a first meeting too.

Pull yourself together Clarice; she told herself sternly as she towelled her hair dry. You’re not some teenage girl drooling after the high school jock; you’re a professional who’s never allowed emotions to overwhelm her. Bo Brady’s a married man, a family man... unavailable and way beyond your reach.

And it’s not like she was going to be in Salem for long. In the morning she was going over to ISA headquarters to give her report which will be transferred to the Head Office in D.C; recover from her injury for  some time and it’s back to New York for her. She might even go to Connecticut where her house was for some real peace and quiet; she was for due for some time off.

Brushing her teeth and slipping on an oversize T shirt, she gratefully sank into the soft mattress, covering herself with the cool, clean sheets. She thought of Ciara, glad she was able to save that sweet little girl. But as she fell asleep, her mind shifted back to Ciara’s father. And wondered for one lazy minute why he and Mrs. Brady had called her Carly.

:::::::::::::::::

To Bo and Hope’s great relief; there was no sign that Ciara had been physically abused as the late Kyle had been convicted before for raping a minor. Hope insisted on seeing Dean before they left; to thank him for his efforts even though he had acted stupidly.

‘Luckily his wound’s not so serious so we’re releasing him now. I guess you’ll want to take his statement before he goes home.’ Lexie said. As she spoke, a nurse appeared, pushing Dean’s wheelchair.

Hope did all the talking; Bo was yet to forgive him for the way he had acted so he didn't say much to him. Suppose Ciara hadn’t escaped and run into Carly?

Dean grinned at Ciara. ‘You’re alright, kid? Bet you’re glad to be with Mum and Dad again.’

‘Yes.’ Ciara said quietly, holding on to Bo’s hand.

‘I’ll take Dean’s statement; you  two take Ciara home.’ Roman instructed. ‘Lord knows it’s been a very long night and we all need rest.’

‘Yeah, of course.’ Hope smiled at Dean. ‘Thanks again for everything, Dean.’

‘I just did my job; Detective Brady.’

‘And then some.’ Bo said coldly.

Dean’s face went red.

‘Bo, lay off him.’ Hope scolded. ‘He’s been through enough.’

‘No, that’s okay; I... I know I didn't follow procedure but I really wanted to bring Ciara here safe and sound, sir... honestly.’

Bo just barely managed to control his temper but he nodded. ‘Roman here will take your statement and you can go home and get some sleep.’

Picking Ciara up, he and Hope said goodnight to the rest of the family and drove home; in silence. At their house, Hope gave Ciara a bath but took her to their own room, tucking her under the blankets. ‘I think it would be a good idea if she slept with me tonight.’ She said as Ciara drifted off to sleep.

Bo regarded Hope’s averted face for a minute. Me, not us. He reached out to touch her shoulder but she shrank away from his touch and went downstairs. He followed her, upset by her attitude.  ‘Fancy face...’

‘You accuse Dean of not following procedure. But you... you had to go on T.V and offer a reward instead of letting me pay the ransom, you were really the one who almost got our little girl killed.’

‘We’ve been through this; it was the safest option...’

‘No Brady... It was the best option; because it was decided by you. Your methods are always the better ones and you just won’t listen to anybody.’ Hope turned to  look  at him, her lovely dark eyes  as cold as her tone. ‘Especially me.’

‘Hope, I’ve never turned down your ideas or looked down on your methods; we’re not just Man and Wife, we’re partners.’

Hope’s face didn't soften. ‘Partners have an equal relationship; which we don't have. You should’ve let me pay the ransom instead of exposing Ciara like that.’ Her voice now rose. ‘It was obviously what they were arguing about when Dean got there... ransom turned to a reward; Ciara was this close to being killed, thanks to you! She could’ve been in that cabin when the third guy torched it... he could’ve found her in the woods before she got to the highway! All you!’

‘Hope, let’s not do this.’ Bo replied, quietly. ‘We need each other more than ever, with what’s happened. You know I’ll never do anything to harm our daughter, or any of my children.’

Hope stared him down before going to the door and locking it for the night. ‘Well I guess the reward goes to this Clarice Parker; I’ll make arrangements with Justin after I meet her.’

‘She won’t take it. She’s an ISA agent.’

Hope looked startled. ‘ISA? No... Of course she won’t take it. Well then it goes to Dean.’

‘No...’

‘Bo, I’m tired, way too tired and exhausted to argue about this right now. I’m going to bed, we’ll discuss it in the morning.’ She went upstairs again.

Sighing, Bo switched off the lights before going upstairs as well, to the guest room. As he got into bed, he thought over the conversation he had with Roman at the hospital. Two important things truly had to be resolved; Carly’s memory and his marriage.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Meanwhile Dean Hartman lay in bed in his apartment; his mind filled with dark thoughts. His work was still not done.

Not by a long shot... he thought as he lit a cigarette.

Click, Click, Click...