CARBO FAN FICTION-Déjà Vu CHAPTER 6

‘She didn't tell you were she was going?’  Bo asked Officer Davis who quailed at his harsh tone. Bo’s men feared him as much as they loved and respected him and always did all they could to avoid getting on his bad side; he had a terrible temper.

‘Just that she needed a car because she was going to the other end of town, sir. That’s all I know. I offered her one of the men to go with her but she said no.’

‘Protocol Davis, Protocol... no one goes out on a case alone! You should’ve insisted!’ Bo shouted, really angry.

‘Bo...’ Roman began then stopped. Chastising the Commissioner, even if he was his younger brother, in front of the subordinates was simply not done. Bo’s present mood was obviously because of what they’d gotten from Shane and he’d taking what had happened to Carly deeply to heart.

‘That will be all, Davis.’ Abe said frowning at Bo as Davis retreated gratefully. ‘Was that necessary, Bo?’

‘What if something’s happened to her again...’

‘She’s a trained agent with long experience in law enforcement; she can take care of herself! She’ll soon be back.’

But Bo knew he won’t rest easy until he saw her again. Shane’s words had ripped his heart; severely beaten and almost dead.... in a coma for weeks...severe retrograde amnesia...

‘It’s my fault... everything she went through... my fault.’ he said numbly.

‘Frankie’s full of shit.’ Roman said in his usual blunt manner. ‘You weren’t the one who beat her senseless and left her out there to die. You couldn't have known he would treat her that way after they left...’

‘I knew what kind of man Larry was!’ Bo growled. ‘He brainwashed her the whole time I was out of town working on that drug case. I should have arrested him, shot him even! Anything to gain more time to get my Carly back... get back what we had!’A relationship between equals because Carly had taken care of him as much as he took care of her.

‘Bo.’ Abe said, squeezing his shoulder. ‘No matter what Frankie thinks, what happened to Carly wasn't your fault. And once Carly gets her memory back, she’ll say the same, you’ll see.’

‘Yeah Bo.’ Roman agreed. ‘Carly will never blame you for what happened. She wouldn't have gone with Alamain in the first place if Vivian hadn’t buried her alive and scrambled her brain with whatever crap she drugged her with.... she loved you.’

And he had loved her more than life itself, which is why despite Abe and Roman’s words he still couldn't help but feel he had failed her greatly. And the sheer quirk of fate... within hours of returning to Salem, she’d rescued his daughter and right now going out of her way to help him. Whatever it took... he was going to help her in turn.

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

The car she’d borrowed had no radio and to add to her frustration, there was no signal in her cell.

‘Damn it!’ Clarice swore savagely. Dean was out there roaming as free as a bird... he could be plotting to abduct Ciara again or worse!

Sitting back in the driver’s seat, Clarice brushed back some strands of hair from her forehead and went into profiler mode; picturing the scenario through Dean’s eyes.

The investigation’s still going on but no one suspects me; no one ever saw me with Brenda so they can’t link her to me or Kyle. Ciara will be heavily guarded so it won’t be easy grabbing her this time, with both my allies dead. I’ll have to bid my time.

Dean didn't know about the clicking sound Ciara and the bartender had heard or that it has been identified as his lighter. Unless he was stupid enough to use it anywhere near Ciara, they had the element of surprise; they could nab him before he could blink and case closed!

Clarice reached for the ignition but another thought stilled her hand. Dean had killed his own lover to avoid arrest, hence a very ruthless, cold blooded man. For a police officer to do such a thing, the purpose for kidnapping Ciara in the first place couldn’t have been money alone... a grudge against Bo maybe? It was common... an evil mind nursing a grudge or cold rage always wore the mask of morality, planning his strategy carefully for months. Who would suspect a police officer of kidnap and murder?

He wouldn't have released Ciara even if he’d gotten his money, Clarice realised. He would’ve killed her and then killed Kyle and Brenda... making it look like self defence; no one would think he had anything to with it, he would be proclaimed a hero all the while laughing at them behind their backs.  Bo had run a great risk but he’d definitely done the right thing not paying the ransom!

Dean will be planning his strategy all over again. And for the second time, his plan will come to nothing. With that pleasing thought, Clarice turned the ignition key only to hear a click. She tried again but the engine didn't go on.

‘Oh no...’ She groaned.

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

Bo was surprised and not at all pleased to find Dean Hartman in his house in deep conversation with Hope.

‘Sir.’ Dean greeted respectfully, a wary look on his face.

‘Dean. What are you doing here?’

‘I asked him over.’ Hope said purposefully. ‘I was just telling him I’ve arranged to have the money wired into his account today.’

Dean prided himself at being so clever enough at hiding his glee at the furious look on Bo’s face; Bo and Hope were at each other’s throats. Far better than he’d planned to happen between them.

‘Dean, I need to set you straight.’ Bo said as calmly as he could. ‘You should know that department rules state an officer on duty isn't eligible for monetary rewards.’

Says you; Dean thought contemptuously.  He looked at Hope with mute appeal.

‘Bo, let’s not keep arguing about this, I already told you I was going to give it to Dean.’

‘Hope, you already know very well...’

‘I know what I want and that’s to do the right thing.’

‘Look, if this is causing trouble between you two, maybe it’s best we cancel the whole thing’ Dean said , looking embarrassed, inwardly struggling not to laugh.

‘No Dean, you’re going to have your money.’ Hope said purposefully. ‘I’ve already called my lawyer, end of discussion.’

Christ, she was impossible!

Carly wouldn't treat you like this. The voice in his head pointed out. Never.

Oh, shut up!

‘Dean, if you don't mind, my wife and I need to have a private discussion.’ Bo said, his eyes not leaving her.

‘Dean, stay... we’re not done.’ Hope replied, glaring back at Bo.

‘Listen, how about I come back later; I don't want to get in the middle of... whatever going on with you two. See you later, sir.’ Dean made a hasty retreat.

‘Just what do you want?’ he overheard Bo shout, ‘a damn apology?’

‘I’m not holding my breath for one, Brady.’

‘Then what is it? You’re mad at me because I don't think I made a mistake, well guess what lady... I didn't! No matter what you, or Justin or even my father thinks; I knew what I was doing when I didn't let you pay the ransom!’

‘Yeah... keep telling yourself that, Commissioner!’ Hope shouted back. ‘You’re so full of yourself that it’s way too much for you to actually admit that you’re capable of mistakes!’

Oh Lord, it can’t get better than this... Dean grinned, longing to dance a jig. They got their brat back but their marriage was falling apart; Hope wasn't getting her happy ending after all. Serves her right.

He dived for cover as Bo came out, slamming the door behind him; his expression that of frustration and anger. From his hiding place, Dean watched Bo as he pulled out his cell and dialled. ‘Brady here.’ He heard him say. ‘Is Clarice... I mean, Ms. Parker back yet? No? She hasn’t called in?’ a pause and Bo’s frown deepened. ‘Have her call me the soonest she gets in. Better still... tell her to meet me at The Java. Thanks.’

‘Where the hell is she?’ he muttered out loud as  he hung up and walked down the street.

Well, well... Dean thought to himself.  Bo sounded very concerned about the beautiful  ISA agent ; with the strain going on between him and Hope, this looked like the beginning of a very interesting triangle. Too bad he was leaving town, it would’ve been so interesting to see Hope squirm with humiliation  at the sight of her husband with another woman; personally he would choose Clarice too, those bright green eyes  of hers and everything about her radiated  pure sensuality. Sighing, he shrugged. There would be more than enough girls in Acapulco after all.

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

Much as he didn't want to compare  Carly with his wife, Bo found himself doing just that as he mulled over his coffee. Carly had been more stubborn than Hope and so independent, considering she was of blue-blood and  had lived in a world far different from his.  On the rare times they’d fought  she was usually the first to make amends.  He could still remember how he’d returned to the boat  one night after storming out and found her waiting up for him; she’d flung her arms round his neck,  tearfully apologising and saying how much she loved him. Carly never judged him, never put him down... most times she defended him. True, she’d had the annoying habit of hiding things from him but there had always been a good reason behind them, he reminded himself. They’d loved the same things, wanted the same things;  he remembered her once saying the best thing that could happen to a woman was having a child with the man she loved.

‘I can’t think of anything more incredible than that.’

‘And this  from a woman who doesn't want  kids.’ He teased.

Carly made a wry face. ‘I don't want six.’ She stressed, making him chuckle. ‘I think that’s a little more than I can handle. I don't know... maybe three?’

‘Give me four and I’ll change all the diapers.’ He promised.

‘Right... sure  you will!’ She laughed in turn, taking his hand between to press it against her cheek. ‘ I don't really care how many we have, so long as we do. I want to be able to carry your baby in my arms and watch him grow to be as wonderful as  his Papa.’

His thumb stroked her cheek . ‘You will. You’re going to be a wonderful Mum... I just  know you will.’

‘I hope so!’ Carly said, a wistful look in those lovely green eyes. ‘Because you’re a great Papa. It’s the one of the  things that attracted me most  about you.’

‘Oh yeah?’ He was flattered and touched by the admission. ‘ I thought being a father was usually a turn off for women.’

‘Not  with this one.’ She smiled wider, still holding his hand. ‘Ever since I can remember I always  wanted to have lots of babies.’

‘Well, you will have them... a whole bunch of Nobel Prize winning doctors.’

‘Yeah and maybe a few leather wearing, motorcycle riding...’

‘Oh, come here you!’ Laughing, he pulled her closer towards him and she nestled in his arms. Pressing his lips against her hair, he said softly, ‘I want you to know something, princess. You and I are going to have everything we want.’

She’d been his princess, the princess of his heart... who was now living as someone else because of him. Bo sighed and shook his head; for the first time in years thinking of what could have been, if Carly had been the mother of his three other children.... especially Zack.

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

Meanwhile, Clarice, after kicking a front wheel of the car in disgust, went back to the bar for help.

CARBO FAN FICTION-Déjà Vu CHAPTER 5

To Bo and Roman’s surprise; Clarice insisted on starting work on solving the case. ‘Come on... you just got here.’ Roman protested.

‘I’ve nothing else to do right now; technically I’m on leave. Besides, the sooner we catch this guy; the quicker your family can breathe easy.’ Clarice said briskly. Turning to Caroline, she smiled. ‘Thanks for the hospitality, Mrs. Brady. I haven’t  eaten this much in weeks.’

‘The pleasure’s all mine... Clarice.’ Caroline smiled back but inwardly distressed. So was Sami, and  Brady who now recognised Clarice as the woman he’d seen with his mother in an old photo; Bo had taken him aside to explain after he voiced his observation.

‘Please come again, you’ re always welcome here, alright?’

‘I’ll bear that in mind. And it was nice meeting you all.’ She nodded at Hope and gathered Ciara in her arms.

‘I drew a picture for you but I forgot it at home.’ Ciara said apologetically.

‘Oh that’s alright love... I’ll stop by later for it, promise.’ Clarice kissed her again, stroking her hair. Hope couldn't help but smile at the way Ciara had taken to her so soon.  Bo on the other hand was struggling to quell the feeling of tenderness within him as he watched Ciara touch Clarice’s face, grinning at her. Again, it was like seeing her with Shawn Douglas. When they were a family and so happy on the boat... Carly tending to both of them and spreading love...

Focus Bo! His head sternly reminded him. That was a long time ago!

Clarice met his eyes for a second as though aware of his thoughts but then turned away, going red again. It was a long time since he saw a woman blush and it was oddly touching.  Forcing his eyes away from her, he turned to Hope instead. ‘Are you coming back to the station with us or heading home?’

‘I’m going over to see Justin, to make the necessary arrangements then I’m heading over to Uncle Mickey’s.’

Clarice saw the way Bo’s face tightened but he said nothing; instead he stroked Ciara’s hair. ‘See you later, little one. Clarice, Ro... Let’s go.’

Abe was at his desk when they arrived back at the station; talking to Dean. He rose on seeing Clarice with Bo and Roman.

‘Abe... Clarice here is going to help wrap up this case. Hello Dean.’

‘Sir.’ Dean inclined his head respectfully before looking at Clarice in a way Bo didn't like at all, like he was mentally stripping her naked.

‘She is?’ Abe asked, astonished. Bo and Roman realised they’d neglected to tell Abe about Carly’s new line of work and the problem they needed to solve.

‘Dean, will you excuse us please?’

‘Sure sir.’ Giving Clarice another glance Dean left, closing the door behind him.

‘Will you mind telling me what this is about?’

‘I can explain Mayor Carver...’

‘Abe.’

‘Alright, Abe. I offered to help Salem P.D with the case; I know ISA don't normally handle this sort but since I’ve nothing to do in the meantime...’ she spread her hands. ‘If you don't mind, that is.’

Bo and Roman saw the look of sheer amazement on Abe’s face and pitied him; they were still trying to accept this new Carly. Roman cleared his throat. ‘Clarice wants to profile the third kidnapper, give us an idea who he could be and there’s a very strong possibility he’s no stranger to us.’

‘Are you serious? What made you arrive at that conclusion?’

‘Ciara told me they blocked her ears with music, obviously this third person didn't want Ciara to recognise his voice. And since he’s still out there, we have to move fast before he tries to abduct Ciara again right under our noses.’ She turned to Bo. ‘Can I see the case file, please?’

‘It’s on my desk. Go on.’

‘Excuse me.’

Clarice saw Dean at the water dispenser, lighting a cigarette. He nodded at her, smiling.

‘Officer Dean Hartman, at your service. Are you a transfer, Ms...?’

‘Clarice Parker and more like a temporary consultant. You’re the officer who found the hideout. Aren’t you supposed to be resting today?’ she asked, shaking his proffered hand.

‘Oh, I got sort of antsy lying in that lonely apartment. And...’ he looked pensive, ‘I felt so guilty at how I messed things up, I could’ve have gotten Ciara killed...’

‘Now, now...’ Clarice said briskly, ‘She’s safe and I’m sure Bo doesn't blame you so cheer up. Still, you need to rest that arm of yours.’

‘It’s really nothing.’ He rubbed it gingerly. ‘If there’s anything I can do to help you, let me know.’

‘I appreciate that, thanks.’ No thanks... she thought. What he did was reprehensible; it was just divine intervention that led Ciara to her in the first place otherwise things could have ended tragically last night. ‘See you later.’ She made her way to Bo’s office.

Dean crushed the lit cigarette, his smile fading. Damn it! They’ve brought in an ISA agent and the bitch’s already figured out why Ciara’s ears had been blocked. He had to get the money and skip town before they caught up on him. He already hated Clarice Parker as much as he hated Hope Brady; she must have slept her way up to the position she now held at the ISA- obviously depriving some poor bastard of it.

But she’s a lot prettier though... He thought with some regret. If he wasn't so anxious to leave town he might have asked her out, give his colleagues and the stuck up Commissioner something to think about.

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

Abe listened to Bo’s narrative in silence. ‘You’ve got to be kidding me.’

‘Join the club of disbelief.’ Roman said drily.

‘We’re still waiting for Shane to give us answers, and I for one can’t wait to hear them.’ Bo said.

‘How do you propose to help her get her memory back? Have her see a psychiatrist?’

‘Let’s first find out what caused her to lose it before we come up with a solution. In the meantime, we need a reason to keep her in Salem for a while.’

‘Does Hope know about this?’

‘No, not yet at least.’

‘It’s going to be a sticky situation Bo, you never told Hope about Carly; she’s not going to be thrilled about this.’

‘Carly has no memory of me or anyone here, not even Salem itself. You want me to just let her go and allow her live a lie for the rest of her life? Lord knows what Lawrence did to her to make her this way in the first place!’ Bo said angrily. ‘And I’m more than capable of handling my wife; even she can’t think an amnesiac will be a threat to our marriage.’

‘Calm down Bo... I wasn't trying to insinuate anything and if I did, I apologise. Of course Carly needs to get her real life back and I too would like to know what Shane has to say. So... she can’t remember anything? Nothing at all?’

‘Nothing, zilch.’ Roman replied. ‘And Frankie’s away so we can’t ask him what happened.’

Abe frowned, trying to think of possible answers. ‘Lawrence Alamain’s hardly low- profile; if Carly was involved in a terrible accident that caused her amnesia, it would’ve been reported in the news a long time ago or Frankie would’ve told you about it. I just don't understand all this.’

Abe’s words made Bo’s suspicion about Lawrence being the cause mount several notches higher.

‘In the meantime,’ Abe went on, ‘Carly can help with the case if she wants to and if there’s anything I can do to help to jog her memory; just let me know.’

‘Thanks, Abe.’ Bo said gratefully. ‘But for now, she’s Clarice, not Carly.’ As he spoke, Officer Davidson poked her head at the door.

‘Sorry to intrude sir; but you have a video call.’

The three men hurried to Bo’s office immediately.

Meanwhile, Clarice was going through the case file thoroughly at Hope’s desk. Kyle Hobbes had been convicted of sex offences but outside Salem, Bo and Hope never arrested him for any crime otherwise she would have ruled his motive for kidnapping Ciara to be revenge. The woman found burnt to a crisp with him had been his sister, Brenda and she had been a local; working as a waitress in a bar in the lower part of Salem. Hmmm... I can start from there, she thought, getting up.

‘Excuse me, where’s Commissioner Brady?’ she asked a passing uniformed officer on her way out.

‘He’s in his office with Commander Brady; but I think they’re in the middle of something important.’

‘Oh.’

‘Is there anything I can do for you, Ms. Parker?’

‘I need a car, preferably unmarked; the Commissioner gave me authority to continue with this kidnapping case. I’m heading over the other side of town.’

‘No problem ma’am, I’m sure we can get you one and if you want like one of our officers to go with you...’

‘That won’t be necessary, but thanks.’

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

Bo, Roman and Abe were clustered round Bo’s computer; listening closely to Shane’s report.

‘It took a long time tracing Carly’s life before she joined the NYPD but I finally found it, through some old newspaper and police reports. Some fishermen found her washed up on the beach in some town in Italy, severely beaten and almost dead; she was in a coma for weeks. All she had with her was a key, a credit card and two passports tucked in her stocking. The police found a piece of paper in one of the passports- name and address of a Mr Emil Standish.’

‘Who was he?’ asked Bo, already shaking with rage at the mental image of Carly lying critically injured and helpless in some hospital.

‘A lawyer. The police tracked him down in New York; apparently he’s an old friend of her father’s. I called him and he told me the whole story. Carly contacted him three months after she and Lawrence left Salem- Lawrence had been abusing her and she’d tried to escape him several times. She decided it was too dangerous to go back to Salem because he’d threatened to kill you and Shawn Douglas if she dared. So her other option was to go to New York and live under a new identity.’

‘Clarice Parker.’ Roman guessed.

‘That’s right, and a new identity for Nicky too; she wasn't about to leave him behind. Emil was to arrange for the necessary papers and passports for both of them and transfer her share of the money left to her and Frankie under the name Clarice Parker to various banks in the States. He registered her new name and sent her the passports and a safety deposit key.’

‘What was in the safety deposit box?’ asked Abe.

‘Most of the paperwork she needed, plus the ones she needed to access her accounts- and a key to an apartment he’d leased on her behalf; everything to start her new life. They’d arranged to meet her and Nicky at the airport but when she didn't show, he guessed something went wrong.’

‘Lawrence somehow found out what she was planning... probably caught her trying to leave with Nicky and... And attacked her.’ Bo said in a tight voice.

‘Attacked is right Bo; broken bones and a severe head injury, the doctors weren’t sure she would ever come out of the coma. Emil stayed with her the whole time and when she woke up she couldn't tell anyone who she was or what has happened to her, the doctors diagnosed severe retrograde amnesia.  Emil had her go through therapy but it didn't work; the psychiatrists drove her too hard and she kept having nightmares. So Emil cancelled the therapy, told her she’d survived a terrible accident instead. Before you ask, he didn't tell her about Nicky because he was afraid she would try and get him back and end up dead for good. After she recovered, Emil took her to New York with him. A year after, she joined the NYPD, was there for five years before applying to the FBI. The rest you know.’

‘Oh my God...’ Bo whispered. Carly beaten up and left for dead... why, why did he let her go? He should’ve tried harder, convinced her to stay and mend their relationship; instead he had given her up to that monster who wasn't fit to be around decent women!

‘Thanks a lot Shane, you have no idea how we appreciate this.’ he said at last.

‘No problem. What are you going to do about her now? I asked around and she’s been a valuable asset to the agency.’

‘Maybe but she needs to remember who she is and get her life back, her real life. Is there anything else you haven’t told us?’

‘Umm, yes- Emil contacted Frankie after he brought her to New York but explained it was best he didn't have contact with her in case Lawrence found out she was still alive. Frankie wasn't happy about it but he went along with it and had Emil keep an eye on her the whole time... let him know she was okay and everything.’

‘But why didn't he ever tell me about this?’ Bo cried, furiously. ‘The last time he was here, he didn't say a word... how could he keep it to himself? I had the right to know what happened to Carly!’

Shane looked uncomfortable. ‘Well, the thing is... according to Emil; Frankie blames you for what happened to Carly. He felt if you hadn’t let Lawrence take her away, she wouldn’t have suffered all that time or be in her present situation... he was very bitter about it...’

‘That’s ridiculous!’ Abe exclaimed incredulously. ‘How can Frankie think that about Bo?’

Bo pressed his hand against his face.  Frankie was within his rights to blame him because it was true... he had let her go, without much of a struggle... without making an effort!

‘Frankie can’t mean it, Bo didn't want to let her go but Lawrence confused her.’ Roman protested.

‘Just stop, Roman.’ Bo’s voice was quiet. ‘We can argue about this till we’re blue in the face. The only thing now is help Clarice become Carly again, I owe her that much.’ His face was emotional but resolute. ‘And I know just how to keep her here for a long time.’

:::::::::

‘Can I help you, ma’am?’ the young bartender behind the counter asked, eyeing Clarice appreciatively. Clarice held up her still valid FBI badge which served as her official cover identity and his smile faded somewhat.

‘I’m Special Agent Clarice Parker, FBI. I’m investigating one the waitresses who used to work here, Brenda Hobbes.’

‘This morning paper said she was killed in a fire.’ The young man said warily.

‘Yes. Brenda was involved in the kidnapping of a little girl and we’re still looking into it. When she was here, did she have anyone come round her to visit her?’

‘Alan, that’s the owner of this place, doesn’t like the waitresses having visitors; they won’t get on with their work, see. But there was a guy who started coming round here some months ago, would chat with her right here on the sly.’

‘You ever caught his name?’

‘Kyle. She told me he was her brother when I teased her about playing the field.’

‘Playing the field?’

‘Yeah... she already had a boyfriend... I saw him once when I dropped by her place to return her mp3 player.’

‘Do you remember how he looked like... or his name?

‘No...’ he shook his head apologetically. ‘I didn't get a good look at him; I gave her the player at the door.’

Disappointed, Clarice nodded. ‘Thanks for your time.’

‘I’m sorry I couldn't help you more, ma’am. Would you like a drink on the house?’

Clarice smiled, shaking her head. ‘Not on duty but thank you.’

She turned to go but then the bartender stopped her. ‘Hang on, Agent Parker. I just remembered... the guy was a cop.’

‘A cop?’ Clarice asked in surprise. ‘Are you sure?’

‘He was in uniform, yeah. He lifted his arm to light a cigarette and I saw Salem PD’s crest up his sleeve. His Zippo lighter wouldn’t go on; he kept opening and shutting it... I couldn't stand that damned noise.’

‘Thanks again.’                                                                                      

Brenda involved with a police officer...  It proved her theory; the third captor was someone Ciara had seen before... one of Bo’s men. What will he, Roman and Hope say about this? How will they even begin to fish the culprit out?

As she walked to the car, she went over what Ciara had told her... she’d heard nothing but a clicking sound the whole time. Hang on...

He lifted his arm to light a cigarette and I saw Salem PD’s crest up his sleeve. His Zippo lighter wouldn’t go on; he kept opening and shutting it... I couldn't stand that damned noise...

A lighter? What that what Ciara heard? Clarice got into the car, thinking hard, going over it all. A weird clicking sound...

She stopped cold, gripping the steering wheel.

She’d found him outside Abe’s door, lighting a cigarette, not with a match but a lighter, and opening and shutting it rapidly; click, click, click....

He went to the kidnapper’s hideout without telling Bo... because he had wanted to get there before his accomplices could finger him... he killed them and set the place on fire after realising Ciara had escaped. 

‘Dean Hartman!’ she exclaimed, her head spinning in shock. He was the third kidnapper!