The Affair

Rebecca’s Plan

Finally they were alone…but not for long. Too many people were waiting to see him. Per Dr. Singer’s instructions, Marlena fed him ice chips. After a few spoonfuls he raised his hand to stop her. He was ready to talk. “Baby,” his voice scratchy from lack of use, “you’re wrong.”

“What are you talking about?” she asked.

He smiled before he spoke and placed his hand on her stomach. “Not a boy…it’s a girl. We’re having a baby girl.”

Marlena laughed, “Is that right? How do you know this?”

“I just do.”

She looked into his eyes and tears began to roll down her face. It was the first time since he opened his eyes she allowed herself to fall apart. “I love you so much,” she whispered. “Don’t ever leave me again.”

“I love you Marlena.” He held his arms open and she fell into his embrace. John held her while she cried…tears of relief.

After a few minutes she was able to regain her composure. It was time to let others in. But before anyone else walked into the room, there was one thing she had to do…needed to do. Marlena leaned in and kissed his lips…a soft gentle kiss…a promise of things to come.

And so they came…one by one…each staying only a few minutes…only wanting to wish him well. Victor promised to bring Boaty the next day, Caroline promised she would bring him a clam chowder meal from the Pub, Alice promised him donuts and so on and so on. If he didn’t know it before, he knew it now…he was loved by all. It didn’t matter that he didn’t know his real family or where he came from because these people were his family.

She could see he was getting tired but she knew he would never admit it. She would have to be the one…no more visitors for the day. It was taking a toll on him. Marlena was just about to walk out when the door to his room opened and in walked Bo and Abe…Roman was no where in sight.

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He opened his eyes and looked around. Where the hell was he? And more importantly…what the hell happened to him. His memory was still a little hazy. He remembered a blinding light, being thirsty and sitting in the dark…nothing else. At least he was lying on something comfortable instead of a hard floor. Roman sat up slowly…feeling a few aches and pains but nothing major. He swung his legs over the side of the bed and sat there a few minutes before attempting to stand. While still sitting he noticed a nightstand next to the bed with a lamp. Roman leaned over, turned on the lamp and took a good look at his surroundings. He couldn’t believe his eyes.

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“It’s good to see you’re awake, John,” said Bo.

“You gave us quite a scare partner.”

“Sorry about that.” John tried to sit up. “I guess you have a few questions for me because I know I have a few for you.”

Abe walked pulled out his note pad and began, “Yea we do…might as well get started. Why were you there?”

John was surprised by the question, “What do you mean…why was I there? Roman called me and told me to meet him there.”

Abe and Bo looked at each other…stunned by John’s answer and for a minute no one said anything. Finally Bo spoke, “No…he didn’t.”

John was adamant, “Yes he did; I know Roman’s voice when I hear it. It was definitely him. Where is he?”

“He’s,” Abe began, “investigating a case.”

Marlena could tell by Abe’s tone of voice there was more to the explanation than he was giving them. “What case?”

“It’s kind of hard to explain,” said Bo.

“Well why don’t you try…I’m sure we can follow you.” She was tired of the run around they were giving them…answering a question without really answering.

“Bo and I were out on a case and when we got back to the station…there was a note from Roman saying he had been in contact with the ISA and he was going to meet an operative who might have information for us. Whether it concerns this case or another one…we really don’t know.”

“That’s the truth.” Bo raised his right hand. “Scouts honor.”

Now it was John’s turn to ask a question, “Did he say who or how long he would be gone?”

“No…he didn’t.”

“Okay, hopefully he’s working on this case and he’ll have some answers when he gets back. But I’m telling you…I got a call from Roman that morning saying he needed my help and to meet him at that building. That’s all I know.”

“Roman got a call from an informant saying he had information on a case we’re working on and to meet him.”

“You know something didn’t feel right from the beginning. Abe and I had a funny feeling something was wrong which is why we were there as his backup. But as soon as you walked up…shots were fired and you both went down.”

“So whoever planned this wanted me and Roman there at the same time.”

“Looks that way.”

“Any leads? What about the informant?”

Bo shook his head, “No…his body was found later…executed.”

“Sounds like somebody is covering their tracks…no loose ends.”

“Exactly…this is why you’re under police protection.”

“I don’t need protection.”

“John…look around you. You’re in the hospital. You were lucky…you could be dead. It’s not an option.” Bo looked at his watch. “It’s getting late…I know you’re tired and we can pick this up tomorrow.” He wasn’t in the mood to argue with John over police protection.

They both kissed Marlena goodbye and headed back to the station. John’s explanation only confirmed what they already suspected…it had been a setup from the beginning.

As soon as the door closed behind them Marlena sat on the edge of the bed and held John’s hand once more. “Honey, I’m with Abe and Bo on this one…you need protection. Someone is out to get you.”

“I’ll be fine.”

“No…you won’t. Listen to me…when you get out of here…where are you going? Back to the loft…I don’t think so. Whether you want to think about it or not…you’re going to have to take it slow. You can’t just rush back into your life…like nothing happened. You were shot for Gods sake. You’re going to need help. And what about Boaty? Do you honestly think you can take care of him by yourself? No…you can’t.” She was slowly losing control. The day was beginning to take its toll on her.

“Marlena, it’s okay.”

“How can you say that? It’s not okay. Somebody tried to kill you.” Except for a brief moment when she thought there might be a connection between whoever saw them at the Ball and the shooting, all of her attention had been focused on getting John to wake up. Now that he had…the truth began to sink in.

“I promise it’ll be okay.” He tried to get her look at him but she wouldn’t look him in the eyes.

“Don’t make promises you can’t keep.” Her gaze was still focused on her hands in her lap.

He felt guilty and so he gave in. “You win.”

She outmaneuvered him and they both knew it. The only way he could keep his promise was if he had police protection. She looked up, smiled and said, “Was there ever any doubt?”

“I’ll take Bo and Abe up on their offer of police protection…but just until I’m back on my feet. After that all bets are off.”

“Good…we can talk about that later. Right now you need to get some rest. It’s been a long day.”

“Are you leaving?”

“Not until you drift off to sleep and I promise I’ll be here first thing in the morning.”

“You don’t have to stay…I know you’re tired.”

“I want to stay…now close your eyes.”

The truth was…he really was exhausted. It had been a long day. He closed his eyes. “Doc?”

“I’m here…is there anything you want before I leave?”

“As a matter of fact…there is.”

“What is it?”

“I want you to promise me you’ll take care of yourself and our baby girl.” He was drifting off. “Promise me.”

As she leaned over to kiss him goodnight she whispered, “I promise.” Marlena sat there…on the edge of his bed, content in holding his hand and watching him sleep. She was exhausted but found it difficult to leave him. The knowledge that tomorrow when she walked thru his door…he would be awake and waiting for her was the only thing that made it easier for her to go home. “I love you, John. I always have.” Just a few minutes more…and then she would leave.

*************************************

Rebecca left her office later than she intended. A couple of work-related problems popped up just as she was leaving. She was finally on her way to the hospital…hoping against hope it wasn’t too late to see him…hoping Marlena would already be gone but knowing deep down inside she would still be there. Ordinarily she probably wouldn’t have thought twice about Marlena being at John’s side…but now that she knew the truth…it was a different story. She would have to find a way to slowly insert her self into John’s life…slowly take Marlena’s place…until finally he would depend on her instead of Marlena. The shooting while tragic might just be her ticket into John’s heart. After all, Marlena was a married woman…a few well placed comments to Roman about his wife’s closeness to John could start the ball rolling. At least it might give him a clue as to what was going on right underneath his nose. The good doctor wouldn’t want her reputation associated with a scandal of infidelity. Sleeping with one’s ex-husband wasn’t the type of scandal you wanted…especially when your husband was a decorated policeman who put his life on the line everyday. Judging from what she witnessed, it was probably the s*x Marlena missed. She had gotten a pretty good look at John and she could understand why Marlena wasn’t willing to leave him alone. He was in a class all by himself. And as for John…what man wouldn’t be flattered that his ex-wife still wanted him…any time…any place. It was just s*x between them she told herself. But soon…John would be hers and they would share a life together. Starting today, Rebecca would begin to worm her way into John’s life. He would need lots of help and she would be the one to give it him. Rebecca parked her car and headed to John’s room.

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Marlena felt someone nudging her shoulder and calling her name.

“Marlena, wake up.”

She opened her eyes to find Laura standing beside her. “I must have dozed off. I was sitting here with him and I guess I fell asleep.”

“You need to go home and get some rest.” She held out her hand to help Marlena stand. “This is not what John would want.”

Just the mention of his name brought a smile to her face…it was a relief to be able to show how much she loved him without worrying about someone finding out the truth. “I know…I was just watching him sleep and I guess I’m more tired than I thought.”

“Well, you are pregnant.” She continued speaking, this time using her doctor’s tone, “I know you’re excited about him being awake but you have to remember to take care of you and the baby. It’s been a long day for all of you…you need to go home and get some rest. You can check on him first thing in the morning.”

“I doubt if I’ll be able to sleep. I’m so excited.” She grabbed Laura by the shoulders and hugged her. “He’s awake and he knows about the baby.”

“This is why you have to take care of yourself. Worrying about you and the baby is the last thing John needs. He has enough on his plate.”

“You’re right…I know.” She leaned over and kissed him goodbye one more time.

“Good…let’s go. And you can tell me everything while I walk you to your car. I would have come earlier but I knew there would be a line of people waiting to see him. Besides, I knew you would tell me everything.” They walked arm in arm to the elevator doors.

************************************

He was exhausted. It had been a long day…but a fruitful one. He finally had a little information to pass on…it was a personal vendetta. The shooting was personal. Whoever was behind it…meant to hurt John Borne…that much he was able to confirm. The boss wouldn’t be happy about that. All he knew was the boss had plans for John Borne. How Roman Boaty fit into those plans…he didn’t have a clue. You’re paid to follow orders he reminded himself…not to question them.

He headed back to his tiny motel room. After an update to the boss and a good night’s sleep he would be back out on the street…finding out whatever information he could. His was a lonely life…but the pay made up for any hardships. He would settle down one day…but not in the foreseeable future.

*************************************

He was dreaming about Marlena. God he loved her. He could never get enough of her. Every time he saw her he wanted to make love to her. And here she was…sitting by his side. He reached out to touch her.

**************************************

Damn! He was already asleep. At least Marlena was gone. After she flashed her DA’s badge, the policeman outside his door told her Marlena and Laura had just left his room. Laura…she wondered if she knew the truth. They were best friends…Marlena probably told her. Oh well, she thought, since she was already here she might as well go inside…at least for a minute. Maybe he would open his eyes and if he did…her face would be the one he saw. She opened the door and walked over to him. This was the first time she had been able to spend any time with him since the day of the shooting. Even lying in a hospital bed, John was a handsome man. Without even thinking, she brushed a lock of his hair from across his face. The sudden movement caused him to murmur in his sleep. At first she couldn’t make out what he was saying. She leaned over and listened closely. It became all too clear.

“Doc…I love you.”

Even in his sleep it was Marlena.

“Let me make love to you,” he whispered. His hands went around her waist as he pulled her to him.

She knew she should stop him but a part of her wanted him to continue…even if he thought she was Marlena. No…she had to stop him. “John,” she said, “it’s …”

Before she could say her name, he pulled her into a kiss. His tongue was pushing its way into her mouth while his hands slowly moved up her sides.

All thoughts of stopping him quickly left as her body responded to his touch. She allowed his tongue entrance into her mouth. She felt his hands moving up her body…knowing they would soon stop at her breasts. Damn! No one had ever turned her on so quickly…she had never wanted some one as badly as she wanted him. She ached for his touch.

His thumbs were poised to lightly brush over her n*****s when he felt something wasn’t quite right. Maybe it was different because he had been in a coma…that had to be it.

She kissed him with everything she had…don’t stop she screamed inside her head. Don’t stop now.

His fingers brushed the tips of her harden n*****s through her blouse. As soon as he felt them…he knew something was wrong.

She moaned into his mouth…her hand wandered down his body…finally resting between his legs…feeling his hardness. She gasped in surprise…damn she wanted him.

John opened his eyes suddenly. Instead of seeing Marlena…he saw Rebecca. It was Rebecca he was kissing…it was Rebecca’s hand that was attempting to stroke him. He pulled back abruptly. Had he said anything? He was trying to remember if he called Marlena’s name. “Rebecca,” he said, “I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have done that. I don’t know what came over me.”

She knew he realized he wasn’t kissing Marlena and she could see him trying to remember if he said anything. As much as she wanted him, she had to play it smart. “It’s okay John.”

“Did I say anything?” Please say no he prayed.

After a moment she said, “No…you didn’t. Don’t be embarrassed…I enjoyed it.” She was letting him know his advances would be welcomed…in fact more than welcomed. Her hand was still nestled between his legs.

John wasn’t sure if he believed her but he couldn’t push the issue. He had been dreaming about Marlena…about making love to her. He could feel himself becoming harder just thinking about her…which made it all the more uncomfortable since Rebecca’s hand was still holding him. He knew she could feel him becoming harder by the second. “I’m really sorry.”

She didn’t think it was possible…but it was…he was becoming harder. A shudder ran through her body…it was difficult to speak…all she could think about was him. She took a deep breath before she spoke, “Again…I enjoyed it.” While staring into his eyes, Rebecca ran her hand the entire length of him. She wanted there to be no doubt…she wanted him. Finally she removed her hand, leaned over and kissed him lightly on his lips. “Goodnight John. I’ll see you soon.” With that she walked out of his room.

John sat there stunned. He would have to be careful around her from now on. She wanted him and she had no problem showing him how much.