Week Thirteen

John asked Marlena's building super, Ralph, up to Marlena's apartment. He asked him for a list of the building's tenants. He stressed it was a matter of life and death. He also asked for a list of all the people who had access to the building in the past two months, such as mailmen, cleaning crews, etc. Ralph said he'd try his best, as he liked Dr. Evans. He remarked there weren't any foreign crews in the building, except for the workmen that renovated the adjoining penthouse to Marlena's. John acknowledged and said Marlena had complained about the noise and he didn't pay much attention to it at the time.

Kristen met Tony at the hospital. She told him about her theory that Marlena was possessed by some evil force. Kristen saw Tony didn't believe that and told him John thought it was father's doing. Tony replied he didn't think so. She asked him if he had heard from father lately, and he deceivingly of course, said no. Kristen offhandedly remarked John was at Marlena's apartment now looking for clues. Upon hearing this, Tony made up an excuse and left.

Inside Marlena's room, she was sleeping uncomfortably next to the rosary on her pillow. She then woke up and the Devil wasn't in her. The rosary seemed to be keeping him away from her. She weakly and silently called out for help.

Kristen arrived to Marlena's apartment and asked John again what he was looking for. They entered Marlena's bedroom and John remarked he was missing something, as it all began there.

Stefano removed the handkerchief from the receiver and hung up the phone. Celeste approached him. "You are still here?" Stefano asked. "What do you mean?" asked Celeste bewilderedly. Stefano ordered her to leave. He didn't want to see her ever again. Celeste emotionally told him he was her life! She begged him not to send her away, but Stefano told Celeste she had disobeyed him. Celeste retorted she couldn't damn her soul and help the Demon. "There is NO Demon!!!" screamed Stefano. He stated he wouldn't stand for any more of her jealous ramblings. Again he ordered her to leave. Celeste yelled at him that she was faithful to him and only him, forever. Stefano replied it did hurt him to send her away, but she was jeopardizing his life with Marlena. "I gave up everything for you. My life and all of those I loved!" said Celeste. But Stefano wouldn't hear a word and loudly and frightfully yelled out "GO!!!" Celeste looked at him with tears in her eyes and left. Tony came in a moment later and asked his father why was Celeste crying. Stefano didn't tell him and Tony warned him John was in Marlena's penthouse right now.

In Marlena's bedroom, John and Kristen kept arguing as to what caused Marlena's situation. Each one backed his theory up by saying the other didn't have proof. Kristen told John she left the rosary to protect Marlena. John remarked the rosary wouldn't protect Marlena from Stefano. Kristen asked John how a person would get into the apartment. John said he'd have to be an extraordinary man. Kristen said that was right, as the whole situation was extraordinary, but John corrected her, saying he meant an extraordinary man such as Stefano. He then asked Kristen if Tony had heard from Stefano and Kristen replied Tony told her he hadn't. John wasn't too sure Tony was being truthful. Kristen decided to strike a deal with John- the first person to bring proof for his or her theory, the other would believe that one and forget about his own theory. They shook hands and made it official.

"Leave me alone...go away..." cried out a weak Marlena, clutching the rosary in her hand. Marlena cried for help and reached for the emergency buzzer. Suddenly, it moved on its own and flew way up in the air out of Marlena's reach. Tears started streaming down Marlena's cheeks, as she looked horrified at the buzzer, pausing in midair. She then got out of bed and fell to the floor, crawling her way towards the door. The Devil made the closet move on its own and blocked the door. Marlena clutched the rosary tightly and sat against the door, crying.

Tony yelled at his father he had to leave town and now, as if John found him, he would stop at nothing to use that against his and Kristen's marriage. Stefano said John wouldn't ever find him and told Tony he would leave soon with Marlena. Tony still couldn't understand how his father thought Marlena could love him, but Stefano assured him they were in love. Tony yelled at him that he didn't want Kristen to find out about him knowing he was in town and Stefano assured him she would never.

Mike met Laura at the hospital and she could sense something was bothering him. He told her about the threats that were made over the phone. He told her of the being stuck in the middle situation he was in and Laura assured him she knew he'd make the sensible decision. He remarked he'd never forget that voice, and that if he heard it again, he'd surely recognize it.

The cop guarding Marlena's room entered her room and found her on the floor. He helped her back into bed and buzzed for a nurse. When the nurse came, Marlena quietly said, "Get John...and Mike...get them...before it's too late...get them..."

Ralph handed John the tenants' list and John went over it. Kristen asked him about it and he said he'd run a check up on each tenant. He said he'd especially check out the next-door neighbor, an apparently Swiss businessman that is rarely in town. He said it might be Stefano under an alias. Kristen asked John if he thought Stefano would come back to Salem and get an apartment right across from Marlena, as in that way he might be seen a number of times. John said anything was possible and the super asked John how would anyone get past Marlena's complicated security system, as only he and Dr. Evans had the number. At that point Mike stepped in and said he gave the code to someone...

The nurse opened Marlena's clutched fist. She saw the rosary in it. She told Marlena she'd put it in the drawer for safekeeping. Marlena's tearful eyes looked down at the rosary resting on her palm.

"What?!" yelled out John, grabbing Mike at the collar. Kristen told John to let go and Mike explained the whole terrorist situation. John remarked the only terrorist he knew was Stefano DiMera. They discussed the situation and John said the masked man I was Stefano and that those "dreams" Marlena had, weren't dreams. He was positive Stefano drugged Marlena into acting the way she did. Kristen asked him how would Stefano drug her into desecrating a church, but John said anything was possible. They still couldn't understand how anyone could get into the apartment and Mike said it wasn't through the front door, as he told them he camped out next to Marlena's door each night to protect her. John asked him to show him where he hid.

In Stefano's apartment, Tony threatened his father that if he didn't leave town soon, he'd tell the police where he was, as he couldn't let him risk his marriage with Kristen. He told his father they had to exit the apartment now, before John found them, and they both would be doomed. Stefano said all right, saying he wanted to see Marlena anyway and headed for the door. As Stefano unlocked the door, John opened Marlena's and Stefano withdrew and closed the door slowly. Mike showed John where he hid and told him he was there every night. John asked what about the day and Mike said he had to work and Marlena was working, too, during the day and offhandedly said that the construction next door probably scared Stefano off during the day. "It's about time we met that mystery neighbor," said John and rang the bell. Tony and Stefano froze. Kristen said there was no one home and Tony recognized her voice. John started banging against the door, trying to knock it down. Mike helped him and inside, Stefano told Tony not to worry, as the door was reinforced. The security guard came up, after neighbors complained about the noise and told John and Mike to stop, but John was determined to knock the door down. Kristen told John to stop, as he wouldn't be of any help if he were in jail. John apologized and they all entered Marlena's.

Agitatedly shaking and crying, Marlena kept crying out "No" and "Stay away from me..." She was now alone again in her room. Outside, Caroline met Lexie and they talked about Sami running away (Carrie called Caroline at the hospital and told her). It suddenly became dark again in Marlena's room, as Marlena kept screaming. She let out a horrible scream and Caroline and Lexie immediately headed for her room. They and the guard tried opening the door, but it wouldn't budge. Marlena held on to the rosary and the three managed to open the door. The lights came back and Marlena was still agitated and afraid. "Don't let him take me!" Marlena cried. Lexie checked and saw Marlena's pulse was slow. "He's coming!" said a weak Marlena. Caroline hugged her and told her to hold on to the rosary and to her faith in God. Lexie exited to call Mike. "Don't let him take me..." said Marlena sobbingly. Caroline suddenly rose up and sensed something. She shrugged her shoulders from the chilling cold in the room...

Mike's beeper went off at Marlena's and he left for the hospital. Kristen asked again how could anyone enter the apartment. John had blueprints of the building and looked at them. He said the apartment next to Marlena was identical to hers. He suddenly said he had an idea and took Kristen by the hand upstairs.

"My soul...my soul...No!" said Marlena, as Mike injected her with a sedative.

John told Kristen he had a hunch there was more to the armoire than met the eyes. He based that on him being sure he saw the doors move that day. He told Kristen that wall separated Marlena's and the other apartment's bedroom. He tried pushing the closet, but it didn't budge. It was nailed to the wall. John opened the doors and entered the closet. He banged on the walls. On the other side, Stefano and Tony heard this. Stefano damned John. John took a hammer and started banging on the closet's rear, tearing down the tapestry. He said he knew Stefano was behind that wall and he'd get to him.

The sedative didn't really affect Marlena and Lexie asked Mike why did Marlena fight sleeping. He said he didn't know. They exited her room, as the lights went off again and gruffly growl noises were heard.

John came across an iron door. Kristen was shocked. On the other side, Tony told Stefano they had to leave. John used a crowbar on the door and managed to open it. Stefano and Tony fled to the lower floor and headed for the main door, but saw there was a guard outside it. John and Kristen entered the apartment. They didn't find Stefano or no one there, so Kristen told John he might have been wrong and that really was a Swiss businessman living there. John said no and saw a chest board with metal pawns. He told Kristen that was Stefano's board. He then turned on the stereo and a symphony was heard. Kristen recognized it as the one Stefano played for her when she was a child. She realized John was right. "This is where he lives and he is the one that caused that to Marlena," said John. Stefano and Tony quietly sneaked past the guard, as suddenly the lights went out. They hurried downstairs. Kristen and John came downstairs and asked the guard what happened. He said the lights couldn't have gone out by themselves. Kristen and John hurried to street level. Downstairs, at the back alley, Stefano and Tony thanked their lucky stars the lights went out when they did. Celeste appeared and told them it was she who was responsible for that. She told Stefano that although he sent her away, she couldn't turn her back on him and still loved him. Stefano placed his palms over her cheeks affectionately. Tony told them to cut the sentimentalities. Stefano said that for once he'd let his son call the shots. He grabbed Celeste by the hand and started walking away. Tony reminded him that if he were to return to Salem, he'd call the police on him. Stefano came back, kissed him and told him that no matter what, they were blood and he'd never betray him. Then, disappeared into the night with Celeste. At that point, Kristen and John ran out of the building and Kristen asked Tony what was he doing there. She asked him if he got her message and he acknowledged (apparently, Kristen left him a message and that worked for his benefit, as he had an excuse of being there.) Kristen told him about her and John chasing Stefano and Tony deceivingly asked, "Father? Here, in Salem?" Kristen acknowledged and they all ran to the hospital.

"You're getting weaker, Marlena," addressed her the Devil. His voice was now just heard across the room, as Marlena was hanging on to the rosary, dearly as she would hold on to her life. "Give up the fight!" ordered her the Devil. "No. I can't give up," Marlena repeated. Outside the room, Lexie was talking to Mike about Marlena, reassuring him he'd find what was wrong with her. She told him it looked like Marlena was fighting something, but what? Inside, Marlena's eyes became green again, as visions of the desecration acts swept through Marlena. "NO!" Lexie and Mike heard Marlena scream and entered her room. Marlena was agitated as usual. She held on to the rosary, saying, "I won't let them go, I can't. They're my last hope..."
Abe arrived to the hospital and Mike and Lexie came out to him. Mike told him about him giving Marlena's security number away and about John at Marlena's now. Abe said he'd hurry over there. Mike returned to the room and the nurse told him Dr. Evans was fighting the sedative. He asked her if she said something and the nurse answered Marlena had said, "He'll get me" several times. She also told Mike Marlena has tried to reach out for something, but she couldn't gather to what. We saw the rosary resting on the floor, beneath the bed. "I've almost got you. I am so close," told the Devil exclusively to Marlena. "I am so, so very close..." "NO!" screamed Marlena and convoluted. "She's going into cardiac arrest!" yelled out Mike- "get a crash cart!"

Everyone arrived to the hospital's lobby. John told Abe it was Stefano behind Marlena's acting. Abe told him music and a board of chess were not evidence that would hold up in court, when he told him about them. John said he knew Stefano was after Marlena and said they had to get to her before he did. They hurried to her room. When they got there, John told the guard he had to be on his toes the whole night and told Abe he'd spring for an officer on every floor of the hospital- he wanted the place sealed off! He entered Marlena's room and witnessed an empty bed.

John became horrified, thinking Stefano got Marlena, but Mike and Lexie wheeled her in a moment later, telling everyone about Marlena having another attack. Marlena mumbled, "Don't let him...don't let him take me..." Everyone heard her say that and John said she meant Stefano. John asked Abe to put out an APB on Stefano and asked him to find Alice so that she'd explain to the hospital staff about the seal-off. Abe acknowledged and exited the room. Mike and Lexie moved Marlena to her bed, as the Devil told Marlena to give up already-- "It'll all be over soon. You'll be mine!" Marlena repeated saying "No". Kristen was by them and told Mike that up until a few hours ago, she wouldn't have believed John about Stefano drugging Marlena, telling him she was certain Marlena's illness was of a spiritual nature. "But, I was obviously wrong," she added. She turned to leave, but then saw the rosary on the floor. She picked it up and placed it back in Marlena's palm. Everyone followed Kristen out, as Marlena held the rosary tightly and murmured, "Thank God, thank God."

Stefano and Celeste were hiding in the hospital garage. Stefano had sent Celeste to check things out and she reported to him the hospital was sealed off. Suddenly, Alice entered the garage and they ducked. She searched for her keys, as Abe arrived and told her about the seal off and asked for her help.

John held Marlena's hand and promised her nothing would happen to her, as the hospital was sealed off and Stefano wouldn't get to her now. Kristen entered the room and asked John what if when Marlena had said to keep "him" away from her, she didn't mean Stefano. "Who else could it be?" he asked. He took Kristen out and Marlena whispered, "The Evil one...The Evil one..."

Alice and Abe exited the garage, as Stefano told Celeste he'd go see Marlena. Celeste asked him if he was crazy, as the place was crawling with cops. She begged him to leave Salem. He said he would, but with Marlena. "I'm going to going to go into that hospital and I'm going to take Marlena out, right under John's nose."

John and Abe were at police HQ waiting for a lead on Stefano. Tony and Kristen arrived just as John said he hoped the fingerprint report would prove Stefano lived next to Marlena's. Tony panicked, as he recalled him touching glasses and certain items at the apartment. Kristen said she hoped Stefano would be find as she really wanted to tell him how much she hated him for all that he had done. Later, they all moved to the hospital. There, John said he wanted to move Marlena to a safe-house somewhere to keep her as guarded away from Stefano as possible.

At her hotel room, now friends again, Celeste told Stefano he had to get out of town, as every cop was looking for him. Stefano again, stated he would, but only with Marlena. Celeste asked him why would he risk everything, including his freedom and his life for that woman, as Stefano recalled Marlena's seduction at Maison Blanche. He told Celeste he and Marlena were made for each other. He said he couldn't fail Marlena and would snatch her from the hospital.

The illustrious Salem DA arrived to the hospital, demanding to know why there were so many cops stationed in the hospital. John told her about them keeping Stefano away from Marlena. Pat said he was dead, but John said no and told her about him having the apartment next to Marlena. Pat stated she dealt with facts and not speculations, as a fax was received. It was the fingerprint report. John looked at it and told everyone the fingerprints in the penthouse were a perfect match to Stefano's. Pat said that would do for now and asked Tony if he had any contact with his father, when John said Stefano was in Salem. Tony answered negatively, of course and Pat left. Just then, Bo and Billie entered and Bo let out a disgusting "yachh", as he saw Pat. John said that two other sets of fingerprints were found. He gathered one must belonged to Celeste and asked Tony if he could think of an associate of Stefano's to whom the prints might belong. Tony said he couldn't know and exited for fresh air. Billie took Kristen aside and expressed her concerns as to what would happen if Stefano said Gina were Hope.

Out on the terrace, Tony phoned Celeste's hotel room and asked for Stefano. He ordered his father to leave town, as John and Bo were close to finding him and angrily told him about his fingerprints at the apartment, stressing that when Kristen found out, he'd lose her forever. He also offhandedly told Stefano about John's plan to move Marlena. He then again repeated he'd tip off the police as to his whereabouts if he didn't leave town soon, and hung up.

Inside, a nurse told John he had a phone call. It was an anonymous person, telling him that if he wanted Stefano he should go to room 348 at the "Riverview" inn. John told Bo and the two hurried over there.

'348' read the number on the hotel-key resting on the nightstand at Celeste's hotel room. Celeste again told Stefano he was risking everything for Marlena, as Stefano again repeated he would not let her down and said he had come up with a plan.

Later, John and Bo arrived to the hotel and to room number 348. They drew out their guns and opened the door. The room was empty. A noise came from inside the washroom, as they rejoiced. "We got you now, Stefano," said John as they knocked on the door and yelled to come out. A spiteful Celeste emerged from the room, but no Stefano.

At the hospital, Kristen asked John how could no one have seen father if he was right next to Marlena's. Peter arrived and reminded Kristen she had a date with Jennifer. Kristen left, as Tony gave Peter an update about Stefano. He told him about someone tipping off John and about him being afraid of losing Kristen when the police match the fingerprint to his. He gathered from the expression on Peter's face that he too was in a similar situation and Peter said that if Jennifer found out about his shady past, she'd drop him.

At the hotel room, Bo put Celeste under arrest. At the same time, Gina spotted Stefano walking through Salem Place. He saw her too and started fleeing. Gina followed him, but lost him. He ended up at the alley behind the hotel, arriving just in time to see Bo and John taking Celeste away in the police car.

As Jack was trying to convince Jennifer Peter was just like Stefano, Kristen arrived to the TV station. Jennifer told Jack Peter was a good guy, as Kristen told her about the police being close to finding Stefano. A message came in about a woman having something to do with Stefano being arrested and the two girls hurried to police HQ. Jack decided that was worth checking out.

Tony and Peter arrived home to find Stefano sitting in the living room. They asked him if he was crazy, as the police would probably be looking for him there, too. Stefano told them not to worry and they told him about Celeste's arrest. He replied he knew and told Peter he would get her out.

John and Bo immediately started questioning Celeste about Stefano's whereabouts. The oh-so loyal Celeste kept saying she didn't know and couldn't say. No matter what John said, Celeste wouldn't lead up and kept quiet. Suddenly, Gina came running in. Amazed, she asked, "Celeste?" Bo and John looked at her- "I just saw Stefano!" she said gasping. Bo immediately alerted every cop in town. They got back to questioning Celeste, but when Bo's threats didn't do the work, Gina asked him to let her. She sat next to Celeste and decided to use turn to her heart. "How are you, Cupcake?" asked Celeste cutely. Gina told her she didn't forget how good she was to her at Maison Blanche and told her she wanted an identity and that only Stefano can provide her with one. She begged Celeste to tell them where Stefano could be found. Touched as she was, Celeste told Gina she felt her aching, but her loyalties still lied with Stefano.

Tony told Stefano he had many friends in high places and told him to ask them to get off Celeste. Stefano replied family helped each other and told Peter again to go get Celeste off. Peter apologized and said he couldn't. Stefano tried emotionally blackmailing him, asking him if he remembered how he took him and Kristen in when they became orphans. But when that didn't work, he tried pure blackmailing and told him he wouldn't want his precious Jennifer to find out about his sordid past.

Bo told John he'd lock Celeste up, as Peter stepped in and told him he would do no such thing. He told them Celeste should be freed, as they had nothing on her. Celeste smiled to herself. John told him he knew Celeste was Stefano's right hand, but Peter asked to see proof she was helping Stefano. John said they hadn't had any, as the fingerprints weren't a full match. Bo asked him why did he do this, as Jennifer stepped inside and told Peter she'd like to know the same.

At the house, Tony again yelled at Stefano to get out of town. He said he was so afraid Kristen would find out he's been seeing him. Stefano assured him Kristen would understand he was just loyal to his father. Tony still yelled at him to get the hell out.

Peter said Celeste wasn't to blame for anything and should be released. Jack told Jennifer he hated to say so, but "I told you so". Gina looked at Kristen and sympathized with her, as Stefano was good to her too, as he was to her at Maison Blanche. John told Bo to release Celeste, and he did.

At Salem Place, Peter told Jennifer he just felt sorry for Celeste, as she had no one in town and he felt he should help an innocent person. She asked him if he'd help Stefano and defend him, too and Peter answered, "hell no."

Bo asked John why did he let Celeste go- what gives? John calmly said he just did what he had to do and sipped his coffee.

Week Fourteen

Bo told John now Celeste would go to Stefano. John said that was right and Bo said he could have had her tailed. John said he shouldn't worry about it, as he presented him with some gizmo, saying this would help. He told Bo he placed this homing-device in Celeste's bag before she left. They were just starting to activate it, as Abe entered and told them not to. He explained Pat Hamilton was already on their backs for giving Marlena special treatment. He said that since they didn't have a court order they couldn't use the device. John replied he'd what ever it took to find Stefano. Abe told him that if Stefano were captured, since he was captured illegally, he'd be freed. He told Bo hid badge could be taken, too. John told him he only cared about finding Marlena and nothing else. Abe looked at him and asked him how do you activate this thing. John rejoiced and thanked Abe. They sat down and activated the device.

At her hotel room, Celeste again urged Stefano to leave town now that Peter had secured her release. Stefano again remarked he wouldn't leave without Marlena. Celeste told him he was being a fool coming to the place she was found at. Stefano told her John knew he wasn't a fool and so, wouldn't look for him there, besides "Marlena is worth the risk." He said it agonized him to see Marlena so ill and frightened. Celeste again started to dissuade his mind from his plan, but then stopped and gave up, after Stefano made a face. She told him "O.K." and promised him she'd help. He asked her how was John's state of mind at police HQ and she said he seemed "resigned". Stefano said that was one thing John was not, when it came to him (Stefano). He said he'd have to kill two birds with one stone- getting Marlena and getting John out of the picture. Celeste told him that he'd have to be in two places in one time to do that and Stefano replied, "Exactly!"

Caroline and a nurse entered Marlena's room. Caroline told the nurse John told her she was coming with them to the safe house and the nurse acknowledged. Caroline approached Marlena and patted her head, telling her not to be afraid of Stefano. "Stefano is not the one I fear," said Marlena inside her head. "It's the one who sent him, the Evil one. Don't take me away from here- I'll lose my protection from him and I can lose my very soul..."

Celeste told Stefano not to underestimate the security at the hospital, as everyone's ID was checked. Stefano told her he'd get in to the hospital and showed her a brown envelope with x-rays in it. He told her that with the help of those, he'd get into the hospital. He sent Celeste on her way and got ready to leave himself.

Caroline and the nurse entered Marlena's room again and saw her reciting the rosary. Caroline told the nurse Marlena wasn't brought up Catholic, but that after she married Roman, she became more religious. She approached Marlena and told her they'd pray together. Caroline put her hand on the rosary and Marlena pushed her hand away. The nurse said she'd go get something to help Marlena sleep. "I can't sleep, I have to be on guard," Marlena said, again inside her head. "He's coming, I know he is. Help me, God. Please, help me, God..."

Bo and John tracked Celeste back to Salem Place. They sat in Bo's truck and watched her. John said this could take awhile and so, he'd go check on Marlena at the hospital.

A nurse wheeled in a bearded man wearing a baseball cap down the hall. The cop guarding Marlena's room stopped them and told the nurse he needed to check the man. The nurse said he was just admitted for some tests and that his name was Wagner. The cop O.K.'d and the nurse wheeled the guy away. She gave another nurse his x-rays and said he was admitted, since he wanted a second opinion. She put him in a room right down the hall from Marlena's. The guy of course, was Stefano.

It became dark again in Marlena's room. "I'm coming," the Devil's voice was heard again. "I'm coming for you, Marlena." Marlena hanged on tighter to the rosary and chanted. "Open your eyes," ordered the Devil- "Look at me!" Marlena opened her eyes and looked to her right.

John arrived to the hospital and met Caroline and Shawn outside Marlena's room, just as a horrible scream came from there. They all ran in. "He was here...he was here..." cried Marlena. John hugged her and told her she was only dreaming, and assured her Stefano wouldn't get to her, as the hospital was swarming with cops. They exited her room and John got a phone call from Bo. Bo told him Celeste was doing nothing but window-shopping. John said he was coming over, hung up and left.

Stefano phoned the public telephone near "Johnny Angel's" and Celeste picked it up. He told her he was inside the hospital, just down the hall from Marlena. He asked her if John and Bo were following her and she acknowledged. He told her that was good, as it showed those fools haven't a clue they knew about the tracing device they had put in her bag. He told Celeste to keep them busy and hung up.

Caroline and Shawn relaxed Marlena she was safe and exited her room. "You don't understand," Marlena addressed them in her mind, after they exited. "Stefano is not the enemy, and if you move me, I'll never be safe from the Evil." She looked down at the rosary on her palm and added, "This is the only thing that can keep me from losing my soul..."

The next day, the Devil kept bothering Marlena. He told her Stefano was already inside the hospital and would soon take her away from there. That way, he told her, he'd be free to possess her body and soul. Marlena kept holding on to the rosary and thought of John and Belle and her playing together. That gave her strength. "Those things are gone," the Devil's voice was again heard- "Are gone forever, your friends, your family. You will never get them back." Marlena said the people who loved her needed her. "I need you, Marlena," retorted the Devil. "To carry out my plans for the people of Salem and for John Black!" he added. Marlena cried out to John to help her. The Devil assured her John wouldn't help her, since he saw himself more as a man than a priest. "And that is why I'll win!" the Devil concluded.

Celeste kept Bo and John busy at Salem Place going about the mall. In Bo's truck, John and him wondered what was going on. Celeste then entered a shop and a lady dressed like her exited a minute later. We saw Celeste aside in a big brown wig. The lady resembling her was of course, to throw John and Bo off course. Celeste arrived to the hospital and when a cop asked for her ID, she showed him a fake one and told him she was Mr. Wagner's nurse. She entered Stefano's room and saw him dressed in a police inspector uniform. Meanwhile, at Salem Place, Bo and John kept watching Celeste's double. They had a hunch something was up and approached the lady. They looked at her and saw it wasn't Celeste. Realizing they were being fooled, they rushed to the hospital.

Stefano told the cop outside Marlena's room that Stefano DiMera was spotted on the roof. The cop hurried away. Stefano and Celeste entered Marlena's room. Celeste remarked there was evil in the room. Stefano ordered her to stop and hurry. She placed a brown wig on top of Marlena's head and they sat her in a wheelchair. They got ready to move, as Stefano picked up the phone and planted havoc all across the hospital, announcing 3 separated code blues that sent the nurses and doctors bustling. The two wheeled Marlena outside of the hospital, right under the guards' noses, in the midst of all the commotion.

Bo and John arrived at the hospital and saw Marlena wasn't in her room. Bo sealed off the building, but it was too late, as they were told that a minute before the hospital was sealed off, an inspector and a nurse were seen wheeling a woman out the main gate. Marlena was gone...

At their hideout, Stefano laid Marlena on a bed and ordered Celeste to go radio the boat. She did and Stefano petted Marlena's head, calling her his Queen. Marlena hung on to the rosary. Stefano saw it and removed it from her hand, telling her she didn't need it right now, as he would protect her. "No..." whispered Marlena. The Devil laughed. "My..." he said to Marlena. "You almost got away, Marlena. I missed you, but I'm back and I'm here to stay," he said and after Stefano moved away, Marlena spread out her empty palm and opened a pair of happy green eyes. She was now possessed again...

The next day, Tony dreamed that Kristen had found out the fingerprints found in Stefano's apartment were his and left him. He woke up in a startle and Kristen was by his side. Abe phoned them and again asked the two if they could think of an associate of Stefano's to whom to fingerprints might belong. They answered they couldn't and Kristen told Abe that in Europe, every person entering a country, has his or hers fingerprints taken, even if he didn't have a record. She suggested they try matching up the fingerprints to those in Europe. Tony got worried. Abe said that although it might take a while, that was a good idea. He thanked Kristen and went to it.

After Jack again tried convincing Jennifer Peter was as rotten as Stefano was, she and Peter left for Salem Place. Jack decided he had to follow them. He did. In Salem Place, Celeste approached Peter and told him his father needed him. When Peter refused, Celeste told him it would be the last time, reminding him that if he got Stefano angry, he'd talk and then he would lose Jennifer. Peter said he'd have to think about it and Celeste left.

Kristen and Tony arrived to police HQ. Abe told them he contacted some police stations in a few major European cities and added their fingerprint files were being sent to them. He got a phone-call informing him of Kate's plain going down, so Kristen hurried to Billie. Abe exited the room for a briefing and Tony was left alone. He decided to look for the Marlena case file.

At Salem Place, Peter phoned Celeste and told her he'd meet Stefano. She told him to meet him at the road behind the lighthouse, at 6:30. Peter acknowledged and hung up. Jack saw him making the call and decided he'd follow him around. He approached Alice that was near by and asked her for her help, spying after Peter.

Tony opened the files cabinet drawer and found the one marked "Marlena Evans". He opened it and found the fingerprint report (the one with the three fingerprints- Stefano's, Celeste's and of the unknown male, his, of course) as a cop came in and asked him what the hell was he doing.

Week Fifteen

Stefano was promising Marlena his doctors would make her well, as Celeste entered and told him Peter was willing to meet with him, at the desired location. Stefano thanked her and left. Celeste was left alone with Marlena.

Jack kept following Peter. He followed him out to the country. Peter met Stefano there. Jack operated his cam-recorder, which he got from Alice. Jack couldn't see to whom Peter was talking with, as he blocked his companion's face, so he just extended his hand and filmed the meeting, hoping something good would come out of this. Stefano asked Peter for his help. Peter again was reluctant to help, telling his father he used to be like him, wanting everything to himself and caring only about winning, but Jennifer changed that in him. Stefano told him it'd be the last time. Eventually, Peter agreed to help his father, for the last time. Stefano told him to go to Pier 53 and payoff the man operating the boat for his and Marlena's getaway. Peter left and Jack followed him to the pier.

Marlena turned her head to Celeste. Her eyes were green again. Celeste was paralyzed with fear and surprise:
Celeste: "My God!"
The Devil: [Marlena was now speaking in the altered voice again] "''Fraid not! Celeste, you disappoint me. You still have no respect for me, even after the lesson I taught you. Maybe I must remind you..."
Celeste: "No."
The Devil: "After you do what I need. I need your help."
Celeste: "I will never help you. You're Evil!"
The Devil: "I'll show you something evil..." Marlena tried getting up, but was weak. She stopped and laid back.
Celeste: "There is something wrong. Your powers are weakening..."
The Devil: "Damn, this body is failing me. But tonight Marlena will be dead..." Celeste was shocked.
Celeste: "Marlena...? Dying...? No, no, that can't be true."
The Devil: "As if you care" Marlena sat up, looking straight at Celeste- "I know how much you hate her for taking Stefano away from you."
Celeste: "But no one deserve this fate. If Marlena is dying, why don't you just let her die in peace?"
The Devil: "It pleases me to feel the life of this once good woman slipping away. But you can have it your way, Celeste. I can leave Marlena...and come after you..." Celeste was terrified.
Celeste: "No, please, no, don't come after me."
The Devil: "Alright, I won't because you asked me so nicely. I won't yet..."
Celeste: "What are you talking about?"
The Devil: "I'd like you to know my plan. How oddly human is that?!"
Celeste: "I know your plan. You are using Stefano to get you away from John Black because he is a priest, a man of God. He is the only real threat to your powers."
The Devil: "Wrong! I can't wait for John Black to show up here."
Celeste: "But if John comes here...Oh, then he will know the truth about Marlena's illness and he will put an end to you!"
The Devil: "Wrong again. Oh, Celeste! I will put an end to him! I will make him break his priestly vows and then he will lose his power as a priest."
Celeste: "But how?"
The Devil: "It's very simple [laughs]. I will have Marlena seduce him, and when he gives into his passion, then he will lose his priestly powers forever and forever and forever..."
Celeste: "No! Impossible, John would never take advantage of Marlena."
The Devil: "That could be true. Well, if that happens, I have options."
Celeste: "What do you mean by that...?" Celeste was afraid to ask.
The Devil: "Why don't you watch and learn something, Celeste. I will show you how I'm going to win."
Marlena started convoluting. We now saw a very horrified Celeste looking at Marlena's direction and saying, "Oh, God. God, protect me!" Now, the figure of Kristen in a red negligee sat on the bed. Marlena transformed to Kristen again.

The cop told Tony he was in big trouble. He went to call Abe. A bit later, the cop heard someone addressing Tony as Mr. DiMera and asked him if he was related to Stefano DiMera. When Tony acknowledged he was his son, the cop asked him what he was looking for in the file. Tony told him about the unknown male's fingerprints. The cop drew out the file and destroyed the report. "It's O.K., I'm on the payroll," he told Tony. Tony deduced the cop was working for Stefano, he thanked him and the man said it was his job, a job that would put his son through college. Abe entered the room and asked the cop what was it. He said Mr. DiMera was just interested in knowing if there was any progress with the Marlena Evans case...

Back at the hideout, The Devil was now speaking in Kristen's voice and putting on a show for Celeste.
"Kristen": "Oh, I need you, John. I want you. Make love to me. Oh, I missed you, John." The Devil said zealously, as "Kristen" got off the bed and started at Celeste's direction. An even more horrified Celeste, stepped back in fear and dismay.
"Kristen": "I ache for you, John. I know that you're the only man for me, and I want you. I know you want me, too. We can't hide our passion..." The Devil now laughed, satisfied with himself- "God! I'm good, aren't I? Oh, yeah, he'll definitely be tempted this time."
Celeste: "This time?"
"Kristen": "Oh, no...Oops!" The Devil said on purpose.
Celeste: "Oh, yes, that night at John's loft, when Tony found Kristen in John's arms. It wasn't really her, it was you!"
"Kristen": "Well, I can not tell a lie. Actually, I could, but what's the point? Yeah, that was me, all me. Well the show's over." "Kristen" waved Celeste good-bye and returned to the bed. Celeste was again showed horrified and then we saw Marlena on the bed again, in her white robe.
The Devil: "Now you realize with what you're dealing?" Celeste looked upward to the sky and crossed herself.
The Devil: "Don't do that again!"
Celeste: "What do you want with me?"
The Devil: "Well, I lost my sunglasses in the move, I need some more."
Celeste: "Why?"
The Devil: "I don't want to reveal myself to anyone but you, babe. I also need a telephone."
Celeste: "But if you're so powerful, then why can't you get them yourself?"
The Devil: "Because this body is dying. I have to conserve all the strength that I can. Now, stop asking me your stupid questions and obey me! Or do you want another demonstration?"
Celeste: "No, please, please, I will do what you want, I will." She left in a hurry.

Peter arrived at Pier 53. A man was waiting for him there. Jack was lurking about, as well, filming the whole thing. Peter gave the man money and told him where to meet Stefano with the boat. The man took the money and left. A minute after he did, Jack emerged from his hide-spot and confronted Peter, telling him he knew he was crooked. He showed him the camera and told him he had everything on tape, including his secret meeting out in the country. Peter was shocked.

Celeste came back with a pair of sunglasses and a cell phone. She placed the phone next to Marlena on the bed. Marlena put on the sunglasses. She then picked up the phone.

Kristen and John were at Stefano's penthouse looking for clues. John turned on the stereo and that symphony was heard again. Kristen said something about it got to her. She told John that as a little girl, she used to sit on Stefano's lap, while the symphony was playing in the background. She then remembered Stefano used to tell her some story all the time, but she didn't remember anything of if. John asked her to concentrate, since it might lead them to Marlena. Kristen concentrated and heard Stefano's voice echoing in her head. "Once upon a time," she heard him saying. She told John she remembered the story was about a beautiful girl who lived far away from everyone. Then, she heard Stefano's voice again telling her the story. She heard him say something about the beautiful little girl, living in a round room, in a round house, and that her job was to make the big light circled all the time, so that ships at sea would be safe. "The House of Light," Kristen suddenly screamed. "That's the name of the story!" John's cell rang just as Kristen said that. "John...?" a weak Marlena sounded on the other side of the line. "Doc?!" John asked. "Help...me...help," said Marlena and then hung up. John and Kristen racked their brains and after a while, finally realized the house of lights was a lighthouse (Duh!) John told Kristen there was an abandoned one right outside of town. He hurried downstairs and got in to his car. Kristen called Abe and an ambulance.

Marlena hung up the phone, and Celeste was still pretty shocked.
The Devil: "John's on his way here and when he gets here, the firework won't stop."
Celeste: "What do you mean?"
The Devil: "The final struggle, of course. Stefano against John Black. To the death! Then, when John breaks the oldest taboo there is, his soul will go down to hell, forever."
Celeste: "'Oldest taboo'? I don't know what you're talking about."
The Devil: "Thou Shall Not Kill. The final struggle! One will live, one will die!"
Celeste: "No, no, not Stefano..."
The Devil: "You're right, at last you're right."
Celeste: "But, why Stefano? He helped you. He's the one who took you out of the hospital and kept John and the others from discovering the truth." Marlena took off the sunglasses.
The Devil: "He is no more use to me. Except, he'll die at John's hand. Then all three souls will burn in hell- Stefano, John Black and Marlena [laughs], they'll all be together!"
Celeste: "No! I will not let you hurt Stefano. I have to warn him." Celeste headed towards the door. As she opened it, to her surprise, Marlena was standing there.
The Devil: "Wouldn't do that if I were you."
Celeste: "I can beat you because your physical powers, they are weak because you're trapped in that dying body."
The Devil: "Care to give it a try?" Celeste took a cross out of her bag and held it up. She placed it on Marlena's shoulder and the Devil let out a hideous scream. Celeste ran out.
The Devil: "I'll get you for that! I'll get you for that!"
Celeste rushed to her car and started driving, repeating she had to warn Stefano. She drove, as suddenly Marlena appeared on the passenger seat next to her. Celeste was shocked. The Devil laughed.
The Devil: "Driving a bit recklessly, aren't you, Celeste? Let me help you!" Marlena looked at the steering wheel and the car jerked aside.
Celeste: "I didn't do that! How...?" The Devil laughed and laughed, as the car went off the road and Celeste let out a horrible scream.

Stefano came back to the lighthouse. Marlena was on the bed. He approached her and promised Marlena he'd take care of her. He wondered where Celeste was. He moved aside and said he'd go look for her. "I've already taken care of her," said the Devil. We saw Celeste's bloody forehead resting on the steering wheel of her car, which smashed into a boulder. "And tonight," added the Devil, addressing Stefano- "you'll be taken care of, too. Through me, the priest, John Black, will commit the ultimate sin, murder..."

Jack threatened Peter he'd show Jennifer the cassette so she'd know Peter wasn't so squeaky clean. They started arguing. Peter fought Jack for the cassette and when he got it, he threw it to the water. Near by, Laura and Jennifer were sitting, talking, as they heard Peter and Jack's voices. They hurried over and when Jennifer asked what was going on, Jack immediately told her about Peter's secret meetings out in the country and here on the pier. Peter said he could explain. Jack explained about him filming Peter and added Peter threw the tape in the water, since he had something to hide. Meanwhile, Kristen and Tony got into their car and headed towards the lighthouse. They stopped at a gas station and Kristen asked for directions. While she was away, Tony phoned Peter on his cell phone. Peter picked it up in the middle of the confrontation with Jack and as Tony told him it was urgent, moved aside to answer the call. Jack of course, said it must be another crooked client. While Jack told Jennifer about him seeing Peter paying off some man on the pier, Tony told Peter over the phone about John being on his way to Stefano's hideout, at the lighthouse. They both worried they could lose their mates, if Stefano talked. A bit later, Peter took Jennifer to the Pub and explained his clients were about to testify against some really bad people and are afraid to be exposed, that's why he met them secretly and destroyed Jack's tape. Jennifer bought that. On the pier, Jack jumped into the freezing water and retrieved the cassette.

The next day, at the Pub, Abe and Lexie were celebrating their anniversary. Abe presented her with a lovely charm-bracelet. There was an empty space in it and Abe told her it was for the special charm her Aunt Frankie left her before leaving. Lexie started reminiscing about her dear-old factious Auntie. Caroline approached them with a nice cake and congratulated them. She, too, brought up Frankie and told Lexie she had thought of her lately. Lexie told her she and Abe were just talking about her. They wondered what had happened to her and where she was. Lexie recalled seeing a lady on the train to Montana, on the way to the medical convention a few months back, whose eyes reminded her of Frankie (The lady was of course, really Celeste on the train to convince Billie to come back to Salem and fight for Bo).

On the way to the lighthouse, Kristen called her father by his name and Tony asked her why did she do that and didn't call him "father". She explained she didn't see herself as his daughter anymore. Tony asked her why couldn't she let the past be and forget about it. She answered she couldn't just forget about all the awful things Stefano had done and added she needed some sort of closure with him since Maison Blanche, and that was why she wanted to see Stefano that night. She also offhandedly, added that what hurt her the most was Stefano's being in town for so long and not bothering to contact any of them. Tony kept quiet, as Kristen went on, telling him that after thinking about it a lot, she came to a conclusion the third set of fingerprints that were found at Stefano's penthouse could very well be Peter's. When Tony asked her why did she think so, she explained Peter and Stefano have always had a close special relationship and Stefano had a strong hold over Peter. They then saw a car smashed into a big boulder, off the road. Kristen wondered if they should stop, but then they saw a police car approaching the smashed car.

A policeman approached the smashed car. He then saw Celeste inside, unconscious. He immediately radioed for an ambulance. "Stefano..." murmured Celeste powerlessly. At the same time, at the Pub, Abe got word John was on his way to Stefano, at the lighthouse and hurried over there. Caroline and Lexie hurried to the hospital to alert the staff.

Stefano returned to the lighthouse, after failing to find Celeste. He moved Marlena into the wheelchair and told her they'd have to go on without Celeste. He tried opening the door, but it wouldn't budge. Marlena smiled to herself as Stefano managed to open the door. A very angry John was standing behind it. "Finally! The moment I have been waiting for!" told himself a very satisfied Devil. John pushed his way in and approached Marlena. He saw she was very weak and asked Stefano what the hell did he do to her and what did he drug her with. Stefano replied he did nothing to her, as he loved her. John let out a little disdainful laugh. He couldn't believe that last comment. He told Stefano he knew he was responsible for Marlena's condition and the way she was acting. Stefano then tried making a break for the door, but John grabbed him and they fell onto the bed. John started strangling Stefano. "Kill him, priest. Kill him!" said the Devil, addressing John in his mind. John kept strangling Stefano, pressing harder and harder on his neck. Stefano gasped for air. "How sweet to see a priest commit murder," said the Devil. "Kill him, let your hate envelop you!" he ordered John (again in his mind, he wasn't talking out loud, but inside Marlena's head, but his words seemed to have reached John, since he kept choking Stefano). He then told John to think of the evil things Stefano did to him. John suddenly had flashbacks of Stefano capturing him and torturing him, marking him with the phoenix tattoo, calling him his pawn. John became more enraged and kept choking Stefano. "Kill him! Kill him, priest!" screamed the Devil, just as Kristen and Tony burst in and tried pulling John off of Stefano, but John wouldn't let go. "Send his soul to hell," said the Devil, as Kristen yelled at John, "You're a priest! A man of God! You can not commit murder, John!" John let go of Stefano and he panted. Amazed and bewildered, John looked at his hands, calling out, "I don't know what came over me. I had no control over my hands!" Abe and his men arrived and apprehended Stefano. Abe promised Stefano he wouldn't get out of prison this time (yeah right). John and the paramedics attended to Marlena. Stefano asked what were the charges against him. Abe said that if Marlena died, it would be murder.

At the hospital's ER, Lexie showed Caroline the charm bracelet and explained about the empty space for Aunt Frankie's charm. Caroline asked her if she knew what Frankie did that caused her family to ostracize her. Lexie didn't know. As she wondered where she might be, aside, Celeste was wheeled in. Lexie moved aside to take care of a few things as Caroline heard someone moan. It was Celeste. She approached her and asked her if she was O.K. She looked at her closely and her face turned disbelieving. "It couldn't be..." she said. She ran to Lexie and told her, "Lexie, I can't believe it! You'd never guess who's here!" Just as Lexie asked whom, Marlena was wheeled in and she went to attend to her. Caroline moved aside to be out of the doctors' way, as she bumped into someone. "Oh, I'm sorry," she said as she turned her head to face whomever it was. Dismay attacked her, as she saw she had bumped into Stefano. She immediately started attacking him, telling him he was responsible for Marlena's condition. Stefano swore he was not. Lexie went to page Mike. John, Kristen and Tony observed worriedly. "BP's dropping!" yelled out a nurse. "Oh, no!" said the doctor. The monitor sounded a siren-like flat line sound, as a nurse cried out, "We've lost her!"

Mike arrived and started resuscitating her. A weak pulse came on. "We got her back," said an orderly. Mike told John it was a close call. Kristen hugged John and told him God wouldn't let Marlena die. Abe approached Stefano and told him that as soon as the doctor checked him out, he'd be taken to jail.

Caroline approached the woman she recognized. She told her she was at the ER of University Hospital. Celeste opened her eyes and looked at Caroline. "Caroline...?" asked her Celeste. Caroline acknowledged. She told Celeste it was good to see her again after all these years. "Lexie is going to be beside herself," said Caroline and went to get her, only Abe stepped in.
Abe: "I heard you cracked up your car."
Caroline: "I didn't know you knew her."
Abe: "I don't. But I've heard about her."
Caroline: "Oh, from Lexie."
Abe: "No, from John and Marlena. You've been a great help to Stefano, isn't that right? What's his secret, Celeste?"
Caroline: "Celeste...?!"
Abe: "What hold does he have over you?"
Caroline: "You're the Celeste everyone's talked about?!" Caroline was shocked- "You helped Stefano?!"
Abe: "She's worked for Stefano for years. She helped him keep John and Marlena hostage in Maison Blanche. Billie also told me, she programmed Hope's memories into Gina's mind. Who knows what other crimes she helped that man commit?" He moved aside angrily.
Caroline: "You helped that animal, Stefano, torture my children? My God! Why would you do that? Why?"
Celeste: "I didn't mean to hurt anyone..." Celeste started to cry.
Caroline: "So you picked Stefano? Who has done nothing in his life but hurt everyone?!"
Celeste: "I was trapped...I was, just like John and Marlena were."
Caroline: "I don't believe that, I don't."
Celeste: "It's true. It's true." She cried miserably- "I'll never forgive myself for this."
Caroline: "Well, I don't think that I could ever forgive you. I thought that I knew you! I thought you were someone loving and caring. And you pick a man, with no morals and no principles, and you try to robe my children, their minds! I've got to get out of here!" Celeste grabbed her by the arm.
Celeste: "Please, I know I don't have the right to ask that of you, but please don't tell Alexandra. I beg you, Caroline, please don't tell her." Caroline moved aside disappointed.

A nurse bandaged Stefano's forehead, in a side room. Kristen and Tony stepped inside. "I know you'd come to me, Kristen," Stefano said, as he got up to greet her, but Kristen slapped him strongly across the face. Kristen decided to give Stefano a piece of her mind, as she intended to do: "You think I'd support you after all the inhuman things you have done to people I care about? You truly are a sick man. I have to do this. You have to know how I feel. You can't begin to understand how deeply you've hurt me, because I loved you with all my heart. I trusted you, I honored you, I defended you! All those years, all that time, you have just betrayed my love for you." "No, that is not true," interrupted her Stefano. "That is true!" retorted Kristen and went on, "You hurt good people. Innocent people. You tried to convince me that John was a bad human-being, that everybody were wrong about you and that the Brady's were crazy saying you were out to destroy them. You can't lie anymore. Not to me! I saw what you did to John and Marlena at Maison Blanche. I saw with my eyes the pain and torture you have inflicted upon them and on so many people and now Marlena. Want to hear something funny? I actually thought that Marlena was possessed by some sort of an evil force that caused her to do all those bizarre things. It was you! It was you who hurt her by drugging her and endangering her life!" "No, no, no, I did nothing but try to help Marlena," said Stefano. "I saw the armoire. I know everything. John thought you were responsible for it all, but as usual, I was stupid and naive and listened to my heart and not my head!" "You must believe that I've never done anything to harm Marlena. I love her. More than life itself," Stefano said emotionally. Kristen was amazed- "You don't know the meaning of that word. You can't love, because you don't even have a heart. And now you don't have a daughter either!" she stated and turned away. Tony gave his father an 'I Told You' look and left, too. Stefano became very saddened and tears streamed down his cheeks.

Very worried, John held Marlena's hand, apologizing he didn't arrive to her earlier. He told her that her friends and family needed her and loved her, begging her not to let go and fight.

Marlena then had a vision in which she is dressed in a beautiful autumn dress, in a park, with Belle and John. They are having a picnic with Carrie and Caroline. Marlena was ecstatically happy. John presents her with a four-leafed clover and tells her he wants to share his good luck with her. Marlena responds he doesn't have to, as she already feels like the luckiest woman on the face of the earth. John kisses her on the cheek and tells her he to go sit on the swing and he'll push her high-into the sky. Marlena walks over to it and suddenly halts. "John, somebody is trying to take me away from you," she says.

Mike arrived with the test results. He told John the anemia was back again and that the red cells count was so low, he didn't know why Marlena was still alive. "She may not last much longer, John. I'm sorry," he told him. Mike told John he didn't have a clue what was causing the anemia. He suggested a blood transfusion might help. Stefano stepped inside the room. John approached him and demanded he tell him what kind of drug he'd been feeding Marlena, so Mike could counteract it. Stefano denied doing so, but John didn't believe him. He told him he knew that was his MO and used the same thing on him, Roman and Gina! "I swear to you, I have never given no drug, no nothing to Marlena!" John damned him and told Mike to go ahead with the transfusion. Mike regrettably told John, Kristen and Tony, who now joined them, that there was only one unit of blood that matches Marlena's left, as there were 6 major operations that night. Everyone volunteered to donate blood. "Everyone's who's type 'O' come with me," Mike said, but nobody followed him, as nobody was type "O". "I am," said Stefano. John wouldn't hear of Stefano's blood mixing with Doc's, but Mike told him they were desperate. Mike took Stefano aside to check his blood. John approached Marlena again, promising her happiness would be in their lives soon, again.

Marlena's vision continued. She's now taking a picture of Carrie, Caroline, John and Belle. They all pose for her, but then it becomes dark in the park and the four disappear. "Where are you? Where is everybody?" a frightened Marlena screams. "I'm right here, Doc," John told her, as Mike informed him Stefano's blood was O.K. for the transfusion. Mike responded they didn't have much time and started the procedure. "Please, Lord, just let her live. Don't take her from us," John addressed God.

John, Mike, Kristen and Tony watched worriedly as Stefano's blood ran down the tube, through the machine and then inside Marlena. "Marlena, my love for you is real," addressed her Stefano- "Take my blood, take what you have to live." Caroline approached John. John said he'd do anything to save Marlena. "I'd even make a pact with the Devil," he said. "Don't even think that," told him Caroline. "There are dark forces that would take a soul like yours in an instant," she rebuked him. "Oh, you and Kristen," John said. "What never ceases to amaze me is how good people turn to evil," remarked Caroline, obviously meaning Celeste. John thought she meant Stefano, so, he told her he thought Stefano was born vilely evil. Caroline said she didn't believe that, explaining something happens to them that turns them evil. Kristen told Tony she thought Stefano acting like he loved Marlena and being heroic in giving his blood was all a ploy. Tony replied he knew she was upset, but added he thought that deep down inside, she still loved father. "No, I don't. Not anymore," said Kristen. "O.K., that's it," said Mike. He told Stefano he gave enough blood, but Stefano said he'd keep giving until Marlena was well. Mike warned him he might be risking his life, but Stefano replied he didn't care and only cared about Marlena's well being.

Marlena's vision continued. She cries out to Carrie, John, Belle and Caroline, but they don't answer. "Why is it so dark?" she asks. "You're dying, Marlena," the Devil's voice was suddenly heard. "No! NO!" screams Marlena. Caroline told John they should get a priest for Marlena, but he wouldn't give up. She told him it was God's decision whether Marlena would be taken away from them or not. John held Marlena's hand and told her he knew she loved people and wasn't responsible for her recent behaving, "but I think you need to ask God to forgive you now." He started praying and Marlena heard his voice in her vision. She starts praying too, as the Devil yells, "No, Marlena! I will not let you pray! I won't let you win so easily, you won't be saved!" A strong wind starts blowing and a light hits her face. "I won't let you win! I won't let you ask for forgiveness!!!" he screams.

Kristen was shocked Stefano risked his life for Marlena. "Maybe he does love her," said Tony. Aside, Abe told Lexie that Stefano would pay for this and so would Celeste. Lexie said she had to see her, when Abe told her she was there at the ER. She started at the direction of Celeste's curtain. Caroline tried stopping her. She told Lexie to let go, as Celeste was going to prison, anyway. Lexie said no and headed for the curtain. "My God, it can't be, no, no!" she said as she saw Celeste.

John begged God not to take Marlena away from everyone. He addressed him, telling him, "I'd give my soul to save Marlena." "Don't say that," told him Kristen. In Marlena's vision, the strong wind keeps blowing and the light hits her face. "He's offering his soul...If the priest loves you that much, I could get both of your souls. If I let you live, I could use your body to capture the priest's soul and take him to Hell!" the Devil said. "Don't make bargains like that, John," told him Kristen. "I'll make whatever bargain I can as long as Marlena lives." Suddenly something happened.

"It's you! I can't believe it, after all these years!" said a happy Lexie to Celeste. "Lexie, you know this woman?" asked Abe. "Yes," acknowledged Lexie. "This is my Aunt Frankie..."

Marlena was starting to come around. She brought her hands up to her face. Mike put sunglasses on her eyes, saying the light must be too bright for her. John rejoiced and kissed her forehead. "Welcome back, Doc." "She's back, but only to claim your soul, priest," the Devil addressed John inside Marlena's head. "Then you and Marlena are coming with me to hell..."

Abe told Lexie that as soon as Celeste was released, he'd have to arrest her. Lexie asked him to let Aunt Frankie a chance to tell her (Lexie) her side of the story. They entered her room and Abe started questioning Celeste as to when she first met Stefano, but Celeste remained quiet. She said nothing. Abe again repeated he'd have to lock her up and exited the room. Now, Lexie and her newfound Aunt were alone. Lexie seemed to be very happy and so did Celeste. They talked about the good old days and told each other they loved one another. There was a certain unexplained emotional closeness between them. Celeste brought up a certain charm she had given her (the one that there was a space for in the bracelet Abe bought Lexie). It was a charm in a shape of a soaring bird, apparently. Lexie told her she had kept it all these years and that it made her feel free. Somehow, Celeste deduced for this that Lexie loved her. Lexie acknowledged that. "Deeply, very deeply," she told her Aunt. "Look at me now, I'm a disgrace to you," said Celeste, ashamed. "No," corrected her Lexie. "You're my beautiful Aunt Frankie and I love you so deeply." Lexie placed her head on Celeste's bosom. They sat hugged together for a while, with Celeste calling Lexie her "dear Alexandra". Then, Abe entered the room and asked what was going on. Lexie told him they were just reminiscing. A cop accompanied him and again, he started to question her about Stefano, but Celeste kept quiet, saying she couldn't talk. Abe placed her under arrest. He cuffed her hands and the cop escorted her out. Abe told Lexie he was sorry, but Lexie told him he really wasn't. He acknowledged that, saying he knew she was her aunt, but she helped Stefano hurt the Brady's. "She's my aunt," said Lexie defensively. "Denying what she's done in the past won't help anyone. Especially you and me," replied Abe angrily and joined the cop, taking Celeste downtown.

The next morning, Jack showed Laura and Alice the frames he was able to salvage from the tape. The images were very blurry and fuzzy told him Laura, but Jack was sure it was Stefano, or at least one of his men. He called up Jean, at editing (of Jennifer's show) and asked him to enhance to images and make them clearer. He said he'd have to show the tape to Jennifer and asked where was she anyway. Alice told him she spent to night with Peter, at the "Salem Inn".

In his jail cell, Stefano was very afraid for Marlena. He asked God to spear her and make her live.

Abe came to check on Marlena at the hospital. John was there. He told him they still didn't know what was wrong with her, adding he was sure Stefano drugged her, it was a fact now. Mike arrived and told them he got Marlena's latest test-results. "Get ready for a shock," he told them. Still unable to determine what caused Marlena's illness, Mike told the two the tests showed everything was back to normal, even the red-cells count. "It must be the blood transfusion," suggested Abe, but Mike told him it wasn't, as early that morning the red-cells count was still lower than ever, so, he didn't know what brought on that recovery. "Looks like she's gonna be O.K.," said Mike. John asked of any traces of drugs in Marlena's system, and Mike told him that if Stefano gave her any drugs, he (John) was right, since they didn't show up in any of the tests. Abe left for the station. "Thank God it's over. We won the battle," said John. Inside Marlena's room, the Devil was listening to the conversation. "Oh, no, John," he addressed him, hearing that last remark. "The battle has just begun. I brought back your precious Marlena. And I'm going to use her to damn your soul to hell for all eternity..."

Jack decided to go out for a walk. He found the "Spectator" on the doorstep. The main caption read "Stefano DiMera Captured". They were shocked. Jack said he was going to the Inn, to make a "special delivery" of that day's edition.

Lexie came to see her Aunt Frankie downtown. Lexie told her Aunt she might post bail for her. Celeste asked her why an ex-police woman, married to a policeman would do that. "'Cause you're my Aunt Frankie, and maybe you're to blame for nothing, except being in love with the wrong man." Lexie acknowledged she was aware of the risk. Celeste thanked her, but asked her not to post bail, if that would cause her and Abe problems. A cop came in and told Lexie her time was up, telling her she had to post bail now, or the lady was going back to jail.

Abe came to question Stefano. Stefano could only care about Marlena. He didn't answer Abe's question, and kept asking about Marlena's condition, stressing it was very important for him. Abe told him she was alive no thanks to him. Stefano was very relieved.

Two nurses talked about Marlena Evans at Father Francis's room. They talked about her miraculous recovery. "No, that's not a good sign," said Father Francis inside his head. The nurse looked at him and he pointed at the direction of a dictionary. They brought it to him and he pointed out the word "succubus".

John sat next to Marlena.
John: "I was so afraid we were going to lose you, Doc. But, look at you now. Look at the life in that pretty face of yours!"
Marlena: "I have so many things to live for. My children...you. You have been the most amazing friend to me. I couldn't have gotten through this without you."
John: "You pulled yourself away from death's door. I can't take any credit for that."
Marlena: "You must. You gave me the will."
John: "Well...anyway, if you feel as half as good as you look, this is great." Both of them giggled.
Marlena: "I feel fine, I feel fine."
John: "Are you sure? What about the glasses? I'm a bit worried your eyes are still so sensitive to the light. Maybe I should have Mike call a specialist to look at them."
Marlena: "No, you know, it's that...umm....I got to tell you, I have been poked and prodded so much in the last 24 hours that I really just want to be left alone now."
Mike: [entering the room] "Sorry, Marlena. I guess I'll have to disappoint you."
Marlena: "Disappoint me?"
Mike: "Yeah. Because you need a complete physical work-up and I'm just the doctor to do that."
John: "I'll wait outside."
Mike extended his hand to touch Marlena.
Marlena: "No! Don't touch me!" she screamed at him.

Abe told Stefano he knew he couldn't touch his money, so who paid for the boat? But Stefano remained quiet. "Why did you take Marlena away?" Abe inquired. "I took Marlena away...because I love her," answered Stefano. Abe was pretty shocked. "It's the truth," Stefano added and refused to say anything else without his attorney.

Just as Peter was about to pop the question again at the Inn, Jack stormed in. He showed Peter the caption. Peter looked at it, thanked Jack for the news and asked him to leave. Jack asked him if he weren't afraid of being exposed as one of Stefano's henchmen. At that moment, Peter's cell phone rang. He picked it up and it was Stefano.

"Succubus - A Demon in female form, set to have sexual intercourse with sleeping men," read the nurse. The two nurses wondered why would a priest point out that word and decided it was probably a mistake. "No, it's not a mistake," Father Francis said to himself again. "It's a warning to John. But it's too late. He's on his own now and if Marlena seduces him, he'll be damned for all time," the father worried.

Marlena: "Mike, I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to snap at you like that. It's just that I was just telling John I have been so poked and prodded the last 24 hours, that I'm a bit sick of it now and would like some peace."
John: "She's kind of got a point."
Marlena: "I'd just like to enjoy feeling better."
Mike: "O.K., I'll give you some space. Please, take it easy, I don't want you to have another relapse. I'll check back later." He exited the room.
John: "I think I maybe ought to go and let you rest..."
Marlena: "No! I don't need a rest for you. You're the best medicine in the world for me. You're exactly what I need."
John: "Well, than, I'm exactly what you're gonna get."
Marlena asked him for a glass of water. John got up and approached the counter. He poured the water, as the Devil in Marlena remarked, "Good. And soon Marlena would make you break those priestly vows, John. She will use her body to deliver your soul to me. And just to kick things off, I think it's time that you had a memory of your love."
John gave Marlena the water and sat next to her. He suddenly had an ancient picture in his mind, from the time he and Doc were married.
John: "I just got this picture in my head from the time you and me were married. God, we were happy! I'm gonna go check in with Abe. I'll see you later."
Marlena: "John? You will come back, won't you?"
John: "I'll be back."
The Devil: "Like I said, priest, soon, very soon..."

Abe was walking down the hall, when a free Celeste walked past him. He asked her what was she doing out and she told him a very kind and generous person bailed her out. She looked behind him and as he turned his head back, he saw Lexie standing there.

Peter took the call and exited the room. Stefano told him he was in jail and needed his help, as he was the only one he could trust. Peter said he was sorry, but couldn't help him anymore, hung up and reentered the room. Jack kept accusing Peter of being in cahoots with Stefano. Peter told him he didn't work for Stefano anymore and no one could prove other wise. Jack told him he retrieved the videocassette he had thrown in the water, adding there was someone suspiciously resembling Stefano in it, and that would prove Peter was lying, when he said he was not involved with Stefano, Jack rejoiced.

Abe was furious with Lexie for posting bail for Celeste. Lexie said she just wanted to give her aunt a chance. Abe told her Celeste was probably right now with Stefano, helping him to ruin their friends' lives.

Celeste visited Stefano in jail. Celeste told Stefano he needed an attorney and Stefano replied he already had one, Peter. Celeste laughed and told him Peter wouldn't even speak to him. Stefano remarked he could only trust Peter and that he would have to convinced to come to his defense. When Celeste asked Stefano how would he do that, he replied he'd use Laura Horton.

At Jennifer's home, Peter tried selling Jack the story about his secret sources not wanting to be exposed, but Jack didn't buy that. Jennifer told Jack she had it with him. She told him she'd speak to him in the only language he understood. She approached Peter and asked him to ask her what he was about to ask her when Jack so rudely interrupted them. Peter asked her to marry him. Jennifer looked back at Jack and accepted the proposal.

"The Demon is after you, John. But there's still hope. There's still a way out, but you have to look for the signs. Only pure innocence knows Evil when he sees it. If a warning comes this is not your beloved Marlena, listen to it. Don't ignore the warning John, don't ignore it," Father Francis addressed John, in his mind.

John came back to see Marlena. He told her he had a surprise for her and in came Belle. Marlena seemed anxious. John told Marlena he knew it was against hospital rules, but he also knew Belle was the best medicine for her. Marlena tried evading holding Belle, saying she was concerned the nurse (who was standing there) would get into trouble. The nurse said it was O.K. and John placed Belle on Marlena's lap. Belle started crying and screaming immediately.

Lexie suggested Stefano forced her Aunt Frankie into working with him. Abe looked at her and told her she didn't think that anymore than he did. "How could you do this?" he asked her, disappointingly. "She means a lot to me, she's my only family," Lexie said. She asked him to understand, but Abe responded he couldn't really. Lexie said she didn't want this thing to come between them. Abe didn't reply and sat at his desk, attending to his work. Lexie left for the hospital.

Stefano wrote something on a note and handed it to Celeste. She read it and remarked she didn't understand. Stefano said Peter would. He asked her to give it to Jennifer, and then Peter would never refuse him again.

Father Francis addressed God, asking him to help John find out who Marlena really was before she took his soul. "Her eyes, John," Father Francis said. "Look into Marlena's eyes!"

John took Belle off of Marlena. Marlena said it was better anyway, since she might be contagious. John acknowledged and the nurse took Belle outside. Marlena thanked him for bringing her by. Mike then entered the room and said it was time for some examining. "You know, Mike, you ran every exam in the book on me and I'm doing fine," she said. Marlena asked to go home. Mike said he understood, but just wanted to make sure she was not risking a relapse. John asked Marlena to let Mike do his job. "I promise I'll be quick," he said and took out a doctor's lantern. Then Marlena acquired a worried expression on her face, when Mike said, "We'll start by examining your eyes..." 

Week Sixteen

"None of us has a choice when it comes to you, Stefano," Celeste said after she exited the interrogation room. "Once we're connected to you, we can never break free."

Marlena refused taking the glasses off. Mike clamed her down, and insisted. "This is unnecessary!" Marlena yelled. Mike asked her what was she afraid he'd find. Marlena said she feared nothing. She was very annoyed. Mike said some patients are afraid sometimes that the doctor would find something else that is wrong. Marlena repeated she was not afraid. John told her to let Mike check her up, then. "You got to protect me," Marlena told John. "Hi, Mike's only here to help you," John responded. "No, he's not! If it weren't for Mike, I wouldn't be in this mess in the first place," Marlena said angrily- "He gave Stefano the security code to my apartment. Stefano came in, drugged me and made me do terrible, terrible things and it's all Mike's fault." John told Marlena she didn't mean that, but she insisted she did. "I have been through hell! And it's all his fault, and I don't want him any way near me!" She said.

At Jennifer's, Celeste singled Peter through the window, to come outside. Peter told Jennifer he had a romantic surprise for her and left. Jack was sure Peter raced off to make other shady deals. Outside, Celeste told Peter she had a message from Stefano to Jennifer. She gave him the note and Peter read it and said that revealed everything he did to Laura. Peter said he never thought Stefano would actually go through with his threat to do this. "Then, you don't know Stefano," told him Celeste. He begged her not to give the note to Jennifer. "It's dangerous to refuse Stefano," she told him.

"You're the reason I almost died. You betrayed my trust, you betrayed my friendship," Marlena told Mike. John tired to explain Mike was backed to the corner, but Marlena said she didn't want him for her doctor. "She's right, she has every right to be angry with me," Mike said, full of guilt. "I'm sorry, I can't tell you how sorry I am," Mike said and exited the room. John was shocked Marlena said that. He asked her to relax. He exited the room told Mike Marlena was confused and not feeling well. He told Mike he knew he hadn't had a choice, and that if he hadn't given the code to Stefano, innocent people would have died. He assured him he made the right decision at the time. Mike still felt guilty for it all. John told Mike Marlena was a forgiving woman and added he thought she said that, since she had some residual effects from the drugs. "Thanks, but I still blame myself for her condition," Mike said. "Stefano DiMera is to blame, Mike!" John yelled, trying to get through to him. "Trust me when I say, she doesn't blame you. She is just isn't herself right now!" Inside the room, Marlena removed the sunglasses and revealed her green eyes. "I won't let them examine Marlena," said the Devil- "If they see her eyes, they'll know she's possessed. I won't let that happen, not while I'm so close to possessing the priest..."

Father Jansen visited with Father Francis. He told the father that now that the desecration acts were through, they should concentrate on getting him well. Father Francis tried telling Father Jansen something. Father Jansen noticed. Father Francis wasn't able to talk as usual. He started hyperventilating and Father Jansen called a nurse.

Peter refused to help Stefano, so Celeste told him Jennifer would have to know, then, what he had done. Peter was very frustrated. He damned Stefano. He was sure he wouldn't risk losing Jennifer. Celeste told him Stefano was the one who had taken him and Kristen in after their parents died. "I know how much Stefano has done for me and Kristen, but the price for that gratitude this time is too high," he said. Celeste started walking away, telling Peter she was going to deliver this message to Jennifer. Peter grabbed her and told her she owed him, since he cut her out of jail. She thanked him, but added, "I learned a long time ago, that you never turn your back on Stefano!" She told him he had no choice. Peter asked what did he have to do. "Be his lawyer," Celeste said. Peter still didn't oblige. "Listen, Peter, I lost a lot, too," told him Celeste, adding, "But you'll lose a whole lot more if you turn your back on Stefano," and left.

At the hospital, Father Jansen told the nurse Father Francis seemed to be trying to tell him something, after they attended to him, and he calmed down. It was the same nurse to whom the father pointed out "Succubus" in the dictionary. She told Father Jansen about it. "What are you trying to tell us, Francis?" asked Father Jansen.

John entered Marlena's room, accompanied by a female doctor, called Dr. Andrews. He told Marlena she was new at UH and that she'd be her doctor from now on. They tried persuading Marlena to let the doctor examine her, but Marlena didn't want to. Seeing she had no choice, Marlena let the doctor examine her. John exited the room and the doctor began. A bit later, Dr. Andrews came out and said everything was fine. She told them Marlena didn't let her examine her eyes. She advised Marlena stay at the hospital for another week. Mike wondered why Marlena didn't let anyone examine her eyes. John said that it was probably because she was sensitive to the light. Mike said they had to check her eyes, since if there were a problem, it could get worse in the meantime. John suggested that since Marlena trusted him, maybe he could look into her eyes. He asked Mike to tell him what to look for. Mike responded to look for anything out of the ordinary. Inside the room, Marlena picked up the telephone and dialed. The phone in Celeste's hotel room rang. Celeste was horrified to hear the Devil greeting her. "How was your drive, Celeste?" asked the Devil, jokingly. "You tried to kill me!" Celeste stated. The Devil assured her it was only a warning and that if he wanted her dead, she'd be dead, in a much slower and painful way than a car accident. "I will not help you," said Celeste, frightened. "Yes you will! There is no way of escaping me," said the Devil, as suddenly a book on a shelf in Celeste's room started moving on its own and dropped the floor. Celeste got up in horror. He ordered Celeste to bring him a pair of contact lenses the same color as Marlena's eyes. When Celeste asked why, the Devil told her the sunglasses were causing too many suspicions. "Yes, it is the yellow eyes that are the sign that you have taken possession of a poor creature like Marlena," Celeste deduced. The Devil laughed and commended Celeste. "Now get them!" he yelled- "I need those contact lenses before someone discovers me. You will get them and bring them to me now, or the next 'poor creature' will be you..." Marlena hung up. So did a fearful Celeste.

"Something is wrong here," Mike told himself. "Wait a minute...How did Marlena know about the security code? The only people I told were John, Kristen and Abe. How did she know that I gave it to Stefano?" John entered her room, and saw Marlena getting dressed. He told her she couldn't leave and Marlena asked if she was under arrest. John told her no, as the DA accepted her behavior was the cause of the drugs Stefano gave her. He told her she needed rest. "I want to rest in my home," she told John and promised him that if there were any problems, she'd check herself back in. John gave in. She hugged him and thanked him. "You saved my life. I felt closer and closer to death and it was your voice that gave me strength to fight!" "You fought for me at Maison Blanche, remember?" he asked her. "We have such a strong bond, can you fell it?" she asked him. He acknowledged, adding, "I can't imagine my life without you, Doc. You're my best friend." "Soon we'll be more than friends, priest," the Devil addressed John in Marlena's mind- "and then, it'll be too late for you. Too late, priest."

Celeste arrived to the optician's office at UH just as he closed shop. She told him she had an emergency, but he said she'd have to come tomorrow. "Great. What do I do now?" she asked.

John brought Marlena home. She looked at the armoire and shuddered. He told her he had the wall sealed off behind it. She hugged him again and remarked she felt so safe in his arms. He suggested he'd go make some tea and exited the room. Marlena sat on the couch and the Devil said, "Once you sleep with me, there'll be no turning back. You'll be mine, in hell with me, priest."

Peter met with some man at one of Salem's piers. They shook hands and the man told him he had a deal. Peter told him he'd go to Stefano now and tell him he was representing him. He asked the man to keep his name out of it. The man acknowledged and left.

Father Jansen called Kristen and asked her to come over. He opened a book about demonology and read the definition of "Succubus". He wondered why would Father Francis have this particular form of possession in mind. He read in the book that a demon's most recognizable characteristic was yellow eyes.

At home, Marlena put on a sexy negligee and a robe over it. John came up with the tea. He suggested she'd rest, but Marlena didn't want to. She dimmed the lights and John asked her to take off the glasses, since he wanted to see everything was all right. Marlena then shuddered and told John a wave of fear swept through her. She hugged John again, and told him she felt safe in his arms. He then asked her to humor him and let him look into those beautiful eyes of hers.

Peter visited Stefano in jail and told him he hired someone to represent him. He added that there was a condition attached. Peter told Stefano he was sad his father threatened him. Stefano apologized, but indicated he gave him no other choice. Peter told Stefano his terms were that he left Salem as soon as he was released, stressing they were not negotiable.

Marlena asked John to hold her. He asked her to let him look into her eyes, because he missed looking into her eyes, he said. Marlena didn't let John take off the glasses. John remarked neither him nor Mike understood why her eyes were so sensitive to the light. She told him that if he deemed the lights, she'd take the glasses off. John remarked that was funny, as when they were married, she hated the dark. Marlena replied that since her illness, she found the dark comforting. "I'm gonna have to insist that you let me check your eyes now!" John said firmly.

Kristen arrived at Father Jansen's office. He told her about Father Francis pointing out the word "succubus". He explained to her what that was.

Celeste begged the optician for the contacts, showing him a bundle of money. He said O.K. and went to it, seeing the money.

At Brady Pub, Bo told Gina and Billie about Stefano being captured. At Jennifer's, the tape arrived, but the images were still fuzzy. All Jack and Jennifer could see was someone's hand on Peter's shoulder. The hand was wearing a golden ring. Jack said he'd find out to whom the ring belonged and then, he'd know who met with Peter. He said he'd bet ten for one the ring belonged to Peter.

Kristen was appalled by the definition of the word. When Kristen asked why would Father Francis point out that word, Father Jansen replied he might be trying to tell them there was a succubus in Salem. "Oh, my God," said Kristen. She asked the father how would they recognize something so awesome. The father replied he wasn't sure.

Marlena turned her back to John and started crying. John hugged her and apologized. She said it would sound silly, but she felt she looked awful. She told John that when they were married, she always wanted to be so pretty for him, and still did. John told her she could never look anything but beautiful to him. Marlena said she wanted to rest. John gave her a hug and left. Marlena started taking the bandages off of her hand, as the Devil said, "When you do get back, I'll seduce you, priest. And your soul will finally be lost forever."

Peter told Stefano his being in Salem jeopardized his relationship with Jennifer. He told him about their engagement and Stefano congratulated him. Peter told him that he couldn't risk losing Jennifer again. He asked Stefano if he would leave Salem. "I have no intention of ruining your life with Jennifer, but neither do I have any intention of leaving Salem without Marlena," Stefano replied. Peter told him that Marlena didn't love him and that John wouldn't let him get near her again. "Marlena and I are destined to be together and we are going to live...who do you say? Happily ever after," Stefano said. Peter told Stefano after this he didn't want anything to do with him and left. "We'll see about that, Peter," Stefano addressed him after he exited.

John arrived at Father Jansen's office. He told them Marlena was home. Father Jansen told John about the succubus. They wondered if it was a mistake. John read in the demonology book, about yellow eyes and other indications for a person to be possessed. "No, it can't be possible," he said to himself in his mind- "Kristen thought Doc might be possessed by some evil force, but no, it can't be. Then again, I never saw Doc act so strange before, and why wouldn't she let me see her eyes?" He closed the book and got up. Father Jansen said it was hard to believe there was a Demon is Salem. John acknowledged, but added it might be the explanation to all the strange things that occurred in Salem. Kristen said that if there was any chance, they had an obligation to check this out. John agreed and said he was going to do just that. Father Jansen blessed him and John left. Kristen seemed intrigued.

The Devil was getting anxious for Celeste to arrive with the contacts. At the hospital, the optician came out and gave her the lenses. Celeste took them and hurried off. The optician wondered what was all the fuss about a pair of tinted lenses.

John arrived at Marlena's. She opened the door wearing the glasses. John told her he couldn't stop hassling her about her eyes, saying he was starting to worry there was something seriously wrong with them. He demanded to see them. "I'm sorry, Doc, but I won't take no for an answer," he said and yanked the glasses off. Marlena closed her eyes and John told her to open them. She slowly did. They were the color of Marlena's brown eyes. We saw Celeste hiding in the terrace. Marlena remarked that now without the glasses, she saw her eyes weren't so sensitive to the light. She asked him what was the urgency with her eyes. John said Mike was worried, for the first thing and secondly, he told her about Kristen and Father Jansen showing him the demonology and possession book. "And you thought I was possessed?" Marlena asked him, laughingly, as she cried "Boo" to taunt him. John said no and said maybe part of her problem was spiritual. Marlena said she was fine, physically and spiritually. She thanked him for his concern. John said he'd call Mike and approached the phone. Marlena stopped him and said that phone was goofy and suggested he'd call from the phone at the bedroom. John acknowledged and went upstairs. Celeste came in from the terrace. She looked at Marlena and the Devil ordered her, "Get out!" Celeste quickly did. Marlena took off her robe and was now only with the negligee on. She started at the direction of the steps, as she suddenly halted. "Stop fighting me, Marlena. I have to seduce him, to destroy this priest, then I'll discard this mediocre body of yours before the lingering good in it grows any stronger." Marlena closed her eyes, as though she was fighting the Devil, but then reopened them, looking upstairs with a look of lechery on her face.

Week Seventeen

Celeste visited Stefano in prison. He was anxious to get out of jail. Celeste told him she was very worried about Marlena. Stefano started getting worried, asking Celeste if Marlena was ill again.
Celeste: "No, she is not ill, and she is not Marlena. She is a Demon, Stefano."
Stefano: "Celeste, please, don't start again."
Celeste: "Stefano, she is Evil! I have been warning you, but you didn't listen and that's why you're in jail. If we don't stop Marlena, there is not telling how many lives she is going to destroy."
Stefano: "Your jealousy is making you unbalanced."
Celeste: "I am not the one who's unbalanced here, Stefano. I have seen the Demon in work in your apartment, in the lighthouse, yes. The Demon is working through Marlena, you see? Her eyes, they turn yellow and she nods her head and it makes furniture fly across the room. Her power took control over the wheel of my car. She tried to kill me. And, she threatened to kill you, too."
Stefano: "I don't believe you."
Celeste: "Stefano, I saw her change herself into Kristen."
Stefano: "You are hallucinating!"
Celeste: "No! I saw her and it wasn't the first time, I know. She changed herself to look like Kristen and then she tried to seduce John Black. Don't you remember?"
Stefano: "Yes. Yes, yes, yes, I remember the incident. Kristen said she was not with John that night."
Celeste: "That's right. She swore that she was stranded with her car on the outskirts of town."
Stefano: "Fine. Then who was it with John at his loft?"
Celeste: "It was Marlena! Possessed by the Demon. There to cause trouble for Kristen and Tony and for John. Listen to me, it was the same Demon that chloroformed Kristen and then painted pentagrams all over her body."
Stefano: "No! It was not Marlena."
Celeste: "It was Marlena! The police, they have the evidence, but they are blaming you. They claim that you kidnapped Marlena, that you drugged her."
Stefano: "I don't care. Let them claim what they want. Once Marlena recovers, she will tell them the truth. She will tell them that I did not kidnap her."
Celeste: "Yes, if it was truly Marlena, but it is not. It's the Demon. Stefano, if you don't recognize that, then we are all just lost."
Stefano: "I can not accept that."
Celeste: "Oh!" a big sigh of desperation.
Abe came in and asked Celeste, "Look who's here. Are you not the lady that swore she had nothing to do with Stefano's activities?" Stefano told Celeste she didn't have to say anything. He told Abe he had the same intention. Abe told the guard to take DiMera back to his cell. Stefano was taken away and Abe started questioning Celeste, but she didn't answer him. Celeste started walking away. "You look at me when I'm talking to you!" told her Abe. At that point, Lexie entered and asked Abe what was he doing. She took him aside and told him, "You're browbeating my aunt and I want it stopped now."

John phoned Marlena. She picked up the phone, eyes green. He asked to stop by. "I'll be waiting for you to walk right into my trap," said the Devil after Marlena hung up. Later, John arrived to Marlena's. The door was open. He wondered why. He went inside and called her, but Marlena didn't reply. He got worried and headed towards her bedroom. He called for her again, before entering it, but there was no reply. He entered the room to find Marlena standing there, naked!

Abe asked Lexie to think about what Celeste did. He told Lexie Celeste owed her the truth. Lexie said Celeste had the right to remain silent. He said of course and Lexie asked him to leave her alone. Lexie told him he was furious with her for paying her bail and that was why he was rough on her and left angrily.

John was very embarrassed. He apologized and apologized. Marlena told him she wanted to get a quick shower. She told him it was her fault. "You'll remember this body more clearly now. The body you once made love to," The Devil addressed John, in Marlena's mind. "And soon, you'll be able to think of nothing else," he added. Marlena told John it was not the first time he saw her naked, as they were married. "And here's another memory for you, John," The Devil said, as another picture popped up in John's mind, of him and Marlena making love. John snapped out of it and told Marlena he had come because the DA wanted to question her. A statement for the record, about Stefano. Marlena asked her what if Pat didn't believe her. John told her she would, as everyone knows what a "good and decent" woman she is (Marlena, not Pat). "Stefano drugged you, that's the whole story." "Will you stay with me?" asked Marlena. John acknowledged and Marlena said she'd get dressed. John went downstairs and the Devil remarked, "There's nothing I hate more than 'good' and 'decent'," as Marlena shuddered in disgust.

John and Marlena arrived at police HQ. Pat and Abe greeted her. Pat asked Marlena if she was kidnapped from the hospital, or was she a willing participant. John asked what was this all about. Abe said he'd see as they entered the interrogation room. Stefano waited for them inside.

Celeste met Lexie on the pier. Celeste apologized for her causing problems between her and Abe. Lexie asked her how could she hook up with an evil man like Stefano. Celeste replied she was now dealing with something far more evil. Lexie didn't understand.

Stefano gave his statement. He told them about him wanting Marlena to be well. He said she came with him willingly, as they became very close. He said he and Marlena loved each other and that she came along willingly with him to the lighthouse. "Marlena, tell them the truth," asked her Stefano. Marlena looked at John and Abe and said, "It's a lie, there's not a shred of truth to what he said." Stefano was shocked. "Please, tell them you know I'm telling the truth," Stefano begged Marlena. "Tell them you love me as much as I love you," he added. "Do I have to listen to this? It makes me sick," Marlena told John. John asked to take Marlena home. Pat didn't object, so they turned to leave. Stefano grabbed Marlena's arm and asked her to wait. "Get your hands off her!" yelled John. Marlena looked at him and said, "Take your filthy hands off me." They exited and Stefano was shocked than ever. He didn't understand why Marlena lied. "How could she deny the truth?" he asked himself.

Celeste told Lexie she didn't want her involved and besides, she wouldn't believe her. Lexie dropped it, as Celeste asked her. Celeste thanked Lexie for bailing her out. She told her she thought of her so often and missed her over the years. She asked Lexie to forget about her, as she had a good life, with a husband that loves her. He told her she was proud of her, but didn't belong in her world. "Your husband is good for you. I am not," she told Lexie and left a sad Lexie on her own.

Celeste came to see Stefano in jail. He told her of what happened with Marlena and added he didn't understand why that happened. "Marlena is possessed by the Evil one and the only one that can help her is John," told him Celeste. "We must help him," she added. "There is no way I would help my greatest enemy," retorted Stefano. "That is exactly what the Demon wants," rebuked him Celeste- "If you don't help John, then he'll take Marlena's soul and she'll be lost to you forever." "I must be out of my mind, totally out of my mind, but if you think that you can convince me that Marlena is the Devil, I'll listen to you." "You must, Stefano, because the Demon is putting his evil plan into work as we speak," Celeste said worriedly. "How do you know? And don't tell me you've been reading those damn stupid tarot cards!" he yelled. "Yes, I have been reading the cards," she told Stefano she never seen the cards like this before- "The chaos, confusion and fear, it's all coming to Salem, to us, unless someone stops that demon." Stefano asked if it was John how could help. "Yes John, he must see Marlena as she really is. He must see her through his eyes, he must see her through priest's eyes," Celeste answered.

Marlena was putting on a sexy, low-cut hellish red dress and fantasizing about her coming downstairs to John. There, he tells her he still loves her and wants her, as they fell onto the sofa and kiss passionately.

"And when I saw her eyes, Stefano. They weren't human eyes. They were the Devil's eyes. And her voice, oh, no. I told you before that when Marlena spoke to me it was not her voice. It was low and horrible. It was not a human's voice!" Celeste said, horrified. "I'm thinking maybe you are right, as insane as it sounds. What other explanation could there be for Marlena's behavior? Something strange is going on here. It's not the drugs, it's not the illness. I don't know...Maybe there is something to what you are saying," said Stefano. "Thank God, Stefano, you finally believe me," Celeste remarked, relieved. "If this Demon wants Marlena's soul, then he'll have to fight me to get it," Stefano stated firmly. He told Celeste they had to warn John. Celeste said he wouldn't believe her. "There's someone he'll believe- Kristen. Bring Kristen to me."

"It's going to happen, John. You're going to make love to me and then you'll no longer be a threat," Marlena said in her own voice, as she perfumed herself. Then, the her voice changed back to the Devil's as she said, "I'll take your soul!"

Kristen visited Father Francis and told him of her mixed feelings for Stefano. She remarked, "You were right when you said there was an evil force in Salem. I just didn't have any idea it was my father." She told the father she was very relieved Marlena was O.K. now and added how much she admired her. Father Francis then intentionally dropped his water pitcher to the floor. Kristen asked him what was it. He again tried talking, but could only grunt and mumble, as usual.

Marlena came downstairs to John. He complimented her on her dress and looks. Marlena asked him to pour her some wine and said she was looking forward for and nice, quiet evening with him. She kept buttering him up, by talking about their special bond and all. The Devil then addressed John again in Marlena's mind and another picture from his and Marlena's marriage popped up in John's mind. After he snapped out of it, Marlena told him he gave her to will to fight and live. John told her he had a surprise for her- he ordered dinner for four. Marlena asked why four, as the doorbell rang. Caroline and Father Jansen entered. Marlena looked at Father Jansen's collar and felt uneasy.

Father Francis pointed at the direction of a pen and paper. Kristen gave it to him and asked him to take it easy. He shakily wrote "danger" on the paper and then passed out. The nurse came in and told Kristen he'd be O.K., as he only exerted himself. Kristen exited his room, where Celeste caught her. She told her Stefano wished to see her. Kristen of course, refused, but Celeste told her he needed her. Kristen refused seeing Stefano. She told Celeste she was no longer his daughter. "In your mind you may have renounced him, but not in you heart, no," told her Celeste. Celeste added Stefano was there for her when she was in need. Now Stefano was in need. "Think of all the love he gave you. When your parents died, it was Stefano who saved you and Peter," said Celeste, but Kristen still refused being pulled in again. She turned to leave, but halted, as Celeste said, "And what if I told you it involved John Black?"

Father Jansen gave John a present- another St. Michael medallion, to replace the one he had given Marlena when she was ill. "You can never have enough protection against evil," said Father Jansen, as Marlena came in from the kitchen. She announced supper was served. Marlena sat next to John and Father Jansen and Caroline sat opposite them. John asked Father Jansen to say grace. He asked everyone to hold hands. Marlena then got up and said she left a burner on in the kitchen. She asked them to continue. Father Jansen gave grace, as Marlena stepped into the kitchen and the Devil damned John for inviting "that priest".

A bit later, Caroline asked about Father Francis. Father Jansen said he was still weak and ill. John asked about the word Father Francis pointed to in the dictionary. Caroline asked what word and Father Jansen told her it was "succubus" and explained what that was. Father Jansen remarked he did some work, looking into Demon possession. He asked Marlena if she came across it in her work. "In your practice, have you ever encountered anyone who was possessed by a Demon?" he repeated when Marlena said she wasn't following the conversation. "It's impossible," said Marlena calmly- "Demons don't exist."

Stefano phoned Peter from jail, asking him what the hell was going on and why wasn't he out of jail already. Peter assured him there was no one more anxious than he who wanted him (Stefano) out of jail and out of Salem. He assured him it wouldn't be long now and hung up.

"I'm sorry, it's not my field," said Marlena. "I'm a doctor, a scientist. The idea of demons is just...well, my work precludes their existence, even the notion of their existence." John told her it was more than a notion, as the church has many documented cases of possession. Father Jansen acknowledged that. He added Father Francis was an expert in that area. John said he was, too, when he was a priest. He said he might try filling in some of those blanks, if he revisited some areas of the cult. "There is surely a better use of your time," Marlena cut him off. Marlena explained that people who think they are possessed are just hallucinating. "I could cite myself as an example," she said. She explained she had all kinds of peculiar dreams and thoughts when she was ill. But- "I'm not possessed. Do you think that I'm possessed?" Everyone laughed. John said that all the same, he couldn't discount the mere idea that these things do exist. Marlena said that as a doctor, she dealt with tangibles. Caroline asked the father what came of the woman the Demon possessed. Father Jansen said, "The Devil uses his power to keep the possessed person from surfacing. He keeps his true character locked away." John asked if the person could fight it. "Sometimes, but the Devil is tremendously powerful," answer Father Jansen. Marlena smiled. "It takes superhuman strength to keep up the fight, physically and spiritually," he went on. Caroline remarked it seemed a possessed person didn't have much hope. "As long as there's a God, there's always hope," Father Jansen stated. He said that if the woman cried out to God for help, there was hope she'd be saved. "There won't be any hope for you, Marlena. No one can hear you. No one can know," the Devil addressed Marlena, inside her head.

After dinner, Caroline told John Marlena was different, strange. "She looks and sounds the same, but there's something wrong. She seems to have a different take to life." John said Marlena just needed to get over the illness. Father Jansen thanked Marlena for the lovely evening. She walked him to the door. He placed his hand on her and blessed her. Marlena quickly withdrew her hand, saying her skin must still be sensitive. Caroline left, too. Marlena was left alone with John.

Kristen came to see Stefano. She was very cold to him. She made it clear she only came because Celeste said it had something to do with John. She was very angry with him. Stefano told her it was also Marlena, as something was very wrong with her- "She may be trying to destroy John. Someone has to stop her before it is too late." He said he could help Marlena. Kristen was shocked, as she told him he was the one who drugged her and was responsible for what happened to her. Stefano swore he did not drug her and that he was not responsible for her odd behavior. Kristen asked him how was it, then, that Marlena was suddenly all better now that he was in jail. He asked her how could it be no drugs came up in any of the tests the doctors did on Marlena. "I love Marlena. I would never do anything to hurt her," he said, telling Kristen she saw him giving his blood to save Marlena, asking her why would he do that if he wanted to hurt her. He sat down and so did Kristen. "If not you, than who?" asked Kristen. Stefano warned her what he was about to say could sound preposterous. "Celeste feels that Marlena's trouble is spiritual, not physical." Kristen remarked she felt like that, too, at one time. "If we are right, Marlena is possessed by Evil. She maybe possessed by the Devil..." Stefano said. He asked Kristen to keep her eye on Marlena. Kristen got anxious and got up, telling him she wouldn't let him pull her in again. Stefano promised her he wasn't doing that and told her to think of the people that would get hurt if she didn't help him. A guard came in and told Stefano his time was up. He was taken away. "God, what is the truth?" asked Kristen.

John put on his medallion. Marlena asked him to let her buy him a new chain for it, as the one he had on seemed too delicate. She asked him to take it off and let her buy him a new chain. He said O.K. and took it off. Marlena smiled and raised her glass of Brandy. "To a wonderful evening," she toasted. "Nothing can stop me now, priest," said the Devil in Marlena's mind- "you are mine. Mine!"

John told Marlena the chain he had seemed strong enough. Marlena told him she just wanted to do something nice for him, to show him how grateful she was for all the love and kindness he showed her. She started reminiscing about the time they were married, when the phone rang and it was Abe, telling John he had an emergency at UH and needed a priest. John apologized to Marlena. She asked him to come back later and he agreed. John left, as the Devil got angry with all the interruptions, but decided to turn this to his advantage and use to time John was away to create the right atmosphere for the priest's seduction. "He will sleep with Marlena, tonight!" the Devil was sure.

John arrived to UH's roof. Lexie and Abe and other cops were there. There was a patient on the ledge. A jumper. Abe told John the man, called Robert Perry, only wanted to talk to a priest. John approached him and the presented himself as Father Black. The man let him approach him.

Marlena put on another sexy negligee, lighted candles and dimmed the lights. A knock on the door was heard. Marlena thought it was John, but it was Kristen. She told Marlena she was looking for John. Marlena told her he wasn't there.

John told Robert about him having much commotion in his life, lately. He told him about a good friend of his that was very sick. He told Robert that he didn't give up faith and believed in God and that God didn't give up on him. He told Robert he could see he loved his family. Robert confirmed. John told him that he had to fight his illness and fight for them. He told him not to give up, believe in God and fight! Robert became rejuvenated, as John extended his hand to him. Robert put his hand in John's and came off the ledge. John hugged him and told him it would all be O.K. He told Lexie to see that Robert got the best treatment. She acknowledged. Abe left the roof with the cops. John sensed the tension between Lexie and Abe. He asked Lexie what was it and she told him about Celeste being her Aunt Frankie. John was shocked. She explained she and Abe saw the matter through different eyes- for her, it was her kind and gentle Aunt Frankie but for Abe it was Celeste, who helped Stefano. John advised her to stop try being right all the time and not let go of Abe. He told her to hang on the special bond she and Abe had and hang on to their love and marriage. He left the roof to let Lexie think about it.

Kristen saw the empty glasses of Brandy. She asked Marlena if she interrupted something. Marlena told her John was there. "John was here? This atmosphere is so...romantic," Kristen told herself. Marlena asked her if she was all right. Kristen said she was fine and asked if John was coming back. Marlena said he was. Kristen asked him to tell him she stopped by. Marlena acknowledged and apologized for rushing her off, but she was tired. John was just coming out of the elevator as Kristen pressed the button. She grabbed John's hand and worriedly told him, "It's Marlena. There's something seriously wrong with her."

Abe came back to the roof. Lexie told him about John talking to her. They talked things over and realized they were acting foolishly. They kissed and made up.

Kristen told John Marlena was acting weird. He remarked Caroline thought the same, but he thought Marlena just needed some rest. "What if Marlena's problem isn't physical?" she asked him. John asked her to stop. She told him Stefano told her Celeste had told him she had thought an evil force possessed Marlena. John asked her if she believed Stefano and Celeste. "They'd say anything to save themselves," John said. He added, "I'll prove to you that Marlena is all right," and knocked on the door. Kristen added, "And I'll prove to you that she's not." Marlena opened the door. She was surprised to see Kristen was still there. Kristen said she was just leaving. John came in told her about the jumper at UH. He said he was beat and picked up his medal. He said he had a feeling he just might need it. He kissed Marlena on the cheek and left. The Devil was mad. "Damn! I got to get reed of anybody that interferes with my plans, especially Kristen!"

On her way home, in her car, Kristen thought to herself. She knew Marlena's apartment was set for seduction. "If Marlena is possessed and she's after John, can I just sit by and let it happen?" she asked herself.

 Week Eighteen

In her apartment, Marlena looked at a photo of John, as the Devil said, "Hear me, John." Lying on Father Francis's bed at the hospital, John heard Marlena calling his name. "See me, John," now said the Devil, as a vision of Marlena appeared before John. "Now, Feel me," the Devil said, as the vision of Marlena laid in bed with John and they kissed passionately. Kristen entered Father Francis's room and shook John. As he woke up, he murmured Marlena's name. Kristen asked him why was he lying on Father Francis's bed. John said the father was taken down to physical therapy. He said he came to see the father last night and fell a sleep. Kristen told him he was murmuring Marlena's name, over and over again. John said he dreamed about Doc. From his face and his evading answering, Kristen gathered John had a sexual dream about Marlena.

Father Francis was wheeled in just as Kristen told John he was dreaming of having sex with Marlena. "You got my message, didn't you, John?" addressed him the Devil, as Marlena kept staring at his picture, at her apartment. "Others will try to interfere, but I will prevail. You'll come when I call you, but you will be mine. In the end, the priest will be mine," promised himself the Devil.

Celeste came to Stefano in jail. She told him she talked to his lawyer and that the money was being passed to "all the right people." She assured him it'd take some time. "Marlena's soul is being taken away from her and I'm in here, like a caged animal, unable to help her," Stefano said anxiously. "Kristen is the only one who can make John believe Marlena is truly possessed," he said, even more anxious.

Father Francis became very agitated again. He was trying to talk, yet again. Yet again, the nurse said he was just tired. John and Kristen exited his room. Kristen asked John why did he come to see the father and if it had anything to do with Marlena. Father Francis listened. She reminded him he had vows he'd taken. John assured her the vows were a part of who he was and he'd stick to them until the church released him from them. Father Francis then intentionally dropped the dictionary to the floor. John and Kristen rushed right in. Kristen picked the book up and saw it the page it fell on was the one of the word "succubus." John said it was an accident. Kristen insisted Father Francis was trying to warn him. She asked John to be really, really careful. She exited the room, as John's cell phone rang. It was Marlena. She asked him to pick up some groceries for her and she'd make him lunch in return. He was reluctant to oblige, but did after a short hesitation.

Marlena put on a nice little dress, as the doorbell rang. Thinking it was John, Marlena rushed to the door, but it was Carrie. Marlena asked her in. They sat down to talk. Carrie told Marlena about her and Austin getting back together again, saying they were more in love than ever with each other. "'Love'. How I hate that word," said the Devil in Marlena's mind. "Well, you won't be smiling for long," the Devil promised Carrie. "I'm