Part 24:

 

Hospital Conference room:

 

Lexi tells Bo1, “You realize I’ve never seen the affects to this… I don’t know what it will do to you. I don’t even know if it will work.” Hope says, “I’ve seen the affects it works... and according to the file unless he broke programming on his own it should be safe…. So as long as he isn’t lying and still thinks he is Bo then he should be fine.” Bo1 nods to Lexi and says, “Do it.”

 

Roman walks over to stand by Hope as does Shawn. Roman asks her, “You’ve seen someone get this drug before?” Hope says, “Yeeaah… that is a… another long conversation and another bit of a shock.” Roman gives her a questioning look and then shaking his head says, “Okay… I’ll ask you about it later… I don’t think I’m young enough to take another shock right now.” They turn their attention to Bo1, as Shawn puts his arm around his mother. Bo2 moves to join them but Patrick stops him and whispers, “Not yet… let them see this through on their own.” We can tell it is taking all Bo2’s strength not to join his supposed family but he nods knowing Patrick is right.

 

Lexi finishes administering the drug to Bo1. He blinks exaggeratedly at the effects as the nurse checks his vitals. The nurse says, “Vitals are stable… but his hear rate is erratic… probably won’t stay conscious for long.” Lexi nods and then addressing Bo1 asks, “Can you hear me?” Bo1 blinks open his eyes and says, “Yes.” His demeanor is pretty normal but as if he were either very sleepy or slightly drunk.

 

Roman steps forward and asks him point blank, “What is your name?” Bo1 looks blinking to focus his eyes… he then closes them tight and says with all remorse and distress at the realization of the truth, “My god… my name is Clancy Ryan.” Everyone exchanges looks as Hope bursts into tears as if in relief. Shawn stares in stunned silence as he wraps his arms around Hope. Billie closes her eyes and cries silently with her back still to the group.

 

Roman continues the questioning, “Do you know who we are?” Clancy nods, tears now welling in his eyes. Roman then asks, “Why? How… how did you get to be here and why did you agree to impersonate Bo Brady.”

Clancy is barely holding his composure as he musters out his response, “I… I didn’t know who I’d be.” He looks up and looks at Patrick. Clancy says to him, “Patrick… Mason he… he told me I would forget it all… forget Alma, forget you, forget what I’d done. He promised me I would never remember.” Patrick looks on at his broken friend with sympathy. We can tell that this is digging up all Patrick’s old ghosts as well. He says, “Clancy… what did Mason want you to do… what was the assignment?”

 

Clancy says, “I wanted you to find me in Paris, Patrick… I wanted you to find me and kill me. When you left me there I...I tried to kill myself. I almost succeeded, but Mason found me and saved my life. He told me he had a job for me… he was working for Stefano at the time. Said I would get everything I’d lost… a wife… a family. And that I would never remember all that had happened.” Clancy is breaking down as he bears his soul, he looks at Hope and says, “I… I’m so sorry. I never meant… I didn’t want to hurt anyone… I just wanted to forget. And Zack… Oh god Hope… I don’t even know if he was mine or not… but I felt he was… and I took him from you. I… can’t ask you to forgive me for all I’ve done to you…and too you Shawn… but please believe me when I say I would give anything to undo it… that I never would have agreed to this to do all I’ve done to you.” Hope looks and seeing the pain in his eyes and remembering all Patrick told her she begins to cry even more. She is unable to speak and buries her head in Shawn’s chest. Clancy puts his face in his hands.

 

Patrick breaks the silence again and says, “Clancy… can you tell us about you and Billie.” Clancy slowly raises his head shaking it slightly as the affects of the drug continue to take their toll. He looks over at Billie who turns to meet his gaze. Clancy looks at her with what appears to be a sad expression and Billie looks at him with an equally remorseful sad look. But Clancy isn’t sad… he’s angry. He spits out through clenched teeth, “How could you? I loved you… after all we went through…”

 

Billie spits back through tears, “YOU left ME, Clancy! It wasn’t the other way around!” Clancy stand up and this time the burley nurse’s hand does nothing to keep him in his seat, “I left you because I you were still hung up on Bo Brady, and I had to much self dignity to be some sort of sick replacement!!” Clancy laughs realizing that is exactly what he ended up being and says, “What kind of sick irony is that!?” Clancy stumbles a few steps from the affects of the drug and leans on the table to catch his fall. Lexi rushes to his side, “Please, B…Clancy… you need to sit down.”

Clancy is ignoring Lexi and continues at Billie, “I thought what we had meant something… meant more then your job… more then my job… but it was meaningless! All I was to you was a warm body who reminded you of your precious Bo. And… Chelsea…” He sobs, “You… you stole my daughter from me… you robbed me of the one person who could have given me something to live for! You never even told me you were pregnant! All that I could forgive you for but… you handed her to the WORST PERSON YOU COULD FIND!!!... why… I…” Clancy’s face is red with anger, he stumbles gasps for air faints dead away. The nurse catches him and eases him into the wheel chair and Lexi hovers over him checking his vitals.

 

The room is deathly silent with only the quiet mutterings of Lexi and the nurse discussing Clancy.  Roman and Abe stand there mouths a gap. Patrick has turned away from the sight choking back tears, his faced pained at hearing Clancy’s confession. Hope is still clinging to Shawn as he comforts her staring at Bo2 who is sitting with his head down in a chair near by. Billie is sobbing in her corner of the room.

 

After a long moment Lexi raises up and the nurse wheels Clancy out. Lexi inhales deeply obviously shaken herself by the events and says, “He’ll be fine.” Roman asks to no one in particular, “Do you think he was telling the truth?” Lexi says, “I doubt he could have lied even if he wanted too. One of the components of the drug is sodium pentothal… truth serum. It isn’t impossible to withstand it, but to do so is not easy. And with everything else we know… well, I think we can safely say he was truthful.” Another long pause and Shawn asks, “Who… who’s Alma? He mentioned an Alma.”

 

Patrick turns around and composes himself. He says, “Alma was my wife. She was also… aside from Billie apparently… the only women I ever knew Clancy to love. He… killed her by mistake.” Patrick gives them the quick and dirty of the story. Lexi mutters, “My god… no wonder he wanted to forget.” Patrick nods.

 

Shawn asks, “What happens now? To him I mean… to Clancy?” Lexi says, “Well… he needs to be observed for the next 24 hours to make sure he doesn’t have any other reactions to the drug. I want to run some tests to see the extent of the plastic surgery they did to alter him to look like Bo. And I’m sure the ISA will want to question him. But past that? I guess it is up to Roman and Abe.”

 

Roman and Abe exchange looks and Roman says, “I... I’m not real sure what the protocol is for this one. I think we’ve answered the brain washing debate. He obviously was not in control when he went after Shawn. The only real charges we could hope to carry any weight would be his working with DiMera and identity theft.” Hope raises her head and whipping her eyes she says, “No…” She looks up at Shawn and he knows what she is thinking and nods affirmatively still holding her. She continues, “Drop the charges, Roman.”

 

Roman says, “What? Are you sure? Hope… I’m moved by this man’s story too but don’t forget what has happened here. He impersonated Bo, hurt you, hurt our family, he still was involved in the circumstances around Zack’s death.”

 

Hope raises a hand to get him to stop and chocking back her tears says, “I know Roman… I know. But this has to stop. Clancy didn’t do this, Stefano and Tony did. Believe me… part of me wants to make Clancy hurt as much as I do…” She pauses to keep herself from crying again. “But… he is as much as a victim in this as we are. I… I know what he is going through. I was in his shoes not long ago… how can I of all people not show him compassion?” Roman says, “But he sighed up for this… you were kidnapped.” Hope says, “You saw his face Roman… he didn’t sign up for THIS. He wanted to forget his pain… I think everyone here can understand that.” She looks knowingly at Roman and he nods knowing that he too has had missing years and unbearable pain. Roman looks at Abe. Abe says, “This is your family Roman… it’s your call.”

 

Roman sighs and says, “I don’t know how I’m going to explain this in my report… okay… I’ll have the charges dropped. BUT, Clancy is staying with me until we get this all sorted out. I want him watched until we are sure he is not still working with the wrong sorts.”

 

Roman then turns to Billie and says, “Well then I guess there is only one last thing to do.” He sighs and does not look at all pleased or happy about what he must do next, “Billie Reed… I’m afraid I’m going to have to place you under arrest.” Billie shrieks, “WHAT?!” Roman continues, “You’re under arrest for breaking and entering the records room and the laboratory of Salem General Hospital, destruction of property, falsifying records, and interfering with a police investigation. I’m also going to have to notify your superiors at ISA and I’m sure an investigation will be initiated.” He goes over to handcuff her and she jerks away yelling, “Get your hands off me Roman! I’m not going anywhere.” Roman is calm and we can tell this is paining him he says calmly, “Billie… don’t make this worse for yourself. I’m not enjoying this… but you leave me no choice here. I will make sure you are taken care of but if you fight me on this it will only make things worse for you.” Billie is completely distraught and crying but she realizes he is right and submits. He reads her her rights and leads her out of the room to one of the police officers standing outside.

 

Roman returns and with the dramatics over Hope sinks into a chair. Shawn gets her a glass of water and Lexi comforts her asking if she is okay. Hope says, “I… I think so.” She drinks her water and gathers her composure. She says to Lexi, “Okay… I’m ready.” Lexi looks confused and says, “Ready for what?” Hope turns in her seat to look at Bo who raises his head from his hands obviously still in a state of shock from the events. He meets her gaze and we can tell he it is taking all his strength not to hold her. Hope stares and him, her face still streaked with tears and say, “I’m ready to find out if he really is Bo.”

 

Lexi realizes what Hope thinks and sets her straight, “Hope… I don’t have another dose of the drug. I only saved one. I didn’t know you would need a second dose and Billie really did destroy all the components. It will be days before we will have more.”

 

Bo stands up and he and Shawn say in unison, “Days?!” Lexi nods and looking distraught says, “I’m sorry. I wish I could make it sooner but these things take time. I can of course start a paternity test on Shawn to see if he is your son. But that too will take days to complete.” Hope says, “No… I mean yes go ahead with the DNA test… but I know how questionable those things seem to be here… I want the drug we used on Clancy used on him. We can see it work before our eyes. No room for failure.” Bo agrees, “I agree. And no matter what the DNA test says… I want to know where I’ve been the last five years.”

 

Lexi says, “I will order the components right away.” She hugs Hope and says, “I’m so sorry you have to go through this. If there is anything else I can do, call me.” Hope nods and thanks her. Lexi leaves as Abe follows her.

 

Outside the room Lexi breaks down in Abe’s arms saying, “I’m sorry… I just can’t help feeling guilty in all this.” Abe looks at her confused, “Guilty? Why? You did nothing but help.” Lexi sobs, “But it is… was my father who started all this.” Abe says, “Lexi… NO ONE thinks of you as his daughter. No one is blaming you for anything.” Lexi nods and says, “I know. I just feel sometimes like I am the devil’s daughter.” Abe looks at her sympathetically and hugs her.

 

Back inside the conference room it is an awkward moment. Patrick breaks the silence saying, “Well… since we have some time… I think we should all go home and get some rest.” He then looks from Bo to Hope and realizes Bo doesn’t know where to go and says, “Bo you are… you’re welcome to stay with me if you like… until this is sorted out of course.”

Bo is about to accept when Hope says, “No…” She pulls out her keys and takes one from the key chain and hands it nervously to Bo. She says, “It’s to the boat… you can stay there.” Bo takes the key and closes his hand around hers for a moment before she slowly pulls it away. Shawn is still staring at Bo with his arm still firmly around his mother, unsure what to do or say. Hope diverts her eyes from Bo and Bo smiles slightly at her and says holding the key, “Thank you.” She doesn’t respond but just nods and says, “Will you all excuse me please?” And she leaves hurriedly out of the room. Shawn and Roman both move to follow her but Patrick says, “I’ll go… you guys should probably talk for a moment.” Patrick leaves as Bo, Roman, and Shawn all standing there as uncomfortable as possible.

 

Bo breaks the silence and says, “I know this is awkward… but it is important for you both to know that I think, feel, and believe I am your brother, and your father. I have so much I want to ask you both.” Shawn says sternly, “Listen… my mom has been through more then you know. I… I hope… If… If you are my father then you will not pressure her… or any of us.” He is stammering obviously trying very hard not to be emotional.

 

Bo puts a hand on his shoulder and says, “I have no right to ask you to trust me, son, but I promise you… I only have one priority and that is you and your mother.” Shawn meets his gaze and says, “I hope so… because father or not, I won’t watch her be hurt by you… by anyone again.” He turns and leaves the room obviously upset and confused. Bo looks after him pained but lets him leave.

 

Roman says, “Give him time… give us all time.” Bo turns to Roman and says, “You’re taking this pretty well… I guess you would understand some.” Roman laughs and says, “No… this is different. And believe me I’m as shaken up as anyone… but I suppose after years of working through DiMera plots you kinda start to take it all in stride.” Bo nods and sighs, “I hate this… I just want to hold her and tell her I love her… make up for everything I’ve missed and everything she’s gone through.” Roman says, “I know. But you can’t… not yet anyway. The worst thing you can do right now is push it. She believed… we all believed that man was Bo Brady. And to be honest… we have no reason to believe you are anything but another duplicate. I… I hope you are my brother because if you aren’t then… well I’m not ready to start wondering if my brother is alive or not. But until we know for sure you have to expect people to be a little guarded, especially Hope and Shawn.”

Bo nods sadly and then asks, “What about Mom and Pop?” Roman’s face falls, “Oh man… yeah… I didn’t tell them about Bo… I mean Clancy was even in the hospital or about Shawn and Chelsea yet because I didn’t want to worry them… okay honestly I didn’t know WHAT to tell them. But… I’m going to have to tell them something now.” Bo says, “The truth… tell them the truth. They can handle it. I just… just wish I could see them.” Roman says, “You will…but they should hear about all this from me.” Bo nods in agreement and adds after a pause, “It… it really is good to see you again. Fabricated memories or not… I missed ya.” Roman smiles slightly and we can see the conflict in his eyes as he doesn’t know how to respond. He finally breaks a smile and says, “Well… if everything works out the way we’d like then… first beer is on me.” Bo laughs and says jokingly, “Good ‘cause I haven’t held down a job in five years and am a little broke at the moment.” The two share the laugh and sit down at the table and continue their talk.