Part 27:

 

Salem Hospital:

 

Hope arrives at the hospital same time as Patrick. They great each other and Patrick asks if she managed any sleep last night. Hope jokes, “I didn’t sleep I just passed out.” He says, “Yeah I hear ya… So… I take it Lexi called you here too.” Hope nods. He says, “Hope, listen… If you don’t want to talk to him… to Clancy I mean, you don’t have too.” Hope shakes her head and says, “Yes… yes I do. I need too. He and I… even though he isn’t Bo, we spent the last 5 years together… we need to talk.” Patrick nods sympathetically.

 

Lexi soon joins them and says, “Sorry… had a drop in patient.” We gather she means Bo but she does not tell them that. She says, “Hope, he’s in room 42…. Do you want me to come with you?” Hope thanks her but says, “No… he and I need to talk alone.” Hope excuses herself to go speak with Clancy.

 

She stands outside his door and closes her eyes and takes a deep breath before taking the plunge and going inside. She opens the door and Clancy is standing by the window looking out. Hope notices the mirror in the room has been covered by a towel. She coughs slightly to announce her presence. Clancy turns to see her there. He says, “Oh… hey. I… I’m glad you came. I wasn’t sure you would.”

Hope forces a smile and says, “I… I figured we needed to talk.” Clancy nods and says, “I understand how weird this is… me still looking like… well.” He sighs a bit unsure and then gives an uncomfortable laugh and says, “You know… of all the awkward, uncomfortable conversations I’ve ever had… or ever thought I’d have… this one sure beats all.” Hope smiles and says, “That’s certainly an understatement.”

 

He chuckles and then sits down asking Hope to as well. She does and he sits for a moment looking at his hands. Finally he says, “I’ve rehearsed what I wanted to say to you since I woke up… but now I find I don’t know how to start. I… it is important for you to know that the drug… it isn’t a reset button. What I mean is that it doesn’t erase the memories that were implanted. I remember MY life, but I still have the memories of Bo and of the past 5 years. It… its kind of confusing. I can tell the difference between them. Bo’s memories now that I know are very unnatural… kind of like an extremely vivid dream, and I can tell they are starting to fade. But the memories of my time as Bo… Those are memories I formed…so I don’t think they will fade.”

 

Hope listens closely to all he says but stops to ask him, “How… how did you get the memories in the first place? I mean of Bo’s life up to the point you took over. Do you remember?” Clancy nods and says tightening his face for he knows how this may upset her, “Yeah I remember… I got them from you.” Hope’s eyes grow wide for a moment in surprise but then realization dawns on her she says, “Gina.” Clancy nods continuing, “When you were Gina you relayed in great detail every moment of your life with Bo and every moment he had ever shared with you from his past. And then when you were recaptured by Stefano and turned back into Gina… you filled in the blanks from your time being Hope. I… I wasn’t… myself then. I was being conditioned but I have vague memories of you then and your telling me about Bo. I didn’t know you as Hope… you were always called Gina.”

 

Hope closes her eyes holding back the tears. They are quiet for a moment but Clancy says gently, “Hope… You aren’t to blame for any of this.” Hope nods but says, “I know that logically… but it… it is hard to accept that, willingly or not, I helped them do this.” Clancy nods and says, “Believe me… I know.”

 

He sighs and then says, “They… wanted… my mission they put in my head was clear… I to destroy us… Bo and Hope I mean. They obviously knew I’d had a relationship with Billie before, part of why they picked me I’m sure. They knew I’d naturally be drawn to her. And so that… combined with Bo’s memories of her… I… I just want you to understand that Bo… YOUR Bo… he would have responded differently to all of the things that have happened. I don’t want you to blame him for the things I did.”

 

Hope looks at him and we can see the emotions welling inside her but she is keeping it under control. She says, “Bo has always had a week spot for Billie. That’s why your behavior with her was easy to believe.” Clancy says, “No… Hope you don’t understand. I felt in my bones I was Bo Brady… I KNOW he loves you. YOU… not Billie.”

 

Hope and Clancy fall into silence again as Hope absorbs what he says.

Clancy then continues, “There is something else I… personally need you to know.” Hope looks up at him curious. He says, “I’m not an evil man, Hope. I’ve done bad things in my past… without the excuse of brainwashing. I’m no saint, not by a long shot. And I make no excuses for my past. But what I did to you, to your family… I never would have agreed too. I… I just wanted to escape, escape myself, my life. They promised me a family, a life without all my memories. They promised no one would get hurt. I was a fool to believe them… deep down I didn’t believe them… but I was desperate. I can’t ask you to forgive me. But I hope someday you can find it in you not to hate me.”

 

Both Clancy and Hope’s eyes are filled with tears as they both struggle to hold it together. Hope finally touches Clancy’s hand and says calmly, “I… I wish I could hate you for this. It would be so much easier to have someone tangible here to blame… other then the DiMera’s. But, I don’t know how I can? It would not have taken much for me to be in your shoes. I don’t remember all I did as Gina… for all I know I’ve hurt people equally as bad… maybe worse. I… I would hope that anyone I may have harmed would be able to find it in them to forgive me. The least I can do is to try and find that forgiveness in my heart for you.”

Clancy looks up at her tears running down his face, “Hope… I… I NEVER would have lied to you about Zack. I was screaming it out but it wouldn’t leave my lungs. They… whatever they did to me… it made it impossible for me to tell you. But I… it is important to me that you know how much I loved him… and how I would never have willingly…” His emotions take hold of him and he is unable to go on. Hope comes over too him and takes him in her arms as he cries. He mutters, “I don’t know if he was my son or not, but I believed… I felt he was. And I will mourn him forever.” Hope and Clancy cry together for a long moment.

 

Eventually they separate and take back their chairs. Hope says, “Do you… do you have family? I mean… anyone we can call for you?” Clancy shakes his head, “No not really. Patrick was… was the closest thing to family I had.” Hope looks sad for Clancy and then says, “Well… there is Chelsea now.” Clancy sighs and says, “Yeah… Chelsea. She has no idea does she?” Hope shakes her head. Clancy runs a hand over his face at the thought of trying to explain all this to Chelsea. He says, “I… I could kill Billie for this. My daughter… god what has DiMera turned her into?”

 

Hope’s eyes cast downward and she says, “I… I know this will sound odd coming from me but… there may be hope for her. She… she saved Shawn’s life. I don’t know why she did but maybe… maybe it means that somewhere in her there is a part of her that is salvageable.” Clancy nods and says, “If there is… I will find it.” He pauses reflecting on something and then says, “She… she was fighting for us… Bo and Hope towards the end. When she was in jail I visited her and I think she was trying to confess… to all she’d done and maybe even to how she was involved with DiMera. But I was losing it by then and refused to hear her out.”

 

Hope says, “Why do you think she would do that? Confess I mean.” Clancy shakes his head, “I don’t know… looking back I think she was scared. I would like to think her conscious was getting to her but… I don’t know.” Hope and he sit there thinking quietly to themselves. Hope says after awhile, “I… I don’t know if I have it in me to forgive what… to forget her involvement with Zack’s death. The pain is still to near for me. But… if there is a shred of goodness in her… I genuinely hope you find it and can cultivate it.” Clancy smiles at her with sincere emotion in his eyes and says deeply, “Thank you… I know… I know how hard this is for you.” Hope just nods keeping her tears in check.

 

Clancy opens his mouth to say more but just then Lexi knocks and enters the room. She is smiling and says, “I’m sorry to interrupt but I have some good news and I though you’d both like to hear it right away. Clancy… your test work came back… this is just… amazing! The information Hope found. There was a passing mention of another drug. So I did some research and called a friend at the ISA… anyway… The DiMera’s chose you for multiple reasons but one of them was because of your bone structure.” She puts up on the light board his x-ray. She says, “This is your bone structure… and…” She puts up another slide, “This is Bo’s. They are almost identical!” You two could be brothers there are so many similarities!”

 

Clancy and Hope exchange confused looks Clancy says, “This is all fascinating but what does it mean?” Lexi smiles and we can tell she is just bubbling with professional enthusiasm. “Well the drug it mentioned… the file about it I couldn’t open but there is a scientist at the ISA who was able to piece together what little info we did have. It is a chemical physical altercation compound!” She pauses as if anticipating applause but Hope and Clancy are still both confused. Lexi sighs and explains, “Okay, this drug… if it is applied correctly and then with appropriate electrical stimulation to the right muscles in the face or body… wherever… you could in theory alter a person’s face without surgery! I… I’ve NEVER seen anything like it! Its ground breaking! ISA already has their top people in this field flying out now to study it!” Clancy and Hope now realizing what this means are dumbfounded.

Hope asks, “You mean… that’s how they changed him to look like Bo?” Lexi nods excitedly and says, “Yes! What made me start digging was that I could find no surgical scars.” Clancy is now excited and says, “So… if they used it to make me look like Bo then…” Lexi nods emphatically, “Then we could use it to return you to yourself. And the healing time is hours… not weeks or even days!! There would be a good deal of pain and discomfort for awhile, maybe some redness and swelling in spots, but that’s it.” Clancy is beaming with happiness. But Lexi does admit, “But… I have to tell you… I have no idea how to do this. This is WAY beyond me. But the specialists from ISA they are sending in are hopeful they can and should be here this afternoon.”

Clancy takes Lexi’s hand and says emphatically, “Thank you… thank you! You are a genius.” Lexi smiles and says, “No… whoever made this is a genius.” Hope says, “But you found it. You figured it out.” Clancy then pauses as if realizing something and asks, “Hey… but… how come I sound like Bo?”

 

Lexi nods as if she was meaning to get to that and explains, “You have some sort of surgical wire around your vocal cords. They will remove that during the proceeded too. Actually… it is kind of curious… the wires are not permeate… eventually your body would dissolved them and your normal voice would have come back on its own. I am curious how Tony or Stefano had planned to handle that.” Clancy shrugs and says, “Yeah I don’t know.”

 

Lexi says, “So… hopefully before long you’ll be back to normal.” Clancy nods and smiles. Lexi looks between he and Hope and says, “Well… I’ll let you two finish talking.” She leaves as Clancy thanks her again.

 

Hope says, “I.. I should probably go too. I know Patrick is here to see you as well.” Clancy takes her hand before she goes and holds it delicately for a moment and looking at her says, “Despite it all… and I know this may sound tacky under the circumstances but I don’t want you to take it that way…” He sighs, “It…it was an honor to be your husband. I would take it all back if I could of course, and I know the experience was very different for you but… being in your life… a part of your family… it changed me. I will never forget you Hope.” Hope’s lip quivers and we can tell how confusing and emotional this all is for her. But she summons up her strength and takes Clancy’s face in her hands and kisses him on the cheek. She says, “I pray you can find peace after all this.”

 

They share a silent moment and then Hope turns and leaves.

Clancy watches her leave and then turns and walking over to the covered mirror pulls off the towel. He looks at his face… Bo’s face… for a moment and with tears welling in his eyes he breaks down crying. In rage he punches the mirror and it shatters. He stands there crying at where his life has led him, his hand bleeding, his image in the mirror shattered just as he is.

 

Salem Jail:

 

Billie is in her cell pacing. The door opens and her mother comes in. Kate asks the guard to leave them alone. He looks like he may argue but she gives him a look and he reluctantly leaves. Billie rushes to the bars and says, “Mom! Tell me you’ve got me out of here!?”

Kate goes to her and looking distraught says, “I can’t… not yet. I got you a lawyer… decided NOT to use Frankie since I doubt he’d be on your side this time. You are going before the judge later today and he will hopefully set bail.” Billie sighs and says, “I can’t be in here… Chelsea could wake up and I need to see her.” Kate says calmly, “I know sweetie… but… she may not want to see you.” Billie is frantic and acting unusually neurotic, wringing her hands and pacing, she says, “She has to see me… I have to make her understand.”

Kate looks at her daughter distressed and says, “Billie… she will… it will be okay but you need to focus on you for the moment. ISA has suspended you, and started an investigation. You could be in a lot more trouble then just the charges Roman’s got you up on. You need to focus, you need to calm down.” Billie looks at her mom and says, “How? How can I!?” Kate takes something out of her pocket and taking Billie’s hand says, “Here. I wasn’t able to bring in more then that but should be enough till after your hearing. Try and rest.” She touches Billie’s face lovingly, “I love you, Sweetheart.” Billie says, “I love you too.” Kate leaves the room as Billie looks in her hand. We see two pills there. She pops them both in her mouth and swallows them down without hesitation.

 

Salem Hospital:

Hope has left Clancy’s room and Patrick asks if she is okay. She nods and says, “It’s just… odd. I feel numb.” He says he understands and looking to the door says, “I guess I should go talk to him.” Hope says, “Are YOU going to be okay? I mean, this is the first time you’ve seen this man since…” Patrick says, “Yeah, since Paris.” He sighs and continues, “I’ll be fine. Like I told you… this man was like a brother to me.” Hope nods understandingly and pats him on the shoulder. Patrick smiles slightly and with a heavy sigh goes to see Clancy.

 

After Patrick leaves Frankie comes up behind Hope and says, “Hope?” She turns and the two hug. He says, “God I … I can’t believe what’s happened!” Hope nods and says, “It is hard to take in.” The two talk for a moment about the events and the shock of it all. Frankie then admits slowly, “I’m glad I ran into here. I was coming to get an update on Chelsea…” Hope nods and says, “I don’t think she’s awake yet but she made it through surgery. I’m sure Lexi can give you more details.” He says, “Well I just need to keep the judge informed.” Hope says, “Its okay, Frankie… I… I’m not mad you took her case.”

Frankie looks guilty and says, “Well I am. I wish I’d not gotten involved.” He pauses and asks, “Is it true that Chelsea took the bullet for Shawn? I mean… did she mean to do that or was it just an accident.” Hope sighs and says, “From what Shawn and Mimi have said it seems like through herself in front of it, that yes she did it on purpose to save them.”

Frankie is silent thinking about this information and then says slowly, “Hope. I… I’m not sure I should tell you this but feel I need to now. I’m not defending all Chelsea has done, and honestly I’m not sure what to make of her myself. But… you know how I called and told you about what she had confessed to doing?” Hope nods. Frankie continues, “Well… she asked me to do that. She begged me to call and tell you… to break my confidentiality agreement so you would know the truth.” Hope looks confused. She asks, “She…confessed and then told you to tell me?”

 

Frankie says, “No she wanted it kept secret at first and then… came to me out of the blue after she was released from jail and asked me to tell you.” Hope doesn’t respond just thinking. Frankie sighs and says, “Listen… I blew it off. I thought she was playing me. I almost didn’t tell you because I thought it was a trick to somehow delay the court proceedings if she needed too. I told you anyway because… well because I wanted too. But then I heard about what she did… saving Shawn… I just don’t get it Hope. I don’t understand her game here… or even if she has a game!”

 

Hope inhales and then fills him in on what she learned about Chelsea’s past. Frankie is shocked as he had not heard all the details. He says, “I… I can’t believe I’m saying this but I actually feel sorry for her.” Hope nods in reserved agreement, “I know… it’s hard to know what to think… or feel.” Frankie notes her sad look and says, “I’m sorry… I didn’t mean that this changes anything I just…” Hope smiles and says, “Frankie… its okay. I know what you meant and I feel it too. It doesn’t change what’s happened but… well… it does change one’s perspective. And… her asking you to tell me…” She shakes her head confused, “I just wish she were awake so we could ask her why? Why she did that and why she risked her life to save Shawn’s.” Frankie agrees saying, “Yes somehow I doubt she’d go to that length just to help her case.”

 

Hope is silent but nods agreeing. Frankie says, “Hope… are you okay?” Hope gives a sad smile and says, “I am. I will be. It’s just too much to deal with.”

 

Clancy’s Room:

Patrick enters and Clancy is still at the sink his hand dripping blood. Patrick notes this and says, “You want me to call a nurse?” Clancy turns abruptly; he’d not realized Patrick was there. He at first doesn’t realize what Patrick is refereeing too but then realizing his hand is bleeding says, “Oh. No, it’s nothing.” He grabs a towel and wraps it around his hand.

 

The two stand there for a moment. Clancy says, “Is Hope okay?” Patrick nods, “She will be. Her family has really been there for her.” Clancy says, “That’s good.” The awkwardness fills the air for a long time. Patrick then pulls over a chair and sits down. Clancy just paces. He finally says, his back turned to Patrick, “I never said apologized to you… even though it seems pathetic to even try for such a thing.”

 

Patrick says, “We both killed her. She was doomed the moment she entered our lives… the day we saw her through that window.” Clancy nods silently. Patrick continues, “This isn’t easy… but I… I loved Alma.” Clancy says, “So did I. Seems you and I can’t keep away from the same type of women.” Patrick gives a half laugh and says, “Yeah… guess this explains why you… as Bo I mean… hated me so much.” Clancy turns and says, “Yeah… but I don’t hate you Patrick. I… I wish you had killed me in Paris. It would have saved a lot of people, including myself, a lot of grief.”

 

Patrick stands up and says, “Well I didn’t. Neither of us are going to get to escape our sins that easily. Alma was a forgiving person… she’d not want us hating each other, fighting… killing. You… you were a brother to me Clancy. I… I don’t know if we can move past all this but… I… I hope we can some day.” Both men are bordering on to emotional for two ‘tough guys’ and are trying desperately to hold it back. Clancy says with a strained voice, “I hope so too… I… I AM so very sorry Patrick… for everything.”

 

Patrick walks up too him, clinching his jaw to hold back his feelings and slowly and hesitantly puts a hand on Clancy’s shoulder. We can see the conflict in him… this man killed his wife yet was his best friend and a mirror image of him in many ways, to forgive him is to forgive himself. Clancy hangs his head in gratefulness at Patrick’s forgiveness and to avoid Patrick from seeing the tears in his eyes. 

 

The Boat:

 

Bo is back from the hospital and on his boat he is coming out of the cabin and finds Caroline and Shawn Sr. standing there. He, without thinking, says, “Mom… Dad!” Neither say anything and both are just staring at him. Caroline looks as if she’s been doing a lot of crying lately. She looks at Bo with a serious expression. She carefully takes two steps towards him, looking over his face as if studying it in great detail.

 

Then without warning she covers her mouth as tears stream down her face. Bo moves forward wanting to hold her but stops himself. She shakes her head as if in fear or disbelief. But then finally she moves quickly to him, touches his face and finding her voice she sobs, “I failed you. I failed my baby… how… how could I not know?! How could a mother be so fooled. YOU are my son. Oh Bo! I should have known he wasn’t you! I should have known!” She falls into his arms as Bo stares in disbelief and relief. They both collapse to the ground hugging. Shawn’s eyes are filled with tears too. Bo looks up at him and he comes over and kneeling beside them says, “Son.” They all hug each other sitting there on the deck of the boat.

 

Salem Airport:

An intercom blares in the background, “Welcome to Salem International. Baggage claim is located on the ground floor… please remember that Salem International is a non-smoking facility….” The camera pans to the jet-way of gate as people are exiting a flight. Then through the door walks Mason, he glances from side to side and disembarks the flight and heads toward the signs reading “Rental Cars and Ground Transportation.”