Steve & Kayla #26 February 15 - April 4, 2008: 8 hour original edit

DVD #26A John grabbed the controls, but they didn't respond. Steve began to wake up, and coughed, "What happened?" John told him he'd been able to dump the fuel but still needed flight controls. "Start jamming wires!" he ordered. Steve did as he was commanded, quickly fumbling with the instrument panel wiring, until suddenly John said, "That's it!" He told Steve to grab the controls, and they both fought to pull the plane's nose up.

At last, the plane leveled off. Hope woke Kayla. Marlena called up to the cockpit, and John told her they had dumped the fuel, and the plane was at a low enough altitude that they should all be able to breathe. She asked if they'd be able to land, and he replied that it would be "a little sooner and harder than we'd like." Marlena told the other passengers they were out of fuel but were about to attempt an emergency landing, so they should all buckle up and brace themselves.

When the group at the police station began to grow more panicked, Abe and Roman assured them that the FAA, Homeland Security, the ISA, and NORAD were all working on it and would notify them as soon as they had any news. Chelsea speculated that it might be a hijacking by someone after John or Philip's money, and Stephanie mentioned that Chloe was in trouble in Europe, but Abe said there was no evidence of foul play. Abe also tried to convince them all to go to the Brady Pub to wait for news, but Caroline defiantly said, "I'm not going anywhere." Chelsea and Stephanie echoed her thoughts. Abe's phone rang, and after he hung up, he grimly told the group the plane had just gone off radar. Caroline asked if that meant it had crashed, but Abe said he didn't know. Roman announced he would try to reach NORAD, and the others worried in silence.

In the cockpit, John and Steve wrestled with the controls. "Hey! There's land!" Steve shouted. John told him to just keep the nose up. Steve prayed to God to soften the blow when they hit the ground. John announced they had no landing gear, which alarmed Steve. The plane bounced hard, which woke Bo. Though he was a bit groggy, he noticed Shawn Sr.'s blanket was covering his face. Bo jumped out of his seat, yanked the blanket off, and tried to rouse his father. Kayla told Bo what Shawn had done. "It was supposed to be me!" a devastated Bo cried.

Kayla told him their father had died a hero, and Bo collapsed in tears against Shawn's chest. After he'd pulled the blanket back over Shawn's face, Hope told Bo they were making an emergency landing. Belle and Shawn told each other, "I love you," as did Bo and Hope. Chloe wailed, "God help us!" Roman announced that NORAD was sending rescue planes to the projected crash site. The others realized that meant the plane had probably crashed, and Lexie told them all not to panic. Max and Chelsea tried to comfort a sobbing Caroline, as Stephanie prayed aloud.

As the plane began to dive more sharply, John told Steve to pull back on the controls as hard as he could. Shawn shouted across the plane to Bo and Hope that he loved them, and they returned the sentiment. "This is it!", John grabbed Steve's jacket. The plane's dive grew more vertical, the lights on board flickered, and everyone in the passenger cabin screamed in terror.

2/18 At the Salem Police Department, Abe and Roman told the Brady and Johnson families that the FAA lost radio contact with John's plane, and that it had disappeared from all radar tracking systems. Abe told the families that the FAA reported John's plane was presumed to have crashed.

John's plane crashed somewhere in a cold mountainous area. John was the first to regain consciousness. He walked around the crash site in a daze and did nothing to help the injured. He seemed cold and indifferent as he sized up the situation. Kayla treated Steve, who regained consciousness just as Kayla told him that she was pregnant. Kayla told Steve that he had a punctured lung and she was helpless to do much for him except to try to control the pain. Kayla's baby appeared to be in danger as she started to experience sharp pains in her abdomen.

2/19 Outside, Kayla doubled over in pain while attending to Steve, who lay on a piece of wreckage with broken ribs and a punctured lung. Steve called out for help, and, nearby, Philip and Chloe heard his weak shouts. Chloe had just helped Philip free his prosthetic leg from under some debris, so she offered to go help them. Kayla asked Chloe to please find Marlena.

At the police station, Stephanie tried to convince everyone that they shouldn't assume John's plane had crashed just because it had lost radio contact and gone off radar. In Roman's office, Roman, hanging up the phone, told Lexie and Abe that the FAA didn't think they'd have much luck finding the plane until morning. Frustrated that he couldn't just go find his family himself, he angrily flung an item from his desk across the room. Abe tried to comfort his old partner by reminding him the Bradys and John were all survivors. Roman admitted he was worried about John's presence with them.

Using a tree branch as a makeshift crutch, Philip hobbled over to Steve and Kayla and suggested they move inside the fuselage, where they would be warmer. Shawn and John helped carry Steve inside on a stretcher fashioned from a blanket. Marlena examined Steve and confirmed that his lung was collapsed, and gave him some pain medication. Caroline arrived at the station, and said she hoped the Saint Christopher medal she'd given Shawn Sr. was protecting him. Max and Roman assured her he was probably protecting everyone else, and looking forward to telling them all about Colleen over a bowl of chowder and a pint.

Roman announced to the stunned group that NORAD had called off the search until morning. Victor asked Abe if everything possible was being done, or if they could get more planes and searchers. Abe advised him they were doing all they could. When Marlena stopped to look in on Steve, he asked her to check Kayla out too. Kayla explained she'd been cramping, but knew she just had to wait-and pray.

At Caroline's suggestion, the Bradys' family and friends gathered at the church to pray together. Victor remarked to Kate that though he found comfort in the church, he wasn't as devout as his mother had been. Kate worried what they would do if they lost Philip, and Victor took her hand in comfort. Several family members lit candles, and Caroline led the group in the Lord's Prayer. Afterward, everyone seemed lost in their own thoughts. Some lit candles, some prayed wordlessly, and some looked to the stained-glass image of Christ as if for guidance. Caroline silently prayed as she fingered her rosary beads, and Roman tried to comfort her.

Steve and Kayla snuggled together to keep warm. As if to reassure himself as much as Kayla, Steve said the rescuers would find them soon. They talked about how they looked forward to her pregnancy, and to Stephanie babysitting her new little brother or sister. Steve vowed that he would be there for this baby's childhood, especially since he had missed Stephanie's.

2/20 Steve and Kayla shivered under their blankets in the cold. Steve was restless, but he tried to comfort Kayla in spite of his pain. "I'm sorry about your Pop. He was a good man," whispered Steve. Kayla tried to hold back her tears, but Steve encouraged her to cry. They talked a little about Shawn Sr. and Kayla curled up next to Steve, crying into his shoulder. When Kayla winced with pain, a concerned Steve asked how she was feeling. Kayla told him she was fine and then changed the subject back to her father and Bo.

Marlena walked out into the clearing with Belle and Shawn just as Steve and Kayla walked up. Worried about Steve walking around, Marlena started to lecture him about taking care of himself. Once she finished, she took Kayla aside to check her health. Kayla admitted to Marlena that she was still cramping and spotting and asked Marlena to keep the information to herself for now. Marlena and Kayla headed back to the group right as John walked up with a box of food he collected from around the crash site. Philip and Chloe walked into the clearing to join the group just as John offered to go shoot off another flare.

John and Shawn rooted around the wreckage looking for flares when suddenly they heard the sounds of a helicopter flying off to the west. They scrambled to find the flares and luckily, found them in time to shoot one off into the air while the helicopter was still hovering nearby. Back at the clearing, the group happily hopped up and down, waving at the helicop

ter flying overhead. Nearby, a tearful but smiling Hope held onto Bo, who still lay in the wreckage unconscious. Back in Salem, at police headquarters, Roman worked to find any new information on the crash. A restless Victor and Caroline walked in to talk to Roman about the search, and Roman begged Victor to wait and let search and rescue do their job first. Roman informed them that the plane dropped quickly before it crashed, but he also told them that the plane did not veer off course toward the nearby airstrip in Greenland. As Kate walked in, Abe pulled everyone into his office to give them the update. Roman informed the group that the crash site was found and that someone at the site set off a flare.

Over at the church, Max and Stephanie joined Chelsea and Nick in the pews of the church to pray for the recovery of the plane. Stephanie said she felt helpless, and Chelsea agreed, saying that she regretted causing so much trouble for her father. Max reminded them that he had been a huge troublemaker as a child and that it did not prevent his father from loving him. Max then reminded them that not only did their parents know that they loved them, but that their parents would use that love to help them survive the ordeal. With Chelsea and Stephanie calmed a bit, Chelsea's cell phone startled them when it rang. On the phone was Kate who informed Chelsea that the crash site had been found and that someone shot off a flare there. Ecstatic, Chelsea hung up the phone and told Max, Stephanie, and Nick that the plane had been found and that "they're alive!"

2/21 Every one anxiously awaited the arrival of their loved ones. Shawn, Belle and Claire were the first to arrive. Everybody was relieved to see them. Then, two bodies arrived covered by white sheets. Fear appeared on the faces of everyone. They were relieved to learn it was the pilots. Caroline was relieved to see that nobody was seriously injured. Shawn attempted to speak with his grandmother, Caroline. However, he was interrupted by a new arrival.

Marlena told Caroline that she was so sorry. Caroline did not understand what she meant. Each time somebody tried to tell Caroline about (Grandpa) Shawn, other people arrived to interrupt. Then, Bo arrived on a stretcher. Caroline thought this was why people were trying to comfort her. She was very concerned about her son. Bo, Kayla and Steve were all taken to be examined.

Caroline was anxious to see her husband. As she was beginning to realize what all of the apologies were about, another body covered with a white sheet arrived. Caroline was in a state of shock. She could not believe it was her husband. Shawn told her grandmother that his grandfather died a hero. He explained how Grandpa Shawn refused to take oxygen. Everybody was visibly shaken by the death and proud of Shawn's heroics. Caroline wanted to see her husband. Roman tried to discourage his mother from looking under the sheet, but she insisted. The sheet was removed and Caroline said goodbye to her husband. John, at Marlena's urging, told Caroline that he wished (Grandpa) Shawn had been his father. These words meant a great deal to Caroline. Maggie comforted Caroline and took her friend back to the pub.

Kayla told her doctor that she was spotting and was afraid she would lose the baby. Kayla was examined and kept for observation. Steve was in the next cubicle and overheard Kayla's conversation with the doctor. Stefanie arrived to see her father. Steve told Stefanie that Kayla was pregnant. She was extremely excited. But mostly she was just relieved that her parents were fine. Steve's doctor told him that he and his wife would be staying overnight. Steve wanted to share a room with his wife, or at least an adjoining room.

2/22 At the hospital, Lexie stopped by Kayla's room to check on her friend and patient. Kayla confessed that, because of her father's death and Bo's illness, she wasn't doing so well emotionally. Lexie tried to calm her by reminding her that the cramping and spotting had stopped, which meant she and the baby were fine. Kayla reluctantly agreed, but said she wished Steve were there, adding that he had been a real hero on the plane.

Lexie expressed her condolences about Shawn Sr., and Kayla returned the sentiment. She said she knew it couldn't be easy for Lexie to know Stefano was in a coma. A relieved Lexie thanked her for understanding. Kayla congratulated her new boss on being named the hospital's new chief of staff. Lexie thanked her, then rushed off.

Across the hall, Roman visited Steve, only to find him out of bed and gazing out the window. He got Steve back into bed, and said he needed to ask him about the plane crash. Steve said someone had sabotaged the plane. Roman asked if what had happened could have been a glitch? Steve said the wires in the control panel were fried as if from a small explosive. He also reminded Roman that the pilots had been drugged. Roman wondered who was behind it-since it couldn't have been Stefano-and if the target could have been one of the passengers. He continued that the person who did it had to be crazy enough to want to kill everyone else on the plane too. Steve suddenly remembered the woman he'd seen from the plane's window before takeoff, but he kept this from Roman. Meanwhile, at the nurses' station, the mystery woman asked for Steve Johnson's room number.

As Roman was leaving so Steve could get some sleep, Steve told him that Shawn Sr. had been a real hero on the plane, and said Roman would have been proud of him. Roman thanked him and said that meant a lot. As soon as Roman had gone, a visibly upset Steve exclaimed, "I'm the one she wanted!" and flung his vase of flowers across the room. As he cried out in pain from his broken ribs, Nurse Maxine rushed in to see what was going on. Steve became more agitated and tried to get up, but she urged him to relax and stay in bed.

In the hallway, the mystery woman spied on them through the open door until another nurse came along and closed it. Steve continued to struggle with Nurse Maxine until she finally told him she could either tell Kayla how uncooperative he was being, or she could give him a sedative. Steve finally consented to the shot, though his pleas for "just half" were ignored. After admonishing him to stay in bed, Maxine returned to the nurses' station. She marveled to the other nurse on duty that the Johnsons had survived the plane crash, and he informed her that Dr. Johnson was pregnant. They discussed it excitedly as the mystery woman eavesdropped.

Later, the mystery woman told the male nurse that she'd really meant to ask for Mr. Johnson's wife's room number earlier. He pointed it out to her, but before she could enter Nurse Maxine stopped her, telling her firmly that visiting hours were over. Steve was fighting to stay awake when the nurse dropped off a note that had been left for him at the nurses' station. On it was scrawled, "That bitch will never have your baby!"

A frightened Steve gasped, "Oh my God, she's here?" He desperately tried to get out of bed, but in his drugged state, he only made it to the foot of the bed before collapsing. Kayla came in and was alarmed to find him on the floor. As she helped him back into bed, she told him she'd sneaked out of her room to visit him, and asked if he'd been trying to do the same. She added that the nurse had told her he'd been so agitated he had to be sedated. She asked if it was because he was worried about the baby. Struggling to stay awake, Steve said, "Baby, I gotta tell you something," but dozed off before he could finish. Wishing him sweet dreams, Kayla kissed him and left.

2/25 Steve and Kayla were released from the hospital and returned home to relax and think about the joy of bringing a new life into the world. Steve was troubled by this woman from his past and found a way to leave the apartment to find her. Steve located his mystery woman in a back alley. When Steve asked her what she wanted with him and tried to dismiss her, her bodyguard roughed up Steve. She told Steve that she managed to get away from her father to find him, first in Ireland, now in Salem. She confirmed that her people were responsible for tampering with the plane. She told Steve that they were only supposed to prevent the plane from takeoff and no one was supposed to be injured or die.

She asked Steve why he left her without even saying goodbye. She screamed at him in anger and confusion and asked him how he could forget their years together. She reminded Steve that he told her that he wanted her to have his child. She demanded that Steve explain what happened and why he left her. Steve fought off the bodyguard and warned this woman to leave his family alone. Steve left, but she vowed that their relationship was far from over.

Steve returned home to Kayla. Kayla mentioned to Steve that there were strange noises overhead the entire time that he was gone. Steve told Kayla that he would do anything to protect his family. After Kayla left to get some rest, Steve locked all the doors and removed his gun from the drawer. Stephanie arrived and noticed that Steve was on edge, but ignored it and went to speak to Kayla. 2/26 Steve tried to convince Kayla to take it easy until the baby was born, and she tried to convince him the baby was fine. He finally got her to compromise and lie down for an hour. As soon as Kayla had closed the bedroom door, Steve made a phone call and arranged to meet someone right away. Before he could get out the door, he bumped into Stephanie, who immediately said she could tell he was upset about something. Steve covered by saying his ribs hurt, but Stephanie said she wasn't buying it-she could tell he was hiding something. Just then Kayla walked in, so Steve covered by saying Stephanie was giving him a hard time for making Kayla stay in bed-and asked why Kayla was up. Kayla said she got hungry, so Stephanie offered to fulfill her mom's cravings and left to get potato chips and onion dip. Later, Stephanie returned with the food to find that Steve had left, so mother and daughter retreated to the bedroom to snack in front of the TV.

Meanwhile, Steve returned, and after he checked to make sure Stephanie and Kayla were in the bedroom, he removed a gun from his waistband, took off his jacket, and stashed the gun in an inside jacket pocket. He again dialed his mystery contact, and said the info they had given him didn't trace back to Ava. He insisted Ava was in Salem, and that he needed to find her before she hurt anyone else. He continued that Ava was crazy, and a part of his past that he wanted to forget. He told the person on the other end of the line to keep digging to find out where Ava was. "I got a new life, and I can't let my past touch my family again," Steve said, then hung up, just before Stephanie and Kayla emerged from the bedroom.

Kayla asked where he'd been, but he just asked her again why she was out of bed. She replied that she'd be more relaxed hanging out with her husband and daughter. When her parents started getting a little too cozy on the couch, Stephanie excused herself. She teased them about embarrassing her, told them she loved them, then blew them a kiss and left.

Ava pulled a picture of her and Steve from a drawer, then made a phone call and asked the person on the other end for help. She told them Daddy wouldn't let her out because he found out she went to see Patch, who was back in Salem. She asked them to find out everything there was to know about Patch and "that bitch who is carrying his child." Ava said that since Patch had walked away from her, it was time for him to pay.

2/27 It's the day of Grandpa Shawn's funeral. At the Brady pub, Max, Stephanie, Kayla and Steve wait to take Caroline to the church. Kimberly arrives and greets her family. Victor enters. He would like to escort Caroline to St. Luke's. Kimberly doesn't think that's appropriate. Caroline tells her family to go ahead.

Everyone is at the church waiting for the service to begin. Steve catches Ava spying on him but she gets away. Steve tells Abe he needs to speak with him later. Before the service begins, the four original Brady children gather around their father's coffin and pray. During the funeral, each of Shawn's children gives a eulogy to their father. Chloe sings an Irish funeral song as the congregation passes by the coffin to pay their respects. The funeral ends with Caroline resting her cheek on top of her beloved husband's coffin as she tells him a final goodbye.

2/28 Grandpa Shawn's wake is taking place at the pub. The Bradys continually mention that the wake is supposed to be fun, but nobody is enjoying themselves. Shawn's children, grandchildren, and Abe take turns giving tear-jerking speeches. Kimberly is reluctant to leave early, but everybody encourages her to get back to her life and her husband. Hope is concerned about a visibly ill Bo. She wants to take him to the hospital, but he refuses. After a while, Bo can longer carry on the act and must be taken to the hospital.

Outside the pub, Steve helps take Bo to the car. Bo asks Hope to stay at the pub for his mother. Hope reluctantly agrees. Hope thanks Steve for his helps and gives him a hug. Ava, who is lurking about, takes a picture of Hope hugging Steve.

Back inside the pub, Kimberly says goodbye to her family. She has a plane to catch. Hope decides to check on Bo. While Hope is standing outside the pub, Ava approaches her. Ava wants to know if Hope loves Steve. Hope tells Ava that she does love Steve. Hope asks who Ava is, but Ava simply walks away.

Inside the pub, Max gives another speech for his father. Then, everybody drinks and takes turns telling Irish jokes. The wake seems to have turned into what Shawn would have wanted. Everybody seemed to be enjoying themselves.

At the hospital, Bo urges Steve to leave to take care of Kayla. Steve eventually agrees. After Steve leaves Bo's room, he asks a nurse to take good care of Bo. She says that she is going to connect Bo to the monitors.

Ava looks at pictures of several Bradys. When she comes to Hope's picture, she says that Hope has made a big mistake by loving Patch. Steve arrives back at the pub, and asks Abe to run a police check on a lady named Ava Vitali.

3/3 Kayla asked Steve why he seemed so restless, and said that he should stop fussing over her and sit down and relax. Abe arrived to talk to Steve, but Steve told Kayla that they were discussing police business and asked if she could excuse them. Abe told Steve that he couldn't find much information about Ava Vitale other than that she was connected to a mob family and that the family's style was to be very low key.

Abe told Steve that he would run other reports to try to pinpoint Ava's whereabouts, but asked Steve to tell him why he needed this information. Steve explained his past relationship with Ava. When Steve was held captive by Stefano and was suffering from amnesia, Steve escaped and met Ava. Steve and Ava had a business and romantic relationship, and Ava desperately wanted to marry Steve. Steve could never make a commitment to Ava because somewhere in his subconscious he knew that there was someone else in his life and that Ava was not the woman of his dreams.

Ava's father never objected when Steve decided to leave the business, but apparently Ava never forgot about Steve. Steve explained to Abe that she seemed possessed, and a very different person than she was five years earlier. Steve told Abe that Ava admitted she sabotaged John's plane as part of her plan to retaliate against Steve. Abe was furious and asked Steve to report the incident to the police.

Steve explained that Ava threatened Kayla, and it would be his word against Ava's. Steve believed that it would make matters worse if he went to the authorities. Abe was concerned about Kayla and wanted to offer protection, but Steve refused. Steve said that he wanted to handle Ava on his own and was concerned about her disturbed behavior, and that Ava wanted Steve to suffer the way she had many years before. Abe agreed to let Steve handle matters his way for a short while.

Meanwhile, Ava continued to review photos of Steve, his friends, and his family. Ava seemed obsessed with Steve and everyone around him. After Steve and Abe's conversation ended, Kayla was very suspicious of Steve's behavior, but he managed to find a way to keep her from learning the truth.

3/4 Steve and Kayla were out for a walk and had just arrived at the pier when he asked if she was ready to go home. She said no, that it felt good to be outside after being cooped up indoors for so long. When he pressed her to go home, she asked why he never seemed to want her to be outside. After some hemming and hawing, Steve finally lied that he was worried about her and the baby. Kayla assured him they were both fine, and that it was good for her to get some exercise.

When a man approached with a fishing rod and tackle box, Steve maneuvered himself between the man and Kayla protectively. Kayla asked what was going on, but Steve distracted her by suddenly pointing out that he could see the spot where they got married in the marina. Looking out over the water, they fondly recalled saying their vows on the yacht that day. Steve remembered telling Kayla how she had shown him how to open up and let another person love him, and how she had believed in him when no one else did.

Kayla recalled telling Steve that he had made all her dreams come true, and that, through her darkest trouble and her coldest silence, he had been there for her. Kayla confided it had been the happiest day of her life, and the saddest had been when she thought Steve died. She lamented the fact that, while she had family and friends to help her through her grief, he'd had no one in all those years when he didn't know who he was.

Steve then remembered being with Ava, drinking whiskey and talking about her father's business dealings. He recalled Ava's telling him if he wanted to gain her father's trust, he should marry her, and "join the family for real." Kayla, seeing Steve's faraway expression as he remembered passionately kissing Ava, asked if it had bothered him that she brought that up. "That's all behind us, baby," he assured her, taking her in his arms. "Let's not dwell on the past." He tried again to convince her to go home, but she persuaded him to go to the park first.

There they rested on a bench, and found the bag of peanuts Chelsea had left. Steve began tossing nuts to the squirrels, and made a promise to Kayla's growing belly that he'd bring their "little dude or dudette" to see the squirrels, too, much to Kayla's amusement. He told the baby he couldn't wait to meet him or her, and told Kayla he loved her.

She returned the sentiment, and as they kissed, he remembered the day Ava had helped beat him up because he'd left her. When he seemed startled by the sound of a squirrel rustling in a tree nearby, she said he'd been acting weird and jumpy all day, and asked what was up. He made a joke about it, and asked if they could finally go home. Kayla agreed, and they left, with Steve taking one last look behind them as they went.

Alone in her room, Ava muttered to a picture of Hope that she needed to find out what her name was. She pounded on the door and yelled, "Daddy, open up! Let me out of here now!" When she got no response, she shouted for Eddie and George to let her out, then, when she was met with more silence, called them stupid goons. Finally she sat back down and began talking to the picture of Hope again, saying she needed to find out everything there was to know about her.

Later, Ava grew frustrated, and bargained with her captors that she would stop screaming if they would just show her the list of all the women who'd been on the plane in Ireland. A piece of paper appeared under the door, and she snatched it up. Reading over the list, she found the name Kayla Johnson. "So, your name's Kayla," she said to Hope's picture. She remembered the day she saw Hope and Steve hugging outside Shawn Sr.'s wake, and how she'd later asked Hope if she loved Steve. As if she were threatening the picture, Ava hissed, "So you're Patch's wife. I got ya."

3/6 Ava is convinced Hope is Steve's wife, Kayla. Ava is being held by her father and has little freedom. She is forced to sweet-talk her guards to help her. The guards care about Ava and blame Patch for what is wrong with her. Ava thinks it's time for her to be reunited with her beloved Patch.

Steve works with Abe to try to find Ava. They receive the final report on the plane crash and there is no solid evidence to link anyone to it. Kayla comes to Roman's office and wants to know what's going on. Steve puts her off and goes to check on a fax. Kayla phones the hospital and says she'll be back to work the next day. Steve doesn't like it, but he can't stop her. Kayla leaves and Steve calls in a favor. He has a tail put on his wife.

3/10 Steve had a meeting with a former business associate to discuss Ava's whereabouts. Stephanie showed up quite unexpectedly and questioned Steve about this meeting. Steve explained that he was working undercover and that this man was a "snitch," but Stephanie knew Steve was lying. After Stephanie told Steve that she knew he was hiding something, he decided to tell her the truth.

Steve recounted the entire story about his connection to the Vitale family, a crime syndicate. He told Stephanie that Ava was the boss's daughter and he was romantically involved with her during the time that he had amnesia and escaped from Stefano's control. He told Stephanie that after a time, he left Ava, and she was very angry. Apparently, she tracked him down and was out for revenge. Steve said that his family was in danger, and he hired guards to protect them.

Stephanie was shocked to learn that Steve was involved with the mafia. She insisted that they tell Kayla, but Steve thought that if Kayla knew the truth, it could cause more stress for her and the baby. Stephanie finally agreed, but told him that she wanted in on the plan to protect her mother and the baby. She told Steve that Kayla would be very disappointed to learn that Steve had another romance, but Steve assured her that he never loved anyone else but Kayla and that his family was the most important thing to him.

Steve asked Stephanie to forgive him for his past indiscretions and for putting their lives at risk. Stephanie understood the horror that Steve had endured during that time in his life and immediately forgave her father. Steve said that he would tell Kayla everything in time, but for now Stephanie agreed to let him handle Ava in his own way. Steve asked Stephanie if she would leave town until he could clear up matters with Ava. Stephanie told Steve that her life was good in Salem: school, the sorority, her new internship at the ad agency, but especially her relationship with Max. She could not leave Salem at that time, and Steve understood.

Meanwhile, Lexie and Kayla were researching Bo's case for any option or alternative treatment for to Bo's medical problem. Kayla contacted Dr. Wagner, a colleague in Zurich, who advised her to check an Internet site that might provide some assistance. Kayla discovered that the newest, but rarely documented, treatment available was a living donor transplant. Dr. Daniel Jonas, Bo's specialist, was the only doctor to have performed the surgery. There were only a few documented cases, but Kayla and Lexie felt it might be Bo's only chance to survive.

Just then, Bo flatlined and had to be shocked back, but was still on the brink of death. Kayla told Hope about the radical procedure and said that she should proceed as it might be Bo's only chance. Hope asked Kayla and Lexie to get more information about the surgery. While they waited for Dr. Jonas, Lexie asked Hope to gather all the family members together as it might be their last chance to say goodbye to Bo. Kayla called Steve, and Hope called Shawn. Family members were on their way to the hospital to rally around Bo and Hope.

3/11 Steve and Stephanie arrived shortly after them, and Steve noticed a man hanging out in the waiting area. After telling Stephanie he'd meet her in Bo's room, Steve confronted the man and asked why he wasn't protecting Kayla. The bodyguard said he was, but she was currently in Bo's room. Steve ordered him to get in there. As the bodyguard walked off, eavesdropping Stephanie asked Steve if the man was her guard or Kayla's. Steve told her it was her mom's guy and assured Stephanie that she didn't need to worry-the guard was only a precaution. When she asked where her own guard was, Steve said she wouldn't be aware of him unless someone threatened her.

At the nurses' station, Kayla asked Daniel why he hadn't mentioned the experimental, living-donor procedure before. He informed them that not only was it unlikely to be successful, but it was just as dangerous for the donor as the recipient. Kayla was arguing that it might be the only thing that could save Bo's life just as Victor walked up and overheard. He asked Daniel about it, and Shawn, Chelsea, and Philip started peppering the doctor with questions as well. Daniel told them that he was not going to let the desperation of Bo's family drive him to do a procedure that might not work and might even make the situation worse. He asked Kayla and Lexie if they could continue their discussion in private.

In the lab, Daniel described the procedure to Lexie and Kayla. He explained that it was a partial pancreas transplant from a living donor, and the most likely candidates to donate were blood relatives. He also warned them that the operation could kill both Bo and the donor. Lexie said they should do the transplant regardless of the risks, but Daniel said since he wasn't on her staff, she couldn't force him to do it. Lexie and Kayla were shocked that he would just let Bo die. Daniel said of course he wouldn't, but he wanted them to be aware of the drawbacks, stressing the importance of everyone knowing the donor would be at great risk as well. Kayla assured him that anyone in the family would lay their life on the line for Bo. Daniel reminded them that there were many matching criteria that had to be met. Kayla countered that the sooner they got started testing everyone, the sooner they could do the transplant. Daniel finally agreed to do the transplant, as long as Bo and Hope agreed after he'd discussed the dangers with them.

Kayla was telling Steve about the procedure, and he hit the roof because it might jeopardize her pregnancy. She assured him she hadn't even planned to be tested, she just wanted to get everything ready to start the testing as soon as Bo and Hope agreed to it. Steve heaved a sigh of relief, and offered to be tested, too. Kayla, Lexie, and Daniel toiled away in the lab, peering through their microscopes in search of a donor match.

Meanwhile, Bo's family and friends gathered in the chapel to pray and wait for news. Shawn lit a candle, Max held Caroline's hand, and Victor sat with his arm around Chelsea. Others sat quietly, lost in their own thoughts, yet all were desperately hoping for the same thing. While the doctors looked at slide after slide, pausing occasionally to stretch aching neck and back muscles, Bo and Hope lay in his hospital bed, his arms around her and her head on his chest, wordlessly waiting for the news that could save his life.

3/12 Kayla tiptoed into Bo's hospital room, where Hope was sleeping in the chair next to Bo's bed. While Kayla was checking Bo's monitors and I.V. bags, Hope awakened and asked if they had found a donor yet. Bo then woke up, and as he kissed Hope good morning, Chelsea dropped by on her way to class to check on her dad. Bo assured her he was in good hands, so after hugging him and promising to come back later, she left. Bo admitted he was glad he'd gotten to spend time with Chelsea and the rest of his family the day before, because he needed to say goodbye to them.

Hope told him it sounded like he was giving up, which she said was not an option. Kayla gently admonished Bo, too, and declared that they would find a donor. Bo said he knew things didn't look good, and he didn't want anyone putting their life at risk to donate part of their pancreas to him. Kayla and Hope assured him everyone just wanted to help him. Bo admitted he didn't want to leave because he didn't want to let anyone down. "You have never let any of us down," Hope said sternly, her voice breaking, "and I know you're not about to start now."

Stephanie brought coffee to Steve, who was watching through the window of Bo's room as Kayla talked to Hope and Bo. Stephanie informed her Papa that Kayla had said that Bo wasn't doing so well, and that they hadn't found a donor yet. When Steve anxiously looked past her down the hallway, she said, "Are you looking for my guard? 'Cause I ditched him." Before Steve could give Stephanie a good talking-to, the bodyguard called looking for her. Steve fired him, then hung up and told his daughter the guy wasn't a very good guard if she could lose him so easily. Stephanie assured him she could take care of herself. Steve was skeptical, but they both agreed he should be more concerned with Kayla's safety. He grudgingly consented not to hire a new bodyguard for Stephanie.

He did vow to call and check up on her every five minutes. "Yeah, yeah, yeah," she said mockingly but with an appreciative smile. When he asked how she and Max were doing, she smiled and said they were doing great, adding that she was just about to surprise him at work. She hugged her dad goodbye and made him promise to keep her posted about Bo. As soon as Stephanie had gone, Steve called to hire another bodyguard for her.

Kayla checked Bo's chart and told him his vital signs hadn't changed, which she thought was a good thing, then left to see how Lexie and Dr. Jonas were doing. Bo confessed to Hope that he didn't know what he'd do if their roles were reversed. Hope stroked his beard tenderly, and replied that he'd tell her the same thing she was telling him: that everything was going to be all right.

In the hallway, Steve tried to persuade Kayla to take the rest of the day off, but she said she couldn't. Steve pleaded his case to Daniel, who told Kayla to take a couple of hours off, and vowed to call her if they found a donor or if Bo's condition changed. Steve escorted his wife out as she grumbled about being railroaded.

Back at their suite, Kayla was impressed with the meal Steve had set up, and kissed him lovingly to thank him. He made her promise to take care of herself for the baby's sake. She said she just hoped Bo got the kind of miracle she'd gotten when Steve had come back to her after so many years. He reassured her he wasn't going anywhere, and they kissed some more. After they had eaten, Kayla gazed out the open window, inhaling the fresh air, and confessed she'd needed a break, but reminded Steve she had to get back to the hospital shortly. He came up behind her, kissed her ear and her neck, and asked if she had to go back right away. She turned and kissed him, then giggled. "Okay, maybe later!"

Dvd #26B 3/13 Bo was going downhill fast. He knew he was critical and started making preparations. First, he talked to Steve and asked him to be there for Hope and his family. Steve tried to put a positive spin on things but in the end he agreed. Steve and Kayla had ducked out of the hospital long enough for a sweet session of lovemaking. They reaffirmed their belief in miracles as well as their love for one another. Kayla returned to the hospital lab.

Ava stared at photos of Hope hugging Steve. She mistakenly believed Hope was married to Steve and was out to get revenge. Her goon tried to tell her she had the wrong lady but she wouldn't listen. She blamed the goon for the plane fiasco. He was supposed to disable controls on the plane so it would not take off. She berated him, they argued, and he quit. Later, a shrink visited Ava and asked her some intriguing questions about her sense of reality.

3/14 Hope and Steve waited at Bo's bedside while Bo slept. Hope fretted because Bo was getting weaker, but Steve tried to encourage her to be more positive. When she worried that they hadn't heard any news about the transplant, he calmly assured her that Kayla had told him the doctors had to check and recheck everything during the testing, because the procedure was still so experimental. He promised that he'd be there for her if she needed him, and that he wasn't going to let her or Bo give up. Hope said she wasn't giving up, but admitted she was very scared.

Kayla found Shawn waiting outside Bo's room, and quietly told him they had found a compatible donor for Bo. She then asked to speak to him alone in the lab. Belle, alarmed by their hushed tones, asked if it was bad news, but Kayla assured her it wasn't. She said she just needed to speak with Shawn privately.

In the lab, Lexie and Daniel reviewed their checklist for everything that had been done to prepare for the transplant surgery. After Daniel made certain they were completely ready, Lexie announced that all they had left to do was get the donor's consent. Kayla brought Shawn into the lab, and the doctors explained it was hospital policy not to release the names of donors until they had been officially notified, in case they had a change of heart. Kayla continued that they'd called the cell number they had on file but they hadn't been able to reach Bo's donor yet. She said they didn't want to upset the family by announcing they'd found a match, then telling them they couldn't locate the donor. Shawn then understood why they'd wanted to speak to him alone, and agreed to keep the family calm until the donor could be located.

Steve joined Belle in the waiting area outside Bo's room just as Victor and Caroline arrived. Belle let them know that Kayla had taken Shawn to the lab, and they all assumed it was because Shawn was a match for Bo. Shawn overheard this as he returned, and told them he wasn't a match-but they had found a donor. He started a cover story about the donor having to sign all the proper forms before his or her name could be released, but Kayla showed up and let him off the hook. She explained how they were just having trouble finding the donor, but assured them everything was ready to begin the transplant as soon as they did. Shawn left to call the rest of the family to let them know what was going on.

Kayla went into Bo's room, and the group followed her. She informed Hope and Bo they had found a compatible donor, and the surgical teams were ready to go. She repeated what she had told the others, including why she couldn't divulge the donor's name. Caroline assumed that it must be someone in the family, and Kayla acknowledged that it was. Hope asserted that it shouldn't be a problem to tell them first, if the donor was a family member. Finally, after Bo pleaded with her, Kayla reluctantly gave in. "All right. It's Chelsea," she said.

Bo declared he wouldn't let Chelsea donate part of her pancreas to him. He said he didn't want his daughter to risk her life for him, even though the others tried to warn him he would die if he didn't allow the transplant. Lexie and Daniel entered, and Daniel informed them that it wasn't Bo's decision, since Chelsea was of age and had known all the implications when she agreed to be tested. Bo countered that his decision was to refuse to go through with the surgery. Caroline argued that Shawn Sr. hadn't given his life so Bo could just give up, and admonished him that he had to have the transplant. Daniel said that Bo and Chelsea were as close a match as he'd ever seen, but Bo would not be swayed. Finally Kayla asked everyone to step outside.

In the hallway, Lexie told the group how critical it was that they find Chelsea and begin the transplant as soon as possible. Victor said he'd have his men look for her, and Steve went off to search the rest of hospital. Steve and Victor returned and reported that they hadn't found Chelsea. Hope came out of Bo's room and asked why Bo wasn't being prepped for surgery. Caroline told her they couldn't find Chelsea. Hope was stunned with disbelief. She then said someone should be with Bo and went back to his room. Kayla urged the others to try to be patient for a bit longer.

Steve and Kayla came into the lab and Lexie brought them up to speed on a drunk Chelsea being found in the park. Kayla explained to Steve that they couldn't operate if Chelsea had alcohol in her system. Lexie advised them the surgical team was prepared to do a "rush detox," but they still might not be able to get the alcohol out of her system in time.

3/18 At Salem Hospital, Roman helped clear the waiting area outside Bo's room, and he convinced the family and friends to head down to the OR waiting room. Down in the lab, Lexie and Daniel rechecked the tests and Kayla reread the study. When Lexie looked over the study, she discovered a treatment to temporarily buy a little more time for Bo.

3/19 At Salem University Hospital, the Bradys gathered while the surgical teams prepared to transplant a section of Chelsea's pancreas into Bo.

In Bo's room, Kayla added an immunosuppressant to an unconscious Bo's I.V. and told Hope it was so his body wouldn't reject the transplant. Lexie advised Hope she would be assisting Dr. Taylor with Chelsea's surgery, while Kayla would assist Dr. Jonas with Bo's. Hope told them she knew Bo and Chelsea were in good hands. Kayla and Lexie told Hope someone would be in soon to take Bo to surgery, then left to finish their preparations.

Daniel went over last-minute instructions with the two surgical teams. Dr. Taylor advised everyone that as soon as they made sure Chelsea's pancreas was viable, they'd let Daniel's team know and only then would Daniel start Bo's surgery. Daniel reminded them they were working against the clock, adding, "I want shock and awe, beauty and poetry." He said he wasn't a big believer in luck, but Bo's condition made him the perfect candidate for the surgery. Kayla replied that she thought they needed all the luck they could get.

As the surgery began, Steve, Stephanie, Max, and Nick played poker in the waiting area. Kate joined the poker game, and impressed Steve by winning a hand with a royal flush. Kate said poker was easy if one just had the guts to go for it all, and that's what she'd been doing her whole life. Stephanie said she could see where Chelsea got her strength, and Kate acknowledged that the women in her family were survivors. Steve said Chelsea's courage and determination would serve her well in the operating room.

Steve had Roman take his place at poker, and went to check on Hope. She admitted that, though she was trying to be strong for Bo's parents, inside she was a mess, because she couldn't stop thinking about all the things that could go wrong in the surgery. Steve reminded her she had to stay positive, and said if she couldn't, she should come to him and he'd set her straight. She hugged him and thanked him for being such a good friend to her and Bo.

The nurse came out to announce that Chelsea's pancreas section had been removed successfully and they were closing her up now. Everyone cheered and applauded, and Hope asked how Bo's surgery was going. The nurse said someone would let them know as soon as they had any news. Hope hugged Steve happily, and asked him to pray with her. They closed their eyes, and began to pray aloud. Hope told God she wanted to hear Bo's laugh and feel his arms around her again, while Steve called on the "Big Dude" to help heal Bo.

3/20 Everyone is waking up after a long night in the waiting area. Steve goes to check on Bo. Hope and Caroline are with Bo, as Kayla and Lexie come in to check on him. Steve tries to pry Kayla and Caroline away just as Bo wakes up. They are all thrilled. Steve and Kayla leave. Steve takes Kayla home and we see she's not feeling well. She's having cramps and is worried about her baby.

3/21 Steve found Kayla working at the hospital, and admonished her that she was supposed to be home resting. She protested, saying she just needed to check on Bo quickly. After Kayla left, Steve checked in with her bodyguard, who told him she was going to notice him following her sooner or later. When Kayla returned, she pointed out the bodyguard and mentioned she'd seen him around a lot. Steve tried to cover, then admitted he needed to tell her something. As Kayla pressed him for more details, she got paged to do a consult, but promised Steve they'd go straight home as soon as she returned.

Later, Steve told her that her doctor had called and was upset that she wasn't home resting. Kayla argued that she was fine, and asked what Steve had wanted to tell her. He hedged, saying nothing was more important than his family and he'd do anything to keep them safe. She said she knew he'd always look out for her, then she kissed him and the two left for home.

3/24 Angelo, Ava's cousin, visited her at the family house and filled in for one of her bodyguards. Ava told Angelo that her father was keeping her captive for no good reason. She explained to him that she did not need sessions with a psychiatrist or medication, and she was perfectly sane. Angelo told Ava he would always be there for her just like when they were kids.

Angelo said that she must try to forget about "Patch" because he was responsible for disrupting her life, but Ava insisted that she wanted "Patch" back in her life. Ava sweet-talked Angelo until he agreed to let her leave the room for 15 minutes while he prepared her favorite lunch. Ava hugged Angelo to thank him and lifted keys from his pocket. When Angelo returned, another guard told him that Ava disappeared, disabled all the electronic locks on the gates, and stole Angelo's car. Angelo remembered how smart and charming Ava could be and immediately set out to find her.

In Bo's hospital room, Kayla and Hope were chatting about their families. In particular, they discussed Sierra; Kayla's pregnancy; and Shawn, Belle and Claire's sailing trip around the world. Hope told Kayla that she and Bo were sad that the kids were leaving town and they would miss them, but understood how important the trip was for their marriage.

Just then Bo's monitor went off and it appeared that his body was rejecting the transplant. Dr. Jonas had assigned another physician to Bo's case who immediately entered the room and ordered a new medication and dosage for Bo. When Kayla realized what medication the doctor prescribed, she challenged him and forbid him to administer the drug to Bo. Kayla referenced the treatment plan for Bo's particular type of transplant surgery and pointed out that the medication he recommended could have killed Bo. The doctor was speechless then apologized to Kayla and left the room. Hope was horrified to think what could have happened if Bo had received the medication. Hope was grateful that Kayla was there to step in on Bo's behalf. Kayla told Hope that she was going to recommend disciplinary action against the doctor because he should have reviewed Bo's medical chart before prescribing a new treatment plan.

Steve arrived at the hospital and asked Hope what had happened. She told Steve that Kayla saved Bo's life. Steve hugged Hope just as Ava arrived to see them embrace. Ava still believed that Hope was Kayla. Hope suspected that Steve was worried about something and questioned him. Steve hesitated to burden Hope with his problems but finally told her that someone was out to get Kayla because of him. Steve explained his connection to the Vitale family as well as his personal involvement with Ava during the time when he had no memory of his past life. Steve revealed that Ava and her people admitted they were responsible for the plane crash that cost Shawn Sr. his life. Steve feared that Ava was mentally disturbed and would do something rash. Hope was shocked and frightened for the safety of Steve's family and urged Steve to go to the police. Steve explained that he needed to handle Ava his own way and Hope understood.

Hope told Steve that she remembered meeting Ava after Shawn's funeral and that Ava asked her if she loved Steve. Hope said she was frightened by the encounter and recalled that Ava acted strange. Steve told Hope he hired bodyguards to protect Kayla and Stephanie and would do anything to protect his family. Hope agreed and told Steve she would keep their conversation confidential.

Bo woke up and asked Kayla how he was doing. Kayla told Bo they had thought his body was rejecting Chelsea's pancreas, but everything was under control and he and Chelsea were both doing fine. She ordered Bo to get plenty of rest. Hope returned to Bo's room just as he fell asleep. Kayla convinced Hope to go home and relax. Before she left, Hope asked Kayla to take care of herself and the baby as Steve was worried about them.

3/25 In the Salem Hospital parking lot, Hope talked on her cell phone to Caroline, explaining that she would pick up Sierra after she stopped at home to grab some things. As she hung up the phone, Ava snuck up behind her with a chloroformed rag and rendered her unconscious. Ava pulled Hope into the back of the car and took her back to Ava's house.

Bo woke up in his bed to find Kayla fussing over him. He joked, "I'm finding it hard to breathe because you are suffocating me. Stop hovering!" Bo gently pleaded with Kayla to go home and rest but Kayla refused, telling Bo that she would not leave him until either Daniel or Lexie checked in. Tired, Bo stopped arguing and thanked Kayla for being a great sister and doctor for him. When Bo asked if he could go see Chelsea, Kayla told him that Chelsea was doing well but that Bo needed to stay in bed to keep from rejecting Chelsea's pancreas. Changing the subject, Kayla asked Bo about Shawn's sailing trip. Bo admitted he was disappointed that he would not get to see the boat before they left and that he missed sailing on the open seas.

Steve walked in the room and again asked Kayla to accompany him home. When Kayla refused, Bo and Steve joked about how stubborn their wives were. Smiling in spite of herself, Kayla asked Bo if there were any of Shawn Sr.'s belongings that he would like. First Bo asked about the fishing poles he used with his dad when he was a kid, but Kayla sheepishly admitted she had already grabbed them to save for her baby some day. Bo then asked about Shawn Sr.'s pocket watch, but Kayla explained that Roman had already snapped that item up. Finally Bo asked Kayla if he could have the one fishing pole with his initials carved in the handle, and Kayla happily agreed.

As the three laughed in Bo's room, Daniel entered to check on Bo. With an edge in his voice, Steve asked Daniel where he had been hiding because another doctor nearly messed up Bo's medications. Kayla explained what had happened with the other doctor, and Daniel promised that it would not happen again.

Once back at the house, Angelo carried Hope into Ava's room and put her on the bed. "What the hell did you do?" asked Angelo. "I invited her back for a slumber party," Ava quipped. As Angelo warned Ava that her father would be furious that she kidnapped someone, a groggy Hope woke up. Ava turned to Hope and said, "I have so much to discuss with you Kayla." Stunned Hope asked her if she just called her Kayla. Misunderstanding, Ava said that she knew exactly who Hope was. When Angelo asked Hope if she was Patch's wife, Hope stared blankly back at him. Ava then corrected Angelo, reminding him that Patch went by the name Steve now, to which Angelo reiterated his contempt for Patch and what he did to Ava.

Hope told Ava that she knew who she was, that she remembered her from the pub, and that Steve had told her they were involved. "He mentioned me?" chirped Ava as her face lit up. When Hope said yes, Ava's face darkened as she questioned Hope as to whether Steve had told her they were once in love. Hope confirmed that Steve had told her as much. Wild-eyed, Ava told Hope that she and Steve would be in love again as soon as they dealt with the situation. When Hope asked what that was, Ava told her that she knew about the baby.

"So you know about the baby?" Hope inquired as she casually rubbed her own stomach. When Ava talked about taking Hope out of the equation, Hope asked if Ava planned to kill her. Coyly, Ava teased that she never said that. Leaning in close, Ava warned Hope, not to get on her bad side. When Ava stated that she would get Steve back baby or not, Hope thought about Steve's plea to keep Kayla in the dark for the sake of the baby. Tilting her head up defiantly Hope agreed to talk to Ava and said, "After all, I am Steve's wife." Hoping to ease the tension, Angelo asked Ava to talk to him in the hallway.

In the hallway, Angelo told Ava that the kidnapping was a terrible idea. Ava begged him to help her talk terms with Patch's wife. When Angelo seemed reluctant to go along with the plan, Ava started to cry and beg for his help, telling him that she would make the pain stop one way or another. Eventually Angelo agreed but asked her to promise not to hurt herself again. As Angelo and Ava set off to find food for their "guest," Hope snooped around inside the room and found photos of Bo, Steve, and Kayla.

Back at their apartment, Steve attempted to get Kayla to rest. After she sent off an email to a children's charity committee, Steve reminded her that she needed to relax. Once he began to rub her shoulders and kiss her neck, a cooing Kayla gave in and the two started to make out. However, when Steve ducked into the kitchen for a bit, Kayla took the opportunity to call Salem Hospital and check on Bo. Daniel assured her that Bo was doing well and was sleeping after being sedated.

Calmed, Kayla turned her attention back to Steve. The two chatted about baby names. If the baby was a girl, they wanted to name her Josephine or Caroline after their mothers. If it was a boy, they both agreed that neither of their father's names would work. A joyful Steve then recommended that a boy be named Benjamin after Benjy. The two discussed how Benjy's family was doing and they agreed that everyone was doing better now that Stefano was comatose. As Kayla happily talked about the lack of a constant threat in their lives, Steve thought about Ava and her demands. In for the night, Steve called the secret bodyguard he hired for Kayla and dismissed him for the evening.

3/26 Hope searched the room where Ava was keeping her prisoner, rifling through drawers until she found something with which she could try to pick the lock. Before she could get the door open, however, Ava entered with a tray of food, and warned Hope not to try to escape. Hope asked why Ava had kidnapped her, and Ava claimed she only wanted to talk. Since Ava believed Hope was Kayla, Hope played along, and asked how long Ava planned to keep her there. Ava told her it would just be until "Patch" got there.

When Hope asked why she'd sabotaged the plane, Ava got defensive and blamed it on her dumb cousins, who she said were only supposed to ground the plane. Hope reminded her that three people had died in the crash. When Ava showed no remorse, insisting she'd only done it to get Patch back, Hope told her she was crazy. Ava became irate and, eyes blazing, grabbed Hope by the arm, then seemed to relax a little when Hope asked how they were going to get Steve to come. Ava smugly said she wouldn't have to force him, and started reminiscing about how in love they'd been. She admitted that when he left her she hadn't handled it very well, and she still wasn't handling it well. Hope gently asked if she'd be better once Steve came back, but Ava again insisted she was fine.

Hope changed tactics and tried to convince Ava she didn't need a man to complete her. But that only caused Ava to swear she and Patch were soul mates and completed each other. She insisted that if given the choice between the two women, Patch would pick Ava. Hope asked again how Ava planned to get Steve there. Ava replied that she'd stolen a cell phone from her guard, and "Kayla" was going to call and tell him that if he ever wanted to see her again, he'd do exactly what Ava said.

3/27 Kayla attempted to sneak out while Steve was sleeping on the couch, but just as she made her way to the door, she heard, "Where do you thing you're going?" Kayla admitted that she intended to check on Bo at the hospital, but stayed home with Steve. Kayla was not the only Brady who attempted to "escape."

Ava directed Hope to call Steve. Hope was hesitant but followed Ava's orders. Steve answered the phone to hear, "Hello darling; it's Kayla." Ava was close enough to hear most of the exchange between Hope and Steve. After a few moments of confusion, Steve realized that Hope was on the phone and was obviously being detained by Ava. He played along with the conversation. All the while, Kayla was still in the room with Steve; however, she could only pick up on sparse pieces of information.

Hope told Steve that she would be staying with Ava a while. Ava snatched the phone from Hope and threatened Steve: "If you do anything stupid, it will put me in a really bad mood, and you know how I get!" She warned Steve that he must not tell anyone about the situation. When the phone conversation ended, a concerned Kayla asked Steve what was going on, and a disturbed Steve began to relate the truth to her. However, before he said more than a few words, Kayla winced in terrible pain, thus abruptly ending the conversation.

Ava reminisced about her time with "Patch" years ago. She shared with Hope the first time she met Patch. They were in the same taxi and shared chemistry from the beginning. Ava and Patch spent an increasing amount of time together. She was intrigued by the mystery that surrounded Patch, as well as his strength. Not long after, Patch began working for "the family business." Hope inquired regarding the type of business, but Ava avoided providing specifics. Ava admitted that her father was not fond of Patch but gave him a job anyway.

Ava and Hope's conversation continued; all the while Hope, using her police skills, questioned Ava's time with Steve. Ava confided to Hope that she and Steve were engaged and that she was planning an elaborate wedding. However, when her father did not approve of the marriage, she and Steve ran away, and found a preacher in the desert to marry them, but Steve left her at the alter. Ava then accused Hope of patronizing her, but she did go on to admit that after being abandoned by Steve, she went home and "got sick." This admission was alarming to Hope, but she tried not to show it.

Bo received a call from Steve regarding Hope's whereabouts. He told Bo to avoid contacting the police and that he could find her. Steve went on to reassure Bo that he would look out for Hope. They lost the phone connection, abruptly ending the conversation.

In the meantime, Dr. Ellman visited Kayla at home. She told Kayla to avoid being on her feet too much. Steve called Stephanie and ordered her home immediately.

3/28 Steve called and asked Bo not to involve the cops yet. Steve asked Stephanie to keep an eye on a napping Kayla while he went to visit Bo. Stephanie was suspicious, since Bo had just had major surgery and Steve hadn't left Kayla's side recently, and asked if it had something to do with Ava. Steve told her he couldn't tell her more yet, and filled her in about Kayla's cramping. He told her that the doctor had insisted Kayla stay calm and quiet, and then he left after promising to return soon. When Kayla awoke, Stephanie convinced her mom to move from the couch into the bedroom to try to get some real sleep.

Kayla emerged from the bedroom to find Stephanie and Max kissing and and she tried unsuccessfully to sneak past them. Max tried to make an excuse and leave, but Kayla insisted he stay. She then gently reminded the two of them that they were, technically, relatives. She added that she wanted to make sure they were prepared for what people might say, then noted that Steve should have been back by then. Stephanie offered to call him at the hospital, but Kayla admitted she was relieved not to have him hovering.

Steve entered Bo's room, and as soon as Lexie had gone, Bo demanded to know what was going on. Steve began doling out the details slowly, but when he saw how upset Bo was getting, he related the short version of Ava's story. After Steve told him that Ava had kidnapped Hope, Bo wanted to know why. Steve replied, "For some reason, the crazy bitch thinks Hope is Kayla." Bo's eyes widened in shock and fear, then he became furious when Steve said he was waiting for Ava to call him back. Steve assured him that he knew how to handle Ava and that he'd bring Hope home safely.

Meanwhile, the cat and mouse game between Hope and Ava continued, as Hope pleaded with her captor to allow her to make another phone call. Ava refused, and explained that the reason she hadn't told "Patch" to come to them was that he would just call the cops as soon as he knew where they were. Hope asked what Ava's father would do if he found out Steve was back in her life. Ava smugly replied that she could get away with anything while her daddy was out of town, and that, though her guards worked for him, they were family and always protected her from him. She added that because they blamed Patch for what happened to her, they all wanted him dead. Hope asked why Ava would put Steve in so much danger if she loved him. Ava claimed her father would accept it when he saw that having Patch back made her happy-and well.

Hope warned her that it wouldn't be easy to get Steve back, so Ava wanted to know what was so great about "Kayla" and Steve's relationship. Hope played the role of Kayla beautifully, and described for Ava how she'd almost immediately fallen in love with Steve when they met nearly twenty years before, and how they'd been together despite many obstacles. She continued that the only reason Steve had ever been with Ava was because everyone believed he had died in an explosion, and that he'd had amnesia afterward because he'd been manipulated by Stefano DiMera.

Ava was stunned to learn all of this. When Hope said Steve had come back to her because he'd remembered their love, Ava became enraged and told her to shut up, but Hope stood firm. She apologized for upsetting Ava, but added that she was upset as well. Hope gently suggested that Steve had been with Ava because he hadn't known who he was, and asked Ava to tell her more about her life with him. Ava angrily insisted that Patch had loved her once and would again, and that they would have a future together. Hope calmly asked her to prove it by getting him there. Ava asked why she was so anxious, and Hope evenly replied that Ava would see how committed Steve was to her and the baby-and that she just wanted to get back to her life. Ava said that's what she wanted too, but they couldn't both have the same thing. Hope agreed, and reminded her they couldn't find out whom Steve would choose until he got there.

When Steve's cell phone rang, he noted that the incoming number was restricted, and told Bo it was probably Ava. He paused for a moment to consider his words, but after some urging from a frustrated Bo, Steve put the phone on speaker and answered it. Once Ava announced herself, Steve asked to speak to Kayla, but Ava refused. She told him to meet her near a roadhouse where they used to meet, in the alley behind the motel next door, in two hours. When Steve asked if Kayla would be there, Ava snapped, "Stop asking questions and do what I tell you to, otherwise you're never going to see your pregnant little wife again."

3/31 Ava went to Shawn Brady's grave where Max was visiting his dad and learned that Max was one of Shawn's sons. Max asked Ava who she was and if she knew his dad. Ava said that she heard Shawn was a good man in the neighborhood and wanted to pay her respects. Ava asked Max to tell her a little bit about Shawn's life and Max was eager to recount many loving memories of his father and share why so many family members and friends loved and respected him. Max left and Ava remained at the grave, overcome with grief knowing she was partly responsible for Shawn's death.

Ava told Hope that she was excited about getting back together with Steve. Hope reminded Ava that Steve would never agree to go back to her knowing she was responsible for a plane crash that killed three people. Ava insisted that she only asked her people to delay the flight so that she could have time for her long-awaited reunion with Steve. Unfortunately things went very wrong and Ava told Hope that she was very sorry that people died. Ava asked Hope to tell her about what happened before the crash. Hope, still pretending to be Kayla, explained the events leading up to Shawn's death and how Shawn sacrificed his life for his son, Bo.

Hope seemed surprised that Ava was genuinely remorseful about the crash and the loss of lives, especially about Kayla's father, Shawn. Ava asked Hope for her father's last name. Ava asked Angelo to allow her to leave the grounds as she had something important to do. Angelo was reluctant, but relented to Ava's wishes. While Ava was out of the house, Hope searched for a way to escape from her room. Hope pried open a window that triggered the alarm system. Angelo entered the room just as Hope was about to climb out the window and warned her never to try to escape again.

4/1 When Lexie enters his room and asks about Hope, Bo said he was just having a bad dream about Hope. As Lexie started to lecture Bo for trying to get out of bed, Kayla showed up and chimed in too. Lexie then turned her attention to Kayla and asked why she was out of bed. Kayla claimed that she felt fine. As Steve had told Bo about Kayla earlier, Bo asked her why Stephanie was not still watching her. Turning his question around on him, Kayla asked Bo why Steve was not there with Bo as Steve had said he would be. Bo told her Steve had been there but had left as Bo grew tired.

Lexie and Kayla then fussed over Bo, but he continued to reiterate that he felt exactly the same as he did before attempting to get out of bed. After Lexie left to check on a patient, Kayla turned to Bo and demanded that he tell her what was going on with Steve. Bo resisted giving in, but admitted that he was trying not to upset her. As Kayla began to push harder for answers, her stomach started to cramp again. Bo rang for the nurse, and Lexie rushed back to have Kayla taken to a room to wait for her doctor to examine her.

In Ava's limo, Ava grew tired of waiting for Steve and ordered the driver to leave. At the last second, Steve jumped silently into the car. The two looked at one another for a moment, before Steve told her it was good to see her again. Ava growled that he should forget his wife because she was fine. Worried, Steve pressed for details and to see his wife but Ava would only remind him of his promise to marry her. Ava mentioned that things were different with her father, but she would not say any more. As Ava seemed to become more unraveled, Steve quietly told Ava that he still loved her. Steve then asked how Ava had found him. Dancing around the question, Ava gave a speech about how they were supposed to be married with three kids-and happy. Steve told Ava that he did not see that happening. Angry, Ava warned Steve that she had the power and that if Steve so much as raised his voice to her again, she would take his wife and child away, never to be seen again.

Steve again asked her how she found out about his wife, but Ava avoided the subject. Trying another tactic, Steve brought up the plane crash. As Steve talked about the events the night of the crash, Ava protested, begging him to stop talking about the crash. Ava became increasingly twitchy while Steve spoke until finally she exploded, screaming that he was making her head hurt and that he would not like her when she got mad. When Steve asked her whether she felt any guilt about killing Shawn Brady, Ava looked at him with mild surprise. "You killed him," she said plainly.

"You've hurt enough people, Ava," Steve pleaded. Steve then asked her to work things out and to tell him what she wanted. When Ava offhandedly mentioned Steve's kids, a panicked Steve went rigid until Ava mentioned that she knew he did not have any kids yet. Convinced Ava did not know about Stephanie, Steve tried to play on Ava's affections. "So no one else gets hurt, I can be that man again if you still want," Steve promised. A moony-eyed Ava happily agreed and kissed Steve.

Back in Ava's room, Hope snooped around the bedroom. Underneath the mattress Hope found a scrapbook with clippings about Ava Vitali's rise to power in the corporate world. While Hope wondered aloud what had happened to Ava, Ava and Steve entered the bedroom. Hope started to rush over to Steve, but Ava cautioned her to keep her distance. Steve reminded Ava of her promise not to hurt anyone, and Ava promised not to as long as Steve held up his end of the bargain. Ava's smile faded and she explained that although she loved Steve, she did not trust him since he was always a bad boy. Steve tried to argue that he was no longer a bad guy, but a disgusted Ava promised to fix him if Kayla had tamed him. Ava started to snuggle up next to Steve but broke away when she noticed her scrapbook sitting out. Taking advantage of Ava's distraction, Steve signaled to Hope to watch him for guidance.

4/3 In the presence of Hope, Ava asked Steve if he wanted to kiss his wife, since they had been apart for a while, but Steve said he didn't like public displays of affection. Ava found that to be ironic because he never minded showing her affection in front of others. He admitted to some "great stuff" with Ava, but he also stated that he mostly remembered trying to stay a step ahead of whoever was after he and Ava. Ava still insisted that Hope and Steve show affection, so the two embraced, but Ava interrupted them disgusted by their affectionate hug. Steve asked Ava what happened next in this kidnapping scenario. Steve pleaded for Ava to let "Kayla" go. Ava said she could not.

Hope, tried to increase her chances of being released, said she would be willing to go on without Patch in her life if Ava would simply release her. Ava did not buy it. She said that she couldn't just "trust him so easily." Hope interjected and said that Steve was a good man and could be trusted. Ava gripped her head as if she had a headache and yelled "shut up" to Hope and Steve. Hope continued that she should not be under stress due to her pregnancy. Clearly frazzled, Ava began to pace and mentioned that she got migraines. She took a pill and told Steve that he was the reason she got migraines and that he had to pay for it. Steve apologized for hurting Ava so many years ago. She told him that he had to prove it by having dinner with her. Steve mentioned "Kayla" again, and Ava was very upset.

She approached Hope saying that she needed rest due to the pregnancy. She placed her hand on Hope's abdomen; Hope swiped it away quickly. However, Ava looked at Hope suspiciously. "Wow! Your stomach is really flat; how far along did you say you were?" Hope brushed it off and said that she was lucky to be having such a great pregnancy: not showing, no morning sickness, etc. Ava insisted that Hope be examined by a doctor just to make sure all was well with the baby. Hope said it was not necessary. The conversation turned back to the dinner "date" between Ava and Steve. Hope was escorted from the room so that Ava and Steve could have privacy. Without much hesitation, Ava proceeded to passionately kiss Steve.

Outside of the room, Hope asked Angelo what was wrong with Ava. Angelo stated, "It's your husband's fault that Ava is the way she is." He admitted that he would have killed him long ago. He warned Hope to stay in Ava's good graces, or Steve would die.

4/4 Stephanie returned to Kayla's hospital room just Kayla she waking up. Stephanie admitted she had been there all night and asked Kayla how the pain was. Kayla happily told Stephanie that the pain was gone and that she felt great. Satisfied that her mother was feeling okay, Stephanie then yelled at Kayla for risking the baby by getting out of bed. Kayla explained that she had to check on Bo in person, and then demanded that Stephanie tell her why Steve was not with Bo like he said he would be.

**The End**

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