John and Marlena (Finally) Get a Q!

Chapter 143 - Rumblings

"John!"

He was brought up short by the sound of Laura's voice behind him.

"Laura, is she-" A sudden fear surged through his consciousness.

"She's fine, but she's exhausted. She needs some sleep." Laura's heels clicked on the linoleum as she led John to a row of seats by the wall. "I got her to talk. It wasn't easy but she finally gave in."

"Do you..." John looked across at the closed door to Marlena's room. "Do you think it helped?"

"I think, ultimately, it will," Laura leaned back in the chair and ran her hand through her hair in a disclosure of her own weariness. "I just think it's going to take a while before she feels safe again."

John looked down at the floor and scuffed at a dirty mark with his toe.

"If I could get my hands on Stefano and put that old bastard behind bars, she *would* be safe."

"She's afraid he's going to seek some kind of revenge," Laura said softly. She didn't think Marlena would mind her divulging that to John. It was a very real fear, after all.

"She's probably right to," John sighed. "At least if she realizes the danger, she might not be so damn stubborn all the time."

"John, you know Marlena," Laura managed the hint of a smile, "she'll always be stubborn."

"I know," John replied grimly, "and it gets her into trouble."

"Do you blame her for what happened yesterday?" Laura asked curiously. "I mean, for sending Eugene to you instead of letting him stay with her at the penthouse."

"*Blame* her?" John looked shocked for a moment and then thoughtful. "No, of course I don't blame her. Does she think that I think this was her fault?"

"I can't really tell you what she thinks, John," Laura smiled regretfully. "That's not my place."

"Confidentiality," he nodded and closed his eyes as he leaned back against the wall. "*Damn* the DiMeras! When will they stop screwing with our lives?"

"I don't know, John," Laura shrugged. "That's your department, not mine."

"Not doing a great job at it, am I?" he asked miserably.

"Hey, you have two beautiful sons and a woman who loves you as sure as the sun will rise tomorrow. I don't think you're doing too badly," she said gently. "Don't be so hard on yourself."

John was silent as he looked at the door to Marlena's room.

"You said she's sleeping?"

"Mmm-hmmm," Laura nodded. "The babies are down in the nursery and one of the nurses is staying with them." She could see John's concern as he watched the silent room. "She's okay John, she'll be okay. Just give her some time and be gentle with her."

"I will," he nodded. "Believe me, Laura, I'll do anything it takes. I'd do anything at all for her."

"I know you would."

Laura couldn't help the smile that sprang to her lips at John's devotion to the woman he loved. Marlena had what most women dream of their whole lives, a man who would do anything, even literally die for her. It was such a rare and profound love they shared, that it made Laura almost believe in fairytales to see them together.

"You know John if you feel like *you* want to talk..." she paused, knowing that if he talked to anyone, it would be Marlena. Still, she had to offer. "You know where I am."

There was silence from John again as he turned back to Laura and nodded.

"Thanks. But I know who I need to talk to." He patted the back of Laura's hand and stood. "When Marlena wakes, tell her I'll be back as soon as I can, would you?"