Situated on the West Coast, many miles away from Windenburg, was the state of Falicornia. It was here that Skankee Dolby had fled to when she divorced Cyril Dolby many years ago. She’d used her settlement from her divorce wisely to set up her own home fragrance empire ‘Skankee Candles’ which had now grown to be a very successful corporation that was on the verge of going global. Also, during the intervening years since she’d left Cyril, Skankee had given birth to and raised her son Giles who was now a world famous football star. Overall, despite the hard work in the early years of being a single parent and establishing her own company, Skankee led a fabulously wealthy and luxuriant lifestyle. But despite all of her own personal achievements, the memory of being married to Cyril, and every evil plan and scheme he had come up with, was hard for Skankee to shake off. Then, of course, there was her own part she played in one of his most diabolical schemes. A plot so evil and cruel that it sickened and haunted Skankee to this very day that she was ever a part of it….

And it was this guilt of what was done all those years ago that prompted Skankee to march into her living room of her mansion and switch on the tv to catch the latest episode of the ‘Sallie Winfrey Montel’ show. She had read who would be featured on the latest edition. And she didn’t like what she was seeing.

The episode was already broadcasting and Sally was interviewing Texas Simmington and her newly returned long lost son Badam. Or at least the man she believed to be her son….

Seeing her lying ex-husband on screen sickened Skankee and also infuriated her. She snatched the remote control and turned the tv off.

Enough was enough. Skankee had carried the burden of this for too long but the recent press coverage of the search for Badam Simmington and his subsequent ‘discovery’ was too much for her to carry on any longer living the lie. Even though it would mean she herself could face serious consequences Skankee was determined that the truth had to come out…somehow. And so in an instant she snatched up her phone and called the airline she used most frequently.

Once the flight was booked Skankee hung up and reflected on what she was about to do.

It was true. There was no love lost between Texas and Skankee. Their distain for one another went back years to when Texas was married to Burke and Skankee to Cyril. Back then Skankee had known of her husband’s ongoing affair with Texas but had turned a blind eye to it all and allowed it to continue. She had been a naive young woman, easily manipulated but hungry with a desire to lead a rich lifestyle. That was why Skankee allowed the affair to continue. But now all these years later Skankee was a strong, confident businesswoman and she was ready to atone for her sins.

Just then the doors to the living room opened and a young, tall good looking man entered.

The confident young man was named Thordon and he was Skankee’s personal lawyer. She had summoned in earlier to attend a meeting at her home.

Skankee had overseen the progression of Thordon through high school and college, paying for him to attend the very best. In fact it was one of the reasons she had relocated to Falicornia following her divorce from Cyril. She had befriended Thordon’s parents and had watched over young Thordon as he grew from toddler to child. When his parent’s died, the young adult Thordon was distraught at being alone in the world but Skankee had taken him in and raised him with her own teenage son Giles.

Skankee wanted so much to tell him the truth just like she had though about doing so many times over the years. Now was not the time. But it would be soon….

---

The following week back in Windenburg a gala dinner party was being thrown at Siloli mansion by Burke and Brystle to welcome home the long lost Simmington heir Badam.

It had been difficult for Burke to comprehend at first that his son had been found after all of these years after believing he had drowned. But the DNA test results proved that this young man, who had lived his life in obscurity as Brogan Limewood , was in fact his son. And there was no denying DNA results just as it had proved a few months back that Heathen was indeed Burke’s son and not Cyril.

And so Burke welcomed the young man into the Simmington household completely oblivious to the fact that he was being duped – that this was not his son Badam but rather a two bit part time actor hired by Burke’s nemesis Cyril Dolby to fool the Simmington clan. The actor’s real name was Mikey Florrence but as part of the ruse he’d been given a phoney backstory with the name Brogan Limewood, raised by a diotty grandmother who ,upon her deathbed, claimed she had stolen Badam Simmington as a toddler and raised him as her own naming him Brogan. Of course this whole story was a fabrication but Mikey/Brogan/Badam was for now loving the acting challenge of totally living out this role 24/7. And what wasn’t to like plying the part of a billionaire’s long lost son??

In the ballroom of Siloli, Burke had taken to the stage, along with ‘Badam’ Texas and Brystle, to make his speech to the gathered guests.

All eyes were on the stage as Burke spoke so emotionally. In the crowd of gathered guests stood Heathen and his attention was not on what was happening on stage but instead was focused on Frankie who stood across the room.

He looked EXACTLY like Fred and it hurt Heathen to even be in the same room with someone who was the double of his dead husband. Meanwhile Tammy Flo observed intently what was going on.

On stage, Burke continued with his speech.

‘Badam’ ,aka Mikey, smiled inwardly. He’d fooled the lot of them. Damn he was a good actor he thought!! And as the cheering and clapping subsided Burke took to the microphone once again.

A stunned crowd gasped and cheered as Devonique made her way into the stage and was publicly accepted and acknowledged as a Simmington family member…..much to the outrage of Texas.

Fathom was not overly impressed with this revelation that her father hadn’t included her in on.

Back on stage Burke hugged his sister as the clapping continued.

Devonique gave Texas a look over her shoulder with her parting shot before stepping down into the clapping crowd and joining her children Frankie and Brackie along with Brackie’s boyfriend Oliver.

Burke’s third and final announcement brought the house down with clapping and cheering and good wishes. The goodwill didn’t extend to Fathom however.

Fathom had had enough. Not only could she not stomach the thought of a Burke and Brystle off spring abomination but her husband Seth was really getting on her nerves! She turned on her heel and left the ballroom as the celebrations from the crowd continued. Meanwhile the crafty Tammy Flo was at once both overjoyed and secretly potting upon hearing the news of her aunt’s impending pregnancy.

On stage Burke tenderly held Brystle close to him. His ex-wife Texas also stood on the stage next to ‘Badam’ and she didn’t know where to look.

---

The party continued on into the night and the crowd was split into various parts of Siloli mansion. A large group had gathered in the grand hall way. Looking down on them from the upstairs landing was a morose Heathen. He stared intently down into the crowd at Frankie and his heart was breaking. It was as if Fred was standing there and it was killing Heathen that it wasn’t him. How he wanted to go to Frankie and hold him and be held and be told that everything was going to be ok…but that would never happen….

As he stood staring down at the party goers, Heathen was joined by houseguest Malaudia. She had decided against attending the party and was spending the evening alone in her room.

Malaudia looked over the balustrade at Frankie, the subject of Heathen’s attention.

Whilst Heathen admired Malaudia’s strength and courage to face adversity head on he himself remained unconvinced he could do the same.

Down below Devonique had introduced her daughter Brackie and her boyfriend Oliver to Burke and Brystle and was now doing the same with her son Frankie.

 It was a shock for Burke standing so close to Frankie. He looked too much like his brother who had fallen to his death during an argument with Burke.

---

Later as the party progressed Fathom was getting more and more angry and annoyed with everything and everyone. It annoyed her that the brother she never knew she had had miraculously returned and was now having so much attention and focus lavished on him. It annoyed her that she was locked into a marriage that she did not want to be in because of a deal she’d made to get her father off the hook during his simslaughter trial and now her father hardly noticed her because he was so wrapped up in Badam. But what really irked her was the fact that Brystle had managed to get herself pregnant and thus secure her position within the household – even though she wasn’t technically legally married to Burke!! Fathom was stewing on all of this as she knocked back another shot of booze at the bar when Heathen approached her.

Heathen went quite at the mention of Tammy Flo. They had grown close over the past few months and had even woohooed once. Heathen was fond of her but not in that sense. But he knew she had deep feelings for him. And after what Malaudia had just said to him about loving someone again Heathen was beginning to wonder if Tammy Flo could possibly be the Sim for him.

‘Badam’ gave his ‘siblings’ a smile before walking off into the crowd with a cocktail in his hand. Heathen turned to his sister.

---

Back in the corridor Texas spotted Brystle chatting with Devonique and her family. Never one to pass up on the chance to deliver a put down to Brystle, Texas smirked to herself and honed in on her target.

Devonique eyed Texas with contempt as she could see that Texas was clearly enjoying tormenting poor Brystle.

Devonique had heard enough and decided to intervene.

Meanwhile outside the front door, a crowd of party goers had gathered in the courtyard under Burke’s instruction as he was due to give ‘Badam’ a surprise gift. Fathom and Tammy Flo watched from the front porch steps as Burke led ‘Badam’ towards the surprise with his hands covering ‘Badam’s’ eyes.

This whole scene sickened Fathom and she didn’t mince her words.

Tammy Flo was stung by Fathom’s scathing remark. She didn’t want to show any weakness but she had to turn away from Fathom.

Sensing that her prey was wounded from her comments, a smirking Fathom leant in close to Tammy Flo and delivered a parting shot before heading off inside.

---

Back inside Frankie was getting a drink from the bar when Heathen happened to walk across the room. Heathen froze unsure what to do. Frankie was aware that Heathen had been avoiding him all evening despite staring at him from afar. He needed to talk to Heathen and so he moved forward.

A visibly distraught Heathen made for the door but Frankie didn’t want for them to part the evening in this way so he reached out and grabbed Heathen’s wrist.

Hearing Frankie say this in a voice that was identical to Fred’s was too much for Heathen and his emotions got the better of him.

Frankie was lost for words. His silence spoke volumes to Heathen and he knew he’d crossed a line. He quickly made his exit. Frankie watched him go but did not call after this time.

Frankie knew that Heathen was confusing his feelings for Fred and projecting those feelings onto Frankie. But there was nothing Frankie could do about that. So perhaps it would be better if he left Heathen alone and not contact him to allow him time to grieve.

But even though Frankie knew that was the smart thing to do there was something in the back of his mind telling him not to leave Heathen….

---

In the ballroom a bored Tammy Flo decided to liven things up. She decided to prove that she deserved to be here and that she was the centre of attention, not Fathom. After having a word with the band to play something more up-tempo Tammy Flo took the dance floor by storm as she gyrated her body in a provocative manner.

The crowd were loving her Tammy Flo thought to herself as she heard the claps and cheers mainly from the men in the room. The more they whooped and cheered the sexier her dance became. In her mind she’d made it, this was her moment.

As Tammy Flo entertained the crowds, Texas and ‘Badam’ made their way into the ballroom, unaware yet of what was happening.

Seeing Tammy Flo putting on a show like this was like holding a red flag to a bull for Texas. She was livid!! How dare common trash like Tammy Flo act this way on tonight of all nights?! Texas was having none of it and pushed her way through the crowd as Tammy Flo continued to dance to the merriment of all the men in the room.

That was it! Texas decided there and then to put a stop to it. She signalled to the band to stop the music and then marched herself onto the dancefloor to berate the young woman.

The band obliged and started again with a slow waltz. Having successfully said her peace, and humiliated Tammy Flo, Texas marched off leaving Tammy Flo hurt and embarrassed.

---

Meanwhile in the gym of Siloli, Fathom had dragged football superstar (and part time woohoo buddy) Giles Scott in. She’d purposely added his name to the guest list for her own enjoyment and after the night she was having Fathom needed to have some attention.

As if on cue, the door opened and in walked Seth! He didn’t quite see what had happened between Fathom and Giles as they were super quick to pull apart from one another. But as they stood in front of him looking very guilty, Seth knew what had happened between his wife and his star football player.

Giles was not afraid of Seth despite him being the boss of WindenburgUnited. Battle lines had been drawn between the 2 men and as he walked past Seth, Giles glared angrily at him. This was far from over. As Giles left the room Seth stood perfectly still staring at Fathom.

Not wanting to hang around any longer Fathom made to exit but Seth had a question for his wife.

Fathom knew she had said too much. Her marriage to Seth was a sham, something he was rapidly discovering. However, Fathom didn’t want to hurt Seth. He had been her boyfriend once and for a long time he was the most important person in the world to her. But that was years ago and Fathom had long since moved on.

Pushing her way past Seth, Fathom made it out into the corridor where the party was still going on. But Seth was not about to let this go and he persisted after her. As they argued in the corridor they were unaware of Burke and Brystle approaching them. 

After she had blurted out the truth Fathom immediately regretted it. In an instant she had totally destroyed Seth. And further more, her father had heard everything!! Quickly she tried to make amends.

Seth’s silence made everything worse and Fathom didn’t know what else to do but to lie and pretend she had made it up. But Seth wasn’t buying it. However, instead of exploding in a fiery temper, he just turned and walked away.

Burke adored Seth and had done for many years. To see him look so angry and broken because of Fathom hurt and angered him. And the look he gave his daughter told her she was in a lot of trouble.

Fathom reluctantly followed her father and Brystle into the study and it wasn’t long before an irate Burke exploded in anger at his daughter.

Brystle was shocked at Fathom’s hostility towards her, afterall she was trying to help her. Burke got even more wound up when he saw Brystle being disrespected like that.

Fathom could see that she would not win this round with her father. Instead she got up and walked out of the study.

---

Towards the end of the party Tammy Flo walked out into the front courtyard to get some fresh air. She was still steaming mad from her dressing down in front of everyone by Texas earlier. How dare she belittle her in front of everyone like that Tammy Flo thought. After all Tammy Flo was only dancing.

As she stepped out in to the cool night air she was pleased to see ‘Badam’ alone by his brand new sportscar. He smiled at the sight of her.

Tammy Flo’s heart was racing. Not only was she extremely attracted to ‘Badam’ but she had been thinking that hooking up with the elder Simmington son was a much better idea than waiting on Heathen. Sure she had genuine feelings for Heathen but it was obvious he was more interested in male Sims and besides, Tammy Flo’s desire to bag her self a mega rich boyfriend was looking to come true. But she didn’t want to come across as a floozie for she knew that could be off putting so instead she played coy.

The sexual tension between the 2 of them was electric. Tammy Flo knew for certain that this was her chance and she went for it pulling ‘Badam’ close in a tight passionate kiss.

As they smooched and sucked face on the driveway, upstairs from a bedroom window Heathen looked on as his his new found ‘brother’ made out with someone he had conflicting feelings for. Seeing Tammy Flo and Badam locked in a passionate embrace unexpectedly stung Heathen. He had remained unsure and confused over his feelings about Tammy Flo but seeing her now with someone else left him feeling more alone in the world than ever.

---

And still feeling hurt from what he had witnessed the previous evening, Heathen left his bedroom ready to go back to work at WindenburgSimmington. He’d hardly slept at all there was so much on his mind concerning Frankie and Tammy Flo. And whilst thinking about her, Tammy Flo came out of ‘Badam’s’  bedroom opposite Heathen’s, dressed in a shirt belonging to ‘Badam’. She had spent the night with him and she wasn’t afraid to show it.

Tammy Flo was herself hurt by Heathen’s reluctance to pursue a relationship with her and months of anger directed at Heathen came flooding out.

 A near naked ‘Badam’, dressed in only a towel, joined them in the hallway.

Ignoring the fact Heathen was stood there Tammy Flo and ‘Badam’ began another round of forceful kissing leaving Heathen feeling very uncomfortable. The sounds of their slurping tongues as they kissed revolted him and he quickly turned and walked away.

The 2 lovers were so wrapped up with one another they didn’t even notice Heathen had gone. Instead they got further carried away with their passion. ‘Badam’ lifted Tammy Flo up and made his way back to his room but not before his towel dropped to the floor.

---

Later that morning a furious Burke had gone to his arch rival’s home to confront him what he now knew about Fathom’s deal. He barged his way in past the servants and demanded that Cyril come face him. Momentarily a smirking Cyril appeared and Burke unleashed his fury.

Burke stared down in hatred at Cyril who was knocked to the floor by Burke’s right hook punch.

An equally angry but bruised Cyril got to his feet and wiped away the blood from his mouth.

Feeling cocky again, Cyril decided now was the time to play his trump card.

Burke had suddenly gone from feeling confident to rather shaken. He hadn’t expected the confrontation to go like this. The dangerous reality of the situation Fathom had got her self into by making the deal with Cyril was fast becoming apparent.

Burke had heard enough. He wasn’t prepared to stand around any longer listening to this. He needed clarity to think on his next move and so he made his retreat from Cyril’s home.

As Burke stormed out Cyril felt quite content with himself at seeing how much Burke was suffering. Outside, Burke’s heart was racing and for the first time in a long time he was experiencing fear. 

---

Head cook Mrs Bummerson was busy in the kitchen of the mansion preparing the lunch. With her was housekeeper Nanette and Mrs Bummerson was doing her usual routine of making out how important she was to the running of the Simmington household and everyone else, including Nanette, were second fiddle to her.

As Mrs Bummerson wittered on she was unaware of Texas who had slipped in through the rear kitchen door.

Texas did enjoy seeing Mrs Bummerson squirm. She bore no malice to her former employee but knew exactly how to play her.

Whilst Mrs Bummerson stumbled over her words, Brystle walked into the kitchen. She was on her way out for her morning horse ride when she overheard Texas talking to her employee. She didn’t want another day of bickering but Brystle wanted to make it clear that Texas had no right to enter the main house as she pleased.

Brystle turned to her housekeeper Nanette. 

An annoyed Texas made her way out the back, getting angry that the former stenographer had humiliated her in front of the staff. Everything Brystle said or did annoyed Texas and despite her efforts to get rid of her somehow Brystle still remained. There had to be another way. And as she walked out she thought on this. Outside, groundsman Terry was watering some plants. Seeing him reminded her of the other week when he was helping Fathom do some skeet shooting. A sudden evil idea then came into her mind….

A half hour later over in Forsythe Fields, about half a mile away from the main house, Brystle was riding through the meadows on her mare Valez. She loved the tranquillity of this vicinity and would come here often on her horse. Little did she know that the sinister turn of events that were about to befall her….For in the trees out of sight stood a vengeful and armed Texas….

Texas took a step back behind the tree and raised the rifle close as she deliberated if she could go through with it. But she didn’t take too long pondering before turning and crouching down in the long grass. With Brystle on her horse in sight Texas raised her gun and took aim…..

There was a slight tremor in her hand as she aimed and when she fired the gun it missed Brystle but the noise from the gun reverberated around the meadow. Birds squawked from the trees and Valez, startled by the sudden impact, reared up on her hind legs violently flinging Brystle into the air. 

Under a watchful eye, Brystle fell with a thud on the ground and her horse galloped off.

Satisfied the damage had been done, Texas quietly slipped away unnoticed.

A severely injured Brystle whimpered in pain as she clutched herself. Her thoughts were of her unborn baby before everything went black and she slipped into unconsciousness.

Silence fell upon the meadow once more and a lone Brystle lay unconscious with no-one nearby to help her….

---

---

The fire started by Mother Drysdale was now a raging inferno consuming all of the Drysdale family home. Flames tore through very room destroying everything in sight and making escape for Detective Morelli, who lay unconscious on the attic floor,  impossible. 

Emergency services were quick on the scene, alerted by concerned neighbours. Fire and ambulance crews raced to the scene along with several police cars as they knew their fellow office had gone to the house to bring in Mother Drysdale. 

As the fire crews bravely tried to tackle the blaze another car arrived on the scene. It was Morelli’s partner, Detective Alanna Noonan. Sergeant Juan Baya saw her arrive and he quickly approached her to give her an update on the situation. He knew that Noonan was close with Morelli and he had to handle this as best he could for he’d been told to expect the worst by the fire chief attending the blaze. 

Noonan had a reputation for being tough. She knew Sergeant Baya hadn’t meant anything by saying there was little hope on saving Morelli but he was her partner and friend and she refused to accept anything else even though the reality was her partner would not survive this. Before she could say anything else they were approached by fire chief Jared Evans. He was known to Noonan and she had a lot of respect for him. 

There it was – the worst was confirmed. Detective Marco Morelli was dead. Killed by a mad woman who’d shot him and then set the house ablaze to finish the job. Noonan was numb with shock upon hearing her partner was dead. But still she wanted to make sure just in case there was a remote chance that it was someone else.

Noonan slowly nodded as she reluctantly accepted what Chief Evans was telling her. She raised her hand and vigorously rubbed her temple in a state of anger, rage and grief as she contemplated on what to do next.  

Chief Evans returned to help fight the blaze. Noonan and Baya stood in stunned silence as they took in the loss of their fellow officer. It was the noise of the roof caving in on the house that broke the silence and Sergeant Baya spoke. 

For a moment Baya thought he was going to see Detective Noonan cry and that would be a first. However, Noonan seemed to quickly snap out of her momentary grief. There would be another time to cry for her partner. Right now she was determined to find Mother Drysdale who had now become a cop killer. 

---

Across town Mimsy and her boyfriend Luca were leaving school for the day unaware of the carnage that her grandmother had caused.

Just then a shrill voice called across to them.

Unaware that everything her granny was telling her was a lie, Mimsy was shocked to learn that she had to leave immediately. However, her father had been wrongly imprisoned overseas in Shang Simla for months now and Mimsy was desperate to see him again.

Mother Drysdale, although old, moved lightning quick around to the driver’s side of the car. She tapped her fingers impatiently on the roof of the car as she watched Mimsy and Luca hug and say goodbye.

A distant sound of sirens prompted the evil old woman to hurry along her grand-daughter.

Mimsy gave Luca a kiss on the cheek and with mixed emotions she got tearfully into the car. Once seated she looked out of the window at her boyfriend. Luca could see the uncertainty in her eyes. Under her watchful eye Mother Drysdale gave the teenage romeo a smirk as she too got into the car.

With that, Mother Drysdale put her foot down and she and Mimsy sped off. All Luca could do was watch the car go.

Luca’s heart sank as the car vanished from view. He had a terrible feeling about what had just happened.

---

 

Heathen was slowly starting to come around from fainting and he lay cradled in the strong arms of man who looked EXACTLY like his supposedly dead husband Fred.

Heathen opened his eyes and gazed at the oh so familiar man in front of him. A flood of emotions swept through him again as he tried to comprehend what was happening. The man he loved, the man he thought he’d lost forever, was standing right in front of him. His touch, his scent, his voice….Heathen KNEW it was Fred. He didn’t know how it was possible but Fred had returned. Heathen wrapped his arms around him and held him close.

Heathen shook his head. What had come to light in the courtroom following Fred’s death, about how he had conned his way into their lives, Heathen no longer cared. It now seemed trivial. All that did matter was that he was reunited with the man he loved deeply.

And in a split second all that had seemed impossible was indeed impossible. Heathen’s heart sank. This was NOT Fred.

Tears of joy had soon turned to tears of anguish and it distressed Frankie to see Heathen so clearly upset.

The emotions were to much for Heathen. He couldn’t control him self as he quickly grabbed Frankie and pulled him close locking lips with him in a passionate kiss.

And then realising what he had done, Heathen quickly turned away in disgust with himself. How could he have done that he thought as he stood next to his husband’s grave?

Having Frankie be so nice him…reaching out and touching him was all to much for Heathen. He had to get away.

Frankie’s voice calling after him did not stop Heathen from fleeing the simetery. That voice  it could’ve so easily pass for Fred’s voice. But it wasn’t him. Fred was dead and yet he lived through his twin brother Frankie. And it was more than Heathen could take right now.

---

A few days later a bored Fathom was out on the grounds of Siloli taking out her frustrations with a spot of skeet shooting.

It was still quite early in the morning and the sound of the shotgun echoed around the estate. Fathom had deliberately stationed herself by the pond which was adjacent to the studio where her mother had infamously moved herself into a few months back. She’d chosen this spot in the hope that the sound of the shotgun would annoy her mother. Relations between the two of them was still very strained as Fathom had never forgiven her mother for how she’d treated her father. And she had no intention of ever forgiving the woman. 

As Fathom instructed the groundsman Terry, who was with her, to pull and release the next clay shooting target, Texas came out of her studio and saw her daughter.

Texas decided to cease this moment to try and reach out to her daughter to get her on side.

Terry released the shooting target and it flew high into the air. Fathom took aim, fired….and missed her target.

Another clay shooting target flew into the air and once again Fathom missed the shot.

Texas knew that dig was aimed at her. Fathom, even though she would never admit to it, definitely was as vicious as her mother when it came to insults. However, Texas loved her daughter unconditionally and she didn’t stop trying to get her on side.

Once again Fathom missed the target. Her mother’s presence was obviously affecting her aim.

Texas said nothing to confirm this and instead let her silence give Fathom the answer she needed. If Fathom discovered that Brystle was still married to Clarke then she would go straight to Burke with this and unleash an almighty storm. One that Texas would not be blamed for she hoped. And also if Fathom was to get rid of Brystle then perhaps she would realise that Texas was on her side.

That was enough for Texas. She would let her daughter get away with her jibes only for so long. Right now she’d had enough and it was time to show her who was boss. Texas stepped forward and snatched the shotgun from Fathom’s grasp.

Terry pulled the trigger which catapulted the clay shooting target high into the air. Texas took aim and fired. But not at the soaring target. Instead she deliberately aimed her shot at a hapless innocent duck across the pond…

And in a flash the poor bird was no more!

Texas turned back around and handed the shotgun to her stunned daughter with a triumphant smile. She departed with one final peace of advice.

---

The WindenburgSimmington private jet was coming in to land at Simatra airport. Onboard was Burke and Devonique and they had flown down to the Simaribbean island to meet with Dom Simmington, the estranged father of Burke and now Devonique. Dom had agreed to meet with Burke even though father and son had not seen or spoken with one another in many years. He was unaware of Devonique accompanying Burke. 

After disembarking the jet, Devonique and Burke were driven to Dom’s colonial mansion overlooking the bay.

They were met at the door by a kind looking Sister Nun. She was the same nun whom Burke had spoken with over the phone to arrange this meeting with his estranged father.

Sister Shutt nodded and then showed them into the house. They were led up a grand staircase to a landing with a seating area. A set of grand double doors led into what was presumed to be the bedroom of Dom Simmington. From those doors came a doctor who introduced himself.

Once inside the bedroom, Burke looked upon the figure who lay on top of the bed. Even though he was a large man there was a frailty about Dom Simmington, not helped by the amount of medical equipment surrounding the bed. Burke stood in silence for a few minutes, the sound of Dom’s deep breathing the only noise in the room.

Eventually the silence was broken when Dom Simmington spoke from his bed.

Dom Simmington sat up and glanced at his son, the man he had not laid eyes upon in years. He quickly turned his eyes away.

The senior Simmington rolled his eyes for he’d fully expected his son to come here and bring this up with him. Dom was not having any of it.

Dom got up quickly for someone on his deathbed, his anger was driving him. He stood in front of his son and for the first time took all of him in.

Dom’s attitude infuriated Burke and he unleashed his anger in a firm raised voice to his father.

Burke was left exasperated. There was no getting through to this stubborn old man. He would never admit his failings as a husband or father. Everything negative that Burke had thought about his father over the years was entirely justified in his eyes.

Burke turned and left the room leaving Dom shocked at the news he’d been given.

---

 

Back in Windenburg Brystle was making her way along one of the many upstairs corridors to visit her houseguest Malaudia. 

After it was established that Malaudia had been locked up in the simitarium under false pretences by both Mother Drysdale and Dr Broscanni, Malaudia was released and put under house supervision with the Simmington’s. Brystle had immediately wanted to help the vulnerable young woman who’d suddenly been left with nothing- no home, husband or daughter. Also there was a huge amount of guilt on Brystle’s part. She had had an affair with Mayhew, Malaudia’s husband, 2 years ago. This was before Brystle had married Burke and was during Malaudia’s first extended stay in the simitarium when that had been a genuine stay. This time she’d been committed and kept there by her evil mother-in-law and supported, albeit unwittingly, financially by the Simmington’s who believed they were helping. 

In the few days Malaudia had been staying at Siloli, she’d hardly left her bedroom or spoken much to anyone apart to ask if there had been any update from the police in locating her missing daughter Mimsy. Brystle decided to approach Malaudia in an effort to reach out to her and show her she cared as relations between the 2 of them had been frosty. As she approached her bedroom Brystle met Siloli housekeeper Nanette Bobbins who had just come from Malaudia’s room.

As Nanette made her way down to the kitchen Brystle gently knocked on the door before going in. Malaudia stood near a window with her back turned.

Malaudia turned around and faced Brystle.

Brystle’s presence and her calm demeanour was firing up Malaudia and her erratic behaviour was rapidly manifesting itself.

Malaudia was not for listening and she unleashed a long babbling tirade at Brystle.

Brystle was at a loss for words. She had no experience of a Sim with erratic traits and didn’t know how best to placate her.

Realising that her presence was causing more unnecessary distress to Malaudia, Brystle decided to leave the room.

With Malaudia’s screams still ringing in her ear a shocked Brystle paused on the other side of the door.

---

A calm Devonique sat quietly in a chair by the bedside of Dom Simmington. He sat in silence too albeit uncomfortably so. Time passed and Devonique waited for the man who was her father to talk. Eventually he did.

Everything Devonique told Dom was true and he knew it. That’s why he squirmed and twisted as he sat. 

Upon hearing this Devonique’s calm approach quickly vanished and she let Dom know exactly how she felt.

Devonique paused and then got out of her chair.

Dom’s refusal to either look at her or acknowledge Devonique exasperated her.

Dom was not for budging and Devonique knew that. But she was not giving up just yet. She made her way to the door.

Burke and Devonique stepped back into the room and together they faced the cantankerous old man.

Dom had heard enough. He sprung up quickly on unsteady legs. And bellowed at them both.

The door opened and Sister Doris came in alerted by the raised voices. She asked Burke and Devonique to step outside while she attended to her patient. 

Outside in the landing Burke sighed.

Before Burke could reply they were re-joined by Sister Doris.

Burke smiled for this told him all he needed to know.

And with that a united brother and sister made their ay out of the home of the man who denied them as a father and they never looked back.

---

 

A few days later back in Windenburg at the Domino residence Brackie and her new boyfriend, former bodyguard to her estranged husband, Oliver Clozov were larking around by the pool. Keeping a close eye on them was Brackie’s older brother Frank who had also quickly settled into the household.

As Oliver swam laps of the pool Brackie began to mix a pitcher of cocktails for them all to enjoy.

Frank smile and gave his little sister a hug. As Oliver came swimming back around again Frank had a mischievous idea.

Brackie laughed as she watched her older brother and boyfriend play around like they were kids in the pool. It felt so good to be leading a normal life away from her controlling superstar husband Shaun Peruse. She only wished she’d been able to break free from him years ago. 

As she made her way inside she heard the front doorbell ring. There was no sign of the butler and as the doorbell rang again Brackie made her way to open it.

Brackie, although shocked to see her husband, was not all that surprised. Shaun had many connections and it was inevitable that he would track her down.

Just then the door opened and Oliver stepped out. The two men eyed one another with suspicion.

Brackie felt sorry for her husband despite everything. He was a weak man despite his on screen tough guy persona. Before she could say anything else the door opened and Frank stepped out and then Oliver started to kick off at his former employer. 

Shaun saw that there was little point at this stage in trying to reason with Brackie. Especially not when she had Oliver and her tough guy brother stood by her side. There would be another time to get to Brackie. So without another word Shaun turned and made his way back to his car.

---

Whilst Brackie was dealing with Shaun at her front door, over at the studio of Texas on the grounds of Siloli, her mother Devonique was taking a seat. She had been back in Windenburg for a few days now following her trip down to Simatra with Burke. And it was this trip that Texas was dying to know about. That was the reason she had got Devonique to come over. There was no love lost between the two women even though they hardly knew one another. For her part Devonique knew that Texas was after something and so she decided to play along.

Texas took a long puff of her cigarette and blew the smoke eloquently into the air as she eyed the woman in front of her.

Texas opened the bottle of Shimpagne that had been chilling in the ice bucket and poured two glasses of the drink. She handed a glass to Devonique who proceeded to read her for filth. 

Devonique smirked in triumph. She had obviously rattled Texas. She raised the glass of Shimpagne to her lips and took a sip. However something was immediately wrong. 

Texas was getting rather annoyed as this was not going as she expected. Devonique was obviously not a pushover.

Devonique stood and made her way to leave satisfied in the knowledge she had totally won this round. An infuriated Texas leapt to her feet.

And with that Devonique walked out leaving Texas alone to drink her burnt Shimpagne.

---

Later that evening Brystle had the chauffeur swing by the WindenburgSimmington building to pick up Burke. They were meant to be going out for dinner that evening but Burke had failed to arrive home on time from work. Brystle stepped out of the elevator and made her way towards his office doors just as they opened and out stepped Fathom. 

This was what Brystle had hoped to avoid. If there was a worse person to tell Burke about Clarke other than Texas it was her daughter Fathom. Like mother like daughter, they both had it in for Brystle.

Fathom exited and Brystle nervously made her way into Burke’s office. When she saw him standing waiting for her she instantly wished she’d come clean from the start.

Feeling herself starting to lose her composure, Brystle wrapped her arms around her self to steady her nerves.

Seeing his wife so distraught hurt Burke. How could he stay mad at her when she was trying to protect him all along? He swept forward and wrapped her in his arms tenderly.

Burke turned and held Brystle close as he looked deep into her eyes.

They locked lips in a lingering smooch, solidifying their devotion to one another. Whatever trouble came their way Burke knew that they would overcome anything for their love was strong. And now with their own child on the way, the family expanding with the addition of Devonique as his sister and the probability that Brogan Limewood was in fact Badam, Burke was certain things were definitely on the up for the Simmington dynasty.

But would this feeling of happiness last…..?????

---

Meanwhile back at the mansion, Malaudia had ventured from her room and was making her way down the grand staircase when housekeeper Nanette Bobbins approached her with some news.

Malaudia made her way into the solarium to take the call.

Malaudia gasped upon hearing her daughter’s distraught voice.

The sound of her mother-in-laws voice chilled Malaudia to the bone.

Malaudia was left hanging as the line went dead. Realising that she may never see her daughter again Malaudia let out her loudest scream that was heard all the way through the mansion.

Meanwhile, Mother Drysdale turned her attention to her frightened grand-daughter.

Seeing  Mimsy get upset hurt the psycho granny. And so she tried to put on her happiest face in a hope to calm the girl down.

---

---

Beaming live from a tv studio in Wollyhood was the latest episode of “The Sallie Winfrey Montel Show”, a daily talk show that reached a global audience.

Following his vow to Texas that he would find her long missing son Badam, Cyril Dolby had secured a slot on the show in an effort to appeal to the viewers that if they had any knowledge as to what happened to Badam all those years ago that they could come forward. Texas eagerly agreed to her tv appearance, all the while unaware that her lover Cyril was secretly planning his next dastardly scheme.

As Texas bared her soul on national daytime tv, hundreds of miles away back in Windenburg the Simmington clan had gathered in the tv lounge of Siloli mansion to watch her performance. 

 Through her earpiece Sallie was told by the producers that more emotion and misery was required to satisfy the millions of daytime tv viewers. 

An image appeared on screen as Texas talked about her son. It was one of the few photos that she’d been able to keep of Badam. 

 Seeing his son’s photo on screen and how his memory was being exploited for Texas’s gain enraged Burke .

Sallie was loving this dirt being dished on billionaire businessman Burke Simmington. Her ratings would be through the roof!

Another old photograph of Badam, this time a polasimroid photo, was shown. It was taken the day he vanished from their lives forever. Seeing it again shook Burke and his anger towards Texas began to rise to new levels. 

Seth Dolby hung his head in disbelief upon hearing his uncle bad mouth Burke. Burke showed no emotion. 

Sallie knew she was onto the story of a lifetime and she was determined to milk it for all it was worth. 

Silence fell momentarily in the studio as they all took in Sylvia’s psychic claims. Sallie knew the woman was a charlatan but she was hugely popular with viewers so what the hell, let her spout her nonsense to susceptible grieving parents. As long as it got the viewers in Sallie didn’t care. However this was one of Sylvia’s more out there claims leaving Sallie, a seasoned tv talk show host of 20 odd years, lost for words. It was only with the producer screaming down her earpiece to say something that Sallie came around. 

Cyril sat staring in disbelief questioning himself why he allowed for this woman to be present during the interview. Texas however was lapping it up. 

Absolute hokum Cyril thought. His credibility as a shrewd businessman was going down the toilet. 

Back at the mansion Seth felt he need to apologise to Burke for what his uncle was doing. Fathom however decided on a more direct approach as she watched her one time secret lover betray her and destroy her father’s reputation live on tv. 

Heathen reached for the remote control but paused as back in the studio Sallie had moved the conversation on to a more light hearted topic. 

Sallie stood and spoke directly into the camera as she began to wrap things up. Meanwhile Cyril and Texas began to get rather frisky on the sofa as the cameras continued to roll. 

The camera zoomed in under producer’s orders as things were getting very steamy between Texas and Cyril. 

Silence befell the Simmington lounge after Burke snatched the control from his son’s hands and switched the tv off. He was outraged that his ex-wife and her dastardly lover could go on tv and tarnish his son’s memory like that. It was Tammy Flo who eventually broke the silence.

As usual Burke was not dealing with his emotions and this concerned Brystle greatly. 

The question was, what would Burke really do about it?

---

One week later and Devonique was busy at her piano writing new material for her comeback album. Ever since she’d settled in Windenburg Devonique had found a new sense of inspiration for her creativity. Perhaps it was borne out of her frustration that Burke had yet to accept that she was his half sister. In the number of weeks since she’d stunned him with this news Devonique had heard nothing from Burke. She knew this was partly due to the background checks he would be conducting on her and she had no problem with this for Devonique had nothing to hide. What she had revealed to Burke was the truth. However, Devonique’s patience was running out. If Burke refused to acknowledge she was his sister then damn it she would take matters into her own hands by whatever means necessary.

And it was with this pent up frustration that she found herself composing a song of independence and strength at her piano in her mansion Knits Londing. 

As Devonique continued her warbling Esther, her live in butler, approached her at the piano with some news. 

Devonique was both shocked and excited at this unexpected news as she had not seen her daughter Brackie in years. She quickly got up and rushed into the hallway to find her daughter waiting nervously by the door.

Devonique could not believe what she was hearing. This was the news she’d waited on for years since Brackie had married her husband and joined his cult, The Simotologists.

Devonique moved closer to her daughter, overcome with emotion that not only had her daughter come back to her but she had left behind that evil cult.

Later ,as they sat out by the pool, Brackie told her mother how sorry she was not to have come home for her brother Fred’s funeral.

Brackie paused for a moment as if she wasn’t going to reveal anymore before she continued on spilling the beans on her marriage to the biggest movie star in the world.

Brackie didn’t mean that Shaun had committed the deed with his bare hands but he was high up in the ranks of Simotology and had much influence over his followers. All he had to do was give the instruction..

Devonique looked to her daughter to see if she was expecting Oliver but her smile evidently told her she was.

Seconds later Esther had shown Oliver through. Brackie rushed to greet her lover and Devonique stood to take a good look at the young man.

Her daughter certainly seemed genuinely happy Devonique thought. And why not, Oliver was certainly very attractive…

Oliver smiled at Devonique as their eyes lingered on one another for a fraction of a second too long.

Brackie was relieved to hear that she and Oliver were able to stay but she wanted to make sure that Devonique was absolutely fine with that. 

Devonique gave a side eye smile as she responded.

---

The next day, Brystle was doing her thrice weekly workout in the most exclusive upmarket gym in all of Windenburg, Le Poseurs. Membership fees were astronomical and as such gym numbers were strictly limited. Brystle preferred it this way as she could work out in privacy. There was of course a gym in Siloli mansion where she lived but usually Fathom would be hanging out there most days and as she had made her feelings quite clear to Brystle (she hated her guts) it was best that she did her work out routines elsewhere.

As usual her personal trainer Knox was on hand to give his advice and encouragement. 

Brystle adjusted the treadmill to a faster setting and began pushing  herself even harder. 

Hearing her former (or maybe still current?) husbands voice from behind her filled Brystle with dread. She thought she’d seen the last of him several weeks ago when he visited her at the house. Now he was working in her gym! 

Knox left them to it. Brystle kept furiously running on the treadmill as a grinning Clarke made his way over to her. 

Brystle refused to acknowledge Clarke’s comment and so he moved to stand right in front of her. He stood smirking waiting for her to talk. When she did eventually speak her anger exploded out of her. 

Upon hearing him making that lurid claim again Brystle switched the treadmill off and stood glaring at Clarke as sweat rolled down her face. 

Brystle’s worst fears were confirmed as she realised Clarke was telling the truth. She really was still married to him!

Brystle turned and walked off the treadmill in horror and Clarke followed her.

Brystle turned and hurried off to the changing room as the nightmare unfolding before her became too much. She had to get away. Clarke sighed as he watched her leave him. He was determined to talk to her. And as his shift was ending he went off to quickly change out of his gym clothes too. 

When Brystle had showered and changed she emerged from the locker room and quickly made her way out of the gym keeping her head down. She felt bad for leaving without saying goodbye to Knox and thanking him for all of his work over the past year but Brystle did not want to see Clarke again. But as soon as she stepped outside to get into her car she found him already waiting there for her.

The mere mention of Burke and what Clarke was insinuating enraged Brystle once again. 

The news of Brystle’s sister’s death was a genuine blow to Clarke as this was the first he’d ever heard about it. He slowly stepped away from the car. 

Taking Clarke with her to tell Burke this news was the last thing Brystle would ever do. Clarke was either incredibly dumb or moronically stupid. He had no idea about her relationship with Burke and to think that Burke would hurt her was absurd.

Brystle couldn’t believe what she was hearing! This was getting worse by the minute. Texas had purposely sought Clarke out. She’d known about Clarke for sometime but had yet not said a thing which made Brystle realise that her nemesis was secretly plotting something against her.

The horror of what was really going on shook Brystle into action and she pushed Clarke out of the way as she marched towards her car. Clarke was quick to grab her. 

Texas had been secretly digging into Brystle’s past. She’d known for some time that her marriage to Clarke had not been finalised but instead of blurting this out she had sought out Clarke, brought him to Windenburg and engineered it so the two of them would meet. All of this made Brystle realise that Texas would stop at nothing to destroy her marriage to Burke. 

 

And with that Brystle got into her car, slammed the door shut and sped out of the carpark. There was only one place she was going to….

Texas was at home indulging in her creative passion – portrait painting.

With the search for Badam intensifying and new leads coming in all the time Texas felt she needed to channel her energies into something whilst Cyril took charge of the investigation. Painting was always something she had indulged in and this studio had been her place to indulge her passions back in the old days when she was married to Burke. The good old days…

Whilst she was lost in thought there came a forceful knock on the door. Texas called out but continued to intensely stare at her latest masterpiece.

Brystle forcefully marched in and slammed the door behind her prompting Texas to turn around to face her.

A delighted Texas smirked as she continued to torment Brystle knowing that in this case she had the upper hand.

Brystle stepped closer forward to Texas as her anger strengthened her. She would not let Texas get away with this.  

Texas could see from the wounded expression on Brystle’s face that she knew she was right. Brystle WAS scared. Texas had inflicted a very serious wound by bringing Clarke back to Windenburg. This would surely be the end for Burke and Brystle. 

But Texas wasn’t done yet and she delivered yet another blow to Brystle when she turned around the painting she had been working on.

Brystle looked on in shock at the portrait that Texas proudly displayed.

The nerve of the woman! She had no shame whatsoever. Brystle, although wounded , tried her best not to show any weakness in front of Texas.

With tears starting to form in her eyes and her heart racing Brystle quickly turned in her stilettoed heels and marched out of the studio, slamming the door behind her. Outside she paused as she took a deep breath to control her rising anxiety.

Texas WAS right. Burke would not take this news well at all and Brystle had no idea how best to approach the subject with him.

Back inside a delighted Texas picked up her paintbrush and continued with the portrait of the man she hated to love….

---

A fierce thunderstorm raged over Siloli that night. Rain lashed against the windows, the wind rattled the tiles on the roof. Thunder boomed and lightning split the sky.

Most of the Simmington household were asleep except for Tammy Flo. As the lightning lit up her room and the thunder roared the young Tammy Flo leapt from her bed and rushed to the window.

Ever since she was a child Tammy Flo had been terrified of thunderstorms. And despite all of her boisterous and mischievous behaviour, whenever a storm raged such as this she was reduced back to being that scared little girl again. So as the rain and wind battered against the window pane and the thunder roared once more Tammy Flo made a decision. There was only one place she could feel safe. And that wasn’t being alone in her bed…

Tammy Flo tiptoed out of her room across the hall and into….Heathen’s room!

Heathen was sound asleep and did not stir as Tammy Flo gently lifted the covers and slipped in beside him.

Just then another flash of lightning lit up the room and Tammy Flo froze.

Heathen stirred in his sleep and mumbled something. Laying down next to him Tammy Flo began to stroke his cheek as she gazed in the dark at his face.

Still half asleep Heathen mumbled as Tammy Flo’s exploring hands pushed back the covers and gently stroked his body as she pressed herself closer to him.

Heathen seemed to suddenly spring awake and responded positively to Tammy Flo’s amorous advances. He pulled her up with him and in the dark they kissed passionately as their bodies pressed close together all the while Tammy Flo whispering seductively in his ear.

Heathen paused as doubt began to take over him.

Heathen gave into his desires as Tammy Flo ripped open his pyjama onesie. He wriggled himself free of it and they began to make passionate woohoo as the storm continued outside.

When it was over a delighted Tammy Flo was on cloud nine. Heathen was less so.

Instantly regretting his actions Heathen made his way into his adjoining bathroom and locked the door. Alone he steadied himself over the sink unit. 

The thought that he had cheated on his dead con artist of a husband was too much for Heathen and he slowly sunk to the floor in tears curling himself up into a tight ball.

Tammy Flo however was unaware of the tears Heathen privately sobbed. As she lay back on his bed that they had made their tender woohoo she reflected on what had happened between them. She’d come to Siloli with the sole intention of trying to get a piece of the Simmington fortune just like her auntie Brystle. She had seen Heathen as an easy target, someone to manipulate through his grief. But like the deceased Fred Rimmard before her, Tammy Flo was feeling something that she had never intended to feel…

---

The next day Burke was surprised when Devonique showed up unexpectedly in his office. And she seemed determined to have her say.

Devonique had expected this. 

They both sat down either side of his desk.

Burke’s silent stare gave Devonique all the confirmation she needed.

If it did Burke showed no sign of recognition.

Devonique smiled and pointed at Burke as she spoke.

Burke considered this for a moment. Devonique certainly had a right to know her parentage and to be accepted as a Simmington – if she was telling the truth. She did seem sincere about the whole thing and Burke was starting to believe her. Before he could say anything his phone buzzed- it was his secretary calling from her desk outside his office doors.

Marsha informed her boss that Cyril Dolby had instructed her to put him straight through to Burke on a matter of utmost urgency. Burke reluctantly agreed to speak with his business rival.  

Burke slowly hung up, his hand trembling. Devonique watched with shocked concern as the man in front of her visibly turned pale with shock and was unsteady on his feet as he got up from his chair.

The shock of the enormity of what he’d been told was sinking in. Burke Simmington, ruthless but level headed businessman, was for once lost in stunned silence. Could it be true? Could Cyril Dolby have actually found his long lost presumed dead son? Devonique was quick to see the doubt and bewilderment on Burke’s face. The same doubt she had experienced from him. 

Devonique’s comment stung and it seemed to snap Burke out of his silence. He spun around and snapped at her. 

Burke had to admit that Devonique was right and he nodded in silence. 

---

Across from the WindenburgSimmington building was the headquarters of Dolby Doh, Cyril Dolby’s company. And into his office Texas had just come bursting through the doors.

Texas stared in disbelief at the young man in front of her.

Texas rushed forward and embraced the young man. In her heart she was convinced that this was her son. She had no idea it was not true, that Cyril was conning her for some reason not known.

Once seated around Cyril’s desk Badam (who in fact was a hired actor Mikey Florence) began to recount his tale to an unsuspecting Texas.

From a bag on the floor beside his chair ‘Badam’ produced a stuffed toy animal and set it on Cyril’s desk. Texas gazed in astonishment at recognising the toy that belonged to her missing son. He had been holding it the day he vanished.

Cyril turned around in his chair and looked out of the window.

Burke closed the door loudly behind him and Cyril spun around in his chair to see who had entered. When he saw it was Burke he leapt out of his chair with excitement. This was where the real test happened as convincing Texas had been all too easy.

Fake Badam moved forward towards Burke with conviction and took the lead by firmly shaking his hand.

Burke looked at all 3 of them in stunned silence before bellowing out in shock.

Remembering the character study he’d learned about Burke, fake Badam tried to ease the situation.

Burke knew that this would be the only way to prove without a shadow of a doubt if this was indeed his son.

Burke left the office and made his way to the elevator. Texas ran out after her ex-husband.

Back inside Cyril’s office fake Badam could hear the ensuing argument that was happening out in the corridor.

With a glint in his eye Cyril gave an evil smirk.

Fake Badam laughed but was unsure if he knew Cyril well enough to know if he was joking …or being deadly serious…

---

Very late into the night Brystle woke to find Burke was not in bed beside her. He was sat in the dark by the fire in their bedroom. Even in the dim firelight she could see how upset he was. It had to do with the double whammy he had been hit with earlier with both Devonique insisting they visit his estranged father to confirm her parentage and also to the sudden reappearance of  someone who was claiming to be Badam.

Wasting no time Brystle slipped on her silk robe and made her way over to Burke.

Burke merely shrugged.

Brystle’s heart was racing for it seemed like Burke somehow knew what she was hiding…He couldn’t could he? No, it wasn’t that at all she reasoned with herself. Her husband was hurting over the guilt he felt for the loss of his son. This melancholy of his had nothing to do with Brystle still being married to Clarke.  He needed her and she was going to be there for him.

Brystle sat by Burke and the two moved closer in a lingering passionate kiss.

Brystle gently led her husband up from the chaise long and towards the bed. Before they got in they locked together in a tight embrace.

And as Burke gently caressed and nuzzled at her neck Brystle couldn’t switch her mind off from what she wanted to say…

---

A few days later over at Windenburg Police Department, Detective Marco Morelli was in his office listening to a clearly distressed Mimsy Drysdale as she confessed her fears that her grandmother was conspiring with Dr. Broscanni to keep her mother locked up in the simitarium. 

Joining Mimsy was her boyfriend Luca. Morelli at first would’ve dismissed the pair as teenage pranksters but as he himself already had doubts about Dr. Broscanni he listened with sincerity as the troubled teen told him everything.

Morelli had a gut feeling that Broscanni was hiding something all along. He’d deliberately been obstructive denying him access to interview Malaudia following her admittance into the hospital and accused of being the serial telephone prankster who had been making threatening and abusive phonecalls to various people all over the city. However if he were to bring Broscanni in he would need rock solid evidence and he pressed Mimsy on the subject.

There it was, the word Pasimzu. This was the name of the supposed demon that Malaudia believed was terrorizing her. She’d claimed to have seen it. And now it made sense – it had been Mother Drysdale all along dressing up in a costume and making all the phonecalls. All in an effort to drive her daughter-in-law insane and have her committed to the simitarium.

After thanking them Morelli showed Mimsy and Luca out of his office. In the corridor outside Mimsy was tearful about the whole situation. Luca could see how upset she was and he gave her a hug.

Back in his office Morelli reflected on everything he had just heard and how this was affecting him.

Morelli decided he would confront Broscanni and so he made his way to the hospital and marched right into the doctor’s office. Broscanni was sat at his desk and was at first shaken when the detective barged in, clearly in a state of anger. 

Broscanni sighed. He had known that this day was coming and that Morelli had been on to him. It was time to come clean about everything and own up to what he had done.

Morelli had all that he needed. With a signed confession from Broscanni implicating Mother Drysdale he would have enough evidence to have her charged and for Malaudia to finally be released.

Broscanni slowly got up and with his back turned he gazed out of the window.

Broscanni turned around and faced Morelli.

Broscanni slowly nodded as he accepted his fate. Morelli opened the office door and instructed the 2 waiting police officers to escort Broscanni out of the building. And so the good doctor was handcuffed and shamed as he was led out.

---

Immediately after Broscanni’s arrest Morelli made his way straight to see Mother Drysdale at her home. He also decided to listen to  Broscanni’s advice on how best to bring Mother Drysdale in without alerting her to what was going on.

Mother Drysdale knew in her aged bones that something was not right here. Morelli had been constantly snooping around this case for weeks now and it was obvious to Mother Drysdale that he had rumbled her. It was time for her to launch her back up plan…

Mother Drysdale took what she wanted from the drawer and as she spun around to face Morelli he instantly saw that it wasn’t her purse!

Broscanni had been right- Mother Drysdale was completely unhinged and dangerous. Realising he had been outwitted, Morelli had little option but to do as the vengeful old crone said.

Mother Drysdale forced Morelli up into the dusty dark attic. Once there she pushed the gun into his back and urged him into a corner. Morelli’s eyes adjusted to the dim light and realised what the ghastly costume in front of him was. Malaudia, in her fragile state of mind, must’ve been terrified coming face to face with this.

The gun blasted out and Morelli fell to the floor in a bloody heap.

As he lay there in shock Mother Drysdale stepped forward and cruelly stepped on his torso to add to his agony.

Morelli was badly injured and bleeding profusely. His body went into shock and he lost consciousness. 

Oblivious to what she had done Mother Drysdale went downstairs and a sudden thought came to her.

She went to the garage for she knew her son Mayhew had been working on his car prior to leaving to go work overseas for WindenburgSimmington. There she found what she needed – a large red rusty oil can that was more than half filled. Just enough to start a fire…

And that is what she did. Making her way back to the foot of the stairs that led to the attic Mother Drysdale liberally splashed the oil around the floor and over some furniture and curtains. Then she stood back, lit a match and threw it onto the soaked floor. With a sudden whoosh the flames roared to life.

She stepped back as the flames quickly spread up the wooden stairs. Morelli wouldn’t stand a chance she thought. And to hell with this house, she’d always hated the décor that Malaudia had chosen. Let it burn to the ground Mother Drysdale reasoned. 

Picking up a few essentials on her exit (money, keys and passport) Mother Drysdale calmly got into her car and reversed out of the driveway. Her destination was unknown but she was excited as she began her first day on the run…

Back in the house the fire was now breaking through into the attic.

Part of the ceiling gave way with a crash and the roar of the flames startled Morelli from his unconsciousness. It took a moment for him to realise what was happening but he quickly realised the severity of his situation. Summoning every ounce of strength he had remaining Morelli crawled on his hands and knees across the hot unstable attic floor.

Overcome with smoke inhalation and his gunshot wound Morelli fell over and with one last cough he closed his eyes. The last thing he thought of before losing consciousness again was of Malaudia. Poor sweet innocent Malaudia. How he’d never get the chance to see her released or tell her…..that he loved her…

---

Across town a tearful Heathen was visiting the grave of his husband Fred. The guilt of woohooing with Tammy Flo the other night had left him upset and confused and he felt he needed to tell his deceased partner his feelings.

Heathen froze upon hearing the voice behind him. He instantly recognised that voice…but it couldn’t possibly be who he thought it was. He spun around to face who was standing behind him and instantly froze in shock.

It was too much for Heathen to comprehend as he stared at his former dead husband in front of him and he collapsed as he fainted. Luckily he was swooped up in the arms of the man before him.

---

---

As ever I am grateful to all the CC creators whose poses, CAS assets and mods have helped make season 2 of Simasty more richly dramatic in its storytelling. In particular the poses made by Katverse – The Sims 4 Gaming and Home (weebly.com) are the ones I use the most. In terms of CAS assets, in no particular order, I credit S E N T A T E (tumblr.com) TSR – KaTPurpura (thesimsresource.com) TSR – belal1997 (thesimsresource.com) TSR – Darte77 (thesimsresource.com) My Stuff – Sims 4 Custom Content and more… (mystufforigin.com) as a few artists I have used throughout this episode.

Simbley Stadium stood proudly in San Myshuno city centre and was the new home of Windenburg United, the premier league football team recently acquired by WindenburgSimmington. This was a new venture for the company and was being spearheaded by Seth Dolby. Burke’s company had taken a stumble in the stock markets ever since his trial and the share prices had dropped dramatically. Seth had been hired by Burke to help diversify the company with new business strategies and this was how he came to purchase the moderately successful football club. 

Since then Seth had signed a multitude of talented players from all over the world, raised the profile of the club and in turn the profits for WindenburgSimmington. The team had won match after match and were now sitting top of the premier league in a run of unbeaten games. Today was a training day and the team were being put through their paces as they exercised and practised. 

Overseeing the team doing their training was Fathom. And she had her eye on one team member in particular- Giles Scott, the most famous footballer in the world. 

Fathom gazed at Giles as he demonstrated his talents on the pitch. She’d helped convince him to join her father’s team in her own unique way – by woohooing him within an inch of his life. Then again, she’d personally chosen most of the players…

However Giles was the one who caught her attention the most. She hadn’t seen him in weeks even though there had been a verbal agreement between them that should the notion take her, Fathom would call upon Giles for a discreet private rendezvous. And today was the day Fathom had decided that Giles need to make good on his deal…

Giles had caught sight of her watching him from the side. He smiled to himself, secretly pleased that Fathom had finally come to see him. He’d thought that she would have already visited him by now. And although he was glad that she was here now, for it could only mean one thing, he decided to keep her waiting just a little longer as he showed off playing. 

Giles smiled and approached Fathom. 

Giles was enjoying teasing Fathom. He lay down in front of her and began to do some stretches. 

Hearing that the team had been comparing notes of how she had been woohooing her way through them all irritated Fathom. 

Giles leapt up after his rigorous stretching  and wiped his brow. He could see Fathom’s irritation and her tone implied she wasn’t happy. But he hadn’t meant to offend her. 

Realising that Giles wasn’t being an ass, Fathom opened up a little to him. 

With a twinkle in his eye Giles turned and jogged over to the far side of the pitch and headed to the locker room. 

Fathom watched him go, her pulse racing. This was the kind of risk and excitement she craved and she knew Giles was the kind of guy who would deliver. A romp in the locker room with the star player knowing they could be caught at any second was too much for her to resist. She quickly made her way over. 

Giles had already stripped out of his kit and into a towel by the time she arrived in the locker room. He was delighted she’d decided to join him. 

Giles eagerly obliged. 

Fathom gazed at the naked hunk as he stood before her. She’d never wanted any man so badly.

Fathom pushed the naked stud up against the metal lockers and began kissing him ferociously. 

Fathom moved towards the showers removing her clothes and letting her hair down as she did so. A moment later, the steam was rising in the showers as they made passionate woohoo. 

As Giles continued with his woohoo making, Fathom suddenly had a thought…a moment where she reflected on what she was doing….and the fact that she had a husband in Seth who loved her unconditionally. And here she was in the locker room of her father’s football club, making woohoo with the most famous player in the world. 

In that moment something changed…and her quick rendezvous had lost it’s sparkle…

---

Back in Windenburg, the DNA test to determine who was Heathen’s father was taking place. Heathen was feeling apprehensive after taking the test whilst in another part of the hospital Burke and Cyril awaited their turn to be tested. 

Tammy Flo had attached herself to a vulnerable Heathen these past couple of months since Fred’s death. It had been hers and her father’s plan for Tammy Flo to gate-crash her Aunt Brystle’s new lavish lifestyle and to get their share of the Simmington fortune.  When Fred had died and she’s seen how fragile Heathen was Tammy Flo had circled in and was getting ready to make her move. Heathen was oblivious to any of Tammy Flo’s schemes and was glad of her company particularly on a day like today. 

Heathen was taken aback by Tammy Flo’s sudden advances. 

Tammy Flo did not wait and instead swooped in for a long passionate kiss. Heathen, shocked at himself kissing a girl soon found himself kissing her back before he gently pulled back. 

Shocked at what he’d done Heathen made a hasty exit from the hospital room. Tammy Flo smirked to herself as she believed her plan was coming together. 

Meanwhile waiting impatiently in a doctor’s office further down the corridor was Burke and Cyril. Burke resented having to do this test but knew he had to d it for the sake of Heathen. Cyril however sensing his rival’s unease chuckled loudly to himself. 

Right on cue the door opened and in walked Doctor Hugh Manatee. 

Dr Manatee led Burke out of the office to be tested as Cyril sat down smiling to himself. But then a sudden onset of pains in his head soon stopped his joy. It was another attack of his illness. His symptoms were getting more frequent….and much worse…

---

After their frantic bout of woohoo making in the showers of the locker-room at Windenburg United, Giles had suggested they continue back in the comfort of his recent house purchase. Feeling particularly frisky, Fathom obliged and drove them both to Giles’s home in Pasimfic Palisades. 

The mystery older lady standing by a car in Giles’s driveway stopped them both dead. Giles couldn’t believe who it was.

Giles’s mother looked Fathom up and down and Fathom could sense the disdain in the older woman’s eyes. 

Fathom rolled her eyes. She knew when she wasn’t wanted. 

Giles watched as Fathom made a hasty retreat roaring out of the cul-de-sac in her red sports car. He couldn’t believe how his mother had treated her. 

Giles spun around to face his mother, stunned at what she’d just said. 

Skankee made her way into the house hoping to bring an end to the discussion. Giles quickly pursued her not willing to this go. 

Skankee reluctantly conceded. 

And there was more to it. But Skankee was not for revealing what it was. Instead she turned away from her son. 

Although he had a good relationship with his mother, Giles felt that she was over-protective and had been all of his life. He’d made the move to start a new life in Windenburg and he was going to stick with it. 

---

After conducting the DNA test Dr Manatee had requested to meet further with Cyril Dolby. 

Cyril Dolby, corrupt billionaire, was dying. And yet he seemed to be at peace with the fact or so Dr Manatee concluded as he watched him leave his office. Perhaps it was a front for a very scared and very ill man.

Later that evening Dr Manatee was hard at work as he analysed the results of the DNA samples taken from Heathen and compared these with Burke’s and Cyril’s. 

And in the wee small hours Dr Hugh Manatee had a breakthrough. 

---

Early the following morning at Siloli, Seth was returning from the bathroom into his bedroom where he expected Fathom to be lying in their bed. 

Only the bed was empty. 

Seth hadn’t heard her leave therefore she must’ve crept out. But where did she go at this hour? As he looked out of the bedroom window into the garden below he soon got his answer.

Having seen his wife sitting under a might oak tree in her skimpy nightwear Seth had made his way out to her. 

Fathom was distracted, deep in thought. 

A soft smile came across Fathom’s face as she looked up at her husband. 

Seth put his arms around his wife as she got up and came to him. How he loved her so. 

Yesterday Fathom needed excitement and she’d found that with Giles. Today she needed comfort and that was when she felt most attracted to Seth. 

Sensing his wife’s closeness to him Seth pulled her close and they locked together in a passionate kiss. 

Fathom enjoyed the kiss. That was until the memory of the previous day’s antics with Giles came flooding back. Her guilt made her lash out at her husband. 

Sometimes Fathom’s temper tantrums really wound Seth up and this behaviour was one of those times. 

Fathom was left alone under her tree pondering on what had just happened. She hated to admit it but she was beginning to have feelings for Giles…

---

Mother Drysdale had decided to take control of the situation with Malaudia and Dr. Broscanni. Even though she was blackmailing Broscanni to keep Malaudia locked up in the asylum (by both threatening to expose his affair with a young intern to his wife and also secretly recording her own seduction of him) Mother Drysdale could sense that Broscanni was wrestling with his conscience on the whole matter. Malaudia was fragile but not by enough under normal circumstances to keep her under sedation in a padded cell which was what Mother wanted. With that pesky detective Morelli snooping around asking Malaudia questions it could only be a matter of time before it was revealed that Mother Drysdale was the secret tormentor of poor Malaudia. 

Mother Drysdale would never allow this. And so she decided to visit with her unfortunate daughter-in-law and set in motion her next plan….

The news of a boyfriend startled Malaudia. The last time she had seen Mimsy she was just a child. It sounded as if she had just grown up overnight!

Nervously watching from behind the two way mirror in an adjoining room was Dr. Broscanni. 

Broscanni hated Mother Drysdale almost as much as he hated himself for cheating on his wife with that young nurse at the hospital and allowing himself to be blackmailed. And then having no choice but to woohoo the vindictive old woman at her request sickened him. Her behaviour was classic psycho behaviour and would not stop for either Malaudia or himself. Broscanni knew that he would have to woohoo with the woman time and time again or risk the threat of exposure. So to better protect himself, he had allowed this visit from Mother Drysdale to take place in the hope she would trip herself up. And if she did Broscanni would have enough ammunition to fire back at her for he was secretly recording the audio of the conversation….

Mother Drysdale smiled as she delivered her killer punchline that she knew would send Malaudia over the edge. 

A shocked Malaudia could not believe what she was hearing.

Mother Drysdale stood up in her moment of triumph. She could see the signs- Malaudia was about to go into full meltdown. 

Hearing the evil old woman threatening to take away Mimsy was the final straw for Malaudia. A huge rage came across her and she stood up knocking her chair over.

Mother Drysdale was paralysed with fear as Malaudia leapt across the table at her for this was not the reaction she had been expecting. 

Broscanni watched from the other side of the mirror with relish as Malaudia pounded her fists into her vindictive mother-in-law.

Broscanni had pressed the panic button and immediately two burly orderlies ran in to take control of the situation. Broscanni stood back and stopped the recording of the conversation- he had the evidence he needed. 

One orderly pinned Malaudia to the floor whilst the second helped an injured and shaken Mother Drysdale get to her feet. 

Malaudia howled in protest. 

Mother Drysdale quickly decided to use her beating to her advantage. 

With a kicking and screaming Malaudia dragged off to her padded cell by the two orderlies, Broscanni was left alone with Mother Drysdale. 

Inside her cell Malaudia’s rage showed no signs of abating. 

---

Across town Heathen had arrived at Burke’s office.

Burke smiled and moved towards the young man and spoke in a gentle calm manner to him. 

For it was true. There could be no mistake for the results of the test carried out by Dr Hugh Manatee were 100% accurate and true. Burke WAS Heathen’s father afterall and not Cyril Dolby. 

Heathen reflected on this for a moment before laying bare his feelings towards his father. 

In another time Burke would have given his son a lecture on pulling himself together and getting on with things. But in recent months and events had taught Burke to be more patient with Heathen. His son was still hurting -grieving for the loss of his husband and angry with Burke for inadvertently causing his death. 

It wasn’t necessarily the reunion Burke had hoped for. Heathen was a broken man and it would take time for him to heal. 

---

Dolby Doh Towers stood taller in front of the WindenburgSimmington building. From here Cyril Dolby could keep an eye on his sworn enemy. Right now he’d learned the news that he had lost out to Burke in becoming Heathen’s father and the news had a profound effect on him. 

Texas was with her lover as they took in the news. 

The mention of her missing/presumed dead long lost son Badam still hurt Texas to this day. The pain and guilt she carried inside had never left her.

Cyril had not shared his diagnosis with anyone and as he was a master manipulator and expert liar he quickly covered his tracks.

In a rare emotional moment Texas revealed her inner turmoil. 

Seeing his fiancée’s anguish moved the billionaire business mogul. 

Cyril stepped forward and held Texas close to him as he looked her square in the eyes. 

Already a plan was formulating in his devious mind. Something that he’s been pondering for a while…

---

Back at the mansion Brystle was approached by major-domo Joseph Flanders in the hallway with news of an unannounced visitor. 

Brystle sighed. The waspish head butler still was being off with her after all these months. She thought they had recently made progress together but today he seemed to be reverting back to treating her the same way he treated her when she first arrived at Siloli. Before she used to struggle with how to stand up to him but no longer was that the case. 

Hearing that her former husband had shown up after all these years shocked Brystle like a slap across the face. 

The normally placid Brystle was very forthright in telling the butler her feelings. 

But Joseph was not having any of it. 

Brystle stormed past Joseph for she knew that maybe he was right. However she would deal with him later for right now she had to see what Clarke wanted. 

Joseph smiled to himself happy in that he had triumphed over the 2nd Mrs Simmington once again. He’d lulled her into a false sense of security in recent months by pretending to be nice to her but all the while he’d been waiting, and hoping, for her to slip up so that he could be the one to tell all to his employer for he so desperately wanted to be liked. 

Brystle marched into the drawing room and immediately unleashed her anger at her former husband who sat casually on the Queen Anne loveseat with his feet up in the antique coffee table. 

Clarke got up and walked across to Brystle but she visibly took a few steps back from him. 

Clarke gazed at Brystle and realised that he still had feelings for her. He’d never wanted to hurt her, back then and not now. 

Brystle shook her head as she laughed at how ludicrous Clarke’s statement sounded. 

Brystle glared at Clarke. Over the years they had been together Brystle had learned to know when he was lying to her. But she wasn’t getting that feeling now. He was being serious. However her first reaction was disbelief. 

The horror of the implications of what this would mean set in and Brystle felt unsteady on her feet. 

Brystle spun around and furiously pushed her not so former husband away. 

With the damage done, Clarke left Brystle alone as he made his exit from Siloli. 

All she could hear was Clarke’s voice in her head and Brystle could not stand it. 

---

The next day Cyril had flown across state in his private jet to the movie capital of the known Sims world, Wollyhood. For weeks now he’d had his team of private detective’s search the huge city for the next pawn in his twisted act of revenge. And now he’d found him, Mikey Florrence a struggling bit part actor who was hard up and down on his luck. Cyril was waiting for him in a parking lot outside the studio gates. 

Mikey eyed Cyril with suspicion. 

The thought of getting his big break was all it took to get Mikey to sign up. 

Mikey smiled as he was briefed on the role he would be taking. And the more he heard the more he could not wait to get started….

---

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CREDITS:

Poses used by creators  https://katverse.com/ 

https://joanneberniceposes.weebly.com/

https://sims4studio.com/thread/4220/sims-4-cc-princess-paranoia

Custom content clothing by Sentate (Texas’s outfit) https://sentate.tumblr.com/

Sims4Krampus (Brystle’s pencil dress) https://www.thesimsresource.com/downloads/1295772

Darte77 (Giles’s outfit) https://darte77.blogspot.com/

Selected cars by Breeze Motors https://sims4cars-breezemotors.tumblr.com/

The football stadium I renamed Simbley Stadium (and remodelled) is from the Sims4 gallery. The original is called Llama National Stadium and is by Fritosaurio https://www.ea.com/en-gb/games/the-sims/the-sims-4/pc/gallery/53A9777CB2FC11E98B2A1090911CB41A?category=all&searchtype=item_name&sortby=downloads&time=all&searchquery=llama%20national%20stadium&max=50&maxis=false

Giles’s modern house Luxury Villa is also from the gallery by xXSarina_27xX  but I can no longer find the link. Please check out her Youtube page https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0NDwE1schDDg82EIhPhGlw