Sami and Austin - Parts III and IV

Carrie stared at her keyboard, not really seeing it. She was still in shock from her meeting with Kate. It couldn't be true. Sami had recovered her memory and was faking the amnesia? She wouldn't do that, would she? Carrie had to admit to herself that Sami probably would. She had been suspicious of the amnesia in the beginning but had believed that Sami wasn't faking because she had been so sweet. But Sami hadn't been as sweet lately had she? She had used Austin's guilt over being a good father to Will to keep him from seeing Carrie at the hospital the night of the accident on the pier. What if Kate was right? How could she find out without making Sami suspicious? Carrie put herself in Sami's mind. Sami would fake the amnesia until she was sure that Austin would be hers forever. If she had completely recovered her memory then she knew she couldn't stop the annullment. Carrie knew it was possible. Sami had done worse in the past. But she had to prove it. Even if she told Austin and he believed her there was no way to prove it and Sami could still fight the annullment. Kate was right. She had to find a way to prove that Sami was faking. Nobody, not even Austin, could know what she was up to. She was glad that Kate was there for her. With Kate's help she would be able to do this. Thank God Lucas had accepted that assignment in London. Carrie couldn't believe she had been deceived by him again. But then again, Lucas was good at deceiving her. She had believed that he had finally accepted they could never be anything more than friends. He was responsible for Austin telling her to move on with her life. He had even suggested to Austin that she start seeing Mike! Carrie was so furious. Yes, it was a good thing that Lucas was going to London because the way she felt right now she could really hurt him. She dialled Kate's extension.

"Kate Roberts"

"Kate, it's Carrie".

"Oh, have you made a decision? Do you believe me about Sami?"

"Well, I don't know if it's true or not but I certainly think it's possible. Sami has done worse things in the past. I've decided to help you but I don't understand why you need me in the first place. The plan sounds simple enough for you to pull it off by yourself".

Kate thought to herself. She hadn't told Carrie about the blackmail. "I think it would be better if Sami knew that you were the one who caught her. Maybe once she realizes that she can't fool you anymore she'll leave you and Austin alone".

"Well, you might be right. Ok, I'll meet you for lunch and we can work out the details".

"That sounds fine. But we have to be careful. Lucas' plane doesn't leave until 2:00. He might be in on this with Sami. I hate to say I can't trust my own son but when it comes to Sami and winning your love Lucas can't be trusted".

"I understand Kate. I don't think I can ever completely trust Lucas. I'll see you at lunch", Carrie hung up the phone and began thinking about Kate's plan. It was good. She had to hand it to Kate. She had thought of everything. Well, the ad campaign wasn't going to write itself. She had better try to get some work done.

Sami was depressed. She finally had Austin to herself with no threat from Carrie but all he had done was sit at his computer all day. He hadn't even stopped to eat lunch with her. He had made himself a sandwhich and ate it at the computer. The only break he had taken was to play with Will. He barely noticed she was in the room. She had to find a way to make him look at her like his wife. She had given up on the sympathy ploy. He would stop what he was doing to help her if she asked but as soon as he could see she was ok he went right back to work. She had to get him to spend some time with her. How was she supposed to make him fall in love with her if he didn't? The phone ringing startled her out of her reverie. "I'll get it Austin".

"What? Oh the phone, ok".

He hadn't even heard the phone. Sami's depression grew. She wasn't sure how to handle this. "Hello"

"Sami, it's Lucas. We need to talk. Can you get away for a few minutes?"

"Well, I guess so. I need to talk to you too", she said in a low voice so Austin wouldn't hear if he was even listening. "I'll meet you at Salem Place", she hung up the phone. "Austin, I need to go out for a minute. Can you keep an eye on Will?"

"Huh? Oh sure", he said going over to his son. "That's no problem at all is it little man? Daddy can take care of you can't he? We'll have lots of fun. You go on Sami, but be careful."

Sami was downhearted as she headed for Salem Place. If she didn't find a way to stop this she would lose Austin. She spotted Lucas and wheeled her chair in his direction. He looked worried too. "Ok, I'm here. What's up?"

"Well, we have a slight complication. I don't think it will hurt our plan but I have to go out of town for a while."

"What? Why? I bet Kate had something to do with this, didn't she? What is her problem? Does she want me to reveal her secret?"

"Sami calm down. It's not like that. This is legitimate business. Mom has given me a huge opportunity. If I don't go on this trip I'll be missing a big opportunity to advance my career."

"Yeah right. Kate just wants you out of the way so she can try to get Austin and Carrie back together."

"Well, if I don't go on this trip she's going to offer the job to Austin. He's the only other person who could take a business trip right now. And before you say anything she wasn't lying. I checked the schedule myself. Austin and myself are the only ones who could go and I am not letting Austin take this away from me. This is my chance to prove to mom that I'm worthy of her trust. And it's a chance to impress Carrie."

"Ok Lucas. So maybe Kate isn't up to anything. It could still be a problem though. I'm in this wheelchair and I can't just come and go as I please. I can't really keep an eye on Carrie and Austin all the time. Plus I have another problem."

"Well, I hired someone to follow them just in case they decide to get together. What problem are you talking about? I thought you'd be on cloud nine after Austin dumped Carrie."

"Well, I would be if he had dumped her for me. Lucas he's been working like a madman all day. He wouldn't even stop to eat lunch with me. He ate while he worked. The only time he stops is to play with Will. It's like he's trying to block everything but Will out", Sami realized she was close to tears. She hadn't realized how upset she was about this. "Lucas what do I do? I got him away from Carrie, now how do I get him to spend time with me?"

"Sami, Austin's behaviour sounds normal to me. He's probably working so much to keep his mind off of Carrie. He'll slow down eventually."

"Lucas, I have to be the one to make Austin forget about Carrie. I have to get him to fall in love with me and realize how good we are together. I can't do that if he's working all the time."

"Well, then I suggest you play up on the amnesia. Remember you're supposed to think you and Austin are happily married. Make plans for picnics and act really hurt if he says no. Use his guilt. He won't say no if he thinks it will help you recover. Get him involved with you therapy some more. You know, kisses for sit-ups and stuff like that. Look, I have to go now. I just wanted to let you know I hired a PI to keep an eye on Carrie. He'll call you if anything happens."

"Alright. I think I can handle it. It doesn't look like Austin's going anywhere for a while anyway. Good luck on your trip." Sami watched Lucas walk away and prayed that everything kept going so well.

Lucas stopped by the office before going to the airport so he could say goodbye to Carrie. She was just walking through the door when he got there. "Hi Carrie. Where have you been?"

"I had lunch with Kate. We had some business to discuss", Carrie tried not to be cold to Lucas. He had to think everything was normal.

"Are you feeling better? I know you were upset earlier."

"I'll be fine Lucas. Thanks for your concern. I've just got a lot on my mind. Hey, Kate told me about the big account. Congratulations. I would love to have a chance at that one."

"Well, I tried to get mom to let you come with me but she said you were working on something else."

"Yeah, I am. Big project for me but not as big as yours. Good luck."

"Thanks. I just came by to say goodbye to you and mom before I left."

"Well, I'll see you when you get back then. I hope it all goes well for you."

"It will. I'll make sure of that", Lucas wasn't sure if Carrie was ok or not. She seemed a little different but he could figure out what the difference was.

Austin was on the phone when Sami got back. "What do you need me to do mom?" She realized he was talking to Kate and immediately was suspicious.

"Ok, that's no problem. I'll come by the office tonight. No, I'm still finishing some stuff up. I'll bring it with me tonight. I should be done in a couple of hours. Ok, 8:00 sounds fine. Sure. Love you too. See you tonight."

"Who was that", Sami asked as Austin hung up the phone.

"It was my mom. I asked her earlier if she had some more work for me. She wants me to come by the office tonight so we can go over the details on some of the projects. I won't be gone too long though."

"More work? Austin you've been working like a madman all day. I was hoping you would slow down so we could spend some time together. I thought if we did more together I might remember some more. I was thinking we could do some of the things we used to do. Did we ever go on picnics or anything like that?", Sami was devastated. If Kate gave him more work to do then her job would be even trickier. She had to talk to Kate and remind her who was calling the shots here.

"I'm just trying to earn some extra money Sami. Our insurance isn't covering 100% of your medical bills. We have to pay part of it ourselves. Don't worry, I'll make time for my family."

Sami noticed that he had said "family". She wasn't sure that she was included in that yet. But she would be. Soon. "Well, why don't we go on a picnic tomorrow? I think Will would enjoy that."

"Well, let me see what mom has for me to do. I'll let you know tonight", Austin went back to work. He hoped Kate had a lot for him to do. He had to have something to keep him from going crazy. Sami went to the kitchen to start dinner. He checked to make sure she was occupied and went back to the computer. He had been typing and entry in his journal and he didn't want Sami to see it. He had started the journal after they got the computer. It was completely private and could only be accessed with a code. His code was Carrie's birthday. He didn't think Sami would ever get into it. He had also made it look like a business file. He knew he shouldn't even have it but he had to write his feelings down or he would go crazy. He closed the file and went back to work. He had finished his work assignments an hour ago but now he was doing research. He was trying to find a valid reason to give Sami for not making love. She was making progress every day towards walking and it wouldn't be much longer before she would want to make love. He had to be prepared so he could get out of it.

Sami noticed how quiet Austin was all through dinner. She had to get him to stop thinking of her as an obligation. Having to pay her medical bills was only a reminder. She made a mental note to check to see how much they owed. By the time they had finished dinner and gave Will his bath it was time for Austin to go meet with Kate. Sami decided to wait and see how much work Kate gave him before she stepped in. Maybe Kate wouldn't give him too much. She knew what the consequences would be if she crossed Sami. She decided to have that PI look in on the meeting to make sure Kate didn't tell Austin about her recovery. She couldn't let that happen. It would ruin everything. She'd call him as soon as Austin left.

Kate waited for Austin in her office. She had come up with some extra assignments for him. She didn't want to overload him because she didn't want Sami getting suspicious. She had called Carrie to set the next step of the plan in action. She just had to keep Austin here for a while.

Carrie heard Austin leave. She peaked out and watched him get on the elevator. She waited a few minutes to be sure he hadn't forgotten anything. When she was sure he wasn't coming back she headed over to his apartment. She took some deep breaths. She had to play the concerned sister for Sami. She couldn't let on that she suspected Sami was faking. She was torn. Part of her hoped that Kate was wrong because she hoped that Sami would change and not do something like this. The other part of her hoped Kate was right because that would mean that Austin could get the annullment and they could be together. If Sami was faking the amnesia he would never forgive her for manipulating his guilt like that.

Sami had just finished doing the dishes when she heard the knock on the door. She was surprised to see Carrie. "Hi Sami. I thought I'd see how you were doing. Can I come in?"

"Sure. I just finished the dishes. Do you want some tea?", Sami wondered why Carrie was here. She hadn't expected her to come over after what Austin had said.

"No, I'm fine. I'm just worried about you. Have you remembered anything more?", Carrie wanted to give Sami the chance to tell the truth in case Kate was right.

"No, so far I've only remembered mom's affair with John", Sami wondered if Carrie suspected that she was faking.

"Oh. Well, how's your physical therapy going? Are you making any progress?"

"It's going really good. I took a few steps today. Of course Austin helped me. I couldn't get through this without Austin", Sami couldn't help rubbing it in. She wanted to be sure Carrie knew that she had no chance with Austin now.

"That's so great Sami. I just know you'll be out of that wheelchair soon", Carrie hoped this wouldn't take too long. She wasn't sure how long Kate could keep Austin occupied. And she wasn't sure how long she could act like the loving sister around Sami. Sami had caused her so much pain. She wondered how things were going with Kate.

Kate and Austin were having a mother son talk. Kate was trying to convince him not to let Carrie go. She had given all her best arguments but it wasn't working.

"Look mom, I know you're trying to help but I can't let Carrie just put her life on hold to wait for me. It's not fair to her and she would probably hate me for it. I'm not going to change my mind. If Sami ever gets her memory back and I can get the annullment then I can go on with my life too. Maybe Carrie would still want to be with me and maybe she won't but I can't ask her to wait when it doesn't look like it's ever going to happen".

"Oh Austin, I wish I could change your mind about this. You and Carrie belong together."

"Well, I hope that someday we will be together but I won't ask her to put her life on hold anymore. Look, I need help with another problem".

"Ok, tell me what it is. If I can help you I will. You know I'd do anything for you."

"Well, Carrie made a really good point last night. Eventually, Sami is going to recover physically and if that happens before her memory returns then she's going to want to make love. I have to find a good reason not to. It will be easier to get an annullment if the marriage isn't consumated. Plus I can't bring myself to make love with Sami. I don't want to hurt her feelings because I don't feel that way about her. She would figure it out if I tried to fake it."

"Well, that is a tough problem. There might be a way around it though. I seem to remember reading something but I can't remember what it said. I just remember that it was about a man who couldn't make love with his wife. Let me see if I can find it and I'll call you and let you know what I find out."

"Thank you so much mom. I knew you'd be able to help. Ok, is this all the work you could get for me?"

"Yes. Don't work yourself to death. That won't help Sami recover any faster either. Space your time. Remember that you want to help Sami recover so you can be with Carrie. Don't ever give up on that."

"I'll try not to mom. I've got to get back though. Sami will need help putting Will to bed. I love you."

"I love you too." As Austin left the phone rang. "Kate Roberts"

"Kate, it's Carrie. I just came from Sami's apartment. If she's faking it, she is an excellent actress."

"Are you having doubts about whether or not she's faking?"

"I still think it's possible. Sami has performed well in the past."

"Well then, is it done?"

"It's done. We're ready to move on the next phase. Just let me know when."

"Great. I'll talk to you tomorrow", Kate smiled as she hung up the phone. It was only a matter of time now. Sami would be caught and she wouldn't be able to do anything about it.

Sami was feeling better this morning. Mike had come over to Carrie's and they had went jogging. Carrie really looked happy with Mike and she had talked a lot about him the other night when she came over. Maybe she had finally given up on her and Austin being together. The best part was that Austin had seen them together. After the other night she hoped that Austin was finally realizing he belonged with her and not Carrie. She made Austin's favorite breakfast and went to get him. He was already working at the computer. "Austin, breakfast is ready."

What? Oh, I'm not hungry. You go ahead, I'll grab something later."

Sami wasn't going to let his disinterest get her down. She knew it was only a matter of time before Austin fell in love with her. She would give him a few days to get Carrie out of his system. After all, she had all the time in the world.

Just as Carrie and Mike walked into her apartment after her run the phone rang. Mike answered it for Carrie.

"Oh, hi Mike. This is Kate. I need to talk to Carrie." Kate knew that Carrie and Mike were just friends but she didn't like him being at Carrie's apartment. She didn't want Austin to give up on Carrie because he thought she was seeing Mike.

"Hey Kate. What's going on?", Carrie hoped that Kate had good news for her. "Have you found out anything yet?"

"No, not yet. It's too soon. Sami's not going to reveal herself when Austin is there. We just have to be patient. We'll have everything we need soon."

"Well, not unless Austin leaves the apartment. I haven't seen him leave since the other night when he met with you. Do you think you can get him to come to Titan for a meeting or something?", Carrie was impatient. She wanted to find out the truth once and for all.

"Yes. But not right away. I'll have to do it before the end of the week though. Lucas will be coming back then. I don't want him to figure any of this out. He could ruin our plan."

"I know. I can't believe how deceptive Lucas has become. I thought he had changed, that we could be friends."

"Well, one day Lucas will find someone he truly loves. Someone who can love him back the way he deserves. He'll get over his obsession."

"So, how are you going to get Austin to leave?"

"I'm not sure. I have an idea but I'm not sure if it will work. Sami won't like it much."

"Sami doesn't like anything that could take Austin away from her. Maybe I can help?"

"I was hoping you would say that. Here's my idea."

Carrie smiled as Kate layed out her plan. This could work. And she knew exactly how to help.

Mike came out of the bathroom just as she was hanging up the phone. "So, what did Kate want?"

"We had some business to talk about. Are you going to the hospital?"

"Yeah. I've got rounds to make. So are we on for a jog tomorrow?"

"Sure. I hate to rush you but I've got to get ready for work myself. I'll see you later."

"Alright. See you later." As Mike headed for the hospital he couldn't stop thinking about Carrie. She had been in a much better mood today. She was positive that she and Austin had a chance to be together now. He knew he should be happy for her and he was but.... "What's the matter with me?", he said out loud. "Carrie and Austin belong together. I'm glad they finally have a chance." But he couldn't stop thinking about her.

Sami was trying to figure out a way to get Austin to take a break from work when the phone rang. Austin answered it. "Hello. Hi mom. Yeah, everything's fine." Sami wanted to listen to what Austin was saying but there was a knck at the door. Austin motioned for her to get it. She was surprised to see Carrie. Maybe she had been wrong and Carrie hand't given up. "Carrie, what a surprise. I thought you'd already be at work." Sami was still trying to listen to Austin. She wanted to be sure Kate wasn't breaking their deal. What was Carrie doing here?

"Hi Sami. I don't have to be at work for a while yet. I wanted to see how you were doing. I also wanted to see how Will is doing. I feel so bad about what happened at the pier."

"Will's fine. I know it wasn't your fault Carrie. You can't blame yourself because those crates fell on you," Sami was upset with Carrie about the accident but she knew that Carrie would never hurt Will. She was upset because she knew Austin and Carrie had been planning to go away together. That's why Carrie had Will in the first place. "Come in and sit down. I'll go get Will. He'll enjoy visiting with his Aunt Carrie", Sami put a little emphasis on the word "Aunt". She wanted Carrie to know that she would never be Will's mother.

Austin was shocked to see Carrie. When Sami left the room he asked Kate to hold on. "What are you doing here?", he wasn't mad but seeing Carrie was difficult.

"Austin, I can't stop coming over here. Sami is my sister. She would get suspicious if I stopped coming by to see her. I've come over here almost every day since the accident. Who knows what she would think if I just stopped. I don't like it either but I want her to get well."

"You're right. I'm sorry." Austin went back to the phone when Sami returned with Will. "What were you saying mom?"

"Hey Will! How's my favorite little nephew?" Carrie played with Will and tried not to look at Austin. She hoped Kate's plan would work.

Sami felt a little jealousy watching Carrie with Will. She didn't want Austin to see them together like that. It might give him ideas about being a family with Carrie. But Austin and Carrie wren't even looking at each other and she had heard their conversation. It sounded like they didn't want to be around each other. She smiled. Everything was going perfectly.

"Mom, I can't do that. I can't go anywhere right now."

Sami turned at Austin's words. What was Kate up to? "Austin, what's wrong?"

"Hold on mom. Mom needs me to go on a business trip."

"A trip? For how long?", Sami was immediately suspicious. Kate was trying to get Austin and Carrie together again. She would bet that Carrie was going to have to go too.

"It's an overnight trip. Look mom, I can't go right now. Wendy and Jonah went out of town. There's no one to help Sami with Will. I can't leave them by themselves."

Sami smiled. Austin was putting her and Will over Carrie.

"Austin, this trip must be important if Kate is asking you to go. Lucas is in London. There must not be anyone else to do it," Carrie said. She watched Sami for a reaction. She wasn't sure but she thought she saw hatred in Sami's eyes but then Sami was back to her sweet self. Maybe she just imagined it.

Sami was trying to think fast. She was sure that Carrie was conspiring with Kate to try and go away with Austin. "Austin, do you have to go? I don't know who could help me with Will either."

Carrie smile. If Kate was right about Sami then it was obvious that Sami was thinking that she and Austin were trying to go away together. "Austin, if Kate really needs you to go on this trip I can stay with Sami and Will. That's alright with you, isn't it Sami? You know how his work can be."

Sami was stunned. What was going on? Could it really be a legitimate business trip? Well, she couldn't keep Austin around 100% of the time. As long as Carrie wasn't going she had nothing to worry about. "That's fine with me. You can go on the trip Austin. Carrie and I will be fine. It'll be just like old times."

"Ok mom. I guess I can go. Where am I going? Ok, I'll pack tonight. What time does the plane leave. Ok, I'll come by our office and pick up the paperwork." Austin had thought that Kate was trying to set him and Carrie up too. He was confused himself. He hung up the phone and looked at Sami and Carrie. "Carrie, are you sure you can stay with Sami? I know how busy you've been at work."

"It's no problem Austin. I can use your computer to work. I won't be able to stay during the day though. I have some errands to run."

Sami felt like she had been punched in the stomach. Had she been fooled? Was Carrie going to try to sneak away with Austin? "What kind of errands?"

"Oh just some shopping. I can take Will with me so you can have some time to yourself. I'll only be gone for a couple of hours tomorrow. That's not a problem is it?"

"No, of course not. Actually, I think I might enjoy some time to myself." Sami was relieved. Carrie was telling the truth. She would only be gone for a couple of hours during the day. Sami made a mental note to call the PI to follow Carrie, just in case.

Austin had been sure that Kate was trying to get him and Carrie together. Something was going on here, but what? "Well, I guess I'd better go over to Titan and pick up those papers. I won't be gone long."

"Ok Austin. I'll start packing for you." Sami was feeling more confident every minute. Everything was working out perfectly.