“Thanks EJ,” She placed the baby carrier on the couch and picked up Ali who was sound asleep, “Let me go put her down and then we can talk.” Within a few moments she was back in the living room. She sat on the couch next to EJ and had a serious look on her face. She was trying to approach the subject lightly because she knew EJ would have a problem with what she was about to ask.

He noticed the concern written in her eyes and was alarmed. He took her hand in his and held it tight, “What’s wrong sweetheart?” She took a deep breath and looked into his eyes, “I need you to do something for me.”

“Of course, darling, I would do anything for you?”

“Anything?”

“Yes, Samantha”, he played with her hair and then caressed her neck, “Now what it is darling?”

“I want you to hit me” She said matter of factly. EJ’s eyes went wide, “What did you say?” She moved to face him, “Hit me.”

He shook his head no, he couldn’t believe that she would ask this of him, “No Samantha. Anything but that. I can’t. I won’t.”

She looked at him imploringly and took his face into her hands, “EJ, please, for the next part of our plan to work we have to make it look like Lucas has beaten me up. The social worker saw him grab me so she will back me up. I’ll just say that I went back to the apartment after she left and Lucas was very angry over what happened and took it out on me. Then you can tell the police that you heard the commotion from across the hall and rescued me.”

“There has to be another way darling. I don’t think I can hit you.”

“You can. Come on. Just do it quickly and it will be done.” She sat there and braced herself for the blow, “Slap me and draw blood.  EJ pursed his lips and closed his eyes. He hesitated briefly and drew his hand back and wailed it against her face. She cried out in pain and brought her hand against her face. A trickle of blood ran out from the corner of her mouth. She rubbed her cheek. “Oh God, Samantha darling, I’m so sorry. I’m sorry baby.” He tried to comfort her but she pulled away. “Now grab my arms and bruise me.” He didn’t want to but he knew the game had gone too far and it was too late to back out now. He grabbed her forcefully and she winced in pain. “Harder,” she said through clinched teeth. He obliged and she began to sob. Unable to take seeing her in pain he let go.

With tears in his eyes he held her close while she sobbed. He whispered, “Why did you make me do that darling? Why?” She sat up and wiped her tears. “Okay now you have to take me to the hospital. Let’s get our stories straight okay.” She recounted the events and told EJ what he should say when questioned.

They gathered up the twins and headed to the ER. Once inside, EJ began the next phase of their plan. He began to yell for help. “I need help, someone has beat up my wife, please hurry.” The nurse ran to Sami’s side and began to administer to her. EJ got the attention of a doctor, “I need you to call Bo Brady at the Salem Police Department and tell him to get down here. Lucas beat up his niece!”