(A couple days have past. Oh and for those who asked: The Salem PD never questioned Brady about the shootings because they were all having lunch at the Hudson Street Dinner at the time and were too infatuated with Kate to notice anything unusual.)
As she walked down main street, idly glancing at the passing shops and milling pedestrians, ignoring the exaggerated banter of the two girls twittering beside her and the three men adamantly forging plans behind her, taking the time out every once in a while to crank her neck back and see if her son had gotten off of Brady's shoulders yet; Sami tried to figure out if she liked her step brother or not.
Presently, cutie pie that he was, she was leaning more towards not.
Because of Brady, Austin had skipped town, to God knows where, under the foolish notion that Carrie might be in danger. Because of Brady, she had to go begging to Lucas. Had to agree to follow his 'orders'. And worst of all, had to move in with the drunken lout in the practically barren apartment above his 'school'. It was either that or have John handcuff her to his kitchen sink because he supposedly didn't have eyes in the back of his head and couldn't keep watch over her, her mother, and Belle all at the same time (whatever, like she couldn't take care of herself; what did he think she was reckless or something).
And to top it all off, Brady practically worshiped Lucas. For the last two and a half hours she had to listen to the boy ramble on and on about the 'Great Master Roberts' and what an honor it was to meet him, and how he had won this match or that, or performed one impossible stunt after another, and was the story concerning him and the USA Olympics women's gymnastics team true?
Sami wanted to puke.
Of course, Lucas was eating it up, practically glowing from all the praise, yet acting oh-so-humble with his grunts-of-no-comment while simultaneously flying away on his inflated ego. He made her ill. If John hadn't kept pushing the conversation back to the business at hand, namely Ling, she probably would have doubled over in nausea by now.
Yes, at the moment she could completely empathize with Chloe that Brady was nothing more than a Big Pain. But that didn't mean that she didn't find Belle and her best friend's discussion equally sickening. There was only so much whining she could tolerate. Gritting her teeth and clenching her fists as Chloe once more pointed out their complete lack of danger and Belle for the millionth time agreed wholeheartedly, Sami finally reached the breaking point.
"Would you two just Drop It Already!" For Belle's sake, she tried not to sneer; she really, really tried.
"What!?" Both girls turned their shocked and hurt faces towards her.
Damn, she must have sneered.
Chloe looked like she was bordering on apoplexy and Belle appeared teary eyed. Sighing, Sami rubbed her temples and tried a little damage control.
"You heard me. Your constant complaining is useless and basically over nothing."
"How can you say that, when he shadows me where ever I-"
"Go. Yes, I've gotten the picture. Loud and clear. And believe me I can relate, but your problem is easily solved while mine isn't."
At that revelation, Chloe's angry expression instantly turned to one of interest, dropping her voice several decibels she sidled up close to Sami and asked in deadly seriousness, "How so?"
"Brady said that he owed you his life, right? Until the day that he saved your life in return; am I correct?"
"Yes, but I don't -"
"You know, everyone tells me how bright you are, but I'm beginning to have my doubts. . . It's so simple. Put your life in jeopardy, let Brady save you, and you're free." Sami whispered in the girl's ear conspiratorially, a small, satisfied smile tugging at her lips when Chloe sucked in her breath in comprehension and jumped up and down in excitement.
"That's brilliant! Why didn't I think of that! Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you!" Chloe gushed while Sami mentally patted herself on the back with a 'Sweet Lord, I'm Good' and Belle kept piping in wanting to know what was said.
Sami was just about to fill Belle in when Chloe sprinted off running into the middle of the road, right in front of an on-coming semi. Sami's heart dropped at the sight. This was definitely not what she had in mind.
"Chloe STOP!" She called out but to no avail as in slow motion she saw the truck driver slam on his breaks, the vehicle careen to it's side, the tires squealing, the horn blasting, Chloe screaming. In a panic, she yelled at the men to do something, almost ran out into the street herself, but Brady trapped her, his hands on her shoulder, iron in his gaze. In surreal horror, she watched the scene unfold chanting under her breath for Chloe to move, move, move when almost at the last second the girl did, jumping out of the way.
Shaking at the side of the curb, deathly pale, Chloe looked up at them as they all rushed to gather around her, or rather she looked up at Brady staring right into his eyes.
"Why didn't you save me?" She trembled, numbly rising to her feet, smearing the dirt on her hands into her pretty white dress.
"The decision to take one's life is personal and I promised not to interfere in your personal affairs." He stated flatly.
She just stared and then weakly she walked away, Belle and the others trailing behind.
Everybody, except for Sami who stayed with her brother and noticed the slight smile he was trying to hide.
"You wouldn't of let her get hit."
"Of course not. But now she will think twice before placing herself in danger."
It was at that second that Sami decided she liked him. She took his hand in her own and gave it an encouraging squeeze.
"You're a good guy Brady, you're all right with me."