Tuesday, May 31st

Copyright Toni's Spoiler Site. Not to be republished.

Good Grief
Ashley's somewhat surprised when Nikki asks her a favour: Allow Vic some time with Abby - help fill a void in his life. Tragedy has a way of making one realize what's really important. I'd appreciate it if you'd think about it.

With little prodding, Neil gets Dru to fess up that Daniel has disappeared - Lily knows where he is - AND has confided in Malcolm (who's dodging questions). Neil will be the one to go talk to Malcolm. Tell the family I said good bye, he requests as he hurries out.

Noah's in the study - Miguel's with him - don't worry, Doris tells a nervous Sharon. Where did Nicholas go? She then asks Vikki (who confides he stepped out. To be honest, I'm a little worried about him).

Jack apologizes to Vic: Phyllis had no business showing up. She's sick with worry. My family is sick with grief, Vic replies: Please keep her away. Done, Jack replies (which Vic appreciates - and moves on without further word).

Brad seats himself beside the lonely Sharon: It was a nice service. I don't understand why people keep saying it was a nice service - I didn't see anything nice about it, Sharon replies. He tries again: Is there anything I can do? Like what? Sharon wonders - What can anyone DO Brad? If you need anything - come to me, Brad invites. Where's Nick? he wonders: It must be killing him. It's killing ME too, Sharon sulks: and my husband isn't here.

Sharon shows Brad her favourite photo of Cassie from an album - she was really starting to blossom. Brad recalls Colleen growing into a lovely young woman overnight. A daughter is really something wonderful. Cassie and I had our ups and downs - but shared a special bond. We'd just started to get things back on track- it wasn't meant to be. Cassie's here, Brad encouraged - you WILL smile again. Sharon knows he's been though this before - you understand - burying your child - it hurts so much, but Sharon doesn't want to let go of the pain.

Nikki insists to Kay that everything is fine - Yes I DO have to play hostess - I have to keep busy so I don't cry - excuse me, Nikki walks out of the dining room.

Glad to see Phyllis isn't here, Vikki cracks at Jack. That was a stupid thing for her to do - her son is the reason we're here. How insensitive can she be? Jack's sorry - but she's in hell. Cut her some slack. None of the Newman's will cut her slack, Vikki assures: she better start looking for a job. NE is no place for her - she should resign. She's not the enemy, Jack gently points out: she's going through hell worried her son will go to jail for years. At least she can visit - we'll never see Cassie again, Vikki scowls. After she moves on, Dru shows up: that seemed intense. Jack wonders where Nick is - and doesn't think things EVER get 'normal' after losing a child. Dru believes Neil will be running things at NE for some time - I don't see Nick returning any time soon. Jack absorbs that tidbit with a thoughtful nod.

Vic finds Nick punching away on the heavy bag: feels good to vent your rage doesn't it? Nick feels like he could kill someone. Then stick to the bag, Vic advises. People are at the house - you should be up there. Nick's in no mood to be consoled. Vic understands: remember in boxing, I taught you to keep your chin down - there are moments you have to keep your chin up - this is one of those moments. He walks out.

Back at the house, Sharon's annoyed to find Miguel took Noah out to play ball. Thanks Miguel - I'll stick with him now, she says protectively.

When John offers condolences, Vic appreciates it: you've always been a good friend of the family. If there's anything I can do, let me know. Vic thanks him: my son and daughter in law are devastated. John believes in time, they'll get through this. Yes - it's hard to see your children in pain - All you can do is be there for them. Vic thanks him again.

Nicholas - where have you been? Sharon snaps when he returns. I wish you told me you were leaving. I wanted to be by myself, Nick mutters. Fine - Sharon stomps off. Chris (and Paul) then offer condolences. You're representing Daniel, Nick accuses: I want to talk to him. Cassie was infatuated with him. I need to find out how much control he had over her - they met at the park - she got in his car - why would she do that? He manipulated her. Just before she died, she told me not to blame him - said it wasn't his fault - then she died. You think Daniel put her up to that? Chris asks. I found him in her room, Nick explains: he put her up to it (knowing it was his only hope). Sharon flashes back to Cassie practicing her new signature (Which one do you like? This one - it's happy and free - reminds me of the joy you bring us every day, Sharon says. Then that's the one I pick, Cassie is thrilled).

Ever the attorney, Chris tells Paul that she can't see Daniel manipulating Cassie - or her lying to protect him. It doesn't add up. Vic approaches Nick to suggest he say a few words to their guests,. They came to honour Cassie - and all of us. They'd love to hear words from Cassie's father. Nick reluctantly thanks everyone for coming today. Cassie would have been touched by the outpouring of love and support. But he can only feel anger: Everyone in this room knows who killed her. I hope Daniel Romalotti spends the rest of his sorry life behind bars. I'll do whatever I can to make sure that kid gets what's coming to him. After he marches off, Vic apologizes: my son is distraught - thank you for coming.

Mom look, Noah prods: Cassie's flowers are starting to bloom. All come over to stand side by side and admire the abundance of full pink roses in the case behind a framed photo of a smiling Cassie.

Haunted Mansion
In the Abbott study, Gloria gives Geeta details ont he voices she claims to have heard: They voices were bouncing from room to room. Nu-uh, she never heard anything in here. A skittish Gloria has to get going: try to relax. Left alone, Geeta clutches her amulet and mutters. Gloria happily reports to Kevin that Geeta is climbing the walls. Kevin has it all under control - get outta here. Fingers crossed - Gloria grabs her purse.

In the study, Geeta hears eerie voices: Get out of my house - you shouldn't be here.... She stands (hand again grips the amulet)....Get out while you can... Fleeing to the living room, she opens the cabinet: It's not the stereo! Startled, she answers the doorbell. Hi Geeta - is my Mom around? Kevin asks innocently: Tell her I stopped by - see ya. Kevin - please don't go, Geeta pleads: Come in and sit with me for a while.

Geeta relays the voices she's been hearing - I swear on my Grandmother's grave. She feels there's spirits in the house. I have experience in this sort of thing. Kevin displays the right amount of concern. Please stay - it would mean so much to me. Kevin eyes her hand on his knee. Sure - but do you know when the Abbott's will be coming home? At Geeta's suggestion, they move to the study.

All Steamed Up
Still in his shirt, Neil walks into the sauna and tells the bare chested, towel clad Malcolm that he needs to talk - now. He soon returns in a towel: Does Lily know where Daniel is? Ask Lily, Malcolm suggests. No - I'm asking YOU. I'm worried about her too, Malcolm points out. Neil sees him talking - but nuthin's coming out. Daniel's a fugitive. How can you let Lily get mixed up in this? She could be in trouble with the police. I'm Lily's father - it's my job to protect her. Malcolm thinks he should let it go. What if she IS hiding Daniel?? Neil will tell the police. She'll rebel - is that what you want? To lose your daughter? Malcolm asks. She's hiding a fugitive - she could go to jail, Neil stresses: You're not doing her any favours by protecting her. Step up and do the right thing (before we can't get her out of it).

At the club, Mac is enjoying showing the uncoordinated JT some Yoga moves. let's try something else, they laugh... JT suggests they stake a steam together. Mac balks (there's separate rooms for men and women). That kind of adventure I don't need. Guess you're not as fearless as I thought, JT challenges as he walks off.

Clad in a towel, JT sits in the steam room and chuckles when he earns a wolf whistle (from Mac). I didn't think you'd take me up on it. Mac's not one to back down from a challenge. You're not shy are you? She thanks him for the date - the best of her life. Sometimes you have to expect the unexpected, JT smiles. Mac wants to talk about their next date: white water rafting? Swimming with sharks - should get the blood pumping. JT can get the blood pumping right here. He gives her a kiss, then stops: on second thought - maybe this isn't a good idea. Too hot for you? Mac teases: Good thing the glass is already steamed up, she says as she kisses him. JT pauses again - I have to go. See you upstairs.

My Thoughts
Today's show rates a 9 ... Why didn't Mac attend the funeral? - she knew Cassie from the rec center project ... Cassie's death, tragic as it is, opens up a whole world of possible storylines for the characters of Nick and Sharon. The death of their daughter seems to be driving a wedge between them (as opposed to bringing them closer). An affair on Sharon's part is highly likely (perhaps with Brad - who has a fair haired little girl of his own. Will her overprotectiveness of Noah be a problem? ... Nick seems destined to alienate not only his wife - but us viewers. His anger is understandable, but shunning Sharon definitely returns him to 'jerk' status. The scowling unibrow is sure to get real old - real fast... And how long will Nikki acknowledge 'what's really important' (and include Vic's biological daughter, Abby amongst those important thing)? Once she comes to accept the loss of Cassie, will she still welcome Abby (who's a package deal with Mommy Ashley)... How many voids is Abby supposed to fill? Ashley herself suddenly wants more time with her - now Vic? ... Victor states that John's always been a good friend of the family? Does that include the time John came over and sucker punched him in the nose as soon as he opened the front door? How horrific would it be if the smarmy, towel clad Terrible Tom had sauntered into the steam room. His evil grin would be enough to give Mac goose bumps - no matter how hot the room may be ... JT's all talk - what happened to HIS sense of adventure? .... Duh Neil: Of course Lily's helping Daniel? Haven't you noticed her leaving every day with a big brown paper bag? Haven't you noticed the bread doesn't seem last until the expiry date anymore? .... Kevin looks like he'd like to get his hands on Geeta's amulets all right - implausible as it may seem, he might just get his chance. And if past predicts future, he'll soon be saying MacKenzie who? (just as he forgot all about his fixation on Lauren as soon as Mac came along) Say all you want about Gloria's boys - but they sure are one women men ... But since when does being a bookkeeper make him a computer whiz?

For those who were members of the message boards - and therefore, no doubt, a friend of 'Leafy's' - Amy Kay has created a very touching tribute. http://dump.grendosa.com/Leafy.wmv . Just added: my own eulogy or sorts. My thoughts: From the heart - Leafy.

Next: Geeta compliments Kevin: After spending some time with you, you're not at all what I expected. At the club, Malcolm tells Phyllis: Lily and I talked- it's our business - it's got nothing to do with you. She knows something doesn't she?? Phyllis persists ... From behidn the bar, Bobby tells Ang: He can threaten me all he wants - at the end of the day, what's he gonna do??