Friday, June 10th

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

Nuclear Newman's
Vikki teases Brad for playing on his laptop at the coffeehouse - oh how the mighty have fallen. Brad understands she has a reason for not working - Sharon needs your support. They both do, Vikki corrects. Sharon's devastated - Nick was at the office. He's so angry. It's getting the better of him, Vikki worries - wish I could help. I've decided to stay in GC - for now. Brad's happy to hear that. She feels weird not doing anything. Brad can relate. He's keeping up with his investments - the market. Playing a little solitaire, Vikki correctly guesses. Brad's in no hurry to join the rat race - I don't want to do what I've done before. She's almost tempted to take him up in his suggestion that they go into business together. We have a ton of experience between us. Vikki has to go pick up Noah at the rec center - we'll be in touch.

Sharon arrives home to find the place in shambles. She picks up Cassie's shattered photo and asks Nick what happened?? Why? Talk to me - please. Nick scowls: I just came from seeing Christine. Daniel skipped his arraignment - our little girl's killer is a fugitive. So - you ripped up our home, Sharon's bewildered. I want to get my hands on him. No one knows where he is, Nick explains. Sharon still doesn't understand. Nick continues: the house seemed so empty - Cassie's gone. All the flowers make it worse. I was overwhelmed. I lost it - I'm a mess. Sharon points out how Noah would feel if he walked in. Don't you understand how empty 'I' feel!? You have to find another way to deal with your anger. You cannot go on this way. I know he's responsible - and I hope he pays - but the anger and violence is NOT what Cassie would want. Be here for Noah and me - that's what Cassie would want. That's what I want - I can't go through this alone. You have a wife and son who need you. Nick doesn't know how to handle it - I've never been through anything like it. Sharon too is dying inside - and I'm all alone. You have me. No, I don't, Sharon cries: you disappeared the day Cassie died. Nick holds her: I'm so sorry, he repeats.

I can't rest until Daniel's caught and in prison, Nick claims. They're covering for him. Sharon agrees it's not fair but don't take the law into your own hands. Don't go after him - promise me. I lost my daughter - I don't want to lose you too. Vikki brings Noah in - He notices the damage and is told Nick had a little accident. The kids made him a sympathy card - he plans to hang it over his bed. Noah gives Aunt Vikki a hug and goes upstairs with Sharon. You OK? What happened? Vikki asks. Nick couldn't handle it anymore. So, you acted out. It felt like I was doing something- for Cassie, he answers. No - this is for you. You holding Sharon in your arms - THAT's something you can do for her. Vikki cleans up the mess as Nick complains he's a basketcase. Vikki knows he has the Newman strength - quiet patience and restraint. We inherited it. Dad never sacrificed his dignity. Learn from that. Nick bends down to help clean up.

Antagonizing The Abbott's
At the club, Ashley gets a warm welcome from Gina - they then sneer at Gloria (she's not on my top 10 list of favourites). Gina forces a smile as she goes to greet John. She comments on how well he's doing. Lots of physical therapy and the help of a loving wife, Gloria chimes in. I didn't know you'd be here, John tells Ash. But Gloria sure did - didn'tcha? she snarls. Join us - table for three, John and Gloria say. Ashley stops her. I think she's meeting someone here, Gloria whispers to John. A date? he wonders. You're seeing someone? No - just an acquaintance, Ash states. Look at that glow, Gloria purrs. I don't have a glow, Ash snaps: You'll be the first to know Daddy.

Meanwhile, Gina greets Tom: nice to see you again. He looks over and sees Ashley with Gloria and John. Ashley walks over and admires his new suit. I was with my father and his so called wife. So, that's he wicked stepmother, Tom smirks. Ashley has lost her appetite - don't think this crazy - but let's go work out. Tom looks over at John and Gloria clinking glasses and forcing a smile, agrees.

Tom isn't really dressed for working out - but Ash can't be in the same room as Gloria. Tom doffs his jacket and bends down to pick up a dumbbell. He removes his tie. I do a lot of manual lab our - build houses. Not afraid to get my hands dirty. Just for grins - why don't you teach me the right way to work out. You're gonna get sweaty, Ash warns as she picks up smaller dumb bells - this is called a curl, she demonstrates. She comments that it's intriguing the way he came in from nowhere and tried to get her to support her father's marriage. Tom goes off to get some water.

Once seated, Gloria and John gossip about Ashley: You think she's trying to hide her new beau? She's always been private - and John's not one to interfere. Gloria finds that ironic and again apologizes for keeping her son's identities secret - I regret it more than you can know. John asks her to be honest: I need to know if there's any other secrets you haven't told me.

Gloria swears on her life - there are no more secrets - you know about my sons - my marriages. There's nothing more - except, I've never loved anyone the way I love you. No response... I've imposed on your life way too long. Do you feel any of the sparks that you felt when we first met and fell in love? No - John hasn't forgotten. Gloria recalls the cruise captain marrying them in the moonlight. We didn't leave our cabin for 2 days. John hadn't been that happy in years Let me make you happy again - let me be your wife - tonight. John chuckles: I'm not 100% - but the doctor says he can resume his normal life. Gloria thinks it a positive sign that he asked the doctor about 'it'. John goes to pay the bill at the bar. Gloria tips a little package of powder into John's glass: you've got the will - now we need to make sure you got the way. Gonna be a hot time in the Abbott mansion tonight, she chortles.

Tom returns with the water to find his cell is ringing - and Ash has dug in his coat pocket to retrieve it. What the hell are you doing? he barks at her.

Takin' Care O' Business
Jack finds Jill very busy at work: Putting Jabot back on top's a full time job. I wish I could clone myself. Humankind's not ready for that - there's another answer, Jack claims: Hire a right hand. Jill agrees - until she hears he wants her to hire Victoria Newman. Don't be paranoid - hiring her would make you look good. It'd be a coup - she has a hell of a reputation in the cosmetics community. Jill doubts she'd accept anything but the top job - but will welcome her as long as she knows SHE's working for ME. Jack's thrilled that Jill's accepting the idea. He's just trying to build the best team he can. Brad bursts in - you busy? Yeah - up to my neck, Jill answers. I'll be in touch about that new hire, Jack says on his way out.

Nice to see you - how you been? Jill asks. Brad's enjoying his freedom. Ever think about coming back? No - he won't work under the Jack Abbott regime. He's kicking around a couple of ideas - starting up something new - with someone. The person he has in mind has experience and backing. Jack's hiring someone new? Who? Does the name Victoria ring a bell? Jill replies. Isn't that fascinating - after what the family's going through. Brad doubts the offer is from the goodness of Jack's heart. He's a sewer rat. You sure you're OK with this? What changed your mind? Jill's not worried about losing her job - and doubts Vikki will accept being second in command anyway. He's wasting his time. Brad stalls Jill long enough to wish her luck. Taking his file, Brad leaves.

At the Abbott home, Malcolm updates Phyllis that Lily left him a message at Olivia's - they're 'outta here'. He grabs his cell: I need to report a stolen car. Are you insane!? Phyllis balks. Malcolm knows they're scared - they will make a mistake - God forbid a deadly one. Phyllis agrees: maybe the police can catch them - but please don't make it easier for them. Malcolm reluctantly puts his cell away - but guesses JT or Chris have already notified the police. Phyllis realizes he's right - and is sorry Lily got drawn into this mess. Malcolm blames himself - I thought she'd realize it was hopeless. It's hard being tough on your kid when you don't have a history. Malcolm thinks he should have taken a harder line. No - they'd have bolted, Phyllis says. You're behaving like a parent. Malcolm isn't sure what to say to Neil and Dru. Jack arrives. Call me if you hear anything, Malcolm says as he leaves. My son's officially a fugitive -Phyllis appreciates all Jack's support. I'll need you in the days ahead. How will I face the Newman's again? Jack invites her to come and work for him.

My Thoughts
Today's show rates an 8.5... What kind of business could Brad and Vikki possibly start up? A competitor for Jabot and NE? Hardly - not with Brad busy paying solitaire ... and how typical that Jill's secretary would be a young man .... Good for Vikki for giving it to Nick straight - now make him clean up his own mess! At least he seems to realize he's being a jerk (who thought Sharon would ever be the reasonable one) ... Gina has no business passing comment on her clientele - she should be more discreet ... Gloria's nuts to be slipping anything in John's drink - Viagra? What if he has some kinda reaction? Did she not just swear that she had no more secrets?? ... Tom looks like he's never lifted a weight in his life ....

Next: Mike asks Lauren: You'd tell me if you were having doubts - wouldn't you? .. Nikki tattles to Vic that Vikki got a call from Jack Abbott. What di dhe want? Vic wonders .... Neil reminds Malcolm that he's Lily's Uncle - her little buddy - you don't know the first thing about being a parent.

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.