Monday, July 4th

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

The Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew
Phyllis returns to find the motel room empty. She fumbles in her purse for what appears to be cash bound with an elastic band and what might be a Smoothie flyer the kids were handing out. Neil and Nick return: where the hell have YOU been? We're supposed to stay together, Neil reminds. Where the hell have you been? Nick repeats. Phyllis was at the beach but had no luck. They went back to Brendan's - no luck either. How far could the kids have gotten without money. They know you're waiting for them, Phyllis assumes. How would they know? Nick's suspicious. As Phyllis gripes that she's tired of the accusations, Nick grabs her phone from her purse - no calls from this area code, he says as he checks it. Phyllis grabs her stuff: I've had enough of being treated like the enemy - see you later! she slams out.

We should have followed her. You think she's up to something? Neil asks. Nick has no doubt in his mind. Neil doubts she'd keep anything from them - she can't protect him - the wheels of justice are in motion, man. Nick and Neil then go their separate ways to continue searching.

Phyllis marches into the cafe and asks about the people in food costumes. Who were they? Just a couple of kids looking to make some cash, the young manager replies. He looks at the photos - yeah, that's them. He has no idea where they're staying - they're being paid in cash. Why so anxious to find them? he asks. He's my son, Phyllis explains: Call me when they come back to pick up their money, she instructs. Don't tell them - it's crucial. Thank you. Phyllis turns and looks busted as she finds herself face to face with Nick.

Beach - Blanket - Bingo!
Another night - another fire on the beach for those sand fleas, Lily and Daniel (who are discussing the Phyllis sighting). Daniel's Dad must have called her (after Brendan called him). No - she won't call the cops, Daniel assures: she's always had my back. Maybe she wants to help us, Lily suggests. Daniel doesn't want to get her in trouble too. No buts. What if the cops are following her? he worries - using her to get to us? We've got to be smart - stick to the plan. Work at the cafe until we can get you home.

A man puts his stuff down in the sand and asks them to watch it as he runs after his dog. They hear the DJ announce a song dedication - to Jenna, who was injured in a drunk driving accident. They listen to the song - a sad ballad: How could this happen to me? Daniel puts his head in her lap and watches the flames to a musical montage of the party - Cassie in hospital - his arrest. '... The guy thanks them and takes his radio, leaving them huddled before the fire.

Soon after , Lily leaves Daniel sleeping - and dreaming: Slow down, he hears himself say. Don't worry, Cassie tells him (as she drives). We'll get there - don't worry. Look out! look out! The screeching of car tires - the impact of the crash. Daniel wakes up panting. He stands - but the images keep flooding back. Daniel - don't worry, OK? Cassie repeats: He's laying in the back seat looking ill. It's dark down here - she turns to look at him. Slow down.... again the sound of impact. Lily! Lily! Lily! Daniel shouts out for her. She runs back. I remember - the accident - I wasn't driving! Cassie was!

Post Party Postulating
In the Abbott living room, Sharon dries her tears and apologizes to Brad. Ash interrupts - hey - are you OK? I'm really glad you could spend the holidays with us. Me too, Brad agrees - as Ash looks worried. Thanks for having us - Cassie loved the 4th of July - it helps spending time with people, Sharon smiles. Brad wants to plan another outing for the kids. Sharon would love that - the day at the zoo is just what we needed, she addresses Brad. As Ash wonders when Nick will be home, Abby and Noah come running in after a water balloon fight. You DO have a good arm, Noah praises. Sharon pulls Abby over. We have a full sized soccer field at the ranch - you should come over, 'call-me-Sharon' invites. Ash again interrupts: you've been swimming all day long. Brad assures Abby they'll all get together again. Ash's smile remains pasted on - not quite reaching her eyes.

Brad returns with towels. Can we go see Noah play baseball? Abby asks. Sure, we can, Ash jumps in - then leads Abby upstairs. Brad's sure we'll see each other soon. Noah invites Brad to one of his games - then goes to wait in the car. He's a great kid, Brad smiles: have a good evening. Sharon plans to drop Noah off and head back to the club for that workout she missed. She'll call him with Noah's baseball schedule. Thanks again, Sharon tells Brad (who watches her go with a smile).

Ash comes back down alone (a tired Abby's up watching a DVD): I watched Sharon with Abby earlier - she really comes alive with our little girl. Must remind her of Cassie. You might want to be careful, she warns vaguely. It's not a good idea to let her get too dependent on Abby. NO! Of course Ash wouldn't begrudge Sharon some happiness - just be careful. She questions Brad about how he's doing. I know you - there's more you want to say, Brad guesses. Ash defends herself on how much time she spends (or rather doesn't spend) with Abby. You're thinking of going back to work aren't you? Your competitive genes are kicking in, she suspects. Brad will only say: We may have to make different arrangements with Abby. Ash steers the conversation back to Sharon. Brad feels she's at the end of her rope - I don't know how much longer she can hang on.

Gangsta's In Da Club
With the club now open for business, Paul joins Nikki at her table - and hears all about her day (which was magical). Yes - these are tough times, she agrees. Nick is still in California. Bobby doesn't look very happy tonight, she comments. You'd think he'd be on top of the world, Paul looks. Nikki updates him on Bobby and Brit's break up - it has something to do with your associate - JT's the father of Brit's baby. Bobby threw her out - he's living with her. Paul's puzzled: JT was so excited about Mackenzie. I can't believe Brit would pull something like this. Nikki can - she always knew Brit was self absorbed - Bobby was so in love with her - still is. When she was in the hospital - she wouldn't let Bobby visit her. Nikki adds that Brit came to visit after Cassie died. I thought everything was fine. But they were getting anonymous baby gifts. I figured it was an old friend of Bobby's. Looking over, Paul informs Nikki that Bobby's talking to Vinnie Trabucco - small time hood. What do you think he wants with Bobby? Nikki wonders. They must be talking business, Paul decides: Don't be so sure he's out of it. You don't walk away from a gang like that - they play for keeps.

Vinnie's at the bar: Hey champ - how you holding up? Must be happier without that lying bitch. If it were me... there'd be some serious damage - you don't have a lot to say, Vinnie notes: I got a job for ya. Ready to go back to work? We're moving you into an area you've been in before - great way to let off steam (given all you've been through). This isn't kids stuff. There's things I won't do, Bobby reminds him. Trust me - you'll love your new gig, Vinnie assures: Play your cards right, you can become a made man. Be in touch, Vinnie taps the bar, then leaves.

Approaching the bar, Paul tells Bobby he's sorry about him and Brit. Gee thanks, Bobby says sarcastically. Paul continues: I understand JT's involved. Mind your own business, Bobby growls at him.

Following me now? Bobby asks as Paul enters the steam room. I don't get it - I'm confused, Paul persists: Your wife - my partner - how the hell did THAT happen?

Loft Lift Us Up Where We Belong
JT makes it clear: there's no future for us - I slept with Brit - she's pregnant - I have a responsibility. If she's not the woman you want to be with... then you shouldn't be with her - you should be with me, Mac coerces. JT plays hard to get: Once the kid comes - my life will be over - everything will change. I don't want to hurt you. I know you don't want to be away from me either, Mac pouts. It's my choice to move back here - I want to stand by you. Let me help you. You made a mistake - doesn't make you a bad person. Mac's kinda impressed that he's doing the right thing. It's because of you - you changed me, JT says - brought so much to my life. You have no idea. You changed me too, Mac claims: You gave me a reason to trust again, she says with a kiss. Why'd you do that? JT asks after the fact: So what if I kissed you back. I can't be what you want me to be. We can't go back to the way things were - stop - this kid changes everything - I can't have you hanging around. I don't want you messed up on this. Maybe one day you'll forgive me. Not likely, Mac sniffles: I wish I never came back here. Makes two of us, JT claims: I don't need you in my life anymore. It's best we go our separate ways. How could I have been so wrong about you? Mac wonders. You used me. JT's unapologetic: You knew what kind of guy I was - guess you needed a reality check. More like a wake up call, Mac corrects: Don't worry - I'll forget you, she marches to the door - then turns to say: you never really loved me at all, did you? Don't make me say it, JT says coldly - as a devastated Mac leaves.

Newman Nymphs
Nikki waves Sharon over: where have you been all day? The Abbott's had a pool party, Sharon explains - like the ones we used to have. Brad asked me to go - he didn't want me and Noah to be alone. That was sweet of him, Nikki opines. I'm sure Nick will be home soon - try not to be impatient. Brad talked to me about that. He said Nick's feeling powerless - the only thing he can do is avenge Cassie death. Nikki thinks Brad's right. But it doesn't matter if Sharon understands - she feels cut off from her husband. And what about Noah? He lost his sister. Even when he calls, he's distant - obsessed with finding Daniel. It won't bring Cassie back. Hearts will still be broken. Nikki understands - but asks her to be patient. Things will get batter, Sharon agrees - they have to. I'll do anything I can to make sure that happens.

My Thoughts
Today's show rates an 8...

Happy 4th of July!!!

Next: Paul tells Bobby: In my line of work - people call me when they're in trouble - know anybody like that? ..... Brit appeals to Kevin: I know you have feelings for Mac - now's your chance... With Daniel by her side, Lily calls from a payphone - we're coming back to GC. Thank God for that, Malcolm's relieved.

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.