Wednesday, July 6th

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

The Kids and The Keystone Kops
You're awfully quiet, Nick scowls and furrows his unibrow. Maybe I'm praying, Phyllis replies (surprisingly, lightening bolts do not strike her dead). Brendan will be furious (at the police swarming the place), she warns. Officer Contrerez suggests Phyllis tell them if she knows anything - before the kids get in deeper than they already are.

As Malcolm updates Chris, Paul walks into the club and heads towards him and the skeptical Chris: You won't believe what Malcolm just told me. Paul thinks it seems awfully convenient. But, Chris thinks it explains why Cassie was so desperate to reach Daniel (not for a minute wonderign why Cassie didn't manage to utter 3 little words: 'I was driving'). If he'd claimed it from the beginning, it'd have more credibility, Paul says. Bottom line, Chris might have something to build a defense on. She got nothing from the witnesses she interviewed to back it up. It'll be hard to prove. Eureka! Paul has an idea but needs to get to the office to make a few phone calls. Malcolm thanks them - he has to believe Daniel's a good kid who's just made some bad choices. Chris wholeheartedly agrees.

At the club, Sharon spots Chris, Paul and Malcolm - and calls Nick's cell: Hi honey - it's me. Good to hear your voice. (same here, Nick replies as he remembers to ask about Noah). When you coming home? We're getting close - the police are on it, Nick assures: Won't be much longer. But no - he can't come home - I need you to understand. Sharon hangs up. Brad joins her and hears she spoke to Nick (who thinks they're close). That's good news, he says: he'll be home soon. I know they're talking about the search for Daniel, Sharon eyes the nearby table. I was thinking of taking Abby and Noah out for a picnic. Squirming, Brad will have to check with Ash. You're worried I'll get too close to her, Sharon guesses. Or rather, Ash is worried. You have a lot of healing, Brad says diplomatically. Sharon understands perfectly - it's not fair for me to transfer my feelings about Cassie to someone else's child. She brought back memories for me - so great to see Noah laugh - I mean really laugh. Nothing better in the world to hear. One of the thousands of things I miss - thanks for being a good friend. I'll try not to be a burden, she smiles. Where did that come from? he wonders. I dunno - just a feeling I have. Sharons isn't sure finding Daniel will give Nick the peace he needs. Thanks for being such a good listener - as always, she leaves to pick up Noah.

You still praying? Nick snaps - that your son's long gone. He better not drag Lily.... Neil chimes in. She went of her own free will, Phyllis points out. Heisler comes in: Marissa - call came in over the radio - robbery at a local gas station - owner shot - two suspects seen fleeing the scene fits the kid's description. You're crazy! Neil jumps in immediately: you're supposed to serve and protect - I resent your implication! Phyllis voices similar protest. People do unpredictable things when pushed to the limit, Officer Contrerez states. Of course it's not them - wrong place wrong time, Neil and Phyllis are sure. Call the police on the scene - tell them they aren't dangerous. Lily's not, Nick interjects. It's a crime scene, the officers stop them from attending. Maybe they just meant to take money and something went wrong. Daniel and Lily listen outside as Phyllis defends them: It's not Lily and Daniel! Why'd they run? the cops wonder. Scared - They aren't thinking clearly - they're kids - take me to that gas station, she implores: Maybe he left a clue. I'll be able to find him. Neil and Nick get the feeling she's hiding something. Tell us! You better get Lily away from that loser of she'll end up like my daughter, Nick warns. Neil wonders how to find the kids before the cops. What do we have to go on? Nick grabs Phyllis' purse: what is it you don't want us to see? Why do you have this cash and this ticket?! I saw them at the beach, Phyllis admits (neglecting to tell Neil his daughter was disguised as a strawberry). You wanted to fly them out of the county! Nick accuses. Not Lily - just Daniel she confesses. (Back in GC, Malcolm leaves a message for Neil - I have news about Daniel and Lily - call me). Phyllis is under heavy fire: What the hell were you thinking? They're going to go to jail - don't you want to give your daughter a good life? she appeals to Neil. Thanks to you - you've ruined my daughter's life. She knows Nick wants revenge - but IS going to save her son. I'll do anything to protect him! she clip clops out.

Lily gasps - then gags at the sight of the fallen body: we need to call the police - an ambulance! Predictably worried aboout his own hide, Daniel hustles her off. Outside Brendan's they've heard enough: They think we killed that guy!! Lily's panicked: we could go to jail for the rest of our lives! Daniel hugs her: I won't let anyone hurt you! (cause he's done a stellar job of protecting her thus far).

Girlz Rule - Boys Drool
A patronizing Vic's impressed and proud with the way Vikki's jumped in. Woman's gotta do what a woman's gotta do, Vikki glows proudly. Vic hopes they'll fulfill his fondest dreams. Run NE as a team. Vikki runs the idea of bringing Brad Carlton onboard. Vic doubts it'll work. If I cut his name off the resume, you'd hire him on the spot, Vikki believes (doubtful because then it'd look like Jack Abbott's resume). Vic's not fond of that fellow. He'll be working with me - not you, Vikki reminds. Vic agrees to let her prove she's right - no catch - but it'll take a lot of convincing. He knows the territory - has worked here before. He and Jack Abbott tried to stab me in the back. Took over when they thought I'd been killed, Vic gripes. He's worked with all our key people - actually it was Sharon's suggestion, Vikki continues. Now it's Vic's turn again: He's a shareholder in Jabot - sits on the board. Vikki points out he was passed over for CEO - he hates Jack Abbott. Vic won't fight her. Vikki's impressed: you really are allowing me to make my own decisions. There will be a probationary period, she assures. He kisses her forehead: Bye my darling - nice chatting with you.

Vikki calls Bradski and hears he had a difficult conversation. I have something to cheer you up - meet me in Dad's office - correction MY office first thing tomorrow. (Oh yeah? If it's your office why isn't YOUR portrait on the wall?).

Ole Buddy, Ole Pal
Tom confirms Ash's father and stepmother aren't home - then comes on in and removing his baseball cap, accepts a glass of water. The Abbott's are Cubbies fans all the way. Figures - you yuppie types, Tom teases. You're classy. Ash disagrees: Yeah - I was real classy when I dove for that foul ball. Woulda been more impressive if I caught it. Tom thinks more and more that they have a lot in common. He likes that he wasn't in control today - takes the pressure off. Ash thinks Callahan needs to relax. He had a great time - impressed she took the trouble - feels like you 'get me'. Ash loves baseball. Next date, Tom will take her out for her kind of evening - dancing at a romantic club - gaze into each others eyes... Ash looks awkward - there's something we need to talk about. I'm gonna be busy this week - spending time with my little girl - Plus, I'm seeing Paul. I don't want to lead you on. I've been giving you mixed signals. I need to make sure we're on the same page. I see us as platonic. No - she's not serious with Paul - I don't want to be serious with anyone - I'm not even divorced from Brad. I like you - love spending time with you - as a friend. As for anything more.... Tom asks her to wait before deciding. I don't feel right about leading you on. Friendship has more legs than a lot of my romances, Ash jokes: Hope you're OK with that. It wouldn't work anyway - you're a Cubs fan, Tom jokes. No - he's not upset. He appreciates her honesty. Yeah - we'll be buddies. Outside, he looks toubled.

Legal Briefs
Still glowing from her role as party hostess, Gloria (thankfully not in her pink flamingo get up) visits Mike's office to report she did hire a lawyer: Ms Schwartz. Is she good? It can be done in 6 weeks. No - she didn't mention his name, or tell anyone - except Lauren. Mike's not happy. What part of 'don't tell anybody don't you understand'!? I was upset to learn my marriage wasn't legal, Gloria sputters. It's NOT null and void, Mike insists. I ran into her by accident - needed someone to confide in, Gloria whines. I hope you kept my name out of it. Not exactly, she admits sheepishly: I told her it was your idea. What's the big deal? Of course, Mike trusts Lauren - it's about damage control. Promise me you won't say another word. I don't understand, Gloria's puzzled. You don't HAVE to understand - just don't say another word, Mike orders. She babbles as soon as Lauren enters and asks what's going on. You know that stuff I told you earlier - he just read me the riot act - it's supposed to be hush hush. Gloria! Mike dismisses her. What was that all about? Lauren asks.

Gloria has a big mouth - she shouldn't have talked about what I suggested, Mike frowns. Lauren doesn't see the big deal: it's a brilliant plan. Mike was trying to protect her. If someone found out, I could lose my license to practice law. Lauren DID feel odd talking about it - knowing Tom's not only alive - but in town. Being coconspirators is kind of a turn on, Mike kisses her - then locks the door - whaddaya have in mind? he asks. First I have to clear the work off my desk. What'll that take? 2 hours? Lauren looks at the piles of paperwork. In one fell swoop, Mike sweeps it to the floor, then lifts the giggling Lauren onto the desk, and removes his jacket.

*Afterwards*, Lauren sits in Mike's lap - let's save the hassle and go to Vegas. Gloria and Kevin are so into this wedding, Mike points out: I don't want to take it away from them. Plus I want the whole world to know - and I'm anxious to meet your son. Lauren hugs him - smileless.

My Thoughts
Today's show rates an 8 ... Sure Phyllis - and how exactly would that prayer go? Dear God - please help my son escape taking responsibility for his actions. Oh, and never mind that pesky old 'thou shalt not kill' commandment .... Where IS Brendan anyway? Would you leave 3 strangers with free run of your home? Two are strangers you don't particularly care for - and one you only know as "trouble". Wouldn't ya want to keep an eye on them? ... PAUL thinks he might have a way to prove Cassie was behind the wheel - not Daniel? Why isn't HE out there looking for the kid his ex wife, and current business partner loves like a son?? How about some good old fashioned forensics science investigation? Will they exhume Cassie's body? Or will Paul concoct some inept, covert operation? ... And isn't he going to be rather busy being Bobby's lifeline as he goes undercover into the mob (as IF they'd ever let THAT happen again - hasn't anybody in GC seen Goodfellas?) He already ratted em out once. The Mob's not known for it's ability to forgive and forget - top mafioso are in jail because of Bobby's last sting operation. Oh yeah - you'll be a 'made' man all right Bobby) ... Never mind that Lily and Daniel's prints won't be on the murder weapon (if it's ever recovered). Never mind that neither have blood on them - or the cash stolen from the register ... Never mind that a phone trace would prove they were on the phone to Malcolm when the actual robbery was taking place ... Bring in Webber and Glen Richards and they'll build a solid case against em anyway ... Sharon continues to conduct herself in an admirable manner - making Nick look more and more the insensitive jerk. Me thinks we're being set up to accept and condone Sharon's next fling (unlike her past dalliances - when she just wasn't feeling desirable enough) .... My God - Lauren's son Scotty is mentioned! Won't that instantly age his eternal tween Mom - the 'kid' has to be in his mid 20's by now. What next!? Nate Hastings? Kate Valentine? Victor JR? Ricky Williams? ... As if any man would want to be 'friends' with the droll lab rat Ashley Abbott - a man would only tolerate her with hopes of tickling her test tubes (which he'd likely also find boring) ...

Next: Bobby tells JT: These boys figure it out, they'll take me out just for messing with them... Neil runs across the road towards the kids: Lily! Lily!! ... At the club, Vinnie looks up at Nikki (she wonders if he's a member). You mean I don't fit it? Hand on hip, Nikki looks down her nose at Vinnie - No, you don't.

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.