Family of Three
Over breakfast, Nick and Noah exchange lame knock knock jokes. Joining them, Sharon gently scolds Nick for not awakening her. See any movie stars in California? Noah asks. Darth Vader, Nick cracks. Noah goes to get ready for camp. He's in heaven having you back - and me too, Sharon says: You OK? I miss her, Nick says sadly - I never should have let her go out that night. We can't change that, Sharon says - I'm trying to learn how to breathe again - how to have a happy moment. Teach me how to do that, Nick says. Sharon goes behind him again to wrap her arms around his shoulders, encouraging him to share - let go of his anger - tell me how you feel. Nick can't - you wouldn't understand. Sharon suggests he go into the office - Vikki's been handling things. What? Oh right, Nick nods. See ya, he says with a kiss good bye.

Seein' Red
The armed robbery charges have been dropped, Paul informs Jack - Yes he could have told Jack over the phone, but he's worried about Phyllis (who's pinning all her hopes on them being able to clear Daniel after examining the car). If Cassie was driving it changes everything - it's possible the car wasn't thoroughly examined (he's pulling strings to make that happen). They may not be able to prove it. Phyllis arrives: I'll have a hard time handling what?? She came home last night to get things rolling (Daniel will be brought back later today).

Paul updates that they have no witnesses to prove Cassie was driving. The car is their only hope. Phyllis wants to check it now. Paul informs he's off to do just that - I'll do my best to prove Daniel wasn't driving that car. Left in the office, Phyllis wonders if that's supposed to make her feel good. I don't like his attitude. Phyllis clings to Jack and sobs: you make me feel good. She has no time to relax. I have to go work on Victoria - before Nick returns. My son is not a criminal - soon everyone will know it - including the Newman's. The look on their faces will make it all worthwhile to me.

Empty Headed Executives
In Vikki's office, Dru doesn't mind waiting while she reads over the folder she's submitted - I'm very excited about it. My daughter has been found, Dru adds: she'll be back today (but could be looking at jail time). As Vikki looks her Season's project over, Dru offers to make copies for Nick (he'd have to look them over too, right??)

Vikki wants 'her' top people to agree on big projects. I mean 'our' top people. When Dru continues to enquire about Nick's return, Vikki suggests she call him herself. Dru watches as Vikki smiles - you look pleased. Vikki thinks her Season's idea has potential - yeah, you have a green light. Dru still worries about Vikki's ability to make this decision. Vikki understands Dru's position - if you want to bring Nick into the loop, feel free. He won't be back for at least a week. On cue, Nick appears in the doorway. Welcome back, Vikki says with a hug. Dru thanks him for helping to bring Lily home safe, then leaves.

Everything is under control, Vikki assures. Under you control, Nick looks around. Vikki gives him another quick hug. About the company. I hope we're not gonna argue about this. No - what I'm about to say will probably surprise you. Nick has no plans to bury himself in work - I'm here for you, but I won't come here and pretend I'm OK when I'm not. He's OK her hiring Brad. Make no mistake - I will be back (soon, I hope). Nick has only one order: find a replacement for Phyllis. I want her out ASAP. NOW, he insists. On cue, Phyllis marches in: Hi Nick - I'm gonna cut to the chase. I intend to stay - my expertise is critical to this company. Nick, I hope we can get along.

Back home, Dru reads a letter left by Malcolm - who's off to Chicago to take care of some business. She looks out the window: thank you Malcolm, thank you.

Married To The Mob
JT gives Bobby grief for waltzing into the loft like he's paying rent. Bobby's there to do what 'they' want him to do - or else. Shut up and listen - there are people who play for keeps. I've seen some tough guys beg for their lives - it ain't pretty. JT's scared to the point that he wants to get the hell out fast.

Let me rough you up a little - then you make it look like I roughed you up a lot, Bobby insists. JT feels he's already done enough. Bobby grabs him: It's NOT enough! JT tells him to forget it. Bobby will take Brit and leave town - hope no one recognizes. These people never stop looking. Have a nice life, JT answers: I'm going to find Mac and straighten out this disaster you've made of my life. Brit watches - and is filled in by JT. We have to do it right now, Bobby insists. I don't think so, Marsino, JT says. Tell this moron..., he appeals to Brit. What next? I fall down a flight of stairs? Bobby's angry: You don't want to be part of it, go - NOW! JT exits the room. Brit thinks Bobby needs to leave. He tells her not to give up - we'll go on with the plan with or without JT. I'm so scared, Brit cries in his arms. With a kiss, Bobby leaves - and JT comes out to silently watch Brit holding her belly.

Da Club
Brad sits at the club bar. When Jill joins him, she claims she loves her job. She realizes he's angry with Jack, but hopes he'll come out of retirement - and back to Jabot. What you got going on over at Jabot? he asks innocently. Let's let bygones be bygones. What would I be involved in? Jill has lots of interesting things going on - there's a new line of hair care products that will take the world by storm. It's one area NE's not working on. Would you say you're desperate? Brad pries. Yes - you want to see me beg? Jill replies. Brad announces it'd do no good - there's a small issue - I already have a job - I'm working at NE. Jill's stunned. How could you let me divulge company secrets!? She hopes NE isn't going to come out with new hair care products. When Brad suspects they will now, Jill stomps out.

Sharon gets on the treadmill and loses herself in a flashback montage of her history with Nick (set to music of course). Brad greets Sharon - and is glad he's not at Jabot ..never mind. You look great. I'm sweaty - but not crying. Noah's so excited his Dad's home. That's as a parent, Brad says. As a wife? I wish he'd swept me into his arms. He's not as closed off as he used to be. Things are good. He still carries a lot of hatred - but so do I. Sharon fights her tears - I'm gonna be 'Mrs I'm Gonna Get Through This'. I try to concentrate on what a joy Cassie was - how lucky we were to have had her in the first place. I hope Nick will feel the same way. With a slightly ominous look, Brad's certain Nick's gonna soon realize how lucky he is.

My Thoughts
Today's show rates an 8 ... Why does Sharon keep draping herself over Nick's shoulder like some kinda mink stole? .... We're expected to believe Paul's genuinely 'worried' about Phyllis? Wonder how he'd feel if he knew she was the one who ran him over with her rental car (rendering him impotent for a while) ... And Phyllis 'doesn't like his attitude'? Kinda ballsy considering she's not paying Paul for his services .... Um Bobby - it's JT's apartment - why are YOU telling HIM to get out?? ....

Next: Vinnie bellies up to the bar: So, tell me Bob, you do that little task I gave ya? .... Tom bellows at MIke: Shut your mouth! Don't make me shut it for ya... Yeah, I'm gonna continue to work here. You got a problem with that!?

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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.