Law n' DisOrder
Vic welcomes Glen Richards into the ranch - he appreciates him taking the time to come out knowing the DA doesn't usually work outside the office. Glen hopes a man of Victor Newman's stature and prominence isn't trying to put undue pressure on him. Victor would just like some consideration. He knows Daniel deserves a fair trial - but Vic would like that trial to happen as soon as possible. His family won't be able to heal until the trial brings some closure. It's an open and shut case. Justice delayed is justice denied. Justice for whom? Glen asks. Frowning his disapproval, Vic feels he's more concerned with Daniel's rights than those of the victim's family.

At the juvenile detention center, Phyllis has a moment alone to thank Jack for his support, whine about being fired - and assure him that tests on the car WILL prove Daniel's innocence. Daniel's surprised to see Jack. Anything I can do for ya? Yeah - get me the hell out of here, Daniel asks. Jack assures Daniel that he believes him too - but the Judge and DA need tangible proof. The car was totaled. Jack thinks he needs to 'deal' with his situation - it's time for reflection. You were drunk that night (and still bear a lot of responsibility). Daniel can totally see that. As Phyllis moves in to protect and defend Daniel - he understands, and thanks Jack for for being a good friend to his Mom. She means the world to me - I'll always be there for her, Jack assures. Daniel's relieved - one less thing to worry about. We're gonna work this out - believe in me, Phyllis says. After Daniel's lead out, Jack gives her a comforting hug from behind.

Meanwhile, Chris and Paul go over the police report at the station. Given the state of the car, it's a miracle anyone survive - and that they'd be able to get evidence to support Daniel's claim. They've hired one of the best forensics experts. Yeah, the car was totaled - but surely they can prove the seat's been moved up or something. It'll be a challenge getting evidence from this wreck - but it's all we've got. Chris can't find a police forensics report. There wouldn't be one, Paul explains - initially, it wasn't a crime scene. They hit a utility pole. Even if Cassie's prints were on the wheel, they'd be partials. Paul has to go see the forensics guy - hopefully he'll have something. A appreciative Chris thanks Paul for always being there for her. It'll always be that way he assures with a smile.

Walkin' In A Winter's Wonderland
At the breakfast table, Neil assumes they'll still report to Victoria (Nick may be back but he won't be ready to return to work). He's surprised that Brad was hired. Dru nags the glum Lily: Please call your friends - do something. No, Lily's awaiting word on the car investigation - she can't go out with Daniel in jail. Devon's not really up to the suggestion of taking Lily to a movie. He's dealing with stuff too - he went to see his birth mother, Dru quietly updates Neil. Out on the balcony, they discuss how hard it must be on Devon to know his mother's so close. Dru blames herself for Devon reaching out to her. I haven't spent much time with him lately. Dru adds that she spoke to Yolanda Hamilton. She's a mess - she's high. I caught Devon trying to steal money from my purse to give to his mother.

I'm happy you're home, Devon tells Lily: I'm taking off for a bit - tell your parents I've gone to the library. He deflects Lily's questions. I'm going to see someone - it's personal. I'll see you later. Neil catches him as he's about to escape (Devon, I want to speak to you). Neil lectures on his bright future - and scolds him for attempting to steal money. He talks about addicts who search for that next high. We wanted to give you a chance - now you have one. You have a choice. Don't blow it. My mother has nothing, Devon points out. She tried to be a good mother to me. I should sit back and watch her die in some gutter? If I don't help her - who will? Neil knows a thing or two about addiction. I was at rock bottom. Devon can't enjoy his happy life knowing his mother is suffering. I looked into her eyes - the Mom she could be is in there somewhere. She did the best she could. Neil understands - but you can't force it on her. You're looking at nothing but heartache. Devon disagrees: You taught me family is the most important thing in the world. I won't abandon my mother, he vows. Not now - not ever.

Please call Mrs Abbott and see if Daniel's OK, Lily whines in her room. Dru will do no such thing: Get him OUT of your mind. Lily can't - who knows what could happen to him in jail. He's in juvenile detention, Dru informs. You can't see past your hatred to consider Daniel COULD be telling the truth, Lily accuses. Do you have any idea how bad this will look on your college application? Dru asks. You care about superficial things, Lily exclaims: You have no clue who Daniel is - he has horrible nightmares about what happened to Cassie. I LOVE him!

More Newman Nitwits
At the club, happy Mom Ash greets Abby - and compliments her on her sparkly attire. Once seated, Brad announces he's embarking upon a new career path - at NE. Ashley's stunned - and has to wonder: Did Sharon have anything to do with it?

Arriving at the club, Noah struggles with his decision on what to have for breakfast - waffles or pancakes. They spot the Carlton's - and are soon exchanging pleasantries. As Noah goes to show Abby the Koi's outside, Nick didn't realize they were so friendly. You were away a while, Sharon says without malice. After Brad and Ash excuse themselves back to their table, Brad suggests Ash take Abby out to the ranch. Ash wants to talk more about his career: Victor approved you being hired. She's concerned: you know where all the bodies are buried at Jabot. Victor and I agreed to put our difference behind us. What a shame you couldn't do the same with Jack - your brother in law, Ash sneers (you despise Victor for coming between you and your daughter). Brad points out that Jack won't be his brother in law much longer. They'll all pressure you for Jabot secrets, Ash continues to fret: Why go back to work - weren't you enjoying your time with Abby? Brad doesn't have to run his decisions by her. Is it that I'm working? Or WHERE I'm working? Ash has no problem admitting she's troubled that he's reinventing himself at NE. I think Abby should come live with me - not just for the summer. Are you prepared to be a full time Mom? Brad asks sarcastically - You've cut back from 16 to 14 hours per day?? I thought you'd relish the opportunity to be a full time parent - I'm thinking about what's best for our daughter. Ash doubts that - you want me to quit - stay home so that NE will have the edge on product development.

At nearby table, Sharon looks forward to the three of them spending the day together. Nick missed being with her too. Hearing that his Mom suggested they move to a new home, Nick balks. He doesn't want to move away from the memories of Cassie. She was raised in that house. Let's go for a walk by the lake, Sharon suggests: think about it.

When Noah and Abby return, Nick hears all about their trip to the zoo. Sound like you had a good time. Wish you could have come, Noah says. Abby asks if she can join them next time. I'll go ask Daddy now. No sweetie, Sharon smiles - we'll make plans and I'll call your Dad. As Abby runs back, Nick answers his phone: Hey Dad - I'm on my way. I'll be right there. What about the lake? Both Noah and Sharon are disappointed. Nick leaves with a brief apology: see you at home. As a sad Sharon watches the happy Carlton family, Noah takes her hand and gives her a hug. I love you Mom - let's go say bye to Abby. I know she makes you happy.

Over at the Carlton table, Sharon assures Abby that she's welcome to come the the ranch anytime. That's sweet, Ash smiles. Sharon decides that even though Dad's busy, THEY can still go to the lake. Bye Noah. Have fun, the Carlton's chime. Brad packs Abby up - it's swim camp time. Love ya, Ash says. You have a decision to make, Brad discreetly warns tells Ash (who's left to drum her hands on the table in frustration).

Arriving at the ranch as summoned, Nick assures Victor that he's relieved Vikki's taken over for him at NE. Vic relays his chat with Glen Richards (who will do what he can to speed up the trial). The sooner Daniel's convicted, the sooner you and Sharon can heal. Nick thanks him - then shares his feelings of guilt (I shouldn't have let Cassie out that night). Vic absolves him: you can't blame yourself. You had trust in her. She, unfortunately, betrayed that trust. Nick can't get over Cassie begging him to forgive this kid who killer her. Vic wonders if he can do what she asked of him. How can I do that? Nick asks. Think of him as being just a teenager who made a mistake too. Perhaps you CAN forgive him - it might lead to forgiving yourself.

Back at the station, Glen informs Chris that he's going to petition the judge to move the trial up to the first available date. Chris needs more time - the car's being examined. There are questions that need to be resolved. Like it or not, this case is on the fast track, Glen concludes as he leaves Chris to worry.

My Thoughts
Today's show rates a 7.5 ... What's the big deal about both Brad and Ashley working full time? Doesn't Jabot have onsite daycare? (I know they once turned the room beside the lab into a nursery for Abby) Plus, she'll be shipped off to Swiss boarding school and fed rapid aging steroids soon anyway ..... When exactly was Neil at 'rock bottom'? He always had money to buy booze - and a Rolex on his wrist. Plus, he likely has enough invested that he could just drink off the interest for the rest of his life - and since he WAS an addict (and so claims to have some sort of insight), why is he so pessimistic on one's ability to be saved? ... I'm not sure why Dru assumed Yolanda was high and messed up. Sure, she could use a scrub n' groom - but she was completely lucid and coherent. Nothing Queer Eye For The Crackhead can't fix .... Glen Richards rarely does work outside the office? Since when? He's been marching around town in Webber's shadow throwing around false accusations for years. Why is Chris looking so worried? Being the bright lawyer that she is - and the law being what IT is, there's no way she'd be forced to go to trial unprepared. Whatever happened to 'discovery' etc.? .... Lily's gonna sit and wait in her room until she hears word on the car? Or Daniel is free? Since when do they have to tell her anything? Never mind that she's charged in a related crime - and would likely be called as a witness - Why would an attorney blab their entire defense to a nosy kid? .... *yawn* Did Jack and Paul both have the same lines or what? 'I'll always be there for you'... yada yada yada (...except I really won't be 'there' for you because I DIVORCED you).

Next: Mike finds it hard to fathom why Lauren's being secretive. Family's so important to her. .........Chris informs Daniel: the investigators have their work cut out for them to find something we can use in court......Devon warns Lily: The guy's nothing but trouble - just stay away from him..

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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.