Singin' Soprano
Accosting JT at the law office, Nikki wants to talk about that lowlife Vinnie (who looks like a criminal because he IS a criminal). JT chuckles: sounds like you've been watching too much Sopranos. Nikki doesn't blame him for not wanting to talk to her. Things have been hostile between them - but that's because she truly believed he and Brit had cheated on Bobby. They're still in love with one another, Nikki insists (as a most interested Vinnie listens with headphones in his office).

You sure have a vivid imagination, JT shakes his head. You're covering for Bobby and Brit - you're in on it too, Nikki accuses. I know what I saw at Marsino's (back at the office, Vinnie's frustrated by her vagueness). Nikki understands that Paul's taught JT how NOT to give anything away. JT stands his ground: You're nosy as hell. Please stay out of it - Bobby and Brit know what they're doing.

I saw them together - what kind of trouble are they in? Nikki persists: You're an amazing friend - to put your life on hold. You were building something with Mac. You must have devastated her to make this whole thing believable. Let me help you. JT replies: You're out of your depth - for the last time I'm begging you, stay out of it. Of course Nikki refuses: You're really afraid of something - I saw them together - Brit was dressed up like a delivery person. No, I wasn't hallucinating. She then guesses Bobby's trying to collect enough evidence to put Vinnie away. (Back in the office, Vinnie's getting angrier by the minute. Someone's gonna get put away - but it won't be me, he snarls as he hurls the letter opener he's been fidgeting with).

Wiggin' Out
Thanks to Phyllis, master of disguises, Lily now has a red/blond wig and glasses. Stay out here so you don't get in any trouble, Lily says. They compromise: Lily will go in first. She signs the log book as Daisy Cooper. OK, I'll have him brought over from the juvenile detention center, the officer tells her: You'll have to hand your purse over. When Lily clumsily does so, it's placed in a drawer and she follows the officer out. Hank shows up - Mrs Abbott - what are you doing back here?

Once the officer leaves them alone, Lily tells Daniel how much she missed him. Look at your face - are you OK? After a hug, they sit across the table. Daniel's not surprised to hear Phyllis is responsible for Lily's disguise. Is it scary in here? Daniel can handle himself - and won't give up. You're in my thoughts and prayers every minute, Lily assures. Daniel will make it all up to her somehow. Never forget how much I love you. I love you too - more and more each day. They hold hands across the table.

I asked what you're doing here, Webber prompts Phyllis. I'm here to see YOU detective, Phyllis answers: I wondered if you received the forensics report on the car. Webber explains she has to get that from Ms Blair - then wonders why she doesn't want to see her son again (as he offers). Phyllis declines: he's exhausted. I'll see you tomorrow. Phyllis is relieved that Webber seems to but it: Thank God you're safe Lily, a smiling Phyllis murmurs to herself.

Back in the visitors room, Daniel talks about what they'll do once he's free: Walk in the sunshine - feed the ducks - go to the movies. Eat gobs and gobs of popcorn. Walking in to end the visit, Webber removes Lily's wig. Ms Winters - you're under arrest.

Obstructing The Obvious
Nick doesn't appreciate or accept Chris' theory: We all know who was driving. This is a feeble, ridiculous attempt to blame the victim. Did she ever drive your car? Chris implores. She used to drive the ATV's - Sharon offers (as Nick scowls at he). She couldn't wait to get her license. Nick doubts a jury will believe it - get your client to plead guilty - end this nightmare for all of us. Paul arrives - sorry to barge in - he's got items they recovered from the car. Do you have the clothes Cassie was wearing the night of the accident? he asks. Nick lies: we haven't received those items. Sharon gives him a look, but stays silent. As Nick opens the door in dismissal, Sharon meets Chris eyes - and once alone, confronts Nick: You just lied to them - why?

While Sharon wonders if Cassie WAS driving, Nick won't consider the idea. She wasn't sharing everything with us, Sharon points out: we didn't know about her crush on Daniel - or that she was going to a party. Sharon has no clue what to believe. She got rides home from seniors - maybe one of them taught her how to drive. I don't like them rummaging through her stuff either, but.... Nick won't buy into this ploy - I won't let anyone tarnish the memory of our little girl - forget it. Wordlessly, Sharon gives him a hug.

Paul later shows Chris an item in a baggie - part of a shoe heel that was wedged under the excellerator. This is the smoking gun. We need to compare it with the shoes Cassie was wearing that night. Nick says he doesn't have Cassie's things - I'd hate to think he was lying. You can subpoena it, Paul suggests. A reluctant Chris may have no alternative but to force his hand.

Back at the ranch, Nick takes the plastic bag from the closet and shakes his head - no way. He wraps it up and takes it out the front door.

Fisher Family Follies
Kevin, Mike and Lauren wring their hands at the apartment. Worse thing we can do is panic, says Mike. When Mac calls, Mike encourages him to go. You sure it's OK? Kevin says. All we can do is sit tight and wait to hear from her, Mike assures. Now alone, Mike admits he wanted to get rid of Kevin - I'm going over there. Lauren doesn't like that idea - go take a shower. Stay clam.

Gloria welcomes John and Ash home. They report running into Kevin, who needed advice about his career. I know he'd appreciate any guidance you can give him, Gloria smiles (trying hard to act normal). John still has concerns about him. Ash goes to the kitchen to get a drink. Honey, are you all right? John asks his jittery wife. I heard some noises, she explains. The back door's been left open, Ash comes in to announce. Gloria says it must have been her. What really happened here? Ash asks once John heads upstairs: You've been skittish since we came through the door - who was here? Ash just wants to help. Gloria is disappointed - I thought we were making progress. You're hiding something, Ash insists: I'm going to trust nothing bizarre is going on. Don't let me down. You sure there's nothing you want to talk to me about? Not tonight - maybe some other time, Gloria replies. Without further word, Ash goes upstairs.

Kevin returns to Crimson Lights and apologizes for running out on Mac. He doesn't want to bug her with all his stuff. Did something happened after I left? he wonders. Mac informs him that JT performed tonight. He serenaded Brit - sang her OUR song in front of everyone - makes me sick. But Mac didn't invite him there to mope - she's redone his resume. Taking the papers, Kevin thinks that incredible. Your cover letter plays up your qualifications, she boasts. When you get your first paycheck, take me out for dinner. Mac just thought of someone who can help them....

Back at the apartment, Mike rants to Lauren: I despise that bastard - when I was a child all I could think about was killing him - I used to fantasize. You're scaring me - stop it, Lauren whimpers. Mike blames himself for not taking care of it right off the bat. He can't stand to see us happy. Especially Gloria. I'm tempted to hunt him down and put him out of his misery. We don't know what's happened over there - I HAVE to do it! He has to pay! Michael - NO! Lauren shouts. As Mike opens the door to march out, he's face to face with Tom: Going somewhere? Without warning, Mike puts a chokelock on Tom and drags him in. A horrified Lauren covers her mouth as Tom gasps for air and claws at Mike's arm.

What did you do to my mother!? he asks. I'll go to the police. Tom briefly frees himself. And tell them what? I got out of there before Abbott saw me. Mike throws him across the room. Name you price - what will it take to get you out of here? Don't waste your money - I'll just lie to you, Tom sneers: Reminds me of the time you were 18 - jumped me -tried to teach me a lesson - but I showed you one. He ran with his tail between his legs, Tom scoffs. Get out! Mike orders. I don't care to reminisce. I got rights where Gloria's concerned, Tom informs: She's still my wife. I'm gonna claim what's rightfully mine - If you're smart you'll focus on your wedding to this lovely lady - then you can finally be a man for once. Mike delivers a punch to Tom's jaw. Was that man enough for ya? he asks. His lip bloodied,Tom glares as he exits. Mike gives the stunned Lauren the briefest of smiles.

My Thoughts
Today's show rates a 7.5... Hilarious line of the day goes to JT: 'Bobby and Brit know what they're doing' - Oh really? Then why is JT running over there ever 5 minutes to lambaste Bobby for not having a plan? ... When does Brit plan to start her job at the boutique anyway - when she's 5 centimeters dilated and the contractions are 7 minutes apart? .... Um... I know it's not exactly a high security prison or anything, but wouldn't the officer want to see some photo ID from Ms Daisy Cooper? Wouldn't he want to at least give her a brief frisking? Perhaps have her walk through a metal detector? .... Is anyone else disappointed that Webber didn't go 'ah HA' when he yanked the wig off Lily ... and too bad she didn't start hollerin' 'Ma weave! Ma weave! You done ripped off mah weave man. Now why you be doin' dat!? ... Yeah - sure Daniel's exhausted. I imagine being the new pretty boy in the cell might be quite tiring ... I'm glad Nick gave another reason for his behavior - not wanting to tarnish his daughter's memory is far more noble than him just wanting revenge - he's still wrong though. I wonder if HE will be charged with obstructing justice? ... Anyone who's watched law and Order knows that Chris doesn't need to prove Daniel's innocent - she needs only to create reasonable doubt. So, if a heel of a shoe was found wedged under the excellerator, it doesn't need to be matched to Cassie's - it needs to be proven not to be Daniel's. Even the lamest of lawyers should be able to argue the suggestion that Daniel wore a pair of ladies size 7 strappy summer heels to a party.

Next: Devon explains to Neil: If I don't spend time with my mom now, I may never get to .... Meeting with Bobby, JT tells him: one thing's for certain - Nikki's determined to get to the truth.. Old smilin' Jack is about to give Phyllis an offer she can't refuse...

Thanks for your most generous support. I still have a few emails to send out - and names to add to the subscription list.

*****

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.