The Big Guns
At Crimson Lights, Jack taunts Vic: Your top executives are all on leave - Vikki's learning the ropes - and now you've fired Phyllis. He's surprised Vic even HAS time for a coffee break. Vic is appalled that Jack would gloat so soon after a family tragedy. Jack would never make light of the death of a child - but Phyllis is not to blame - and Daniel may not have been driving. As far as Vic knows he was. He's avoiding responsibility - and his mother is helping. Why would we keep her on the payroll? Vikki brought Brad Carlton onboard. Jack finds that interesting - then touts Phyllis' specialized skills - she's the best at what she does. Brad on the other hand ... Your wife IS an expert, Vic agrees, in a certain field - but Brad has an investment in your company and is a board member - why would you let him work for another company? Jack states that Brad wanted no position below CEO - and suggests Dru, Neil and Vikki watch their backs. Vic's unconcerned: Jabot is no threat to NE - and never will be. To himself, Jack agrees - but CI may be.

Sex Solves All
Nick comes back in empty handed (no bag of Cassie's clothes) to find Sharon moping over the mantle photos. Nick doesn't want to talk about Chris' request - to go through Cassie's belongings. Sharon doesn't relish the idea either - but wonders why they're fighting about it. Will he ever again be the man she married?? Nick assures it won't be like this forever. Sharon's willing to try anything - counseling? Go away for the weekend? Nick gives her a kiss: I still think you're the most beautiful woman in the world. You're very tense, he rubs her shoulders. You have a magic touch, Sharon purrs. Nick wants to do it properly - and sits her down for a massage. Relax, he says as he kisses her shoulder. Sharon jerks abruptly and wipes a tear: sorry. No I don't want you to stop. I want to make love to my wife, Nick says with a kiss. Afterwards, Sharon expresses how good it is to be in his arms again like this. She suggests they both go to pick up Noah - but Nick wants her to stay and relax, then with a quick kiss leaves by himself.

The Charade Continues
Hobbling along on his crutches, JT meets the antsy Bobby at the park. If anyone sees us, I'm dead, he frets. JT suggests he should be more careful then - and updates Bobby on Nikki's visit - she knows it's all an act and won't stop until she learns the truth. She doesn't know for sure, but suspects you're going after Vinnie. Bobby doesn't like it one bit - and needs to get to her before it's too late. On cue, Vinnie calls and summons Bobby to the club. Guess we're gonna find out how much Vinnie knows, Bobby says after he hangs up.

When Bobby saunters casually into the club office, Vinnie shares their little problem - his rich friend who used to work there overheard them talking. She could ruin everything. Bobby doesn't want to go after her - you don't want her husband coming after us, believe me. Let me talk to her - see what she knows. Vinnie has to wonder who Bobby's protecting - him? or Nikki? And also wonders why he has no interest in the ladies these days. Bobby persuades Vinnie to let him talk to Nikki alone - but will give him a full update.

When Vic finds Sharon at the ranch, she explains that Nick's picking Noah up and she didn't feel like being alone. She's not sure where Nikki is - and No, they haven't found a new manager for the coffee house yet. Vic asks about the rumour that Cassie was driving that night. Nick thinks the idea that Cassie was driving is ridiculous, Sharon answers - and she agrees - she didn't know how. But Nick wants to make her into a Saint. She was a sweet young girl - but she started to wear too much make up - carried a condom in her purse. We may never know what happened - Daniel didn't force her into the car. If something comes out at the trial about Cassie, Sharon worries Vic's right - it WOULD push Nick over the edge - and I may not be able to bring him back.

Vic's quiet evening is later interrupted by a visit from Bobby. He's there to talk about something he hoped he'd never have to - and it involves Nikki.

Walkin' In A Winters Wonderland
At the police station, Lily seems completely stunned to find herself under arrest (for only wanting to make sure Daniel's OK). What crime is that? Taking her disguise, Webber announces she'll be heading to juvenile hall too. Phyllis chimes in to point out that Lily just wanted to see Daniel - give her a break. Before Phyllis can confirm it was her idea, Lily takes full blame. Phyllis wouldn't do anything to jeopardize Daniel. About to be led away, Lily panics: Mrs Abbott! Phyllis appeals to Webber to no avail - and if she tries anything, she too will end up being arrested.

Neil sits Devon down at the coffee house and hears she was released from jail without being charged with anything. Devon has every intention of going to see her - and is sure he's the motivation she needs to make her quit drugs. Plus, he's found a free clinic that can help. Don't let your good intentions towards your mother cause you any trouble - or put you in danger, Neil warns. Devon feels that if he doesn't try spend time with her now, he may never get to. Neil won't try to stop him - but wants to be updated. The lecture is over when Webber calls and summons Neil to the station.

Once there, Webber fills him in on Lily's visit to Daniel - she'll be held in custody until after the trial. Neil tries all angles: She's a naive girl - the justice system failed her once - don't let it fail her again, he grovels. Webber can't do anything - If you want to get angry at someone, there's the person. Was this your idea? Neil confronts Phyllis. She has a mind of her own, Phyllis answers. She chose to do this. How can I deprive my son of one ounce of happiness? I had no idea it'd turn out like this, she apologizes. Neil can't believe this - you're supposed to be the adult - you're supposed to stop her.

Neil then gets to see Lily: Honey - how could you be so stupid? Given the gravity of your situation, why would you break the law? Eager to get out of there, Lily's stunned to hear Neil can't take her home.

Neil explains to Lily that her bail's been revoked - she'll be going to juvenile hall. The girls section - you won't be able to see Daniel, Neil extinguishes Lily's hope. I'll be close to him, she sees a bright side: If Daniel can handle it - I can too. It was a stupid thing to do - now I have to pay the price. Neil doesn't understand her attachment to Daniel. What if it were you and Mom? Lily makes a comparison. Neil only cares about her well being. He can't stand the thought of her being locked up, and will talk to Michael Baldwin - see what he can do. No, Mom doesn't know - but Neil can't hold off on telling her until she gets back. A female officer comes for Lily - you have to be in bed for nightly head count. Please Daddy - Lily breaks down in her father's arms: I want to sleep in my own bed. I'm not strong enough. Be brave, Neil encourages. You're tougher than you realize. It's time to go, the officer prompts again. Sorry Dad - I love you. I love you too, Neil sits - alone and heartbroken.

In the park, Devon interrupts Yolanda as she's about to make a purchase. I won't let you poison yourself, he vows loudly. The dealer slinks off (agreeing to meet her tomorrow). I needed a fix, she whines to her son. You're not even trying to stay clean, Devon accuses. Do you know how much I hate seeing you like this? He's found a place that helps people like her - addicts. It's free - I swear. You can be strong and healthy again. Yolanda doesn't want to go to a place like prison. Can't you do this one thing for me? Devon implores. I don't owe you nuthin', Yolanda points out. You're messing up your life - and mine, Devon lectures. Don't worry - I won't come back here again. I can't handle you like this. I hope you love your drugs more than you love me - cause you just lost your son, Devon assures her as he walks away.

The Hired Help
Later, Jack makes Phyllis an offer - to hire her as Jabot's digital guru. Newman's loss is our gain. Phyllis doesn't want to talk about it right now. Let Chris and Paul do what they need to do to clear Daniel - he'd be thrilled if you got a new job, Jack coerces. Phyllis agrees - she's not a 'sit around and do nothing type of person'. Lily just got arrested and it's all my fault. Jack hears her confession - and doesn't quite know what to say. Maybe Webber's just throwing his weight around. Drucilla's going to lose it - and I don't blame her. I mess up people's lives, Phyllis mopes: Daniel was doing fine in Europe. Maybe the court was right - I'm not a fit mother. Jack disagrees - you did it out of the kindness of your heart. Neil's a smart guy - he'll help Lily get out of this. The sad Phyllis appreciates Jack's support - and isn't sure how she'd manage without him.

My Thoughts
Today's show rates an 8 ... Seems odd that the cops haven't been able to put a stop to all the drug deals openly going on in the local park - they're certainly loud enough! And the users seem to be well known ... Jack's one to talk - where are all the Jabot senior executives? In fact, WHO are the senior executives? Ash is a chemist (who TALKS about going to work - but rarely manages to get there) .. John's just a figure head ... I doubt Nikki even remembers the way to the office - that leaves Jill .... Whatever happened to that pesky non-compete clause anyway? Surely it's a huge conflict to have a NE executive, Brad, sit in on Jabot's board meetings ... Sharon may say she's willing to try anything - but as usual resorts to her proven method of laying on her back. I wonder where Nick hid those clothes .... Phyllis is wrong if she thinks Daniel was 'doing fine in Europe'. He was partying and sleeping around - and barely saw his Dad.

Next: Chris warns Phyllis: I have to be honest - It doesn't look good - so none of your crazy stunts.... Bobby tells Victor he's trying to protect him and Nikki. Vic will worry about that - now, what's going on? Mac tells JT that she might be leaving town ....

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.