Paul - The Predictable PI
Paul and Ash stop by CL's, and on the patio, discuss the kung fu movie Paul dragged her to. Ash is up for excitement and adventure. When Paul brings up Tom's name, Ash wants HIM to provide the excitement and adventure. I can be pretty predictable, Paul smiles. I love this song, Ash pauses to listen. You wanna dance? the ever so exciting Paul asks. They sway in one another's arms - and kiss. Mind if I cut in? Tom enters with a grin.

We never danced, the suddenly awkward and bashful Tom recalls - can I have a couple of quick turns? Paul gives his consent, and takes a call on his cell. When Ash notices his fat lip, Tom shrugs it off and thanks her for her friendship - we ARE still friends, right? We had some good times - the motorcycle - fishing. He leads her back to Paul - you're one lucky man, the humbled Tom comments as he excuses himself.

Paul asks about her chat with Tom. And hearing she might go fishing with him again, Paul would rather she not go anywhere with that guy - make it a day trip - Better yet, Paul will take her. I've got my own tackle box, he boasts. I can be spontaneous - unpredictable. Maybe even go rock climbing. When Ash asks for a kiss - and gets one, Tom watches menacingly through the window.

Glory Gloria
In the Abbott living room, Gloria shows Kevin the flowers John gave her: No occasion - he's a sweet caring man. I'll do anything I have to do to protect you (from Tom) - anything, a determined Kevin vows.

We don't have to resort to violence, Gloria insists: he's not worth it. She's not thrilled that her two boys failed to warn her that Tom was in town. I promised John no more secrets - and now I find out I'm still married to Tom. You didn't know, Kevin points out. Declaring him dead was the only way to get rid of him. Mikey will think of something, Kevin's certain. Hoping Tom doesn't destroy yet another family, a worried Gloria gets a supportive hug.

Jailhouse Rock
Waiting impatiently, Phyllis flashes back to helping Lily with her disguise *I know what I'm doing - trust me. Let's talk about your story - you're a family friend - I already cleared you for a visit (impersonating Christine)*. Phyllis leaves a message for Mike: I need to talk to you about something I did - something you won't like.

In the visiting room, Daniel's worried about Lily. If she hadn't jumped to Phyllis's defense - your mother would be in jail, Chris stresses. She needs his help - or we're dead in the water. Daniel adamantly refuses to interrupt his father's tour - I'm writing him a letter. Make sure this gets to him. Chris badgers him for more info on Cassie. Did you ever see her drive an ATV? Daniel didn't. Nor did he hear her bragging that she knew how to drive. I never saw her - didn't even knew she had a crush on me! Daniel also doesn't remember anything about the party.

Chris sits the agitated Daniel back down and grills him some more. What was Cassie wearing? Do you remember her shoes? Of course Daniel doesn't. We had the car examined, Chris updates, there are signs Cassie was driving. I'm determined to convince the judge of that - but No, we don't have the evidence. We'll find it she vows. Daniel hopes so - my future is in your hands.

At the police station, Mike gets a call from Kevin (updating him that Tom WAS at the Abbott home). Mike doesn't have time to talk about it now - and in a rather impatient tone, asks Neil why he summoned him. It has to do with Lily, Neil explains - but has Phyllis' name written all over it. Neil hopes Mike can undo the damage. Can you get my daughter back home? the desperate father pleads. It'll be an uphill battle, Mike says - then asks Webber where things stand. She tried to gain access to penal institution by fraud, Webber frowns disapprovingly. Neil promises not to let Lily out of his sight. She's no menace to society, Mike adds - to no avail.

Her visit done, Chris interrupts to announce Daniel's going back to juvenile hall. Chris refuses to get into it with Neil, and exits with a curt 'Good night'. Neil continues his campaign to get his daughter home. When Webber advises that he needs to contact Judge Parker, Neil grabs the phone. No - it's too late to disturb the Judge, Mike cautions: You'll alienate him. First thing tomorrow I'll get her a bail hearing. Neil concedes - but worries she'll be kept in custody until the trial. Go home, Mike suggests on his way out.

Neil asks Webber if he can see his daughter one more time. Webber echoes Mike - go home and get some rest. Neil is worried about his little girl - I know you can understand that. You didn't protect her before - protect her now. She's out of her element. Giving in, Webber will put her in a private cell - have the guards keep an eye on her. In the morning, he might be able to take her home. No guarantees.

At the Abbott home, Mike's updated on Tom's visit. Next time, tape record him - then go straight to the police, he instructs. Gloria balks. He'll be back every week - with bigger demands, Mike warns - and Kevin agrees. You can't keep it a secret forever. You're not powerless - You had no idea your divorce wasn't finalized. Mike leaves her to make the choice. Holding the compact tape recorder Mike's given her, Gloria ponders.

Now alone, no sooner has she hidden the recorder on the mantle, the doorbell rings. It's showtime, Gloria mutters to herself before opening the door. Tom saunters in: We got a business deal to complete. He follows her to the mantle: I only want what a good husband deserves and you're gonna give it to me. We play by MY rules now.

Returning to the law office, Chris spots Phyllis pacing in Mike's office and informs her that he's at the station with Neil Winters. I've done something questionable, Phyllis admits. A 17 year old girl is in detention because of you, Chris accuses. What is it with you and disguises? I did it for my son, Phyllis whines. He's drifting away - losing hope. Chris sees it too - and believes Daniel wasn't driving. He's dying in there, Phyllis continues her defense. Getting his girlfriends bail revoked isn't the answer, Chris argues. Those two love each other - Phyllis knew it'd mean everything to him. You're not the only one who loves Daniel, Chris reminds Phyllis (who assumes Chris thinks her a bad mother). I'll do everything I can but it doesn't look good, she admits - No more crazy stunts. Try to help him remember. There has to be a new clue.

The Charade Continues
On one crutch, JT eyes Mac from the bar (with his good eye) - then approaches: mind if I join you? Mac doesn't see why he'd want to. He sits and asks what she's working on. She's putting her thoughts on paper. Mac asks what's wrong - the baby's OK, right? JT assures her everything's fine. JT got her packet for fall semester at GCU. Mac might be leaving town. No! JT says quickly - you can't do that. Mac doesn't feel there's anything for her in GC. I could use a fresh start. Maybe I'll ask Kevin to come - he's a good friend. I like him. He's a good guy - and HE never dumped me. She cuts off JT's apologies - you can't be that clueless. I thought it was OUR song - but it never really was, was it? I watched Britney - she loved that song. JT can explain....

Bobby shows up at the ranch and warns Vic that his wife is snooping around and could be in danger. She found out you returned to the mob? Vic wonders. You're in danger too? I told her to stay out of it, Bobby shakes his head. She's in jeopardy? Vic asks. Bobby can only says she knows things she shouldn't. Vic's not scared - he knows dangerous people - now, tell me what's going on. She heard me and Vinnie talking. You should have come to me sooner. Vic asks Miguel if he's heard from Mrs Newman. No - and she usually lets him know if she'll be late. Vic gets no answer on her cell. Hearing JT was the last one to see her, Vic demands he get hold him, If anything happens to Nikki, he'll hold Bobby responsible.

Bobby calls JT - get to the ranch right away - it's about Nikki. JT will be right there. You don't understand this, he stammers to Mac. What don't I understand? she asks. JT clams up, then limps out.

On the phone, Vic beefs up security at the ranch. JT arrives and relays that Nikki knows the break up was fake. I told her to stay out of it. Call Baldwin's office and see if Nikki's car's at NE. Bobby will call Brit. Vic looks worried: where the hell are you Nikki??

My Thoughts
Today's show rates an 8.5 ... Often folks will take issue with the spoiler - usually, spelling and grammar is the complaint (being no scholar, I rely on spellcheck - some words I just choose to abbreviate. Yes - I know 'thru' is not a real word). Often folks point out things they feel I've missed (perhaps not realizing that I'm not providing a transcript - just a brief synopsis - it's a compromise of providing pertinent facts in a concise manner). Some feel minor profanity should be excluded (I feel, however, that if it's part of the script, it's damn well acceptable to reprint here - he he ). Occasionally, I will inadvertently offend certain people - most recent example was the slang used in a joke poking fun at Lily's wig being yanked off. (Folks need to know that no offence is ever meant - and that line in particular was inspired by how I felt Dru would react - like it or not, she does revert to some pretty colourful lingo). Anyway, point is, 'My Thoughts' is really an oxymoron. I don't put much thought into them at all. I just don't have time or inclination to censor it. I will always apologize for offending someone - ideally, anyone offended would contact me privately to report anything offensive - thereby giving me a chance to see a point of view I may not have considered. The section is sarcastic and satirical in nature. Not everyone's cup of tea - and if this is the case for you, then please, by all means, skip this section.

Now briefly - won't Lily and Daniel look cute in their matching orange jumpsuits .... Paul has to ask Ashley what transpired during her conversation with Tom?! They were standing no more than 6 feet away! You're a PI for heavens sake! .... Understatement of the day goes to Paul: I can be pretty predictable .... Ashley wants excitement and adventure? Hmm - like what Ash? Stealing sperm samples? ... So, first John Abbott spends years without barely stepping foot at Jabot - and now he's camping there 24/7? ... I'm thinking that Daniel having to walk back and forth from juvie hall to the police station 10 times a day must constitute cruel and unusual punishment .... Silly Vic - you don't know dangerous people - you know 'deranged' people... Vic's certainly jumping to conclusions - He goes off on 'quests' for weeks, months at a time - Nikki goes AWOL for an hour or so and it's grounds for concern?.. And why is he calling Baldwin to look around the parking lot for Nikki's car? Why not call NE security (who presumably would only have to look at some cameras scanning the lot)

Next: Tom delivers an ultimatum to Gloria: You lift me up financially or I'll crash you down to where I am ..... Mike confides to Lauren that he gave Gloria a tape recorder: It's the best way to stop a blackmailer.... Vinnie confronts a scared Brit - you and Bobby HAVE been seeing each other.....

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.