Not So Goodfellas
Still at the ranch, Vic calls Kay - then reports to Bobby that she hasn't seen Nikki. Brit's cell's going straight to VM, Bobby replies. Nikki's not answering her cell - and her car's still parked at NE. Vic reminds Bobby that he'll hold him personally responsible, if anything happens to his wife. We'll go to Paul's office and decide what to do from there. JT grabs his crutch and follows.

From the club office, Vinnie talks to someone who's apparently called 'Yes Sir' on the phone. Yes Sir, I realize her old man's a bigshot - but she might know something - if she tells me I'll let her go. Yes, Sir - I know we're running out of time. We all have a lot to lose. He hangs up and continues to eavesdrop into Paul's office.....

I'm looking for JT, Brit tells Paul. Disappointed he's not there, Brit's frustrated and wants to put an end to this insanity. JT's going nuts. She doesn't know about Bobby - hasn't seen him. **Tell me what I need to know! Vinnie says in frustration.** Hopefully it won't go on much longer - as long as the bad guys get what's coming to them, Paul encourages. And none of the good guys get hurt, Brit adds. If you see Bobby, tell him...well, you know what to tell him, Brit tries to smile as she leaves for the loft. **Back at his office, Vinnie's still in the dark**.

Returning to the loft, Brit stoops to pick up her dropped wallet - and comes face to face with Vinnie (who gets to it first).

Now at the law firm, Paul gives instructions over the phone. Vic fires questions at JT. Paul gestures that he thinks there's a bug - he looks around and with a snap of his fingers, produces it from under the desk - then smashes it under his foot. They must have heard JT's conversation with Nikki, he concludes - and mine with Brit (who's on her way to the loft). All look worried.

Inside the apartment, Brit tries to claim she has no idea where Bobby is - I don't want to see that jerk. You loved him once, Vinnie sneers. When the phone rings, he yanks the plug out. You've been secretly seeing each other, he accuses. When my boys get hold of Bobby he'll tell them everything. Brit looks terrified. It won't be pretty - he betrayed the organization. We'll pound his face in - then break his fingers one at a time - then his arms - then legs. Stay away from him, Brit shrieks. Stop the act, Vinnie yells - it IS his kid, isn't it? Why can't you leave us alone? Brit whines. Bad things are gonna happen, Vinnie warns as he grabs her: C'mon - Nice place - Too bad you won't see it again.

As Vinnie wrestles Brit around, the boys arrive. One step closer and I'll break her neck, he threatens. He knows, Brit blurts out. Vic tells JT to take Brit to the ranch. Vinnie watches them go. Where's my wife? Vic demands to know (as Bobby stands guard with a baseball bat). Whatever you're being paid, I'll pay double. I'm not for sale. Vic gets a call: thank you. You had your chance, Vic tells Vinnie to leave - if I find out my wife was hurt, I'll kill you. I'll kill you - understand? Vic repeats as he puts choke hold on Vinnie from behind. Let me get the door for ya, Bobby says as he opens it.

Elsewhere - In what appears to be some sort of warehouse, Nikki sits in a chair, bound and gagged - tears stream down her fear-filled eyes. Vinnie's musclebound thug looks down at her.

Fishwife(s)
In her living room, Gloria tells Tom she didn't agree to any deal with him. Tom wants in on her good fortune - all we need to do is settle the terms. We're still married - for richer or poorer. You can't refuse. All I'd be doing is telling the truth. You lift me up financially - or I crash you down to my level. You wanna go back to those days? Working two jobs to barely scrape by. Tom misses the old days. They were miserable days for me - and no picnic for you, I'm happy now. She won't be intimidated - and she doesn't care about John's money - Gloria wants security and respect. Now, for the first time, she has it. You have no right to take that away from me. Get out of here before you ruin everything. Tom's not trying to take away her gravy train - he just wants to ride it with her. YOU will ruin it if you don't suck it up and play ball. He won't even miss the money. When Gloria refuses, Tom tries to go up to wake John up. Gloria stops him: I'll pay - do whatever you say. It's blackmail. Tom calls it 'love money'. He then gets suspicious - is somebody listening in? You sure got a lot of nice things, he wanders around - and spots an item out of place. Didn't that used to be over there? he stands at the mantle - and picks up the recorder. Gloria looks terrified as Tom crushes it beneath his heel. He knows Mike's behind it - it won't work. He places a hand around her throat. You win, she trembles. He gives her a quick kiss - we may have a little fun, Tom grins. Run upstairs and snuggle with Mr Big Bucks. I hate you - I hate! she whispers. Fear me too, Tom says - good night Mrs Fisher - another kiss - pleasant dreams. Raising a shaky hand to her lips. Gloria looks horrified as she eyes the shattered recorder.

At the coffee house, Lauren is stunned: You gave Gloria a recording device? Isn't she in danger? Mike chuckles - it's tiny - what'll he do? Start busting up the place? It's the best way to stop a blackmailer. John's the one good thing that happened in Gloria's life. Besides her two sons? Lauren smiles. Mike stands by his statement - but agrees to go out on the romantic patio. When Mike fails in his bid to get Lauren to set a wedding date, he wonders: What's the hang up? Cold feet? He then tries holding your breath. September 3rd...10th.. Please someone marry me, Mike ends up on the floor, their drinks topple over. Mike laughs as Lauren helps him up. She assures they'll get married. But September is crazy time of year - the biggest retail month. Mike takes guesses: Maybe you want to stay single - you've been married many times, it hasn't worked out. I love you, Lauren vows. Did you mention to Scott that you were getting married. Ignoring the question, Lauren decides to go home: no offense. I need some alone time. I love you, I really, really do, she swears as she give him a kiss - and leaves Mike to wonder. Me too, he says sadly.

Nuthin' But Newmans
Sharon spots Chris and asks to join her. She didn't know Daniel was claiming Cassie was driving - and figures Nick wanted to spare her. Do you honestly think Daniel wasn't driving that car - how could you believe Cassie was? Chris looks trapped. My job is to get him a fair trial. I've asked him to be honest. He swears Cassie was driving. How important are Cassie's clothes from that night? Sharon asks. Very, Chris replies. Your husband isn't helping the investigation in good faith - am I right about that? Chris can't dismiss the possibility that her client wasn't driving - I love him like a son. I helped you get custody of Cassie - I loved her. Chris couldn't live with herself if she missed something. One more question: When Cassie left the hospital, she wanted to tell Daniel something, but didn't get to - she told Nick something the night she died. How do you know that? Sharon's startled. She told him not to blame Daniel - it wasn't his fault. Sharon didn't know what Cassie said. She asks to talk to Daniel. I'd like him to look me in the eye and tell me. When Chris nixes the idea, Sharon has to get home. Good night, the bid one another coolly.

At the main house, Nick's surprised to get a visit from Brad (and Abby). He sends Abby off to the kitchen to bake with Miguel. Brad's there to discuss business with Vic and Vikki. Nick finds it odd he brought Abby - what's really going on? Why be here this time of night? Brad's excited about 'Seasons' - and doesn't want to play it safe. Let's get it out there. Nick still wonders what Brad's up to - but apologizes. Brad knows he's not himself - and you're not comfortable having a half sister. She's a great kid, Nick praises - but he worries about Sharon getting attached to her. Brad won't let that happen. It wouldn't be healthy for either of them. As he's about to take Abby home, Sharon comes home: Hi sweetiepie. The guys exchange glances as a delighted Sharon hugs her. You have to leave now? she pouts. After the Carlton's leave, Sharon announces that Miguel will go put Noah to bed - You and I are having a talk.

As Sharon stares at a photo of Cassie, Nick flashes back to his return (Sharon showing him the photos of Noah - and the party). What did you want to talk to me about? he asks. Sharon wants to know: What did Cassie whisper to you before she died?

My Thoughts
Today's show rates a 9... Good suspense today - IF you're willing to overlook the lack of realism.... lol at JT picking up his crutch and walking out of the ranch with it ... It's hardly Bobby's fault that Vic's wife is nosy .... How many times can one say 'Yes Sir' in one phone call? .... Since JT's been involved since day one - and Paul's now become involved, why didn't THEY think to put a bug in Marsino's office? One would think Paul would have all sorts of surveillance gadgets to entrap Vinnie and the boys... Perhaps I should have clarified that the 'bug' Paul smashes under his foot is a listening device - NOT his ex wife and associate Christine 'Bug' Williams ... Vinnie thinks the loft is a 'nice place'? What feature does he like best - the hideous industrial door or the lovely view of the flashing neon sign? ... Odd that Vinnie would just stand there and let Brit and JT walk out - and wait til the boys hear he was manhandled by an old man .... Lucky Nikki - her gag is a pristine white, soft cloth that really brings out her eyes ... Imagine Tom noticing that one dustable being moved across the Abbott living room - with that eye for detail he could get a job with the Antiques Roadshow or sumthin' ... Mike's usually funny - not so much today - he was just plain goofy (he's better at subtle, witty comedy via dialogue - not Dick Van Dyke pratfalls) ... I would really enjoy a scene in which Sharon confronts Daniel - I see a lot of tears ... Hasn't Brad always wanted to keep Abby as far away from the Newman's as possible? And now he parading her over there - making sure to remind Nick that she's his half sister. Makes No sense - unless father of the year, Brad, is using the tyke... Isn't it funny that John Abbott's upstairs in a deep sleep - practically a coma not to have heard the commotion in his living room - and his Granddaughter Abby is still out visiting (and Noah's baking cookies).

Next: Chris confronts Nick and Sharon: A young man's life is at stake - I want the clothes and I want them NOW ... JT panics as Brit doubles over at the ranch: I'm having contractions - I think I'm going into labour, she wails ..... Dru shouts at Webber: You have the power to get my daughter out of there - now excersize it!

Thanks for your most generous support. 2 or 3 thank you's to go out yet - and all subscribers registered before July 25th have been added. If I've missed you, please contact me (there's an email link at the bottom of this, and every page).

*****

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.