Not So Goodfellas
With Brit now on the gurney (baby in her arms), Mac relays how she delivered the baby - cut the umbilical chord and wrapped the baby in a blanket. Your friends did a great job, the medics assure Brit (who wonders if the baby should be in an incubator). When JT credits Mac, Brit thanks them - I'll never forget this Mac. You'd do the same for me, Mac replies. Mac looks sad as Brit summons JT over. Call Bobby - let him know, Brit whispers before being wheeled out. JT gets Bobby's voicemail and hangs up without leaving a message. Mac congratulates him - you'll be a good Dad JT. Mac, there's something I need to tell you, JT begins - but Mac thinks he should be with Brit - please don't ask me to come with you (implying that would be too painful).

Hearing Nikki (who gets a shot in the mouth by Lucca), Bobby confronts Vinnie: I'm not the only one here - you can't kill me and walk - shoot me or put the gun down. Bobby claims he was left with no choice but to go to the cops - you threatened my wife and unborn child. Bobby then gets knocked unconscious - and Vinnie and Lucca go to grab Nikki.

Out in the busy club, Paul joins Vic (who then goes to question Ang). When Paul joins him preaching caution, Vic refuses to sit and do nothing - who knows what they're doing to Nikki. Off he goes... Headed to the office, he spots Bobby out cold on the floor. He then comes upon Lucca and Vinnie (who are trying to get Nikki out of there). Vic demands the return on his wife.

As the club empties out, Vinnie waves the gun with one hand while flinging Nikki around like a rag doll with the other. Bobby's down in the office - that rat bastard, Vinnie shouts at Ang. Vic warns that he's making things worse. Vinnie gives Nikki another shake: This is our ticket outta here - if I have to I'll blow this place apart. Get outta my way old man. While Paul wanders around pointing his gun, Vic manages to kick the crap outta Lucca - then doing the same to Vinnie before throwing him behind the bar. Vic goes to Nikki and comforts her as she sits whimpering on the floor.

207 Union Street - we need a unit as soon as you can, Paul barks into the phone. Bobby surveys the damage: I see you took care of this. Nikki, I'm sorry I got you into this. Nikki quivers in Vic's arms on the floor. Bobby continues: I'd like to leave Brit at the ranch - I have to drive upstate to take care of a few things. I should have enough to put these guys away for a long time. I'm gonna take you to the hospital now - can you stand up? Vic asks the shaking Nikki (who'd rather just cling to him).

Arriving at the club, Mac calls the hospital and learns that Brit and JT are there. Kevin arrives and hears she didn't talk to the Newman's about buying the coffee house - she delivered Brit's baby. Seeing JT with Brit and the baby was a reality check - I have to accept he's out of my life forever. Kevin thinks it was fate - now she knows it's over with JT. Mac agrees. Poor kid, Kevin laughs, but Mac thinks JT and Brit will be good parents.

He's perfect, isn't he? Brit smiles and talks to her baby in the incubator beside her hospital bed: I'll be with you every day. You'll never be lonely and neither will I. Where's Bobby? You don't think something happened do you? She declines JT's offer to call her parents. You have no idea what it's like to have a baby. My heart is so full - like all the love in the world inside you. Tears stream down Brit's face: Daddy's going to be so happy to see you. He'll love you as much as I do. I'm so lucky to have you and your father in my life.

Dysfunctional Dad
Tom confronts Kevin and Mike at the law office (on the recording device). You just sponge off Michael, Tom accuses Kevin. Kevin's insulted: I've had a job and I'm looking for a new one. She won't give into your demands, Mike assures. She already has, Tom gloats. She's generously agreed to help her husband get back on his feet. Call it what it is, Mike challenges. Why? so you can have me on tape saying the word blackmail? I'm going to have to start practicing tough love, he warns - and I'm not just talking fisticuffs Mikey. Tom leaves the boys looking concerned.

At the Abbott home, the robe clad Gloria tells Ash her sad tale of woe: I should have seen the signs - but it was only some of the time. Mostly we had fun - he'd take me for rides - buy me gifts. It was enough to get me hooked. I was single and had a little boy to take care off - I had no career or education. It never occurred to me that I could make it on my own - without a man. Everything changed when I got pregnant with Kevin. He never wanted to be a father - he never held him - or played with him. He was getting smacked around every day by the time he started kindergarten. I told him to stop - told him I'd leave him. No - I never called the police. I was too scared. Every once in a while he'd hold me - make love to me and it'd be like the early days - I lived for those moments, and I tried harder to get him to love me again.

Mike arrives - I need to see Gloria. Can't this wait until tomorrow? she balks. It's late, Ash agrees. No - it can't wait. No - now - alone. Good night Ashley. I was going to call you, Gloria tells Mike. The thorn in our collective side left quite a while ago, Mike points out. We can't have this conversation now - I'll come by the office, Gloria hisses. Step daddy dearest came to the office to gloat - you were trying to keep this from me, weren't you? Mike accuses.

I'll handle Tom - I have access to some money, Gloria claims. Mike doesn't think it'll be enough. John will see money's missing - he'll figure it out. Gloria has to do something. I used to be weak and scared back then. What about now? Don't let him have power over you. It's my life - my marriage, she says: this is how I'm going to handle it. If I do what Tom wants everything will be fine. No - it will destroy you, Mike warns. No, Gloria corrects - losing John will destroy me. It makes me sick knowing you're gonna do this, Mike sneers as he leaves. Now alone, Gloria turns out the lights one by one and slowly looks around the room - and walks to the mantle. Tom stands outside the door looking in.

Brad runs into Lauren at the club. After some good natured flirting amongst old friends, Lauren detects he has a plan where Jabot's concerned. She confides her concern over Scott (who has no idea he's in danger if he returns to GC). Brad thinks she needs to explain everything to Mike. I've done a good job raising my son - I don't need anyone, including Michael to second guess my decisions. Brad thinks she's being unfair. He'll judge me - just like you are right now, Lauren grumbles: Why can't things stay the way they are? Are you sure you want to be married to Michael? - Brad's not sure she's ready. Of course I am - I haven't lied to him. You're keeping secrets, Brad says: Once uncovered they cause problems. You need to stop living in fear - think about it. He gives her a kiss on the top of the head and leaves her to think.

Mike's surprised to find Lauren in his office. Things haven't been so great between us. Lauren credits an old friend for making her think about things - relationships - secrets. Mike has had a rough night and can't deal with more bad news.

My Thoughts
Today's show rates a 7 - sorry, no time for thoughts today - running extremely late.

Next: In her hospital bed, Brit worries to JT: what do you think is going on? The DR's keeping Joshua a long time .... Lauren's on the phone with Scott: I really want you to meet him ... I've already met him, Scott replies (much to Lauren's surprise: what!?) .... I know we'll make a great team. I know it too, Sharon smiles and nods at Brad.

*****

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.