Sibling Revelry
At the club, Brad talks business with Sharon. He wants her to keep up to speed on Seasons - and would like to show Jack up (for hiring Jill as CEO). Brad makes it clear she'll be more than his sidekick. He appreciates her enthusiasm - We'll make a great team, I know it. Sharon knows it too.

Over wine at the ranch, Nick and Vikki engage in good natured sibling banter while waiting for their parents to return (from wherever they are). The topics include Italian men vs. American dudes. Vikki thinks they should learn to smile - be happy. Are you? Nick wonders. Vikki DID have a great time in Italy. She may have no social life here but she's happy. Sure, it'd be nice to share it with someone. You need to get a dog to take for walks - or take you paints out - set up your easel in the park.

Vikki brings out Miguel's chocolate chip oatmeal cookies. She loves holding the reins of the company. Nick gives his word he won't run her out of NE. She can be CEO - he'll be God of the company. What will we call Dad? Vikki wonders. Nick agrees, we'd have a problem. Sharon joins them. Hey - what are you doing here? Nick gives a less than thrilled welcome. They chit chat about Vikki's social life - or lack thereof. I had a meeting with Brad - we talked about how I'd fit into NE. Sharon realizes three's a crowd: I'm ready to head off to bed. If you wanna hang out - chat, go ahead. Putting his wine down, Nick feels obligated to follow along.

Not So Goodfellas
From her hospital bed, Brit worries about how long the doctor's taking examining Johsua - what do you think's going on? She asks JT. She's also worried about Bobby. JT reassures: not to worry - we have Victor Newman on our side.

Wandering around the Memorial reception area, the Newman's are surprised to bump into JT and Brit (and visa versa). What are you doing here? My baby was born tonight, Brit explains - he's small but the doctors are optimistic. What happened to you Nikki? Avoiding the question, Vic offers congratulations, then takes Nikki down for a CAT scan. Brit's horrified to learn they don't know where Bobby is.

Yeah - Bobby was OK, Paul updates: Vinnie and Lucca were arrested - but the game is far from over. Bobby has to collect and turn in the incriminating evidence - he's headed for a little town - that's all Paul knows. He should be able to get his hands on the 'material' but it could be dangerous. Brit NEEDS Bobby - he needs to know he's a father, she wails. My baby might never know his father.

Paul makes a call then asks JT how the baby is. He has all his fingers and toes - and a good set of lungs, JT reports. Brit can't take her eyes off him. Glad to hear it, Paul informs that he just spoke to Chris - they were trying to keep Vinnie and Lucca from making any phone calls (without violating their constitutional rights of course). Unfortunately, they got to a phone. Bobby better keep his head down - he's a target. Or what? Brit interrupts. He's in danger isn't he? she whines - the ruse was supposed to keep me, the baby AND Bobby safe. YOU go down the hall and tell my baby he won't have a father - cause I can't do it.

Paul updates them - the DA's office can offer witness protection once they see what Bobby brings back - if anything. JT will stay with Brit - Vic offers to foot the bill for security. He leaves them to join Nikki - who'd rather spend the night in his arms - than stay overnight for observation. She promises Brit to come back and see the baby. Brit watches after them with longing. Look how they depend on each other - take care of each other. If something happens to Bobby, who will take care of the baby? Who'll take care of me?

Seein' Red
Phyllis returns form the Winter's condo to complain about Dru. But Jack has other things on his mind. You're a charmer, Phyllis smiles. Jack claims his prior relationships have just been test runs - he's tried to give Phyllis her space and not push - but she's a woman of strong needs. She must be deprived down the hall all alone. And you're depraved, Phyllis jokes. Never bothered you before, Jack replies: You need to think about yourself - stop worrying about other people's problems. Phyllis balks: I should let my son sink or swim? Is that what you're saying?

Jack goes for coffee - giving Phyllis time to calm down. You'll be there for him. I'll be by your side, he encourages. It'll be fine, Phyllis tells herself. A young mans life can't be ruined for one little mistake, can it? I'll fall apart if I think the worse.

The Bride and Groom To Be (Maybe)
Lauren and mike kiss and make up at the office. Alone for a moment, Lauren gets a call from Scott - I really want you to meet Michael, she says. Scott tattles that he already did. Mike came to visit. Lauren's horrified: what!? I like him if that counts for anything, Scott offers. Of course it does. I love you honey. Love you too Mom. Mike returns to the office - and a furious Lauren. I hear the weather is lovely in Toronto - care to comment!? What were you thinking? I told you I'd introduce you when the time was right. Mike didn't find that acceptable. It's crazy. WHEN were you even going to tell him? Why keep him in the dark - talk to me. Lauren wonders if he'll disregard her wishes once they're married. Mike doesn't understand how getting to know his future stepson will effect her. He tells 'the love of his life' that she must have a reason for keeping Scott a secret. It's sad to compartmentalize your life. Would you have introduced me to YOUR family if they hadn't moved to town?? Lauren fires back. Mike points out the difference: we had no relationship. You and Scott do. Lauren doesn't need a Mr Fix It. Let me handle my own affairs. She refuses to discuss it further. Learn to listen to me - if I say something is off limits, I mean it! When Mike can't wait to see what else is off limits, Lauren slams out: I'm outta here!

Mike joins Brad at the club bar: Where's the bartender? Brad doesn't know - he ran outta here. Brad reaches behind the bar for a bottle: Scotch? We'll put it on your tab tomorrow. Mike admits he had a fight with Lauren. She's a pistol, Brad knows. Don't take anything to heart. Mike is madly in love with Lauren - but she doesn't want him to have any contact with her son. Brad doesn't feel it his place to comment. Mike wonders why no one gossips anymore. Is Scott's father a maniac - a bigamist - someone I know? Brad confides he's dead. He got sick - no warning. I'm not getting into it. Let it go - be happy with Lauren. Why is everyone being so damn cryptic? Mike pouts. Bye counselor - Brad leaves the tab (which Mike rips up as soon as he leaves).

Lauren returns to the office: Michael.... Finding it empty, she indulges in a flashback **She's confronting Sheila about throwing it in her face that her baby died. The pain - the anguish I went through. You did it on purpose. Sheila sneers coldly: Your dead baby's not uppermost on my mind. How could you be such a vile person? Lauren asks**....... Then another flashback **She's in the backseat (floor) of Sheila's car - kidnapped. All your pushing and probing, Sheila looks back to tell her. Your mother wanted to talk to me - I wasn't to tell you, Lauren says. That's where I'm taking you - to the farm**... Looking greatly disturbed, Lauren grabs her purse and exits.

My Thoughts
Today's show rates an 8. Watch JT - he uses his crutch to get to one side of the hospital lounge - then leans it against the wall to wander around. And can't he wipe the make up off his eye now? .. Odd that no media or police have come around (given all the witnesses that ran scurrying like cockroaches from Marsino's). Where is the media horde that gathered around lottery winner Kevin Fisher? Aren't they interested in a local mob take down? Or at the very least, a scuffle at the local nudie bar? ... Of course, Brit's going to be upset - but does she really need to be yelling at Paul like that? Why should he go tell her baby boy anything? What does HE know about baby boys? (He's forgotten all about his) .... Shouldn't Brit be hanging out on the maternity ward - why is she hanging around the lobby like a Wal Mart greeter? And shouldn't Nikki be taken for her CAT scan in a wheelchair - instead of hanging off Vic? ... Loved Lauren's flashback - if only to laugh at the 'do's', make up and fashions .... How can Phyllis call the accident 'one little mistake'? A young girl's life was snuffed out. Neither she nor Lily seem to understand that the laws were implemented for a reason - and the consequences can't just be waived. Do the crime - you do the time (had he have committed the crime of course - he should still be charges with drinking underage) .... Phyllis plans to abstain from sex until her son is freed? How unnecessary - even the Newman's are getting it on ... Cookies and red wine? eeeuuuwww... Certainly not a late night snack 'God' would indulge in - or anyone without a cast iron stomach for that matter ... Wonder who'll be paying Brit's hospital tab? Who'll take care of Brit and her baby? Likely you taxpayers.

Next: Brit asks the nurse if any messages from Bobby Marsio. JT interrupts: No - the jerk hasn't called.... I'm afraid I can think of many reason to keep you locked up until the trial, Judge Jennings tells Lily ... Nikki cuddles in Victor's arms: safe and sound...

*****

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.