Partners With a Pyro
At the club, Mac reports she's holding up better than expected - more than she can say for Kevin. There's no point in talking about it, Kevin frowns: Mike had this plan - it blew up in our faces - now things are worse than ever. He plans to work out - be in the best shape of his life. Mac wants to get her ducks in a row before going to her Grandma to back their bid to buy the coffee house. Mac woke up a new woman - she has to leave JT behind. You're still behind me, right? Kevin pretends to think about it. This is a good start on a business plan, he praises: You're beautiful when you're stoked. Mac glows: I haven't been this excited since... in a long time, she quickly catches herself. I guess it's going to happen - partner, Kevin smiles too.

Not So Goodfellas
No.... Nikki awakens from a bad dream, her head on Vic's nap. He shushes her and tells her that after showering and changing, she's been there all night. Her face a bruised mess, Nikki declines going to bed - and wonders how Bobby is - and if he knows he's a father. Nikki declines food - but takes a cup of coffee. It was a nightmare - moments I'll never forget. Vic's proud of her for not giving up. You're safe in my arms - I'll never let you go. Bobby will be all right. Nikki explains her involvement: I was baffled by the break up - it made no sense. I got in over my head. I worry about those two. Vic believes Bobby's doing everything he can to give his family a future.

The baby's doing remarkably well for a preemie, the nurse assures Brit (who's now in her bed). Has Bobby Marsino left any messages? Brit pleads. JT jumps in: no - the jerk hasn't called. After the nurse leaves, Brit worries that no one's heard from Bobby. Brit declines the forkful of food JT tries to shovel into her. She has a beautiful little baby - but his father is off on his quest to get rid of the bad guys. JT reminds her why Bobby's doing it. I'm scared. What if I never get to tell him he's a father, she frets.

Where could he be? Chris also worries (at the law office with Paul). Bobby then arrives with the goods and is assured it's safe to talk (no bugs). Bobby's pumped: he's got the real books - dates, times, connections - on CD too. These bastards will go down hard. Chris shuts him up to deliver the news: you're a father.

Your son's premature but doing fine - Brit too (she'll want to fill you in). Bobby's eager to get them and leave town. The baby will be in the hospital for a couple of weeks at least, Chris informs. You're in danger, Paul warns. You only have a small window of time to move - but it won't be with Brit and the baby.

Bobby refuses to leave without them. Chris explains the witness protection program. 2 officers will take him into protective custody until he can safely disappear. Arrangements will be made for Brit and the baby to slip into the system. There are police and guards protecting Brit and the baby - for the moment, you'll all be safe. This is 'good bye' he realizes - I'm going to see my boy.

That's my wife, Bobby says loudly as the guard follows him in. Thank God you're safe - I missed you too, Brit clings to him. The baby's perfect. He'll be in an incubator for a couple of weeks. I'm so glad this is finally over with. Bobby helps her from the bed. I can't wait for you to meet your son. He's like a little miracle. Bobby thanks JT - who's left behind to mope a moment - then call Mac (to leave a message: I really need to talk to you about some stuff). On cue, she walks in.

Mac was wondering how Brit and the baby are doing. Shouldn't you be with her? Someone else has it covered, JT replies: There's something else I want to tell you. Not what you think - just listen. The baby isn't mine, it's Bobby's. Mac doesn't believe him. They were in a lot of danger, JT continues: guys from Bobby's past. He had to protect his wife and child. This ruse is what you came up with? We had to, JT claims. Mac frowns: you kept me in the dark - jumped through hoops for Brit - you tore my soul out - you couldn't trust me? JT wouldn't put her in danger. It was the only way to keep you safe. Mac laughs - this unreal. Do you have any idea what I've been through so you could be Brit's knight in shining armour? I felt like a fool - that you never cared. JT's sorry - but it was the only way. You're the one I want, JT assures - I hope you can forgive me. Their kiss indicates she can. Tell me JT - how do I know you're not lying to me now? she has to ask.

After the guard escorts Brit and Bobby to the preemie nursery, Ang arrives and grabs a bouquet of flowers - ditches the card. Where are the newborn babies? he asks a nurse: the ones who come early? The preemies, she interjects. I'm Bobby Marsino's brother - I want to see my new nephew, Ang smiles. Go down and make a right, she directs. Ang will wait - let them have their private time. His shifty eyes scan the place.

Walkin' In A Winters Wonderland
In the small courtroom, Dru asks Mike how long it'll take the Judge to decide. Shouldn't be long, he tells her - then flashes back to his fight with Lauren. The Judge interrupts and takes a seat behind his desk. He's given the matter careful consideration. He can find many reasons to keep Ms Winters locked up pending trial.

He delivers a long winded lecture: Bond is your promise to behave - you violate the terms of our agreement - you are returning the walls of the jail cell to their original size. YOU are responsible. Lily won't be tried as an adult, but could easily spend time in a juvenile facility - he doesn't consider her a flight risk or a danger to the community. He's heard no remorse - and love can't be used as an excuse for bad behavior. However, he will reinstate the original terms of her bond - not so much as a parking ticket, he warns. We're adjourned.

The Winter's hug - then thank Mr Baldwin. I'll be in touch. He turns to Lily: And you... I know, Lily says: straight and narrow. She thanks her parents for being on her side - and wishes it could be the same for Daniel. Dru's tired of hearing that boy's name. Worry about yourself, Neil agrees. Stay away from Daniel Romalotti - of course Dru didn't give him the letter. One more strike and we can't help you. You seemed arrogant - the judge was right - Your attitude has to change. You should be planning your senior year in college. Yes - we DO expect you to stay away from Daniel. Years down the road you'll say 'Daniel who?'. Lily promises to obey the Judges orders. The papers arrive for signing.

The Shyster, Sheila and The Secret Son
At the club, Brad ends a business meeting. What we discussed goes no further, they agree. As the man leaves, Mike joins Brad (who's in no mood to talk about Lauren). You may be the only person who can help me, Mike insists. Brad's a busy man - why would he want to get involved? He doesn't want to be in the middle of their saga. Mike wonders why Lauren wants to keep Scott a secret - I'm about to be his stepfather. Brad won't be interrogated - if you want answers, find out about a woman named Sheila Carter - now don't bother me again, he leaves. Sheila, Mike repeats to himself.

Lauren pauses to pluck up her courage - then knocks on Scott's door. This is a surprise, he welcomes her in. Over coffee, Lauren thinks he's looking a little thin. He eats - junk food. Classes are a piece of cake. The teaching assistant job's going well. Anyone special in your life? How's the writing? Scott has a great idea for a book - based on a true story. You didn't fly out here to see if I need clean socks - what's up? Lauren needed to see him. Also, Michael Baldwin and I are engaged. Scott congratulates her with a hug. I could tell he really loved you. Little glitch - we had an argument over that. You sure he's the guy for you? Lauren's sure - and admits they've been engaged since May. May! Scott's surprised.

Lauren goes into a flashback of her confronting Sheila: You switched the babies at the hospital - how could you do that? You do what you have to to survive, Sheila replies coldly.

Scott looks forward to seeing his birthplace. We're not having the wedding in GC, Lauren says quickly. Wherever it is, it'll be small and intimate. Scott needs to arrange to take time off. Lauren doesn't want to inconvenience him. We'll just stop off on our way back. Scott understands - are you OK? Seeing him, Lauren knows she's made the right decisions. Sorry - I'm emotional. I gotta go. You just got here, Scott points out as she leaves. i love you too Mom. Bye baby, she smiles back as she leaves.

Smiling, Sheila enters the room. So, your mother's getting married - how lovely.

My Thoughts
Today's show rates an 8.5 Um - if Mac were getting her ducks in a row, shouldn't she have secured her Grandma's financial support BEFORE approaching the Newman's with an offer to purchase the coffee house? (which incidentally isn't even for sale)... Note how long Vic says: shhhhhhhh - shhhhh .... Funny how Nikki's face is bruised - yet her eyes aren't bloodshot ... Note the size of the bite JT's trying to feed Brit .... If the mob's now in the know, and Bobby's a target - why wouldn't they be watching the law office? (since it was the place Vinnie bugged - and all the interested parties seem to congregate there) .... Why would the nurse not be apprised of the security surrounding the Marsino family? Surely she's noticed the guards and police? Didn't she read the memo? .. Kinda disappointed to see Ang being the bad guy - I always thought he was a softie ... One can only guess that Scott's story idea - based on a true story - will be the bizarre story of his own life... Sheila doesn't appear to have aged, or changed a bit - but what the heck is she doing in Toronto?

Next: In Mike's office, Kevin reads a paper: Who's this Sheila Carter person? She's terrorized Lauren's life for years, Mike replies ....JT tells Mac: I did what I did to protect you. You thought lying was the best way to do that? Mac says in disbelief ....Chris chats at the coffee house: I'd love nothing better than to say I'll get Daniel out of this..but you can't make that promise, Phyllis concludes.

*****

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.