The Shyster, Sheila and the Secret Son
In Mike's office, Kevin reads a fax: who is this Sheila Carter person? Mike gives a brief recap: She tried to kill Lauren not once - but twice - tried to pass Lauren's baby off as her own. She bought the other baby on the black market - it died. That's a sick story, Kevin states. She mourned a child that wasn't hers, Mike continues - Years later she learned Sheila Carter had her baby. **Flashback: Lauren is tied up: Let me see my baby. He's not yours anymore. He's MY son, Sheila replies - You thought your baby had a birthmark. Then it disappeared - you should have stuck to your instincts. She shows Lauren a baby picture - I had it removed. She puts the photo in front of Lauren. Look all you like. No one can reveal the truth. You're going to kill me, Lauren wails. She and Sheila's Mom shriek as flames engulf the living room** She killed her own mother, Mike concludes - then was presumed dead - but arose from the ashes to make Lauren's life hell. She hid Scott to protect him.

She sacrificed a life with her son to keep him safe. And protect you too, Kevin adds. Mike wonders if Sheila could track Scott down as easily as HE did. Kevin continues to read: she escaped from a prison for the criminally insane. Lauren walks in: my ears are burning. Kevin looks around awkwardly as they hug and kiss. Once he leaves, Lauren announces she just came from Toronto. I told Scott about our engagement (if we still have one). Mike was wrong to go see Scott. Lauren feels she overreacted. Mike understands - she covets her privacy. He's over it. So's she - there's nothing stopping them from getting married. Scott'd like to be there, Mike tries one last time. He'll be there in spirit, she smiles. I love you - I love you too - they kiss.

In Scott's apartment, Sheila (Brenda) observes - You don't seem too excited about the engagement. She 'ducked out' so as not to interrupt a family moment. We don't know each other well yet - but you can trust me completely, she assures. Scott confides his mother never mentioned her engagement. Yes - he's met him. He seems to love my Mom. She never wanted to marry - after what she's been through. My Dad died when I was a baby - we don't talk about it. Mom is an amazing person - it's hard getting used to the idea of her settling down. GC is so provincial, claims Sheila - I can't imagine anyone wanting to live there. Have you ever been there Brenda? Scott asks. 'Brenda' hasn't - I'm sure it's a lovely city. She assumes he'll go back for the wedding. Going quiet, Scott claims he's not upset with her. She's excited to have him as her tutor. Scott assures her that 'life experience' counts for more in creative writing than sitting in a class. See you in class, Sheila says as she leaves. Now alone, a pensive Scott picks up a framed photo of his Mom: why don't you want met there? he wonders aloud. Outside, a sly Sheila plots: In a few weeks I'll be closer to your son than you've ever been.

Not So Goodfellas
At the hospital, JT apologizes profusely to Mac - you're the one I want in my life. I hope you feel the same way. I hope you can forgive me. Mac returns his kiss - but wants to know if he's lying now. She's been on an emotional rollercoaster - how am I supposed to react? She's not sure he's worth the pain he's caused - and will have to think it over (at Grandma's). JT expresses how much he cares for her. I'm glad, Mac says as she exits.

At the ranch, Nikki updates Nick and Sharon: that bastard could have pulled the trigger at any moment. Thankfully your father got there in time. She had a guardian angel watching her. Sharon knows it's Cassie. Nick has to ask: what the hell were you thinking? Nikki wanted to make things right for Brit and Bobby - love is something we should cling to.

Brad arrives to make sure Nikki's OK. While Vic takes a call, Brad comments the tired line about the Newman's pulling together in a crisis. Sharon gives Nikki one last hug, then heads home with Nick. Nikki hates to be rude - but needs to go upstairs and rest (leaving Brad to discuss his business: the Christmas season is almost upon them. He has roadblocks that only Victor can deal with - it involves someone near and dear to both their hearts: Jack Abbott. .

Law n' Disorder
At the club, Chris and Phyllis discuss the trial tomorrow. She'll do everything in her power to prevent Daniel from being convicted. The car was a heap of scrap metal - we have a few items we'll present at trial, but Chris won't discuss it in a public place. We have what may be Cassie's prints on the wheel - and driver's door - but she may have just helped him in - and grabbed the wheel at some point. A prosecutor will poke holes in our theory. It's impossible to determine the position of the seat. Chris will call expert witnesses. She may call Phyllis to testify that Daniel drinking and driving was an isolated incident. He's not a drunk, Phyllis is irked - you're supposed to reassure me.

Meanwhile, at Memorial, Paul questions both the on duty nurse - and the nurse who worked the ER the night Cassie was brought in. Were you aware of anything she might have said in her final moments? What happened to her personal effects? Ang watches as Paul learns the clothes were in bad condition - they were given to the family.

Getting home, Sharon believes Cassie is watching over them. They discuss the trial. Nick's sure Chris' theory won't hold up in court - they're grasping at straws. Looking forward to closure, Nick apologizes for letting anger run his life - and letting her grieve alone. We're in this together. Her eyes tearing up, Sharon's wanted to hear that for so long. We need each other. The tears flowing, Sharon gives him a hug. He has an idea - I'll be back soon. Sharon ponders a photo of Cassie and smiles up to the heavens - I love you sweetie.

Back at the club, Chris would like to be able to guarantee she'll get Daniel out of this. She lets it slip that she needs the smoking gun. Phyllis demands to know what she's holding back. You're all we have - I'm begging you to come through for us. When Paul interrupts needing to speak to her, Chris suggests she go for a work out - I need you strong tomorrow. Now alone, Paul reports the nurse personally gave Nick the clothing. Chris would rather not have to subpoena them. Paul will try and trace the shoes - Sharon must have bought them for Cassie. Where are you going in such a hurry? Phyllis wonders as they blow by her.

She then walks over as Nick's planning a romantic menu for Sharon. Put it on my account, Nick asks Gina (who leaves them). He didn't do it - he wasn't driving, Phyllis says with confidence. Nick disagrees with her 'fantasy'. Phyllis is ready for the truth to come out in court - are you?

Chris pays a visit to the ranch to confront Sharon -the trial starts tomorrow. I know Nick was given Cassie's personal effects - don't make me take legal action to get them. I will if you force me to.

My Thoughts
Today's show rates an 8.. Sorry - no time this afternoon - late for work :-) have a great weekend!

Next: mike has a plan - Now I can do whatever's necessary to keep Sheila far way from Lauren ... Bobby's going into protective custody until after the trial - then he'll disappear (Nikki's not happy to hear it) ... Sharon looks uncomfortable as Nick hugs her from behind. Now it's just you and me - two people in love.

*****

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.