Trials and Tribulations
Vic and Nikki look at Sharon's unusually messy home - and are stunned to hear the police were there with a warrant because Chris wants to check the clothes. A sympathetic Nikki thinks it awful to have strangers paw through your things. When Vic suggests it's best to cooperate with Chris. Sharon worries Chris is grasping at straws to create reasonable doubt - Daniel could get off on a technicality. If Daniel gets off scott free, it'll be the end of Nicholas. On cue, Nick returns. What will be the end of me? Sharon updates him that the police searched the place. Vic encourages him to look at both sides. Nick tells them about the shoes fragment they found and vows they will NOT get Cassie's clothes - it's a matter of principle. Nick's touched that his Mom wants to support them by going to court - but you've been through hell - we know you're there for us. Nick goes up to change. See - everything is riding on Daniel being found guilty, Sharon frets.

Both in bathing suits at the spa, Lily is thinking of Daniel with every molecule of her being. It's so unfair. Yeah, right - Devon rolls his eyes.

Dressed in his suit, Daniel tells the stern guard that he needs to call his lawyer. Lily accepts the collect call: I wish I could be there. He wants her to know that whatever happens - you'll always be in my heart. The guard bark - I love you always. I love you too. As Devon towels off, lily has a favour to ask. Go to court - give Daniel a thumbs up. Devon's starting a new job today - at NE (thanks to Neil). Lily pleads to no avail. He's a bad guy - he messed up your life and drove drunk - he has to pay for what he did. You're mad at me. Yeah, lily agrees - I'm mad at toy. Devon leaves.

With Jack in tow, Phyllis cautiously walks into the empty courtroom - I'm a big fan of the justice system. I KNOW innocent people can be convicted. She declines a walk - and sits: please don't throw my son's life away, she pleads aloud.

When a happy Glen greets the balif, Phyllis thinks Mr District Attorney really enjoys his job - giving teenagers year in prison must give you a thrill. Glen doesn't care how old he is. Phyllis accuses him of really being after her. Glen assures her he doesn't think about her as much as she'd like to believe. Jack tries to get Phyllis out for coffee. The Newman's are hiding evidence, Phyllis states. When Glen threatens to throw her out, Jack intercedes. Glen won't take abuse from the back seats - one word from me and you're gone. Glen bids Chris good morning (Paul's at her side). Chris tells Paul she can't ask for a delay because one of Cassie's hairs was found on the drivers side - she's never gone to trial with such a flimsy defense - what will I say on opening? Paul should be out hitting the bricks - though he's not sure what he's looking for. Something big and convincing, Chris hopes as she sends him off.

Phyllis suggests Jack get to work - I'll be fine. Chris has it together - it'll be great, Phyllis says unconvincingly. Jack exits: I'll leave my cell on. Phyllis spots Lily enter in a hat and dark glasses. Leave me alone, Lily hisses: Daniel needs all the support he can get. You're not support, you're poison, Phyllis frowns. You can't be here. An accused juvenile delinquent supporting him is a bad thing - we don't need Lizzie Borden cheering him on. I want you out of here. Don't wave to him. Leave quickly. Daniel watches Lily as he sits down. You've seen him, please go, Phyllis whispers and sits down as Lily obediently slinks out the back door.

Arriving, the Newman's ask Glen where the jury is. He explains defense requested a bench trial - there's no jury. It won't matter - the outcome will be the same. Daniel shifts uncomfortably as he and the Newman's briefly eye one another.

As Judge Jennings presides, Glen paints the portrait of a 17 year old kid who drank a lot of beer - got behind the wheel - lost control at high speed - struck a pole and rolled over and over - his blood alcohol reading was .13% - 14 year old Cassidy Ann Newman died. After being charged Mr Romalotti fled to LA and was extradited back to GC. We pray your honour will agree the state proves Mr Romalotti is guilty. Chris won't bore his honour - it's a matter of guesswork and assumption. They assume Daniel was driving - yet many accidents are caused by underage drivers - it's not uncommon. The state will not show beyond reasonable doubt that my client was driving the car. Nick glares at Phyllis.

Trials and Tribulations
Kevin barges into the law office and is surprised to hear from Chris that Mike's out of town. He didn't say anything about a trip. Also barging in, Lauren's more surprised: Mike went on a trip?

In Palm Springs, Mike asks about Sheila Carter. What's her condition - what kind of patient she is - if she'll be released. The warden reports she escaped a few months ago. Mike finds himself at a second facility. She turned herself in after her first escape - and has been a model inmate. I could have told you this over the phone. Mike wants to see her for himself. She's under heavy sedation - she'll never be released, the warden assures - adding: We're not set up for visits. He's arranged for her to be brought in - if she reacts, keep quiet and we'll get her out of here - there's slim risk of violence. Henry leads a woman in; this is Sheila Carter. Mike looks from the photo to the woman. Are you Sheila Carter? Mike asks that her hair be moved from her face. Mike cocks his head and peers down at a woman who looks very similar to the photo. Thank you for your trouble warden. My mind's at ease now.

At Scott's place for a tutoring session, Sheila flashes back to having baby Scotty on her knee (We don't have to be afraid of that meddling Lauren - you'll always be mine. No one will take you away from me - not ever). Realtime, Scott admits he's distracted - worried about his mother. Sheila's impressed that he's mindful of his mother - it's often not the case. Brainstorming for a story idea, Sheila shares a story rattling around in her head: a woman head over heels with this man - let's make him a doctor. She gets pregnant - he's overjoyed. BUT - there's a second woman; selfish, wealthy. She tricks the doctor into sleeping with her - maybe even drugs him. Scott guesses - she winds up pregnant. Of course - she's a conniving bitch with no conscience. A birthmark is removed - the woman parades the child around telling everyone she gave birth to this little angel. Scott's intrigued: God - to have your own child stolen from you. It's the most horrible thing a woman can go through, Sheila believes: let's make the other woman a nurse. This rich woman has more resources than the poor little nurse. He's a beautiful boy - she never stops longing for him. Does she ever get him back? Scott asks. No - instead she's treated like a pariah - locked away. When you tell the truth to power, that's what you get. Did you dream this up yourself? Scott wonders. No - It happened to a friend of mine. It's not fiction but it sounds like a bestseller, Scott concludes. Sheila admits she's embellished the tale - take it - it's yours now - it's your story.

Back at the law office, Kevin suggests Mike's trip has to do with Lauren's son. Lauren makes a quick call to confirm Scott hasn't seen him - then gets behind the computer to see where Mike's been surfing - but finds it password protected. She then spots the fax: Oh my God - Sheila Carter. Oh no. She's not human - the woman is a monster! She tried to murder her own mother - and me - more than once. You have no idea - I've tried to move on - now he's digging all this up - WHY is he doing this!? Kevin doubts Mike's trip has to do with Sheila. Don't worry - He can be wicked too when he wants to be. Lauren is distressed that Mike's gone behind her back again, but mostly worried - please keep him safe, she cries.

My Thoughts
Today's show rates an 8.5.. Funny line of the day: Lily is thinking about Daniel 'with every molecule of her being' (does ANYONE of ANY age really talk like that? - OK those who do, please don't feel the need to email me) ... Perhaps the 'big' evidence to clear Daniel will be when someone comes forward and admits they loaned the black heeled shoes to Cassie that night. Perhaps the shoes Cassie wore that night were borrowed from Nikki - or Cassie swapped her sandals for Ally's shoes ... Wasn't Daniel moved to the Abbott home to protect him from the media onslaught? If so, why is the press not covering this trial? ... Shouldn't the Newman's have been made aware that they'd be attending a bench trial as opposed to trial by jury? .. Didn't Lily learn last time that she's not all that good at disguising herself ... Why did Lily seem surprised that the collect call was from Daniel? I'm assuming the operator let her know who was calling before she accepted the charges .. Ok - the return of evil nurse Sheila is what many viewers have wanted for years - but I find the whole thing more than a tad contrived. Are we really expected to believe Lauren has been SO distraught over the past 20 odd years? Puh-lease. Hard to look over your shoulder when you're on your back.... And will Scott now churn out a bestseller without even knowing it's autobiographical?

Next: Brad assures Vikki: I have as much at stake in this company's success as any other executive ... Glen stands to object: Christine, you're trying to blame Cassie for this .... Jack warns Brad: I'm keeping my eye on you Bradley. Just don't blink, Brad retorts back.

*****

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.