In her room with the concerned Traci, Ashley realizes it wasn't a dream - what have I done? Adam listens through the open door as Ashley recalls driving in the rain. What if I really did it? she murmurs, horrified.

Victor may not have much to say to her - but Colleen has plenty to say to HIM - she lost a job she was perfect for - guess what pops up when her name's typed into a search engine? She gets dirty looks from strangers - and emails from perverts. Want someone to blame? Blame your Uncle Jack (and own actions), Victor replies. He then answers the door - a house call from his accommodating banker (who's told to gather up a million dollars).

Kiss me, the 'genius' returns to the cabin to update Gloria (who's walking around with the cat in a basket). With Patty still sleeping in the chair she's tied to, Jeff's set it up so they don't have to come face to face with either Jack or Victor. But let em wait - we're holding all the cards.

Jack and Paul are on the phone discussing Patty (assuming she's escaped her kidnappers by now). Billy comes down to talk business with Jack - but then gripes about Victor sickin' a psychopath on their family (including Ashley). He's ready to confront Victor - you gonna come with me? Or stay here? Billy challenges.

Visiting Ryder in prison, Kevin encourages him to be open with his lawyer, Mike (sure he'll come around and defend him once the DNA results prove they're brothers). But what if I'm not? Ryder worries. Meanwhile, on the patio, Jana's determined to get Amber out of marrying Deacon. Cornering Daniel, Jana won't let him leave until he sits down to hash it out with Amber - just 5 minutes, she demands.

Victor has important business to attend to - but Colleen's not through complaining. He scoffs at her getting drunk and making a spectacle of herself. Uncle Jack used you (to get back at me) - he set you up to fail, then didn't protect you. Hmmm, Colleen's expression indicates Victor may just have a point there.

Jack understands Billy's desire to confront Victor - but look what happened when he stormed into the board meeting - and later the ranch. They only alienated Ashley further. We've gotta outsmart Victor - which Jack's now doing. By doubling Victor's reward, HE'S talking to the kidnappers. And once he gets Patty, the police will know Victor's involved. Oh, he's guilty alright - believe me. And when Patty talks, Ashley will realize she's married to a low life. Billy hopes Jack's plan all comes together - but is scared for Ashley.

Traci gently pries the story out of Ashley (who admits she was driving after Victor to stop him from being with Sabrina). She thought it was a dream ... Adam interrupts looking for his laptop, and introduced to Traci, manages to warn Ashley to be careful of what she says. And when Traci tries to continue the discussion, Ashley's changed her mind - it was only a dream. She declines seeing a doctor - I'm just tired - that's why I get so emotional, Ashley insists as she hops in bed to prove it (leaving Traci to look defeated - while Adam's relieved by what he hears).

Jana stops Daniel from leaving - just talk to Amber. Everything she's done is for YOUR sake. Daniel's not jealous that she's engaged to someone else - he's disgusted. Fine, Daniel will give Amber five minutes. Sitting across from the mopey Amber, Daniel hears the wedding's happening soon. He's forcing me. Who's 'he'? Amber can't say - but swears she loves Daniel - and only Daniel. Not surprisingly, he doesn't believe a word she says.

Huh? Why would Ryder now worry that they aren't brothers? Was he lying? No - but what if one of them was adopted or sumthin'? If not brothers, Kevin will feel compelled to kick his ass. We'll know soon enough. You already know, Ryder's sure - just from talking to me - we've been through the same hell - Tom. It's like looking in a mirror? And why would Ryder confess to a murder he didn't commit? It makes no sense. Bottom line, we'll see - either Kevin has a new brother - or Ryder has a lot of explaining to do.

Colleen continues to bully Victor (who continues to diss Uncle Jack). Traci comes down and hears all about Victor paying someone to get Colleen drunk and someone else to video her - just to get Ashley a seat on the board. After sending Colleen out, Traci shares a memory - standing next to Victor, as Colleen, his Goddaughter, was baptized. Ashley's on the verge of a breakdown - do you not see it? Or care? You serious? Victor balks - nothing is more important than Ashley's well being, he defends his actions, or rather inaction. Traci insists something must be done. You fly in for ONE visit and think you know what's going on better than I do? Traci won't let go - is Victor afraid to admit Jack's right - this feud has cost their family too much. Ashley needs her family. I AM her family - you and your band of brothers need to understand and respect that. THEY won't make decisions, Victor asserts. Nothing against you but keep your brother's away. And now Victor has business to conduct - we've discussed it all. Traci silently waves her finger in Vic's face before walking out.

At the cabin, Jeff explains the trickiest part of having two bidders for one 'product' is the timing - not staying out of jail (as Glo claims). Victor's in too deep himself to turn them in and Jack doesn't even know who he's dealing with. Patty suddenly wakes up to say 'he will' - she'll tell him (and everyone). If Patty goes down, she's taking them both with her. Turning in surprise, the Bardwell's both wear 'oh crap - now what' expressions.

No, Daniel doesn't believe anything Amber says anymore. His secrets? Like forging the painting? Going into the alley that night? That was different. How? He didn't want Amber involved. Oh yeah, you're protecting me, right? he scoffs. When Amber insists she'd be with Daniel if she could, but refuses to tell him what's going on, Daniel threatens to go to Deacon for info.

Feisty after your catnap? Jeff chuckles at Patty (who's not that stupid that she didn't ID them) - and Jeff's overrating his charm. Glo calls Jeff over - let's take Victor's deal (HE'LL figure out how to keep her quiet). Jeff doesn't care if she's quiet. Who's gonna believe this nut? With Jack's 2 mill. they can flee the country and buy an alibi. When they prepare to leave, Patty looks worried - you can't leave me like this. Not to worry, Victor will be here soon. And agreeing to leave Kitty Kitty, Glo follows Jeff out.

Now at the Abbott home, Colleen's updated Billy on letting Victor 'have it' (not that it did any good) - and now it's Jack's turn. Listening to HIM is what got her into this mess in the first place. Everyone warned her that Uncle Jack was using her ... Wait, wait - everyone meaning Victor? Jack interrupts. And Ashley, Nikki, Vikki - they've all been burned by your feud. I really thought you had my back, she wails. But I've been kicked off the Newman board, disgraced my father's name - and now, I can't even get a job. Not to worry, Jack will give 'sweetheart' a job at Jabot. That's not Colleen's point - she looked at him as a replacement father - but she was just a weapon. That's not true, Jack looks deeply hurt. But in tears, Colleen wants to know where he was when everything went to hell. Billy was there - so was JT. Sure, she made the mistakes but never thought he'd walk out on her. As Jack apologizes, Billy jumps in to scold him for putting others in the line of fire - when he has 'no skin in the game'. At least when HE goes after Victor it's HIS butt on the line. As he ushers Colleen out, they meet Traci. Hearing they're off to CL's, she'll meet them there - but first takes her turn at lecturing Jack for using her daughter to get Victor. He's alienated Colleen the same way he did Ashley. She CAN come to me, Jack insists. Traci disagrees - she knows you'll use what she's going through to score points against Victor (who's ignoring Ashley's problems to avoid letting Jack have the satisfaction of being right). You two are like little boys kicking sand in each other's faces - while Ashley's slipping away.

In her room, Ashley flashes back to asking Adam why he'd have her believe she hit Sabrina. On cue, he knocks and comes in with an explanation. What's poor Adam to do? You get mad at everyone for thinking you're crazy - then mad at me for thinking you're not. Ashley doesn't know who to trust anymore. Adam points out that he hasn't let her down - he needs a friend - and so does she. Ashley's in tears - she now remembers driving in the rain (and thinks it was Nikki she hit).

Still in the jail's visiting room, brother or not, Ryder's glad to finally meet someone who gets what he's been through. He has nothing. It was like that for Kevin too - for a long time. Ryder's come to the realization that no matter what the DNA test says - or if he never sees Kevin again, he has something he didn't have before; a chance at a real life - friends, a job, meeting someone like Jana. Maybe he's not too broken. You're not, Kevin's sure Ryder will have all that - and he's gonna help him.

At CL's, Colleen's decided to get out of town right away - but not New York (too 'busy'). Billy suggests the family cabin - the wild flowers are still out. Handing her the key, he has a business deal to wrap up, but will see her in a few days. Sounds perfect, Colleen smiles. Arriving to hear Colleen's off to 'bond with nature', Traci wishes she could go - but has a book signing. Colleen will meet her in New York after - not like she has a job to get to. Both Traci and Billy are proud of the way she handled herself with Victor and Jack - and Dad would be too. With some 'I love you's', Colleen heads off - leaving Traci to fret to Billy about Ashley. Victor basically told her to butt out (and Jack told Billy to bide his time). Also tired of those two getting their own way, Billy suggests they blow them both off - and end this right here, right now. Count Traci IN.

Adam tells Ashley that her mind's playing tricks on her - if she killed, or hurt Nikki someone would have found her by now. Something happened to her, Ashley's sure because no one's heard from her. Adam discourages her from telling Victor - he'll send you away. Do NOT tell Victor!

On the patio, Amber stops Daniel - do NOT go to Deacon. Is he hurting you or sumthin'? Daniel asks - will he hurt me? Why are you so afraid of him? Amber's just glad he's out of this mess and wants it to stay that way. A delivery guy comes along - you guys know Kevin Fisher? Directed inside to Jana, he hands her the envelope (containing the DNA results).

In the van, Jeff's on the phone with Jack - Patty will be delivered when he gets the money. You'll get a key and an address. I'll be there, Jack agrees. Also planning to deal with Victor, the Bardwell's look forward to 3 million beautiful dollars. Thank you Lord! the Bardwell's cackle.

Victor tells Ashley that he has to go out for a while. Did she enjoy her visit from Traci? As Adam eavesdrops, Ashley feels she can't confide in Traci - she tells Jack everything. You can tell me anything, Victor assures (but hears that Ashley's just tired). We'll talk when I get back, Victor pauses at the door, then once outside, makes a call - you got the money? Good. Meet me in ten minutes.

Jana whisks the DNA results to the jail's visiting room. The anxious Ryder holds his breath as Kevin opens the envelope. We'll, you're my brother, Kevin announces ~hug~

On the patio, Daniel tries to get information from Amber- and knows one thing he can do to stop her from marrying Deacon. Marry ME.

Ted hands Victor a briefcase holding the million dollars. Meanwhile, at home, Jack's also counting his money, flashing back to a chat with Patty. Closing his briefcase, Jack exits. The Bardwell's are still laughing. Victor and Jack are on a collision course - and neither see it coming. Arriving at the cabin, Colleen's stunned to see Patty tied to a chair. Please help me, she pleads.

Did I do that to Nikki? Ashley lays in bed talking to herself. Did I hurt you? Billy barges in. Ash? Ash? OK - come on. We're getting the hell out of here, he scoops her up. What the hell's going on? Adam comes in to protest. When your Daddy asks where Ashley is, tell him Billy Abbott said 'screw you', Billy walks out.

Next: All you've gotta do is show up, look gorgeous, and say I do. When? Tomorrow.... Victor and Jack meet at the cabin. Don't tell me, Jack mutters. Guess we've both been had, Victor concludes ... Colleen's in tears as she tells Patty that she's willing to make things work - if she is.

My Thoughts: Jeffrey didn't disguise his voice when calling Jack today - so I assume that gadget plugged into his cell phone alters it. Question is - how did he pay for the high tech device? ... Don't hold anything back with Mike, Kevin instructs Ryder. Yeah, cause Mike's SO accustomed to his clients being honest and up front .... And she doesn't have a job to 'get back to'? Huh? I thought she didn't have a job to get back to ... But why is Jack offering her a job at Jabot? Doesn't she already model for them? Or has that been forgotten? What makes Colleen think she was 'perfect' for the job? Her years and experience teaching? ... Of course Victor's banker makes a house call to deliver the million dollars - after hours no less. But why is he concerned about Victor not having a body guard? HE didn't arrive without one. Ted even makes two trips out to the ranch? The first visit so that Victor could ask him to get the million dollars? He couldn't request that over the phone?) ... Could the rope tying Patty to the chair possibly be any looser? If Adam can shimmy outta his ankle bracelet, surely Patty can slip out of the slack ropes ... Why would Jack assume Patty had escaped from her kidnappers by now? It's not like she's sane enough to be particularly devious ... Oh Colleen - don't feel so bad. I've never flashed my boobs in a seedy bar and I get plenty of email from perverts too ... Why is Gloria walking around with that meowing basket? Couldn't they use some extra rope to fashion a makeshift leash? Won't Kitty Kitty have to go to the litter box at some point? Not that it's eating a lot. Not like Gloria carries a big supply of tuna around in her purse ... Victor's sure that Colleen found the job on the Newman board too 'stressful'. Huh? She never actually had to DO anything? How can it be a stressful job? If it's that stressful, why would he give the seat to a high risk pregnant woman (who's on the verge of another break down) .... Adam interrupts Ashley and Traci - have you seen my laptop around? he asks. Good excuse - but what would Ashley be doing with Adam's laptop? Her lap's way too inflated with fake baby to balance a laptop on. And given all the spy software and Sabrina recordings Adam has on it, you'd think he'd keep his eye on his laptop (no pun intended) ... Why is Ashley so tired all the time - she doesn't do anything EXCEPT sleep? ... If Ryder's lying, Kevin would feel compelled to 'kick his ass'? Does he also feel compelled to go to jail when charged with assault? Are incarcerated confessed murderers allowed to have visits from other known criminals? .. Traci 'doesn't know what the psychiatrist said'? Obviously she said Ashley was OK - otherwise she'd have been committed. But if Traci's so concerned for her sister, why didn't she bother to ask Jack what DR Jamison had to say? ... The 'wild flowers are still out'? Who's writing Billy's unbelievable dialogue? Even Cane wouldn't utter such corny words. Billy couldn't give a rats ass about wild flowers (unless it's the stage name for a stripper who's G-string he's cramming dollar bills into) ... When will folks realize that the peaceful remote cabin in the woods is NO place to escape the hustle and bustle of Genoa City life? It didn't work for Sharon (who wound up getting knocked up by Nick) - nor Lily (who helped Chloe deliver a baby) and clearly, it's not gonna be the dull getaway Colleen had planned ... Colleen now claims she was just 'blowing off steam? Steam? Funny, I thought the bartender's name was Adrian Ba dum dum.