On the patio's public pay phone, Glo reads the newspaper to Jeffrey - all about Victor, Colleen and Mary Jane aka, Patty Williams. Oh well, if Patty rats them out (for kidnapping her), at least Glo figures they'll have a roof over their heads, and something to eat. Having spent her last quarter, Glo's distraught when the call's out of time. And when Kevin comes along to question her using a germ-ridden public phone, having dye on her face - and looking/smelling less than fresh. Glo has a complete meltdown. She's broke - squatting in Phyllis apartment (with no utilities) - bathing in public rest rooms - and working as a janitor in a nail salon - waahhhhhh!

Inside the coffee house, Amber works on Scene 35 of the screenplay, but eyeing her ring (and then her phone), is more concerned with whether Daniel has the painting. Jana comes along to mope about Colleen. Overhearing that Amber hasn't heard from Daniel, Deacon sidles up to say it's a good thing he didn't cancel the honeymoon suite. You'll love the Bahamas.

At the ranch, Ashley encourages Adam to accompany her to the hospital - I need you. OK - Adam just needs to grab something - meet you at the car. Billy walks Ashley out (as he's heading back to Colleen).

At Memorial, Paul arrives to ask Nick how Victor's doing. Abby? She's in with Colleen, Nick's somewhat unfriendly. And when Paul heads off for any news, Vikki sends JT with him (but stalls Paul to ask about Nikki - she really needs to be here). Paul will see what he can do. Vikki assures Nick it's the right thing to do - Dad needs her. We all do, Nick sighs.

At Colleen's bedside, Abby worries about her sister/'best friend'. She'll be fine, Traci's confident. In the background, Jack and Steve don't look so optimistic. When JT and Paul arrive, they hear about the tests being done (for brain activity). Traci gathers all to lead a 'little prayer' (keep our little girl safe - all of us are here for you). Invited to join the group, a wet faced Paul does so. In your name we pray, Traci finally wraps it up.

Still on the patio, Glo tells Kevin that it all started in the Caymans - on the cattle boat back she had to fight a heifer for scraps. Wait a minute - the gold mine they were supposed to share is gone!? Kevin's unimpressed. Since Jeffrey's schemes always backfire, Glo suggests they team up again - just like the good old days - ohh nooo, nothing illegal. Surely his lecture fees alone could set them up for life. There's no 'us', Kevin's blunt - Jana's his partner now - and three's a crowd. Glo understands - she's a despicable human being - karma's coming back to haunt her.

Amber shows off her engagement ring - one that means something - what her and Daniel have is real - and when he's back (with the painting) Deacon's history. Deacon guesses Daniel will cash in on the reward (a paltry sum that won't even cover a year's rental on his tiny loft). HE can give Amber the kind of life she wants - private planes - drinks on the beach. Not interested, Amber just hopes Deacon sticks to his 72 hour deal. As Deacon slithers out, Jana wonders how Amber ever stomached 'that man'. When Daniel arrives, Amber launches into his arms - where's the painting? Still in Detroit, Daniel hopes - he couldn't get into the safety deposit box.

Back in Colleen's room, Traci thanks Paul for praying with them. Thank you, Paul says simply - and is surprised when Traci asks about Patty (who he knows he should have stopped). Jack also can't blame Paul (feeling guilty enough himself). Paul just wished he knew what happened in that cabin - Patty has no memory. When he explains that Patty had a spider bite, Traci's even more certain that Colleen was trying to save her life. When an orderly comes in to take Colleen to radiology, Traci asks for another minute (to weep).

The DR updates on the damage to Victor's heart - of which a significant portion had to be removed. But yes, he can live. The DR will have to tell them more later. Nick encourages Vikki - Dad's lived through worse than this. He'll make it. Surgery's almost over, Nick updates the arriving Ashley and Adam. And when JT updates on Colleen's grim prognosis, Ashley excuses herself to go hug Traci.

Carrying a paper bag into the hospital, Adam tells Nick and Vikki that he's brought Victor's favourites - the book he was reading - his robe. You forgot the pipe, Nick growls. We'll make sure he gets them, Vikki says. But Adam wants to see Victor himself. Nick sure as hell hasn't forgotten what Adam did to their father. Yeah, you're a loyal son, Adam sneers. And as Nick's about to lunge at the 'son of a bitch', Victor's wheeled out. While Nick and Vikki follow the gurney, Adam lingers uncomfortably, like an outsider.

When Daniel gripes about not being authorized to use the key, Kevin thinks it serves him right for stealing it. Daniel informs that Kevin's not either. But, as Tom's wife at the time, Gloria is. But no, involving his Mom is the last thing Kevin wants to do.

Mac joins Billy in the chapel - what can I do? Turn back time? Billy suggests, he too is feeling guilty (for being the one to send CC to the cabin). Billy admits he was hoping Victor wouldn't survive surgery (but wouldn't wish that on Vikki and Nick). Looking hostile, Billy's in no way comforted by Mac's hug.

Back in the lounge, Traci thanks Ashley for sitting with her (not sure she'd ever want to talk to her again). Abby comes along with a hug for her Mom (and gifts for Colleen and Victor). As the Connelly's step out for some air, Paul updates Jack that he's off to find Nikki. Overhearing, Ashley follows Paul - then flashing back to realizing it was Nikki she hit, claims that No, she doesn't know anything. Excuse me, she clams up and hurries out (as watched by a suspicious Jack).

Having left Mac to call to update Kay, Billy rejoins the Connelly's in Colleen's room. Vikki comes by to update Abby that Victor's out of surgery and stable - and to check on Colleen. On cue, Colleen's wheeled in - but when the orderlies can't give any information, Traci maintains her stance that everything is just fine. Vikki speaks aloud to Colleen - we're all pulling for you - come back.

Finding Nick in Victor's room, Adam (bag in hand) offers to relieve him so he can go grab a bite. He's my Dad too. Taking the hint, Nick leaves without further word. Adam pulls up a chair to sigh over the unconscious Victor - talking about the items he brought (to make him comfortable while he recuperates). And when he does - the nightmares will begin again. Adam sure didn't 'work his ass' off all these months to have Victor die before the big finale. Don't even think about 'checkin out'. You need to see how right you were about your bad seed son. It's too bad - Adam really wanted Victor to be proud of him - but that won't happen. Wake up - Adam now cries openly - you HAVE to live.

JT finds Mac praying in the chapel. Not really a 'believer', he's not sure why he's there. JT doesn't need privacy - and with nobody else he can talk to, he whines to Mac about the problems 'festering' between him and Vikki. But does it really matter? Victor could die - so could Colleen, he sighs. JT's so glad he could be there for Colleen - but sorry he wasn't there when she needed him most.

Having watched the weird exchange between Paul and Ashley, Jack questions his sister (who seemed upset at the mention of Nikki). Jack's sure she'll show up when she hears what happened. What DID happen? Ashley wonders. Jack explains how Victor funded Patty's surgery, then brought her to town as Mary Jane. All to get back at HIM. Then why shoot HIM? Ashley wonders. Those bullets were intended for ME, Jack claims. The Mustache saved my life, Jack concludes. Eavesdropping, Adam now makes his presence known to tell Ashley that Victor's out - she can see him now.

Kevin doesn't want Gloria involved. If she realizes she has access to a 50 million dollar painting, she'll sell it on the black market - and not share the profits. Jana groans that Amber will then end up as Mrs Deacon Sharp. Daniel thinks they need to get Gloria to open up the box without telling her what's inside.

In the chapel, a nervous Ashley tells Adam that she's not ready to face Victor. She's sure that Paul will soon discover what happened to Nikki! There's no evidence except a small fender dent, Adam reassures. Yeah - but Ashley IS sure she hit Nikki. And she's starting to hear Nikki's voice now - it'll get worse - I'll get locked up and have the baby behind bars! she frets. But wait - Ashley changes her mind - she does needs to see Victor (before leaving with Adam). OK - but if she stays, so does Adam.

With Steve at her side, Traci tells Colleen that they're staying in GC to help her recover - they'll be just like a family again. And when DR Snyder comes with news, Traci declines stepping outside - everyone here is family. And as Billy, Mac and Jack watch on, DR Synder tells Traci the worst - Colleen's brain dead.

No, no, Traci can't believe it - the test's wrong. It's a mistake. My daughter is not ... brain dead. And as DR Snyder explains it was a second test, Billy rants that not one of you 'damned doctors' knows what they're doing. Thanks sweetheart! he snaps as he storms out (with Mac in tow). It's not true, Traci weeps (as Steve asks for a moment alone). And as Traci pleads, a furious Jack also marches out (unable to witness Traci's grief any longer). In the hallway, Nick's talked to Noah (who's at a soccer game). Jack then updates the Newman's that Colleen's brain dead. And as Abby flies into Ashley's arms, Nick expresses condolences. Unfortunately, Victor's surgeon picks that time to deliver good news. Are you kidding me? My beautiful niece loses her life and that bastard gets another shot? Are you kidding me!? Paul and Nick physically restrain a livid Jack. If anyone deserves to die, it's HIM - he caused this! Jack shouts. And as Nick takes Abby to see Colleen, Ashley whispers to Adam - Victor did this. Let's go, Adam leads her out. I'm so sorry, Vikki's left to console JT (who shrugs her off and walks away).

Back at CL's, Amber's screenplay scene (fake Cane vs real Cane) gives her an idea for a plan - as far as the bank will know, it WILL be the real Gloria opening the safety deposit box.

As Gloria mopes on the patio, Deacon Sharp sits to ooze charm. He and Mrs Bardwell have something in common. He can help her financially - or in other ways. Glo's had a terrible day and would like to be left alone. Leaving his card, Deacon tells her to call if she changes her mind. Alone, Glo studies the card - a glimmer of hope now shining in her eyes.

Billy continues to pace the hospital hallway - ranting to Mac that the tests are wrong. When Mac convinces him to take a walk, Billy tells Jack that he's going 'anywhere but here'. Accessing the Internet from her phone, Traci's frantically reading stories of brain dead teenagers who've awakened moments before donating organs. And a man in England .... there's still hope, she wails - my baby girl is still in there. Stop, Jack pleads - embracing his devastated sister from behind.

Vikki follows JT to the chapel - to gently call his name. She didn't deserve this, JT cries. Vikki agrees quietly - she didn't. JT can't believe he's talked to Colleen for the last time. And turning, he sobs in Vikki's arms.

Nick's on the phone with Phyllis - give Summer a big hug. How are you holding up? Paul asks after he hangs up. Nick exhales - can't complain - when he thinks of what Traci's going through. The pain never goes away, he thinks of Cassie. Paul again makes noises that he should have turned his sister in sooner. Nick understands - he would have done the same thing if it were Vikki. Patty's family - you're supposed to stand up for them - unless you're Adam. Nick relays how Adam brought some of Victor's favourite things. Of course Nick doesn't trust him. He's just waiting for another bomb to drop. Nick then looks most curious when Paul then gets a text about what happened to his Mom - from someone who saw her the night of the storm.

Ashley slowly enters Victor's room - she has so many questions - things she needs to understand. Despite everything, she wishes she didn't, but good or bad ..... Nikki? Victor mumbles weakly (as Ashley chokes on the three little words she was about to says).

Meanwhile, in a location unknown, a woman delivers a tray to a beautiful room in what appears to be a high class resort/spa. Anything else for you Ms Reed? On, no thank you, a well rested Nikki turns around to answer. In her robe, Nikki's goes back to looking out over her tropical terrace - but she now looks uneasy and troubled.

Next: I want you to stop, Chance orders his mother. What? Nina smiles - seemingly innocent - I don't know what you're talking about. Butt out, Chance gets more blunt ... You can give me a manicure, Kay says to a stunned Jill (at the salon) - and while you're at it, sign this 100K check (which Kay hands over) ... We've come to open a safety deposit box, Kevin escorts Amber into the bank (disguised as a grieving widow by the looks of the dress and veiled hat). It belonged to my father, he explains - he passed away.

My Thoughts: If Jack's so sure that Victor's goal was to have him dead - how does he explain Victor taking three bullets for him? ... Duh Adam - of course you stay if Ashley stays (how else is the blind guy supposed to get home?) ... Noah's grandpa - the one who bought him a new car - is in the hospital having possibly fatal surgery - and Noah's playing soccer? Now, that's dedication to the team. You'd think a private helicopter would have landed in the midfield to bring Master Newman to Memorial ... The Spa Nikki's been laying around at in her jammies for weeks doesn't have Internet access? She didn't once feel compelled to log on for some local GC news? And I'm sure there's a telephone in ritzy suite - instead of sending letters, she could have easily made a call (at least to check in on Summer - and RS) ... Yeah, Kevin's able to smell Gloria (but no one smells Jack, JT or Paul? They didn't break a sweat or get dirty while running around in the woods? Jack still looks like he walked off a Docker's runway. If Gloria's working as a janitor in the nail salon, why isn't she using the water there to keep her hygiene up to snuff (or is that 'sniff'?) ... Wait - so Kevin's pissed that Gloria lost the 'gold mine' she was to share with him - but he won't consider sharing with HER? ... Odd how Colleen's hair looks so clean shiny and manageable - you'd never know she's just been dragged out of a lake. I can see them cleaning her up - but it looks like her hair received the full treatment ... Adam's as puzzling as ever. If he wants Victor to live only so he can screw him over - WHY did he suddenly burst into tears? Why does Victor HAVE to live? Now free (and able to enjoy an inheritance) you'd think Adam MIGHT have hope that he's been put back in Victor's will ... JT in a suit of armour? I thought you said you weren't a 'suit' kinda guy - that's why you were glad to leave NE. If he thinks a finely tailored suit's stifling, he obviously hasn't worn too many coats of armour ... Good thing there's tubes covering Colleen's face (cause I'm sure she wasn't able to keep a straight face when Vikki, of all people, went on about everyone pulling for her) ... Stellar acting today by Traci (in the tears category), Jack (in the 'I'm really mad and I'd do someone bodily harm if I wasn't being held back by these two guys' category). But, surprisingly, and unexplainably, the real lump in my throat (and award for 'people I didn't think I gave a rats ass about' category) came when JT clung to Vikki for support.