Yeah, yeah - it's just like the old days - Jill back in a nail salon. No thanks, she doesn't want to explain why she's broke. Now, pick a colour. 'The Other Woman' - how appropriate, she snipes. And where can Kay sit? Over THERE - 'walk ins' must wait their turn.

With one half of the Fab Four accessing the safe deposit box, the other half watches on in horror as Gloria Fisher assures the receptionist that SHE'S not the imposter. Amber and Mr Felix both turn keys to open box 592, and after the receptionist rushes in to whisper in the manager's ear, he tells Kevin that there is indeed a problem - for him and his 'mother'.

In Colleen's room, Steve updates JT that Billy's been sent for some of Colleen's things - Jack's arranging specialists. That last bit of hope is all that's keeping Traci going. Meanwhile, Ashley whimpers about not knowing what Victor was up to. I'm so sorry, she apologizes to 'sweetheart' - I would have stopped him, she runs out for air. Through her tears, Traci does the ole 'wake up' - then nearly wets herself when she feels Colleen's hand move. Get the doctor! My girl's coming back to us! she hops up to announce.

Back from the nurse's station, Vikki joins Nick in Victor's room (in time to hear him murmur 'save... Colleen'). Paul makes a quick call from a retreat in the Rockies - hoping his lead brings him to Nikki. I'll keep you posted ~click~ Paul! Nikki opens her door - Paul! How did you find me? Then an anxious 'what's wrong'?

As Gloria's wondering what Daniel and Jana are doing there, Mr Felix announces to Amber that 'this woman also claims to be Tom Fisher's' widow. Will the real Gloria Fisher please stand up, please stand up. She's my Grandmother, Kevin explains. Yes, Amber agrees - poor thing gets confused some time. Gloria is NOT confused - and CERTAINLY isn't old enough to be Amber's grandmother. Mr Felix's suggestion of calling the police is met by a chorus of 'No!'.

In the chapel, Adam flashes back to weeping at Victor's bedside - commanding him to live. Ashley arrives to update that Victor regained consciousness. She doesn't want to talk about him calling for Nikki (and feels like a fool for getting involved with Victor again). What kind of man plots against her family - then holds her in his arms at night to say everything will be OK? Colleen had her whole life ahead of her - but won't live it, thanks to Victor. When Adam defends Victor - he just wanted to avenge those who wronged him, Ashley whines that he just loves to play God. And what will she do? Protect her baby - talk to Victor - now, not later.

From his bed, Victor weakly asks his kids about Colleen. Tell me the truth. She's brain dead, Vikki replies. Both believe that he never wanted this to happen.

Victor's been shot? Oh my God, Nikki gasps. He's fine, Paul adds - then explains why and how Patty (aka Mary Jane Benson) shot him. Victor would and he DID (do that) Paul assures (to cause Jack pain).

Gloria hisses at Daniel that whatever's in that box belongs to her. She got a tip from a friend. When Daniel guesses it's Deacon, Jana chimes in on how untrustworthy he is. If she plays along, she'll get her cut. Gloria returns to Mr Felix - I get confused sometimes, she apologizes. On their way out, Daniel's pleased to see that Amber's got something rolled up and tucked into her boot.

DR Synder's sorry to tell Traci that Colleen had an involuntary muscle spasm - nothing more. She moved her hand! Traci insists - I'd feel it if she was gone! Do it again - show the DR! she begs of Colleen - squeeze my hand.

Nikki now feels guilty for indulging herself all these weeks - causing Paul so much pain and abandoning her family when they needed her. There's no way you could have known, Paul points out. Nikki also feels badly for Colleen, the Abbott's. Yes, Traci's only child, Paul reminds. Nikki's further surprised to learn how worried everyone's been ( as she sent letters to Victor and the kids - and even received delivery confirmation). Hmmm - where did they go?

No need for Adam, honey, to accompany Ashley into Victor's room - she's gotta do this alone. My beautiful Ashley, Victor murmurs. Colleen? There's no hope, Ashley mopes. She talks of people getting caught in the crossfire, and this time he's gone too far. Leaning her head on the bed rail, Ashley now feels their marriage was based on lies. You DON'T love me - you CAN'T, she disagrees. You don't know the meaning of the word!

As Jill does Kay's nails, she first makes sarcastic jokes - then explains the real reason she's working there. Yeah, no kidding Jill shoulda left her money where it was (instead of moving it to the Cayman's) - thanks for the timely financial advice, she snarls. Jack and Victor both refused to hire her - and Jill couldn't leave town (with Nina making accusations against Cane - then Chance and Philip showing up at the door). You could have started your own business, Kay persists - instead, you went right back to where it all started - for us. Was Jill looking for another life long friend? A rival? Another mother? Did you miss me that much? she takes Jill's hand. I missed you too, both are now teary.

In Memorial's waiting lounge, Nick wonders what Adam's plotting now - bringing Victor's things - playing the doting stepson to Ashley.... Adam stands to suggest Nick worry about his own life - bouncing between his wife and his ex like a friggin' yoyo. What - you gonna hit a blind man? Adam sneers - you've been walking around this hospital like the Prince of Newman - but you'll never fill Daddy's shoes. Adam feels he and Victor are a lot alike. Stay away from me and my sister - and don't even think of trying to worm your way back into NE, Nick warns. Or what? Adam just may find out how much like their father Nick CAN be - THAT'S what.

Without the letters, Nikki realizes her taking off must have seemed so selfish. What Victor did WAS irresponsible and vindictive, she admits. Paul hopes she's not gonna defend him. Hell yes, she is - Victor didn't intend for 'those things' to happen. Oh for crying out loud, Paul snaps - the man almost killed his own granddaughter! Colleen is brain dead! You toss it aside like it's one of Victor's personality quirks!? Nikki takes exception - who knows better than SHE how cruel Victor can be? She's just sayin' that Patty's as guilty as Victor is. Tell Paul something he DOESN'T know - she's my sister! And he's my _____! Nikki clams up (but has said enough for Paul to realize that as long as Victor's alive, Nikki will stand by him).

I DO love you, Victor repeats - but those words don't mean anything to Ashley anymore - she tried to get past the whole Jabot stock thing - but he let Patty torture her (at the risk of her sanity). I almost lost everything - Colleen HAS! If Victor thinks she's bringing a baby into a home where revenge means more than love - or family, then HE'S the one who's nuts! And that's why Ashley did it. Did what? Packed her bags to leave him.

When Vikki (with JT) enters Colleen's room, Traci thinks that nice, considering their difficulties over the years. Vikki wishes she'd handled things differently. You can start fresh - when Colleen gets out of here. At the mention of Victor, Traci's given an update. Near tears, Vikki turns and flees. It's OK - you can go be with your wife, Traci says - and giving Colleen a kiss, JT heads for the door too. Are you coming back? Traci calls out - hearing your voice will bring Colleen back.

Paul continues to gripe about how Nikki takes up for Victor - no matter what he does. I've had it! Don't apologize - just do me a favour - and next time he rips your heart out, don't come crying to me. Paul then apologizes - he's just .... Nikki understands - he's confused and angry - and wondering why he agreed to look for her. Paul would do it again - knowing what Victor means to her. He's surprised when Nikki refuses to come with him, Given Victor's last words to her and it being close to Ashley's due date, Nikki feels it best that she stays away.

Ashley's loved Victor for so many years - but he's betrayed her. None of it was ever real. I love you, Victor says yet again. But Ashley won't be manipulated again. She gets in his face - isn't it enough that she's lost her niece. Who's next? Her brother? Abby? The baby? Oh yes you WOULD hurt them, she shouts. She's leaving before someone else she loves gets hurt! And as Victor groans in pain - the monitor's beeping, Ashley runs out for help - he can't breath - help me!

Now back at CL's, it's revealed that Amber, the little sneak, smuggled what they all believe to be the Terroni out. Now comes the arguing. Sell it? Give it to Deacon to get Amber off the hook? Or give it back to the museum (as Jana insists). Glo scoffs at the 25K reward - split 5 ways? That ain't keepin' her in Armani. Seems the group are at an impasse.

As Jill finishes Kay's manicure, she's told not to pretend they didn't just have a 'moment' - it doesn't have to all go to hell - but it takes two. Heading to pay 'up front', Kay suggests Jill apply her tip to the 100K tax bill she owes. And once Kay leaves, Jill's stunned to see her tip. Can you guess the amount? Yup, that's right, 100K.

Steve tries to get Traci to take a break. But no - Traci's not tired or hungry (but sends Steve along). Sadly, he leaves Traci to rattle on about going to the opera - spending some 'girl time' *sniff*

Ashley looks horrified as the doctors work on Victor. I did this! she hisses when Adam enters (followed by Nick and Vikki - who hear Victor's developed congestive heart failure).

Nikki doesn't want to make things worse for Victor and Ashley - but will calls the kids to let em know she's OK. As Adam removes Ashley from the room, Nick gets a call from Nikki (who hears the ruckus as the doctor's work to revive Victor). I have to go home! God - I hope I'm not too late! And as Nikki flitters about in 'I'm getting the hell outta here yesterday' mode, Victor's monitor emits the ominous continuous beeeeeeeep.

Next: Standing behind a new doctor (presumably a specialist he's brought in), Jack tells Traci that 'there's no blood flow to the brain. It's irreversible' ... Hurrying away from Victor's room, Ashley's horrified to see Nikki (in the same black raincoat she wore that fateful night). Stay away from me! a terrified Ashley spits as she runs off ... At the elevator, Ashley babbles excitedly to Jack. I killed her. Hit her with my car! Hit who? Jack's confused. I hit Nikki, Jack, I killed her, Ashley blurts out.

Next: Does anyone else think it a bit creepy that Uncle Billy's been sent to paw through Colleen's drawers for 'some of her things'? Knowing Billy, he'll come back with a selection of flimsy lingerie - then demand that Colleen's bed be tilted vertically so he can make sure they hang right .... What? There's 'no way' Nikki could know that Victor would go and get himself 'gunned down? Unless she read the paper or saw it on TV - but isn't it about time for a Newman family scheduled crisis anyway? They're more regular than my cycle ... Odd that during Nikki's conversation with Paul - and her (albeit) quick one with Nick, she didn't even bother to enquire about Summer's well being (or see if she's needed to uphold any of her Editor in Chief duties at RS). And why didn't a doctor snap at Nick to get the hell out of the way and get off his cell phone? ... Nice that Nikki sent letters - with printed off address labels even - but really, why wouldn't she at least have made ONE call? Assuming her letter to Nick asked about Summer, wasn't she concerned to get no response - from anyone? And if she sent the letters to the ranch - and no one received them - why wouldn't Adam be her immediate suspect? ... I'm sure Paul (the guy who's flown out after Nikki, at considerable expense) was thrilled to hear that Victor and the kids got letters - but Nikki didn't feel the need to send him one - nor did Nikki think to send a quick note to her 'just back from the dead' octogenarian BFF, Katherine. Whoa no Nikki - you're not selfish. It's time for your seaweed wrap now ... Never mind Paul's investigative skills - whomever sent Paul that text, gave him quite the lead. This mysterious tipster not only 'saw' Nikki the night of the storm - but apparently was told exactly where one could find her. Since Nikki's not been using her credit or bank cards (as per Williams and Hellstrum Investigations) how is she paying the ritzy spa for that luxurious, 'free continental breakfast and robe included', suite? And considering it appears to be a 5 star resort, you'd think security might prevent unannounced walk ins from going knocking on the doors of it's rich and privacy seeking guests. At least Paul didn't have to come face to face with Nikki in a robe (he HAS lost control and forced himself on a woman before) .... Is anyone really surprised that JT's a 'non believer'? His last name IS HELLstrum after all. So, God may forgive the doubting Thomas for coming into his sacred chapel to ask the odd favour here and there - but how about Adam? What he hell is HE doing in the chapel? Scooping candles for his next romantic boy-on-boy night of experimentation? .... Traci's a real sucker for punishment - HOW many times is this woman gonna be told that her daughter's brain DEAD. Dead being the operative word. And no matter how many times she hears it, Traci still gasps and sniffles like it's news to her ... Why would Jill think it 'appropriate' that Kay selected the nail colour 'The Other Woman'? SHE was the other woman - not Kay (and that goes for Philip SR AND Rex Sterling). Who comes up with these obscure nail polish names anyway? I buy mine at Walmart - where the selection's less impressive - like 'Passion Plum', 'Cotton Candy' or my favourite, 'I'm Just Gonna Put This One In My Purse And Hope I Don't Beep When Exiting'. Jill deserves a hefty tip. Imagine how hard it must have been to remove the blood red that was already applied to Kay's talons? ... Walk ins have to wait their turn? Shouldn't be a long wait - there IS no other walk ins .... How dense IS Mr Felix, the bank manager? There's not a hat large enough to make Amber look old enough to be Kevin's mother. And couldn't Amber have worn something a bit more matronly? ... Wrapped in flimsy paper, and jammed down Amber's boot, I doubt the Terroni's gonna be in 'mint' condition by the time it gets to GC (even if the Foolish Five ARE teleported back in NO time). Rare Pokemon cards - vintage comic books - rare first edition books - never played vinyl LP's - stolen $50 million works of art - all lose their value if creased or otherwise damaged ... It's hard to let go of that last bit of hope, doofus JT says to Steve (clearly forgetting he's talking to the man who 'raised Colleen' - and therefore might not want to hear those words - especially falling out of the mouth of the bad boy they never approved of) ... So many people 'need' you, 'Mama' snivels at Colleen's bedside. Oh yeah? Like who? CL's and Jimmy's may notice a slight dip in sales - Fenmore's may have to have a sale on scarfs to get rid of the surplus inventory .... At least (thanks to Viewclick) Colleen's been immortalized for all the one hand typing perverts online ... Dad - you did great in there, Nick and Vikki assure when Victor comes out of surgery. Yeah old man - way to lay there motionless and not die on the operating table. Oh but wait kiddies - you spoke too soon .... 'Great news' - Dad's conscious, Nick tells Paul (perhaps forgetting that Paul's not exactly Victor's biggest fan. At best Paul might think it 'good news' - but great? I think not. Great news would have been Victor keeling over - dead - PRIOR to Paul and Nikki getting married. With no other options on the horizon, I'm sure Nikki wouldn't have had any second thoughts about marrying her long time pal .... Aw come ON Nick - why didn't you end your 'you'll see how much like our father I can be' threat to Adam with a 'Ya got that'? (and then you coulda leaned over and slapped him upside the head while Vikki gave him a double eye poke - you know, Three Stooges-like.