In the private poker room, Jack stands by as Victor's getting his ass kicked in poker - as planned - to lure Skye Lockheart (and Adam). Meanwhile, it seems Skye (and a tuxedo wearing Adam) are at the same gambling house. Skye's eager to get in on a big poker game - while Adam worries about them being too dead to spend it. As the pair head inside, arm in arm, Estavar stops them - their little scam's over - they're no longer welcome there.

At the Japanese bar, the bartender struggles to understand Ashley (who's floored when Tucker shows up to order - and pay for - her favourite drink - in fluent Japanese). Who knew?

In GCM's hallway, Snapper gripes to Jill and Kay about the lab results taking too long - then gets beeped (and scurries off) when they come in. Praying that everything will be OK, Jill's stunned when her brother Greg appears to say 'it will be' ~hug~

Now at his mother's bedside, Greg's gushed over by Mama. Oh, how the boys used to follow him and Snapper around - and Jill had her share of suitors too. Leaving Liz to rest, Jill and Kay watch on as the brother's hug. Snapper delivers a grim prognosis - sorry, there's not much we can do. Our chances aren't good. Shrugging Kay off, Jill goes to grieve alone.

What if Mr Wan doesn't take the bait - and what if Skye and Adam are gone? Jack plays nervous nelly. Victor's sure it'll work - and the briefcase Jack brought is what will trap them. Jack reminds that Nick's trial starts tomorrow. Do as I tell you, Victor instructs - watch the pieces fall into place.

'Concerned patrons' or 'sore losers' are accusing Skye of cheating? Worried about the authorities shutting down his illegal establishment, Estavar must ask them to leave. Adam's willing - but Skye protests - there's no proof she cheated. Estavar doesn't want any trouble - two men have been asking questions (which makes Adam even more nervous).

For some reason, Estavar answers Adam's questions - the two men are asking about his 'lady friend' - leave or he'll have them removed. Still think I'm being paranoid? Adam moans. Oh great - now the new cell's ringing. Chill out - Skye gave the number to Mr Wong (who's sent her a text message - he's busy with another game - but will meet them at the hotel they were staying at). Scared of going back to prison, Adam's NOT going back to the hotel - no matter how much money's at stake (and that they need cash for bribes).

Meanwhile, Victor and Jack chat with Mr Wong. Raising the stakes, Victor invites him to open the briefcase (full of large bills). Mr Newman would like to raise the stakes, Mr Wan announces to the other players - anyone in? The other players shake their heads - another time perhaps. Jack's game - if not a bit rusty at cards. You sure? Victor raises an eyebrow. Yes, Jack's sure. OK - game on (for the three gamblers).

At the hotel bar, Ashley and Tucker get personal. Tucker's never been content - not a day in his life. That's why he wants Jabot to be better than it's ever been - because he owns it. Ashley's amused - he sounds exactly like Kay. And when Ashley whines about Faith, Tucker concludes that he's more like his mother than he'll admit - and Ashley still feels like Faith's mother (even though she belongs to someone else). Quite a pair, aren't we? Ashley smiles.

Kay startles Snapper as Liz sleeps. Oh, why would she unburden this monumental secret on me now? he grumbles (then mumbles something about a past secret - some Chuckie kid). back to Jill - how can Snapper look her in the eye?

In the lounge, Greg consoles Jill - you're not alone kiddo. Jill wonders why Greg's now suddenly there for her (when he hasn't been all these years). Greg follows - where's this coming from? Jill talks of the turmoil with Kay's death (and return) etc. - then the whole Cane/Philip thing - he didn't even call! Gone a coupla years!? Try SEVEN. Emails and Christmas cards? Jill scoffs - we're strangers. Jill then lashes out at Snapper. Why me? What have I done? he wonders.

Back in Japan, Tucker wonders how John Abbott's daughter got mixed up with Victor Newman. Ashley was very young - had a lot of dreams. Placing his hand over hers, Tucker's sorry she's had such a rough year. Ashley pulls her hand away - but looks pleased when Tucker gushes that she's the strongest woman he knows (when she blathers on about all she's lost - almost including her sanity).

Jack pulls more chips his way - beating both Victor and Mr Wong. Enjoy it while it lasts, Victor warns (as Mr Wong deals the last hand). The ante's upped - the cards dealt. Falling for the bait, Wong (the big winner) invites them to a private game he's holding. Turning their cards over, Jack sees that both he and Victor could have beaten Wang's hand (and is scolded for 'injecting' himself). The important thing is that Wang's got the briefcase - every hustler - including Skye - will soon be after the losers with deep pockets.

In her sparkly dress, Skye's determined to see Mr Wong. Adam's worried about the 2 men - they could be sore losers (or Victor's men). Wait here, Skye heads into the hotel.

When Tucker's flirting becomes more obvious, Ashley politely rejects his advances. It's time she calls it a night. Yes, she's sure - see you in a few hours - sleep tight. Tucker mopes like he's never been turned down before.

Kay talks to the sleeping Liz - this can't possibly be the end, she whimpers - dig down deep and find another miracle. God knows we could use it.

We haven't been a family since Mama told us I was adopted, Jill lashes out at her brothers (who want to move on and focus on the sick lady who means so much to all three of them). Snapper gives Jill a pep talk - focus on the positive stuff in her life (which he lists) - not the pain. Jill's scared of losing the one person who's ever given a damn about her. After the funeral, she'll be totally alone. That's enough Jill! Kay appears to bark.

Kay joins the threesome to dish out wise words - your mother's dying - it's one of the hardest things - forgive yourself. Ignoring Jill's wrath, the 'old woman' continues - that woman sacrificed everything to give you a home. The Foster siblings better snap out of it and pull together by God. Dry your eyes - go be with your mother - do it NOW! Realizing it's easier to get mad than cry, Jill hugs Greg - pauses for a moment with Kay - then obediently mopes into her mother's room.

Mr Wang invites Skye in - he's found them a new sheep to shear - some rich dumbass. Oh yeah - look at that, Skye eyes the money. In their room, Jack and Victor watch Skye fanning herself with the money (on a laptop). Yup - that's Skye - alright - alive and well. No - they won't find the camera - it's the size of a needle - the same camera's Adam used all over the ranch. And as Jack goes to call Mike with the good news, Victor continues to watch Skye (who can't wait to 'clean out' this moron). Good luck to you, Victor tips his glass - then empties it.

Outside the hotel, Jack's overly frustrated to get Mike's voicemail - we need to talk! Through his tunnel vision, Adam spots Jack (and hides around the corner).

Ashley goes knocking at Tucker's shoji screen door. Everything OK? Must be - cause without words, the pair are soon kissing - then half naked making out on the bed.

Call day or night - you'll be happy you did, Jack ends his message to Mike (then passes Mr Wang as he heads back into the hotel). Outside, Skye pops up behind Adam - who hisses about seeing Jack. Still think I'm paranoid?! We gotta leave NOW. Skye can't miss this big game with some hot shot who can barely play - we'll never have to worry about Victor aver again.

Jack rejoins Victor (who relays that Wang told Skye all about a patsy he found for the next game). The trial starts tomorrow - one of us should be there for Nick, Jack volunteers. Sure, Victor appreciates it - but how will it be when this is all over. All bets are off, Victor replies (which is just fine with Jack - who then slams out).

In tears, Jill watches over her mother - pulling her hand away when Greg tries to hold it (only to reach out a moment later). Snapper and Kay arrive - whispering about Jill's pain. Kay now takes Jill's other hand. Mama? Jill chokes out - as Liz struggles in her sleep.

Next: Victor calls Sharon - I need you to come to Sao Paulo - as soon as possible .... Skye seems puzzled by Adam - this heart on your sleeve thing you have going for Sharon? I can't relate .... Liz is determined to speak to Jill - there's something I should have told you a long time ago.

My Thoughts: We have 'so much' ahead of us, Kay warbles to the sleeping Liz. Like what? Wheelchair races? .... Good God - how can Adam NOT know that the two patsy's being 'set up' are - the same two hot shots who're looking for them - Victor and Jack? Just the words 'set up' and 'hot shot' should have brought Victor to mind (like he's not already) ... Huh? Victor used the very same miniscule camera's Adam rigged the ranch with? Come on - they weren't THAT small (as the blind Adam came running out shouting - look - I found on in my room too) - and it only took JT about 20 minutes find them all ... No wonder Victor's losing at cards - he hasn't stopped drinking since he got to Brazil ... Odd that Mr Wang didn't recognize TGVN (while Tucker 'needs no introduction' in Tokyo) .... Let's take a break, Victor announces like he's the boss of the card game - then gets up and marches off to pour himself a drink. Your deal, Mr Wang tells another loser. Who'd let the cards be shuffled and dealt while a player has his back to the table? And really - those at the table can't hear Victor and Jack talking about their big 'plan' - 5 feet away? ... I can only hope the slow motion Ashley and Tucker 'love' scene was played out only in Tucker's dreams - love how she strips her dress - down to her waist - so sexy ... No wonder Tucker's getting all turned on tho - she's been batting her eyelids while nibbling at those phallic olive skewers in his face for days now ... I wouldn't want to be in the room next door (those shoji screens are clearly not soundproof) ... I imagine anyone who's lost their mother might get a lump in their throat at Jill's pain (which she's doing a great job of) - but since mine is very much alive, I'm more distracted by all the new (old) faces all at once (along with Hoff's overacting - and Kay's hostile barking). I assume we'll soon learn who's Jill real parents are (which will obviously give her another sibling - who COULD it be? Ester? Gloria? Lauren? If rumours are true, and it's Lauren, I can't see the benefit - or interest) ... What's the point of Adam putting a tux on if he's not gonna brush his hair? ... Mr Wang didn't hear Estavar loudly tossing them out of his club - for cheating? ... Ashley can speak fluent Japanese - but can't order a martini? (with extra olives) ... Doesn't she think the bartender might know a bit of English? How on earth is Billy ordering all HIS drinks? .. Why is Jill praying to God in GCM's hallway - can't someone show the Foster's the way to the chapel? .... Liz couldn't think of another way to 'get her three children all under one roof'? Like inviting them over for Thanksgiving or Christmas? ... Why are Kay's hands always so purple? ... Why is Snapper the only doctor treating Liz? He's called 'every specialist' he knows? And not one of them came to check out Mama? .. And why does he bobble his head about when he's giving his prognosis (making William Shatner look Oscar worthy) ... Nick's trial starts tomorrow? Shouldn't Jack get going? He's got a long flight ahead of him - about 10 hours (plus pre and post flight delays - and he's gotta return his rented tux) ... Ashley hooked up with Victor when she was 'very young'? Maybe youngER (than Victor) - but Ashley was NOT 'very' young in 1990 (in fact, if I'm not mistaken, Eileen Davidson turned 51 yesterday - which would put the actress - though not the character - at around 30 when she married Victor). Hardly a teenager (like Lily or Vikki when they first got married). Ashley's been known to make 'impulsive' decisions? Not involving the much manipulated - and pre-planned conception of her daughter (using Victor's stolen sperm) .... Come again Estavar? The authorities will 'look the other way' if 'no complaints are filed' - against your illegal establishment? Some sore loser's really gonna file a complaint? That he lost money at an illegal gambling den? ... How does Skye KNOW there's no proof that she cheated? Wouldn't it be assumed there'd be cameras in the private poker rooms? (as they are in all casino's - as well as GC's police station, Jabot's boardroom - and anywhere Abby Abbott goes) ... Paying people to say they haven't seen Skye and Adam is 'expensive'? Other than Adam's new beard, they've made absolutely no attempt to disguise themselves. You'd think Skye would at least dye or change up her hairstyle. Perhaps Adam should tell her about the miracles of plastic surgery ...... Does Greg have 'any idea' what Jill's been through? No? You mean he didn't buy a copy of Kay's best selling memoirs (surely he's not waiting for Nina's blockbuster movie to come out) .... Understatement of the day goes to the woman on her deathbed - Jill had 'her share of suitors' (yeah - and then some) .... Jill expects Snapper to be 'straight' with her? Yeah, well - she expected the same of Philip, right?