Running into Vikki at CL's, Rafe's been unable to reach Billy - and worries he's in no condition for today's custody hearing. Yeah - well - he's talking to the wrong person; Vikki's no longer in Billy's 'orbit' *pout*

After Ester wheels Delia out of CL's, a high strung Chloe doesn't want to hear about what a great father Billy is. Actually, all Kevin wanted to do is give her coffee - decaf. Oops - sorry, Chloe's not even sure why she's nervous (since Billy's a poster boy for 'hobo nation' - who probably won't even show up).

At the trailer, Billy's ringing phone goes unanswered - as he sleeps (his table littered with racing forms and empties).

On the patio, Noah tells eden why he's leaving - and NOT seeing his Mom (who's ashes they supposedly scattered yesterday) How messed up is that? How messed up is his MOM (for letting them think that?) You're Mom's alive - that's all that matters, Eden insists.

At the station, Sharon's embarrassed - never wanting Sam to know about this part of her life. And when Victor approaches, Sharon apologizes. He's focused on getting Sharon out - and who, may I ask, are you? Victor asks Sam (as Sharon squirms).

In his suite, Adam mopes over his and Sharon's wedding photo - flashing back to happier times. Knocking at the door, Diane gets a frosty welcome (as Adam's back is already 'full of cutlery').

Billy's awake - and dressed for court when Vikki visits (to say he should call Rafe - and that he looks good). Billy's scared - Chloe's lawyer has a lotta 'material' on him. No - you don't need a drink for courage, Vikki encourages Billy to smile and speak from the heart. You won't lose. Yes, he's 'snazzy' enough for court (though a bit 'scruffy'). Straight to court - no detour to Jimmy's - give em hell, Vikki wraps up her pep talk.

Diane thought Adam would be ecstatic about Sharon's return. Not so much - while Adam was fighting for (and grieving) Sharon, she was with another man. At least he knows what he's getting with Diane (who's still determined to make Victor pay). Alas, Adam's no longer interested in a partnership with Diane; get out. We work well together, Diane invites him out for a drink - to plot Victor's downfall. But Adam's got a new motto - do unto others before they do unto you. Finally taking the hint, Diane leaves (and in the hallway, makes an urgent call to Leslie. If the DA wants her to testify against Adam, it's gotta be TODAY).

Back at the station, Sharon introduces Sam Gibson; the man who took her in when she had nowhere to go. Victor's introduces as her friend - and ex father in law. Impressed, Sam knows who Victor is. Ignoring Sam's awe of him, Victor (after Sharon's lead out) asks what it is he's after.

In the courtroom, Rafe apologizes to the impatient Judge (and is sure his client will be there shortly). And as he's about to rule in Ms Mitchell's favour, Billy arrives with apologies (and his 'game face').

At CL's, Kevin chats with Eden (who loves Mike and Lauren to pieces - but won't be staying with them). Hey - Heather's place is empty. Could her reluctance have anything to do with Noah? What happened in Paris anyway? Stuff happens - people drift apart, Eden's vague.

As she can't be seen in the DA's office, Diane (with Leslie) meets Walsh in the park. Wanting the DA to contact the SEC on her behalf, Diane offers evidence that'll pin the IPO fraud on Adam. Well she better cough it up/take a leap of faith - or there won't BE any deal.

Hands on his hips, Sam tells Mr Newman that he's not 'after' anything (and doesn't appreciate the implication). Arms folded, Victor points out that he wouldn't be the first opportunist to come sniffing around his family. Sam explains how 'Sherry' showed up at his barn one day (in a bad emotional place). He simply fell for the woman (and doesn't give a damn WHO she knows). That's a hell of a story, Victor's left to scowl suspiciously (as Sam excuses himself to take a call).

At G-worm, Adam's moping over his drink when Sharon calls. Surely her making her ONE call to HIM should tell Adam something. I need to talk to you. So talk, Adam snaps. Time's up, the guard interrupts. Victor saunters over (to hear Sharon ask Adam to come visit her). Eyes red-rimmed, a non committal Adam 'will see what he can do'. And as Sharon's lead off to her cell, Noah arrives. No physical contact, the guard says with little authority - as weepy mother and son cling to one another.

On the stand, Chloe (as lead by her lawyer) explains that she's a successful fashion editor and single mother who lives at the Chancellor Estate. Listing everyone who takes care of Delia, Chloe claims it's 'never too often'. This isn't about cutting Delia's father out of her life - Chloe wants her to have a loving, responsible father. But lately, that doesn't describe Billy's behavior. On and on it goes - Billy's poor choices have ruined his current marriage. Delia's not a priority. The unemployed Billy drinks, gambles - and his been involved in criminal activity. Chloe wraps up her testimony by gushing about her love for Delia. About to take his turn, Rafe's frustrated that Billy doesn't want her cross examined. You're gonna lose the case!

Bumping into Ester (and Delia) at the park, Vikki asks that she speak to Chloe - get her to back down and drop the case. Declaring Chloe a great Mom (who knows what's best for Delia) Ester's sorry - but she can't help.

In the interrogation room, Sharon explains why she thought they were all better off without her. Admitting he initially wanted to 'rip into' her, Noah can't judge his Mom (as he's guilty of running away too). But he's here now - no matter how hard. And with a farewell hug, Noah offers encouragement. Adam never gave up on clearing her (and may have found evidence to prove Skye's death was an accident).

No below the belt shots, Billy concedes. Rafe begins with Chloe's recent arrests - book marking and burglary (on Billy's property). Chloe wasn't charged. Yes - thanks to Billy. Rafe makes one final point. Yes, Chloe considers herself to be a very good mother. OK - so while she's painted a grim portrait of Billy's past, the court should keep in mind that people who make mistakes can still be a good parent. No further questions.

Sworn in, Billy's lead to describe his relationship with Dee Dee (who has him wrapped around her little finger). There's nothing Billy wouldn't do for her.

Still in the park, Diane reminds the DA that the primary evidence (released to the media of Victor's 'stroke') - was video of him leaving the ranch in an ambulance. She knows who shot the video - and he's willing to connect Adam to the footage. Leslie intercedes to say that Diane will need some assurances (before revealing her source). Pressured by both women, the DA will 'see what he can do'.

At the station, Victor correctly assumes that Adam's there to see Sharon - and Adam correctly assumes Victor's there to tell him not to. Don't you ever get tired of being so hypocritical Dad? Victor's no savior - he's the one responsible for Sharon being behind bars. Victor sees it another way - Sharon deserves someone better than Adam. She begged me to come see her, Adam gloats (so looking forward to the day Sharon's free - so they can be together)

In the interrogation room, Sam relays how protective Victor is of Sharon (even questioning his motives). Sharon's grateful for Victor's support - and Noah's. Yes, she has a son - and a daughter. Sam doesn't want to upset Sharon - but has questions (like how can she run away from the people she cares about? Would she do the same to him - and Piper?). Sharon thought she could start a new life - but knew it would one day fall apart. She TRIED to keep her distance - doesn't want to cause anyone pain. Forget about me. And over Sam's objection, Sharon calls for the guard. Just walk through the door and don't look back. Whether Sam stays (or goes) will be HIS decision (or Adam's - if his menacing glare in the hallway is any indication).

'So glad' Adam came, Sharon wants to explain - starting with Sam (who must have been 'a really big shock'). Adam 'left' because seeing her alive was overwhelming - he didn't know how to 'deal'. Adam understands why she needed that 'gentleman' - but he would have helped her (done anything for her). He's then stunned to hear that Sharon saw him at the San Pueblo festival.

Rejoining Eden at CL's, Noah admits she was right (about seeing his Mom). Eden's thinking of moving across the hall from Kevin (who, on cue, comes over to ask if she's taking the 'sublet'). Eden and Noah share an awkward stare.

Still on the stand, Billy admits that he gambles and drinks - but Delia is his first priority. Chloe's lawyer takes his turn - first, the gambling. Billy was young and reckless (when his family had to pay his debts off). Sent to Hong Kong, Billy points out that he was running a division of his family's business. Sure, Billy's unemployed - but he's no pauper (and resents the implication that he sold RS to cover gambling debts). Living in a trailer by CHOICE, Billy could live at the mausoleum too if he wanted. His jail stint? Billy refused to name a source - it's called 'journalistic integrity'. Losing custody of Lucy? Well, that's due to 'complex circumstances'. And now - on to Billy hiring Jana. The kidnapping could have been prevented - if only he listened to Chloe. Bottom line - Billy's a poor candidate for custody; full or shared (as he has no regard for his children's welfare).

Joining Diane at G-worm, Leslie informs that the DA won't press charges - if her info's accurate. No jail time - but Diane must pay the SEC a hefty fine.

Back at CL's, Eden agrees to sublet Heather's apartment. And hearing Noah's sticking around too, Kevin thinks it a good thing he and Eden are pals (otherwise it'd be weird). Thanking Eden for making him go see his Mom, Noah's happy that Adam's working on evidence to clear her.

Why didn't you come to me? Adam asks. Too risky - Sharon didn't want to get him in trouble. Yes - she knows why he was in San Pueblo - and read the interview he gave. She's so grateful - and what about this evidence (clearing her) that Noah mentioned? Adam wishes he hadn't (because it didn't pan out).

Sam tells Victor that he won't have to worry about his intentions towards Sharon (as he's returning to New Mexico). Griping that Sharon's fallen for Adam, Victor sees Sam as a good influence on her. Stay - she needs you.

Stepping down and rejoining Rafe, Billy's told that it doesn't look good. Racing in, Vikki introduces herself to the Judge - she'd like to testify on her husband's behalf.

Next: Next time you 'accidentally' run into my children, I'll have NO problem putting you in jail, Lily snarls at Collin ... Chloe angrily hisses at her lawyer - what the hell WAS that? It was an absolute disaster ... Vikki opens her front door - to find Billy there.

My Thoughts: This has gotta be line of the day ... And please, let this be 'on the record', Chloe solemnly turns to the Judge. Duh - isn't she aware that it's ALL 'on the record' (doesn't she see the stenographer typing away in the corner?) And what compelling testimony does Chloe want 'on the record'? That she 'has no idea what Billy's thinking most of the time'. No way! You can't read Billy's mind? Not MOST of the time anyway (meaning that some of the time she can?) Good Lord - where's Baldwin when you need him? ..... 'Keep your head up Mom' - you're not going to jail, Noah reassures. Um - head up Noah - look around dumbass. Mom may not be going to prison - but she's already IN jail (hence the orange jumpsuit) ... Nice that Noah and his Mom made up. I guess Sharon was so happy about it that she didn't think to ask what Noah was feeling so guilty about. Completely self obsorbed, Sharon doesn't question why Abby would need 'help' - or why Grandma 'trashed her sobriety'. Surprising that she'd show absolutely no curiosity (never mind concern) - especially since Noah's so clearly emotional about both situations .... Oh - has anyone called Doris yet? Yes - it DOES say something that Sharon's one and only call was to Adam - not her mother or son ..... Billy's 'good reason' for being late to the custody hearing is because he was 'putting his game face on'? Too bad he didn't take the time to shave his game face ... As Delia's mother, Chloe 'knows best'? I guess she didnt' watch the Father Knows Best marathon last week ... Heather's looking for someone to sublet her apartment? I guess the safe house is no longer being funded by the taxpayers? But since the place was rented by the police department, why's Kevin sending the paperwork to Heather? In fact, why's Kevin doing anything at all? Is he the building's superintendent? ... Diane 'happens to know who shot that video' (Victor leaving the ranch in an ambulance). Yeah and? Why would it be a secret? Since the footage was posted on 'Gingerman's' website, isn't it obvious he shot it? And wouldn't he proudly acknowledge getting such an exclusive clip? The only surprising aspect is that Gingerman would so easily cough up his anonymous source. You'd think a journalist running a site dependent upon anonymous tips would protect his source (displaying the 'journalistic integrity' Billy mentions being jailed for today) ... Why would a small time DA have any pull with the SEC? And why hasn't Gus returned to discuss the matter with Diane himself? ... I guess Adam's lack of Peripheral vision is the reason he didn't immediately spot his father sitting 3 feet away from him at the station's desk? ... And isn't it a bit hypocritical of Adam to call ANYONE a hypocrite? The same argument could be said about him (that he's trying to play Sharon's 'savior' - when he's responsible for her being behind bars) .... It's 'never too often' that Chloe has someone else taking care of Delia? I'd say it's more like 'never too often' that she's actually mothering the kid ... Sharon's fingernails are awfully well manicured - considering she was carjacked - and has been mucking out stalls for the past coupla months. Did the police stop for a mani/pedi during transport to GC's lock up? (it's not like Sharon went into town to have her nails done - even if Sam thought it was part of 'earning her keep' and paid for it). Victor asks Sharon is she's being 'treated well' (I'd say so - there doesn't seem to be any limit on visits) ... 'Eventually you let me in' Sam says. I doubt he's referring to sex - cause a few weeks isn't an awfully long time - considering Sharon's a complete stranger (who's name he didn't even know when she was in his bed) ... Of course Sharon needs a 'gentleman' - when has she NOT? ... I wouldn't say Billy lost custody of Delia due to 'complex circumstances' - in fact, he lost Lucy because the half assed (and illegal) adoption wasn't 'complex' enough ... Why didn't Rafe mention Chloe's relationship with Kevin? Or the fact that another man's name was/is on Delia's birth certificate? Billy's not the only one with damaging 'material' against him .... There's no other witnesses in Chloe and Billy's custody case? Neither felt the need to produce influential character witnesses? Wasn't it recently mentioned that family court is 'closed' to the public (which is why Lauren wasn't allowed in to testify during Lucy's)? Yet - Vikki's allowed to just walk in and ask to be heard? Like her testimony wouldn't be biased at all?