Startling a 'jumpy' Phyllis at RS, Nick wastes no time asking her about Deacon. Strictly professional, Phyllis is ONLY interested in his information. What about him and Ashley? (speaking of strange bedfellows). WHY is he 'slinking off' for cocktails - and lying about it?

You won't believe this one! On the CL's patio, Tucker tells Ashley that Kay's trying to buy Jabot out from under him. Damn straight it's 'not right'. Getting a call, a 'distracted' Ashley suddenly has an important meeting to get to. She'll meet Tucker at the Jabot hearing (as yet unscheduled) later. Alone for mere seconds, Tucker gets a call - the hearing is NOW. Alas, Ashley's already left.

Ending a call, Kay informs Jack that (per her lawyer) Tucker's appealing his competency ruling. Across the table at the club, Kay isn't worried that Tucker knows about her buying Jabot - he's not stable. Jack's not to worry - Kay has 'insurance'. Getting a call (that the hearing's on), Kay couldn't just use Jack's moral support - she's counting on it.

Back at CL's, Paul's on the phone (scolding someone for printing a lurid crime scene photo) when Deacon strolls over - to ask how Diane's case is going. A 'friend'? Why wasn't he at the funeral? If Deacon knows anything, he better come forward now.

Ronan and Heather are equally surprised to bump into one another at G-worm. Irked by his cavalier attitude, Heather wonders how Ronan has the nerve to show his face in GC.

Concerned citizen Deacon just knew Diane casually; she was stressed and liked martinis. Scoffing when Paul suggests they go to the station, Deacon knows he's no suspect. His timecard is his alibi. He'd help if he could. He actually LIKED Diane.

Phyllis KNOWS when Nick's 'fibbing' (that he just ran into Ashley at the club) - and is annoyed that he won't share what Ashley asked him not to. Agreeing that they're bickering like wen married, Phyllis concludes that if Ashley's none of HER business, Deacon is none of Nick's. Truce? Truce. Nick then gets a call from Ronan - summoning him to G-worm. Who was that? Wrong number - his lie causes Phyllis eyes to roll.

That was official police business, Ronan grabs his phone back from Heather (who continues her rant about him hiding behind his badge - pretending the last 6 months didn't happen). Seeing Ronan for the person he is, Heather wouldn't believe anything he has to say to her anyway. And as she marches out, Ronan's left to gulp.

At the courthouse, Tucker's unable to call Ashley (as she lost her phone). Kay arrives on Jack's arm (consequences will effect HIM too - once Tucker regains his rightful position). Oh come on, Kay's sure all this 'silliness' will end once they get before the Judge. In the hallway alone, Tucker's struggling to remember Ashley's new number, when his lawyer comes out to hurry him inside.

When Ronan calls him back, Nick moves away from Phyllis (to find a file). If Nick doesn't come to G-worm right now, an officer will be sent to escort him. Still pretending the call's work related, Nick agrees - you got it. Who was that? Phyllis asks once again. Realizing it's no use lying, Nick fesses up. Not believing him, Phyllis is OK with him going to meet Ashley. Fine - Nick's going to see Ashley. And as soon as Nick exits, Phyllis types out a message (telling Deacon to come to RS).

Get the hell in here! Tucker's lawyer comes out to bark. Still unable to find Ashley's number, Tucker has no choice but to follow him into the court room. Both Kay and Jack are surprised that Ashley's not there. They must really be on the outs. The Judge entering, Tucker and Kay take a seat beside their lawyers (Jack the sole spectator; on Kay's side).

Much to his surprise, Nick's meeting with Ronan DOES include Ashley. Both look nervous when Ronan thanks them for being so prompt.

Taking a seat at G-worm, Ronan starts with Nick's call to Ashley that night. They were both in the vicinity of the park - so - their alibi's are 'crap' (as are Phyllis' and Tucker's). Perhaps the foursome conspired to kill Diane, Ronan wants the truth. He knows they had motive and opportunity. Threatened with a holding cell, Nick reminds - there's this little thing; the constitution. There's also this little thing called 'obstruction of justice'. By the time Ronan takes this call, they better fess up - or it's off to a cot with bad springs for both Nick and Ashley (who have the good sense to look nervous).

At CL's, Paul listens to Heather whine about Ronan. It's not just you - he refuses to discuss his leaving with anyone, Paul encourages. Then, after Heather rambles on about what a bad partner Ronan would be, Paul drops the bomb; HE'S partnered with him.

Before the Judge, Tucker's lawyer rallies against Kay 'poaching' McCall's 'turf' - buying it's prized assets for her own gain. Kay's lawyer stands to object; 'poaching' implies 'thievery'. Sustained. And when Tucker's lawyer complains about Kay selling Jabot, Kay insists she did Tucker a favour; selling at a premium price. Yes - but Tucker didn't WANT to sell Jabot - EVER. She's not executing his wishes - she's got her own agenda. Tucker silences his lawyer to address the Judge; the real issue is whether he's competent to run his own empire. And he IS (though Kay continues to argue that point). Bottom line; Tucker feels he is capable of running the company he spent a lifetime building (which is now being destroyed by an 'outsider'). The Judge excuses himself to review the 'medical evidence' (Tucker's medical reports).

Back at CL's, Heather's not happy that her Dad knew Ronan was back in town (but didn't tell her) - and WHY did he agree to work with him. To keep an eye on him - stop him from hurting her and Nina - and maybe find out why he left. Heather wants a meeting with Spencer; tonight.

While the Judge deliberates, Jack frets. Basically, Tucker's back - they're both screwed (her deal - his CEO chair). He's puzzled when Kay assures him that she'll win.

Meanwhile, in the hallway, Tucker finally manages to call Ashley. Still at G-worm, she's sorry to hear the hearing's underway. S'OK - Tucker thinks he's doing 'OK'. He stood up on his own two feet - and it's all thanks to Ashley. He feels strong again - and WILL be the man she thought he was. Wishing him good luck, Ashley will get there as soon as she can. I love you, Tucker says before hanging up.

No - Ashley doesn't need to 'take off'. Realizing that they don't know where Tucker and Phyllis were that night, the only thing to do is - tell the truth (they were both at the park) - but never saw Diane. Whispering, they then fabricate a reason why Nick called Ashley that night (and must update Phyllis and Tucker with the new story). They were at the park - Tucker was home - Phyllis was at RS. On cue, Ronan returns. No need to reserve cells; Ashley and Nick have a confession to make.

At RS, a jovial Deacon really thinks he and Phyllis can 'go places' (like prison?) - have fireworks. Unenthused, Phyllis is 'vibrating' (a text on her phone). And as Nick and Ashley are explaining telling Ronan that Phyllis and Tucker were covering for them, Nick gets a text from Phyllis (get back to RS - urgent!). We were in the park that night - but didn't see Diane (Ashley and Nick are sorry they lied). Warning that they're still on his 'list', Ronan leaves them to wonder if he's playing them (or did he buy it?). After Ronan returns briefly (for the bag he left behind), Nick tells Ashley that the envelope (containing the still shot of her) has been sent for testing. Try not to worry.

The Judge is back - and after reading the favourable medical report, deems Tucker capable of running his company. And the Jabot sale to CI? Tucker looks panicked when Kay doesn't see why he'd want it reversed - he signed off on it.

Heather (Paul at her side) tells DA Walsh that she's cultivated 'high level relationships' - knows the suspects extremely well. Yes, she knows Malloy extremely well too - that's why she wants to be the DA's eyes and ears. Paul agrees - a legally flawless case will mean a quick conviction. OK - we'll give it a try, the DA puts a smile on Heather and Paul's faces.

Back at the station, Ronan pulls a mini recorder out of his bag - and plays the conversation between Nick and Ashley (in which they conspire to lie - about their lies). They might wanna get lawyers involved after all - as Ronan pens the word 'liars' beneath the photos of Ashley, Nick, Tucker and Ashley.

Come ON, Deacon's not talking about sex. Hell - he can get that anywhere. Deacon wants more - he and Phyllis 'click'. Never mind Nikki. No other woman exists when Phyllis is around. And as Deacon leans in for a kiss, Nick enters - needing to talk about the murder investigation (which puts an odd little smile on Phyllis face).

Going back for the keys she left at G-worm, Ashley leaves a message for Tucker; she's on her way.

As Tucker continues to deny he'd sell Jabot - under any circumstances, Kay hands over her proof. Sure enough, Tucker signed off on the Jabot to CI deal on August 18th. Is this your signature? the Judge repeats impatiently - either Tucker's competent enough to sign off on this deal - or he's not (and Kay's authorized to make the deal anyway). Which is it? Realizing he's between a rock and a hard place, Tucker glares angrily - while Jack and Kay (who gives a little thumbs up) can barely contain their delight.

Next: Nick questions Phyllis - You wanted me to break that up - or were you just trying to make me jealous? ... I want you back - can you forgive me? Tucker implores of Ashley ... New trial, Adam says to Avery (who remarks - you're gonna get some face time with a jury. You can tell THEM why you destroyed evidence that could have cleared Sharon). Seated between them at the bar, Victor maintains his poker face.

My Thoughts: **I'm getting back into the groove. Even a day or so off throws me off a bit. Thanks to Tina for doing a great job covering!!** .... Couldn't Nick have told Ronan that he was in a meeting - told him to come to RS if he wanted to talk? Couldn't he remind that he's a single father? (not that he spends any time with poor Faith either) ... Why is the investigation being conducted from G-worm? ... Why wouldn't Tucker be able to find Ashley's number in his phone? It'd be under A for Ashley - or Abbott (or B for 'beauty'?). Or he could have called Sofia - or the office - or he could have Googled her ... Deacon and Phyllis have 'fireworks'? Did they have fireworks when they had sex on a dumpster in the alley? Let's hope she doesn't expose Lucy and Summer to the sleazy Deacon... Yeah - why WASN'T he at Diane's funeral? I guess only suspects were invited ... If Phyllis doesn't want to be lied to, perhaps she should stop asking who's calling Nick? ..... Why on earth would Ronan conduct his questioning at G-worm? If the interrogation took place in an interrogation room (novel idea) - the ENTIRE conversation would have been recorded (complete with body language - facial expressions - gestures) in video - not just audio .. Knowing that Ashley and Nick obstructed justice (at the very least) why AREN'T they being held for questioning? Why aren't Tucker and Phyllis being picked up BEFORE Ashley and Nick can update them on the 'new story'? Now that Ronan's heard the recording, he must know that even Tucker's alibi suspects him. Shouldn't Ronan be having Tucker's arm photographed before it heals? ... You're never gonna believe THIS one, Tucker says (which I highly doubt - no business deal could be more unbelievable than gaslighting and a hysterical pregnancy) ... Yay - Heather's back (I wonder if she's back in the taxpayer funded 'safe house'). You'd think she'd have changed her hairstyle or sumthin' in the months she's been gone .... Why would the DA's office even consider rehiring Heather? To oversee her former lover - because he's not 'meticulous' enough? Because she knows the suspects 'extremely well'? Isn't that a conflict of interest? Never mind that one of the suspects, Victor, is her BOSS. How dare she yank the phone out of Ronan's hand (while he's on an 'official police business' call)? ... Having spoken eloquently enough to convince a Judge that he's competent, couldn't Tucker at least be able to CHOOSE who runs his business until he's recovered? Couldn't his lawyer have found an excuse to postpone the hearing until Sofia and Ashley could attend? It's hardly an emergency - surely, it could have waited until the morning. Couldn't restrictions be applied - like that CI can't buy up McCall Unlimited's companies? It's such an obvious conflict of interest. Part of me is dismayed that Kay's stooping to this level. Part of me's cheering her on (as Tucker DID steal her company).