Wednesday, November 30th

Copyright Toni's Spoiler Site. Not to be republished.

As Tucker saunters in to confront Harmony, Kay says she doesn't owe him an explanation. Harmony boasts that his MOTHER welcomed her into her home - and here she is - whether Tucker likes it or not.

Devon has the gallery space all set up when Ashley drops by with a check from Abby - and thanks him for attending the wedding (the best gift Devon could have given them).

Naked beneath the sheets, Nick rolls over to tend to his ringing phone. It's work, he claims. Spying over his shoulder, Avery notes it's Phyllis. Needing to get back to the office, Nick climbs out of bed and into his pants. But you haven't had lunch, Avery pulls him back into bed for a kiss. Nick assures he'll be back for dinner.

At RS, Phyllis isn't impressed that Nick's too busy to answer his phone. Well, SHE cares about selling magazines (regardless of whether Nick or Ronan get mad at her) - she's just doing her job. Do the police have a new suspect in their sights? Phyllis types (this story is just too good to pass up).

Summoned to the station (by Ronan), Paul's stunned to see Nikki's the one who's been pulled in for questioning.

Meanwhile, at home, Victor frowns at a map - 131 miles - plenty of time to get here. Oh my God - Nikki - did you kill Diane?

Ending a call, Victor's told that Nikki's car isn't back yet. No, she didn't tell Bonnie she was going elsewhere after the meeting. The maid dismissed, Victor gets a call from Mike - alerting him that Nikki's at the station for questioning.

There's no place like home huh? Ronan quips. Uh - no - there isn't, Nikki squirms. Assuming that Mike's been summoned, Paul takes a seat in the corner - as Ronan gets started on the 'preliminaries'. Whereas Nikki's foggy on dates and times, Ronan's clear. He knows she checked out October 25th - and that it takes 2 hours, 56 minutes - give or take (to drive from Dubuque to GC). Knowing that Nikki was missing the day Diane was murdered, Ronan wants details on her whereabouts and activities.

Did I disturb your 3 hour lunch? Phyllis snarls when Nick arrives at RS. What's that? Rest In Peace Diane? Didn't Nick say they aren't doing the story? Reading further, his unibrow furrows - are you accusing my mother of murder!?

Devon doesn't really wanna discuss Tucker - the wedding is as far as he's willing to take it. OK - but Tucker's not going anywhere - he's part of you - nothing can change that (or that he cares about you). Devon doesn't see it right now. Letting Ashley whine a bit more, Devon appreciates her stopping by - but needs to get back to work. OK - take care, Ashley leaves him to mull it over.

Back at the mausoleum, Tucker shakes his head about meeting his mother half way. She's using you, he warns Harmony - Devon's the finish line. He's family, Kay interrupts. In theory - but s'os Tucker - and he'll protect his son. Harmony doesn't appreciate the threat - and won't get involved in their drama. She's there for her son - that's all.

When Paul jumps in to suggest Nikki wait for Mike, Ronan snaps that Mrs Newman would say so if she had a problem with his questions. And as Paul heads back to his corner, Nikki stammers that she doesn't recall where she went that day - because she was drunk. A relapse? Triggered by Diane's lawsuit? It's a blur, Nikki claims. You were labeled a slut, Ronan shows off a colour print out (Nikki and Victor in bed - Diane says 'once a stripper always a slut'). Hey - knock it off, Paul jumps to the defense again. Diane - a gold digging opportunist, publicly humiliated you! How do you stop a crazy bitch like that!? Ronan continues to work on Nikki. Mike burst in - what the hell's going on in here!? And as Mike stays behind to glare at Ronan, Nikki bumps into Deacon - what are you doing here? He thought she might need a ride. Indeed she does - get me outta here! she clips clops out.

Nick scolds - his Mom's back for 2 minutes and Phyllis already has her in an orange jumpsuit? Based on what!? Where's the evidence? This is Summer's grandmother! Just because Phyllis doesn't give a damn about HER parents..... Phyllis shouts for all to hear - if Nick was so concerned about family, he wouldn't be having SEX with her SISTER!!!!! THAT'S what this is about? Nick's aghast - using his magazine to get back at him? It's NOT Phyllis job - her JOB is to listen to HIM, her BOSS - and since she doesn't, Phyllis is FIRED!

Are you kidding me? Phyllis didn't PUBLISH the story - it was just an idea. But she didn't listen when Nick said no - she does what she wants. Phyllis agrees - because she's strong minded - that's what makes her a GREAT mother, an incredible friend - an amazing wife - and a damn good magazine editor. Let's agree to disagree - like always. But, as Phyllis sits at the computer to work on another story, Nick points out that he just fired her. That was real - it just happened - so get out!

What the hell were you doing?! Hammering at Nikki after she asked for an attorney?! Paul scolds. She answered of her own free volition, Ronan thinks his only mistake was having PAUL in the room. Oh come ON - Paul knows the kind and decent Nikki doesn't have it in her to beat someone to death. But can Paul speak to her character when she's jealous, humiliated and drunk?! She didn't do it, Paul maintains. And when Mike returns with Victor, Paul (exiting) whispers - if you love Nikki, make sure she gets through this in one piece. After Paul slams the door, Victor announces that Nikki's going home - where is she? If she's not in the squad room, Ronan supposes she took off.

Arriving at the ranch, Deacon refuses to leave - Nikki's 'hanging on by a thread' and there's booze in the house! Ok - if you wanna watch ... Nikki pours - and drinks - ignoring Deacon's spiel about going to a meeting. Does Nikki being 'off the wagon' have anything to do with Diane's death? Deacon saw her in the park that night - I KNOW. Looking guilty, Nikki gulps - you should probably go. Deacon won't tell anyone - please, put the glass down. Since Deacon won't 'go away', Nikki slams the glass down - and exits the room with the bottle of vodka.

Harmony's right - Tucker DOESN'T know her - perhaps SHE'S the one using KAY. Harmony doesn't roll like that - she chose getting high over her son - but now she's clean - and back (to ease some of Devon's pain - no matter what it takes). No matter what it takes, Tucker nods - even if it means living here with HER. It won't be a free ride - only question is WHAT will it cost, he warns in parting.

When Nick joins her at the club's bar, Avery assumes he's hungry - unless he 'grabbed something' at the office. No - Nick didn't have time - he was too busy firing Phyllis. What happened? She pushed - Nick's had enough of Phyllis always doing what she wants. Avery adds her two cents - Phyllis doesn't understand consequences - she's the same selfish girl who left her family behind.

Dropping by Ronan's office, Phyllis claims she's busy (and has a lot of balls in the air). Hearing that Nick fired her, Ronan suggests Phyllis take some time 'away' - with Lucy. No, he won't send the bloodhounds after her. No, he's not trying to get rid of her. OK then - she'll do it. Don't miss me too much. Ronan thinks he might. Ditto, Phyllis replies.

Staggering around the stables with her bottle of vodka, Nikki, her face streaked with tears - flashes back to sex with Victor on the hay. You were watching us Diane - YOU did this, she gulps vodka.

Victor returns to growl - what the hell are you doing in my house? Where's Nikki? On the grounds, Deacon thinks - she's been drinking. Without responding, Victor proceeds towards the back of the house.

Phyllis marches over Nick and Avery (chatting at the bar) Amazing, she snarls - toasting to my firing? Insisting that she have a private word with Nick, they walk a few feet away. Told that Phyllis is taking Lucy on vacation, Nick agrees to watch Summer. For how long? Phyllis doesn't know - she'll keep him in the loop. On her way out, Phyllis pauses to hiss at Avery - he's all yours sweetie - go for it.

Impressed with the way Harmony handled Tucker, Kay finds it hard to imagine them being 'involved'. Harmony was young and stupid - and he was gorgeous and funny. He ain't so funny now. And when Tucker was gone - Harmony was left young, stupid and pregnant. Devon then stops by - Hey Mom. Cutting off any conversation, Devon just came to give Kay a check. But that money was Devon's - to do what he sees fit with it. Yeah - and Devon IS doing exactly what he wants to with it - giving it back (much to Kay's disappointment).

Tucker joins Ashley on the CL's patio. Wife! Husband! ~kiss~ Tucker relays his therapist's advice - to work on his relationship with his mother. But what is kay up to - taking Harmony in again? Ashley relays her visit with Devon (and her hope that father/son will bond). Tucker concludes that his therapist is off on this one (regarding his mother). And as Tucker goes for a refill, Ashley answers his phone. Ask him to call Dr Peterson please (lo and behold, she's at the GCAC). Emily? Is that you?!

By the way a resigned Paul slams into his office, Ronan guesses he got a hit on the ATM's. Yup - off the highway between here and Dubuque - early morning video footage - after Diane was murdered - Nikki withdrew $500. I knew it, Ronan crows. Doesn't prove anything, Paul points out - but adds that a wallet and an ID went missing - and were returned on the 31st. He's still looking into credit card activity. Ronan informs that 'New Life' is connected to a hospital - Paul's to see if they're missing the drug that was found in Victor's safe. He's sorry - but it's looking like Paul's ex may have killed Diane.

Clutching what's left of her bottle, Nikki wonders where Diane was standing (when watching her and Victor). Here? Here? Victor watches Nikki wobble around the stables for a bit before approaching her. Sweetheart. You can't be with me anymore! I won't let you go, Victor insists. Nothing will ever be OK! Nikki wails - everything is ruined! No longer struggling, Nikki whimpers in Victor's arms.

Kay knew about their connection when she asked him to join CI - but she was investing in DEVON. Yeah - but he knows she doesn't want money back - she wants a relationship - and he can't do that. Noting that his Mom looks and sounds good, Devon suggests she put her faith in someone who sees her as more than a means to an end (which she won't find here). Sighing on the front step, Devon leaves both women looking sad.

Returning with coffee, Tucker's told that he got a call. So, Jack's ex Emily is your therapist, Ashley states unhappily.

Ordering a scotch at the bar, Paul is stunned when hearing his name. It's me - Emily - not Patty, he's quickly assured.

Avery chases after Phyllis - she's sorry about what happened with Nick. Not buyin' it, Phyllis wonders if she'll take her job and penthouse while she's away. Taking over her life is EXACTLY what Avery's trying to do (to punish her for leaving). Everything would have been different if you stayed, Avery shouts - at Phyllis' back as she marches out. She'll never change, Avery tells Nick (who shows up seconds later).

Still at the station, Mike warns Ronan that he'll file a formal complaint if he arrests his client again. But after Mike leaves, Ronan barks into his phone - I want that arrest warrant NOW!

Bottle still in hand, Nikki frets about what she did - she was just trying to protect them. I did it - I killed Diane! she gasps out between sobs (as Victor looks stunned).

Next: You need to get another therapist - I really think you do, Ashley insists to Tucker... I wanted to see you, Emily's at Jack's front door. How do I know it's you, Jack looks suspicious ... Sweetheart - you left only for ONE night - you went back the next morning. But it wasn't just any night, was it? Nikki weeps.

My Thoughts: If Tucker's meeting Kay 'half way' - why did he drive all the way out to the mausoleum? ... So what if Kay's using Harmony as a means to an end? Hello - she was sleeping in her car - and now she's living rent free in a mansion. Harmony needn't give a rats ass what Kay's motivation is - just enjoy the free/cushy ride - your down filled duvet and gourmet cuisine ... Devon must have waved his magic wand - or twitched his nose or sumthin' - how else did he get the gallery space completely furnished in one day? He even had a flashy red kitchen installed ..... What is Devon gonna do with his 'stunning' painting? Duh Ashley - maybe he'll hang it on a wall .... Good thing Devon's presence was a present - cause I doubt he bought the McCall's a wedding gift ... Huh? Phyllis should go away - spend some one on one time with her baby girl; Lucy? What about Summer? Ronan knows Phyllis has TWO daughters right? He IS a detective after all. I guess the 'great' mother doesn't remember that not so long ago, Summer was jealous of the new baby in their lives. And if she's excluded from vacations, who can blame the poor kid .... Judging by the expression on Avery's face, Phyllis granting her permission (to 'go for it') knocked Nick down a few pegs on the attractiveness scale ... Nikki killed Diane? I'm not buyin' it. That'll be three people Nikki's killed (along with her father and Bobby's kid brother) Perhaps she just thinks she did - while in a drunken stupor. At the very least she IS guilty of drinking and driving ... Why is it Phyllis' business if Nick, her boss, takes a 3 hour lunch? Is she just jealous because Nick never lasted three hours with her? Phyllis SHOULD be fired - shouting at your boss (especially about his sex life) is kinda unprofessional when done at the office. And for all her talk of 'objectivity' and obligation to do the job - Phyllis had an absoliute fit - adamantly refusing to let anything be printed about the Daniel/Lucy/Daisy story - because that was HER family. I hope Billy buys RS - and prints an 'expose' on Phyllis' Dad's crimes .... Nick climbs out of Avery's bed and right into his jeans? Perhaps he should have hit the shower before going to stand in such close proximity to Phyllis.