Return to Santa Barbara

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(EXT: CAPWELL ENTERPRISES)

---Eden is pleasantly surprised when Julia stops by her office to see her. Eden apologizes for lashing out at her about Angel's release. Julia is understanding and apologetic that she couldn't tell her. Julia admits that she's not just there to see Eden- she's curious about Elizabeth, Sophia's unmentioned sister. Eden tells her she doesn't know that half of it- apparently, she had Sophia thrown out of the building this morning. Julia is shocked and asks why exactly, to which Eden had no answer, telling her that it was an actual stipulation in the agreement CC had signed. Julia remarks that it's so unlike CC to let someone walk all over him in this way and Eden agrees. Eden changes the subject and asks Julia how Samantha is doing. Julia tells her how well she's coming along, mentioning that Rafe has been a great help. Eden says that he wouldn't have been able to do anything at all, had it not been for the doctors in San Remos. Julia stops dead and uncomfortably agrees. Eden notices the change in her and asks her what's bothering her.

"It's nothing, really Eden. I'm fine."

"Julia, we've known each other a very long time. I can tell when something is bothering you- so what is it?"

She pauses. "It's......it's......Mary"

"Mary? You mean Mason's vision of her?"

"It wasn't a vision, Eden."

"Of course it was. What are you talking about Ju..."

"It wasn't a vision. I know because I saw her too- Dr. Beckman.......Dr. Beckman was Mary"

Eden tells her that it couldn't be, she died years ago. Julia tells her she's sure of it and talks about seeing her for the first time. Eden asks how it could even be possible and Julia tells her Mary's story, that she was in a coma in San Remos for four years or so, and Mark had been nursing her back to health. Eden remembers that Mark is dead but Julia tells her that according to Mary, that's not true. Eden asks her if Mason knows anything about any of it, and Julia explains that Mary doesn't want him to know and she's gone along with it. Julia tells Eden she can't go on much longer lying to Mason, that the weight of what she knows is killing her. Eden understands her dilemma, though she thinks that Mason deserves to know the truth. Julia thanks Eden for listening and Eden promises her she won't say anything until Julia does herself. Julia nervously tells her that she just wants to get it over with and face Mason's reaction, whatever that may be.

---CC and Ted arrive at the office and Kathleen fills them in on the goings on of the day thusfar. Ted blasts CC for allowing Elizabeth to bar Sophia from the building. CC ignores him and focuses on Kathleen.

"What's wrong with you- why the HELL didn't you call me?"

"I'm sorry Mr Capwell, I was just doing what I was supposed..."

"That's not an excuse damnit. You kicked my wife out of the building, like an animal. I should've been notified- I should have been the one to handle it."

"It's not her fault, CC" Elizabeth says, entering "it's as she said, she was doing as I asked."

Ted can't believe his eyes when he sees CC melt before her, instead of firing back at her like he normally would. Instead, he gently tells Elizabeth that he would have preferred to handle it himself, since he obviously hadn't had the chance to discuss it with Sophia. A fiery Ted asks his aunt why she'd treat her own sister like that and she redirects the question to CC, telling Ted perhaps his father should fill him in on that. Elizabeth tells CC that she would like to meet with him shortly and he agrees. Ted cannot believe the way CC's acting and asks his father why he's allowing this.

"She's in the driver's seat right now, son. There's not much I can do really- it was either this merger or a hostile takeover. She's got me where she wants me at the moment and for now, I have to give her what she wants."

"There's always something you can do dad, I've never seen you give up on a fight like this..."

"I'm not giving up by any means. I'm fighting in my own way."

---Keith stops by Gina's office and fills her in on his meeting with Sophia the previous day. He tells her how Sophia reacted to the news, in total disbelief.

"If you think that's good, listen to this- Sophia has been barred from the building!"

"What?"

"Yeah- not only that, but she showed up her, all high and mighty this morning to see Elizabeth. When Elizabeth got here- security literally took Sophia by the arms and removed her from the building. Of all the days I wished I'd come in early..."

"You didn't get to see it? I've got to meet this woman."

Gina tells Keith she doesn't see much use for Joann anymore and he agrees, though it seems like most things, that would be up to Elizabeth at this point. Gina thinks aloud that she wishes she had something on her, something that could blow her out of the water entirely. Though she knows Joann was a plant for the takeover attempt, nobody will believe her, especially since she's the one who got Capwell out of the hot water they were in.

"Too bad" Keith remarks.

Gina turns and looks at him. "You KNOW something!"

"No I don't"

"YES YOU DO, Keith, you know who was behind the takeover, the guy she double-crossed."

"Oh that"

"Well- come on, out with it!"

Keith balks at first but is more agreeable when Gina grabs his shoulders and positions her knee underneath his genitals. Keith comes out and tells her it was Kirk CRanston. Gina proceeds to knee him in the balls. He howls a high-pitched scream in pain. Gina blasts him for ever getting them involved with Kirk Cranston in the first place, knowing full well she wouldn't have trusted him in a million years. Keith, in a Mickey Mouse voice, tells her that he's become a successful international businessman and reformed his life over the years. Gina calls Keith an imbocile, telling him Kirk wouldn't reform if his life depended on it. Gina storms off, leaving Keith screeching.

(EXT: San Remos Emergency Clinic)

---Julia again enters the hospital, not even bothering this time to ask the nurse about Dr. Beckman's wherabouts. Mary is caught off-guard when Julia bursts into her office. Mary asks Julia what she could possibly be doing there, that she's answered all of her questions and would like nothing more than to be left alone. Julia tells her that she cannot do that, just like she can't go on lying to Mason. Mary insists it's unnecessary for Mason to know the truth but Julia retorts that she'd rather he'd hear it from her than find it out for himself. Mary tells her that's not going to happen but Julia asks how Mary can be certain.

"Because I'm leaving tomorrow, Julia. Today is my last day at the clinic. I'm coming by in the morning to get some of my things and I'm moving to Colorado."

"What? Why? I don't under..."

"First of all, Christie lives there and I'd like to be close to my sister again. But also, all of this has brought up a lot of pain, a lot of old feelings that I don't care to revisit. I've told you Julia- I'm happy for you and Mason, really I am. I don't want to interfere with that. Please, Julia, I'm asking you....please."

Julia looks at her and tells her she can't promise anything, that she feels she needs to be honest with her husband. Mary replies that she's done all she can, but she's leaving tomorrow, regardless. Mary leaves, telling Julia she has patients to visit. The camera zooms in on a pained and confused Julia.

(EXT- Capwell Enterprises)

---Gina bursts into Joann's office and Joann attempts to kick her out. Gina informs her that won't be so easy, she should listen if she knows what's good for her. Gina tells her she knows that she was working for Kirk Cranston. Joann pretends not to know what she's talking about.

"Don't play dumb with me- Keith KNOWS everything about you and Kirk- they've been in contact throughout the entire takeover. You were a plant, to sway things in his favor. Not to mention you were supposed to be his fiance...."

"Ex-fiance Gina. Kirk and I are over."

"I hope for your sake CC & Eden will see it that way, though somehow I doubt they will."

Joann begs her not to tell them and Gina tells her that she'll consider it, though she'll obviously have to pay Gina a hefty price. Gina walks out of the office, leaving a bewildered Joann in her dust.

----In CC's office, Elizabeth goes over some of the details of the contract that they've entered into, pointing out that she has the freedom to make stipulations over the course of the first week, or the deal is null and void. CC asks her what else she could possibly want, since she's already an equal share-holder and has gone so far as to throw Sophia out of the building. CC tries to appeal to her softer side, asking why it is she cannot forgive her sister after all of these years. For a moment, she shows him a more vulnerable side of her. With tears in her eyes, she explains.

"Sophia was always the apple of daddy's eye, always. She had a career, was beautiful, and was a talented actress. I, meanwhile, did everything in the world for him, not that he noticed. Then you came along, CC. You came into both of our lives. She wanted you from the very beginning, but I saw how you looked at me. It was how I'd always wanted a man to look at me, directly into my eyes, seeing into my soul. I fell in love with you and I know you loved me too. She saw that, she knew that it was I you truly loved and she could've had anyone. But because I wanted you too- it made you all the more appealing for her. She flaunted you in my face, knowing how I felt. And when I....I....."

She bursts into tears. He looks at his former love with great sorrow and embraces her. Elizabeth gets herself together and pushes him away. She tells him that she doesn't care to further reminisce about the past, that it's the present that matters. She explains that though she's happy with the deal as made, there is one additional stipulation that she insists on adding.

"Alright Elizabeth, anything. Just tell me what it is."

"Your will- from what I've gathered, in the case of your death, the company goes to Eden. That's what needs to be modified. Under no circumstances, in the event of your death, is the company to go to any of your children with Sophia."

"Oh, Elizabeth, come on. This is going too far- HELL, it's already gone too far- she's barred from the building and the business, isn't that enough for you?"

"I'm sorry CC, but if you want to keep your company, that's the way it's going to be. You have 48 hours to give me a response and put it in writing. Otherwise, the deal is off."

THE END................for today

First off, you'll notice the addition of Judy Greer (as Kathleen) to our recurring cast list. Kathleen has already been seen a few times on 'RTSB' and will continue to be seen. Since she's a new character, I felt it important that she had a face to go with her. Some of you may remember Greer from her stint on "Arrested Development" where she played Kitty, the Bluth Company secretary. Or perhaps in the cult-classic "Jawbreaker", where she played Fern Mayo. 'RTSB' is quite lucky to have landed an actress with the deft comedic skills and impeccable timing Ms. Greer possesses.

Additionally, a CASTING CALL is being put out for Marta Ramirez, daughter of Angel & Carla Ramirez. 'RTSB' is looking for a hispanic/latina actress in the 18-27 age range, so long as she can play a 20 year old girl. The role is recurring. Also, anyone planning on mentioning Alyssa Diaz (ex-Celia, ATWT) please save your fingers the energy.

'RTSB' is also casting the role of Ashton, Kelly Capwell's new husband. Not many specifics are being given out on this character, only that he should be played by a European or British male. He's worldly, sophisticated and in his mid to late 30s or so. Whoever lands the role will be on-contract.

Lastly, 'RTSB' is still deciding on who will be playing Kelly Capwell this time around. Sources insist that though Eileen Davidson has just been released by Y&R, don't expect to see her in the part. Kelly should be blonde, in her 30s and quite a beauty. This role will also be on-contract. Any input from the viewers would be greatly appreciated in any of these castings!!!

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(EXT: the beach, panning up to Mason & Julia's Home)

---Julia sits at the kitchen table, reading Warren's article about the merger between Capwell Enterprises and Wayne, INC. Mason enters from upstairs, dressed for the day. Samantha tells her father how nice he looks and he asks her how she's feeling. She claims to be doing better, though she's frustrated about not being able to get around as she likes. Mason urges her to take it easy and Julia agrees, telling her that adding any unnecessary stress to her bones and muscles could slow her recovery down. Mason notices the newspaper in Julia's hand.

"I take it you've read about dad's business deal."

"Some of it......I didn't even know Sophia had a sister"

"That probably has something to do with the fact that she's never mentioned her. Strangely enough, neither has dad....."

"It seems odd that your father would take this kind of a deal- from what I'm reading, they'll be sharing control of both companies and are equal partners in all senses of the word."

"You don't know the half of it. You should read the agreement dad is planning on entering into with her! I was going over it last night and some of these demands she's made.......it's so unlike dad to cowtow to anyone like this."

"Cowtow?"

"Yes, you know, pander to..... " She stares at him, trying to keep a straight face.

"Seriously Julia, some of the stuff in it is downright peculiar, especially given who she is..."

Samantha laughs in the other room that yet another skeleton is coming out from the Capwell family closet, it seems. Mason, though annoyed with her, can't help but wonder if she's right, as does Julia. Mason asks Samantha what time Rafe is coming by, and she tells him he's coming over shortly- not to worry. Mason comments that Rafe should be in jail or at least have his license taken away.

"DAD!! You promised....... It wasn't Rafe's fault..."

"You're right Samantha- you were the one who was angry your ex-girlfriend was getting married and your the one who hopped on your bike and drove through the winding roads like a maniac..."

Samantha cracks a smile and tells him she understands his point, but that Rafe is remorseful and is very helpful to her. Julia agrees and she and Mason simultaneously head out the door for work. Shortly after they leave, Samantha fantasizes about Rafe shirtless, carrying her around in her casts. She sees herself seducing him, in her brace & all. She snaps out of it when she hears the roar of Rafe's motorcycle outside. She smiles devilishly.

(EXT: The Capwell Mansion)

---CC comes downstairs and is irked to find noone around.

"Sophia? Rosa? ROSA? Why is it every time I need that woman, she's nowhere to be found......... ROSA?!?!??"

"Aye, aye, Quiete CC, I hear you. What is the matter?"

He asks her if she's seen Sophia this morning. Rosa tells him that she's been gone to the grocery store all morning. She mentions that when she just returned, she noticed Sophia's car wasn't in the driveway. CC wonders where she could be and Rosa attempts to cover, thinking Sophia has gone to see her doctor. Rosa suggests she went to bring flowers to Samantha, since she mentioned something like that the day before. CC calms down, agreeing that may be it. He comments it's a shame, since he was planning on going in to the office late and had planned the special breakfast Rosa was making. No sooner does he speak than Ted arrives, smelling something in the kitchen. CC asks his son what he's doing there so early.....and alone. Ted teases that perhaps he'll tell him........over breakfast. Rosa smiles and tells them there's plenty working in the kitchen that she'll have ready shortly.

(EXT: Capwell Towers Hotel)

---Pamela eats a croissant and sips her tea as she reads Warren's article about the merger. She relishes seeing that Wayne, INC is the company they've merged with to prevent the takeover. She's surprised to hear a knock at her suite.

"That's funny, I'm not expecting anyone......." (she opens the door) "Augusta?!?"

"Someone's taking their meds as recommended I see. May I come in?"

"Sure.....I'm surprised to see you is all"

Augusta comments that nothing should surprise Pamela by now. Pamela admits to being intrigued as to why Augusta is there to see her in the first place. Augusta informs her it's about the author of the article she was just reading. Augusta warns her to stay away from her son. Pamela is intrigued, telling Augusta that the only time she's seen him at all since being in town was at the Lockridge mansion for Thanksgiving......where Augusta had invited her. Augusta fires back that it's her behavior on that evening that provoked her in the first place. Pamela admits to flirting with Warren, but claims it was completely innocent. Augusta rebuts that it didn't look so innocent to hear.

"Oh, Augusta, really, what kind of fool do you take me for? You're not here because you're worried about some ridiculous affair I'm having with your son."

"No?"

"Of course not. It's what I know....that's what worries you?"

"And what is it you think you know Pamela?"

She laughs. "Augusta, we both know that I'm aware of who Warren's real father is."

"Allegedly..."

"Oh, Augusta, really, you have nothing to worry about. Your secret is safe. Knowledge is power, my dear. Why would I go telling Warren the truth, robbing me of that? No my dear, I'll hold onto it.....like anything else, I may need to use it someday..."

"Is that a threat?"

"More like a promise dear. Now if there's nothing else, I do have to shower and get ready for the day. I have appointments to keep, people to see, that sort of thing"

Augusta storms off and Pamela smiles. "A perfect way to start such a beautiful day..."

(EXT: Mason & Julia's House)

----Rafe enters the house and sees Samantha on the floor, lying helpless in pain, sobbing. Rafe asks her what happened and she claims she fell. Rafe tends to her, telling her he's going to lift her up and take her to the couch. She tells him it hurts and looks into his eyes as he tells her it will be alright. She asks him to be gentle and he smiles and nods at her. She puts her arms around his neck and he carries her to the couch. He tells he thinks they should call the doctor, but she stops him, insisting that she's fine, much better now that he's there. Rafe agrees, though he tells her they'll be mentioning it to Mason & Julia later, as he doesn't want to be in any more hot water with the two of them. Samantha smiles and tells him not to worry about her father, that she'll handle him. She asks if he's heard from Lily since the whole wedding fiasco and he admits he has. Samantha wonders if he'll go back to her and Rafe replies that he isn't sure. He tells Samantha that Lily hurt him very much and he her. He tells her that after everything with the wedding, he began to see that and isn't sure if they can ever get past that. Evenso, he told Lily that he needs some time to himself at the moment and Samantha agrees that it's probably best. She puts her hand on his shoulder to console him and he turns his head and looks at her. She stares directly back at him, getting lost in the moment. Just as they begin to lean in, Adriana bursts through the door with balloons & flowers for her cousin. Samantha shoots her a look and thanks her, however sarcastically. Rafe's cell phone rings and he excuses himself from the room, heading outside.

"Could you have any worse timing?" Samantha asks Adriana.

"I'm sorry...I didn't mean to interrupt your seducing of my Uncle...My bad"

"It sounds so gross when you say it!"

"That's because it is gross. He's my uncle, Samantha."

"Your very young, very hot uncle, Adriana....."

Adriana stares back at her and tells her it doesn't matter, since he's obviously still hung up on Lily. Samantha claims he just got done telling her that it was over between them, but Adriana isn't buying it. She asks Samantha just who she thinks Rafe is outside on the phone with? Samantha is insistent it wasn't Lily but Adriana thinks otherwise. Rafe comes back in the house and Samantha asks who he was on the phone with. She smirks at Adriana when he tells them it was Julia and that he told her about what had happened. Samantha asks him not to be so protective of her, but Rafe insists on it, telling her he cares about her and doesn't want to see her hurt any more than she already is. Samantha smiles and thanks him, as Adriana rolls her eyes.

(EXT: Capwell Enterprises)

---Sophia storms into the offices and demands to see Elizabeth. Kathleen informs her that Elizabeth hasn't gotten there yet today and Sophia tells her she'll just wait then. Kathleen tells her she shouldn't be there, which sets Sophia off. She tells Kathleen that this is her husband's company and if she wants to wait for someone there, she will do just that. Kathleen tries to interject, but Sophia's not hearing any of it. Just then, the elevator opens, with Elizabeth in it. Sophia walks up to it, with Kathleen following close behind her.

"Ms Wayne, Ms Wayne," Kathleen says, "I tried to stop her."

"It's alright, Kathleen. Don't worry about it. I'll take it from here."

Elizabeth greets Sophia, who tells her to save it- they haven't spoken in 40 years, why be civil now? Elizabeth retorts that she doesn't plan on doing that at all. Sophia asks her what the hell she's up to with the company. Elizabeth tells Sophia she should be thanking her, seeing as how she saved CC's company from the takeover. Sophia replies that she'll be doing no such thing.

"Sophia, you never do change, do you? Same self-centered b i t c h you always were. Not everything in the world is about you, dear. You never seem to learn that."

"Oh, and why are you helping CC then, exactly? After all these years, you find his company in a crisis and decide to swoop in and save it? What's in it for you? And what the hell have you been telling Pamela Conrad?"

"The truth. Don't worry about what's in it for me, sister of mine. After all the two of you have done to me, consider yourself lucky that you've been in my presence this long and I've resisted the urge to strangle you with my bear hands."

"Why hold back?"

"Because then I wouldn't get to enjoy THIS half as much"

Sophia is stunned when two Capwell security guards take her by the arms and begin walking her to the elevators.

"Joe! Ralph! Take your hands off of me, what do you think you're doing?"

"I'm sorry, Mrs. Capwell, but we don't have a choice."

Sophia asks why and Elizabeth informs her that she has been barred from the building. Sophia replies that now way could that be true, CC would never agree to something like that. Elizabeth sees Mason walking up behind them.

"Oh, but he did........ Didn't he, Mason?"

Sophia looks at her step-son and he apologizes, informing her that Elizabeth is telling the truth. Sophia screams at Mason that CC would never do that to her and Mason again apologizes to her, telling her that CC did in fact sign the agreement himself. Elizabeth smiles as the elevator doors close with the guards and Sophia in them.

"Bye bye Sophia" She snarls, and Mason shoots her a look. "What are you looking at?"

"What is with the resentment toward your own sister, Elizabeth? I couldn't believe it when I read the agreement this morning...."

"Mason, you've lived with your step-mother for much of your life, you know exactly who she is. It shouldn't even come as a surprise to you that she omitted the fact she had a sister, let alone one who detests her as I do. Perhaps your mother could fill you in on just what kind of woman Sophia Wayne was. There are reasons why Pamela hates her, just as there are reasons why I haven't spoken to her in so long and even went so far as to have her barred from this building. She's poison, Mason. Though, maybe you already knew that...."

She walks off, leaving Mason to ponder.

THE END....................for TODAY!

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(EXT: Capwell Enterprises)

---Eden arrives at Capwell and is floored when Kathleen informs her that Capwell has merged with Wayne, INC. Eden asks where everyone is and Lily emerges, informing her that the board is in a meeting. Eden greets Lily warmly but a prickly Lily asks her why she wasn't there any sooner.

"Frankly Lily, not that it's any of your business, but I had family matters to tend to that couldn't wait. Now, if you'll excuse me....."

"I guess when it's daddy's company, you can just disappear in the middle of a crisis, if need be....."

"Look, Lily, I'm sorry for what happened with Ted. My heart goes out to you.....really, it does. But that doesn't give you the right to take your anger at him out on my entire family."

Eden walks off, leaving a bitter Lily to wait with Kathleen. She enters the board meeting, where CC is speaking and Mason, Ted, Angela, and Elizabeth are sitting already in attendance. She's caught off guard when CC introduces her to Elizabeth Wayne, her aunt. Eden is very gracious in meeting her, though her curiosity is obviously peaked. She takes her seat next to Ted and whispers to him.

"I never even knew mama had a sister. She spoke of a brother who died but....."

"Don't look at me Eden, this is the first I've heard of her...."

CC takes the floor back at the board meeting, announcing that Wayne, INC is now 50% owner of Capwell Enterprises, though he will remain CEO. Elizabeth interjects that she will be working at both offices and plans on being very hands on at Capwell, especially during the transition, which she hopes will be a smooth one. She apologizes for interrupting CC, but he's more than okay with it.

"Please, continue. Elizabeth Wayne, the floor is yours my dear."

(EXT: Poor Section of Town, rundown houses)

---Angel meets up with Rico and Terrence, old friends of his from the neighborhood. Both are surprised to see Angel out of prison, and he informs him that his lawyer worked some magic and got him out on a technicality. Angel asks Rico if he's still doing "business" and Rico tells him all is still good. Terrence questions why he'd want to get back into that, so soon after getting out of the joint. Angel tells him his daughter wants to go back to school next semester and Carla's income certainly wouldn't be enough for her to go on. He tells them how brite she is and though she could go to a community college, he wants her to have the chances he never had growing up. Being a convicted felon, he explains, it will be hard for him to get any kind of work where he'd make the kind of dough he needs. Rico sees his point and tells him he'll talk to the boss and see if he can't work something out for Angel. Angel thanks him, but tells him the sooner, the better- it'd be nice to provide a good Christmas for his family his first year back.

(EXT: Santa Barbara Chronicle)

---Warren is having an extremely busy news day, with the presidential press conference to cover. He assigns work to some of his reporters when Keith Timmons enters the building. Warren is surprised to see him and Keith tells him he has some information that Warren might find handy. Warren takes him into his office.

"Alright Timmons, what do ya got for me? Convictions? Arrests? Wait.......corruption in the DA's office.....though I can't see you 'outing' yourself like that....."

"You're way off Lockridge...... It's about Capwell"

"Capwell? What kind of knowledge could you possibly have of the goings on there?"

"You'd be surprised by what I know.......... There's been a merger. Company called Wayne, INC came in and saved them from the takeover"

"Wayne,INC.......that's Sophia's maiden name, right? The only company I recall her being involved with is Armonti...."

"Ah, but you've got the wrong Wayne. Wayne,INC is run by Elizabeth Wayne......Sophia's sister..."

"Now that is interesting......anything else?"

"Isn't that enough? Not really..... I don't know much about the company or it's owner, unfortunately..."

Warren thanks him for the information and they bump into Cruz as Keith is leaving.

"Timmons, what the hell could you be doing here? Don't you have innocent people to railroad?"

"They're not all innocent Cruz, as I'm sure you know. Perhaps if the departement would concentrate on finding guilty parties and stop boasting to the press, I'd be a busier man. Good day."

"That man.....sometimes I just wanna deck that little weasel."

"I think we've all felt that way at some point, what can I do for ya Cruz?"

Cruz thanks him for his part in keeping Angel's release quiet. Warren tells him anytime, so long as he'll still be getting the exclusive. Warren asks if there's any other reason he's there, he seems tense. Cruz admits he needs to blow off some steam, that it's been a rough day. Warren agrees and suggests they go and get a drink, since they're off-duty.

(EXT: The Capwell Mansion)

---Sophia sits on the couch, relaxing and talking with Rosa. Rosa asks her if she's feeling any better and Sophia claims that her headache has let up some. When the doorbell rings, Sophia starts to get up to answer it but Rosa insists she rest. Rosa is annoyed when she sees Keith Timmons standing on the other side of the door.

"What are you doing here Keith? You have no business in this house....."

"Nice to see you too, Rosa. I'm here to speak to Sophia actually."

"I'm sorry but she isn't feeling very well and isn't up to seeing you today. Perhaps if you had called first, you could have been saved the trip...."

"Unfortunately Rosa, this cannot wait..."

Sophia enters. "It's all right Rosa. I can handle Mr. Timmons."

Rosa looks at her and asks if she's sure. Sophia nods. Rosa tells them she'll be just in the other room and warns Keith not to upset Sophia. Alone, Sophia asks Keith what it is he wants. He asks if she's heard the news.

"What news?"

Keith replies that it's about the takeover and Sophia gets defensive, telling Keith he knows nothing and she's not giving him any information. Keith tells her that it's quite the opposite, he comes bearing information for her. Keith informs her that CC was successful in his attempt to work out a merger for Capwell. Sophia is overjoyed but wonders why Keith would want to come by to give her good news.

"I thought you'd be interested in the company they merged with..."

"Oh? Why is that?"

"Because the company is called Wayne, INC......Owned by your very own sister, Elizabeth? Ring any bells? Tell me, Sophia, why haven't we ever been introduced? And here I thought we were friends....I didn't even know you had a sister..."

Sophia blasts Keith and insists he's making this up, that Elizabeth wouldn't want anything to do with Capwell or helping CC. Keith replies that he's finding her more intriguing already. Keith insists he's telling the truth and asks why Sophia is being so touchy. She yells for him to get out of her house, at which time Rosa appears and escorts him out the door. When he leaves, Sophia seems almost hypnotized, as she walks over to the couch. Rosa asks if she's alright and Sophia claims to be fine, and asks that she be left alone. Rosa obliges.

"It can't be.... What could she be doing here? And why would CC make any kind of deal with her?"

(EXT: BAR)

---Drinking a beer, Cruz tells Warren that Eden found out about Angel's release. Not only that, but she's taken it upon herself to snoop around in the investigation. Cruz tells Warren that the case could be dangerous and Eden could blow things wide open. Not only that, but she could put the entire family at risk. Warren reminds him that when he re-married the headstrong Eden, he knew exactly what he was signing on for. Cruz concurs, but can't help that he gets frustrated with her at times.

"She knows I'm always looking out for her, man. Sometimes I wish she'd just let me do my thing, if only so I didn't have to worry about her so damn much..."

"She wouldn't be a woman if she did that, let alone be Eden."

Cruz chuckles and agrees he's probably right. Cruz asks Warren what's eating at him and Warren brings up the issue of his paternity. Though he loves Lionel and he'll always be his father, he admits that a part of him needs to know where he came from. Cruz tells him to just ask Augusta, and Warren informs him that it's not so simple, since Augusta is dead set against him finding anything out. Lionel has no idea and CC has been no help. Warren mentions that Augusta seems concerned about Pamela and wonders if she possibly could know something. Cruz remarks that Pamela would have been long gone by the time Augusta had the affair and isn't exactly the person Augusta would confide this sort of thing in. Warren agrees, though he still finds it curious. Cruz notices the time and realizes he should head home, before Eden begins to worry.

------Ending montage--------

Cruz arrives home and sees his wife waiting for him. He walks up to her and kisses her without saying anything. He then leads her upstairs.........

flash to

.....though the window of Angela's condominium, she & Ted are seen arguing and finally adjourning to separate rooms..............

flash to

The Capwell Mansion....... CC comes up to bed after a long day and smiles as he sees Sophia sleeping. He gets into bed next to her, unsuccessfully trying not to wake her.

"I heard about your merger.....Congratulations!"

"Yes, I think it's going to work out quite well...."

"Really? You do? Because from what I've heard, I'm not so sure...."

"What have you heard?"

"The company you've merged with- it's Wayne, INC, isn't it?" CC remains silent.

"Oh my God it's true. I don't believe it. What could you possibly be thinking? I haven't spoken to her in years and frankly, I don't see why she'd want anything to do with you, especially after what happened all those years ago...."

"Sophia, can't we talk about this in the morning? I've had a long day and I certainly don't want to start dredging up things that happened a lifetime ago...."

"That's fine CC. But you're making a mistake trusting her. It's going to come back and bite you" She sees he's fallen asleep. "Just you wait and see....."

THE END..................for today

This schedule is subject to change, of course. But here is the tentative schedule for 'RTSB' this week.

(All times are Eastern U.S. time zone)

MONDAY- between 10-11 PM

TUESDAY- between 7-8 PM

WEDNESDAY- PRE-EMPTED!!!

THURSDAY- between 1-3 PM

FRIDAY- between 10-11 PM

This will be another 4 episode week, as I have lots to juggle, especially with the holidays coming up.

PREVIEWS:

Angel makes progress in the investigation!

Mason figures things out & confronts Julia!

Samantha charms Rafe!

Joann and Eden have a talk!

Sophia meets with Dr. Edmund Lavery!

Ted rejects Angela!

DECEMBER PREVIEWS- SONBC EXCLUSIVE WITH 'RTSB' CREATOR juniorz!

SONBC: So the blog is a hit! Congratulations!

JUNIORZ: Thank you very much. I couldn't be more pleased with the response myself. I LOVE that the Santa Barbara fanbase has given it a shot- this week, 'RTSB' bounced back to #1 in the SONBC ratings, with a 4.0 rating & 792 views!!! I just hope that I'm able to keep those that have sampled it coming back for more.

SONBC: So far, so good it seems. You've come out swinging with the throwback to 'SB' and haven't stopped since. Tell us about some of what happened in Friday's episode.

JUNIORZ: Hehe, well I revealed that Kirk Cranston was behind the takeover attempt on Capwell Enterprises. It may have seemed out of left field, since I didn't give any clues as to who it was. Fortunately, the takeover has been averted, as CC struck a deal with Elizabeth to merge their companies.

SONBC: Sophia's sister you've introduced. We haven't seen much of her yet, but we're intrigued by what we've seen so far. Obviously, she has a past with CC as well....

JUNIORZ: Oh yes- there's quite a bit of history I plan on playing between CC, Sophia, and Elizabeth. CC & Sophia have had a profound effect on Elizabeth's life, one they may not even realize.....yet. Piece by piece, that past will be revealed to the readers. Gina & Keith also will be quite curious as to what the history is there. They will become very much involved in this storyline- they will do anything to be on top at Capwell. Keith & Gina are looking for an angle, like always.

SONBC: What about Kirk? Since the takeover was unsuccessful, will we still be seeing more of him?

JUNIORZ: That's not the last you've seen of Kirk. However, he won't be featured for much of December, if at all. He'll be back, but not right away.

SONBC: Cruz & Eden fans are relieved I'm sure.

JUNIORZ: I doubt it- the beast has been unleashed, so I'm sure they smell something coming. For now, though, Cruz will be more focused on the investigation more than ever. The SBPD wants arrests made before Christmas. Late in the month, though, that story twists in a whole new direction. The Ramirez family and the Castillo family will be forever bonded.

SONBC: Interesting that Angel has a family now....and they're all recurring!

JUNIORZ: That could possibly change, depending on how things play out. I'll actually be putting a casting call out for Marta Ramirez (Angel's daughter) this week. I wanted the Ramirez family to be parallel to the Castillo family. For all that is different between them, they have the same amount in common.

SONBC: You also have brought back fan fave Harley Kozak as Mary Duvall. What's going on with that this month? Will Mason finally see her?

JUNIORZ: You'll have to wait and see. Mason is going to figure out she's alive, but will he figure it out in time? The revelation will certainly impact Mason's relationship with Julia. Julia is an honest person in nature which will certainly get the best of her. Problem is, she hasn't said anything so far......

SONBC: Any other characters returning soon? Seems like they're popping up left & right....

JUNIORZ: Actually, Kelly Capwell returns this month.......with a husband, Ashton. No casting decisions have been finalized with either character- the casting call for Ashton hasn't even been released yet!

SONBC: And for Christmas?

JUNIORZ: They'll be back before that and a few other family members will return. Lionel & Augusta remain in town through the holidays. Though it hasn't been addressed in the blog yet, Minx Lockridge has passed away. Dame Judith Anderson is Minx Lockridge and when she passed, for me, so did Minx. I'm considering the following characters for holiday returns, though nothing has been finalized quite yet: Brandon, Chip, Santana, Victoria, Phyllis Blake, Cassandra, and Laken.

SONBC: Any of them would be great! We're running out of time- any previews for the other characters this month?

JUNIORZ: Pamela will continue working her agenda. She'll continue to cross paths with Warren, much to Augusta's chagrin. Edmund is another one who obviously has a history with CC. He has an agenda of his own. Look for him to come to Sophia's aid with her aneurism. He's going to pull a stunt that changes EVERYTHING! It's the first piece of the MAJOR story arc we have coming for 2007. Also, Lily will continue to be on edge. Her rivalry with Angela will escalate even further. Meanwhile, Ted's not going to be too pleased with his wife either. Finally, Samantha continues to work her charms on Rafe. But does his heart still lie with Lily?

SONBC: Sounds good! Read all about it December on "Return to Santa Barbara"

http://santabarbara-online.com/GeneriqueDebutUS.rm

(EXT: CAPWELL ENTERPRISES)

---CC tells Joann of the mysterious call that came in about the merger. Joann tells him to hope that it's legitimate, since things are getting extremely desperate. CC asks her just how dire the situation is and she all but tells him if something doesn't change in the next few hours, he will lose control of the company completely.

"I can't believe it's come to this. I built this company from the ground up, with my own two hands. Every day for the past 50 years I've worked to make this company a success and you're telling me it could all be gone in a matter of hours?"

"I'm sorry CC, I really am. I wish there was more that could be done..."

"You've done all you can. It's out of our hands now."

"Why dad, I never thought I'd hear those words come out of your mouth," Mason says, entering the board room.

"Neither did I, son......neither did I"

---In the lobby, Gina quizzes Kathleen about the call that came in. Kathleen tells her it was a male voice, though she can't be sure, since the person was obviously disguising it. Gina asks her if they gave any kind of approximate time they'd be there, who they were sending, what to expect. Kathleen informs her that none of that is any of her business and CC wouldn't be appreciative of her giving out information about his business dealings.

---Ted stops by Angela's office on the way to the board meeting with CC. Angela greets her husband with a passionate kiss, and offers to lock the door. Ted insists they have no time for any of that at the moment, they have to be getting to the meeting. Ted asks her if she's heard from Warren at all lately, but she claims she hasn't. Ted tells her that he has a feeling that Warren's source could actually be behind the takeover attempt and was hoping that perhaps Angela could speak with him about it, instead of going to the meeting.

"You want me to pump him for information?"

"Well, newspaper articles don't just come from nowhere, Angela......."

"No, I guess they don't."

(EXT: Bradford Investigations Pearl Bradford, P.I.)

---Lily arrives at Pearl's office, anxious for any information he may have for her. Pearl invites her in and hands her some paperwork.

"What's this?'

"The answers you were looking for, my dear."

Lily looks them over and realizes that they prove that Angela was the person who took out the Wedding Announcement for she & Ted. Lily smiles and thanks Pearl for a job well done. Lily heads out, paperwork in hand.

(EXT: Cruz & Eden's Beach House)

---Eden is surprised when Cruz stops home from lunch. She greets him with a kiss and notices he's not being receptive. She asks him what's wrong and he asked her what she was doing at Angel's house. Eden plays dumb, telling him he already knows she followed him on Thanksgiving.

"That's not what I'm talkin about Eden and you know it. I'm talking about yesterday, when you had your little visit with Carla.....Angel's wife.....Ringing any bells yet?"

"Oh.....that"

Eden explains to him that she was worried and wanted to get Carla's perspective on things. Cruz tells her to just admit that she went there to get more information on what he & Angel are up to. Eden tells him she is only worried about him and their involvement. She tells him that Carla was just as nervous for Angel and they sort of bonded in a way. Cruz blasts her for going there in the first place. Eden fires back that if he had just told her what he was up to, she wouldn't have had to go there at all. Cruz admonishes her, telling her that she knows that he cannot discuss anything police-related with her. A stubborn Eden informs him that she has a right to know, especially if her safety and Adriana's safety are in questions. Cruz insists they are in no danger, though they will be if Eden continues to poke her nose in. Cruz finally gives in & tells her that Angel is undercover and her being seen there could have blown that. Eden apologizes, asking if this has anything to do with the Drug Ring Investigation. Cruz replies that he's told her enough already, more than she should know. Eden agrees to stay out of things from there on out.

(EXT: Capwell Enterprises)

---The board meeting commences, with Mason, Ted, Gina, Joann and CC in attendance. Gina asks Ted where Angela is and he informs them she's checking out a possible lead as to who is behind the takeover. Joann updates everyone on the latest figures and Ted points out that they're dangerously close to losing everything. Gina sees that Keith is calling her on her cell and excuses herself from the meeting.

"So.......has anyone shown up yet?"

"Not yet.....why doesn't this guy just hurry up & finish this, before it's too late?"

"He is......In fact, he's settling the final purchase arrangements as we speak"

"Aha! So it IS a he...."

"Yes, it's a he, look, if the rep shows up, just STALL"

Gina re-enters the meeting and CC questions what was so important that she was torn away. Gina replies that it's none of his business and they continue on. Kathleen buzzes in and informs the board that the rep has arrived.........from Wayne, INC. Ted remarks that it's Sophia's maiden name.

"Very astute, Ted. That's because I'm her sister. Elizabeth Wayne."

CC is stunned to see Elizabeth standing before him.

"Elizabeth....I....I....never thought I'd see you again."

"Hello CC." Elizabeth holds back her emotions. "I hear you're in some trouble. Perhaps I can help."

CC asks everyone in the meeting to leave him alone with Elizabeth. Gina protests, telling him that they have a right to be in on the negotiations. Ted finds himself agreeing with Gina, but is interrupted by a phone call from Angela. CC informs Gina he doesn't care about what rights she thinks she may have, it's his company and he'll handle the situation accordingly. Gina sits back in her chair, refusing to budge. Ted gets off the phone with Angela, telling CC she had no luck with Warren. CC insists that they all leave and when Gina continues to sit, bound to her chair, Mason and Ted take her, and wheel her out of the office.

Now alone, CC marvels at how lovely Elizabeth still is, but Elizabeth isn't having any of that. This is a business meeting they're having and there will be no discussion of the past, only negotiation of a deal.

---Lily bursts into Capwell Enterprises with her proof in hand. Angela arrives back from her meeting with Warren just as Lily is asking to speak with Ted alone. Ted tries to tell her that nothing she has in her hand will change anything, but Lily's not so sure. Lily shows Ted the purchase order of the wedding announcement and tells him that Angela planted it in the New Mexican paper with the hopes that Rafe would return and break up the wedding. Lily tells him that additionally, she paid the limo driver a hefty sum to drive her aimlessly around town, so it looked like she left him at the altar. Ted tells her he already knew that part, but Lily goes further, explaining that she hadn't done it that day, but weeks before, as a backup plan in case her plans with Rafe fell through. Gina calls Angela a b i t c h and warns her that she'll rue the day she ever messed with her family. Angela taunts Lily, telling her that she's just vengeful because Ted married her, not Lily. Angela tells Lily that if she had what it took to keep Ted happy, he wouldn't have wandered to her in the first place let alone married her. Lily can take no more of this and slaps Angela, who returns the favor. The ladies start going at it, ripping at each other's clothes and pulling hair. They begin rolling around on the ground, when Ted & Mason are finally able to break them up. Just then, CC emerges.

"We have a deal everyone! We have a deal....."

(EXT: D.A.'s office)

----Keith defends himself to the buyer, telling him they did everything they could to stall the meeting and Gina must have not been as successful as they had hoped. The buyer guarantees Keith that they will never see any interest in Capwell Enterprises thanks to that foolish mistake. They hang up.

Alone, the camera focuses on the mystery man, slowly panning up as he speaks.

"Joann Walsh, you worthless b i t c h, you've ruined EVERYTHING! You're going to pay for this- but I won't give up. Eden is soon going to see how much I've changed and the powerful man she left behind....."

The camera pans up, revealing the person behind the takeover attempt.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v717/jun...ysterybuyer.jpg

THE END..................for the week

Below are the amount of episodes the 'RTSB' cast members were featured in November, 2006.

Total Episodes: 17

1. Lane Davies (Mason)- 14

2. Carmen Duncan (Pamela)- 13

2. Nancy Lee Grahn (Julia)- 13

2. Marcy Walker (Eden)- 13

5. Jed Allan (CC)- 12

5. Judith McConnell (Sophia)- 12

7. Nina Arveson (Angela)- 11

7. Matt Cedeno (Rafe)- 11

7. Robin Mattson (Gina)- 11

10. Michael Brainard (Ted)- 10

10. Heather Lindell (Samantha)- 10

10. A Martinez (Cruz)- 10

13. Paula Irvine (Lily)- 9

13. Harley Jane Kozak (Mary)- 9

13. Tuc Watkins (Keith)- 9

16. Margarita Cordova (Rosa)- 8

16. Jessica Dunphy (Adriana)- 8

18. Grant Aleksander (Warren)- 7

19. Bernard White (Angel)- 5

20. Russell Curry (Vic)- 4

20. Louise Sorel (Augusta)- 4

22. Nicholas Coster (Lionel)- 3

22. Kim Rhodes (Joann) - 3

22. Robert Thaler (Pearl)- 3

25. Patricia Mauceri (Carla)- 2

25. Christine Tudor Newman (Elizabeth)- 2

27. Charles Keating (Edmund)- 1

27. Joseph Gallison (Ben)- 1

http://santabarbara-online.com/GeneriqueDebutUS.rm

(EXT: Capwell Hotel)

---Pamela flashes back to overhearing Sophia reveal to Rosa that she has a brain aneurism. She then looks down at the copy of Sophia's chart she made at the hospital. She smiles at the implications of it all. Someone knocks at her door and Pamela eagerly answers.

"Edmund, it's so lovely to see you, it's been so long......" She embraces him, but he pulls back.

"Pamela, you're as beautiful as the day I met you. Your very allure is the only thing I can imagine that would bring me back to this God-forsaken town. That and you were quite mysterious over the phone- which left me quite intrigued. Please, tell me who this patient is and why I should be so interested in her."

Pamela gets up and retrieves an old photograph of Sophia. Pamela asks if he recognizes her, which he claims not to. She tells him that it is Sophia Wayne- he remembers her as an actress from the old days. Pamela explains that she went on to marry Marcello Armonti & CC Capwell. Edmund stops cold at the mention of CC's name.

"I thought she was dead."

"So did everyone."

(EXT: Cruz & Eden's Beach House)

---Eden wakes up, looks at her sleeping husband and smiles. She playfully begins nibbling on his neck to wake him up. Cruz twitches at first, and then giggles. He mumbles for her to stop- his wife could walk in at any minute. At that, Eden bites down harder and Cruz howls in pain.

"Your wife could walk in? Just who are you dreaming about detective?"

Cruz laughs at her, telling her he was only pretending to sleep & knew exactly what she was doing. He remarks that this reception is a nice change from the day before and asks what has inspired the turnaround. She ignores him and begins kissing his neck again, telling him not to ask so many questions. Cruz agrees and pulls her up to him and kisses her. He removes her night gown and they make love.

(EXT: The Capwell Mansion)

---CC reads the Santa Barbara Chronicle. The headline reads CAPWELL ENTERPRISES IN TROUBLE- TAKEOVER IMMINENT CC bemoans Warren's entire article to a worried Sophia. Sophia questions whether he has any kind of plan of action. CC fills her in about Joann's proposal of a merger. Sophia remembers helping CC out in the last crisis, and CC tells her that his very problem with the whole thing is she had no hidden agenda, where he doesn't know that with an outside buyer. Sophia tells him that she has faith in him- he's a smart businessman and will find a way out of the mess he's in. CC smiles at his wife and tells her faith will be misplaced if he doesn't resolve things by the end of the day. Sophia asks what he means.

"The buyer, whoever is behind this, they're very close to getting what they want. According to the projections and the pattern the buys have followed up until now, they'll have enough stock to take control by the end of the day today."

Sophia looks at him, obviously concerned. Frustrated, CC tells her he'd better get going to the office, since he has early meetings to attend. Sophia offers to walk him out, but has a dizzy spell when she gets up, and loses her balance. CC rushes to her, helping her over to the couch in the living room. He asks her what's wrong, but she shrugs it off as a migraine headache, saying she'll be fine. CC insists if she continues feeling this way that she go to see a doctor. Sophia thanks her husband for his concern but says she'll be just fine. CC kisses her good-bye and heads out the door. Rosa then enters and sees an upset Sophia on the couch.

"Sophia, you can't keep this up, CC has a right to know about your condition. He would want to be by your side every step of the way, your children as well."

"Rosa, I'm fine, really. I've been taking the medication that Ben prescribed for me and there really is nothing more that can be done. According to Ben, I could live with this for some time, maybe even a long time if the treatment is effective."

"And if it isn't?"

"I don't even want to think about that possiblity, Rosa. I have to be strong for CC and for my children. Besides, if they knew, all they would do is scrutinize every move I make and watch me like a dog. How would that be helpful to me in any way? No, there's no need for them to know anything and Rosa please, please I hope that you'll respect my wishes."

Rosa nods in affirmation. "Of course Sophia. You can always trust me, I know that. But I also will tell you when you're making a mistake, which I believe you are here. But it is your mistake to make and I won't interfere in any way."

(EXT: Capwell Enterprises)

---Gina tells Keith what Lionel had learned the previous day- that CC was considering a merger. Gina asks him if this is part of the mystery buyer's plan and Keith is unsure. Keith is insistent that Joann is on their side, though Gina has her doubts.

"How could a merger possibly be helpful to someone who is attempting a hostile takeover? I may not be the shrewdest businesswoman, but even I can see it makes no sense Keith."

"Unless......unless.....the buyer owns the company that Capwell merges with."

Gina ponders that for a minute and admits it does make sense. Keith's cell phone rings.

"Hello.....no, I'm not, give me a second....."

Keith tells Gina the buyer is on the phone, so he needs privacy. Gina shoots back to let her listen in, it's time she knows who she's dealing with anyway. Keith insists that when the time is right, she will know everything. Keith excuses himself and fills the buyer in on Joann's suggestion to CC. The person is obviously furious and informs Keith that Joann may be a loose cannon and that was not a part of the agenda at all.

(EXT: Santa Barbara Police Station)

---Cruz arrives for work and Vic informs him that Angel is on his way to meet with them. Cruz wonders why Angel would be coming there at all- he has all the information he needs from them and should be focusing on the investigation. Angel storms in and informs them they might as well lock him back up, that there's no way any of this is going to work. He screams that his cover is probably blown already thanks to Cruz. Vic gets him to calm down and Cruz asks him what he means.

"Your wife, Castillo, your precious Eden- she was at my house yesterday, talking with my wife."

Cruz is stunned and tells Angel he knew nothing about it. Angel asks how Eden even knows he's been released in the first place and Cruz admits that Eden followed him there on Thanksgiving. Cruz insists she knows nothing about the investigation. Angel warns him that he'd better keep a tight leash on her, because if she's spotted at his home, it could blow everything wide open.

"I'm not going to stick my neck out there just to be killed because your little blondie wife can't mind her own business."

Cruz insists it won't happen again and tells Angel he'll talk to Eden. Vic asks for an update of how things are going so far and Angel tells him that he's met with some contacts, but it's a work in progress. If they want results, then the cops are just going to have to be patient.

(EXT: Capwell Enterprises)

---CC arrives at CE and is greeted by a nasty Gina at his office. She shows him the newspaper and asks if he's read the article. CC says he has and Gina warns him that he'd better find a way out of this mess, that she's not going to watch her son's future just crumble and do nothing. CC claims to have things under control.

"Under control? How do you call entertaining the idea of a merger under control?"

"How do you know about that Gina?"

"Nevermind how I know, the point is I do. CC- you can't really be thinking of just handing half of your company away. I won't let you."

"YOU won't let me? Frankly, Gina, you're lucky to even be working here. Channing owns a piece of this company, not you. So don't think you can come in here and start spitting out orders. It will be a cold, cold day in HELL before I let you have any influence over this company.....or Me!"

Kathleen interrupts them, telling him that Joann will be there shortly for their meeting & Ted and Mason have left messages saying they'll be there as well. She also informs him that a mysterious call came in, regarding the possibility of the merger. CC asks who it was but she claims not to know, only that the person said that they'd be interested in helping and would be by this afternoon. Kathleen tells him she asked over & over what this was about & what company it was, but the person was very mysterious. CC wonders if it could be the mystery buyer, just playing games with them. Gina exits and heads back to her office where Keith is waiting.

"Well.....what did our mysterious buyer and future leader say?"

"The merger isn't part of the plan. Joann could be playing for the wrong side."

"I'd gloat, but we've got bigger problems then. Someone is interested in merging with Capwell and they're meeting with CC this afternoon. You think it could be the buyer?"

"Not likely. No way would CC want to deal with them. Gina, we've got to stop that meeting."

(EXT: Capwell Hotel)

---Edmund finishes going over Sophia's chart and tells Pamela her situation is quite severe. Pamela tells him of the medication Sophia is receiving and asks what it does exactly. Edmund explains that it keeps the condition under control, but doesn't solve the problem in any way. Without the proper treatments and surgeries, she won't live another year. Pamela asks if he can help her and Edmund says that he can, but doesn't see why she'd want to help Sophia, nor why he would want to save CC's wife.

"I don't want her dead of course, Edmund. However, I don't think you're seeing what I'm getting at. Yes, you could help her. But I didn't say anything about saving Sophia....."

"I don't understand what you mean."

"CC took your wife away from you........Perhaps now, you could take his wife from him....."

She smiles deviously at him and he looks back at her with wonder. Intrigued, he begins to smile himself.

FLASH TO:

Sophia, sitting on the couch in her living room, reading. She begins clutching her head in pain and reaches for her medication. It spills and she bends to collect them from the floor. She falls. Sophia begins to cry as Rosa comes in and helps her back up. Sophia takes her pill, with Rosa's help.

"Sophia, oh Sophia, you can't go on like this."

"I don't have a choice."

THE END.....................for today

Sorry I've been away gang- something I ate yesterday left me violently sick for the past two days. As a result, no episode was posted yesterday and today's still hasn't gone up. Not to worry though. To make up for our unscheduled pre-emption, Thursday's episode will instead be posted tonight, at the originally scheduled time for Friday and Friday's episode will be posted tomorrow evening. This will be the first time I've posted an episode on Saturday, but I'd planned this week as a 5 episode week and I'm going to stick with that, rather than combining Thursday & Friday's episodes into one. Sorry for the delay! When I started this, I never realized how much "real life" could possibly get in the way, not to mention how time-consuming writing 4-5 episodes a week would be. Again, Thursday's episode will be up sometime tonight, probably around the originally scheduled time for Friday.

I've found the perfect theme song for 'RTSB'. http://santabarbara-online.com/GeneriqueDebutUS.rm

The song debuted in Episode 16. I think everyone will surely like it! Be sure & listen to our theme song before reading each episode, if only to set the mood.

Today's episode will air sometime later tonight, to give viewers time to catch up on yesterday's double header. Hopefully, it will be up no later than 11 PM, however, I'll be shooting for earlier.

Edit: I will be editing all of my prior episodes to include the theme song as well.

http://santabarbara-online.com/GeneriqueDebutUS.rm

(EXT: small building, focus on sign on door- Pearl Bradford, PI)

---Pearl Bradford sits at his desk, listening in on the bugs he planted at the SBPD when he paid his last visit. Pearl is startled when someone knocks on his door, since he has no appointments. He's taken even further off guard when he sees the woman he always knew as Lily Light standing before him.

"Ms Light, come in, what can I do for you?"

"Actually it's Blake now. I'm surprised you remember me at all."

"Sure, Lily Light evangelist. Half the people I knew in this town were forking money over to you for some reason or another.......Have a seat- what is it that you need?"

Lily goes over everything that happened on her wedding day, and Pearl remembers the write-up in the paper the following morning. Lily is annoyed a bit by it but continues on about her suspicion that the whole thing was set up and not some spontaneous act of Angela's. Pearl doesn't see where he fits in, so Lily goes further, explaining how Rafe was living in New Mexico and saw a write-up about the wedding. Pearl sees where she's going- she thinks somebody planted the article in New Mexico with the hopes that Rafe would see it and stop the wedding.

"Not just somebody, Mr. Bradford...."

"Please, it's Pearl"

"Oh...ok, Pearl, it's not just anybody, it's Angela Capwell, the slut Ted ended up marrying"

"I see.....so what if it is her though, Lily? What's the point of all this? You seem like a bright kinda gal, I bet you could find all kinds of guys to take you out. Why keep wasting your energy on Ted Capwell?"

"That's not for you to worry about Mr Bra.....Pearl. This isn't about Ted. It's about me. I need to know and I'm willing to pay you to find out.....Will you do it?"

Pearl agrees and Lily tells him the matter is very urgent and she'd like to know as soon as possible. Lily asks him if he'd be willing to drive to New Mexico tonight and though he's apprehensive at first, he gives in to the vulnerable Lily, admitting he has a weakness for the "blondies."

(EXT: SAN REMOS EMERGENCY CLINIC)

---Julia stops by the nurses' station she knows all too well and asks if Dr. Beckman is in. The nurse informs her that Dr. Beckman isn't seeing any new patients. Julia says she's not a patient, but rather a friend of the doctor. The nurse sternly tells her that Dr. Beckman isn't seeing anyone at all, but she'd gladly leave a message. Julia tells her it isn't necessary and asks for directions to the ladies room. Julia waits until the nurse receives a phone call and sneaks by her, heading back to see Mary. Julia bursts into Mary's office without knocking and nearly gives her a coronary.

"Julia, what are you..."

"We need to talk."

(EXT: car driving through the Spanish section of town)

---Eden looks down at her directions to get the exact address of Angel's home. She makes a turn and finds the house, remembering it from Thanksgiving. Eden nervously approaches the house, forcing herself to knock at the door. She is greeted by Carla Ramirez, Angel's wife, a dark-haired, almond eyed attractive latina in her late 40s.

"Mrs. Ramirez?"

"Yes?"

"I'm Eden Castillo"

"I know who you are."

"Oh. May I come in?"

Carla nods and invites Eden into her home. Eden looks around at the surroundings and comments on how cozy it is. Carla fires back that not everyone can live in a mansion like she does- some people have to work and scrape by for a living. Eden is understanding and tells Carla she meant it as a compliment. Carla apologizes, explaining that when you work your whole life for something, you take pride in it. Carla tells Eden how hard it's been for her without Angel to help her raise Marta. Eden is sympathetic when Carla tells her how she had to go on welfare when Angel went to prison, even living in a shelter at one point, since she couldn't afford to pay her bills. Carla tells Eden that though she may think of Angel as a "bad guy", he was her husband and a provider for her family, the same way Cruz is to Eden.

"Just imagine what your life would be like, Mrs. Castillo, if your husband was just ripped away from you. Like that. Gone. Angel may have done some bad things, but he did them for us- his wife and his daughter."

Eden understands, but tells Carla of her concerns about Angel's release. Carla tells her that she has no reason to worry, as Angel is being monitored by the Police Department. If he gets anywhere near her, the SBPD will know about it and he'll be remanded before he pulls into her driveway. Carla turns the tables on Eden, asking her to imagine how she must feel- her husband is finally free but he's put directly into a dangerous situation by the man who put him in prison. Eden sees where Carla is coming from, which makes Carla admit that she understands why Eden would be nervous. Carla and Eden agree that they will keep an on eye on each other's husbands.

(EXT: Santa Barbara Chronicle offices)

---Augusta stares proudly at Warren, as he types away, working on his lead story. He notices her and asks what she's doing there. Augusta claims she just wanted to see her son at work, but Warren realizes there's more to it. Warren asks if she's checking up on him, but she defends herself, saying she's been away so long and he shouldn't be so suspicious. Augusta pokes her nose around, asking if there's any breaking news on the situation at Capwell. Warren tells her of the latest stock transfer and the implications of it.

"CC must be seething mad. You know your father actually went down there to pay him a visit today...."

"My father...."

"Yes, Lionel."

Warren reminds her that Lionel isn't his father, according to her. Augusta immediately clams up, regretting that she ever said anything to Warren in the first place. Warren angrily tells her that she can't undo it, no matter how much either of them may wish she could. Augusta replies that it shouldn't matter anyway, Lionel raised Warren thinking he was his own son and will always be his true father. Warren agrees, but is adamant that he has a right to know who his biological father is. Augusta asks him to please drop it, saying that he's better off not knowing at all.

"That's for me to decide, mother. I don't understand how you can't see that."

"It's not for you to understand Warren. I'm sorry, it's for your own good, and you're just going to have to trust me on that. Besides, that's not what I'm here to discuss with you...obviously"

Warren asks her to get to her point, since he's very busy. Augusta warns him off Pamela, telling him she's a dangerous and unbalanced woman that he shouldn't involve himself with in any way. Warren finds this curious, since he barely knows Pamela. Augusta tells him she knows her very well and saw the way she was acting with Warren on Thanksgiving. Warren retorts she didn't seem to think she was so dangerous when she invited her for the holiday. Augusta gives him that, but counters that she always sympathized with Pamela, since Sophia came in and wrecked her marriage. Augusta asks her son to not get mixed up with her and he obliges, though when she leaves, he's admittedly curious as to why this has Augusta so worried.

(EXT: San Remos Hospital)

---Julia confronts Mary about Mason's visit on Thanksgiving. Mary claims she was caught completely off guard by it and did her best to hide her identity. Julia explains that she left quite an impression on Mason. Mary asks her if she told him anything, and Julia tells her that she kept mum, against her better judgement. Julia is insistent, however, that Mason is going to figure it out on his own, that the vision combined with being in her presence has triggered something in his mind that won't go away. Mary concurs that she felt that Mason recognized her in some way when he was there.

"But that's not what I'm here to talk to you about, Mary. Some things were brought to my attention which make me question the plausiblity of what you've told me."

"What are you talking about?"

Julia tells Mary of the Hal Clark investigation, when Mark McCormick's bones were discovered. Julia points out that according to Mary's timeline, she would have been in a coma when Mark died, making the divorce a moot point. Mary insists that Mark was alive and with her when she woke up from her coma, though she has no explanation for the bones. Julia explains that it's not just the bones, but she investigated the whole thing herself. Mary is stunned when Julia mentions going undercover at the convent where she was once a nun to investigate his death and clear Mason. Julia tells her of how she met Sister Agatha and Sister Sarah and that Sister Agatha admitted that Mark had been there and she killed him when he tried to rape Sister Sarah. Julia questions why the nuns would lie to her to protect Mark. Mary suggests that perhaps Mark threatened them in some way. Either way, she tells Julia, none of it matters since Mark is still alive today. She shows Julia the last letter she received from him, dated in 2005. Julia is floored when she sees it, however disbelieving. Julia then asks Mary what happened to the baby. Mary stops dead in her tracks and her eyes begin to well up.

"What?.....What is it Mary? What happened to the child?"

"She.....she.......didn't make it. She was born prematurely, while I was in a coma.....and died. Poor little thing. My daughter. My baby. She never had a chance. I never even got to see her, to hold her, comfort her..."

Julia asks Mary how she found out about her daughter's death. Mary informs her that Mark and the nurse filled her in when she woke up, though she didn't have any memory of the pregnancy at first. Mary tells her that once her memory did come back, her heart was completely broken and she never has had any children since. Julia hugs her, apologizing for bringing up a subject so painful in the demanding way she did. Mary understands why Julia feels the way she does and has questioned Mary's truthfulness.

"It's not right what we're doing, Mary. Mason has a right to know that you're alive and the fate of that little girl. It could have been his baby, after all. I think you should come clean- he deserves to know the truth...."

"I'm sorry Julia, but I can't do that. It's too painful, as I've told you. In fact, seeing him has brought all of these emotions about him and my daughter right back to the surface for me, and it's caused me to make a decision. I'm leaving, Julia, I'm leaving the clinic and moving away from here. The memories are just far too painful and seeing Mason...... I just can't risk that happening again. I appreciate you and what you're trying to do, I really do. You love him, Julia. I'm happy for you and I take great comfort in knowing you're with him, watching over him. This is what's best, I know it and I think you know it as well. You won't be seeing me anymore and don't have to worry about Mason ever seeing me either. Good bye Julia. And.....thank you. Thank you for taking care of Mason."

"Mary....I....I" is all an emotional Julia can get out before Mary interrupts.

"Go Julia. Go home to your husband and your daughter. Appreciate them and love them every day, as I'm sure you do. You're a very lucky woman; you have a wonderful life. Go back to that and don't worry about me.....I'm fine.....I have been for a long time and I will continue to be."

Julia nods at her and leaves. Mary breaks down and sits down at her desk, pulling out an old picture of she & Mason together, in happier times.

"Good bye my love."

THE END.....................for today

http://santabarbara-online.com/GeneriqueDebutUS.rm

(EXT: Capwell Enterprises)

---CC tells Mason and Ted about Joann's suggestion regarding a merger. Ted sees where it's plausible, since it helped them out of the jam before. Mason warns them that if they go into a merger, given the situation they're in, they'd be completely at the other company's mercy as far as a negotiation is concerned. CC agrees, and says that he hates that something has to be done so rapidly.

"If this merger were to work, it has to be with someone I can trust. I've put in calls to a couple of contacts, but so far I've heard nothing from them. Time isn't on our side at the moment. Any suggestions?" CC asks.

Mason & Ted agree to rack their brains and meet again with him later.

---Gina is stunned to see Lionel wandering through the halls of Capwell. She catches up with him and pulls him into her office. Lionel claims he's there to offer moral support to CC.

"Yeah right Lionel. You've hated the man for years.....and you of all people are here to console CC Capwell through this trying time? I don't buy it."

"Frankly Gina, I don't care what you believe. Years have gone by, many years."

Gina offers that rather than worrying about CC, he instead should be helping her out. She explains that something is going on right now with CC and she wants to know what it is. Lionel asks her if she's behind the takeover attempt and Gina defends herself, telling him she doesn't have the money or the resources to be doing anything. Lionel prods further, wondering why she's so curious about the goings on. Gina insists that she's doing it for Channing IV, since someday this company will partially be his.

"Please Lionel. CC doesn't care about me- he looks at my son and I as a nuisance, an after-thought. I just want to make sure that CC isn't doing anything that would harm the company's future, as well as little Channing's. Lionel, I need you...please!"

"Okay, alright Gina, I'll do it, calm down. I doubt I'll be able to find out much, but I'll see what I can do."

(EXT: Santa Barbara Hospital)

---Dr Ben Normandy (Joseph Gallison) apprises Sophia of her condition. Sophia questions the treatment method, which is only a preventative measure to keep the aneurism under control. Ben explains that as far developed as it is, there's nothing they can do as far as removal. Sophia wonders about alternative treatments and Ben informs her they can be very risky, and none have been approved thusfar in the US. Sophia asks for the names of some neurologists and specialists, hoping for a second opinion. Ben obliges, though he warns her not to get false hopes, since his diagnosis is accurate. He asks if she's talked to her family about any of this and Sophia informs him she has not & does not plan to. Ben thinks it would be better if she had the support of her family, but Sophia reminds him that he is to respect her privacy. Ben is uneasy but agrees. Sophia walks out from her appointment and is stopped DEAD in her tracks when she runs into Pamela.

"Pamela, what are you doing here?"

"I could ask you the same thing, couldn't I Sophia?"

(EXT: Capwell Enterprises)

---Ted pops into Angela's office and passionately kisses his wife. Angela stops him, telling him she has to meet with Joann shortly. Ted is disappointed and asks for her take on Joann's merger suggestion. Angela has reservations about any hidden agendas another company may have and thinks it's best to keep the idea quiet for the moment, so as to not attract unwanted and possibly dangerous buyers who may have their own agenda where Capwell is concerned. Ted agrees that it's a very tricky situation and they should be very careful. Mason stops by Angela's office to drop off some reports on the stock situation. Angela inquires about Samantha's condition, and Mason replies that she's still pretty immobile and in pain, but is coming along. Ted remarks that Rafe Castillo should be punished for causing the accident in the first place and Mason concurs, though he tells them Samantha disagrees and has him instead as her own personal nurse until she recovers.

"He should be behind bars, if you ask me. I know he's Cruz's brother and all, but what he did was completely irresponsible and there should be consequences. What the hell was he doing here anyway? How did he even know about the wedding?" Ted wonders.

Lily, who's shown eavesdropping, says to herself "That's an interesting point you make Ted. I've been wondering the same thing myself."

---CC is annoyed when Lionel Lockridge stops by his office. CC orders him out, but Lionel claims he's just there to offer support. Lionel tells CC of his success in London and that he can understand how CC must feel, with someone trying to just take his company from him after his years of work. CC accuses Lionel of being behind the takeover, but Lionel informs him that couldn't be further from the truth. Lionel insists he only wants to help in any way he can.

"I don't want your help. I couldn't care less about Lockwright Hotels or you for that matter. After everything that's happened over the years, why the hell would I trust you enough to merge....."

"Merge?"

"Nevermind. Just get the hell out of here Lionel!!"

Lionel ignores him. "A merger- that's brilliant, and you've done it once before, no? It would certainly work for the situation you're in.......You know, CC, Lockwright Hotels wouldn't be a bad company to merge with..."

"Do you think I'm an idiot? I would never, NEVER involve any of the Lockridges in Capwell Enterprises, let alone merge with your company. Now get out of here, before I have you thrown out!!!"

"It's not such an off the wall idea, CC. I'd think about it if I were you.......I'd hate to see you lose your company completely"

"GET OUT OF HERE!!!!"

CC chases his long-time rival out the door, slamming it behind him, with an exasperated look on his face.

---Meanwhile, in her office, Gina explains to Keith what's been going on with CC. Keith is annoyed that Gina was unable to find out anything about Joann's meeting with CC. Gina tells him that Lionel is in with CC right now, pumping him for information. Keith laughs, saying that no way will CC give out any information to Lionel Lockridge. Gina is thrilled when she sees Lily in her doorway. Gina asks her if something is wrong with the Gina Jeans division, but Lily tells her not to be alarmed and everything is fine. Lily asks her about her old Private Investigator friend. Gina realizes she's speaking of Pearl and reminds Lily that they have never been close. Gina tells her daughter where she can find Pearl's office and inquires about what Lily could need a P.I. for. Lily is very secretive, telling Gina there's something that doesn't make sense to her and she needs to get to the bottom of it. Gina begins to press her, but Lionel enters, immediately calling attention to himself as he says his meeting with CC was very interesting. Lily slips out and Gina asks Lionel to elaborate.

"Apparently, CC is looking for to merge Capwell with another company."

"A merger? He can't be serious....."

"Seems that way. I offered Lockwright as a candidate....."

"I'm sure that went over well" Keith remarks

"It didn't, though I wouldn't say it's out of the question. He's desperate to save his company, that's for sure. He'll do anything."

Gina thanks Lionel for the information he's gathered and he leaves. Keith immediately questions Joann's input, wondering why she'd suggest something that could actually prevent the takeover from happening. Gina is angry as well, since she hasn't trusted Joann from the beginning. Gina suggests Keith call the buyer and figure out where they go now, or if this could possibly be part of the plan in the first place. Keith attempts to call but cannot get through. Keith leaves an urgent message, telling the person that they may "have a problem..."

(EXT: Santa Barbara Hospital)

---Pamela asks Sophia if her visit to the doctor has anything to do with the dizzy spell she had recently. Sophia claims that it's unrelated and that she was only stressed over Samantha that day, not to mention the shock of seeing Pamela. Pamela is disbelieving, commenting that it's an amazing coincidence that she should run into her at the hospital so shortly after her spell.

"Pamela, it's a routine checkup. Stop trying to make something out of it that isn't there."

"I was just concerned Sophia, that's all."

"Save your concern for someone who needs it because I sure don't. And what is it that you're doing here anyway?"

"Oh I'm just here to see an old friend"

"I wasn't aware you had any."

Pamela reminds her that she was a pillar of society, long before Sophia came into the picture and destroyed her marriage. Sophia doesn't see it that way, remembering how unbalanced Pamela always was. Sophia throws it in her face that if she was able to hold CC's attention, perhaps he wouldn't have wandered to her. Pamela stuns Sophia when she says she could say the very same about her, since CC also cheated on her and didn't really want to marry Sophia in the first place. Sophia laughs at the suggestion, asking where Pamela came up with such a preposterous story. Pamela shrewdly tells her that people talk and her information is correct.

"Well it's wrong. And frankly, even if it was correct, it's been over 40 years since all of that happened. Why should any of it even matter now?"

"True, it has been. It's also been years since you faked your death but I bet if I asked Eden if it was still affecting her....... well, let's just say just because something is in the past Sophia, doesn't mean it wouldn't be relevant in the present."

"Seriously Pamela, I don't have time for this. Get a life......and stop living in the past, would you? I'd hate for you to end up in an institution all over again. Now....if you'll excuse me."

Pamela gladly lets her rival leave and spots Dr. Normandy setting down Sophia's chart. Pamela rushes to grab it and heads to the records room to make copies. She returns the original chart undetected and makes a phone call.

"Yes......Dr. Lavery please.......Edmund, yes, hello, it's Pamela.........I need you to come to Santa Barbara as soon as possible......I have a patient for you that I think you'd be quite interested in......."

THE END.....................for today

Episode 16 will be posted late tonight!

Tuesday's episode has been delayed, due to unforseen circumstances with my day. However, there will be 2 episodes posted tomorrow- the first in the late morning/early afternoon, the second between 11 PM & 12 AM. There will be 5 episodes this week, as planned. Sorry for the delay!

Previews for tomorrow's 2 episodes:

Pamela & Sophia have it out

Dr Edmund Lavery makes his debut

Julia gets answers from Mary

Lily investigates Angela

Lionel pays CC a visit

Eden meets Carla Ramirez

Carla Ramirez (Angel's wife) has been cast-

Patricia Mauceri (Carlotta, OLTL) has taken on the recurring role.

http://santabarbara-online.com/GeneriqueDebutUS.rm

(EXT: Cruz & Eden's Beach House)

---Cruz wakes up alone in bed. He throws on a shirt and heads downstairs, where he finds Eden, dressed for the day. He wishes her 'good morning' but she lays the silent treatment on thick. He persists, claiming he should be the one mad at her, since she followed him.

"YOU! That's rich, Cruz, real rich. Tell me, if I hadn't followed you, when would you have gotten around to telling me that......that psychopath is back on the loose?"

"Baby, it was all very top secret, I couldn't tell you.....I still can't"

"Then we have nothing to talk about."

"Don't be that way darlin"

"Don't tell me how I should be. That man terrorized us, tried to kill us both, Mason too...... And I see you laughing together, greeting his family? What do you expect?"

Cruz insists that she not worry and that Angel is reformed. Eden isn't so quick to believe him. Evenso, she says, why on earth would Cruz trust him on any level? Cruz tells her that she's just going to have to trust him. Eden remarks she's not so sure she can, and Cruz insists she stay out of it. He tells her that it's a very dangerous situation and he doesn't want her in harms way.

"So it is dangerous....That scares me, Cruz. I don't understand why you would bring Angel into something like this... You know, YOU KNOW when it comes down to it, Angel looks out for only Angel."

"Baby, you're just gonna have to trust me. I know what I'm doin here and if you'd just let me do my job, you'd see that...... I know you worry and I know you wanna help but I can't run an investigation with you interfering. ESPECIALLY in this. Promise, me Eden, promise me you won't pull any more stunts like you pulled on Thanksgiving."

She reluctantly gives in and he kisses her good-bye before leaving for the station. After he leaves, Eden looks through her purse for a business card, finds it, and heads out.

(EXT: Mason & Julia's House)

---Mason & Julia lie in bed sleeping, Mason tossing & turning. Mason mutters "no" and "Mary" as he tosses. Flashes of Mary and the masked Dr. Beckman permeate his dream. He also has flashes of the "C" sign falling on top of her years before, as well as the seeing her when he woke up in the clinic. Mason wakes up, calling her name. Julia awakens and asks Mason if everything is alright. Mason claims everything to be fine, but she knows better. Mason gets out of bed and into the shower, as Julia sits up, looking guilty and worried.

(EXT: Wayne, INC building in LA)

---Elizabeth arrives to her office, asking her secretary if there have been any messages. The secretary informs her there are none but that she has a visitor. At that point Pamela stands up, and Elizabeth advises her secretary to show her the door. Pamela protests, telling Elizabeth she has some information she may find interesting. Though she's annoyed, Elizabeth agrees to give her 5 minutes of her time.

"Thank you so much dear. You won't be sorry. Did you have a nice holiday Elizabeth?"

"Save the pleasantries Pamela. I said you have 5 minutes and I meant it, so if you could........get on with it"

"No need to be rude- I'm actually hoping to help you."

Pamela tells Elizabeth that she knows for a fact that Capwell is looking for a merger, desperate even. Elizabeth is disbeliving, saying CC would never allow someone else any influence over it. Pamela admits to be just as surprised, but insists she's telling the truth and heard it directly from CC himself. Elizabeth doesn't understand what this has to do with her.

"Don't be coy with me. You know damn well what I'm getting at- it would be perfect. CC would have to answer to you, not to mention he'd be forever grateful.......I'm telling you, he's desperate Elizabeth, you could make any stipulations you want."

"I'm not interested, Pamela. As I told you, that part of my life is over with- I have no interest in re-connecting with CC in any form, business or otherwise....."

"And your sister......"

"NO, Pamela, I don't want to see her. I don't want revenge on them, I don't want anything from them. Frankly, I don't appreciate you popping up and trying to dredge it all up. Now GET OUT OF HERE!"

"I'm going to leave this- it's a file with the quarterly projections, as well as an analysis of the current crisis. Who knows? You could change your mind. I'll be in touch."

Pamela leaves and Elizabeth is visibly frustrated and becomes a little emotional. She looks down at the file and opens it up. Before she knows it, she's attentively reading through the information.

----Mason comes downstairs and is quiet as he & Julia have breakfast. Julia finally breaks the ice, asking him what's going on with him. He says it's nothing to worry about but Julia disagrees. When he's silent again, Julia mentions that he said Mary's name. She asks him if he's been thinking of her lately, but he remains quiet.

"Mason, please....Let me in. I know you loved her. I can handle whatever you say- what I can't handle is not knowing what's going on in your head. Please. Just say it."

"I....I......saw her?"

"You saw her? What do you mean you saw her?"

Mason finally tells Julia about the "vision" he had of Mary at the clinic and Julia informs him that Eden had already told her about it. He explains further that he felt her presence so strongly at the hospital and he insisted Samantha stay there because of it. Julia begins to get emotional, hearing him speak of Mary. Mason then says he met Dr. Beckman and tells her how remarkable she was. He explains that she had her surgeon's mask on, hair stuffed into a cap, but he could see her eyes.

"They sparkled, and the color they were......They reminded me so much of Mary, and I can't shake it. I looked into this woman's eyes and....it was like I could see into her soul.....It sounds crazy, I know...."

"It doesn't."

"But it does. It wasn't her, I know it wasn't her.....but the feeling just won't go away...."

Julia looks at her husband, racked with guilt. She begins to tell him that his intuition is dead on, but is interrupted when Augusta comes barging in, claiming she urgently needs to speak with her sister. Though Julia tells her that they can talk later, she's insistant that it's very important. Mason tells them that he has to head to Capwell anyway. Augusta admonishes Julia for even entertaining the idea of telling Mason what's going on, putting him through the ringer and such when she herself doesn't even have the full story. Augusta offers the possibility that it wasn't Mary at all, perhaps a con artist, but Julia shoots those theories down- she's the real deal. Julia wonders what the emergency is and Augusta tells her of Pamela's flirting with Warren at Thanksgiving. Julia laughs at the very notion of Warren getting involved with Pamela. Augusta doesn't see things that way, and isn't willing to take the chance. She tells Julia she doesn't want Pamela having any contact with Warren while she's in town and that Julia has to help her.

"What is going on Augusta? Why are you so paranoid about Pamela and Warren? It makes no sense- why would you be hell-bent on them not even so much as saying 'boo' to one another."

"Boo is fine. She can say 'boo' all she wants. But that's as far as it goes. Maybe a friendly hello. But no more. I don't want my son anywhere near that woman, there's no telling what she might do or say at any given time...."

(EXT: Bradford, Private Investigating)

---Pearl is delighted when Eden stops by to see him. Pearl asks her if she's there on a social call and Eden replies it's anything but.

"Lemme guess: Angel Ramirez"

Eden hits his chest and asks how he knew that . Pearl responds that he's a P.I.- he has his sources. Eden tells him that he's involved with the SBPD in some way and seems to be working directly with Cruz. She asks Pearl if he has any idea what Angel would be doing for them, but Pearl claims to not have any idea.

Eden laments that she's very worried for Cruz and doesn't trust Angel one bit. Pearl agrees, saying he doesn't see why Cruz would trust him either.

"Then we're on the same page."

"Depends. What are you proposing?"

She looks at him, annoyed he's making her verbalize what he already knows. She lays it out for him, telling him she wants him to find out exactly what they're doing and how Angel is involved. She also tells him that she'd like Angel followed, to make sure he's not doing anything shady that might endanger Cruz. Pearl tells her that Cruz wouldn't like it.

"Well, Cruz isn't going to know about it. At least, not from me. Can I count on you Pearl?"

She looks at him, wide-eyed with a hint of desperation. "Stop, Stop it. You know I can't resist that face."

"Then you'll do it!"

"Yeah, I'll do it. You can count on me."

Eden smiles and they shake on it. Eden gives him some information on Angel, including his current address, to help him get started. She thanks him again and leaves.

(EXT: Santa Barbara Police Station)

---Cruz arrives at the station and Vic informs him that Angel is in, waiting for him. Cruz greets him and they begin going over the case. Angel is concerned for his family's safety and Cruz assures him they'll be protected. Angel claims he'd never forgive himself or Cruz if anything happened to his wife or daughter because of what he's doing. Cruz again reiterates they'll be watched after. Cruz goes over what Angel's to do as far as the first deal goes, re-establishing himself with his old friends. Angel reminds him it may not be so easy to get to the top guy. Cruz tells him they're pretty sure it's Carlos Esteban, an old acquaintance of Angel's, which should make it easier for him to penetrate. Angel responds that he's just showing back up on the street after 20 years, relationships change, and trust goes away. Cruz tells him he'll just have to earn it back. Angel asks Cruz why he's trusting him and Cruz admits to not being sure, but that he believes in the power of change and is hopeful that Angel is in fact a changed man. Cruz tells him to get wired up & he'll be back to talk with him before he leaves. Alone, Angel smiles.

"For now, we play by your rules Castillo. For now."

Angel wires up and prepares himself for his sting.

THE END.................for today

This week, 'RTSB' was #2 in the SONBC ratings, with a 1.9 rating & 669 views!!! Though the ratings point went down, the viewership was almost exactly the same as last week!! Thanks so much everyone who is sticking with it & I hope you continue to do so- I don't plan on stopping anytime soon, I hope the readers don't either!

As far as the coming week is concerned, there will be 5 episodes posted. I'm hoping to follow this approximate schedule:

MONDAY- Episode 14 between 2-3 PM

TUESDAY- Episode 15 between 5-6 PM

WEDNESDAY- Episode 16 between 2-3 PM

THURSDAY- Episode 17 between 2-3 PM

FRIDAY- Episode 18 between 10-11 PM

Friday's episode will be late, as that is a busy day for me this week, but I want there to always be a Friday episode posted.

As for some previews of what's coming this week:

Confrontation time for Pamela and Sophia!

Eden further involves herself in Cruz's investigation!

Julia wants answers from Mary!

Mason puts the pieces together!

CC gets help from an unlikely source!

Dr. Edmund Lavery debuts!

The person behind the takeover attempt is revealed!

(this is, of course, a fictitious interview)

SONBC had the privilidge recently of sitting down with actress and author Harley Jane Kozak, who has just returned as Mary Duvall on 'Return to Santa Barbara' after leaving 20 years ago.

SONBC: Welcome Back!!!!

Harley Jane: Thank You. It feels good to be back.

SONBC: So what made you decide to return to the role of Mary, after so much time had passed?

Harley Jane: But that's exactly what made me come back: the fact that so much time had passed. They (SB producers) asked me to return in 1987, but I declined. I was done with soaps after 'SB' and that was still very real to me then. I was hurt by the way things happened and the trust I'd once had with them (SB producers) was gone. I came back for a few days in 1989, but never would commit long-term again. This was just a case of the right thing at the right time.

SONBC: You've been a busy lady the past 20 years.

Harley Jane: I sure have. I was fortunate enough to go on to a career in film. I had the great fortune to work with such talents as Brad Pitt, Steve Martin, Billy Crystal, Rick Moranis, Elizabeth McGovern, and John Goodman along the way. I've been very lucky.

SONBC: You've been doing some writing as well we hear.

Harley Jane: You've heard correctly. My most recent books, Dating is Murder and Dating Dead Men, were a joy for me to write. I never dreamt they'd even be published, let alone as well-received as they were. I've been quite pleased. If anyone is interested in reading them, they should check out my website http://www.harleyjanekozak.com/home.html . They're available through there, online, and in many bookstores.

SONBC: Cool! Back to the story at hand........How did your return to 'RTSB' come about?

Harley Jane: I had heard about the project, though I never dreamt I would be asked to be a part of it. It's been an absolute joy. The executive producer & writer, whom we all only know as "juniorz1", has taken the show & run with it. When he pitched the story to me, I just couldn't say no. Plus.....it didn't hurt that I'd be working with Lane & Nancy again.

SONBC: Obviously, you'll be throwing a wrench into that couple......

Harley Jane (laughs): Yes, well, what can you do. It's not Mary's fault- she tried so hard to stay away from them and did so for 20 years.

SONBC: Tried.......so Mason will see her?

Harley Jane: He already has, a couple times in fact. Things will fall into place for Mason very soon. The question is, will Mary be around by the time he figures it out?

SONBC: My money's on yes.

Harley Jane: I'm not giving anything away, but I'm signed on for 2 years so I'd think they'll have to see each other soon enough. It's been wonderful working with Nancy so far. She's a phenomenal actress and our characters have such a rich history, however short it may have been. The relationship between Julia and Mary has an interesting dynamic to it. Nancy told me the other day that Mary is the only person who intimidates Julia, as she sees Mary as a far better person than herself, a standard she cannot live up to.

SONBC: So what's this about Mark McCormick and the baby you were carrying when you were last seen?

Harley Jane: I think they've started to address that a bit with other characters, but Mary hasn't explained herself. I happen to know that those particular plot points are integral to what's coming up. Mark's fate as well as the baby's fate will be explained. Stay Tuned.

SONBC: We sure will! Thanks for taking the time to sit down with us today Harley.

Harley Jane: My pleasure! Thanks for going easy on me!

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(EXT: SAN REMOS EMERGENCY CLINIC)

---Mary stands completely frozen, as Mason fast approaches her. She turns away but Mason gently takes her arm, telling her he just wanted to personally thank her for all she's done. Mason explains that he's the father of the girl who was brought in from the motorcycle accident. Mary nods that she understands who he is. Mason looks into her eyes and gets lost in them. He tells her that she looks quite familiar to him and asks her to remove her mask. Disguising her raspy voice, Mary informs him she has to keep it on, since the patients she's about to visit are very ill & cross-infections cannot be risked. Mason tells her that he's brought a Thanksgiving feast for the children's wing she works so hard on and she nods again in appreciation. She tells him that she must be going, that she has patients to visit. He looks into her eyes one last time, before she walks away. He's quite taken with Dr. Beckman and is slow to make his way out of the hospital.

Mary crosses the corner into her office, removing her mask. She goes to her desk and pulls out her file on Mason. She clutches his picture close to her heart and chokes back her tears.

"I'm sorry, Mason........ I'm so......sorry"

(EXT: Gina's Condominium)

---Gina has a lot of action going in the kitchen, as Keith and Lily joke with little Channing IV about her cooking in the other room. Gina defends herself, that she's worked hard on this bird and it won't be like other holidays. When Keith questions how Gina knows how to cook a turkey at all, she admits she called Rosa. Keith has a good laugh about her calling Santana's mother for cooking advice. Gina admonishes him for bringing up Santana, since it reminds her of Brandon. Lily asks if Gina's heard from Brandon at all and she sadly tells her that he sent a card, but probably won't call. Lily comforts her mother, saying she's underestimating her son. Keith looks at his watch and asks Gina how long the turkey's been in there for.

"Since 5. I was up at the crack of dawn so this meal would be ready for all of you and all you've done is make fun of me...."

"Muffin......it's 4 o'clock now.....shouldn't it have been done....hours ago?"

"This is how long she told me to cook it, I'm positive...."

Gina opens the oven and takes out the bird. Lily admires it, telling her how delicious it looks. Keith apologizes for ever doubting his cumquat and offers to do the honors of cutting it. Keith begins to slice it open, and the inside explodes with steam, as the meat inside looks dry as can be. Channing IV starts laughing, which gets Lily & Keith going. Gina painfully joins in, mixing her anger at them with an almost evil sounding laughter. Just then the phone rings. Channing IV is quick to answer it.

"Hello............Happy Thanksgiving Mr. Lockridge..............Yeah we are......well, we were but mom burnt it and........"

Gina snatches up the phone from him. "What do you want Lionel? ..........You are.......Well, no, we were planning on spending the day here...." Gina looks into her son's bright blue eyes. "You know what? This day has been a total disaster as it is. I doubt Augusta could make it any worse. We'd love to come over!"

(EXT: Capwell Mansion)

---Rosa informs the family that dinner should be ready shortly. Ted offers to help cut the bird, but Rosa remembers how he likes to pick at the meat. Sophia congratulates Angela again on becoming Mrs. Ted Capwell. Angela thanks her for that, though things get a little prickly when Sophia mentions what she did to Lily. Ted steps in and scolds his mother, telling her that it's in the past. CC chimes in, reminding her that the alternative would have meant spending Thanksgiving with Gina. Sophia throws it in his face that had everything worked out, he would've also been spending the holiday with his son, Channing IV. Before he can defend himself, Adriana, Samantha, and Rafe arrive. Rafe tends to Samantha and carries her into the living room. CC's face begins to turn red at the site, but Rosa quickly prevents a scene from happening by telling CC she needs him to cut the turkey. CC obliges, but not before mentioning that the rest of the family better be showing up soon. Samantha informs them that Julia will be by shortly, as Augusta had stopped by to visit.

"Augusta's here? In town?" Sophia questions

"Yes" Samantha responds "she and Uncle Lionel both are."

"Any idea how long they'll be staying?" Sophia asks

"It can't be for very long- they have a business to run in London" CC chimes in.

"Well, Uncle Lionel says he can run things from here for a while. From what they said, it sounds like they'll be here at least through the holidays."

"Oh...Heaven Help Us!"

"CC would you go cut your bird?"

(EXT: Winding California roads)

----Mason thinks about his meeting with the doctor. He listens to his radio, as the holiday tunes are playing. "I'll Be Home For Christmas" comes on and he continues to think of the doctor, with his thoughts slowly drifting to Mary. He remembers the holiday he had with her, as well as the many wonderful moments of their relationship. Suddenly, as he remembers dreaming of Mary in Heaven, his mind flashes from that image to the image of Dr. Beckman. It happens over and over again as a confused but hopeful experession comes over his face. He also remembers his "vision" of Mary at the hospital.

"It can't be......"

(EXT: The Lockridge Estate)

----Augusta arrives home and Lionel informs her that he's invited Gina, Keith, Lily, and Channing IV for Thanksgiving dinner.

"Lionel, are you really going to subject me to that b i t c h you call an ex-wife on this holiest of holidays?"

"Augusta, Thanksgiving isn't a holy holiday"

"No, of course not, not with Gina Blake involved. I guess I'll put up with her, since you've already invited them." The doorbell rings.

"That couldn't be Gina already....."

"You're not the only one who extended an invitation today- I, too, bumped into an old friend at Julia's..."

"Who?"

Warren & Lionel's mouths both drop open when they see Pamela standing before them. She greets them both, much charmed by their silence. Pamela comments on how grown up Warren is and compliments him on his articles about the Capwells. Augusta becomes unnerved as Pamela flirts with her son. Lionel pulls her aside and asks her what this is all about. Augusta claims that her motivation was purely innocent, that she saw Pamela upset at Julia's and offered for her to spend the holiday with them. Lionel calls her on it and Augusta asks him why he's not the least bit curious about what Pamela is doing in town. Pamela overhears them and asks Augusta what she means by that, since she's here to spend time with her family, much like she is. Augusta offers that it seems an amazing coincidence that someone is attempting a takeover of Capwell Enterprises and suddenly, she appears in town. Pamela doesn't appreciate the insinuation and turns it around on her, saying that the very same could be said about them. The doorbell rings and Gina, Keith and company enter mid-conversation. Gina concurs, asking Lionel what exactly they are doing in Santa Barbara. Gina goes on about how he left her suddenly and how fitting it is he's ended up back with Augusta. Keith interrupts her, pointing out Pamela. Gina looks up & sees her, and faints.

(EXT: The Capwell Mansion)

---Julia arrives for Thanksgiving dinner and exchanges barbs with Angela. Angela excuses herself and heads to the ladies room, to give Julia "time to get herself under control." Ted asks her where Mason is and she replies that his guess is as good as hers. Someone then arrives and Julia comments that it's probably Mason. Julia heads to the foyer to greet him and sees Eden instead. She greets her good friend and Eden asks her how Samantha is . Julia suggests she see for herself, but Eden stops her, telling her she'd like to talk. Eden asks her point blank what she & Cruz have been up to.

"Eden, I'm sorry, but you know I cannot discuss that with you. It's my job, not to mention your husband would have my head. Believe me, it's nothing for you to be concerned about....."

"So I didn't see him with Angel Ramirez then today, right?"

Julia is caught off guard by this and Eden calls her on it. Eden can't believe that Angel is free and asks Julia what Cruz had to do with it. Julia apologizes for not being able to tell her about Angel, but there's nothing else she can tell her. Eden presses her, talking about how Angel terrorized them and that she had every right to know that he was being released. Cruz arrives and Julia suggests Eden talk to her husband.

"About what? What's going on darlin?"

"Don't darlin me. What the hell are you doing with Angel Ramirez?

Cruz stares at her, stunned that she knows. As he is about to fill her in, Rosa comes calling that dinner is now ready.

"We better get in there"

"Don't think you're gettin off that easy, Castillo. You're just lucky it's Thanksgiving......really, I have a good mind to take you home & have it out right now....."

Cruz smiles at her & heads off for the dining room. Eden squints her eyes and grunts in frustration, following him in there. CC asks Julia where Mason is and she tells him he made a stop before coming. Julia encourages everyone to go ahead and start without them.

"Mason......where have you been?" CC scolds

"The San Remos Clinic. I met with Dr. Beckman & donated a Thanksgiving dinner to the children's wing."

Julia's eyes bug out as he reveals this.

(EXT: The Lockridge Mansion)

---Lily, Augusta, and Gina finish setting the table and invite everyone in to eat. Meanwhile, Keith has Pamela cornered outside and quizzes her about what she has planned for CC. Keith offers his assistance in any way, but Pamela stops him.

"Keith, frankly, what I do is none of your business..... I don't know you very well and what I do know of you, I do not like. I remember being on the stand at Cruz's trial for my daughter's murder.... I remember your interrogation quite well. You're quite talented at what you do, you should stick to it. Let me handle CC and Sophia. If I need an attorney for any of it, perhaps I'll call you. Until then...... I'm starved and Augusta will be insulted if I don't get in there & eat. I suggest you do the same."

The Lockridges, Blakes, Keith, and Pamela sit down and Lionel leads them in a Thanksgiving prayer.......

fade to......... The Capwells sitting and listening to CC giving his Thanksgiving speech. Eden looks angrily at Cruz. Samantha looks at Rafe with stars in her eyes and Adriana opens her eyes to give her a disapproving look. Sophia looks lovingly at CC as he talks about the family members not with them, mentioning Kelly, Brandon, and Santana, as Rosa looks back at him. Mason thinks of Mary again, remembering her and again flashing to the doctor. He snaps out of it and looks at Julia, puzzled and bewildered. Julia looks back at him, then away very guiltily.

fade to......... The Lockridge House, as everyone eats and seems very festive with one another, Pamela joking with Warren and Augusta giving them the evil eye.

back to........... The Capwell House, with everyone eating, Angela playing footsie with Ted under the table. Mason looks at Julia with a tear in his eyes, muttering the words "I saw her..."

fade to........ Mary, sitting in the clinic's cafeteria, alone, crying, looking at the picture of Mason. Dr. Stanley approaches as she hides the picture, and he sits down with her, comforting her.

The screen splits with Julia, Mason, and Mary in each screen, with their facial expressions- Julia one of guilt, Mason one of confusion, and Mary one of sadness.

THE END..........................for the week

......Later than originally scheduled. Since Thursday's episode didn't air until mid-Thanksgiving Day, I want to give any readers who haven't read it yet the time to catch up before today's episode. Therefore, today's episode will be posted sometime tonight, probably between 10-11 PM. Be sure to come back later tonight or tomorrow to check it out, as it will be a Thanksgiving to remember for the residents of Santa Barbara. Hope everyone is enjoying it so far- there's more to come!!!!! STAY TUNED..........

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(EXT: The Lockridge Estate)

---Warren admires his latest newspaper article, calling Capwell Enterprises a "turkey" that hasn't been able to fend off it's hunters. The doorbell rings and he is stunned by who is standing on the other side of it.

"Happy Thanksgiving Son!!" He stands there, staring at her. "Well, aren't you going to give your mother a hug?

"What about your father too son?"

Warren hugs them both and is happy to see him. He is confused, however, about what they're doing in town. Augusta insists that's nonsense, no way would she let her only son spend the holiday alone. Warren claims he was going to go out and eat, but Augusta insists that she'll be cooking a full meal with all the trimmings.

"Not pigeon, I hope" Warren says, referring to a Thanksgiving years before.

"No, not pigeon dear. The catering company will be by shortly, with all the trimmings."

Looking at their luggage, Warren asks them how long they plan on staying in town and is shocked to hear that they'll be around through the holidays. Lionel tells him that he can run the business from there for the next month or so. Warren asks if they've heard from Laken, and Augusta tells him she's spending the holiday in Brazil, where she's been working for the Red Cross. Augusta pries and asks Warren if he's seeing anyone special, which he claims not to be. Lionel then notices the newspaper article and is thrilled with the picture of CC and the headline. Warren asks him if he knows anything about who could be behind the takeover attempt but he claims to know nothing, though he admits to admiring whoever is doing it. Augusta is surprised that Julia didn't invite Warren over for Thanksgiving, but he tells her they're going to the Capwells for Thanksgiving. Augusta heads out, saying she wants to catch her sister before she goes for Thanksgiving dinner.

(EXT: Cruz & Eden's Beach House)

---Cruz wakes Eden up, tickling her nose with a feather. She wakes up, feigning annoyance with him. He kisses her and wishes his wife a Happy Thanksgiving. She returns the favor and they begin kissing. Eden contemplates staying home for Thanksgiving, just the two of them.

"I don't think Mr. C would like that too much."

"Frankly, I don't really care if Mr. C likes it or not. I want to spend the day in bed with my husband."

"I'm not arguin with you darlin"

They begin kissing again, though they're interrupted when they hear Adriana yelling for them downstairs. They head down there and Adriana scolds them for not being ready to go over to CC & Sophia's house. Eden asks what she would think if they spent the day together there, just the three of them and Rafe. Cruz interrupts, saying they should go over to CC's, especially since Rosa has worked so hard cooking for all of them. Eden protests, saying Rosa of all people wouldn't mind, but Cruz insists. Eden is suspicious of Cruz's sudden change of heart. She tells them that she'll get ready and they can all head over to her parents together. Cruz interjects that he needs to make a stop on the way and that he'll meet them all over there. Before Eden can argue, he heads upstairs to change, as Rafe passes him on his way down.

"What's going on with him?" he asks them

"That's what I'm going to find out. Can you take Adriana with you to my parents house?"

"Actually, I wasn't going to....."

"Oh, you're going buster, don't even attempt to argue with me. It's Thanksgiving, you're family and you're going to spend the day with your family...."

"Ok, ok, I get it. I can take her, no problem."

"Thank you. It's time I find out just what your brother's been up to.

(EXT: Mason & Julia's House)

---Mason tends to Samantha, making sure she's comfortable as she's seated. Julia watches Mason being so tender with his daughter. He catches her and Julia is even surprised herself at how emotional she gets. She claims it's because she's so happy that Samantha is ok. Julia suggests they get going before CC has a coronary waiting for them to arrive. As she says that, there's a knock on the door. They are stunned to see Pamela standing on the other side of it.

"Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!!"

"You too mother"

Mason embraces her, but explains that they're going over to CC's for dinner, where she obviously wouldn't be welcome. Julia apologizes for Mason, claiming that had they known she was coming to town, they would have had Thanksgiving there. Pamela tells her there's no need for apology, that she thinks it's a good thing that they have the family to spend the holiday with. Sensing another guilt trip, Mason scolds her, insisting Julia speaks the truth. Pamela informs her son that he truly is misunderstanding her- she's happy for them and really doesn't mind spending the holiday alone, so long as they see her later. Mason of course agrees and begins to head out the door, telling Julia & Samantha that there's something he wants to do for the holiday before going over there. Julia questions him about what it is, but he doesn't give her much to go on.

"To show gratitude, Julia. Thanksgiving is about giving thanks and that's what I need to do........before enjoying the holiday with my family. I'll be there in time for dinner.....if I'm late, tell dad to start without me."

He opens the door to head off and runs into Augusta.

"Thankful to be leaving as well......"

"Hello to you too Mason. That husband of yours, really Julia, he shows no respect......"

She gasps, stopping in her tracks when she sees Pamela. Pamela smiles at her and wishes her a Happy Thanksgiving. Augusta asks her if she's going to CC's as well, which she isn't of course. Augusta suggests she come to their house for dinner, and though Pamela is apprehensive at first, Augusta is able to talk her into it. Pamela heads out, kissing her granddaughter good-bye & wishing them a happy holiday. Rafe and Adriana arrive, to see if Samantha would like to head over to the Capwells with them. Of course, Samantha jumps at the chance and heads off with them. Now alone, Julia and Augusta fall into their usual banter.

"What was that about?" Julia asks

"What was what?"

"Cut it Augusta, this is me you're talking to......Inviting PAMELA for Thanksgiving dinner? Why....I mean....why....what's the point? What's the angle?"

"No angle, I just hate to see anyone spend the holiday alone...."

"Oh please, would you can it? You don't give a rat's behind about Pamela Conrad"

"True.......You make me sound so sinister Julia, really. I could see she was upset and I extended an olive branch. It's as simple as that."

"Nothing is simple with you, Augusta"

Augusta concurs and asks Julia how everything is going in her life and her marriage. Julia claims everything to be fine, but Augusta senses the worry in her voice and pushes it. Julia admits that there is something wrong. Augusta asks if Mason is cheating on her or drinking again, but Julia claims it's neither of those things. Augusta continues to press and Julia finally admits that Mary is alive. Augusta insists she must be mistaken, that it's impossible. Julia tells her it's true, she saw her with her own eyes. She tells Augusta the story that Mary told her about Mark McCormick taking her to the clinic and her being in a coma for four years. Augusta questions that, claiming Mark is dead and she knows that. Julia remembers back to Hal Clark's murder investigation and Mark's bones being discovered. Julia is puzzled by this major hole in Mary's story, but Augusta interrupts her train of thought with another question.

"What about the baby?"

Julia's still deep in thought.... "Huh...What? The Baby? What baby?"

"She was very much pregnant when she supposedly died, Julia. You didn't ask her about the baby?"

"Oh my God. The baby.........The Baby!!!"

(EXT: California roads, outside of Santa Barbara, in a poorer section)

---Cruz drives and Eden is seen following him. Eden wonders aloud where Cruz could be going, since it's obviously not the police station. She is stunned when she sees him pull up to a small house with a 94 Ford Escort parked in the driveway. Eden parks across the street, still donning her scarf and sunglasses. She reaches to the glove compartment to pull out her binoculars. She sees a young hispanic girl answering the door & inviting Cruz in. Not recognizing the girl, Eden becomes even more suspicious. Frustrated that she can no longer see what they're doing, Eden gets out of the car and heads toward the house. Eden begins to get an eerie feeling as she approaches, and is visibly frightened. She stands to the side of the window, too nervous to peek in. She finally gets up the nerve and is stunned by what she sees.......

It's Angel Ramirez, free as a bird, shaking hands with Cruz, introducing him to his family. Horrified, she runs off and heads back to her car.

"Angel...what could he be doing with ANGEL, of all people? And why is Angel out of jail?"

(EXT: SAN REMOS EMERGENCY CLINIC)

---Mary exits the OR, and Dr. Stanley asks her how everything went. Mary claims everything went fine, no complications and that the little boy should be just fine. She heads down the hall. Meanwhile, Mason approaches the nurses station, asking where he can find a Dr. Beckman. He claims that he's donating a Thanksgiving dinner to the children's wing and wanted to speak directly to her about it. The nurse informs him that Dr. Beckman is in surgery, but Dr. Stanley comes out claiming she's done. Dr. Stanley is delighted with Mason's generous gift and offers to take care of the details. The nurse then spots Mary, donning her surgical mask, and points her out to Mason. Dr. Stanley tries to stop him from going, but Mason ignores him and heads toward her. Her hair still stuffed in her cap & surgical mask on, only Mary's beautiful hazel green eyes can be seen.

(The camera takes on her angle on things, as she watches Mason approaching her, completely frozen)

"Dr. Beckman! Dr. Beckman!, Dr. Beckman!"

THE END........................for TODAY

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! 'RTSB' was pre-empted today, as I've already told you. Tomorrow's special Thanksgiving episode should be up early in the day! Hope you all like it! Lionel & Augusta will make their debut in very Lockridge fashion. Most of the core cast will be featured tomorrow & Friday- those days are not to be missed!!!!!!!!

http://santabarbara-online.com/GeneriqueDebutUS.rm

(EXT: San Remos Emergency Clinic)

---Dr. Stanley checks over Samantha and lets she, Mason, and Julia know that everything looks good and she'll be able to go home that day. Samantha is absolutely thrilled, as are her parents. Samantha asks if Dr. Beckman is around, but Dr. Stanley informs them that she's taken the afternoon off. Julia comments that she's probably spending the day with her husband, but Dr. Stanley informs her that Dr. Beckman isn't married. Regardless, Mason says that it's unfortunate she's not in and that he would have liked to have met her. Julia remains silent, knowing that she has in fact met the doctor. Dr. Stanley leaves them alone, telling them he'll be getting the paperwork started for her release.

"I'd better call Rafe, to let him know he'll be starting today....."

"That won't be necessary, Samantha. Your mother has to go in to the office, but my afternoon is completely open, with the holiday and all. We won't be needing Rafe this week."

Samantha is annoyed with her father but has no choice but to go along with him. Julia tells them that she'd better head off, as she has to stop by the police station to talk to Cruz on her way to the office. In the hallway, Julia spots Dr. Stanley speaking with Mary. Mary sees Julia approaching and tries to avoid her, but Julia corners her.

"We need to talk" Julia informs her

"I really don't have any time right now, Julia, I have a patient that's just...."

"This will only take a minute."

Mary obliges and they head into her office. Mary tells Julia that she's thrilled Samantha will be going home that day, but Julia immediately questions her about why she lied about being married. Mary plays dumb but Julia informs her that Dr. Stanley let the cat out of the bag. Mary admits having lied because she didn't want Julia to feel guilty for keeping her secret. Julia doesn't buy that, saying she feels guilty anyway.

"Well why else would I do it?"

"Maybe because you don't want me to see that you've harbored feelings for Mason all these years. But I see it Mary, plain as day."

"It doesn't have anything to do with that, Julia. I just wanted to give you an unselfish reason for keeping this from Mason- I knew you wouldn't do it just for yourself, it had to be for me as well."

"But now I know the truth, so what's to stop me from...."

"Nothing, I guess. But why, Julia? Why do it? Why put any of us through it when you don't have to? Samantha is going to walk out of that door today & I'm never going to see Mason, or any of you again. That's how I want it. Please."

"It's not your call to make. I'm not promising anything, he's my husband, it's my obligation to be honest with him. He'd want to know......... I have to go...."

"Julia! Julia, wait!" Mary calls to her, but Julia continues walking away, ignoring her. A look of worry comes over Mary's face and a single tear drops down her cheek.

(EXT: Capwell Enterprises)

---Ted is on the phone, obviously unhappy with the news he's receiving. Angela walks in, seeing how frustrated he is and begins rubbing his shoulders. Ted angrily tells the person that what they're doing isn't good enough and they'd better have answers for him the next time they spoke. Angela asks what's that about, and Ted tells her that another chunk of stock has been bought. Same M.O.- different company, different location. Angela is shocked and worried that if the trend continues any further, the Capwells could lose control of the company altogether. However, she assuages his fears when she tells Ted what a firecracker Joann is. Angela tells him that she has faith that Joann will have things turned around in no time, though Ted isn't so sure, having not even met Joann. Angela offers to take his mind off things and begins to unbutton her blouse. Ted doesn't stop her and kisses her passionately, tearing her blouse open. Without knocking, Lily walks in on them.

"Oh, you've GOT to be kidding me? What a fool I was......tell me, were you this careless while you were engaged to me?"

Ted is embarassed, but Angela couldn't be happier that Lily has seen what's gone on. Angela buttons up her blouse and jokes to Lily that they were even worse during the engagement. Ted tells Angela to back off and asks for a moment alone with Lily. Angela happily obliges, saying she has some things to go over with Joann anyway. Alone, Ted apologizes profusely for what he did to Lily but she's unforgiving, tell him at this point, he did her a favor. She tells him that she's not there to hear his apologies, far from it.

"I need you to sign these Ted."

"What are they?"

"I'm dissolving the mortgage we took out on the house. I don't want it, I'm staying with my mom for now but since we had gone into the agreement together, everything needs your signature on it as well."

"Oh...I'd forgotten.....Of course I'll sign them." he looks them over "Wow, you're taking quite a loss here Lil. Let me reimburse you."

"I don't want your money, Ted. Or your pity. Just sign the damn papers and you'll never see me again."

He obliges, though mentions that he wishes they could remain friends somehow. Lily sees red and informs him that her friends wouldn't ever humiliate or degrade her in the way he did. She tells him that any hopes he may have for a friendship he might as well save for something more feasible happening. Like hell freezing over. She tells him that the worst part of it all is that she gave up a really great guy for him, someone who loved her & would have moved heaven and earth for her. He tells her that if that person truly loves her, they'll be together. Lily raises her hand and slaps him across the face. She SCREAMS at him how it isn't that simple, that some men don't take betrayal so lightly. Some men have real feelings and are hurt when someone they truly love disappoints them. She tells him that she can't believe she ever could have loved someone so arrogant and selfish as he is. She finishes it off by informing him she hopes that he & Angela have a life of misery for what they've put her through.

---Outside of Angela's office, Joann sits their, awaiting their meeting. Gina bumps into her there, claiming to be dropping off some marketing research for Gina Jeans to Angela. Gina asks Joann how her meeting with CC went and Joann fires back that it was peachie.

"CC can be a tough sell. I hope he wasn't too hard on you"

"He was fine, Gina. I don't see how this is any of your concern."

"What's with the haughty attitude? I'm just trying to be...." she chokes on the word, "Nice..... We're on the same side you know."

"Really? Because you sure don't act like it."

"I don't act like it? Look, lady...."

Gina calms herself and apologizes if she's come off the wrong way. Gina asks Joann what, if anything, she proposed to CC to counteract the takeover. Joann refuses to divulge anything, telling her that if CC wanted her to know that, she'd have been at the meeting. Gina becomes infuriated, claiming that Joann doesn't know anything about her relationship with CC yet continuously makes these innocuous references to it. Angela then arrives, asking Gina what she's even doing there. Gina gives her lame Gina Jeans line and Angela sarcastically tells her she looks forward to reading the report. She invites Joann into her office and Gina begins to follow them.

"This is a private meeting Gina. So run along. Go on..." she shuts the door in her face.

Gina angrily begins to walk away when Angela re-emerges.

"Oh Gina! By the way, your daughter's in the building."

"Lily's here. Where is she?"

"Ted's office. She walked in on us in........ let's say a compromising position. Just thought I'd give you something to chew on. You can go now." Angela smiles as Gina storms off.

In her office, Angela and Joann go over everything that was said in the meeting. Angela is impressed with Joann's merger idea, though she doesn't think CC will go for it. She tells Joann that CC likes being in control and a merger threatens that. Angela asks what was going on with Gina and Joann tells her how Gina was hounding her about the meeting. Joann tells Angela that she doesn't trust Gina, nor does she like her very much. Angela thinks that Joann's instincts are dead on and tells her she'll be keeping her eye on Gina......

(EXT: Capwell Estate)

---Someone watches from the foyer as Sophia reads through a magazine in the den when Rosa comes in with the phone. Rosa informs her it's Dr. Normandy on the line, something about her test results. Sophia asks Rosa to please leave her alone, though Rosa is hesitant. Rosa finally obliges her employers wishes. Once alone, Sophia asks the doctor to lay it on her. Dr. Normandy insists that she come down and speak with him in person, but Sophia is resistant, saying the holiday is the next day and she just doesn't have the time. She is adamant that she can handle whatever news he has for her, good or bad. He informs her that all the tests have confirmed what he had feared- she has a brain aneurism. He tells her there are treatment options but she immediately questions how far along it is. He tries to get her to see him in person for him to better explain but she demands to know. He admits that it's pretty far developed but that it's treatable. Sophia asks if he can get rid of it completely, but he tells her all that can be done is to keep it from rupturing, though there would be no guarantees. At this, she becomes silent, clutching the phone and crying. She hangs it up and bursts into tears. Rosa comes in and sees how upset she is.

"Oh, Sophia, Sophia... what is it? What's wrong?...........Sophia talk to me, I hate seeing you like this...."

"I......I.......Oh Rosa"

Sophia collapses into Rosa's arms, sobbing. Rosa hugs her, gently stroking her hair as she sobs.

"Sophia, you're scaring me....."

"Oh Rosa......it's.....an ...... aneurism.........there's not much they can do........It's like I have this ticking timebomb inside of my head and it could just.....at any moment.....just" Sophia begins sobbing again uncontrollably.

"Oh Sophia, my God......Oh...."

Rosa hugs her as she cries there, uncontrollably so. The camera pans to the person eavesdropping in the foyer............

She laughs. "It couldn't be more perfect....."

THE END....................for today

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(EXT: Capwell Enterprises)

---Gina and Keith fantasize about what things would be like if they were in charge of Capwell Enterprises. Gina envisions Angela as the janitorial service and CC as her secretary. Keith sees Eden begging him for a job, telling him how powerful he is. He also sees himself talking Angela into cheating on Ted........ with him. When they get back to reality, Gina wonders how much power she & Keith will actually acquire when this 'mystery person' takes over. Keith assures her that everything is on the up & up and if they continue to play their cards right, Gina will be the CEO before Christmas.

"It would be a Christmas miracle," Gina muses.

"Baby, it ain't gonna take a miracle, especially now that you got Joann hired on. Things should just fall into place now"

"I don't like her" she asserts

"You don't have to like her muffin, but remember, she's on our side. Working against her is working against us"

Her ears perhaps ringing, Joann then knocks at the door. Gina introduces Joann to Keith. Joann is impressed when he tells her he's a District Attorney. Gina notices Joann giving Keith a once-over, which she doesn't take kindly to. Keith tells her he too is impressed with her business credentials. Quickly putting an end to their love-in, Gina asks Joann what it is she needs. She tells her that she needs some company files that she wasn't given, to better prepare for the meeting with CC. Joann is surprised that Gina had no idea about it, considering Angela had informed her about it the day before. Joann then says that CC probably doesn't feel Gina's input is needed, considering the subject matter is financing, not Gina's strong suit.

"Excuse me? You don't even know me, Jo ANN, so I wouldn't go around throwing around assumptions you have."

"They're not assumptions, Gina. I've done plenty of research about the company, I know exactly what you do here and how you got here at all. You certainly don't have room to be insulted. How about you let me handle the numbers & I'll let you handle Gina Jeans. Deal?"

Joann smiles at Gina, who restrains herself from punching her lights out.

(EXT: Skyscraper in LA, zoom in to sign in front, Wayne, INC)

--- Elizabeth Wayne sits at her desk, reading through her files. Her assistant, Kat, comes into her office, informing her that there's a Pamela Conrad there to see her. Pamela enters and Elizabeth immediately questions her about what she's doing there. Pamela informs her that she's passing through town and thought she'd pay her old friend a visit. Elizabeth reminds her that they aren't friends.

"Allies. Scorned Women. People with something in common, whatever you want to call it."

"We have very little in common Pamela"

"Yes, but it's the exception that I'm here to talk to you about: CC Capwell"

Elizabeth trembles at hearing his name and asks Pamela to explain herself. She tells Elizabeth that it's time to let CC & Sophia know that they don't control their lives. Pamela goes on about how they have both been hurt deeply by them in the past and that it's time to set things right. When Elizabeth claims she bears no ill will toward CC & Sophia, Pamela asks her why it is that she hasn't spoken to Sophia in nearly 30 years then. Elizabeth admits that they caused her pain but she's eradicated them from her life and is now a successful businesswoman, CEO of her own company. Pamela admits to being envious that Elizabeth has something to call her own, which she does not. She asks Elizabeth if she's been following the crisis at Capwell, which she admits she has. Pamela tells her it would be the perfect opportunity for someone like herself to strike. Elizabeth asks her if she's behind the takeover and Pamela denies it.

"But that doesn't mean I'm not interested, far from it. CC banished us both from his life, Elizabeth, just erased us and went about his life as if neither of us ever existed. Wouldn't it be divine for us to come back & return the favor? Don't answer me now, just think about it. I'll be in touch."

(EXT: Cruz & Eden's Beach House)

---Lily stops by Cruz & Eden's to see Rafe and is happy to find him alone. Lily expresses her concern over Rafe's accident but he claims to be fine. Rafe tells her he was sorry to hear of what happened on her wedding day. Lily tells him that she's humiliated and she feels like a fool for ever trusting Ted. Lily also tells him how terrible she feels about the way she treated him, someone who genuinely loved her. She admits that he caught her off guard and that she still has feelings for him.

"But you were going to go through with the wedding, Lily, weren't you"

"Yes" Lily says quietly, bowing her head down.

Rafe tells her that it devastated him when she didn't respond to him. He also explains the outrage and the terrible feeling he had in his gut watching what he thought to be her walking down the aisle. Lily tries to apologize, but Rafe continues, saying that he went into such a rage he couldn't even see straight. He tells her that his rage practically caused Samantha's death and put things in perspective for him. As much as he cares for Lily, it doesn't seem to ever work out and their relationship seems to do nothing but cause them both pain. Though he feels sorry for her for what happened, he tells her that he thinks he needs to be alone for a while now, maybe to learn to love again. He also doesn't think he can get a handle on his feelings, especially with her constantly going back & forth. Lily tells him she knows he still loves her, but if it's space he needs, she'll give that to him. But that she will be waiting for him, if and when he's ever ready.

(EXT: Capwell Enterprises)

---CC calls Joann into his office for their meeting. She asks him where Angela is and he informs her that the meeting is just for the two of them. CC tells her that he's checked her out and is impressed with her extensive background. He cites her success at Cory Publishing, Titan Publishing, and Spaulding Enterprises as just a few examples. Joann (Kim Rhodes) winks that she was especially fond of her time at Cory. CC hopes she'll be just as successful at Capwell and asks if she's had time to read through the paperwork. She has and Joann informs him that she's been going through the files and they are in serious trouble. CC asks if breaking off divisions of the company would work, or even splitting the stock, which Joann tells him would be a disaster. She informs him that through her research, she found they had a similar problem in 1990, when Barr Industries attempted a hostile takeover. He remembers that Eden prevented that from happening.

"With all due respect to your daughter, Mr. Capwell, that's not entirely true. Though they weren't in with the literature you gave me, I pulled up some files about your merger with Armonti Enterprises back then. That's what saved you....."

"Yes but that worked only because my wife, Sophia, was the President and no changes would be made in day to day operations. With any other person or company, God only knows what they would want to do... That's not a chance I can take"

"What about losing your company altogether? Are you willing to take that chance? A merger will prevent that and from what I can see, it may be your only option."

"Nonsense" says Pamela, entering " You built this company, CC, for your children, so they'd have something someday. You can't let some other company come in & take half of it. This company will be Mason's some day, and...."

"Pamela, who the HELL let you in this office? Because whoever did- they're fired! My company doesn't concern you- You're no longer in my life and lady, I like it that way. Now get out of here before I call security and have you thrown out!!!"

Pamela asks Joann to excuse them and she obliges. Pamela tells CC that she's the mother of his eldest son and she deserves his respect. She informs him that though she may have just faded away before, that will not be happening now. Pamela tells him that he took her son from her, her life from her. But no more- she's taking it back, all of it!! CC tells her she can have any life she damn well pleases, so long as it doesn't include him. He asks her how long she plans on sticking around in town and she's vague.

"Just what is it you're doing here anyway, Pamela?"

"Ahh, patience my love, patience. You'll know soon enough why I'm here. So will Sophia."

"You stay the hell away from us, Pamela"

"Perhaps had she taken that advice and stayed away from my husband, we wouldn't be where we're all at now in our lives. Choices. Our choices have consequences, CC, sometimes grave consequences. You of all people should know that."

THE END.................for today

First of all, thanks to the readers for making 'RTSB' the top rated blog in the SONBC ratings for two straight weeks! This week, 'RTSB' fell to a 2.3 rating, but still had over 600 viewers- AWESOME!!!! THANK YOU!!!!

Since the episodes have been posted at 'off' times, I'm going to try to put out a schedule each week so everyone is aware of the times & pre-emptions of episodes in advance. I'll do my best to stick as closely to this schedule as possible.

Monday (today): Between 7-8 PM today's episode should be up

Tuesday: Again, sometime in the evening, probably between 6-7.

Wednesday: Pre-Empted, though Thursday's Thanksgiving episode should be up late Wed night

Thursday: Late Wednesday night, probably around 11

Friday: Afternoon, around 2 PM

And since I've been so quiet and nobody knows any story details except the people inside my head, I've decided to release some information this week, for the first time.

First off, Kelly Capwell will be back in time for Christmas. But who will be playing the role? Not Eileen Davidson, I'll tell you that. Robin Wright Penn also declined our offer to return as Kelly. So it's back to the drawing board at 'RTSB' - we'll be considering SEVERAL actresses of the part. Anyone you'd like to see play Kelly? Post any suggestions you might have as comments HERE!

There has been some concern about early reports that Judith McConnell's Sophia will be exiting the canvas. Rest assured, that will NOT be happening. There is a very big storyline planned for Sophia, CC, Pamela, Elizabeth, and Edmund. Up until now, that storyline has been in the set-up stage. This week, things will start moving, with Pamela discovering a secret Sophia has been keeping from her family. I hope those that are interested in the CC/Sophia coupling will keep reading. I'm going to frustrate the hell out of you, I won't deny it. But the payoff will be worth the agony. Promise

Cruz & Eden's story has been moving rather slowly as well. There is a reason for that. Right now, their story is Cruz's investigation and has been more centered around him. In the coming months, that will change. There will be a HUGE event in late December/early January that will change their lives forever. At that point, Eden becomes the primary focus of the story and it will be very much on the front-burner.

Kelly won't be the only character returning for Christmas. Look for a few other familiar faces to pop up for the holidays.

For those of you that remember Mason/Mary & their history, certain aspects of it have not been mentioned. Trust me, I remember exactly the state Mary was in when she died and all of her story points will be addressed. Also, for long-time fans, you may have noticed that Mark McCormick has been mentioned in the story & by me in my correspondance. But Mark's bones were found years ago, during the Hal Clark investigation, right? Trust me everyone, I know my SB history and any story I do will address that history. Mark McCormick will be no exception.

Some final story teasers: Lionel & Augusta appear Wednesday & Friday of this week for our Thanksgiving episodes. Wednesday & Friday are big days this week- NOT TO BE MISSED!!!!!

Again, thanks everyone for the support & keep reading!!! I love seeing your comments & am thrilled that everyone seems to be enjoying 'RTSB' so far. In the next few weeks, the plots will be moving FULL STEAM AHEAD!!!!! Stay tuned.......

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(EXT: San Remos Emergency Clinic)

----Julia is absolutely stunned when she realizes Dr. Beckman is actually Mary Duvall. Julia at first is disbelieving, saying she was there when she died. Mary explains that she would have died, had Mark not brought her to the San Remos Clinic & cared for her. Mary tells Julia that she was in a coma for four years. Julia questions why she never came back for Mason.

"Actually, Julia, I did. It took some time to get Mark out of my life, but he finally gave me a divorce. When he did, I came back to town, looking for Mason. And I found you. The two of you, happy together and with a daughter."

"You saw us?"

"I came to the house. Make no mistake, Julia, it hurt me deeply to see the two of you together......at first. But I watched Mason for a couple of days......and he was so......happy. I saw the way that he looked at you, and at your daughter. I couldn't come back and ruin that for him- he'd found the stability he'd always been searching for. I wasn't about to return to his life and throw it into absolute chaos. I couldn't do that to you either. We may have had our differences, Julia, but I always knew you to be a good woman, loyal and dependant. No. I couldn't do it. I let him go....."

Julia tears up as she hears Mary recounting her story. Julia tells her she thinks it was a mistake for Mary not to come back into Mason's life, and that things with she & Samantha haven't always been as perfect as they may have looked. Mary insists that she did the right thing and had no intention of ever coming into their lives again.

"Until our daughter was brought here after her accident."

"Exactly. But Julia, she's going to be well soon and there's no reason for me to see Mason or for him to know that I am alive or involved with this in any way. Please. I'm begging you- it's been hard enough seeing him now as it is...."

A light bulb goes off in Julia's head. "The vision.... Oh my God, Mary, the vision. He saw you. Mason saw you. That's why he's keeping her here......he thinks you'll pull her through......Wait, you risked getting caught? Were you trying...."

"To wake him up ? For him to see me so we could be together? No. I just saw him, sleeping in that chair, knowing his nerves were frayed with worry. It was almost instinctual for me to try to comfort him."

Julia realizes that seeing Mason has brought these feelings back in Mary. Just then, a call comes into Mary's office from Dr. Stanley, saying that Samantha has responded to the medication and is awake. Mary insists Julia go to her daughter.

(EXT: Santa Barbara Police Department)

---Vic and Cruz go over Angel's impending release from prison and the investigation. Cruz tells Vic that all aspects of the press have been agreeable and there will be no news coverage of his release. Vic tells him that it's imperative that they're very careful, and that he's a bit suspicious of someone like Angel turning on old drug acquaintances.

"Not to mention it's for the dude that put him in prison," Pearl Bradford says, bursting into Cruz's office.

"You ever knock, Pearl?" Vic jokingly asks him

"Knocking leaves options."

Cruz asks Pearl how he got wind of the goings on, and Pearl laughs that he's a PI; that it wasn't very hard. Pearl tells Cruz he doesn't think Angel can be trusted. Pearl crosses the line, however, when he suggests that Cruz is putting Eden & Adriana in danger. An irritated Cruz defends himself, telling his old friend not to worry.

"Still a buttinski Pearl. Some things never change."

"I watch out for you & Edie. You guys are close to my heart and I don't want to see anything happen to yas"

Cruz once again reassures Pearl and makes him promise to keep mum to Eden. Pearl agrees. After he leaves, he says to himself that he'll be keepng an eye on things. Cruz tells Vic he'll be meeting with Angel shortly after he gets out, which concerns Vic. Cruz assures him they're meeting somewhere low-key, outside of town. He'll surely be discrete.

(EXT: Capwell Enterprises)

---Angela enters CC's office, prepared to fill him in on Joann's hiring. CC stops her and congratulates her on the marriage to Ted.

"I cannot begin to thank you for keeping that woman from ever re-entering my family."

"I love Ted very much CC. That's what it was about- Gina's humiliation was an added bonus, though in retrospect, I'm the one that ended up with a cake dumped on me."

"A woman never wore French Silk Vanilla so well, Angela"

Setting that aside, Angela tells him of Joann's credentials. CC looks over her resume and orders a background check. Though he's sure she's trustworthy, in the situation they're in, CC tells her it's best to leave nothing to chance. Angela agrees with him, though she speaks highly of Joann. CC perks up a bit when she tells him that Joann seems to get under Gina's skin a bit. They agree that alone speaks volumes of her character. Nonetheless, they can't be too careful. Angela tells him that if there's going to be anything left worth saving, they'll have to move quickly. CC agrees and calls a meeting for Monday, and tells Angela to relay to Joann that he'll be very interested to hear her ideas. She should be caught up on all of her reading by then and be ready to present any strategies she comes up with. Kathleen enters and informs CC that Sophia has called from the hospital- Samantha has woken up! Angela is happy for CC, who heads to the hospital.

(EXT- San Remos Emergency Clinic)

---Dr. Stanley examines Samantha and is quite impressed with the improvement in her vital signs. He reports to the family that Samantha is making a dramatic improvement for the better, though obviously will still need plenty of rest and to heal. He informs Mason & Julia that he wants to keep her overnight for observation, but if everything checks out in the morning, she should be able to come home. Mason & Julia are thrilled and ask to see their daughter, but Dr Stanley informs them that she's asking to speak with Rafe first. Mason is taken off guard and defensive, but Dr. Stanley claims that Samantha insists on seeing him. Rafe obliges and enters her room.

---Sophia heads down to the cafeteria, only to bump into Pamela. Sophia becomes agitated when Pamela warns her that she will not be kept from her family anymore. Sophia remarks that Pamela seems to be implying her stay in Santa Barbara is permanent.

"I wouldn't call it permanent, Sophia. But for now, I'm not going anywhere..."

"For now..... you mean while you're still enthralled with your son and granddaughter, but before you get bored with them. You'll leave ..... you always do...."

"You'd like that, wouldn't you Sophia ? It would make things easier for you, no? I've left before to make things easier for you Sophia....."

"And because you had a nervous breakdown.......More than one for that matter"

"I'm far stronger now dear. And I see you for exactly what you are...... I never let my family think I was dead, Sophia. That was your game. To think, CC left me for the likes of you.......the classless slut that you are. I'm sure your sister would agree."

Sophia is stunned that Pamela mentions Elizabeth, and questions how Pamela may even know her. Pamela tells her there are many things she knows that Sophia may be surprised by. Sophia becomes incensed, accusing Pamela of using her sister to get to her and possibly even poisoning Elizabeth against her. Sophia suddenly becomes dizzy and starts losing her balance. Pamela tries to help her, but Sophia shoves her away. Sophia sits down and regains her composure. Pamela questions Sophia about the spell, but Sophia simply brushes it off. Pamela realizes that she's gotten to Sophia and lays it on thick. Sophia insists she's done nothing of the sort, but she's obviously rattled. She informs Pamela she's heading up, to check on her son & granddaughter. Pamela deviously smiles as Sophia walks away.

"That was just the beginning Sophia. You're going to pay. ALL OF YOU ARE!!!!"

(EXT: California State Prison)

---The guards bring Angel to the holding cell as he waits to be released. Angel flashes back to years before, being brought in by Cruz. The guard enters, telling him that he may go, he's a free man. Angel exits the prison and begins walking, toward the bus stop.

"A free man." He smiles deviously.

---Back at the hospital, Samantha tells Rafe that she doesn't blame him for the accident. When Rafe claims it to be his fault, Samantha rebuts that she's a big girl and got on the bike all by herself. He insists that he shouldn't have let her, however persistent she may have been. He apologizes profusely for driving so erratically and asks her what he can do to make it up to her.

"Well, from what they've told me, I should be able get out tomorrow, but I'm not going to be able to move around much on my own. Because of my ribs, I have to be seated for a couple weeks, and can't walk at all. Now my mom's the assistant DA and my dad is an attorney too. Plus he's going to be busy with the stuff at Capwell..... If I'm going to be at home, I'm going to need help getting from place to place, carried and what have you......"

"That's where I come in."

"Precisely" she smiles

Rafe at first is apprehensive, but Samantha reminds him that Lily's rejected him, things aren't going so well in his life and maybe helping her will change things. He grins at that, agreeing that things couldn't be much worse for him and he does owe her. He agrees to do it.

---Rafe comes into the waiting room & informs Mason & Julia that Samantha would like to see them. Adriana & Eden question what Samantha wanted and he fills them in. Eden remarks that Mason's not going to be too thrilled with the set-up. Adriana obviously is impressed with her cousin's skills. Eden tells them they'd better get out of there, if only to soften the blow that Samantha is about to deliver Mason. They head out. Sophia & Pamela come up the stairs and see Mason & Julia in with Samantha.

Dr Stanley comes in to check on Samantha and she asks him to thank Dr. Beckman for her. He assures her that he will, and a nervous look comes over Julia's face, as she remembers just who "Dr. Beckman" is. Samantha tells them that she's asked Rafe to look after her while she can't move around, which Mason thinks is a terrible idea, though Dr. Stanley is enthusiastic. Samantha tells him that she doesn't want to be any burden on them & they need to work, which she understands. Starting Monday, however, Rafe will be with her during the days. Julia questions why she would want him to do that, and Samantha tells her that he feels awful about the accident and wants to make it up to her.

"What better way to do that than for him to wait on me hand and foot?"

"You make a good point" Julia enthuses

Mason, while reluctant, gives in to his daughter and his wife, saying he's just happy that his little girl is going to be alright. He looks up above him, silently thanking his ex-fiance, Mary. Though he tries to make it discrete & is unaware that Julia knows about his "vision", she picks up on it. At that point, she notices Mary looking in on them, then hurrying off. Julia excuses herself, and goes after her.

Julia tracks her down and thanks her once again for saving her daughter's life. Mary appreciates it and tells her she can show her gratitude by being happy with her family and keeping Mason happy. Mary insists that Julia not tell Mason anything about having seen her, though Julia isn't agreeable. She's adamant that Mason would want to know she's alive and deserves to know. Mary begs her to keep mum, saying she can't bare to face Mason and that it's too late for them. Mary lies that she's married now and very much in love- hence the name change to Beckman. Her husband knows nothing about Mason & she'd like to keep her life that way as well. Julia gives in and agrees to keep quiet.

(EXT: DINER, on a highway outside of town)

"Castillo. Long time no see."

"Angel. I know you're anxious to see your family, but this won't take long"

Angel tells him not to worry and Cruz details the investigation thusfar into the drug ring. Cruz claims that Tim was unable to penetrate them, which is what made them realize they needed someone more inside. Cruz drops some names of former associates of Angel's who may be involved in things. Angel worries that he may not be accepted back into things so easily. Cruz counters that he never snitched when he went to prison, which should carry plenty of weight.

"Yeah, but I'm narcing now. That won't go over well."

Cruz agrees that it is dangerous, but it beats being in prison for another twenty years. Angel concurs and asks exactly what he needs to do. He says he'll do anything to protect his wife Carla and Marta, their daughter. Angel can't believe how his baby has grown up and thanks Cruz for the opportunity to be with them again. Cruz offers him congratulations, but reminds him he'll be honoring his end of the deal. Cruz heads out, telling Angel he'll see him back in town.

"Nothing and noone will take me away from my family again. Not even you Castillo"

(EXT- San Remos Emergency Clinic)

---CC barrels into the clinic, asking the nurse about his granddaughter. Sophia approaches him and tells him that Samantha has woken up and possibly going home the next day. CC is thrilled with this & pulls Sophia into a big hug. He asks Sophia where Mason is.

"He's in there with our granddaughter, CC" Pamela says, emerging from the ladies room.

CC turns around and sees his long estranged ex-wife standing before him. His face turns beat red, his eyes begin bugging, his head bobbing and the vein on his neck showing.

"Hello CC. Happy to see me?" Pamela smiles.

THE END.....................for today