ReddFoxx

Enjoyed the entire episode, but I want to comment most on the Ashley/Sabryn scenes, you did a great job writing the action. I like how you added the twist with Karim getting caught in the high speed chase, that was good and very unexpected. Now that Sabryn has taken out Ashley, it's going to interesting to see what plays out next.

Really well written scenes with Sister Patterson and Mona, I especially like the part with Sister Pat at Abe's grave, alone and venting. Those sort of scenes aren't easy to write well, but you pulled it off really good. I cracked up at Ashley's reference to President Obama and "Yes I Can", that was so funny. I can't wait to see what happens next.

Haven't had much time to read the blog, so I'm finally all caught up now and the past few episodes have been great. This one was no exception, I loved Sister Patterson going off and calling Jenn and Santino out in church, that was by far my favorite scene. And great cliffhanger, can't wait to see what is going to happen next.

I am really enjoying the interactions with Ria and her sister, so entertaining.

Ashley is completely unhinged now, she is a classic soap opera crazy. Good episode.

Before Leigh married Edmund, she had a relationship with Norm and Norm is still carrying a torch for her, which is why he's helping her out.

Thanks for the feedback. While Yvette and Anna had their differences, they aren't as bad as Jill and Kay, they don't have that much animosity. As for Jim, he's only forgiving Lynette, because they have children together and he doesn't want to have any tension as far as that. As for Greg, Jim isn't going to be so forgiving and we might see something play out there.

Good episode. I like the scene, with DC at the morgue, very well written. I was wondering how Mrs. Jenkins was connected to Patterson, it's a nice twist that she's her mother. Ria's mother and sister seem quite pushy and I know it's going to be fun to see how this story plays out.

You can do one in December if you like.

Continued from the previous episode's final scene, everyone at the McGregor table is shocked. Yvette: Dad? Joseph: How is this possible? Andrew: It's hard to explain, but. Lynette gets up from her seat and goes over to Andrew. Lynette: Is it really you? Andrew: It really is. Lynette hugs Andrew. Lynette: I thought you were gone forever, Dad. Andrew: I'm here now and I'm not going anywhere. Lynette turns to Anna. Lynette: Mom, how? Anna: Your father survived the plane crash. Yvette: That was 12 years ago. Andrew: It's a long story. Yvette: I don't really care about that, I'm just glad you came back to us. Joseph: Dad, I don't know what to say. I never thought this could happen. Andrew: Second chances, not everyone gets them, but fortunately we did. Edmund is still sitting in disbelief. Edmund: The surprises in this family just keep on coming. What else is there? Andrew: Edmund, I realize that--- Edmund: Excuse me, I need some air. Edmund goes out to the patio. Anna: Edmund has been going through a rough patch, so this isn't easy for him. I'll go talk to him. Anna goes to talk to Edmund. _______________________________________________________________________ At Leigh's apartment, Norm is conducting the conference call. Norm: Okay, Mac, what have you got for me. Mac: (over speakerphone) Looks like what you thought was smoking gun was one afterall. Norm: Details, details. Mac: Well, it looks like Christina has some aliases for her black market dealings, including a very well known one that the feds really want, but the Feds have not made the connection that it's Christina. They still think she's laying low. Norm: Could you fax me the files, you have the number to my law office. Mac: I'll do that pronto. Norm: Thank you, if you get anything else, contact me. Mac: Sure, buddy. Norm: Enjoy the rest of your holiday. Norm ends the call. Leigh: I'm assuming what I just heard is good. Norm: It is, now all we have to do is find a way to expose it without being too obvious. Leigh: This could work out even better than we thought. Norm: How? Leigh: Well, Edmund is in the department store business, Christina is in ripped off merchandise, to me that would say that their association could also have something to do with shady business. Norm: But it's not, they're just dating. Leigh: Ah, but the courts might be persuaded to think it's more than that, if we can create an illusion of a connection. Norm: I see your point, but I'm not seeing how we can do that. Leigh: I'm just afraid mere association might not be enough to persuaded the judge to reverse custody. Norm: Let's go with what we have and the explore other options if this doesn't work. Leigh: All right, I trust you on this. Norm: I'll be speaking with the feds after the holiday. Leigh: It's a shame I have to go through all this drama just to have a chance at getting my sons back, but it's well worth the trouble. ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ At the Phelps house, Teri has just has arrived. John: You kept your word. Teri: Home was calling me, when that happens you can't stay away. John: We were just about to sit down and eat, you got here in just in time. Teri: I do have to be honest, there is another reason I'm here. John: It's not bad is it? Teri: Not bad, just a little surprising. John: Out with it. Teri: Okay, I suppose it's better to come out with it straight. John: I'm ready. Teri: Have you have thought about what sort of grandfather you would be? John: I'm going to be a grandfather? Teri: Actually, you already are. Teri peeks out the front door and gestures to George. George walks in holding Jonathan. John is surprised to see George. George: Meet your new grandson, Jonathan. John: Now you're the last person I expected to see. Teri, what is going on? Teri: Now I know you and George have had some animosity, but-- John: Is he this baby's father? Teri: Yes. John: This is quite a surprise, but nonetheless, I'm overjoyed to have a grandchild. Teri: Good. _________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ Back at the McGregor Estate Joseph: Dad, I'm afraid I'm going to ramble on a bit, this still is all quite jarring. Andrew: That's okay, I understand that. Joseph: I wish you could see JC, he's grown up into such level-headed young man. He's having dinner with the Donahues right tonight, but you'll get to see him soon. Andrew: Last time I saw him, he was about 10, right? Joseph: Yeah, he's 22 now. Andrew: The years really have passed. Yvette, how is your daughter. Yvette: She's at the Academy in London, she's got the acting bug. She's doing great, though. Andrew: I'm glad to hear she's doing well. Lynette: And you've got a couple of grandchildren you've never met. Andrew: That's wonderful, I have no doubt you and Jim are great parents. Lynette: We tried. I don't want to get into all my problems right now, but things have changed quite a bit. Andrew: I'm ready to get caught up to speed and I really want to meet those grandchildren. Lynette: They're napping right now, I was just about to wake them for dinner when everything went topsy turvy. Andrew: I know you all must have a lot of questions and pent up emotions, so I will understand if you don't want to move too fast. Yvette: Let's not talk about that right now, let's just stay in this moment. Our family has one of it's pieces back. Andrew: I'm worried about Edmund, he seemed really upset. Joseph: Life hasn't been to kind to Edmund the past couple of years, he's been through a lot and on top of all that, this has got to be hard to digest. _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ Back at the Phelps house, everyone is at the dinner table. John: So, Teri, how did you and George meet? Teri: At a fashion show, he was thinking of investing in a designer I was working for. George: And you could say we hit it off right away. Teri: I never actually liked the corporate type, but George ended up being an exception. Den: What are your plans? I hope you and my new nephew will be sticking around awhile. Teri: They aren't set just yet, but being home probably is best for me for awhile. John: I know you might not like this idea, Teri, but I've left a spot open in the leadership at Phelps Motors, marketing. Teri: Is that a job offer? John: It is if you want it. I'm going back to the SEC, so you'll be working with your brothers. Teri: I don't know, like I've said before, I'm not good in business. Harry: If I can pipe in, I have to say that the position is suited for you, it's about advertising and websites. Being in the modeling industry, wouldn't you have picked up a thing or two about that? Teri: Yes, I have, but I don't know how I could apply that to office work. John: You're going to be putting together projects, working with people and constantly on the go, you can limit your office work.Teri: I guess it could look good on my resume. John: Is that a yes? Teri: I'll take it. Sounds like a good opportunity while I'm taking a break from modeling. John: Fantastic. George: Looks like everything is just falling into place here. John: Yes, I've got all my children in town and a new grandson, it's surreal. George: And don't forget, your new job at the SEC, that's another thrilling thing. John: Yeah, can't wait to get in there and bust those corporate crooks. Teri: Please, not right now, let's have dinner in peace. John: What? We're just discussing regulation. Teri: I know where it was about to lead. John: If it makes you uncomfortable, we'll stop, right, George? George: Of course. John: (thinking) What luck, I get someone like George Lightner permanently tied to my family. George: (thinking) He's trying to be decent now, but I bet he still can't wait to nail me when he gets back in the SEC. ______________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ Out on the patio of the McGregor estate, Anna and Edmund are talking. Anna: So, you want to talk about it? Edmund: It's just one thing after another. Anna: Nothing seems normal anymore. Edmund: You can say that again. Anna: It was a shell shock to me too. Edmund: It's all so confusing. Anna: Some things don't always have an easy explanation, I know I don't have an easy one. Edmund: If he was alive all this time, why did he wait so long to come back? Anna: Pride, he didn't want anyone helping him through his injuries. Edmund: Part of me is glad he's back and the other doesn't know what to think. Anna: My reaction is a bit mixed too. I guess it's as normal a reaction one can have a situation like this. Edmund: Everything that has happened this past year, my custody battle, us almost losing the company and now this, it takes a real toll to go through all that. Anna: I know. I can't promise you it will all turn out okay, but if we try to get through this latest shock as a family, it won't be as bad. Edmund: I don't know if it will work, but it sounds like it could work. Anna: It never hurt to try. Edmund: Easier said than done. Anna: Hey, this isn't easy for me either. Edmund: I know. Mom, if it wasn't for your talks, I don't know what I'd do sometimes. Edmund hugs Anna. Fade to black.

It's Thanksgiving and at the Donahue Ranch, Carol is just starting set the table when Cody comes in. Carol: Oh, good, you're here. Cody: It's a bit early, don't the caterers usually serve the dinner later than this? They have in the past. Carol: No caterers this year, this time around, I cooked. Cody: You cooked? Carol: Yes, is that surprising? Cody: I've never seen you cook, we've always had a cook here and the holiday dinners have been catered. Carol: I'm going for a little more of a family oriented touch this time, after the things that have happened in the past year, I think we should all start acting more like family. Cody: Okay, I get that, but I just want to know if this dinner is edible. Carol: You and your wisecracks. I have cooked before, when your father and I were first married, I used to cook dinner all the time. Cody: If you say so. Carol: The dinner is fine, do you smell anything burning or see smoke? Cody: I'll reserve my judgment until later. Norm comes into the dining room. Carol: You certainly are dressed to the nines. Norm: I'm wondering if you wouldn't mind too much if I left dinner a bit early. Carol: Why? Norm: I have a friend who can't make it home for Thanksgiving and I thought I'd spend some time with her so she wouldn't be alone. Carol: So that's why you dressed up. Cody: Who is it? Norm: Leigh Elgin. Carol: Edmund McGregor's ex-wife? When did you hook up with her? Norm: You know we go way back. We reconnected recently and it's been good for me. Carol: She was trouble then and she's probably trouble now. Norm: It's not like I'm exactly a saint, so I can't judge whatever Leigh has done. Carol: She always struck me as an opportunist looking for a rich husband. She got one with Edmund, do you want to be her second? Norm: You don't know her like I do. Carol: Whatever, just be careful. Norm: I know what I'm doing. If you'll excuse me, I'll have to go call Leigh and tell her that I'll be on my way soon. Norm excuses himself to call Leigh. Norm: Hey, glad I caught you. Leigh: This better be about the plan, I'm getting restless. Norm: Don't worry, it is. I've got a conference call later with someone who could seal this thing up. Leigh: Are you serious? You can get something done on the holiday Norm: Some of my people work around the clock Norm: It could be the smoking gun, if it pans out, the judge will not look at Edmund favorably do to his associations. Leigh: I like this. Norm: Meet me at my office in about an hour. Leigh: Of course. Leigh hangs up and pumps her fist in excitement. __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ At the Athletic Club, Teri is just arriving at George's suite. George: I'm quite surprised to see you, when you blew me off in the south of France last year, I thought we'd never see each other again. Teri: We had a fling and it fizzled out because we were going in opposite directions. George: So, what brings you here? Teri: There's something you need to know. George: I can't imagine what it is. Teri: You remember that last night we spent together? We had way too much champagne and ended spending the night on that beach. George: How could I forget that? Teri: Well, now we both have a reminder. You're a Dad now. George: Excuse me? Teri: You've got a son. George: A son? I don't believe this. Teri: It took me a while to get the courage to come here to tell you. I just want to say up front that this is not about money, it's about you knowing your son. George: Where is he? I want to see him. Teri: He's with his governess right now at my hotel. George: I'd like to see him. Teri: Of course. I was sort of shocked when I found out you were in Novi, this has been my family's home for a long time. George: Wait, you wouldn't happen to be related to John Phelps, the SEC vet? Teri: Yes, he's my father. George: Oh, boy. Teri: What's wrong? George: It's nothing important, let's just go see my son. ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ At the McGregor Estate, Anna is answering the kitchen door for Andrew. Anna: Come in. Andrew: You look wonderful. Anna: Thank you, but we really need to talk. Andrew: Fine. Anna: I don't like that you involved my aunt in this. Andrew: I'm sorry, but it was my last resort. She's always been able to get you to see the upside of things and I needed someone else to plead my case. Anna: Well, I haven't forgiven you yet, but I do think that our children deserve to know the truth and that should not hinge on rather or not we work things out. Andrew: My children. It's been so long, so much has changed, I don't even know what to say. Anna: You've got that right, I filled you in on the phone as best I could, so you should be able to connect on some level. Martha comes into the kitchen. Martha: Drew? Andrew: Miss Martha, is so good to see you again. You know you're the only person who could ever get away with calling me Drew. Martha: It's a miracle that you survived and came back. Andrew: It sure is, I'm very thankful. Martha: I'm sure you are. Andrew: Just so you know, Anna, Miss Martha chewed me out on the phone over my actions, she didn't just give me a free pass. Martha: He's telling the truth, you know I never let anybody get by me without giving them a piece of my mind. _________________________________________________________________________________ In the living room, The McGregor children are having conversation. Yvette: Usually, I feel really cheery this time of year, but right now I'm not feeling it. Mom is so down, it just makes me feel so awful. Edmund: It's no wonder with this whole mess with Cassandra and George. Joseph: I can't even figure that one out. Edmund: Why would he do something like that? Lynette: Unfortunately, we'll never know. Yvette: I was just saying yesterday that I wish that there was a way to understand it. Joseph: No use worrying about it now, it's been done and we have to deal with the consequences. Lynette: What did you all think of George? I haven't met him yet. Joseph: Put simply, people like him are the reason the one finger salute exist. Yvette: He's just a real piece of work, it's like Mother, like Son, he's almost exactly like his mother. Very bitter. Edmund: I get that he's bitter, but why take it out on us, we're not the ones who hurt him and his mother. Joseph: It's the blame game, somebody has always got to be blamed, rather they did anything wrong or not. Lynette: He is our brother after all, perhaps we should give him a chance. Yvette: At this point, it's up to him to decide rather or not he wants to reach out. He's put us through heck, so I'm not anxious to welcome him with open arms. Joseph: I second that. Lynette: It sure is a messy situation. Edmund: You know, this is the day we are supposed to be thankful, so we shouldn't be talking so negatively. Yvette: You're right, let's all be thankful for the good things we have. All people like George have is their spite, let's try not to emulate that. _____________________________________________________________________________________ At the Town and Country Inn, George is holding his son. George: He's perfect. Teri: That's what I say everyday. George: What's his name? Teri: Jonathan George Lightner, I just call him Johnny for short though. George: I've always wanted to be a father, but now that it's true, it's so unreal. Teri: I guess all parents feel that way. George: So, have you seen your family? Teri: I'm going over there later, I would have gone there when I first got in town, but I wanted to get things squared with you. George: You certainly lit up my day. Teri: Speaking of my family When I told you who my father was, you acted odd, why? George: It just had something to do with a business deal, he and I had some heated words. I just wondered how he would react finding out who the father of his grandson is. Teri: Oh, my Dad doesn't hold grudges. George: He thinks I'm a crook and he really doesn't like me for launching a hostile takeover against some of his good friends. Teri: You know what? It's Thanksgiving and right now we should be thankful for good things. If you have no plans for Thanksgiving, why don't you come to my house and meet my father on a non-business basis? George: I don't know, meeting the family dinners can be awkward, especially under my circumstances. Teri: There's nothing to fear. George: I'm not afraid. Teri: Then come with me. George: I probably should do this, our families are going to be connected from now on because of this little guy. Teri: It'll be fine. George: I don't want my son growing up knowing that his Father and Grandfather are arch-rivals, so it's worth a try. __________________________________________________________________________________________ Back at the McGregor House, the family is sitting down to just as Anna and Martha put the last dishes on the table. Anna: You know, I always give a little speech before we say grace and then eat. I'm going to do that now, but what I have to say is a little different than usual. We can be thankful for all of us being here in good health and thankful for all the other blessings we have. I don't know quite how to say this. Yvette: Mom, what is it? Anna: Even though it's going to be hard to understand, but we have something else we can be thankful for this year. Andrew walks out of the kitchen and everyone at the table is stunned. ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________

#83 Wednesday, November 26th It's the night before Thanksgiving and Anna is baking pies. Yvette comes in. Yvette: Evening. Anna: Hello, Yvette. Yvette: I came over to see if there was anything I could help with for the dinner. Anna: Thanks, but I can handle everything, I do this every year. Besides, I need to stay occupied, I've got a lot on my mind. Yvette: You've seemed really stressed the past few weeks. Anna: I've just been scrambling to finalize the plans for the spring collection and that's always very stressful. Yvette: But I've never seen you this stressed before in all the years you've handled the seasonal collections. I understand this whole situation with Cassandra and finding out that Dad was married to her has been a burden, maybe you need some time off from work to heal. Anna: Work keeps me going, if I'm not working, then I get even more depressed. Yvette: I'm used to seeing you so upbeat around the holiday time, it's odd seeing you so down. Anna: Well, things don't stay the same all the time. Yvette: And to think, I started this whole mess because I thought Cassandra could help me finance a shopping mall. I really am sorry, I should have used better judgment. Anna: We're past that now, I'm not angry at you. I'm angry at your Father's lies. And besides, I'm sort of glad I found out, secrets like that should never stay hidden. Yvette: It's more disbelief for me. I just wish there was chance to ask him why he did what he did. I guess we'll be wondering forever. Anna has flashback of when Andrew showing up at the door. Yvette: Mom, are you all right? Anna: What? Oh, yes, I'm fine. Yvette: You seemed to be in another world for a second there. Anna: Just lost in thoughts again. Yvette: You're going to get through this, Mom. It won't be easy, but you're strong and I know you can do it. Anna: That's easier said than done. Anna sits down and looks pensively out the window. ____________________________________________________________________________________ At a bar outside town, Andrew is having a beer when Aaron walks in. Aaron: I don't get this at all, I thought you had left town weeks ago and then you call me and tell me to meet you here. Andrew: Obviously, I changed my plans. Aaron: So is it truth telling time? Andrew: Already done. Aaron: And? Andrew: Anna wants nothing to do with me. Aaron: But at least the truth is out and perhaps she'll forgive you in time. Andrew: I don't know if she should. First off, I lied about my first marriage and that turned her life upside down and then I come back alive, years after letting her grieve. Aaron: I told you a long time ago that you should have contacted Anna, you were able to get in touch with me after the Philippine Military rescued you from the ocean, you could have reached your wife too. Andrew: You know I didn't want to go back in the condition I was in. Aaron: And in the end, that pride cost you a lot. Andrew: It hasn't cost me anything, I'm going to fight for my marriage and my family. Aaron: You've got a lot to sort out, including fixing things with the son you haven't seen since he was an infant. Andrew: I've fought my way through tougher situations. Aaron: Man, I would not want to be in your shoes right now. Andrew: My family is the most important thing to me, so I'm willing to endure whatever I have too in order get things back on track. Aaron: I'm glad you finally decided to face the music. Andrew: I never thought my little brother would be the one to talk sense into me. Aaron: I suppose stranger things have happened before. So how do you plan on fixing this? It's not going to be easy. Andrew: I've come up with a plan, I don't know if it will work, but it's worth a try. _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ At a rehab facility, Jim is playing solitare, when the rehab director approaches him. Director: Jim, you have a telephone call? Jim: Who is it? Director: Your wife. You can take it in the office. Jim: Thanks. Jim goes to the office and takes the call. Jim: Hello? Lynette: Jim, you sound a lot better than you did when we last talked. Jim: I'm making a bit of progress. Lynette: I'm thrilled to hear that. The kids ask about you all the time, they miss you. Jim: I miss them too. Lynette: I was calling because your lawyer dropped off the final divorce papers and said that you requested that things still be expedited. Jim: Yes, I did request that. Lynette: I just wanted to call you and make sure that this wasn't going to effect your progress, a divorce is painful on it's own, but during rehab? Are you sure you don't want to wait to do this after you've finished the program? Jim: I appreciate your concern, but having this over quickly is what is best. Lynette: I do agree with that, but I don't want anything to jeopardize your progress. Jim: If anything, it's helping me further ahead. If I'm going to get better, I have to let go of all the anger and regrets I have inside me. My counselor and I have talked here and she agrees that in my case, this is what I have to do. Lynette: You seem to know what you are doing. Jim: I'm getting a lot of my good judgment back, something that I lost a long time ago. Lynette: I know I keep apologizing, but- Jim: Don't, we both made mistakes and casting blame now is pointless. We had a good thing for awhile, but now it's over and I've got to accept that. Lynette: I still feel bad though. Jim: Another reason why I'm doing this is because I care about you enough to let go. I know how that shrink feels about you and you seem pretty hung up on him, I can't stand in the way of that. Lynette: You're being far more decent to me than you should be. I know how hard this is. Jim: It certainly is hard, but like I said, it's the right thing. Lynette: I'm pulling for you. Jim: Thank you, that means a lot. I better get off the phone now, don't want to tie up the office for too long. Lynette: Take care. They hang up. _________________________________ ___________________________________ At Lightner in Detroit, a woman walks into George's office looking for him, but finds Cassandra. Cassandra: Can I help you? Woman: I'm looking for George Lightner. Cassandra: He's not in right now, but perhaps I can help you. I'm Cassandra Lightner, Co-CEO. Woman: Pleased to meet you. Anyway, I've been trying to get ahold of George for days, so could you please tell him to get in touch with me, my name is Teri, I'll write down my number. Teri writes down the number on a piece of paper. Cassandra: If this is about a business matter, I might be able to resolve it. Teri: It's not business. Cassandra: Okay, well I will tell him you were here. Teri: Thank you, I appreciate that. It's very important. Teri leaves. Cassandra wonders what could be going on with George. _______________________________________________________________________________________ Later on, at the Phelps House, John and his sons Den and Harry are at in his office discussing the family business. John: Now that I've both of you here for Thanksgiving, we should talk about Phelps Motors. Den: Are you coming back from your leave of absence? John: Actually, I'm not coming back. Harry: What? Why? John: Although I enjoy selling cars, my first love is corporate law and working on the situation on M.I. made me realize just how much I missed it. The SEC liked my work and they offered me a job. Den: Is it in DC? John: No, it's in Detroit, so I won't have to move. Harry: Congratulations. Den: Yeah, I can see why the SEC would want you on their team. John: Thank you. But all that aside, we need to figure out what the structure will be at Phelps Motors from now on. Now, Den, you've been running things since my leave of absence, so I'd like you to be in charge and I'd like your brother to assist you. Den: Sounds fine to me. John: Harry, what do you think? Harry: No complaints here. John: And I do want to keep a position open for your sister. I know she's in Europe modeling, but sometimes those jobs can dry up and I want her to have something to fall back on. Den: Teri's such a rebel, I doubt she'd take that even if all her gigs dried up. John: Nevertheless, I'm leaving a door open for her. Harry: Didn't she say she was coming for Thanksgiving? John: She said she'd try to make it and you know with her, you can never tell what she's going to do. _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ Back at the McGregor Mansion, Alma is arriving she and Alma's Aunt, Martha. Alma: Anna, look who I found at the airport. Anna comes downstairs. Anna: What's going on? Anna pauses when she sees Martha. Anna: Aunt Martha? Martha: It's me. Anna: Why didn't you tell anyone you were coming? Martha: No point, I just get up and go. And besides, it was an excuse for me to visit so we could talk about that whole mess about your husband. Anna: We talked about that on the phone weeks ago Martha: It's not the same as talking in person, this kind of thing requires a face to face talk. Anna: I'm so talked out about it. Martha: We still need to talk, there's something else I've got to say to you. Alma, could you give us a minute. Alma: Sure, I'll just go make some tea for us while you talk. Alma goes to the kitchen. Anna: I don't know what else that could possibly be said about the situation. Martha: You could try forgiving your husband and letting go of all the angry. Anna: I'm not angry, I'm hurt. Martha: Sure, he made a mistake, but you've got a good husband and you can't let him slip away. Anna: What are you talking about slip away? Andrew died a long time ago. Martha: Don't try to pull that on me, I know he's not dead. Anna: What? Martha: Unless I was dreaming, Andrew called me and begged me to help him get your forgiveness. Anna: Oh, I cannot believe he would involve you. Martha: He did it because I'm the only person who can talk sense into you sometimes. Anna: I've got plenty of sense. You might be like a mother to me and everything, but that doesn't mean you can pass judgment on my decisions. Martha: Look, I'm not saying you have to just forget about what he did, but you had a good life with him and had children, I just don't want you to throw away your second chance without at least thinking about it. Anna: The man didn't even have the decency to tell me he was alive right away, he waited years. Plus, there's the other thing about our invalid marriage. Martha: You remember back at the funeral how upset you were and you wished you had another chance to say a lot of things you never got to say to Andrew? This is your chance. Anna: Don't you think there's a part of me that just wants to take him back and live the life we had? It can't happen though, there are too many issues. Martha: At least give him a chance to try and make up for it. Anna: Maybe I can in time, but not now. Martha: If it's one thing I learned in my life, there are times that you can't waste time, you have to grab opportunity and work out the kinks later. Anna: Where is Andrew? Martha: He's still in town, I've got the number and address of where he's staying. Anna: I'll probably regret it, but let me have the number. _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________

#82 Monday, November 24th (BONUS EPISODE) At the hospital, Lynette is sitting in the waiting room resting when her cell phone vibrates. She goes outside to answer it. Lynette: (into phone) Hello? Greg: I just called to see how you were doing this morning. Lynette: Not good at all. Greg: What's wrong? Lynette: Jim had a heart attack. Greg: That's awful, is he going to be all right? Lynette: The doctors say he should be, but he's still not awake yet. Greg: That's good, the paramedics must of gotten him here quickly. Lynette: I've been up all night, the stress has just drained me. Greg: Is anyone there with you? Lynette: My mom was here earlier and is coming back later. Greg: Right now, words cannot describe how bad I feel about all of this. Lynette: The blame lies squarly with me, it was my lying that caused the problem. Greg: Still, I had an affair with a married woman and now her husband has had a heart attack, that sort of makes me feel terrible. Lynette: I understand, but the fact still remains, it was up to me to be truthful and I didn't do that. Eleanor comes outside. Eleanor: Lynette? Lynette: I've got to go, talk to you later (hangs up) What's wrong? Eleanor: The doctor said Jim is awake. Lynette: That's wonderful. Eleanor: She said he's asking for you. Lynette: Well, I better get in there. Lynette hurries back inside. ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ Anna stands in disbelief, seeing Andrew at the door. Anna: This can't be real. Andrew: It's me. Anna: Andrew? How? Andrew: It's a long story Anna: There has to be some explaination, this can't be happening. Andrew: I didn't even know how to tell you, because I knew it would be so unbelievable. Anna: My husband died in a plane crash years ago. Is this some sort of hoax? Andrew: I survived. It's not a hoax and I can prove it. Andrew takes a tattered old photograph of him and Anna from his wallet and hands it to Anna. Andrew: Turn it over. The photo has Anna's handwriting on the back, dated 1968. Andrew: That is a photo that I always carried in my wallet, nobody else would have that. Anna: I remember this, it was the only one in a set I had, the photographer made a mistake and didn't make duplicates. You liked it so much, you wanted it for your wallet. Andrew: So now you believe it? Anna: I've got to sit down. Andrew helps Anna to the couch. Andrew: I know this is all a terrible shock. Anna: You have no idea. Andrew: It took me a long time to figure out how I was going to do this. Anna: I have so many questions, I don't know where to start. Anna looks at Andrew again in disbelief. _______________________________________________________________________________________ Lynette comes into Jim's hospital room. Lynette: Jim? Jim: (weakly) Lynette. Lynette: It's me, I'm here. Jim: What happened? Lynette: You had a heart attack. Jim: A heart attack? Lynette: It's all right now, the doctor says you are going to be fine. Jim: How are the kids? Are they all right? Lynette: My aunt Alma has them. I've been here at the hospital all night, your parents are here too. Jim: My head is killing me. Lynette: You probably just need to rest and not try to talk. Jim: I haven't had a headache like this since-- , Don't tell me I was drinking? Lynette: Don't get yourself all worked up. Jim: I was, wasn't I? Lynette: We don't need to talk about that now. Jim: All I remember is that I was so angry about what you did and---, I don't even know why I wanted you in here, after everything that has happened. Lynette: Please, let's not get into that now. Jim: I was sober for so many years, I thought I had it kicked. Lynette: And you will beat it again, it's just a matter of time. Jim: A divorce and rehab, now those are some things to look forward to. Lynette: Like I said, let's not think about all that now, you need rest. Jim: I feel like the biggest idiot in the world right now. All those years of sobriety, gone. Lynette pats Jim's hand. _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Andrew is explaining everything to Anna. Anna: So you've been alive all this time and didn't tell anyone? Andrew: I was in such terrible shape, I didn't want to come back and be a burden. Anna: It wouldn't have been a burden, you're my husband. It certainly would have been better than letting your family grieve. Andrew: It's complicated Anna: What finally made you come back? Andrew: I heard you lost the company and I had to step in. Aaron acted as my proxy. Anna: Aaron, I knew it was strange that he just showed up out of the blue. Andrew: He also helped get me back to health and sort of convinced me I needed to come home. Anna: You needed convincing? How could you not want to come back to your family? Andrew: After the whole thing with Cassandra came out, I knew you would be very upset about it. I wanted to make up for it in some way, but not face the possibility of you not forgiving me, that's why I had Aaron act as my proxy. Anna: Don't even get me started on Cassandra. Andrew: There were so many times I wanted to tell you. Anna: Of course, but it always just slipped your mind, right? Andrew: I made a mistake when I was young and I didn't know how to rectify it. Anna: Well, that mistake meant that our marriage was never valid. Andrew: We could fix that. Anna: It's not that easy, Andrew. Andrew: You know that I love you, so why can't we get through this together? I know I don't really deserve forgiveness, but I really am sorry. Anna: You haven't been back in an hour, I've barely had time to process the fact that you are alive. Andrew: You're right, I'm moving to quickly. Anna: I can't deal with all of this. Andrew: What are you saying? Anna: I'm saying that things just cannot go back to the way they were. Andrew: Please, I know you're angry, but-- Anna: You should have just stayed wherever you were at. Andrew: What? Anna: I had a hard time with finding out your were already married when you married me, but I'm having a harder believing that you would let me grieve over you for years and not let me know you were alive. How could you do that? Andrew: I'm back now, I'm not going to hurt you again, I promise. Anna: You've already done enough damage. Just go. Andrew looks sad and slowly walks out. Anna breaks down crying.

#81 Monday, November 24th Aaron comes back to the clinic where Andrew is at Andrew: I saw the press conference on TV, Anna did a great job. Aaron: Yes, she did. Andrew is packing a suitcase. Aaron: You're really going to leave without telling your family the truth? Andrew: I did what I came here to do, now it's done. Aaron: I know I can't tell you what to do, but I think you know better than this. Andrew: It's the right decision. Aaron: You're afraid to face the truth. Andrew: I'm not afraid, I just don't want to turn lives upside-down. Aaron: We all make mistakes and we've all got to face them. Andrew: This isn't something selfish for me. Aaron: Yes it is. You don't want to tell the truth because you are afraid your family won't forgive me. Andrew: You're not in my position. Aaron: You're right, because if I was in your shoes, I would have already told the truth by now. Andrew: Please, try to understand my side of this. Aaron: I can't understand it, but it's your choice and you have to live with it. Andrew: I've got to get to the airport soon, my flight leaves in a couple of hours. Aaron: I'll call the car. Andrew looks conflicted, unsure if leaving is what he really wants. ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ Cassandra's lawyer, Cenk arrives to discuss Cassandra's case at the jail. Cenk: We've got a lot to work on. Cassandra: That's what I was afraid of. Cenk: Good news is, I was able to swing bail for you, you'll be out shortly Cassandra: Thank goodness, I couldn't tolerate spending the night in this dreadful jail. Cenk: Reviewing the charges, these are some pretty heavy allegations. Cassandra: I realize that, I just want to avoid jail. I'll even pay a fine. Cenk: Well, the feds are always looking to make an example of someone, you never know how much time you'll get. Cassandra: Give me an estimate. Cenk: 5-10 years. Cassandra: Good grief. I can't go to prison. Cenk: We could cut a deal. Cassandra: What? Cenk: You pay back everyone that lost money in the savings and loan. Cassandra: I can do that, my resources are enormous. Cenk: It's not a sure thing, though. The US attorney still might decide to prosecute. Cassandra: So I could still be doomed? Cenk: We'll see what happens. Keep relatively quiet, no statements to the media. Cassandra: Sounds fine to me. Cenk: I'll be speaking with you again soon. Cenk leaves. _________________________________________________________________________ At Number 37, George is at the bar, John Phelps enters and sits at the other end of the bar. George: I bet you're real happy right now. You made it clear you wanted to embarrass my company and you got what you wanted. John: You're right, I am happy, I'm always happy when one of my investigations is successful. I can't take all the credit though, your mother had a lot to do with it. George: That's low, it's really low. John: It's not like it isn't true. George: You are pathetic, you make a career out of shaming people. John: No, I try to keep them honest. And people like you, I don't like, you think you are above the law. George: You can't call me dishonest, I didn't know anything about the fake documents. John: It's still pretty laughable that you didn't have a clue what was going on in your own company. George: Laugh all you want, but I'm still going to break into retail and compete with your friends, the McGregors. John: You talk about the McGregors like you aren't one. George: I'm not one in the same sense as the others are. George gets up to leave. John: Whatever that means. (sarcastically) You have a good day and stay clear of the SEC. George leaves the bar. ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ Lynette is still crying as Anna hugs her. Lynette: I feel like this is my fault. Anna: Blaming yourself won't do any good now. Lynette: None of this would have happened if I was just honest with him, he would have never started drinking or taking those pills. Anna: It's all so awful. Lynette: I handled things in the worst way possible. Anna: Right now, you need to focus on Jim's recovery, he's going to need all the strength he can get. Lynette: I'm so scared right now. Lynette looks over and sees Elliot and Eleanor sitting on the other side of the lobby, they looked very stressed. Just then, Dr. Claiborne returns to the lobby. Leslie: Well, I have good news. Lynette: That's fantastic. Eleanor: You mean Jim's going to be all right? Leslie: It looks like he will. We got him to the OR just in time, we did an angioplasty. Eleanor: Do you know if there will be any permanent damage? Leslie: In most cases like this I've worked on, the patient has a good recovery rate. We're keeping him on clot busting drugs just in case anything else happens, other than that, I don't think we have to worry. Elliot: Thank god, he's going to be all right. Leslie: He won't be conscious for quite awhile, but you can see him if you like. Eleanor: Thank you very much, Dr. Claiborne. Leslie goes back to the ER. Lynette: He's going to be all right. Anna: That's why it's good to have faith, it can move mountains. Lynette: It really does. Anna: I'm so relieved right now. Lynette: You've been here with me all night, you need to get some rest. Anna: I don't want to leave you here. Lynette: We know Jim is all right now, so I'll be fine here. You can come back later. Anna: I could use a bite to eat and a quick nap, so I'll go home and do that, but I'll come back later. Lynette: That's fine. Anna: Call me if there are any new developments. Lynette: I will. Anna leaves. Lynette goes over to Eleanor and Elliot. Lynette: I know you don't want to speak to me right now, but now that we know Jim is okay, I was hoping that we can all at least try to pull together to help him when it's time for him to start recovery. I know you're upset with me, but just for Jim's sake, I'm asking you this. Eleanor: Whatever is best for my son's recovery, I'll do it. Lynette looks sad, thinking about the entire situation. A montage of scenes of the characters lamenting their troubles begins, as Faith Hill's Cry plays in the background. We see Andrew riding in a towncar to the airport and again look at a picture his family, still conflicted. At the hospital, Lynette walks into Jim's room. She stands by his bed side and sighs deeply. At the McGregor Estate, Anna is in the den having a cup of tea. She looks over at the mantle and sees a picture of her and Andrew. Anna shakes her head, thinking of Andrew's deception. She prepares to go up stairs, when the doorbell rings. She goes to answer and finds Andrew on the other side. A look of shock comes over her face. _________________________________________________________________________________________

Thanks for the comment. I'm not a fan of jumping ahead either, so this will be the only time I do it. I'm going to post a couple of episodes today that deal with where the story last left off, then on Wednesday's episode the timeline will shift.

Varied Lives (formerly Novi) will be returning from hiatus to gear up for an extended length Thanksgiving episode. "As soaps have traditionally had holiday episodes, I've decided to do one for Varied Lives and really use it to advance some of the storylines further and introduce the next elements. The timeline will be moving forward just a bit to adjust for the hiatus and the lack of episodes I posted, but everything will be in order in terms of continuity and story consistency, all your favorite plots will still make sense." The head writer also spilled these tidbits: Anna's traditional family Thanksgiving celebration will get quite a surprise and some of the McGregors will not be happy about it. As long promised, the rest of the Phelps Family will be introduced, on Wednesday the 26th. John's daughter, Teri comes to town for the holiday, but she has a surprise connection to some already in town. The holiday doesn't make Leigh and Norm take a break from their scheme, look for them to put the final element of their plan against Edmund in place. What happens will really advance this storyline in a big way. Plus, there are a couple of other surprises, but you'll have to wait and read. "Readers will not be disappointed" said the Head Writer. Casting News: Varied Lives will have a special guest star on Nov. 26, 27 and 28th.

I'm thrilled that S.T.E.A.M is back and this was a great season opener. Loved the scenes with Sister Patterson finding out about Mona, can't wait to see what happens next in that story.

Jim is rushed into the hospital. Dr. Leslie Claiborne rushes over to check him out as the paramedics wheel him in. Leslie: What have we got? Paramedic: Heart attack. Leslie: Get him to the OR, stat! Lynette runs in as the the paramedics wheel Jim into the ER. Lynette: Dr. Claiborne, is he going to be all right? Leslie: It's too early tell. Leslie goes into the ER. _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ Later on, Anna is back at McGregor, triumphant in her victory. Anna: I got the company back. John: You certainly did. Yvette: It's nice to have this company back in the right hands. Roberta: I'm just glad we got ahold of that information when we did. Anna: Thanks to Aaron. Aaron: This company is my family's legacy, I helped out. Anna: We couldn't have done it without you. And John, thank you, you bought me enough time. John: That's what I do, no problem. Anna: Well, celebration can only last so long. We've got to get back to business, we have several new stores opening and we need everyone's best effort. Yvette: My marketing strategy is ready to go, so we are good in that area. Anna: That's great. In light of what has happened, I want to hold a fresh shareholders vote and nominate Aaron and Roberta as members of the board. Aaron: No, I didn't do this for reward, I just did it because it was the right thing to do. Roberta: Neither did I, Andrew was a good friend and client. Anna: Never turn down a reward, that's what I always say. Besides, we need smart people in this company. Aaron: I'll give it some thought. Anna: How about you, Roberta? Roberta: I'm game, it's been awhile sense I was in the corporate sector, I'm ready to come back. Anna: Good, it's settled. And Aaron, I do hope you will consider my offer. Aaron: I will. The phone rings and Anna answers it. Anna: (into phone) Hello? Lynette: Mom, it's me. Anna: What's wrong, you sound upset? Lynette: It's Jim, he's in the hospital, he's had a heart attack. Anna: Oh, no. How bad is it? Lynette: I don't know, they rushed him to surgery. Anna: I'll be there soon. (hangs up) That was Lynette, her husband Jim has had a heart attack. I've got to go. Anna prepares to leave. Yvette: I'll drive you. Anna: Thanks. Anna and Yvette leave. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ At the hospital, Elliot and Eleanor have arrived. Eleanor: What could have happened? Lynette: He had a heart attack Eleanor: I don't understand. Elliot: I don't either. Lynette: He was so upset. Eleanor: I thought he was in such good help, what could have caused that? Elliot: There must be something else to it. Lynette: (hesitant) He had been drinking and I think he was on something else too. Elliot: What? Eleanor: Oh, my god, no. Lynette: I feel so responsible right now. Eleanor: You should, you caused this whole mess in the first place. Elliot: Please, calm down, dear. This isn't the time. Eleanor: I can't believe this is happening. Dr. Claiborne comes out of the ER. Lynette: Dr. Claiborne, these are Jim's parents, Eleanor and Elliot Craig. Leslie: Pleased to meet you. Your son's condition is very stable right now, he's had a heart attack, but was wheeled in at just the right time. Plus, he had extremely high levels of valium in his system. Elliot: Valium? Eleanor: What? I didn't even know he took that. Leslie: It seems have had an effect on his condition, he's not conscious right now. Eleanor: Is there anything you can do? Leslie: We had him in surgery for awhile now, all we can do is wait. Eleanor: Does he have a chance of pulling through? Leslie: He has a very good chance, my concern is what damage the valium may have done. I've got to get back, but I will update you when I know something new. Elliot: Thank you, Doctor. Anna and Yvette walk in. Lynette: Mom, I'm so glad you're here. Anna: When did this happen? Lynette: Earlier. Anna: Elliot, Eleanor, I am so sorry. Yvette: So I am, I hope Jim is all right. Elliot: Thank you. Lynette turns to Eleanor Lynette: Mrs. Craig, I--- Eleanor: Don't talk to me right now. ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ At the jail, Cassandra is in a holding cell, George is with her. George: I don't get it, I really don't. We had this sowed up, but you had to destroy it. Cassandra: I had to do something, the shareholders would not have been convinced with you study. It had to be solid. George: It was all lies, lies. The only way we were going to win is to do it all legal, it was the only way. Cassandra: If I had just hidden that disc better, this wouldn't have happened. George: You don't get it, you shouldn't have done it in the first place. Cassandra: I just wanted you to have what should be yours. George: I've called you a lawyer, he's well known in Novi and he should be able to get you off light. Cassandra: I apologize for this turning out like it did. George: Don't do that. Just worry about yourself and these charges you are up on. I've got to go back to Lightner and explain to our shareholders how this mess happened. Cassandra: Is everything going to be okay? George: I'll find a way to fix it. George leaves. ______________________________________________________________________________ Carol returns to her office Donahue Headquarters, dissapointed. Trish walks in. Carol: I bet your glad right now, since you seemed to feel so sorry for the McGregor. Trish: I'm glad they got the company back, I'm not glad that you ended up in a bad deal though. Carol: It looked so good, I thought it would work. Trish: Can't say I never thought the whole thing wasn't trouble. Carol: It was a good deal, but it ended up going the wrong way. Trish: You're lucky you didn't get caught up in the dragnet, you could have easily been brought down too. Carol: I'm on the up and up, Donahue is a clean corporation. Trish: Sometimes in these things, the SEC just doesn't care and everybody gets in trouble. Carol: What's done is done, nothing lost, nothing gained. Trish: Something to be thankful for. Carol: I suppose all that time I spent working that deal, I could have spent helping you plan your wedding. How is it coming? Trish: Henry and I still haven't set a date yet. Carol: What's the hold up? Trish: There is none, we just haven't decided yet. And if you say one word about Joseph, I'm leaving. Carol: Who said I was going to talk about Joseph? Trish: I know you, you were going say I'm still pining away for him. Carol: I was not going to say that. Trish: Yeah, right. Carol: Okay, okay, you caught me. It just seems a little odd that you keep putting things off, Henry's a great guy and it seems like you would be jumping at the chance to get married. Trish: I'm not listening. Trish walks out. _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________

#79 Wednesday, August 20th The next morning, Anna, John and the McGregor board of directors are meeting with an SEC official. Anna: And everything there is solid enough for you. Official: It's clear enough for us and the US attorney seems to be on board. Roberta: After reviewing everything this morning, There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that something fraudulent happened. I haven't seen anything like this in years. John: Then we have a case. Anna: Cassandra, buckle your seat belt. _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Lynette comes to she and Jim's house, looking for Jim. She finds him in the kitchen. Lynette: You've been drinking again. Jim: What? Don't come into my house accusing me of anything. Lynette: The bank called me, I've got the statement. Jim: So you caught me? It's my life. Lynette: You practically drained the checking account. Jim: I'm not having this conversation with you. Lynette: I'm not going to stand by while you destroy yourself. Jim: Why would you even care? You have Greg. Lynette: You're the father of my children, they need you. Jim: I needed something to clear my mind. Lynette: I realize I caused you a lot of pain, but please think of the children. Jim: You are not one who can tell anyone about being unselfish. Lynette: I'm not trying to lecture you, I'm trying to keep you from ruining your life. Jim: I'm giving you a divorce, now leave me alone. Lynette: Regardless of that, I still care about you. Our marriage might be over, but it doesn't mean you aren't important to me in some way. Jim: I can stop drinking any time I want. Lynette: That's what all alcoholics say, none of them can control it though. Jim: Not everyone is like me. Lynette: You couldn't have possibly spent all that money on alcohol the past couple of days, what else were you doing? Jim: Nothing. Lynette: There's something else going on, it's not just the drinking, is it? Jim: Leave me be. Lynette: Just answer me. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ At Lightner, a live press conference is about to get underway. George, Cassandra and Carol are all there. George: With that injunction in place, we need to insure all our stockholders that we are going to be stable. Carol: Precisely, we can't afford our stocks to fall. Cassandra: Let's hope so. Meanwhile, outside Lightner, Anna's limousine is pulling up in front of Lightner's headquarters. Anna and John all get out and walk into the lobby to the reception desk. Receptionist: Can I help you? Anna: We need to speak with Mr. Lightner. Receptionist: He's not available right now. Anna: It's urgent. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Edmund is at Leigh's apartment. Leigh: Edmund, it's nice that you stopped by. Edmund: Yeah, I had a little time before I have to go into work. Leigh: Would you like some coffee? Edmund: No thanks. Leigh: Did you want to talk about something? Edmund: Yes, this whole change of heart you've had. Leigh: I've already explained, I'm doing what's best for the children. Edmund: As much as I want to believe that, it's hard for me to do so. Just a couple of months ago you were bent on getting full custody and making me out to be the bad guy. Leigh: I simply saw the error of my ways. Edmund: You've always got something up your sleeve, you never give up. Leigh: I should have known it would go this way, I try to reach out and you come out swinging. Edmund: Look, I'm not trying to argue, I just want you to be honest. Do you have something up your sleeve? Leigh: No, I don't. Edmund: It's just that it doesn't make any sense. Leigh: Maybe not to a person like you who is so combative. Edmund: You know what, for the boys' sake, I'm going to give you the benefit of the doubt. Leigh: Thank you. Edmund: But remember, I'm not letting my guard down. Leigh: There you go again. Edmund: Please, I'm not trying to argue, I'm just making sure we are clear on everything. Leigh: Sure. Edmund leaves. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ The press conference at Lightner is starting. George is at the microphone. George: This press conference is to answer anyone's questions about the takeover and how the injunction could effect shareholders. Anyone holding stock in this company should rest assured that their interest are protected. Just then, Anna walks into the press room. Anna: You sure about that? Cassandra: What are you doing here? Anna: Since this is press conference is for airing out everything, let's really shake out the details. Cassandra: This is a nationally televised event, are you really going to make a spectcle of yourself right now. Anna: Of course not, I've got proof. Carol: I knew you were desperate, Anna, but I never knew you were willing to make a fool of yourself. Anna: If I were you, I'd be quiet until I heard the whole truth. George: Mrs. McGregor, we have throughly discussed this takeover and--- Anna: We haven't discussed what I have. George: All right, let's hear it. Cassandra: What are you doing? George: Letting her talk, I'm sure whatever she has is nonsense. Could someone please hand Mrs. McGregor a microphone? A technician hands Anna a microphone. Anna: Thanks. It has come to my attention that the deal that Lightner Corp. made to take over my company was based on fraudulent information. Cassandra: That is a lie. Anna: Would you kindly let me talk? If you have done nothing wrong, then you have absolutely nothing to worry about. Anyway, I have uncovered evidence that the shareholder responsible for this vote passed off a study full of fraudulent figures and data in order negatively influence other shareholders. George: Excuse me, but that study was very well put together, I saw the final draft. Anna: Apparently, there were two different drafts of this study, one for the shareholders and one to throw off the current board of McGregor. Copies of both reports can be obtained from my litigator, Mr. John Phelps. These files were obtained from a disc that was mistakenly included with files on the takeover that Mr. Lightner made available to our attorneys. Anna points to John who is standing by the door holding copies. George: I want to see this. John: Be my guest. John gives George a copy and proceeds to hand copies to interested members of the press. George: I don't know what you are trying to pull, but this is not the study that I approved. Anna: Really? Several shareholders have said this is the study they were given. George: This can't be right. Anna: It is. It's not surprising that fake documents would be used, since Mr. Sterling Hart has worked with Mrs. Lightner in the past and forged documents to save them from prosecution. George: Mother, what is she talking about? Cassandra: This is libelous, it's all untrue. Anna: Can you deny that Mr. Hart was your associate at Silver Hills Savings and Loan? Cassandra: We both worked there at the same time. Anna: It doesn't take much to draw the conclusion that they were colluding together to take this company by any means. George: You didn't tell me you knew Sterling, Mother. Cassandra: I didn't think it was important. Carol: How do we know any of this is true? Mrs. McGregor is desperate to hold on to her company. Anna: Everything I've said has been verified by the SEC. Plus, we have someone here to substantiate our findings. Mr. Hart? Sterling walks in and Anna hands him the microphone. Anna: Mr. Hart is here and can verify everything. Sterling: Mrs. Lightner came to me and asked if I could create a report that gave a negative futures report about McGregor's new stores. When it turned out that the stores would be a success, we fabricated everything. George: Are you serious? Sterling: Yes. Cassandra: That man is lying. Sterling: It's also true that I helped Mrs. Lightner save several assets of her and other promienant associates when the savings and loan collapsed all those years ago. Sterling hands Anna the microphone back. He gets ready to walk out when Cassandra stops him. Cassandra: How could you do that? Sterling: The SEC cut a deal with me to avoid jail time if I talked. At this point, I had nothing to lose coming here. Cassandra: You rat. Sterling: I look out for number one. Sterling leaves. Anna: In conclusion, I think the evidence clearly shows that the takeover was a fraud and that I am still the rightful owner of McGregor. Just then, two federal agents walk in. Cassandra: What is this? Federal Agent: Cassandra Lightner, you are under arrest for securities fraud. The agent proceeds to handcuff Cassandra. Flashbulbs from the press photographers go off rapidly. Cassandra: This is all absurd. George: Mother, what have you done? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ Back at Jim and Lynette's house Lynette: Please, just answer me. Jim: I just want to be left alone. Lynette: Fine, but until you clean yourself up, I'm afraid I can't let you see the kids. Jim: What? You can't take them away from me, they are the only thing that I have left in my life. Lynette: I'm not taking them away from you forever, but you know it's not good for them to be around you in this condition. Jim: I guess you haven't hurt me enough, well I-- Jim stops talking mid-sentence and clutches his chest, then collapses to the floor. Lynette: Oh, my god, Jim! Lynette runs over to Jim, then pulls out her cell and dials emergency.

#78 Monday, August 18th Sterling is in his hotel room, when there's a knock at the door. He answers it and Cassandra walks in. Sterling: What's wrong? Cassandra: We've got trouble. Sterling: What kind of trouble? Cassandra: I think one of the original discs with the real study on it may have went out with some papers to John Phelps. Sterling: What?! Cassandra: Calm down. Sterling: Calm down? How could you let this happen? Cassandra: I'm saying stay calm because I'm not for sure that's what happened. Sterling: We're in big trouble if he sees the date the study was really written, if he shows the SEC we're toast. Cassandra: I know that. We've got to find a way to get it back. Sterling: I have no idea how to do that. Cassandra: Well, think of something. If I go down, you go down. Sterling: That's right, crap. Cassandra: If you have any bright ideas, call me. I'll be brainstorming too. Cassandra leaves. _________________________________________________________ John, Anna and Aaron are at McGregor going over the files that Lightner handed over to them about the takeover. John: There's nothing else here. Anna: If we could find just one slight slip-up to go along with what we've got, we'd be home free. John: This is frustrating, because I feel we are this close. Aaron: The injunction only last for another day now, we've got to find something quick. John: I know, but what? John starts looking through the box of files again, when he feels something hard inside a manila envelope. He reaches inside the envelope and finds a disc. John: Here's something we missed. Aaron: A disc. John: It's not even labeled and it wasn't with the other disc Lightner sent over. Anna: Pop it in. John puts the disc in the PC. The disc loads and an explorer window showing the file on the disc pops up. Aaron: It's a PDF. John: Let's find out what's in this thing. John clicks the PDF and brings up the study. John: It's just the study from Sterling. Anna: I thought we might have been on to something. Aaron: We still might be on to something. Anna: What? Aaron: Look at the date at the top of the page. John: It's different than the date on the one he gave us. Look at this, there are all sorts of bogus figures here, fake pie charts, spreadsheets, this isn't even close to what McGregor's projected outlook would be. Anna: In the study he gave us, everything was just innuendo. John: He didn't want us to see the original, because we could refute it with our own facts. Anna: So he gave us another copy so we could go to court. John: Exactly. Anna: Can we get the company back with this? John: If they tricked the shareholders with fake data, then this takeover is definitely null. ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ Jim walks into the bar in Flint where he first got the Valium. He approaches the woman who sold him the pills. Woman: What are you doing here again? I just gave you something a little while ago. Jim: You only gave me a couple and I need more. Woman: You got the dough? Jim: I got out everything I could out of my bank. Jim pulls out the money. Woman: You look a mess, I don't think you need anymore of this stuff. Jim: Please, please. I've got the money. Woman: I'm in the small time, I only sell a little bit at a time. I don't get into big transactions, because that's where the trouble starts. Jim: This is all the money I've got, it could do you a lot of good. The woman looks around hesitantly and then pulls out a larger bottle of pills. She grabs the money and gives Jim the bottle. Woman: Now get out of here. ___________________________________________________________________ Lynette getting ready to start work at Number 37 when her cell phone rings. Lynette: Hello? Banker: (over phone) This is Oakland County Bank, is this Mrs. Craig? Lynette: This is she. Banker: We are calling to inform you about suspicious activity on your joint account, we tried to reach Mr. Craig as well, but we haven't been able to. Lynette: What's going on? Banker: There have been several transactions on your account at a liquor store and most recently a large cash withdrawal from an ATM. Lynette: I don't know anything about those. Banker: Have you lost your card? Lynette: No, I didn't. Banker: Well, the account has been frozen for security. Lynette: Thank you, I'll try and get to the bottom of this. Lynette hangs up and a look of fear comes over her face realizing that Jim probably made transactions.

Thanks for reading and I'm glad you liked the episode. I changed the name of the blog, because I wanted a title that had more of a soap opera like feel to it.

Jodie's death scene was written very well. Also, I can't wait to see what happens now that Rufus and Sharan have escaped.

Good casting choice for Ria's mother. Very good episode all around.

#77 Friday, July 18th Aaron walks up to the front door of the McGregor Estate. He rings the doorbell and Anna answers. Anna: Aaron McGregor, I haven't seen you in I don't know how long. Aaron: You do remember me, I'm glad. Anna: Come on in the house, I was just about to sit down to dinner with a friend. Anna brings Aaron into the dining room. Anna: Aaron, This is my friend John Phelps. John, this is Andrew's nephew, Aaron. Aaron: Pleased to meet you. John: Likewise. Aaron: Anna, I spoke with Yvette earlier, I assumed she told you I was in town. Anna: She picked up a lot of the slack for me at work today, so she probably forgot. So what brings you to town? Aaron: Business actually, M.I. to be exact. Anna: I'm guessing you heard about the mess. Aaron: Yes and I'm here to lend my assistance. I know a little about corporations. Anna: I can use all the help I can get. Aaron: I especially though you could use this. Aaron gives Anna a printout of Lightner's record with Sterling. Anna: This is very interesting. John, take a look at that. Anna passes the printout to John. John: This is exactly the sort of thing I needed, a link between Lightner and Sterling Hart. Where did you get this? Aaron: A reliable source. John: This could prove Sterling had the motivation to help Cassandra and George. Aaron: Possibly. Anna: Well, with Sterling Hart's history of assisting hostile takeovers, this should be the proof we need for court. Aaron: I was hoping it would. John: Check this out, it's an old telephone transcript between Cassandra and Sterling. Anna: Let's see that. John: Seems like Sterling phonied up records to keep him and Cassandra from being prosecuted for the savings and loan failure. Aaron: I saw that, but I wasn't sure if it was of any significance. John: Yep, it is. Sterling gave us a study that he claimed caused the shareholders to vote against the board, but no one seems to have viewed it until now. Anna: You think he faked that study? John: It's not out of the realm of plausibility. Anna: How could we prove he did that? John: I don't know. There are some discs with the papers that George handed over for review, but I doubt there's anything incriminating there. _________________________________________________________ Cassandra is in her office at Lightner, looking for something. Cassandra: Where could it be? I know I had it here. George walks in. George: What are you looking for? Cassandra: It's a disc, it has the study we gave the shareholders on it. George: Don't worry, we've got other copies. Cassandra: No, that was my original disc, I needed it for something, George: The study is all the same, it makes no difference what disc it's on. Your disc might have accidently gone out when the courier took some of the files I sent Phelps to show him the takeover was legal. Cassandra: What? That's not good. George: It's no big deal, calm down. Cassandra: This is serious. George: I think it's time you took some time off, you've been acting odd. First, you say you saw Dad and now you're freaking out about a disc. Cassandra: I'm fine. George: Just try to relax then, now is not the time to stress out. George leaves. Cassandra: (thinking) If Phelps sees that disc, this whole deal is finished. ________________________________________ ________________________________________ Jim stops by Lynette's room at the Town and Country Inn. Lynette: Jim, come on in. Jim: I can't stay long, I just wanted to let you know there's been a change in plans for the divorce proceedings. Lynette: What? Jim: I want it over as soon as possible, so I'm having my lawyer expedite things, just wanted to give you notice. Lynette: That's fine. Jim: How are the kids doing? Lynette: They're great. I'm glad they are too young to understand what is going on. Jim: Yeah, I thought the same thing. Lynette looks at Jim, noticing that there's something different about his demeanor. Jim: Why are you looking at me like that? Lynette: I don't know, something seems different about you. Jim: I am about to get divorced, that can change a person's personality. Lynette: No, it's more than that. Jim, thinking that Lynette has sensed that he's been drinking, slowly back away from the door. Jim: I've got to go, I just needed to tell you that. Jim walks away. Lynette has a puzzled expression on her face, not sure why Jim seemed so different.