EPISODE FOUR: THURSDAY, JUNE 24, 2010 (PREVIEWED ON FRIDAY, JUNE 4, 2010)

EPISODE FOUR: THURSDAY, JUNE 24, 2010 (PREVIEWED ON FRIDAY, JUNE 4, 2010)

DIRECT DOWNLOAD LINK: http://yrfanfic.110mb.com/Episode4-6-24-2010.doc (opens a Microsoft Word document)

Scene 1

The morning after the Newman/Baldwin-Fisher pool party, Victor Newman, his significant other Nikki Newman, and their daughter Victoria Newman are in the break room of Newman Enterprises, where Victoria updates her parents on the custody case for her son Reed Hellstrom. “…I had to fill out this huge questionnaire with questions on just about anything you could imagine,” Victoria says, before giving a few examples, “Our family history, details about my marriage to JT and what our current relationship is like, Reed’s medical information -- I felt like I was writing my life story.” “For some stranger to judge,” Nikki adds, with a scowl on her face, “It’s an invasion of privacy, having to submit that kind of information to some outsider.” “It’s utterly ridiculous is what it is, sweetheart,” Victor agrees, “I’m sorry that you’re being put through this, alright?” Victoria pouts. “The worst part is, I had to give them my opinion of JT as a parent,” she admits. “And what did you say?” Nikki inquires. “JT is a good father, I’ve always believed that,” Victoria says with conviction, “And just cause we’re not together anymore, that hasn’t changed.” “But do you think he’ll be so generous with you?” Victor retorts, stunned by Victoria’s answer. He continues: “Of course, he won’t. You know damn well that JT Hellstrom will use every opportunity he can to paint you in a negative light, and sweetheart, sometimes, you have to fight fire with fire, even if you don’t want to. Or you’ll be the only one who ends up getting burned.”

Scene 2

JT Hellstrom is at Crimson Lights Coffee House when he receives a phone call. “Hellstrom here,” JT answers his phone. From the sounds of it, it’s JT’s lawyer, and he doesn’t have good news. “You’ve gotta be kidding me. Today!? I thought we were gonna strategize before I meet with the Guardian Ad Litem… Yeah, I’m sorry to hear that, and I don’t mean to sound insensitive… It just leaves me in a bit of a lurch…. Yeah, no, I understand, Bruce. Thanks. You too.” JT hangs up the phone. He’s angry and disappointed…

Scene 3

Tucker McCall and a young African-American woman wake up together in Tucker’s bed. “Good morning,” the woman says. “Good morning to you,” Tucker repeats, “How’d you sleep?” “Tucker… I think I should get my own room for tonight,” the woman announces abruptly. Tucker rolls over and leans close to her. “Oh yeah? And I think,” he begins, about to kiss her. He looks at the clock on his nightstand and realizes what time it is. “I think I should get ready…” He jumps out of the bed and grabs a robe. He tosses one over to the woman. “Look at the time! I way overslept…,” Tucker complains, “And that’s not like me, especially on today of all days… the day I officially lose controlling interests in Chancellor Industries.”

Scene 4

Malcolm Winters is at the counter of Crimson Lights waiting for coffee. The barista hands him his coffee and he pays for it. Malcolm turns around and almost bumps into his half-brother Neil Winters. “Woah! Neil, hold up!” Malcolm says. Neil plows right by. “I’ve gotta go,” he says, “I’m meeting Katherine. It’s very important.” Neil orders a coffee. “Just chill for a second, man,” Malcolm orders, “I just wanna know how Lily is.” “If my daughter wants to talk to you, that’s her business,” Neil decides. “Look, I’ve been out of town…,” Malcolm informs him, “on a photoshoot.” Neil stops. “Did Lily know that?” Neil inquires. “It came up suddenly,” Malcolm answers. “So the answer is no,” Neil deduces. “See, this is exactly my problem with you, man!” Neil blasts him, “You expect Lily to keep you updated on her life, and yet you don’t do the same.” Malcolm scoffs. “Malcolm, I don’t have time for you right now,” Neil tells him, “See, unlike you, I actually have a real career and I have commitments that I know how to keep.” “Wow, why don’t you tell me how you really feel?” Malcolm says bitterly. Neil gets in Malcolm’s face. “I would love to keep going, but right now, I’m needed elsewhere,” he says. “Well, don’t let me keep you,” Malcolm responds. “I won’t,” Neil says harshly, as he walks off. “We’re not finished here!” Malcolm calls out to Neil. As Neil leaves, Malcolm leans up against the counter to regain his composure.

Scene 5

Tucker sits at his desk and skims through a report when there is a knock on the door. Tucker gets up and answers the door. It’s JT. “JT! What can I do for ya?” Tucker asks, as he motions for JT to go inside. JT holds up a file folder. “I just wanted to drop this off before my meeting for the custody case,” he states. The woman emerges from Tucker’s bedroom, now fully dressed in business attire. “Oh, I’m sorry,” JT apologizes, “I didn’t realize you had company.” “That’s no problem,” Tucker assures him, “Alex, I’d like you to meet Jeffrey Todd Hellstrom, my most promising young executive.” JT is flattered. “‘Promising young executive,’ I like that,” he tells Tucker, before turning to Alex and shaking her hand, “Nice to meet you… Oh, and it’s JT, by the way, not Jeffrey Todd.” “Nice to meet you too,” Alex replies, with a smile. “And JT, this is Miss Alexandra Perez,” Tucker states. “His most promising young attorney,” Alex adds jokingly, “and it’s Alex, by the way…” She giggles.

“You’re an attorney?” JT remarks, surprised, realizing that his need for an attorney may be over. “Brains and beauty, huh?” Tucker points out, “I just transferred her here from the New York office. She’ll be handling some important deals for me.” “Wow, that is great news,” JT replies. “Well, I’m glad that you’re so thrilled to have Alex as part of our team,” Tucker says, “I know I am.” “Yeah, no,” JT isn’t sure what to say, “I mean, that is great news because… I need a lawyer.”

“What happened to Bruce?” Tucker inquires of JT’s original lawyer, also an employee of Tucker’s. “He kind of bailed on me last-minute, JT explains, “Family emergency. His mother had a stroke and he’s gonna be taking care of her, out of town, for a while.” Tucker furrows his eyebrows. “I wasn’t notified,” he announces. “Yeah, I think it just came up so suddenly,” JT says, “I’m sure he’ll call you as soon as he can.” “So you have no one to represent you right now?” Tucker realizes. “No,” JT answers, “and “I’m meeting with the Guardian Ad Litem this afternoon.” Alex catches on immediately. “A custody case,” she states. “Yeah, I have full custody of my son, and my ex-wife is filing a motion against it,” JT informs her.

Tucker turns to Alex. “How about taking care of this for JT?” He suggests. He phrases it in the form of a question, but it’s more of an order. “Sure,” Alex agrees, “I’d be happy to help.” “Alright, we’ll reconvene later,” Tucker says to Alex, “Feel free to use the office… I need to run out for a bit, take care of some things.” “Thanks, Tucker,” JT tells him appreciatively, shaking his hand. Tucker leaves. Alex turns to JT. “Alright, tell me everything I need to know,” she orders.

Scene 6

Victoria opens the fridge in the Newman break room and grabs a bottle of water. “Knock, knock,” Michael announces himself. “Oh, Michael, hi,” Victoria greets him. “If you’re ready, I’d like to get started right away,” Michael tells her. “Yes, of course,” Victoria agrees. “Alright, I’m gonna give you a crash course in how you need to conduct yourself for the next several months of your life. I call it ‘Guardians Ad Litem for Dummies.’”

Scene 7

In Tucker’s office, JT has just given Alex a summary of the custody case and the events leading up to it. “So Victoria Newman is Reed’s mother?” Alex recaps. “Is that gonna be a problem for you?” JT inquires. “No. No, it’s not that,” Alex replies, “I mean, yes, I used to work with Victoria at Newman Enterprises. She was good to me when… forget it.” She almost says ‘when Malcolm died.’ “Look, if you don’t wanna take on the case, I understand,” JT assures her. “No, that’s in the past,” Alex insists, “Since I left Genoa City, I’ve moved on, started over. You are my client now and I will do everything in my power to make sure you retain custody of your son.”

Scene 8a

In the break room of Newman Enterprises, Michael is offering Victoria advice on how to deal with the Guardian Ad Litem. “You return all phone calls promptly,” Michael orders. “Why wouldn’t I?” Victoria replies, as if Michael is stating the obvious. “Always be open, honest, and cooperative,” Michael continues his list, “And treat her professionally…”

Scene 9a

Meanwhile, in Tucker’s office, Alex is also offering JT tips about the Guardian Ad Litem. “I mean, she’s gotta see the danger of having Reed exposed to the Newmans, right?” JT asks his lawyer. Alex issues JT a warning: “Rule Number One: Never assume that the Guardian Ad Litem will favor your point-of-view,” she explains, “Now, often times, she might make you believe that she agrees with your position, but it could just be a trick to make you lower your guard…”

Scene 8b

Michael continues to offer Victoria advice: “Make eye contact as she’s speaking to you. It helps to establish a connection. And make sure you nod too…” “Even when I disagree with her?” Victoria asks. “Especially then!” Michael shouts, “And listen to me very carefully: If you disagree with her, you tell her, ‘I can understand how you might feel that way, but please consider this, as well...’” “So I kiss up to her?” Victoria deduces. “No, you remain calm and rational at all times,” Michael clarifies, “Anything less than that would only hurt your son in the long-run.”

Scene 9b

Alex continues to coach JT. “…You have to be able to remove yourself from the situation, as hard as that may be,” she states. “Think about it from Reed’s viewpoint.” “That’s all I’ve been doing,” JT insists. “Good. But a reminder won’t hurt,” Alex replies, “Always make sure you relate everything you say to what’s in Reed’s best interests, not what’s best for you…” JT nods. “So should I use those exact words: best interests?” JT inquires. “No. It sounds too rehearsed, too prepared,” Alex says definitively, “I mean, you want to speak her ‘language,’ if you know what I mean, without resorting to legalese. Try to sound as natural as you can. But also, still make sure you can provide the Guardian with documented evidence to support your claims.”

Scene 8c

Michael and Victoria continue their conversation in the Newman break room. “Victoria, there is something else I would like to warn you about…,” Michael says gently, “JT will try to make it look like you were never Reed’s primary caregiver.”

“Can he really do that?” a horrified Victoria asks. “You bet he can,” Michael responds, “Now, listen. At the hearing, we can counter that. We talk about your coma and how there were extenuating circumstances -- beyond your control – that kept you from your son when he was younger… But it’s something you need to be prepared for, in the interim.”

Victoria looks sad. “Michael, I’m never gonna get my son back, am I?” she asks tearfully, sounding defeated. “Hey, you can’t lose hope,” Michael says in a comforting voice. He gently grabs Victoria’s arm and looks her right in the eye. “Now, when you show up there, you dry your eyes, you put a smile on your face, and you go in there confident. Just tell yourself: ‘I’m gonna get my son back. I’m gonna get my son back.’ Let me see you practice.” “I’m gonna get my son back,” Victoria states confidently, smiling for the first time. “There you go,” Michael encourages her, “There’s that winning Newman smile… “

Scene 10

Katherine Chancellor Murphy, her “daughter” Jill Abbott, her best friend Nikki Newman, and her good friend/colleague Neil are in the living room of the Chancellor Estate. Neil hugs Katherine. “Katherine, I can’t tell you how happy I am for you,” he tells her. “Thank you, Neil.” Katherine says. Nikki puts a hand on Katherine’s shoulder. “We all are thrilled for you,” Nikki echoes Neil’s sentiment.

Jill holds up her glass. “I’d like to propose a toast,” she begins, “Katherine, to your well-deserved return to Chancellor Industries. It’s nice to have you back where you belong.” They all clink their glasses together.

Katherine and Jill step off to the side for a moment. “That was a very nice toast you gave back there,” Katherine thanks Jill. “That’s how I feel, Mother,” Jill responds, “Chancellor Industries isn’t Chancellor Industries without you there.” Katherine smirks. “I don’t doubt that that’s how you feel, Jill,” she says, “But I also think you’re trying to flatter me… because you want something from me, now that I’m back in charge.” Jill laughs at the thought. “And what do I want, Old Wise One?” she teases. Katherine isn’t being fooled. “I think it’s obvious,” Katherine says with confidence, “Tell me something, Jill. Do you really expect that you’ll be joining me back at Chancellor?”

Scene 11

Victoria continues to ask Michael questions about the Guardian Ad Litem. “So, this woman,” she begins, “Do you know her?” “Hardly,” Michael responds, “I don’t deal with many custody cases, and from what I understand, she’s new.” “Great…,” Victoria replies sarcastically. “But she’s been very professional,” Michael says, sounding hopeful, “in my limited correspondence with her thus far… about your case… And I’m sure she’s good at what she does. Otherwise, she wouldn’t be doing it.” Victoria is still not satisfied. “That isn’t very reassuring,” she pouts, “This woman is deciding my son’s future…”

“What happened to the smiling, confident Victoria I just saw a minute ago?” Michael asks before giving her another piece of advice: “Listen to me. Victoria, I know it isn’t easy to have an outsider poking her nose into your business, but it is absolutely imperative that you work through your negative feelings and resentment because believe me, the impression that you make on the Guardian Ad Litem could have… will have a strong effect on the outcome of your case.”

“Honestly, Michael, I’d feel a lot better if you were there with me,” Victoria admits. “I thought we talked about this before,” Michael reminds her, “If you show up with your lawyer, you look like you’re the party who has something to hide, and you need someone there in case you trip up. Now, if you really want me there, the Guardian can’t object to it, but as I said, in my professional opinion, it’s best if you go it alone. It should only be you, JT, and the Guardian at that meeting.” “Okay,” Victoria takes a deep breath, accepting his explanation. “Hey… Victoria, Michael calls, “Remember, you can do it.”

Scene 12

In the living room of the Chancellor Estate, Katherine and Jill continue their conversation. “Well, now that you mention it, Katherine… Mother, I never realized what a great idea that is,” Jill states. Katherine laughs. “Oh, Jill, Jill, Jill, Jill,” Katherine repeats, “A leopard doesn’t change its spots. No, my dear, you are still as transparent as you have always been.” “For wanting back a job that I excelled at?” Jill begins, “Chancellor needs me, and you know that. You were angry when you fired me. It was a personal decision.” “And how do I know that you won’t betray me again?” Katherine asks. Jill doesn’t want to rehash the past. “Katherine, I’ve told you time and time again I had no idea what Tucker was planning,” she states. “But that didn’t stop you from jumping into bed with him once you knew who he was,” Katherine reminds her. “Tucker may have fooled me once, but not again,” Jill insists, “Think about it for a minute, Katherine,” Jill says, “If Tucker does come after you again, who better to have by your side than the other woman he burned? With the two of us working together, we can prevent him from ever having one iota of control in Chancellor Industries again…”

Scene 13

Michael is standing at the table in the break room, rummaging through files in his brief case. Victor enters the room. Michael glances up. “Hello Victor,” he says, still focused on the contents of his brief case.

“Do you have a minute?” Victor inquires. “For you, two minutes,” Michael replies as he closes his brief case, “Is this about the custody case?” Victor shakes his head. “No, it’s about the other matter we discussed yesterday,” he says, “My daughter and that punk Ryder Callahan. What did you see between them?” Michael considers how to respond. “Well, there was definite flirtation,” he points out, “Um, you may not want to hear this, Victor, but from what I saw, it was initiated by Abby. Ryder was the one not reciprocating.” “Hmmm, interesting,” Victor mumbles. “For the record, I happen to agree with you. Nothing good would come from those two becoming involved… But Ryder is not my brother. I can’t make him stay away from Abby, but if you’d like, I can get Kevin to talk to him and find out if there’s anything more going on.” Victor considers Michael’s offer and then makes a decision. “No,” he replies sternly, “I’ll handle this myself.”

Scene 14

Neil is at the Athletic Club to pick up lunch. Once again, he runs into Malcolm. “Twice in one day,” Neil remarks, “how do I get so lucky? Or unlucky is more like it…” Malcolm tries to remain calm. “Maybe, we can finish that conversation we were about to have this morning,” he says. “Malcolm, I’d really rather not get into it with you right now,” Neil replies, also trying to keep his composure, “This isn’t the place.” “Neil, you were the one who brought it up,” Malcolm reminds him, “You don’t get to make a comment like that, dissing my career and my commitments, and then not explain yourself, or allow me to defend myself.” Neil sighs. “Malcolm, you wanna know what my problem is with you?” he asks, “You’re letting my kids get attached to you again, and you’re just gonna disappoint them. We both know, you’re not gonna stick around that long. I mean, how long is it gonna be until you just up and leave town again?” Malcolm is annoyed. He’s heard this same speech before. “What do you want me to say, Neil?” he says loudly, clearly agitated, “Yes, you’ve always been the more stable one; I’ve been a rolling stone…” Neil cuts him off. “And you know what they say, don’t you?” Neil asks, “A rolling stone gathers no moss. It never takes responsibility for anything.” “But even a rolling stone has to stop rolling and settle sometime,” Malcolm argues, “Look, the Malcolm you keep talkin’ about… I was younger back then. And I’ve learned that if I’m gonna accomplish anything worthwhile, I’ve gotta stick around and keep at it. “You’ve got a well-established track record of skippin’ town,” Neil reminds his brother. “Not this time. I am staying in Genoa City,” Malcolm vows, “and if you don’t think I can follow through, big brother, then I guess I’m just gonna have to prove you wrong.” “I’ll believe it when I see it,” Neil says with attitude. He walks away.

Scene 15

Michael is just on his way out of the Newman break room when his best friend Phyllis Newman charges in, looking dishevelled. “Wow, this place has had a revolving door today,” Michael quips, “I might as well make it my permanent office.” “Funny,” Phyllis remarks, “Hello to you too.” “Hello back,” Michael greets her, “What are you doing here?” “Connie told me you were in here,” Phyllis answers softly. She isn’t acting like herself. “You look terrible,” Michael notices and tells her outright. “Gee, thanks,” Phyllis responds sarcastically. “Hey, I’m the only person who can tell you that and get away with it,” Michael says. “Very true,” Phyllis replies, mustering a bit of a smile. “I’m just wondering,” Michael begins, “after such a great party yesterday, what could have happened so quickly to turn your mood upside down.”

Scene 16

Victoria is sitting in an office waiting room. JT arrives. Victoria stands up. “Where’s Reed?” she asks. “Gabby’s gonna watch him,” JT tells her. Victoria nods. “Mackenzie wasn’t available?” she jabs. “Not now,” JT warns her. They both take a seat. Neither one says another word. “You don’t have to sit at the other end of the room,” Victoria breaks the silence, “I’m not gonna bite you.” “I’m fine here,” JT states. Victoria picks up a magazine and flips noisily through the pages. He glances around the room to the office door, which says ‘Roseanne Ryerson’ on it. “I still can’t believe it’s come to this,” Victoria says suddenly. JT is a little frustrated. “Victoria, you made your bed,” he says, somewhat harshly, “Now you have to lay in it.”

Then, the office door opens and a perky blonde woman in her mid-30s steps out. “Mr. Hellstrom,” she calls, “Ms. Newman… is that what you prefer to be called?“

Before answering, Victoria flashes back to her wedding night with Billy Abbott in Jamaica, a marriage that is still unknown to their families. “Do you promise to love… honor and respect each other?” the minister had asked. “Oh, yeah, I totally do,” a drunken Victoria had replied, after giggling. Billy, just as inebriated, had burst into laughter: “Uh, really?” he asked. “Yeah. Honest, I swear. I swear,” Victoria assured him, “Do you?” “Do I… wait, do I, honor and cherish and yeah, both of them,” Billy had stuttered, “I promise.” “I now pronounce you husband and wife,” the minister had said as the new Mr. and Mrs. Abbott kissed, and the crowd applauded, and the song “Forever Be Mine” played…

Next, Victoria is reminded of Michael’s advice: “Always be open, honest, and cooperative,” he had said. Right away, Victoria ignores the advice. “Um, yes… Ms. Newman is fine,” she replies. “Great,” the woman replies, “My name is Roseanne Ryerson, and I’m the Guardian Ad Litem assigned to your case.” She shakes their hands. “How do you do?” Victoria manages to say. Roseanne doesn’t answer. “Please come inside,” she gestures towards her office, “We’ve got a lot to discuss.”

Scene 17

Michael reacts to what Phyllis has just told him about the previous night. “A dead eel in your bed. That’s… random,” Michael isn’t sure what to say, “Do you think it was someone playing a joke?” “No,” Phyllis says confidently, “Earlier in the day, I got these calls… they were hang-ups. The same thing happened twice. The phone rang, I picked it up and no one would answer. Then they’d hang up. I just, I had a strange feeling about it even then, and then this happened. I mean, can you imagine if Summer was home? That would have traumatized her. You should have heard me scream, Michael, and you know I don’t scare easily.” “Well, who can blame you?” Michael comforts her, “Someone got into your home, into your room and your bed. I mean, there’s no worse violation than that.” “It’s not just that,” Phyllis explains, with chills going up her spine, “But to see this dead creature in my bed, to see those dark glossy eyes glaring right at me, its sharp teeth looking ready to bite. It was like someone was warning me, ‘I’m gonna get you.’” “What kind of sick person would do something like that?” Michael responds, in disbelief and disgust. Phyllis looks ill.

Scene 18

Alex sits alone at the Athletic Club bar drinking an alcoholic beverage. Tucker takes a seat next to her. “Well, hello again,” Alex greets him with a smile. Tucker gets right to the point: “How’d it go with JT?” he asks. “From what he’s told me, and based on the judge’s initial ruling, I think he has a strong case,” Alex speculates. Tucker observes Alex’s body language. “You okay?” he inquires, “I can sense you’ve been a little uneasy since you got here.” Alex stares down and stirs her drink. “I have a past here,” she acknowledges, giving only a vague response. “I know,” Tucker states, “That’s why I brought you here, remember?” Alex doesn’t reply.

“Bad memories?” Tucker asks, breaking the silence. Alex smiles and turns to Tucker. “Actually, I have a lot of wonderful memories here,” Alex corrects him. “But…” Tucker pushes for more, sensing there’s more to the story. “But, um… I lost someone…,” Alex admits, “and then I had to get away from here.” “You have some apprehensions about being back?” Tucker inquires. “Sure; sure I do,” Alex nods, “I mean, it’s been so long. But begin back here, it stirs up some memories, and emotions… that are better left buried. I can’t help but think about what might have been. I look around and I almost expect to see him here. It’s like he’s here with me again. “He?” Tucker asks for clarification. “Um, my fiancé,” Alex reveals, “He was my fiancé.” “I’m sorry,” Tucker offers. “It’s okay,” Alex replies softly, “I mean, we’ve all loved and lost at some point in our lives. I’m over it.” “Are you?” Tucker doubts her, “Because from the way you’re talking, I’m not so sure that you are.”

Scene 19

Roseanne motions for JT and Victoria to have a seat, and then takes a seat at her own desk. JT and Victoria each hand Roseanne the questionnaires they had filled out prior to the first meeting. She thanks them. “I know you’re probably sick of hearing this, but I’m here to represent the best interests of Reed,” Roseanne reiterates, “I act as an advisor to the court, making recommendations as to the legal custody and placement of the child.” She takes a brief pause before continuing. “Now, in order to do so, I’ll be speaking with you, I’ll be observing you with Reed, and I’ll be interviewing others who can shed light on the case – family members, friends, doctors, nannies, and so on -- we call that ‘informal discovery.’ I will also be consulting with Reed, but I want to clarify upfront that I am not the child’s attorney. My role is to advocate for his best interests, which may or may not be the same as what he wants.” “We understand,” JT says softly, taking it all in. Victoria nods in agreement. “Are there any questions for me before we get started?” “I have one,” Victoria announces, “With all due respect, what kind of training do you have that allows you to decide what’s best for our son?” she asks, making sure to remain calm and polite, although there is clearly an underlying negative attitude.

Scene 20

In the Newman break room, Phyllis and Michael continue discussing the dead eel found in Nick and Phyllis’s bed. “I did that,” Phyllis confesses, in response to Michael’s previous question. She has a guilty look on her face. “What?” Michael doesn’t understand. “A long time, I did it once,” Phyllis clarifies, “I put an eel in Paul and Christine’s bed… on their honeymoon in Nevis. I hated Christine back then, Michael, you know that. She constantly interfered in my relationship with Danny; she helped take my son away from me… I wanted to get her back, make her life hell.” “So this isn’t a coincidence?” Michael asks, “Someone intentionally chose an eel, knowing what you had done?” “That’s my guess,” Phyllis states. “But what I don’t get is, how would someone know about something like that?” Michael wonders aloud. “And why do something about it now?” A light bulb goes off in Michael’s head. “Oh my God!” he exclaims, as he snaps his fingers. “What?” Phyllis asks eagerly.

Michael explains his theory: “Lauren gets a rat; you get an eel. It’s the same MO.” “Wait – Michael, are you saying,” Phyllis begins, then she realizes it too, “Ryder – he was at the pool party.” “And he got there after everyone else,” Michael states. “Which would have given him a reason to be at the Ranch, and enough time to pull this off without being seen,” Phyllis states, nodding her head and convinced that they’ve found the culprit.

Scene 21

In the Guardian Ad Litem’s office, Roseanne prepares to explain her qualifications to Victoria and JT. “Take a look at my degrees behind me,” she offers,” Bachelor of Science from Stanford University, graduate degree in social work from Smith College of Social Work, law degree from University of Wisconsin Law School. In addition to that, I am highly trained to work with children and to minimize the potential stresses to the child that may be caused by the court process.” Roseanne pauses. “Above all, I believe my greatest qualification is my strong desire to help children, my concern for their needs… and their well-being,” she continues, “Knowing that what I do helps innocent children to have a better life, it’s what keeps me going, why I wake up in the morning,” Roseanne pauses again, “I’ve always felt a certain responsibility to advocate for… to be a voice for the voiceless, those who can’t speak up for themselves.” The tone in her voice suggests she’s speaking from experience. She continues, “I think you’ll find that I’m more than qualified to evaluate the situation with Reed, and that I’ll be an asset to this case.” Victoria and JT exchange glances.

Scene 22

Nikki walks into Victor’s office at Newman Enterprises, holding a bag of take-out food. “I picked up some lunch on the way back from Katherine’s,” she announces, “I was worried you’d be so busy that you'd forget to eat anything." "Thank you, my darling," Victor says, "How thoughtful of you."

“I keep thinking about Victoria,” Nikki confesses, “wondering how she’s doing right now.” “You’re worried?” Victor asks her. “You’re not?” Nikki counters. Victor tries to reassure her: “Haven’t I always taken care of our children before?” he asks. “Yes, of course, you have,” Nikki agrees, “but some things even ‘The Great Victor Newman’ can’t control.” Victor grins slightly. “And sweetheart, I assure you, this isn’t one of them,” he replies confidently. “How do you know?” Nikki responds, “My God, Victoria has already lost Reed once. I can’t even begin to imagine what it would do to her if the judge rules in JT’s favor again!” “Let’s not think about that, my darling, alright?” Victor says, “Victoria, Nicholas, and Abby… they are my children and I will always protect them. And I don’t care what I have to do to do it.”

Scene 23

Phyllis and Michael continue to discuss the dead eel. “So you think this is some kind of sick revenge for my part in Sheila’s death?” Phyllis asks. “And you were there the night that Lauren shot and killed Sarah,” Michael reminds her, “Not to mention, Sarah tried to kill you once already. It makes sense. If they’re set on continuing this revenge, you are their next logical target. You know, they had obviously been planning what they did to Lauren for a long time. It’s possible they also spent some time digging around in your past, as well, to see what they could find.” Michael gets angry. “To think that I supported Kevin in trying to reconnect his brother. Again,” he kicks himself, “How could I be so stupid?” Phyllis doesn’t answer. Her face is pale, and tears are forming in her fearful eyes.

“I just, I don’t believe this. I thought this was over. Michael, I thought this was over,” she weeps, “Nick and I, we were, he just got out of prison. When is it gonna end? When can we just be happy?” Michael hugs Phyllis and attempts to console her. “Phyllis, calm down. It’s gonna be okay,” Michael assures her after regaining his own composure, “Ryder and Daisy, they’re amateurs. We killed the head already. Without Sarah telling them what to do, eventually, the body will die too…”

Scene 24

Alex is in the hallway of the Athletic Club being shown to her room by the bellhop. “Here you are, Ms. Perez” he says as he opens the door, “I trust you’ll find the room to your liking.” Alex enters and glances around the suite, impressed by the decor. “I’m sure I will,” she says, “Thank you.” The bellhop nods and leaves the room. Alex closes the door.

A few seconds later, Malcolm leaves his room – the suite right next door. Alex and Malcolm, former fiancés, just missed each other.

Scene 25

Katherine is leaving the living room of the Chancellor Estate when the doorbell rings. “I’ll get it!” she calls out as she walks towards the door. She opens the door and sees her son Tucker. Katherine is surprised. “To what do I owe this visit?” she inquires. “May I come in?” Tucker asks solemnly. Katherine motions inside with her hand. As soon as Tucker gets into the foyer, he goes into full business mode. “I’ve got a business proposition for you,” he announces confidently as he takes it upon himself to walk into the living room. Katherine remains standing by the door for a few moments. She smirks, not sure what to expect.

Next Time on The Young and The Restless

In the living room of the Chancellor Estate, business tycoon Tucker McCall prepares to pitch an idea to his mother, billionaire Katherine Chancellor Murphy. “I’m not even back in charge of my company for a day and you are already jostling for position, trying to regain some control. Is that it?” Katherine asks.

Victor Newman and his daughter Abby Carlton are talking out on the patio of the Coffee House. “You stay far away from Ryder Callahan,” Victor warns, “If I find out otherwise, they’ll be hell to pay.”

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