HANLEY HOME

Michael Hanley stood next to Dr. Victor Collins, while holding a small tape recorder in his hand. As he did so, he relayed the events leading up to Derek Moore's death into the device. Victor, meanwhile, was attending to Sean Moore, Michael's adoptive brother.

Michael paused the tape recorder. "This is taking far too long."

"I'm sorry, sir," Victor said, replacing the plugs connected to Sean's ears.

Sean was resting on the table in front of them, where he was hooked up to several machines and had been for over a year. Sean had been introduced to the machinery when Michael and Victor faked his death in a car explosion, much like the one that had killed Derek earlier.

"I'm only interested in programming the events of Derek's murder into Sean's brain," Michael insisted. "I don't want to deliver an entire thesis paper."

"These things take time," Victor said. "It's all very new to me…drugging someone and keeping them in a coma-like state for over a year."

"Don't worry," Michael said, approaching Sean and resting his hand on his brother's shoulder. "This will all be over soon enough…once I'm ready to begin my plans to destroy my father."

The young woman twisted the doorknob to the Hanley mansion and found that it was unlocked. Smiling, she crept inside and closed the door as not to alert anyone. She whipped back her head to shake the blonde hair out of her face that was obscuring her view.

"Alright, Michael," the woman said, removing her dark sunglasses. "You're about to be in for the shock of your life."



Marquette Cove Memorial Hospital

"…And that's why I don't like crackers," Alison Casper said, staring intently at Dr. Aaron Maddock.

Aaron sighed, wondering why he had agreed to take on Alison as a patient. She didn't really need psychiatric help, she was only pretending to be off-kilter to secure a better paycheck at her job. He scribbled a note onto a pad of paper, then checked his watch.

"Well, I'm afraid our time is up," Aaron said. "Same time next week?"

"Yeah, sure," Alison said.

She brushed a loose strand of blonde hair out of her face and then picked up the purse she had laid on the ground. She muttered the word crackers once more before she stood up and walked toward the door. Once she was gone, Aaron rolled his eyes and tore from his notebook the sheet of paper he had been writing on.

Aaron crumpled the sheet into a ball and tossed it into his trashcan, missing it by nearly five inches. Aaron groaned and walked over to the trashcan to pick up the ball of paper. As he bent over, the door to his office opened and hit him in the head.

"Ow!" Aaron cried, rubbing his head and standing up.

He glanced at the person standing in the doorway and was about to speak to them, when he recognized the visitor. Aaron gasped as his eyes rolled back in his head. A few seconds later, Aaron crashed to the floor, unconscious.

Robert Bale walked through the hallway that led to the morgue, with Vincent and Akilah Moore trailing behind him. Once Robert arrived at the church following Derek's death, they headed over to the morgue immediately. It was Vince's suggestion, so that they could quickly identify Derek's body and move on.

"You two don't have to do this," Robert said.

"No," Vince insisted, shaking his head. "I want to see his face. I want to know he's —"

"Vince."

Vince paused. "No, I want to know he's dead, not that he's me."

"Vince, behind you."

Robert gestured to the door behind Vince, where someone was now standing. Vince turned around to find Jessica Reyes, his ex-girlfriend, standing there. Vince smiled, but quickly hid it with a frown. He wanted to know what Jessica was up to first; this could be another one of Alec's games.

"What are you doing here?" Akilah demanded, stepping forward.

"Can I have a moment alone with Vince?" Jessica asked.

Akilah glanced over at her brother, but he told her that it was all right. Akilah reluctantly turned back around and walked with Robert toward the morgue.

"So, what are you doing here?" Vince demanded.

"Vince…I just wanted to…tell you how sorry I am," Jessica said.

"Oh," Vince said. "That's nice."

"Not just for this, but for everything," Jessica said.

Vince didn't respond.

"I want us to be able to start over," Jessica continued. "Let's forget all of the stuff we've gone through in the past and just move on."

Robert entered the morgue with Akilah, where Dr. Thomas Johnson was standing. Robert greeted him and told Dr. Johnson why they were they.

"I'm sorry," Dr. Johnson said. "But I'm afraid there's no body to identify."



KEYES AIRPORT
FORDHAM BAY

Ryan Phillips and his wife Vanessa stood in line, waiting to board their plane. Vanessa was lucky she was able to ride a plane to California, with being a little over six months pregnant. Ryan took her hand, squeezing it gently.

"How are you doing?" Ryan asked.

"I'm great," Vanessa insisted. "I'm just looking forward to our wonderful honeymoon."

"You're going to love California," Ryan said. "Trust me. San Francisco is an amazing city."

Ryan leaned in to kiss Vanessa, and she reluctantly returned his kiss. She took a small comfort in the fact that her pregnancy meant she would be able to deter Ryan from trying to have sex with her.

Thank God for small favors, Vanessa thought grimly.

Alexis Lopez climbed out of the cab as it pulled into the airport in Fordham Bay. She reached into her purse and pretended as if she were fishing for money. When the driver turned his head, she opened her door and quickly dashed into the building.

Alexis entered a bathroom and peered out as the driver entered the building moments later, searching for her. She took a deep breath and checked her watch. She had no idea when Vanessa and Ryan would be leaving, or what terminal they would be leaving from.

"I have to run fast," Alexis realized. "I have to stop Ryan from making the biggest mistake of his life."

Leslie Moore sat in the small room where the community telephone was, debating whether or not to pick up the phone. She needed to call Robert Bale and have him file an appeal to get her out of rehab.

Leslie sighed. She knew that she didn't belong in rehab, she had done her time there and was ready to move on with her life. But her attempt to have a new beginning in Marquette Cove last year soon turned into hell when she found out last month that her brother-in-law, Derek Moore, was responsible for the death of her husband.

When she confronted him about it, he attacked and drugged her, then had her sent back to rehab. All of her family and friends believed that she had fallen off the wagon and slipped back into the world of drugs she had first entered after Sean's death.

A strong part of Leslie wanted to stay where she was and not ruin the lives of her children any further than she probably already had. But Leslie also knew that she couldn't let Derek get away with murder. Not her husband's murder. And now that her children were involved, there was no way in hell Leslie was going to let him continue to hurt her children, even after death.

"I have to call him," Leslie decided, picking up the phone and dialing Robert's office number. "I just hope he's in his office now."

After a few moments, someone finally answered the phone.

"Bale & Maddock Law Offices…this is Melissa speaking."

"Melissa?" Leslie asked. "Are you okay?"

"Oh, I'm fine," Melissa said, stifling a yawn. "I've just got a little cold…that's it."

"Is Robert in his office?"

"Um, no…I was just passing by," Melissa said quickly. "I haven't seen him all day."

"Well, when you see him, can you tell him that I need to arrange a meeting with him?" Leslie asked. "As soon as possible."

"Of course," Melissa said.

"Thanks, Melissa," Leslie said, hanging up the phone.



MARQUETTE COVE POLICE DEPARTMENT

Detective Joel Kincaid entered the forensics lab, where Dr. Kyle Dean was signing paperwork at his desk. Joel waited a few moments until Kyle looked up and noticed that Joel was there.

"Hey Kincaid," Kyle said. "Long time no see."

Joel laughed. "We talked a couple of hours ago, Kyle."

"Hence the no see," Kyle explained, standing up.

He crossed over to another table in the room and picked up a folder with test results in it. He handed the folder to Joel, smiling.

"Here's the ID on those fingerprints from the morgue where the Johnson kid was murdered," Kyle said.

Joel took the folder from Kyle and immediately opened it up, checking to see if he got the desired results. The frown that came across Joel's face indicated to Kyle that he hadn't gotten the results he wanted, or he had and the person that the test IDed was close to him.

"What's up?" Kyle asked.

"Unfortunately…it's just like I thought," Joel said. "The prints belong to Blake Thomas."

"Looks like you've found your murderer," Kyle said.

Joel sighed. "God, I hope not."



HANLEY HOME

The blonde woman folded her sunglasses and placed them into her purse, then she started toward the living room. The doors leading into the room were locked, so she reached into her pocket and removed a metallic nail file.

She attempted to use the nail file to unlock the door, but it took her a few minutes. Once she was done, she pushed open the door and stepped inside, where she was shocked to find someone sitting on the couch, reading the newspaper.

"What the hell are you doing here?" Riley Schaefer demanded, setting his paper down on the neighboring couch cushion.

Riley was one of Michael's bodyguards, and his right-hand man. Riley took care of most of the problems Michael needed to wash his hands of — most recently, he had arranged and organized the planting of the car bomb that killed Derek Moore earlier that morning.

"Oh God," the woman cried. "I didn't…I can explain."

"Well, please do, Ariel," Riley said, rising to his feet. "I'm sure your father would love to know why you're back in Marquette Cove. Especially when you should still be in London."

Ariel shrugged her shoulders. "I left school a bit early. So what?"

"Your father paid a lot of money to that school."

"Yeah, so he could hide me away for most of my life," Ariel snapped. "I wanted to come back home, okay? See the family, take advantage of the free room service…"

"Then by all means, feel free to explain this to your father," Riley said. "Assuming he doesn't kill you first."



MARQUETTE COVE MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

Aaron awoke to find he was lying on the couch in his office. Groaning, he sat up and tried to remember what happened prior to passing out. But before he had a chance to, a reminder spoke his name.

"Dr. Aaron Maddock."

Aaron glanced up and saw a man he knew all too well standing before him. It was Hugh Rogers — a man from Aaron's past in Atlantic City. A man who was also involved with Aaron's cousin, Melissa.

"Hugh…what are you…" Aaron tried to speak, but he couldn't.

"Do you mean, how did I find you?" Hugh asked, laughing. "I'm very resourceful, Aaron."

"What do you want?"

"I'm here to look up an old friend," Hugh said. "That's all."

"Me?"

"No. Melissa," Hugh replied. "Your beautiful cousin."

"No," Aaron gasped. "You said you were going to leave her alone."

"That was on the condition all of my demands were met," Hugh explained. "And they weren't, which I'm sure you're well aware of."

"I didn't —"

"Now is not the time to talk about this," Hugh said. "I have business to take care of in Marquette Cove first…then I'll find you later to discuss your cousin's future."

Hugh smiled, then turned around and left the office. Aaron gripped the arm of the couch, realizing that not only was Melissa in danger…everyone she cared about was in jeopardy as well.



KEYES AIRPORT
FORDHAM BAY

Once she had been able to duck out of the bathroom without being noticed by the cab driver, Alexis had finally found the terminal with the only flight leaving for San Francisco that afternoon. Already escaping through the metal detectors, Alexis tried to head toward the terminal.

But once she got there, she had to enter through another metal detector. Alexis groaned and passed through the detector, then started to leave when someone grabbed her arm. Alexis spun around; about ready to punch whomever it was in the face.

"What the hell do you think you're going?" Alexis demanded.

"Excuse me," the woman holding Alexis' arm said. "I need to see your ticket."

"But, I'm not at the terminal," Alexis said. "I'm not getting on the plane."

"I need to see your ticket."

"Listen up…" Alexis scanned the woman's outfit and saw a nametag pinned to her chest. "…Jayne. I don't have time for this, I have to stop Ryan from going on his honeymoon with that bitch!"

"Please calm down, miss," Jayne said.

"Me calm down?" Alexis demanded. "You're the dumbass who let a pregnant woman get on an airplane! What kind of ridiculous airport lets a pregnant woman get on airplane? Especially one that only got pregnant to snare my boyfriend!"

"Miss, I will call security if I have to," Jayne insisted.

Alexis glanced around at the other people in the airport, who were now watching her. She gave up, realizing that she would have to find another way to get to San Francisco.

"Fine," Alexis said, pulling her arm away from Jayne. "Let me grab my purse."

Alexis reached for her purse that she had left in one of the bins travelling through the metal detector. As she did, she noticed a wallet in the next bin. Alexis grabbed the wallet and shoved it into her purse before quickly exiting the airport.

"Alright, now I've got train money," Alexis said, desperation in her voice. "Don't worry, Ryan. I'm coming for you."



HANLEY HOME

Michael entered his study from the stairwell that was hidden behind the bookshelf in the room. As he sealed off the stairwell, Michael noticed loud voices coming from inside the living room. One of them he recognized as belonging to Riley, his bodyguard, but the other he couldn't immediately place.

It took him a couple of seconds, but Michael finally realized the second voice belonged to his daughter. "Ariel?"

Michael opened the door to his study and stepped into the living room, where he found Ariel talking to Riley on the couch.

"Ariel…what are you doing here?" Michael demanded.

Ariel turned her head and smiled. "It's nice to see you too, daddy."

"You're supposed to be in school, young lady," Michael said. "On another continent, I might add."

"I'm on break," Ariel lied.

"Oh, really?" Michael asked.

"Of course, daddy," Ariel said. "Why else would I be here?"

Michael wanted to yell at Ariel for coming to Marquette Cove, especially since he had very specific reasons for wanting her in London with her brother, Eric. But then he realized that with his plans for Sean Moore finally coming together, there was no need for him to overreact.

"Where's your brother?" Michael asked.

"He's in Greece, with friends," Ariel replied. "You know Eric…always looking for an adventure."

Ariel stood and walked over to her father, embracing him. Michael held onto her, overjoyed that his daughter was at home.

"It's good to see you, honey," Michael said.

Riley watched them from the couch, smirking.



MARQUETTE COVE MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

"What do you mean?" Robert demanded. "Are you saying that Derek Moore didn't die in the car explosion?"

"No, of course not," Dr. Johnson said, shaking his head. "I'm sorry if you misunderstood. The explosion…it severely damaged Derek's body. I'm afraid it's not recognizable."

Akilah turned to Robert. "What does that mean? Are we not going to get to see his body?"

"I don't think it would be best," Dr. Johnson said.

"Wait, why not?" Vince demanded, entering the room with Jessica.

Akilah glared at Jessica. "What's she doing here?"

"Not now, Akilah," Vince said, turning to Dr. Johnson. "How are we supposed to identify the body?"

"I've already identified Derek through his dental records," Dr. Johnson explained.

"Then I guess we're done here," Robert said. "Akilah, Vince…I can take you both home now."

"If you don't mind driving him to the Hanley mansion," Akilah muttered.

Robert's eyes widened. "What?"

"I'm staying at the Hanley mansion," Vince said. "Michael is letting me stay in one of the guest rooms."

"Vince, I think we need to talk about —"

"You're not my dad, okay?" Vince snapped. "I'll walk home."

Vince turned around and exited the room. Dr. Johnson uncomfortably returned to his desk, so that he could avoid listening to any further arguments between the three who remained. Jessica sighed and smiled at Robert.

"I'll go with him," Jessica said, following Vince.

Akilah and Robert exchanged worried glances. Neither wanted to say anything outright, but they both knew what was on the other's mind.

"You're thinking about how Alec's gonna react to this, right?" Akilah asked.

Robert sighed. "It's what a father does."

He wrapped his arm and Akilah and pulled her close to him, giving her a hug.

"Let's get you home, okay?"

"Sure."

Akilah and Robert left the morgue together.