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"Riley? Is something wrong?" Michael asks.

"Nothing big, boss, just taking care of something for Vince," Riley replies.

"Oh. Well then, carry on. I just need to grab a few files."

Riley continues using the computer as Michael crosses behind the desk and grabs a folder. As he does, he notices a circled name on one of the post-it notes next to his computer, and it's not in his own handwriting.

"Why do you have the name Mark Zane written down?" Michael demands.

"He's some kid from Vince's school," Riley answers. "Vince wants me to investigate –"

Michael turns off the computer monitor.

"Sir, what's the matter?"

"This is," Michael snaps. "You are not to investigate Mark Zane for Vince any longer, do you understand?"

"I'm sorry," Darren apologizes. "But I have to say, I'm in...I'm in shock. I didn't –"

"Expect me to say that, huh? Thought I'd lost my dog? Was in bad credit card debt? Joined the Republican Party?"

"Yes," Darren says. "Exactly."

"Well, nope. I've got HIV, Darren. That's the only thing that's wrong with me."

"I'm so...when did you find out?"

Jack doesn't respond, instead he wipes away more tears. "I wanted to call you. But I didn't think I could face telling you. You were always so much better than me, Darren. Such a better person."

"I'm the one who broke your heart, remember?"

Jack sits down across from the desk. "Seems trivial now."

"I want you to stay with me tonight," Darren insists.

"Again?"

"Until I've got time to process this and worry about getting you back on your feet to deal with all of this," Darren replies. "I think it's the least I owe you, after everything."

"No, I couldn’t –"

"Stop arguing with me," Darren says. "It's settled. Okay?"

"Fine. You win."

"Hey Matt," Alec says.

"What do you want?" Matt demands.

"I was just trying to –"

"We're not friends, we never have been," Matt says. "And just because we're –"

"Family?" Alec offers. "Is that what you were going to say, cousin?"

Matt groans. "Shut up, Alec."

"This is kind of fun," Alec says, smirking. "Only the bothering you part. Not the part where I'm a Hanley."

"Trust me, the family tree's not dying to take you in either."

"Good to know," Alec says, smiling. "You know, we should hang out sometime. You, me, and my new girlfriend."

"Oh, let me guess, you're salivating after Jessica again," Matt offers.

"Nope. It's Akilah this time."

Alec continues smirking as he walks away. Glaring at Alec, Matt crushes his empty coffee cup in his right hand and then throws it to the ground before stalking off.



Joel Kincaid sets down a folder at the table where Anna Mitchell is seated, reading a book. Anna looks up at Joel and sighs.

"What's this?" Anna demands. "And also, are you following me now?"

Joel smirks. "I have a twenty four-seven detail on you, but that's not technically following."

"What's up?"

"I have something for you."

"Something about Julia?"

"Something that concerns her, yes," Joel replies. "I hear that you’ve started dating again."

Joel watches Anna's face for a shocked reaction, but she has none.

"What? No gasp?"

"No, not really," Anna answers. "I'm a grown woman, Joel. I can date whomever I want. And we are very much divorced."

"I'm aware of that. But the guy you're dating, Oswald? He's bad news."

"Let me guess, he murdered his wife?"

Joel rolls his eyes. "No, he didn't. But what I've got here on him should be enough for you not to see him anymore."

"Joel, I'm only going to ask you this once," Anna begins. "No, on second thought, I'm only telling you this once. Stay the hell out of my business. Who I date is who I date."

"Not when it concerns my daughter."

"Our daughter," Anna snaps. "And don't even start on me with some guy I've been on less than four dates with. Don't even start to pretend like this is all about Julia, either, when it's more about your need to control everyone in your life! First our marriage, then with Duncan."

"This is not the same thing."

"Oh, yes it is, Joel. If you really want to be concerned, why don't you go and question our daughter's new boyfriend that I know absolutely nothing about, who she won't even talk to me about? How about that?"

"Anna –"

"Just stop it, Joel."

"Fine," Joel mutters. "Do whatever you like. But don't say I didn't warn you."

Joel turns to leave. As he does, Anna sets down her book and slowly opens the folder he left her. But deciding against reading it, she closes the folder and ignores him.

Being haunted by Victor Lopez the entire day was driving her up the wall. She hadn't seen or heard from him in years, and that was even before his death at the hands of his deranged daughter. But now, her past seemed intent on digging itself up.

She was just grateful that no one knew about her past as a prostitute working for Hugh Rogers, at least. That part of her past could stay a secret forever, as far as Melissa was concerned. As well as her past with Victor.

"Get a grip, Melissa," Melissa says, opening the fridge and removing a bottle of vodka. She sets the fridge on the counter and stares out the window. For a moment, Melissa sees Victor's image staring at her through the glass.

Melissa screams and knocks over the bottle by accident, causing it to crash onto the floor.



Outside, the man disguised as Victor Lopez smiles and turns to exit. As he leaves, he passes by the front door and almost trips over a package lying outside. He picks up the box and notices that it's a package with the name "Alec Bale" written across it, but no return address.

He shrugs his shoulders and places the box back by the front door before hurrying away from the house.