TANGLED WEB, PART THREE
"Nick, I - I did something bad." said Remy, "I researched you - all your likes and dislikes - before I met you. I wanted to make sure you'd like me!"
"When was this?' said Nick, "After you read in the papers that my dad left me a truckload of money? Is that what you're after? My inheritance?"
"No! I just want to be your friend!"
"My friends are people I trust - and I can't trust you!"
The door slammed behind Nick as he stomped out.
Remy immediately sent an e-mail: "We have a problem."
****
Rachel had gone home to her Twins.
"It's time for their bath," she told their nanny, "You fill the tub, and I'll take care of the rest."
"Yes, Mrs. Hutchins." Debra went into the bathroom and turned on the taps.
Rachel scooped Cory up. "Let's get your clothes off." she said, looking at his face, as she unbuttoned his shirt, "You have Carl's eyes - the most intense eyes in the world. I always thought that, even when I hated him. And you - " she turned her attention to Elizabeth, "You have your Daddy's smile. Oh Carl, Carl, why did you leave us?"
****
Down at Police Headquarters, Josie was watching the Lumina tapes, over and over.
"There's something here! " she told Toni, "When Rachel saw them, she almost passed out! She saw Something - but what?"
Toni pointed at the screen. "The guy in the striped mask is the ringer, right?"
"Yeah - so?"
"Well - he follows Rachel around the room. He never gets too close, but where she goes, he goes."
"You're right!" said Josie.
****
Meanwhile, Matthew arrived at Lila's BCUH room with flowers, and found it empty. Lila was nowhere in the hospital.
****
"Gary, I need your help finding Carl."
"Rachel, - Carl died nearly six months ago!"
"Did you see a body?" said Rachel, "I didn't! I should have been suspicious - this isn't the first time Carl has 'died'; once he 'drowned in a bottomless lake' and another time he 'was killed in a helicopter crash' - and they never found a body those times, either."
"Rachel - I know Carl's death hit you hard." said Gary, "Maybe you need to - to talk to - to somebody."
"I haven't lost my mind, Gary!" said Rachel, "Carl was at the Lumina Ball! He was the man in the striped mask! We were close enough to touch, and I never noticed him! But when Josie showed me the security tapes, that's when I realised."
"Rachel, the guy was wearin' a mask!" Gary pointed out. "You never saw his face."
"I recognized Carl's walk - his gestures; it was him! Carl is alive! He's here in Bay City! I want him found!"
"Okay, Rachel, I'll see what I can find out." said Gary, "Only - don't get your hopes up, okay?"
"Too late for that!" said Rachel, " This is strictly confidential, right?"
"You got it."
****
Lila had made her way to the top of the Lumina Building, with no interference from Building Security.
"Jasmine!" she called, as soon as she stepped out of the elevator, "Jasmine Darlin'. Mama's heah! Wheah ah you?"
She looked up at the security cameras, which swivelled to follow her every move. "I want ma daughtah!" she said, "Ah know yo' watchin'! Come out and face me!"
To be continued