At Grant's arraignment, Assistant DA Dana Kramer argued that he should be denied bail.

"Grant Harrison is a man of considerable means." she said, "The People feel that he represents a flight risk."

"Your Honour, Mayor Harrison has deep roots in this community!" Grant's lawyer countered, "He is certainly not planning to flee! On the contrary, he is anxious to establish his innocence!"

The judge pondered, and set bail at one million dollars, besides which Grant was to remain under House Arrest, wearing an electronic shackle, until his trial.

Lila couldn't stop staring at Rachel's wedding ring; eventually, Rachel noticed.

"It's a ten carat diamond." she said, referring to her engagement ring.

"Oh, Ah was lookin' at yo' weddin' ring!" said Lila, "Ah nevuh noticed befo' that it's Striped!"

Rachel looked down at her ring, with its alternate stripes of silver and gold,

"It's what's called 'the marriage of metals'." she said, "Carl had one just like it."

Her face grew sad, as she thought of her lost love.

When Remy saw Nick entering Carlino's restaurant, she was immediately taken with a sudden 'dizzy spell', and almost dropped the tray she was carrying.

"Are you okay?" said Nick, hastening to her side.

"I'm fine!" said Remy, "I just felt a little light-headed for a second."

She gave him another obviously phony smile, and went into the kitchen. Nick followed her.

"First you fainted - now you're dizzy! I think you should see a doctor!"

"I've already seen one!" said Remy, "More than one, in fact."

"Well? What did they say?"

"They said - that I'd go on having dizzy spells and blackouts , until - "

"Until what?"

"Until one day, I drop dead!" said Remy, "There's nothing to be done about it!"

When Grant arrived at his suite, he discovered that his keys no longer fit the locks. He pounded on the door.

"Cynthia! Open this door!"

"Not a chance!" said Cindy, through the door, "I've decided that this suite is included in My half of the divorce settlement, so I had the locks changed!"

"You had no right!" said Grant, "This is My property!"

"Possession is nine points of the law, Sweetie!"

Grant knew when he was beaten - temporarily. "Can I at least have my clothes?" he asked.

"I'll have one of the maids pack them - for five thousand dollars!" said Cindy.

Grant had to rent a suite elsewhere in the building.

Lila peeked through the door of the master bedroom. Rachel was sitting at her dressing table. As Lila had hoped, she removed her rings and set them down.

Lila waited until Rachel went into the bathroom, then slipped quietly into the room. She was just reaching for the wedding ring -

"Lila! What are you doing in my room?"

Lila jumped. "Oh! Rachel! Ah jist - wawnted to ask if we should get Jasmine christened raight away!"

"Surely, that's for you and Matthew to decide." said Rachel.

"Ah 'spose yo' raight." said Lila, eying the ring.

"Was there anything else?"

"No! Nuthin'!"

"Then, good night, Lila."

Under Rachel's unblinking gaze, Lila had no choice but to leave the room.

"All set, Mr Mayor!" said the technician, locking the electronic shackle around Grant's wrist, "You'll be monitored. If you leave this suite, an alarm will sound, and a APB will be put out on you."

"How am I supposed to take a shower wearing this thing?" Grant complained.

"Very carefully!"

Lila waited until the Cory Mansion was silent, then crept along the corridor to Rachel's room. She paused outside the door, then pressed her ear against it. All was quiet within. She tried the doorknob - oh no! Rachel had locked her door! Now what? Lila remembered that there was a connecting door between Rachel's room and the Twins' nursery!

Lila opened the nursery door - very slowly!

The nightlight showed Cory and Elizabeth asleep in their cots. Lila tiptoed across the room to the connecting door. It was unlocked! She eased it open.

Rachel was asleep. Lila crept towards the dressing table -

"MOMMY!"

Rachel sat up, as Lila threw herself flat on the carpet.

"Mommy!"

"Yes, Darling, I'm coming." Rachel mumbled, getting out of bed and stumbling towards the nursery.

As soon as she was alone in the bedroom, Lila grabbed the wedding ring and exited by the door to the corridor.

Grant opened his eyes and looked at the clock on his bedside table: One a.m. Why had he woken up? A noise came from the living room: someone was there!

Grant got out of bed quickly, without turning on the light, and groped his way to the door. The living room was in darkness, but he could see a figure outlined against the lights of the city.

"Now what, Cynthia?" said Grant, and flipped the light switch.

Nothing happened. Grant flipped the switch again, and again, with increasing panic.

"Good evening, Mayor Harrison." said a strange voice.

"Who are you?" said Grant, "What do you want? I warn you, I have a gun!"

Grant could hear the shrill note of fear in his voice, and hated it. He couldn't help being a coward, but most of the time, he managed to hide it from other people.

"No you don't." said the man. "My name is Jordan Stark."

"What are you doing here, at this time of night?"

"I have a business proposition for you."

"I don't do business with a voice in a dark room!" Grant blustered.

Stark gave a little snort of contempt, and turned on a small lamp on the desk. The feeble circle of light it cast did not illuminate more than his torso.

"Better?" he said, "Fix yourself a drink, why don't you?"

Grant poured himself a drink, with shaking hands, and gulped it.

"What do you want?" he said again.

"You have a problem." said Stark, "Your wife has you in a cleft stick: either you give her half your fortune, or she testifies against you, and you go to prison, for years."

"How do you know about that?" said Grant.

"I have ears - everywhere." said Stark., "I don't suppose either scenario appeals to you."

"I can't go back to prison!" said Grant, "I won't!"

"Fortunately, there is a third alternative. Your wife can't testify - or take your money - if she's DEAD!"

"What exactly are you suggesting?"

"Pay me a million dollars, and Cynthia will die before your preliminary hearing."

"How do I know this isn't a police trick?"

"You don't." said Stark, "I'll be in touch."

"What if - Where are you?"

Stark was gone.

Grant poured himself another drink. Cynthia - dead! It was a satisfying thought, but why should Grant have to pay that kind of money to see it accomplished - plus leave himself open to blackmail? He fingered the shackle on his wrist thoughtfully.

To be continued.