The house is silent as it has been for the past week and Isabelle sits quietly in the sun room assuming that she is the only person home. She watches the back lawn intently through the glass windows and sips a cup of tea as she contemplates whether to invite Guy to the funeral.

First Guy…then Greg…and now my mother. She thinks to herself as she wraps her fingers around the hot china cup. "I don't think I can take much more." She mutters aloud unaware that John has stepped into the room.

"Are you okay?" He asks, sitting down in a wicker chair next to her.

She keeps her steely gaze focused on the garden, "Does it matter?"

He sighs and gets up moving to the far side of the room, watching the same spot that Isabelle seems so engrossed by. "Of course it does. Your mother has…passed away. It must be a trying time. I know we've had our differences…"

"Oh here comes that speech." Isabelle cuts him off irritably and places her empty cup down beside her.

"Well you need support from somebody." John states honestly. "And Greg doesn't seem too forthcoming in that department. He hasn't even been here for the last week."

"I've got my children and that is all that matters." Isabelle snaps back. "Family is all that matters."

"Yes but…" John is cut off by the sound of the front door opening and followed by Isabelle, he makes his way through the house to the source of the noise.

Julia is standing by the door as her chauffeur struggles to take her bags to the limousine.

"Oh, hello." Julia smiles mischievously.

"What are you doing?" John asks as Isabelle remains silent.

"Moving." She replies to shocked expressions from her two companions and continues cheerily. "There is an empty spot in Greg's bed waiting for me and well…waste not want not."

"What?" Stunned, John moves his gaze from Julia to Isabelle who is standing with clenched fists. "Her…and Greg?"

"Yes. I should've known really shouldn't I." Unable to face an argument, Isabelle turns away quickly and makes her way up the stairs.

"I'm glad you're pleased for me." Julia calls up after her. "I've got my eye on the empty wedding slot as well!"

John stands, open mouthed at the revelation and is left unable to speak.

"Catch you later." Julia purrs with a wink and saying goodbye to the house for the final time, she walks out the door.

* * *

Michael watches curiously from the fields as he sees the limousine depart but laments the fact that he can not see who has driven away. With a shrug, he pulls his cell phone out of his pocket and consults the memory to find the number he is looking for. When it comes up on screen he presses dial and waits for an answer.

"Hi. Garth?"

"Yeah. Who's calling?" The man replies.

"Michael Wheeler. It's been a while."

"Yeah." Garth agrees. "You haven't been to New York for months. What can I do for you pal?"

"I've got the name of a woman I want you to check out. You think you can do it for me?"

"Sure. What have you got?"

"Information from a driver's license which I'm going to fax over to your office later. It was a New York license and the name was Donella Santadio."

There is a brief interlude as Michael hears typing, "What do you want to know?"

"Anything you can find. I just need to know where she comes from…any criminal record…"

"You didn't have a tougher one?" The detective replies wryly.

Michael chuckles, "Sorry Garth. But it is important I find out as much as I can about this woman. Can you call me when you get more information?"

"Uh huh. Sure thing."

"Okay. Thanks. Bye." Michael snaps his cell phone shut and sighs as the smile disappears from his face. He just hopes that Garth doesn't find anything that he wouldn't want to know…

Masters Mansion: San Francisco

"Hurry up Dennis." Julia yells with a frown as her chauffeur struggles to pull her luggage up the steps and into the house. Adrienne is waiting with a smile as Julia weaves her way through the bags and into the hallway.

"I'm so glad it's worked out." Adrienne says excitedly, kissing Julia on the cheek. "I know you are the perfect woman for my father."

"I hope so. But I get the feeling you had quite a bit to do with his invitation."

Adrienne smiles coyly, "I made my feelings perfectly clear. He'll whisk you down the aisle if I ask him too. I think you'll help him get over Isabelle."

"Don't take this the wrong way," Julia begins cautiously. "But what is your grudge with her anyway?"

"As soon as she arrived in London she made my life a misery…tried to drive a wedge between me and my father. I know you won't do the same. We'll be great friends I'm sure."

"Hmm. It'll be nice to live in a house where I'm actually wanted…Dennis don't drag it. It is not that heavy!" Julia suddenly snaps at the chauffeur. She turns back to Adrienne not noticing the scowl on his face and taking her new friend's arm in hers, they both head down the hallway to the living room.

Golden Gate Park: San Francisco

"She did tell me that she caught them together." Lauren reveals as she sits serenely on a bench with John's arm around her.

"I feel sorry for her. So much has happened to her recently. I wouldn't wish it on…well…my worst enemy." John finishes, duly noting the irony of the statement.

"Maybe we should go back to the house if she's all alone. Stop her from mulling over things."

John pushes Lauren's hair out of her face, "Okay." He bends down and kisses her gently before starting to stand.

On a bench opposite them, an inconspicuously dressed African-American woman keeps her eyes firmly planted on the happy couple. She feels a slight pang of jealousy as she watches them locked in an embrace but knows that what she has planned will solve it permanently. As soon as they have left, she takes off her sunglasses and smiles wickedly.

"I've caught you in my web, said the spider to the fly…"

Masters Mansion: San Francisco

Julia unpacks her clothes in the master bedroom, pleased that she has managed to make a friend here. Adrienne is pleasant enough, if slightly chatty but Travis she has yet to form an opinion of. Julia is interrupted from her thoughts when a pensive looking Greg steps up behind her.

"Got enough space?" He asks politely.

"Um…" She looks into the far reaching closet which is almost as big as the bedroom and smiles. "I think so."

"Good." He pats her shoulder and turns to pick his diary up off his night stand.

"What are you doing today?" She asks, noticing him scanning the pages thoroughly.

"I've got a couple of business meetings. I was meant to see Isabelle but…"

Julia is startled at the mention of her name and surveys his face for any sign of regret. It's there all right. But it won't be for long. She quickly changes the subject to stop him from thinking about Isabelle any further. "I'm going to visit my grandson."

"Really. His mother…"

"Cassie."

"Yes, Cassie. She's agreed to it has she?"

"Not exactly. But I don't care. Anyway it's more interesting than sitting behind a desk at Wheeler all day."

"You find it boring?" He asks surprised.

"No." She considers how to voice her feelings. "I find it a little painful to be honest. Jake's gone…it just all feels a little empty. If I was sure that the Wheelers wouldn't snap my stock out from under me, I'd sell it to the highest bidder and live a life of leisure. I have that option now." She adds, pleased with her surroundings.

"Yes you do. You've got me behind you."

"Good." You may be on the rebound…but you're still mine. "You know…Adrienne even suggested that we should get married. Can you believe it? Even moving in this quickly is a little strange."

Greg stops what he is doing and takes in what she has said. What's stopping me? Why shouldn't I marry a beautiful younger woman…Isabelle won't take me back. She's made that clear…Go for it. "Maybe she's right." He offers as a reply.

"You're serious aren't you?"

"Yes." He replies with a smile, beginning to be more and more pleased by the idea. "I know we don't know each other that well….at all…but what's the point in wasting time?"

Julia is shocked by his directness. She had not prepared herself for this enthusiasm. Where are the weeks of emotional blackmail and manipulation? Where is the hard work? Where is the fun? "Um…yes. I see your point…I…"

"Then it's settled. You better get ready for a busy time. I've still got the ceremony booked for a few weeks and there's no point in wasting it. I'd start making arrangements if I was you."

Julia's eyes widen in disbelief and she responds weakly. "…Okay."

* * *

"What are you doing?" Adrienne asks as she walks into the bedroom. Travis is stood at the end of the bed, packing his clothes neatly into a suitcase.

"Packing. Shouldn't you have done yours by now?"

"What for?" She asks, her face blank.

"The trip to the mountains."

"Oh…the trip to the mountains…" Adrienne's voice trails off. "I forgot…"

"You forgot." Travis slams his clothes down into the suitcase. "Why might that be?"

"Well all this difficulty with my father and everything…"

"I should've known!" Travis flings his hands in the air. "Every time, you choose your father over me. When are you going to realize that he is old enough to look after himself? Our marriage is falling apart!"

"Don't get angry Travis. We can arrange another trip."

"I don't want to arrange another trip, I want this trip!"

"Sorry, but I can't go!"

"Fine!" Travis blares back at her, his raised voice echoing through the room. "Do it your way. It was a romantic weekend. You'd have probably just had a headache anyway."

Park Valley Sematary: Napa Valley

It is the next day and the sun shines radiantly on the valley, contrasting the sea of black which is hovering around the open grave.

"Thank you." Isabelle whispers to the minister as the guests start to depart. She looks down at the dirt resting on the coffin lid and throws her final rose into the grave as Michael and Lauren stand firmly by her sides. In the distance, she can see Cassie and Guy watching and feels a sense of contentment that they could be there.

"Are you ready to go now?" Lauren asks softly.

"Yes. I think so." She dabs at her eyes with a white handkerchief to remove the sign of any tears and her children lead her past the grave towards the waiting limousine. John, Donna, Tommy and Jessica follow them respectfully, muttering amongst themselves.

"Oh no." Michael says worriedly as he spots a blonde figure standing by the limousine. Dressed in black, she steps towards them as she realizes that she has also gotten Isabelle's attention.

"Go away Julia." Isabelle spits, barely moving her eyes from the ground.

"I need to talk to Jessica actually." Julia indicates with her eyes that she wants her daughter to move over to her and acutely embarrassed, Jessica obliges.

"What is it?" Jessica asks, self-consciously keeping her eyes on the family who can hear every word.

"I've got good news for you. You know I've moved in with Greg…"

Jessica rolls her eyes, "You did tell me, yes."

"Well, he wants to marry me. Isn't that terrific?" Julia glances over to the family who seem to be muttering to each other in disgust.

"Mom, you barely know him! How could you do this?"

To protect her from any more bad news, Michael and Donna gently coax Isabelle towards the limousine as Lauren angrily steps over to her mother's nemesis.

"You really couldn't stoop any lower could you?" Julia tries to cut across her but Lauren raises her voice in response. "Don't try to justify it. We only tolerate you because you're Jessica's mother. But as soon as she's gone to Australia, the gloves are off. You've been warned. Now stay the hell away from my mother."

"Lauren, I'm sorry." Jessica intervenes.

"You don't need to apologize sweetheart. But your mother could learn a lesson or two from you." Lauren turns and begins to walk away with Tommy who has been watching the unfolding scene. With one last angry glare, Jessica follows them and Julia is left all alone.

Richardson House: Napa Valley

"Want any lunch?" Cassie asks as she heads into the kitchen and opens the door to the fridge. There is no reply. "Guy!" She shouts. "I said do you want any lunch?" There is still no answer and she slams the door shut, walking back into the living room.

"Yes?" He replies gruffly, playing with a lively Lucas.

"When are you going to give this up?"

"What?"

"Ignoring me all the time. You need to get over it Guy." She pivots quickly and goes back to the kitchen. Sighing, Guy jumps up, leaving Lucas on the chair and follows her.

"All right. I'm still angry okay? I think I'm entitled."

Cassie bends down and pulls a plate out of the fridge. She slams it on the counter, frustrated. "Well I don't! Especially not now after everything your mother is going through. And she is your mother Guy. You seem to have trouble remembering that."

"I went to the funeral didn't I?"

"Yes." Cassie admits and wipes her brow before going to wash her hands. "But you've still not forgiven me for agreeing to move in here. You have to admit that your old apartment was not right to bring up a child."

"No." It is Guy's time to concede. Giving in, he moves over and puts his hands on Cassie's waist, kissing her. She pulls away and smiles.

"That's better." She holds his hand in hers. "We should check up on Lucas." They walk into the living room hand in hand but stop dead in their tracks when they see that Lucas is no longer on the chair.

"Oh my God." Cassie surges forwards and checks the area around the chair. There is no sign of the baby. Behind her, Guy notices the front door open and rushes outside. "Guy?" Cassie screams.

Guy sees Julia standing in the driveway, holding Lucas in her arms and immediately runs over to grab him. "What are you doing with my son?" He puts his hands round Lucas's tiny body and pulls him away.

"Are you sure about that?" She asks with a smirk.

"Julia?" Cassie runs to Guy's side and checks Lucas to make sure he is okay.

"I have a right to see my Grandson." She insists vehemently.

"He is not your Grandson!" Cassie shoots back.

"We'll see about that when I hire a lawyer and slam a law suit on you so hard you'll be living on the streets!"

Consumed with anger, Cassie raises her hand and brings it crashing down against the side of Julia's face. As the cracking sound fills the air, Julia stumbles backwards and puts a hand to her cheek.

"Big mistake." Julia snarls and brushing down her crinkled suit, she turns and goes to her car.

"Come on. Let's get inside." Guy suggests, guiding Cassie's arm. "Don't worry. She hasn't got a leg to stand on."

Wheeler Estate: Napa Valley

Exhausted by the morning's events, Michael takes refuge in his bedroom as the family console each other downstairs. His head is reeling from Julia's tasteless and surprising announcement yet he has more pressing matters on his mind…Donna.

As he takes off his creased black blazer and hangs it on the wardrobe door, his cell phone rings and in a desperate rush, he jumps over to answer it. Taking it out off the blazer, he flips it open.

"Garth? Is that you?"

"Yeah buddy it's me."

"What did you find out?"

"I don't want to tell you over the phone. I'll fax the information over to you."

"You sound worried." Michael coaxes.

Garth sighs before replying, "You're in danger Michael. And you are not going to like what I found…"

San Francisco International Airport: San Francisco

"At least your mom was okay." Lauren says as she walks with Tommy and Jessica towards the boarding gate.

"Yeah. I'm glad." He smiles and puts his arm around Jessica protectively. In his hand, he clutches their boarding passes, not letting them out of his sight.

A beaming airport worker steps forward and mutters something before taking their passes. They wait silently with Lauren, feeling slightly nervous about what they are getting themselves into by going to Australia for so long.

"There you go." The woman hands back the necessary documents.

"This is it then." Jessica takes a deep breath.

"Oh come here!" Lauren smiles and pulls them both in for an impromptu hug. "I'm going to miss you honey." She puts a hand under Jessica's chin.

"I'll miss you too."

"Then make sure you write. I want plenty of post cards do you hear me?"

"Sure." Jessica giggles.

"All right then. I suppose you should go…"

"Wait! They're still here!" Julia's voice booms and the group turn to see her running as fast as she can with David by her side. Lauren frowns at the outburst and is slightly surprised that they helped each other get to the airport. David must be a little jealous of Greg… She thinks to herself.

"Mom!" Jessica sounds surprised but her attention is grabbed by a scratch on her mother's cheek. "What happened?"

"Nothing. It was just a little accident." Julia flings her hand to her face self-consciously. "I…we…" She gestures towards a silent David, "…had to come and say goodbye. I can't let my baby go off to Australia without seeing her."

"You finally realized." Jessica says icily.

"Yes…" Julia looks around to see the airport worker staring at them impatiently. She reaches out and puts an arm around her daughter. "You need to get on the plane. Promise me you'll call as soon as you get there. You've got the new number haven't you."

Lauren raises an eyebrow as Jessica replies, "Yes."

"Okay, take care." Julia hugs her again and then pushes her away gently.

"I'll see you on the plane." Jessica looks at Tommy seeing that he has unfinished business to take care of.

"Sure." He mutters without averting his gaze from his father. Jessica walks through the gate onto the plane and Julia starts to scurry away quickly, eager to get away from Lauren.

"Bye son." David shakes his hand unsure of exactly what to say.

"Yeah." Giving in, Tommy puts an arm around his father and embraces him briefly before pulling away. "And if anything happens to Mom, I want to know."

"Of course." David replies uneasily. He watches as his son boards the plane and decides to wait and watch the plane depart.

Wheeler Corporation: San Francisco

"Okay." Cassie whispers to herself as she types away at the keyboard of her computer. "Fenelli…Fenelli…Fenelli…" Letting out a deep breath she hits the enter button and waits until she sees that her e-mail has been sent.

She takes a sip from her lukewarm cup of coffee as she waits for the program to return to the inbox. "Finally." Cassie groans and seeing that she has one new message, scrolls down the page to the bottom. The e-mail has no subject and appears to have come from an unfamiliar address.

"If this is another dirty joke," She clicks on it and looks up from her screen to see if any male co-workers are watching, "Then someone is going to get their ass kicked."

Squinting slightly, she scans over the message and crinkles her nose, not understanding the meaning.

Enjoy it while it lasts Cassie. You're in for a big surprise.

Furiously, Cassie logs out of her computer, disturbed by the somewhat cryptic message. "It must be a joke." She soothes herself and looks out of the window at the rush hour traffic beneath her. Deciding to finish going through the other files she has to check, she sits by the computer, waiting for another message.

Masters Mansion: San Francisco

"This one!" Adrienne exclaims excitedly and slams her finger down on the page.

"No. It's too frilly." Julia answers and quickly turns the page to look at more of the wedding dresses. She is still completely disbelieving that she is doing it. In a matter of weeks she has managed to find herself a new man and get engaged. Okay, he might have been somebody else's…but we all have to share.

"I'm getting tired." Adrienne sits back in her dining room chair and takes a sip from her glass of Chardonnay.

"Well you've been a lot of help. Why don't you go and spend some time with Travis? He looked a bit upset earlier."

"I think it's best if we just keep out of each other's way for a while. I kind of upset him earlier."

"How?" Julia asks, making no apology for her inquisitiveness.

"He wanted to go away and I didn't. I don't know why…it just doesn't seem to be working." She places her glass down on the table and watches it pensively. "I just…don't even like him touching me any more."

"Oh…" Julia is unsure of how to respond when an idea hits her. "You're not having an affair are you?"

Adrienne grins, "No I'm not. But don't think the thought hasn't crossed my mind. Did you ever…I mean…when you were married to your first husband…"

"Um…" Julia conceals a slight grin. "No. Douglas and I had a very…close relationship."

"Interesting. It's just you seem…"

"What?" Julia does a double take, offended.

"No, no!" Adrienne waves her hands in the air. "I didn't mean it like that. There's been talk that's all. You know how rumors spread."

"Yes. I do." Julia watches as Adrienne picks up her glass again and the room falls silent until Greg enters.

"Julia." He walks towards her, holding an envelope. "This just came for you."

"Thanks." She smiles sweetly at him and notes that it was hand delivered. Suspicious, she tears it open and pulls out a typed letter.

I need to see you. Meet me at the cabin in Carmel tomorrow afternoon.

Julia flips the letter over to see who it is from but there is nothing. Who could it be? Stephanie? Has she escaped?

"Anything interesting?" Adrienne inquires.

"No." Julia smiles and flips the letter over, putting it back into the envelope. "Nothing at all."

Richardson House: Napa Valley

"Hello." Guy says, furrowing his brow as he holds the door open.

"Can I come in?" Isabelle asks nervously.

Guy hesitates, "Yes." He steps backwards and allows his mother to enter the living room before shutting the front door behind her.

"You didn't come to the stables today." Isabelle takes off the gloves she is wearing.

"No. Cassie had to go to the office and someone needed to stay and take care of Lucas."

"Oh." Isabelle bends down and looks at her grandson, smiling. "I wouldn't have minded."

"No." Guy hangs his arms loosely by his side and waits before continuing. "Was there something you wanted?"

Isabelle's expression changes and she tucks her blonde hair behind her ears before replying. "I just wanted to see you…and the baby. We didn't exactly part on the best of terms last time."

"For good reason." Guy knows that he is meant to be understanding but he cannot help snapping back.

"I didn't come here to argue."

"You must've known that's what would happen."

"No. I honestly thought for once you'd be a little more mature." Isabelle stands firm.

"Ha! That's rich. I'm a Wheeler remember. I don't think maturity works for us."

Isabelle rolls her eyes, "Why are you doing this? I can't take it any more!" She starts to yell and moves towards Guy until her face is only inches from him. "Please stop it!"

"I…" Guy is cut off when he hears gurgling sound coming from Lucas's cradle. Worried he goes over and panics when he sees his son turning blue.

"What is it?" Isabelle runs over. "Oh my God. He's choking!"

Wheeler Estate: Napa Valley

Turning off her lights, the woman pulls up her hire car outside of the mansion. She leans over the steering wheel to get a closer view of what is going on inside. Several lights are on but most of the house is in darkness.

"I just hope you're home…" She whispers to herself before checking her appearance in the rear view mirror. Her features are strikingly beautiful with light colored eyes contrasting her dark skin. Her black hair is hanging loosely around her shoulders as it has been all day. Taking a deep breath, she gets out of the car and strolls to the front door, the heels of her shoes clattering on the concrete below.

Holding out a long, slender finger she presses the bell and waits until Pilar answers.

"May I help you?" She asks, wiping her hands on her apron.

"Yes. I'm here to see Mr and Mrs Erikson. Are they in?" The woman responds frankly.

"Of course. Come this way."

* * *

"I'm tired." Lauren yawns as she watches the antique clock above the fireplace. Her head is in John's lap and he is twisting her hair around his fingers.

"Maybe we should go to bed." He suggests and starts to move. Lauren sits up and runs a hand through her hair when she is surprised to see Pilar standing in the doorway.

"You're still here Pilar?" Lauren asks as John gulps down the glass of water which is sitting in front of him.

"Yes Mrs Erikson. Somebody is here to see you."

"Who is it?" Lauren frowns at the intrusion.

"She would not name. I send her in?"

"Okay." Lauren watches Pilar leave the room and waits for the ominous arrival. After a few seconds, a tall black woman enters and waits for a reaction. Lauren recalls the face but is not sure where from. It is John who is the first to realize.

"Melinda?" He stands up, stunned.

"Yes." She strides in but makes no attempt to socialize. Her expression is grave as Lauren stands to take her hand.

"Mindy…" Lauren whispers in shock and turns to John, as if wanting an explanation.

"What are you doing here?" John inquires forcefully.

"I don't know how to tell you…" She begins but stops, making her companions suspicious. "My son is sick. He has leukemia…and I need you to get tested for a bone marrow transplant. You're my only hope."

"Why me?" John seems nonplussed.

"Because Adam…is your son too."

Donna's Apartment: San Francisco

"Where did you get this?" Donna whispers. She throws the file down and buries her head in her hands as she contemplates what move to make next.

"A private detective I hired in New York."

"In New York? Oh my God." Donna shakes her head and stands, her body shaking. Michael gets up and grabs her shoulders roughly, shaking her.

"Tell me what this all means? Why did you change your name?"

"I can't…" Donna cries.

"You have to!" Michael snaps angrily as she pulls away and composes herself.

"My father…he's a dangerous man…"

"He's more than dangerous Donna! He's in the god damn mob! Your whole family is! Didn't you think you should tell me about that?"

"I couldn't because I didn't want anybody to know! He kills people! I had to escape and I did. I came here and changed my name."

"So why did you have Donella Santadio written on your driver's license?" Michael's head is whizzing with questions that he wants and needs to ask. He grits his teeth and turns his back to Donna who is pacing.

"Because it's not official. As far as the authorities are concerned, I am still Donella Santadio. But I told the hospital I was married and they let me use the name I've got now. Why did you have to do this?" She suddenly screams.

"Because I needed to know what I was getting myself into! And it's a good thing I did! What does this mean?" Michael changes his tone and realizes just how eerie the situation is.

"I don't know." Donna stops dead in her tracks and her eyes widen. "But if your detective has been digging around and my father finds him…he won't stop until he finds me too."

"You're saying…"

"We're both in terrible danger Michael. If he finds us…he'll kill us."

Santadio Mansion: New York

Garth wakes up in the relative darkness of what seems to be a study. The walls are lined with bookcases and in front of him is a large antique desk with a small lamp providing a small amount of light. To his sides he can see men jeering and realizes that his hands are tied behind his back.

"What is this?" He slurs and a man stands from behind the desk. He is in his mid fifties with a full head of dark hair. His smile is menacing and he is holding something in his right hand.

"Good evening Mr Kelsey. I'm so glad you could join us." The men laugh, disorientating Garth who flings his head around to see them.

"What do you want?"

"I believe you have reason to know the whereabouts of my daughter Mr Kelsey. I want you to tell me where she is."

"I don't know." Garth swallows hard and feels a sharp pain as one of the goons puts an arm around his throat. "Please…"

"Just tell me where she is Mr Kelsey and all your problems will be solved."

"S…s….San Francisco."

"Good. Now I can find her…and you can rest in peace." The older man raises a gun from his side and points it at his target.

"No! Please don't kill me! Please don't kill me!"

"It's too late Mr Kelsey. Thank you for your services."

Bobby Santadio smiles wryly as he takes his aim and pulls the trigger before Garth slumps forward and his world turns to black...

Next on Power and Deception

-Guy and Isabelle race to save Lucas's life...

-Adrienne pushes Isabelle over the edge...

-Tension builds between Lauren and Mindy...

-David moves in on Adrienne...

-Bobby makes his presence felt...

-Julia gets the shock of her life...