Guy grabs Cassie to stop her from falling with Lucas and stares on in disbelief. "This isn't funny Julia. Who is he?" He glances over at Jake.

"Use your brains uncle. Who do you think I am?" Jake replies bitterly.

"This can't be happening." Cassie starts to shake and hands Lucas over to Guy before fleeing inside. Smiling, Julia tugs at Jake's arm and they follow her into the living room.

"Like it or not babe, I'm here."

"But you can't be! They found your body!" Cassie screams.

"I don't know who's body they found, but it sure as hell wasn't mine. This isn't the X Files Cassie. I didn't die in the fire."

"Then where have you been for the last four months?" Guy steps into the room, his blood boiling at the sight of the man who reminds him so much of Martin…the only other man he's wanted to see dead.

"I got knocked out in the explosion…" Jake begins, wringing his hands, "I lost it. I lost everything. I didn't know who I was or where I was and I panicked. I ended up in Oakland and I've been getting my memory back. When I found everything out…I came back…"

"You sent me that message on my computer!" Cassie says accusingly and Julia is visibly confused.

"What message? I don't know what you're talking about. All I know is that we have a lot of things to sort out. The baby for one…"

Putting the baby in his cot, Guy storms over to Jake and grabs his shirt. "He is my baby. Not yours. There is nothing to sort out."

"Guy!" Julia bellows and tears him off her son. "I can see it was a mistake doing this today. We'll get in contact with you tomorrow."

Cassie is sitting in the corner sobbing and unresponsive. Guy stares at her disturbed and goes over to comfort her as their enemies leave the house. "It's okay. He won't hurt us again."

Outside, Julia puts an arm around her son as they move towards the car. "Very convincing." She purrs. "You almost had me fooled. If only she knew that you deliberately stayed away and came back to see her life in ruins. You've got style Jake. I like it. Although making me think you were dead was…"

"Come on mom." Jake squeezes her tightly as they reach the car. "You know why I did it. But don't you think it's worth it in the long run? To see Cassie and Guy get what they deserve?"

Julia ponders this for a few seconds and turns her head towards the house where she sees Cassie sobbing on the floor, through the window. With a smile she makes her decision, "Absolutely."

Wheeler Estate: Napa Valley

"We find this out from Cassie?" Lauren is aghast as Isabelle breaks the news to the her and John. They are all seated around the breakfast table on the patio.

"Julia obviously didn't see fit to inform us that he was alive.

"I find this a little to hard to believe." John offers, pushing his grapefruit aside. He is too stunned to even contemplate eating it.

"There are a lot of things about this family which are a little too hard to believe John." Isabelle replies.

Lauren rolls her eyes, "What I wouldn't give to be normal. We better tell Michael. Has anybody seen him?"

Isabelle shakes her head and John stares at Lauren vacantly. "I wonder where he is." Lauren shrugs before getting back to the subject in hand. "Where the hell has Jake been for so long anyway?"

"Cassie said that he had some form of amnesia after the explosion. He's been in Oakland apparently."

"Incredible. I don't know what this means for Cassie. What with the legality of her marriage to Guy and everything. Could it be classed as bigamy? It's just a shame the old fundamentalist mormon excuse won't wash." John asks.

"I don't think so or at least I hope not. Cassie is going to have enough problems. I feel so sorry for her."

"You don't think this could all have been deliberate do you?" Lauren begins to tap on the top of the table with her fingers.

"Julia seemed very convincing at the memorial service. But then again I'm sorry to say that doesn't mean very much as far as she's concerned." Isabelle places her tea cup down on the table and stares into the distance. "Anyway, like you said, someone better tell Michael before it gets into the papers. I wonder where he was last night."

Masters Mansion: San Francisco

Pulling her coat tightly around her body to disguise the dress she is wearing, Adrienne starts to ascend the staircase after being introduced to Jake. Of all the strange things… She shakes her head in disbelief and can hear Greg, Julia and Jake talking in the drawing room. Adrienne is a little perturbed that Jake had to move in with them.

Hoping that Travis has left for work, she turns the corner into the bedroom and is thankful when she sees no sign of her husband. Sighing, she drops the coat and starts to smile a little, remembering her night with David. "Time for a shower I think."

The door behind her slams shut and she spins around to see an angry Travis staring at her menacingly. "Where the hell have you been?"

"I had a book launch." Adrienne tries to cover up, startled. "I spent the night with my friend Patricia because it went on so late."

"Don't lie to me." Travis makes his way towards her and bangs his fist against the wall, making her jump.

"I'm not! Ask my father! He'll tell you!"

"Like I believe a word that comes out of his mouth." Putting his hands to his face, Travis shakes his head. "Just be honest with me. Are you seeing someone else?"

"No!" Is Adrienne's immediate reaction. "We're married."

"That doesn't seem to mean much these days. Come on Adrienne, you won't even sleep with me."

"I'm sorry." She whispers. "I'm just not interested in it any more."

"Would it kill you to try?" Travis raises his voice again and grabs his wife by her arms, roughly. "It's driving me crazy being married to a woman who can't even stand me!"

"I can stand you…I just…"

"Don't even bother." Travis snaps and with one swift movement he shoves Adrienne away. She falls backwards and hits her head on the corner of her wooden dressing table.

"Oh God I'm so sorry."

"Get away from me." Adrienne spits, her voice low as Travis tries to help her up. She hits his hands away and pulls herself up off the ground. "I warned you the last time…don't you ever touch me again." Stalking into the bathroom, she slams the door and panicked, Travis heads out of the bedroom. Jake is standing on the landing, staring at him.

"What?"

Shrugging, Jake turns and walks down the hallway silently, leaving Travis to contemplate what he has just done.

Palace Hotel: San Francisco

"Good morning baby." Bobby strokes Donna's face as she begins to come round from her drug induced slumber. She is lying on a well padded couch in what seems to be a hotel suite. Putting a hand to her aching head, she tries to sit up but her body feels bruised.

"Where have you taken me?" She hisses.

"Don't worry Donella. We're in the radiant San Francisco. I can see why you chose here. It's so much…sunnier than Manhattan."

"It was also a lot safer until you came along." Donna becomes quiet for a moment, hearing rumbling coming from another room. "What's that noise?" She questions her father.

"Ah." Bobby holds up a hand. "I have a little…surprise for you. Gentlemen! Bring him out!" He yells.

Suddenly, a door opens and Michael is pulled out of the room, his hands tied behind his back. Two of Bobby's goons push him onto the sofa next to Donna and she puts her hands to his face worriedly. "I'm so sorry. Are you okay?"

"Yeah." Michael replies, scowling at the men who have been holding him captive for the night. "Just peachy."

"Let us out of here father."

"I don't think so. Not yet. I want to talk to you."

"Then at least let Michael go! He's not involved with this! Why do you need to keep him?"

"Because I think your little friend needs to know what he's dealing with before we say goodbye." Bobby smiles.

"I know what I'm dealing with…I know that you murdered Garth Kelsey. Did you tell Donna about that?"

Donna does not seem surprised but a look of sorrow can be seen in her eyes. The world she has been trying so desperately to escape from has finally caught up with her. "I suppose you think murder is a small price to pay don't you father? How many people have you slaughtered trying to find me?"

"You need to grow up." Bobby scoffs in reply. "I think the only way you can do that is by coming back to New York with me."

Donna stands up, "No way. You can rot in hell. I'd rather die than go back there with you."

Behind Bobby, one of his goons lifts up a gun and points it at Donna. She stares down the barrel, frozen with terror.

Richardson House: Napa Valley

Cassie is sitting at the kitchen table and she places the cordless phone down as Guy walks into the room, wearing a t-shirt and boxers. He is still not dressed.

"Hey." Cassie greets him. "I'd say good morning but…"

"Yeah, it doesn't quite ring true does it?" Guy goes to the fridge and pulls out the orange juice before pouring himself a glass. "Who were you on the phone to?"

"The lawyer your mother recommended…Travis Wilder. He's arranging a meeting with the judge for later today. Hopefully we can find out what all this means."

"Ha." Guy sits down opposite his wife. "I'd be glad if someone could enlighten us. And to think I made that joke at Jake's memorial service."

"I know." Cassie leans forwards and takes one of Guy's hands in hers. "But even if our marriage is declared invalid, we can do it again. Isabelle said Travis is a good attorney. He can sort something out."

"He's David Elliott's partner remember. If that's not a crooks' law firm, I don't know what is." Guy stops remembering the truce he called with his mother. There is no way that she would send them to an attorney if she didn't think he was able to do a good job. "You're right. We just have to wait and see."

Pacific West Industries: San Francisco

"You're very cheerful this morning." David whispers in Julia's ear as they walk towards Greg's office.

"Of course I am. I've got my son back…what more could I ask for?"

"How about getting that soul of yours back from the devil?"

"Ha ha." Julia scowls at him but as soon as they enter Greg's office, she lights up with a smile and shakes the hand of his attorney. "Nigel. It's good to see you again."

"You too." Nigel Jennings enthuses convincingly. He moves his eyes down Julia's body and up again. What a lucky man Greg is.

"Do you have the agreements?" Julia asks as she sits down next to David.

"Yes." Greg replies. "Nigel's had them drawn up. The first is the prenuptial…and the second is the stock transfer. All fifty percent of the Wheeler Corporation."

Nigel cuts in, "There's some small print about merging some of the projects including Pacific West's solar energy division but I assume that your lawyer has looked over it all." He directs the question towards Julia but feeling slighted, David answers.

"Yes I have. It all seems to be in order. So if you want to sign them Julia…" He prods her and whips out a pen from his jacket pocket, holding it in front of her face. She snatches it and scanning the pages briefly, signs her name at the bottom of each contract.

"There. Everything's done and dusted." Julia beams.

"Pleased?" Greg asks, testing the waters.

"Absolutely. I'm marrying a wonderful man and you've taken half of the company off my hands so I have more time for my son. Life's perfect."

Palace Hotel: San Francisco

"Put the gun down." Bobby orders the aggressive looking man to his left. "There's no need for that."

"Damn right there isn't." Donna puts a shaking hand to her throat and closes her eyes. "I just want to go."

"Maybe you need time to think about it." Bobby reaches out to stroke his daughter's face but she turns away. "Alright. I'll let you go for now."

"Thank God." Michael exhales sharply and clasps Donna's hand as tight as he can. They both stand and walk towards the door. Michael can feel Donna shaking and starts to worry.

"Do come back and visit me won't you Donella. I'll be sticking around for quite a while I think."

"Don't you have business to take care of in New York father?" Donna retorts, grasping the door handle.

"Touché." Bobby agrees. "But California holds its own interests. By the way you two..." He smiles wryly, "Remember I'll be watching you."

"Let's get out of here." Donna pulls Michael angrily and they fall out of the hotel room, slamming the door shut behind them.

As soon as they reach the hallway, a torrent of tears which has been building up in Donna's eyes begins to fall. "What are we going to do?" She asks desperately.

"I don't know. I just don't know."

La Vallée Restaurant: Napa Valley

Handing her car keys over to the valet, Lauren takes off her sunglasses and puts them in her purse. She steps through the automatic doors into the light and breezy restaurant and breathes a sigh of relief that it has air conditioning. It is so damn hot outside.

She waits for the hostess to greet her and watches a mosaic fountain in front of her, entranced by the water trickling down endlessly.

"Sorry to keep you waiting." The hostess finally arrives. "Can I take your name please?"

"Lauren Erikson. I'm here to meet a…friend. I believe the reservation will be under the name Melinda Stewart."

The woman smiles and scans with a finger down the page of bookings. After searching the correct section she frowns, "I'm sorry madam. There is no booking under that name."

"There's got to be…" Lauren's voice trails off before the realization hits her. "Try Melinda Erikson." She orders politely.

"Of course madam…ah…yes. Mrs Erikson is waiting for you on the terrace. Let me show you through."

"Thank you." Lauren's voice shows signs of bitterness as she is guided through the maze of diners out onto the beautiful Spanish style terrace. It is relatively secluded and she finally notices the woman she is waiting for.

"Is there anything you need?" The hostess asks as Lauren starts to head towards the table.

"Yes. I'd like a glass of Chardonnay if that's possible."

The hostess smiles and steps back inside as Lauren walks across the concrete terrace to Mindy, who immediately stops what she is doing.

"I'm glad you could come." Mindy is unconvincing as she sips from her martini glass.

"I'm not." Lauren replies bluntly. She takes her seat and steals a brief glance at the magnificent view to her side. The terrace overlooks acres of lush green fields and Lauren wishes that she could share the experience with John as opposed to his ex-wife. "What did you bring me here for?"

"I…" Mindy stops until the waiter has placed Lauren's wine glass down on the table and left. "I think we need to talk about John."

"My husband, you mean."

Mindy rolls her eyes, "Yes. I've noticed that he's been spending a lot of time with Adam recently and that is something which I would like to encourage."

"I wonder why…"

"Would you just hear me out?"

Lauren shrugs and her dining partner continues, "But I have every intention of moving back to Los Angeles with my son…and I have no intention of leaving without John."

"You're serious?" Lauren gapes, "This has to be Candid Camera or something."

"You're damn right I'm serious." Mindy replies, her expression stern. "We have a son together and I think we should have the chance to be a family. You only married John on the rebound anyway."

"That's not true!" Lauren slams her glass down on the table, spilling a small amount of wine.

"Yes it is. And I think that makes him fair game."

"You're talking as if this is some kind of competition!" Exasperated, Lauren begins to clean up the mess she has made.

"It's a lot more than that honey. It's war." Seemingly undisturbed by the serious nature of the conversation, Mindy takes a sip of her martini and turns to watch the view.

"You listen to me!" Lauren flings her soiled napkin down on the table as hard as she can. Pointing an accusatory finger at her nemesis she lowers her voice, "I've dealt with women like you before. I know how to handle you."

"Oh contraire." Mindy laughs mockingly. "You'll soon realize that you've never met anybody like me."

"And I thank God every day for it. You do understand that I'll be telling John all about this little meeting don't you?"

"Go ahead. But do you really think he's going to believe you? He'll just think you're jealous again…the same as you were when he was in the hospital…Don't try and beat me." Mindy leans forwards, "No one's ever managed it yet." She holds forward her glass in a mock toast and finishes her drink with a smile.

Pacific West Industries: San Francisco

The elevator opens with an electronic ringing sound as Isabelle swiftly steps out and moves through the light filled lobby towards Greg's office. His secretary stands up. "Can I help you?"

"Go to hell." Isabelle shoots back and bursts in to the office in front of her. Greg is sat at his desk but immediately springs to his feet when he sees the angry woman entering the room. "You bastard!"

"Excuse me?"

"You know why I'm here. You've taken half of my company!"

"It's Julia's company. Perhaps you should sit down."

Isabelle places her purse on the desk and sits back in the hard backed wooden chair. Its modern design has obviously been dreamed up to look chic as opposed to providing comfort and this only adds to Isabelle's displeasure. "I got a call from David Elliott this morning. He was filled with glee when he informed me on Julia's behalf that she has signed over half of the Wheeler Corporation to you of all people. Why did you do it?"

Greg is aghast at the accusation, "Why do you automatically think I instigated the whole thing? Julia is very resourceful…you know that. Didn't it occur to you that it was her idea?"

"Oh yes, it occurred to me. But then I realized what a power hungry shrew she is and how it would take a wrench to prize even one percent of that company out of her hands!"

Evaluating his next move, Greg eyes Isabelle up and down knowing that he is making her uncomfortable. His voice as smooth as silk, he attempts to quell the situation. "What is your biggest problem with me owning part of the company? It's not as if we'd have to work together."

"Not until I get it back."

"You seem very sure of yourself."

"I am! And it shouldn't be too difficult. The amount of time that woman spends in the bedroom, I'm surprised she has any time left for the boardroom at all." Isabelle snaps with venom.

A slight rapping sound emanates from the mahogany desk as Greg taps it with his fingers. "I'm not doing this to get at you Belle."

The term of endearment has an immediate effect on the woman and she shivers slightly, hearing it. Her voice becomes quiet, tired of fighting battles with the people that she loves. "Then why do it at all?"

"It as purely a business decision. Julia wanted to sell now that Jake is back and it was a sound investment. You should be proud that your family managed to build up such a powerful corporation. And if you're worried…the acquisition won't affect the Wheeler Foundation at all."

"I'm not worried Greg, I'm angry. Everything I've held dear in my life has at some point been taken away from me. Guy, the company, my mother…you."

Greg stops his tapping and leans forward, "You didn't lose me. You pushed me away."

A tear forms in Isabelle's eye and she pulls a tissue out of her pocket, dabbing at it. "You expected me to just carry on as if nothing had happened? I caught you sleeping with another woman. And it wasn't just any woman."

"She was vulnerable."

"No." Isabelle cuts him off and continues, adamant. "Julia Blake hasn't been vulnerable in her entire life. She's a barracuda and a predator. We are the vulnerable ones." She points at her heart, "Me and my family. After all the years of pain she's put us through, I think she's finally finished me off."

"That's not true. You've got your life ahead of you…even if it's without me."

"Yes." Isabelle agrees. "But it will always be with her won't it?"

Wheeler Estate: Napa Valley

"Have a nice lunch?" John looks up from the script he is reading as Lauren enters the drawing room. She is looking drawn and even haggard.

"Not damn likely." Lauren collapses onto the sofa next to her husband and puts her head on his chest. He throws his script down and begins to stroke her hair.

"What's wrong?"

"I don't know." Lauren lies, knowing that Mindy was right. There is no point in telling the truth. Not yet anyway. She needs proof. "I'm just tired I guess."

"Poor baby." John kisses the top of her head. "Well I got a call from Mindy a few minutes ago."

Lauren rolls her eyes but tries to keep her voice cheerful, "Really? What did she want?"

"Just to ask me if I wanted to go and visit Adam."

"Are you going to?"

"Yes. It's been a couple of days. We seemed to get on quite well the last time I was there. He's such a smart kid."

"Yes he is." Lauren acknowledges and sits up, resting her hand on John's knee. "Hey babe…"

"What is it darling?" John smiles at their rapport.

"How would you feel if I came with you to visit Adam. I'm sure Mindy wouldn't mind."

John shrugs, "Yeah sure. Why not? I'm leaving in an hour. Come with me."

"Okay good. This suit is killing me. I'll go and chance." As Lauren exits the room she feels a slight smile creeping across her face. Two can play at your game Mindy.

County Courthouse: San Francisco

"This is definitely an unusual case. And believe me, I haven't made my decision lightly."

Cassie wills Judge Bauer to hurry as she sits in between Jake and Guy. They are in a row in front of the Judge's desk and have just returned to his chamber after waiting for his decision on whether Cassie's marriage to Guy is valid.

"What decision have you come to?" Cassie snaps, unable to hide her impatience any longer.

"Taking into account the factor of abandonment on the part of your former husband Jake Wheeler, I have no alternative but to grant your wish that your marriage to Guy Wheeler is indeed valid."

"Oh thank God." Cassie flings a hand to her mouth as Guy puts a strong arm around her. He smiles when he notices an unhappy Jake squirming in his seat.

"I'm glad you're happy Mrs…" Judge Bauer looks between the two men at her sides, slightly confused. "…Wheeler."

"Come on Guy." Cassie grabs his hand and deliberately ignores Jake. "Let's go."

They leave the chamber and step outside into the busy corridor where they make their way towards the exit. After a couple of seconds, Jake rushes up behind them and grabs Cassie's shoulder pulling her aside.

"You think it's over?" He says breathlessly.

"It is." Guy pushes Jake away who retaliates and Cassie steps in between the two men.

"Hey!" She yells. "Calm down! Of course it's over Jake. What else is there to resolve?"

"The matter of the baby? Lucas?"

"Don't tell me…Attila the Hun is stirring up trouble again. Who would have thought that Julia Wheeler would be so desperate to become a grandmother?" Cassie smirks.

"You won't be smiling for long." Jake warns. "Unless you take me up on my offer."

"And that is?"

"I'll give you one million dollars if you hand Lucas over to me and leave town."

"This is sick…" Guy protests but Cassie holds up a hand.

"No wait Guy. I can reply…Go to hell! He's my son, not yours and I'd rather sit in the middle of the desert and have my eyes pecked out by birds than hand him over to you."

"You're asking for a lawsuit Cassie." Jake grins. "And before you get too comfortable, remember that there's a fifty fifty chance that Lucas could be my son."

The words hit Cassie as hard as any physical blow and the possibility makes her recoil in disgust. "Leave me alone." She hisses and leaves Jake in the middle of the corridor as Guy struggles to catch up with her.

Wheeler Corporation: San Francisco

"She's not here?" Julia bellows at Lauren's secretary. "Talk about taking liberties. I think giving her control of the foundation was a big mistake."

Turning around, Julia heads towards the elevator again and is surprised when a man bumps into her, making her drop the files she is holding.

"Please excuse me." He apologizes in a low, accented voice. "I'm so clumsy."

"Yes you are." Julia says through her teeth, smiling. She surveys the man in front of her and is struck by his handsome features. He is in his mid fifties with dark hair and olive skin. Possibly Italian… Julia thinks.

"I was looking for a Michael Wheeler. You wouldn't know where to find him would you?"

"By the looks of it…probably lying on a sun lounger somewhere." Julia replies, still aggrieved that Lauren is not working.

"Oh that's…too bad. I had some unfinished business with him."

"May I ask your name?"

"Yes of course. Bobby Santadio. Pleased to meet you Ms…"

"Mrs Wheeler. Julia Wheeler." She grins as Bobby takes her hand and kisses it.

"Your beauty has brightened up my day." He beams.

"You're too kind." Julia falls into her seductive routine, mellowed by his flattery. "I'm just sorry that you couldn't find the person you came here for."

"I'm still glad I stopped by." Bobby starts to leave, his eyes twinkling.

"Can I give Michael a message?" Julia yells after him but it is too late. He is already in the elevator and the doors have closed. "What a mysterious man." She mutters to herself. "I wouldn't mind getting to know him better."

San Francisco General Hospital: San Francisco

"Hello?" Mindy turns around from her resting place at Adam's bedside and smiles until she sees Lauren standing beside her ex-husband.

"Hi Mindy!" Lauren grins widely and rushes forward to take a seat next to her. "Hello Adam." She adds as Mindy gets up from her seat and heads over to John.

"I really don't think we should tire him out." Mindy says bitterly with a stony expression.

"He's alright." John points at his son who is giggling as Lauren talks to him. "See? They're both getting on fine. Anyway you said it would be okay to stop by."

"I know…but I didn't know you were going to bring an entourage."

Hearing the conversation, Lauren turns around, "I'm sorry. If you want me to leave…"

"No!" Adam cries out in protest and starts to bang his teddy bear against the bed. "Stay!"

"I think that says it all." John says, his proudness evident. He is pleased that they have both taken so well to each other.

"It's okay then I suppose." Mindy replies, trying to control the urge to scowl. "Just don't stay for too long."

Elliott House: San Francisco

"I'm glad I caught you." Adrienne says as she follows David into the living room. "I wanted to thank you…for last night."

"I think I'm the one who should be thanking you." David gushes. "You were amazing."

"Oh…" Blushing, Adrienne looks to the ground. "You don't need to say that."

"Yes I do. I mean it." David leans forwards and places his hand on Adrienne's cheek ready to pull her in for a kiss. She begins to oblige but is horrified when he suddenly stops and stares at the side of her head. "Oh my God! You've hurt yourself!"

Adrienne feels a clenching sensation in her chest as she tries to come up with a suitable excuse. "It's nothing. Just a little accident."

"Are you sure?"

Can he tell? Does he know that Travis did this? Adrienne's eyes widen before she regains her composure and replies. "Yes I'm sure…Now where were we?" Taking the initiative and eager to change the subject, she pulls David towards her by his tie and places her lips on his.

Wheeler Corporation: San Francisco

"Ugh you old fool." Julia mutters with disgust as she notices an error that Albert Prentiss has made on a shipping invoice. "You've been on the board for too long. God…you're even older than Isabelle." She grimaces. As she hurriedly changes the numbers with a black pen, the intercom on her desk buzzes and she pushes her finger down on the answer button.

"Yes Marge?"

"There is a woman here to see you. A Melinda Stewart."

John's ex-wife…sounds like fun. "Okay Marge, send her in." Julia releases her finger and folds up the invoice as Mindy enters the room.

"Hi."

"Hello Ms Stewart." Julia shakes her hand and offers her a seat on a huge beige colored sofa at the side of the room.

"Call me Mindy please."

"Okay Mindy. I'm Julia. How can I help you exactly?"

"I've heard stories about you and as I was looking up information on Lauren…I thought you would be the person to see."

"Well, any enemy of Lauren's is a friend of mine." Julia smiles. "What kind of information are you looking for? Believe me…there's plenty."

"I'm not going to keep this a secret from you…I want John back. And I need to know any weaknesses Lauren has…that might help my cause."

Taking stock, Julia stares at the dark skinned beauty in front of her. "I don't think you would have much difficulty in getting him back Mindy. Especially as one little birdie told me that you have a son together. Have you tried playing that card yet?"

"Yes." Mindy sighs. "But it doesn't work. I need to know something damning. Something that could blow up Lauren's life completely."

Julia scans her brain, thinking about the best story to tell. "Now I think of it…there are two things. The first is that Lauren was arrested for attempted murder last year."

Mindy raises an eyebrow, visibily pleased with the information. "And the second?"

"This is a little more sensitive…but she was raped when she was a teenager by her mother's lover. That is why she moved to Los Angeles and stayed away from the family for so long. It's something I've always meant to look into…"

"What happened to the man who did it?"

"Ian Sanderson? He disappeared at exactly the same time as Lauren. Isabelle Wheeler told the police that he probably left town because of his gambling debts…but I was never sure. Whatever happened, I wouldn't be surprised if those two witches were both in on it. Even his wife never found out what happened to him."

"He disappeared…" Mindy says to herself before casting her mind back.

"You said something about a wife?" Mindy continues.

"Yes. Barbara Sanderson. She moved to San Diego a while after Ian disappeared…I'm not sure whether she still lives there."

"Thank you." Mindy makes a mental note of the name and reaches out to shake Julia's hand again. "This has been invaluable."

"And so much fun." Julia agrees as she walks Mindy to the door. "And if you ever need to know anything else…don't hesitate to ask. It really is a pleasure."

Masters Mansion: San Francisco

"Adrienne just called." Jake says to Greg who is trying on his wedding outfit in his bedroom. "She says that she's going to stay at the Palace Hotel with Mom tonight. They don't want you to see her until tomorrow."

"Okay." Greg smiles at the foolish superstition and finishes the knot in his tie before turning to face his stepson to be. "I'm at a bit of a loose end Jake."

"Really? Anything I can help you with?"

"Actually yeah. How would you feel about being my best man? I know it would please your mother."

"Sure." Jake's expression brightens. "Do you have a suit?"

"Yes it's…" Greg stops when he notices a woman standing outside on the landing. He opens his bedroom door fully and confronts her. "Hello?"

"Hi." She is impressed. Nice catch Julia. "I'm Cassandra Wheeler. The maid let me in. I've come to see Jake."

"It's alright Greg." Jake pats him on the shoulder. "I can handle this."

They wait for Greg to go back into the bedroom and he courteously shuts the door before Cassie begins. "This isn't a social visit. But I took what you said about the lawsuit seriously and Guy and I have come to a decision."

"The blond himbo can actually make a decision?"

"Shut up Jake. We've decided that we want to do a paternity test on Lucas. Then we can clear this matter up once and for all."

Palace Hotel: San Francisco

Julia and Adrienne lie flat on the massage tables as two Italian masseurs work their magic.

"Ohhh." Julia groans. "What a wonderful way to spend an evening. I don't think life can get much more perfect than this."

"No. And you must be so happy to have Jake back." Adrienne turns her head.

"That's an understatement. I can't tell you how good it felt just to hold him again and know that he is alive. Jessica was just as thrilled. Jake was thinking about going over and visiting her in Australia."

"Sounds nice. My kids are close too. They're both at the same college in England. I sometimes regret not having a sibling."

"It's not all it's cracked up to be." Julia says bitterly. "My sister and I never used to get on. I don't even know where she is nowadays…and I don't really care either. I haven't seen her for about twenty years."

"Well you've got good friends haven't you. Like David Elliott for instance." Adrienne's voice lifts when she says the name.

Julia grimaces, "I'd say we were more acquaintances. You seem to have taken quite a shine to him though. I must say I did wonder that if things between you and Travis got any worse you might move in on him." She is shocked by the silence and notices a grin on the other woman's face. "You haven't!"

"I might have." Adrienne giggles.

"Oh my God…I'd never have guessed. I know David is very attentive in that area too." Julia immediately regrets saying the words.

"You and him were…" The expression on Adrienne's face becomes less approving.

"A long time ago." Julia dismisses it with a wave of her hand. "Nothing important. Anyway…we need to start thinking about the wedding tomorrow. Is your dress up in your room?"

"Yes. And did you give the guest list to the hotel manager?"

"I did. I even managed to sneak a couple of extra guests on there. Isabelle Wheeler should have gotten an invitation a couple of days ago." A satisfied grin spreads across Julia's face.

"You're so bad!"

"I know dear. But I'm being cruel to be kind…well kind to me anyway. It was quite satisfying writing up the invitation. I don't think she'll come though…unless she thinks she's got a point to prove."

Wheeler Estate: Napa Valley

Stepping into the darkened conservatory, Isabelle runs the idea she has had over in her mind. It might not be so bad after all. Peering over at the side wall, she searches for the remnants of the wedding invitation and spotting the white and gold paper, she bends down to pick it up.

"Well, well, well." Isabelle is pleased with her find.

"Oh I'll enjoy it all right." Piecing the invitation back together, Isabelle leaves it on the table and decides to go upstairs to bed. "I need my sleep. It's going to be a very long day tomorrow."

Next on Power and Deception

-The wedding gets underway...

-Travis finds comfort from an unlikely source...

-Bobby gives Michael a nasty surprise...

-John donates bone marrow to Adam...

-Danielle makes vacation plans...

-Mindy has an evil plan for Lauren...

-The paternity test is held...

-Barbara Sanderson makes an appearance...