"Is that really the best you can do?" Greg barks down the phone to an unfortunate employee in London. "We need to get the solar energy division off the ground by October. We can't have these kind of delays."

Losing his temper and becoming tired of the problem, Greg rudely slams the phone down on the victim of his tirade and rubs his chin as he contemplates what is causing his bad mood. Of course that's obvious.

A light begins to glow on the intercom console and Greg taps the receive button. "What is it Hannah?"

"Your granddaughter is here to see you Mr Masters. Shall I send her in?"

It is tempting to come up with an excuse but Greg has never been the type to shy away from confrontation so he makes his decision accordingly. "Alright."

There is a buzz as the intercom switches off and Greg wrings his hands as the doorjamb turns. Danielle soon appears in the doorway timidly. "This is okay isn't it?"

"Yes. Shut the door."

Obeying her grandfather, Danielle steps inside and sits down opposite him. She takes off her lightweight jacket and uses her arm to fold it over. It might provide a welcome distraction if things turn nasty. "I haven't talked to you recently."

"No. That's been deliberate on my part."

"Why?"

"You know why. I can't accept this…lifestyle of yours and to be frank I'm quite disappointed. Why did you drop by anyway? Surely you know all of this."

"Yes. But I thought of a way of mending the rift. Before the barbecue, you were interested in hiring me as an intern at Pacific West for the summer. I'm interested in taking up your offer."

A moment passes as Greg forms his reply, "I don’t think that I can allow that."

"Why?" Danielle's voice holds a hint of confrontation which she had been trying her best to avoid. "Is my ability any different now than it was last week? I go to Oxford. I'm not stupid."

"It isn't your ability which causes the problem."

"That's what you should be hiring me for. Any personal problems should take a backseat. Or perhaps it would be too embarrassing having a howling dyke in the company."

"Don't use that kind of language!"

"Well isn't that what you're saying? It's what you obviously see me to be. All I want is a way of learning the ropes here for the summer. We needn't even see each other if that's what you wanted."

"I've said no Danielle and my decision is final. Now if you don't mind I've got work to do."

Her mind and body numb from the brutal rebuff, Danielle stays in her seat and stares at Greg who has already started to sort through paperwork as if she wasn't there. "You've made your position perfectly clear. I won't bother you again." Fighting the tears that are welling up in her eyes, Danielle exits the office with as much dignity as she can muster.

Leyland Avenue: San Francisco

The roof of the gleaming black Mercedes has been collapsed and Julia lets the wind pass through her hair as she cruises down the street. Keeping one hand on the steering wheel, she pulls out a compact mirror to quickly check her eyeliner and content that she looks perfect, she prepares to drop it as the Wheeler building comes into view.

However in the mirror she notices a silver Chrysler a short distance behind her. The same car that's been following me since I left Bobby's apartment.. She notes with suspicion.

Moving swiftly, Julia races the car forwards and panics as the Chrysler picks up speed. Her tyres screech as she maneuvers the car sharply at crossroads and she continues the pace until she reaches the entrance of the Wheeler garage.

"Oh God, hurry." Julia puts a shaking hand into her purse and pulls out her entrance card as the Chrysler appears again. She slots it into the machine and taps her fingers impatiently on the steering wheel waiting for the gate to open.

Julia glances in her rear view mirror and seeing that the Chrysler has disappeared, she turns her head quickly to make sure that it is not hiding down the street. Content that the coast is clear, Julia drives into the garage and takes a deep breath to calm herself after the unexpected ordeal.

Wheeler Estate: Napa Valley

"John!" Lauren calls out as she bursts into the house. "John where are you?"

"In here." He calls out from the living room and Lauren runs in breathlessly. She puts a hand to her chest as if to regulate her erratic breathing.

"Mindy!" She exclaims. "I just went over to her hotel room…"

"Yes I know exactly what you did." John stands and walks over to face her. "I thought you were getting better. And now you pull a stunt like this."

"Stunt? What?" Lauren replies, obviously confused.

"You broke into Mindy's hotel room and attacked her! What were you thinking?"

"Is that what she told you?"

"Yes. You left her scared to death. If you're not careful you're going to end up sharing a cell with Stephanie." John moves towards the wet bar and leans on it, his intolerance rising.

"She's lied to you. Can't you see through it John? She's been drugging me! That's why I've been acting so crazy lately."

John snorts, "Yeah sure. Get a grip Lauren. You need to get over this jealousy and stop harassing Mindy."

"I am not harassing anybody." Lauren's voice is shaky. "And I can't believe you are taking the word of that bitch over mine."

Losing his temper, John puts his hands on Lauren's shoulders and shakes her slightly. "This has got to stop! Ever since Mindy came here you've become more insecure than I've ever known you to be. I think you need help and your mother and I are going to get it for you."

"No!" Lauren pushes him away violently. "I do not need help. I need you to see sense!"

"I'm going to see your mother. We need to sort this out once and for all." John stares at his wife for a moment hoping that somehow he will be able to get through to her. But it doesn't work and pulling car keys from his pocket, he leaves the house.

Wheeler Corporation: San Francisco

"Come in." Julia hollers when she hears a knock at the door. She has her back to the visitor, looking out of the window in a panic that the car might still be around, the driver watching her.

"Hi Jules."

"Oh it's you." There is the usual disdain in Julia's voice when she spins round to see Michael in the office. "Don't tell me…you're collecting for charity. Sorry but I've already made my donation by taking half of the company out of your mother's incompetent hands."

Michael decides to let the remark slide, "No actually I'm here on personal business."

"Okay. Is it about your engagement? Perhaps Donna will actually get to be your wife. It was a long time ago since we tried to get married but your father put pay to that of course."

There is a moment of awkwardness filled with nostalgia as one of them struggles to come up with something to say. Michael fills the gap, "If you were planning on using that line in the middle of the ceremony don't bother. Donna already knows about our involvement."

"My, you're already telling each other secrets."

"Yes and she told me hers…about her father. He's a criminal Julia and I honestly don't think you should get involved with him."

"Do you really care?"

"Yes in a twisted way I do. And I know that getting involved with Bobby Santadio is a big mistake."

"It would be nice to think you were jealous." Julia says with a smile as she sits down at her desk.

"Whatever floats your boat."

"Listen Michael, this is all very nice and… so you, but I can take care of myself. Besides I've heard this trash already from Donna and she couldn't change my mind about Bobby."

"That's it then?"

"I'm afraid so."

Without saying anything else, Michael leaves the office and Julia slumps back in her chair. Why did I ever let you go? She thinks to herself.

Four Seasons Resort: Santa Barbara

"This is heaven." Cassie groans as she leans back and lets the soothingly hot water in the spa swirl around her naked body. She takes a sip from her champagne flute and closes her eyes.

"It certainly is. When was the last time we did something like this?" Guy wipes sweat from his brow.

"Probably when I was married to Jake. God, that's tacky isn't it."

Guy grins and turns enabling him to crawl down the spa bath to an unsuspecting Cassie. "No. So long as you didn't do it with him too."

Feeling Guy's breath on her face, Cassie opens her eyes and runs a hand down his back. "With Jake I don't think so. Only you honey."

Smiling, Guy takes the champagne from Cassie's hand and sets it down on the tiled surface next to the bath. Then he tilts her head and places a kiss on her lips.

Before they can get any further, the phone begins to ring in the bedroom and Guy groans as Cassie giggles.

"I thought we were meant to get some peace." Guy quickly grabs a towel and wraps it hastily around his waist as he steps into the bedroom. Water drips off him with every step and Cassie blows him a kiss as he picks up the phone. "Hello?"

"Mr Wheeler. This is Renata from the hotel crèche."

"Renata." Guy sighs. "I don't mean to be rude but is this important?"

"I'm afraid so. Could you and your wife come down her please?"

"Now?"

"Yes."

"Fine. We'll be down in a few minutes." Frustrated, Guy puts the phone down and stomps back into the bathroom. "Fun's up honey. We've got to go down to the crèche."

"Why? Is there something wrong with Lucas?" Cassie grabs a towel and uses it to cover herself as she steps out of the tub.

"I've no idea. We better go and find out."

Masters Mansion: San Francisco

"David told you to leave for the weekend early?" Adrienne is aghast as gets into the car.

"Yeah. Nice of him wasn't it." Travis shouts as he moves around the side of the car and opens his door. He bends down, about to get inside. "Oh shoot. I've left one of the bags inside."

Adrienne rolls her eyes, "Go and get it. I'll wait here."

Travis smiles and runs across the driveway. When he has stepped inside the house, Adrienne reaches down for her cell phone and hurriedly dials David's office number.

"Elliott and Wilder. How may I help you?" Cynthia's cheery voice greets her.

"Put me through to David now. It's Adrienne Wilder."

"Yes Mrs Wilder."

There is a buzzing sound and David answers sounding slightly bemused. "Adrienne?"

"You're damn right it is. How could you do this to me?"

"Do what?"

"Tell Travis to leave early! I don't want to go away with him for the weekend. It's my idea of purgatory."

"Calm down. I could hardly demand that he not take you away. Do we want him to get suspicious?"

"No." Adrienne replies, pouting slightly.

"Exactly. I'm going to miss you but there wasn't much that I could do. Where are you going?"

"He hasn't said. Carmel I presume. That was Danielle's suggestion."

"I'll be waiting for you to get back."

"Good." Adrienne spies Travis trotting down the front steps of the house and begins to whisper. "Look I've gotta go. He's coming."

"Okay. Bye."

Adrienne switches the phone off just as Travis opens the door and slides into the driver's seat. "Ready?" He asks.

"As I'll ever be." Adrienne replies with a fake smile.

"Good. I get the feeling it's going to be a great weekend."

Scowling, Adrienne turns to stare out of the window as the car pulls off down the driveway.

Wheeler Estate: Napa Valley

Anger surging through her whole body, Lauren is startled when she finds Pilar in the kitchen, putting on a coat.

"Where are you going?"

"Mr Michael say I could have afternoon off. My brother have wedding."

"Oh." Lauren manages to force a smile. "Go and have fun. I hope you have a lovely time. Say hello to Carlos for me."

"I will. Thank you." Pilar beams as she exits the kitchen.

When she has left, Lauren picks up a cordless phone which has been left on the counter top and attempts to get through to Michael's office. She holds it to her ear and lets it ring continuously as she walks through the house and up to her bedroom. When she gets there, she ends the call and tosses the phone down onto the bed in anger.

Hearing her door close, Lauren spins round and sees Mindy standing there smiling with a file in her hand. "Get out!" She screams.

"No I don't think so. I've come to see John. Is he in?"

"Does it look like it?"

"I don't know. You do spend a lot of time on your own these days. You'll be doing that even more when John comes back to LA with me."

"Dream on and get the hell out."

"Not until I've seen John. I've got some information for him."

"Information." The file in Mindy's hand grabs Lauren's attention and she stares at it. "What is that?"

Mindy waves it out in front of her. "This is a little dossier I had compiled to detail the whereabouts of your not so beloved daughter Megan. John will read it, you'll weep and then your marriage will be over."

"I don't think so." Lauren spits.

"I do. Because I am not going to stop until I get John back…permanently."

San Francisco Airport: San Francisco

"Thanks!" Danielle exclaims as she struggles not to fall out of the cab. She slams the door shut and hands the driver all the cash she can find it in the pocket. "Keep the change." She adds before racing to the airport entrance.

Several people stare at her in annoyance as she runs through the crowded airport, her shoes clattering on the shiny enamel floor.

I've got to say goodbye.

"Excuse me!" She yells as she pushes impatiently through the building crowd, desperate to get to the gate for Courtney's flight.

Casting a glance up at the departures board, Danielle sighs in relief when she sees that the plane hasn't left yet. There's still time.

She averts her gaze from the crowd in front of her, hoping to see a sign when gate 3 comes into view and it doesn't take long for her to find it despite upsetting several weary people who have just stepped off their own flights.

"Courtney!" Danielle calls out when she sees her girlfriend getting closer and closer towards the boarding gate. She begins to lose her temper with the bustling crowd but keeps smiling, hoping that she will get Courtney's attention.

As she manages to break through, she sees another young woman approach Courtney and holds back, slightly annoyed. Who the hell is that? She remains stationary for a moment to see if she can identify the woman but her smile slowly fades when Courtney puts an arm round her. The two women kiss each other briefly before walking forwards to board the plane, and unable to register what she has just seen, Danielle stares at the gate.

Without any attempt to confront Courtney, Danielle quickly turns and runs out of the airport as fast as she can.

Four Seasons Resort: Santa Barbara

Cassie places a hand on Guy's arm as they both walk briskly through the foyer of the hotel towards the crèche. The door is marked with multi-colored bubble lettering and peering through the glass, Cassie can see several cribs lined up against the wall furthest away from her. A fewl animated children are bouncing a plastic ball on the ground and turn when Cassie and Guy step inside.

"Did she sound concerned?" Cassie asks, trying to fathom why they would have been dragged out of their bedroom after distinctly asking not to be disturbed during the afternoon.

"I don't know." Guy frowns. "She sounded a little concerned I guess."

An attractive Hispanic woman notices them and smiles weakly as she approaches. "Hi I'm Renata. Are you the Wheelers?"

"Yes." Cassie answers quickly. "Is there something wrong with Lucas?"

"In a way yes."

"Oh my God." Cassie puts a hand to her mouth. "Where is he?"

"Calm down." Renata soothes her. "Lucas is okay, it's just…we've received a visitor at the crèche who has been trying to see him."

"Who?" Guy cuts in and reaches down to take Cassie's hand. She is just as confused as he is and waits eagerly for Renata's reply.

"He says he is the baby's father." The words cause Cassie's eyes to narrow. "They're both through here."

Cassie and Guy follow Renata to an archway which leads to an extension of the creche. There are more babies sleeping peacefully and in the corner, Jake is hovering over one of the cribs.

"Ah. I expected you to come." He looks up with a smirk.

"I don't recall this being one of your visitation days." Cassie remarks with venom and pushes him out of the way to scoop Lucas up from his crib.

Jake throws his hands in the air, "What can I say? I missed my son."

"So you drove all the way down to Santa Barbara to visit him? Don't talk crap." Guy tries to control his temper whilst Renata seems to become flustered.

"I just happened to be here." Jake shrugs. "Deal with it." Sensing that he has gotten to the couple, he strolls out of the room, laughing as he walks away.

"I'm so sorry…" Renata begins.

"Don't worry about it." Cassie cuts her off and turns her attention to Guy. "We're going home…now!"

Donna's Apartment Building: San Francisco

"Have you got your key?" Michael asks Donna as they step onto the sidewalk and begin to move away from the building.

"Yeah. I think so." Donna puts a hand into her purse to check and nods when she feels the sharp metal. "What are we going to see?"

"I'm not sure. I guess we'll find out when we get to the cinema. Any preferences?"

"No." Donna shrugs. "Whatever you want to see is fine by me."

From a car across the street, a man watches the pair closely as they begin to cross and he starts his engine, smiling when they don't seem to notice. Putting the car into gear, he begins to move the car forwards, inching towards his prey.

"Julia was her usual self." Michael continues the conversation. "Terse, smart and dismissive. There's got to be some way of getting through to her."

"I'm not sure that's a smart idea."

"Why?" Michael seems surprised at the change of heart.

Before Donna has the chance to respond, the street is filled with the noise of a roaring engine as a car careens towards them. Noticing the intrusion, Donna turns and screams as the driver prepares to run her down.

Madison Central Sanitarium: San Francisco

"Sit down Stephanie. This is serious and I need an explanation from you."

Stephanie is sat uncomfortably in Dr Bryce's office and thankfully the two of them are alone. She stares at the knife in Dr Bryce's hand. It is obvious that he is going to great lengths to keep it out of her reach but nevertheless she can't keep her eyes off it and knows only too well where it came from. "The knife isn't mine." She announces rather nonchalantly.

Dr Bryce sighs, "I think it is obvious that you're lying Stephanie. Why would you do something like this? Especially when your so close to getting parole."

Stephanie looks up, "Yes it does seem a little suspicious and unlikely doesn't it? Who found the knife?"

"Nurse Bauer but I don't see how that matters."

"That weak willed hausfrau? I doubt it would have taken much to bribe her."

"I will not tolerate those sorts of accusations. Nurse Bauer acts with the utmost professionalism at all times."

"Well." Stephanie leans forwards relishing the moment, "At lease somebody does around here."

Noticing the glint in Stephanie's eyes, Dr Bryce becomes uneasy. "What is that supposed to mean?"

Chuckling, Stephanie slumps back in her chair. "I think you know. I had the…misfortune last night of catching you having sex on this desk with Carrie Bishop." She stares at the desk crinkling her nose in distaste, "Oh my, I hope you sprayed some disinfectant around or something."

"That is a disgusting and spiteful accusation to make."

"It's the truth doctor and you know it."

Dr Bryce leaves the knife beside him on the floor and crosses his arms, "How can you prove it?"

"Believe me, it wouldn't take much to get Carrie Bishop to confess. Especially if you were subjected to a departmental enquiry…and Carrie was interviewed by a member of the medical association. You probably picked her because you thought she was too stupid to be believed. Unfortunately you didn't realize that stupidity often leads to indiscretion."

"I know you're sane Stephanie. So why are you doing this? You're talking exactly the same way you did when you first came here."

Stephanie becomes aggressive, "Because I am not going to rot in here any longer than I have to and I know damn well that my bastard ex-husband had that knife planted in my room. If you forget this ever happened and don't withdraw your recommendation from the parole board then none of us have to get hurt."

"Like hell." Dr Bryce scoffs.

"You think you have a choice? The ball's in my court. I'm the one calling the shots here and I'm warning you that I won't keep quiet about Carrie if you cross me. The scandal alone would be enough to tarnish your reputation permanently."

"Okay." Dr Bryce replies shakily, angered that he has been backed into a corner. "You can go. And the recommendation still stands."

"Thank you." Stephanie addresses him as she places a hand on the doorjamb. "Perhaps you could push the parole board and as for you and Carrie…I hope you're very happy together."

Wheeler Estate: Napa Valley

"You are never going to get John. You are a sad, pathetic loser! Even your own father paid someone to take you off his hands!"

"My father loves me!" Infuriated, Mindy raises a hand to slap Lauren but it is quickly halted in mid air and a scuffle begins as Lauren attempts to take the file.

"Give it to me." Lauren claws at the folder, trying to pull it within reach.

"No!" Lashing out, Mindy pushes Lauren backwards and she lands on the bed, her hair dishevelled by the attack.

"Fine." Lauren runs a hand through her hair and edges towards the phone. "You tried to kill me. I'm calling the police."

Dropping the file, Mindy leaps forwards like a tiger and rips the phone cord out of its socket. "You're not calling anybody."

"Then I'm leaving." Lauren gets up from the bed and moves towards the door but stops dead in her tracks when she feels Mindy's arm lock around her neck. Beginning to choke, her arms flail attempting to fend off the attacker but it only succeeds to throw Mindy off balance and the two women land on the bed.

Seizing her opportunity, Mindy leans over and wraps her hands around Lauren's throat, strangling her. Her pressures is relentless and Lauren feels the life being throttled out of her. Searching the bed with her hands, Lauren is relieved when she finds the phone and adrenaline pumping through her body she swings her arm, crashing the heavy object down onto Mindy's head.

Mindy's body becomes limp and Lauren pushes her off, taking deep gulps of air to steady her breathing. A slight trickle of blood is dripping from her attacker's head onto the carpet and treading as quietly as possible, Lauren moves away from the body and begins to call for help.

She enters 9-1-1 on the keypad and waits for a response. "Hello? I need help! I think I've killed someone."

"Calm down." The friendly female voice is soothing. "What's happened?"

"We got into a fight and I…I knocked her out. She's bleeding."

"What's your location?"

"326 Green Valley Road. It's the Wheeler estate. Please hurry."

"Okay can I take your name?"

"Lauren. Lauren Erikson."

"An ambulance is on its way Lauren."

"Thanks." Without waiting for any first aid tips, Lauren switches off the phone and bends down to check Mindy. She puts a finger to her neck, hoping to find a pulse.

"You stupid bitch." Mindy's eyes flick open and before Lauren can retreat she punches her sharply in the jaw.

"No! Please!" As Lauren picks herself up off the ground, Mindy drives towards her pushing her towards the balcony.

* * *

"I don't think it's Lauren's fault. There must be some truth in what she's saying." Isabelle warns John as they open the front door and step into the hallway.

"I'm not so sure. Mindy was shaken up after the visit. I'm worried that Lauren may have cracked."

Suddenly, there is a screaming sound from upstairs and looking at each other, they both race up the staircase in the direction of the commotion.

* * *

As the scuffle becomes even more frantic, the two women get to the french windows and Lauren reaches out to wrap her hand around Mindy's throat.

"Get off me!" Mindy screams and loses her balance. The sound of shattering glass can be heard all through the house as she pushes Lauren through the windows onto the balcony.

Seemingly unhurt apart from a few scratches, Lauren tries to hit out as Mindy pushes her against the front of the balcony. The metal rail causes a pain in her back and she turns for a moment looking at the drop to the patio below. "No!"

Mustering all of her strength, Lauren spins Mindy around but pushes her too hard. She is forced to watch in horror as a screaming Mindy slips over the railing and falls to the tiled patio below.

"Mindy!" Lauren screams in horror.

"Oh my God!" Isabelle exclaims when she enters the room and sees broken glass on the ground. Followed by John, she rushes across the bedroom and out onto the balcony. They both look over the edge and Isabelle gasps when she sees Mindy's lifeless body sprawled across the patio in a pool of blood.

Next on Power and Deception

-Danielle faces Courtney's deception...

-Carrie vents her fury to Stephanie...

-Travis and Adrienne have a surprise in the mountains...

-Bobby has an offer for Julia...

-Isabelle makes a deal with the devil to help Lauren...