"Where is he?" Tommy races down the corridor, almost bumping into a nurse as he does so. Cynthia is sat in the waiting area holding a cup of coffee in one hand. The other is rubbing her eyes where she has been crying.

"He's…in…he's…Oh God…" The tears start to stream again and Tommy kneels down next to her.

"Please. You've got to tell me where he is."

"Mr Elliott?" A male voice calls causing Tommy to jump up in surprise.

"Yes?"

"I'm Dr Mallory. Your father's doctor." The young, plain looking man puts a hand on Tommy's back and begins to lead him down the corridor.

"He's still alive right?"

"Yes he is. We've got him on a respirator. The machines and the tubes…they all look scary. But it appears much worse than it actually is. There were some bone fractures and a punctured lung but most worrying was your father's head injury. We're giving him medication to keep swelling down."

"Swelling? You mean his brain?"

"That's right." Dr Mallory replies as they reach David's room. "In cases of head trauma such as this, swelling can occur but the drugs we're giving him should keep it under control."

As the door to the room is opened, Tommy holds his breath expecting the worse. David is lying motionless on his bed with various tubes leading to his arms and face. Much of his head is bandaged and any visible skin seems to be bruised. Seeing his father in such a vulnerable state and so helpless is unreal to Tommy who steps carefully towards the side of the bed.

"How did this happen?" He asks but doesn't expect the answer which comes.

"It was a hit and run. The police are already investigating."

Behind Tommy the door opens but he doesn't turn round. His face solemn, Mark steps into the room and meets Dr Mallory's gaze.

"Can I help you?" The doctor whispers as Tommy continues to look at his father.

"I need to speak to Tommy. I'm his uncle."

"Okay." Dr Mallory nods and leaves the room. Mark walks over to Tommy and puts a hand on his shoulder.

"Hey." He lets out a sigh and his nephew turns. "I have to tell you something."

"What?"

"Your mother. She…"

Tommy's heart sinks instantly and he is almost positive about what Mark is going to tell him. "She did this didn't she?"

"Well…she's been arrested."

"Damn!" Tommy exclaims and punches the wall in frustration. "I could have stopped her. I knew how angry she was and I did nothing."

"We don't know whether she really did do it. Perhaps it's a misunderstanding." Mark tries to placate him.

"Misunderstanding? I wish it was. What about bail? Did that get mentioned?"

"She'll have a hearing tomorrow if they keep her at the station. You don't need to worry about that. Just make sure you stay with David."

"Mom told me she loved me. I never thought she'd do this to me again."

* * *

As he turns the corner towards the hospital nursery, Dr Choi can see Guy speeding down the corridor getting ever closer to his target. He quickens his step and begins to breathe heavily.

"Mr Wheeler wait!" He implores but his cries fall on deaf ears. Nothing he can say now is going to take away the justifiable rage Guy is feeling.

In the distance, he spots Guy looking through the nursery window and sighs with relief when he notices that Jake is nowhere to be seen. He turns and stares back at Dr Choi with an expectant expression on his face.

"Where's Jake? Where could he be? I thought Lucas was going to stay in the nursery."

"I don't know Mr Wheeler. I can try contacting someone to find out." Dr Choi nervously fumbles with the pager at his waist.

"No!" Guy yells. "I want to see my son. Let me in here so I can see my son!"

Obediently, Dr Choi steps forwards and places a hand on the door knob to the nursery but is surprised to find that it is unlocked. He frowns and pushes the door open. "Follow me."

"You look suspicious about something." Guy catches up with the doctor and tries to see the expression on his face.

"It just…should have been locked that's all. Here…" Dr Choi stops by an empty cradle.

"Well?"

His heart pounding, Dr Choi struggles to speak, "He…he's not here."

"What do you mean he's not here?" Guy glances down at the tag on the cot. It reads Lucas Wheeler. "Are you going to explain what the hell is going on?"

"Maybe they haven't finished doing the transfusion. I'll check."

A pretty but inexperienced nurse is arriving back at her post as Dr Choi rushes back out into the corridor and looks up concerned by his appearance. "Is something the matter?"

"Lucas Wheeler. Where is he?"

"Well he's in the nursery. We put him there after the blood transfusion was completed."

"He is not in the nursery!"

Guy interjects, "What about the man he was with? About five eleven, dark hair. Have you seen him?"

"The other Mr Wheeler? Yes I saw him. He was…outside the nursery."

"Oh God." Dr Choi breathes deeply.

"What?" Guy puts a hand on his shoulder and shakes him. "Where is my son?"

"Jake must have taken him."

"No." Horrified, Guy shakes his head and his mouth twists in a display of anger. "Find him."

"I will." Ignoring furtive glances from the frustrated nurse, Dr Choi spots two security guards walking down the corridor and waves a hand whilst calling out to them. "Over here!"

"Yes?" One of them responds and hastens his step.

"A baby has been kidnapped from the nursery. I need you to block all the exits of the hospital and find him…fast."

Kingsley House: Cleveland

"Megan isn't going anywhere." Sheila yells as Peter grabs Lauren's arm forcefully. "But you certainly are. You have no right to be here. You're not wanted!"

"Dad please!" Megan implores and puts a hand to her mouth. If only she hadn't written to Lauren in the first place, none of this would be happening.

"Get off me." With a horrified Cassie pulling her away, Lauren is able to wrench her arm out of Peter's vice like grip. "You think I'm not wanted? Look at these again! Look at them!" Enraged, Lauren pushes her letters into Peter's face and jerks her arm letting the crumpled papers fall at his feet. "Now don't you dare touch me again. If Megan wants to come with me it's her decision."

Peter laughs, "You may be forgetting that we are her parents in the eyes of the law and she is still a minor. It wouldn't be difficult to have you arrested for kidnapping you know."

"Kidnapping?" Lauren's eyes widen. "How could you even suggest I would do that to my own flesh and blood?"

"Flesh and blood? You gave up any right you had to Megan sixteen years ago when you signed her life away in the hospital. You signed her over to us and we will not stand for you turning up here out of the blue and demanding her back."

"That isn't what I'm doing."

"Really? It seems that way to me and most likely, it will seem the same way to the police. You can leave here with a clean criminal record or get arrested. Your choice."

Trying to maintain a calm appearance, Lauren coolly uses her finger to brush a stray wisp of blonde hair from her forehead. "You don't know who you're dealing with Peter. I am not going to let you and your wife keep me from seeing the girl I gave birth to."

Sheila rolls her eyes, "If you wanted to see her, you should never have given her up in the first place."

"I didn't have a choice." Lauren glances over at Megan to make sure she recognizes the fact.

"You had plenty!" Sheila spits.

"I was raped! You know that! I wasn't some trampy teenage whore who got pregnant from a one night stand. My pregnancy came from being violated and I couldn't cope. But I'm not fifteen years old anymore."

Sheila is infuriated, "You had a family to support you. You were more than able to look after a daughter if you needed to."

"What do you know about my family?" Lauren demands in return.

Behind Lauren a cellphone rings determinedly and realizing that it is hers, Cassie pulls it out of her handbag, embarrassed. She flips open the case as the group falls into silence and answers. "Hello?"

"It's me." Guy's voice replies with a hint of anxiety which Cassie can tell he is trying to cover.

"Is there a problem? This isn't such a great time…"

"Something's happened to Lucas."

A lump forms in Cassie's throat which makes it almost impossible for her to speak. "Tell me."

"Jake's taken him. He's been kidnapped."

"No." Cassie flings a hand to her mouth and feels her lip trembling. "How did this happen?"

"The story's long and I don't want to tell you over the phone. You need to get back here as soon as you can."

"I'll get the next flight out."

"Okay. Be quick and call me when you get on the plane."

"I will." Her fingers acting clumsily, Cassie snaps the phone shut and stares at Lauren who has assumed a concerned expression. The Kingsleys have collectively stopped listening but remain silent as Cassie struggles with what she is about to say. "That was Guy."

"What's wrong?" Lauren extends a hand and places it on Cassie's arm. She is surprised to feel that her sister-in-law is beginning to shake rather violently.

"Lucas has been kidnapped." Cassie whispers.

An electric sensation forms at the back of Lauren's neck and shoots through her body. "We have to go back."

"You should stay…" Cassie protests and Megan stares at the pair worriedly.

"No. We're going home and finding him."

Nightshade Bar: Boston

Whistling an unidentifiable tune as he works, Kyle Elliott wraps his long fingers around the legs of his last stool and hoists it up onto the wooden table top. He is a tall, athletic man who couldn't look more different from his brother if he tried. His closely cropped hair is blonde but immaculately sculptured and the tight fitting black tee shirt he is wearing shows his well defined physique. However, ready to leave for the night, Kyle grabs his jacket from the bar and puts it on.

"Alarm, glasses, tables…" He runs over the checklist aloud but there is nobody else in the bar to hear him. A yawn rises from the back of his throat reminding him that it probably wasn't such a good idea ever buying the place to begin with. "But what's done is done."

As he moves towards the exit, a phone suddenly begins to ring behind him and sighing, he reaches over the bar to answer it. "Nightshade Bar. Kyle speaking."

"I hoped I'd catch you." His nephew's voice sounds flatter than usual.

"Tommy? It's great to hear from you. What's up bud?"

"A hell of a lot actually."

Kyle runs a finger over his bottom lip apprehensively, "You gonna tell me?"

"Dad got run down this evening. He's in hospital and he's been knocked up pretty bad. The doctors wanted me to get hold of any family just in case…you know."

"What about everyone else?"

"I called Grandma Vivian. She's going to try and get out here as soon as possible but wants you to get a flight immediately."

Kyle resists the urge to roll his eyes, "That sounds like my mother."

"Can you do it? I know it will be hard to get coverage at the bar."

Admittedly Kyle has never been close to David. In fact their relationship is barely cordial. But if he is lying at death's door then I can't just ignore him. "Don't worry about it. Just keep an eye on your father and wait for me to get there." A thought suddenly hits him, "You didn't mention Stephanie. Is she around? Mom told me she got released."

There is a silent pause, "She's been arrested."

"For trying to kill David?"

"Yes. The police picked her up earlier. She seems like the most logical suspect."

"But do you really think she could have done it? Surely she wouldn't have been paroled if she was still dangerous."

"I don't know what evidence the police have got so I can't tell you. If it was her then…I…I don't know what to do."

"You don't have to do anything. If I'm going to try and get a night flight, I'd better move. I'll call you when I'm in 'Frisco."

"Okay." Tommy takes a deep breath. "See you soon."

"Yeah. Take care of yourself bud."

Masters Mansion: San Francisco

"Mrs Masters. Mrs Masters!" A voice seems to be coming from the distance.

Drifting back into consciousness, Isabelle recognizes the voice and her eyes flick open to see the maid hovering impatiently in front of her. Putting a hand to her forehead, Isabelle pulls herself up in her chair and looks around. She is in the living room but the lights are out and the only illumination is coming from a small log fire. "I must have fallen asleep." She slurs and recalls taking a drink after Guy's phonecall. Lucas is missing.

"You have to come quickly." The maid warns her.

"What is it?"

"You've got a visitor."

Dazed and confused, Isabelle stands and brushes down the creases in her pantsuit. Following the maid across the living room, she reaches the hallway and is shocked to find John pacing. "What are you doing here?" She addresses him as the maid quickly scurries away.

"I've come to see you." He replies through gritted teeth, placing her on edge.

"Do you have any idea what time it is?"

"I don't care what goddamn time it is!" John rages at her, his blue eyes piercing icily through her.

"Well I do and I'm not hanging around to be spoken to like this. Feel free to camp down here for the night because I am waiting for a phonecall. In case you weren't aware of it, Lucas was kidnapped this evening."

"I know and I'm sorry to hear that but I've got problems of my own and I'm not going anywhere."

Isabelle loses her temper, "Do you have no sense of decency? My grandson could be dead and all you can think about is yourself!"

"What about your granddaughter?" John replies quickly.

"Jessica? What's wrong, is she okay?"

"I'm not talking about Jessica. I mean Lauren's daughter…Megan."

"Lauren's daughter. She doesn't have a daughter. What the hell are you talking about? Have you lost your mind?"

"This would suggest otherwise." John holds up the file he found on Megan and pushes it into Isabelle's hands. "You know I was wondering on the drive over here, does Megan even exist? Or is this just some sick trash that you planted to break me and Lauren up. I know you never approved of me but I wouldn't have even dreamt you would do something like this, you twisted old witch."

"How dare you!" Isabelle screams as she struggles to open the file. "I can tell you are troubled but you're not making any sense and I will not have you bursting into my home, throwing about wild accusations."

"If you don't want to hear them, then give me an explanation for that." John points at the file defiantly.

"How can I when I haven't even read it?"

"Now's your chance…if you haven't already."

Pursing her lips in frustration, Isabelle flips the file open and glances over it quickly. None of the information seems to make sense but one thing does - the photograph. It sends a chill through Isabelle's body. Those eyes…Ian's eyes. "I…I don't know what to say."

"Yeah well neither did I."

"Have you called Lauren?"

"I tried but her cellphone was switched off. Then I figured what's the point? I thought I might as well just come to see you first seeing as you're bound to have been behind this."

"Are you completely stupid? Where do you think Lauren's gone? To see her daughter!"

"Am I supposed to believe that you never even knew this Megan girl existed?"

"I never talked to Lauren for years and she didn't tell me when I came back to California. But believe me I'm going to get to the bottom of this. To think I have a grandchild out there…"

"What are you two doing?" Greg inquires as he descends the stairs, causing Isabelle to start.

"We…"

Isabelle jumps in, cutting John off. "We're trying to get the family together for Lucas. What about you?"

"I called the police again but they haven't found anything."

"Okay. Look I'm going to go home with John so we can keep an eye on everything from there." She glances at John who seems bemused by her secrecy. The anger in his eyes has almost disappeared.

"Of course. I'll call you there if we find anything."

Silently, Isabelle puts a hand on John's arm and leads him through the hallway and out of the house. As they walk down the dimly lit driveway, Greg watches them through the glass panels of the front door. I wouldn't wish harm on Lucas. But at least this keeps you from poking your nose where it doesn't belong.

As they reach the car, John begins to question the older woman. "What was that all about?"

"It doesn't concern you. Right now we need to focus on Lucas, Lauren…and the secret my daughter's been hiding from both of us."

The Mirage Hotel: Las Vegas

The large and expensive hotel suite provides anything Michael and Donna could possibly wish for. Although the glittery décor and emphasis on gold plating remind the couple exactly where they are, a magnificent panoramic window gives a view of the Las Vegas skyline.

In the center of the room, Michael is lounging in a large inset jacuzzi bath, closing his eyes as the bubbles are propelled around his body. To his side is an ice bucket which is cooling the complimentary bottle of champagne sent up by the hotel manager. One time when having the name Wheeler is useful. He thinks to himself but is distracted by the sound of footsteps.

"You finally decided to join me?" Michael opens his eyes and smiles when he sees Donna standing beside the tub, her chestnut hair pinned up loosely and body covered by a towel.

"I couldn't leave you all by yourself now could I?"

He shrugs, "I guess I did think you were trying to neglect me."

"Well." Donna begins her reply, placing a hand on the top of her towel, "Perhaps this will make up for it." She swiftly drops her towel to the floor and Michael eyes the curves of her naked body before she steps into the tub and positions herself opposite him.

"It's certainly a start." Michael grins as he pours two glasses of champagne and hands one over to his wife.

"You know, I never thought we'd get this far. Being married and all." Donna sips her champagne slowly.

"I guess I had more faith then. After all, how could you turn me down?"

"You certainly think a lot of yourself don't you?"

"I haven't had any complaints yet to deflate my ego."

"I'm sure I'll think of some." Placing her champagne flute on the smooth tiles at the side of the tub, Donna leans across and starts to kiss Michael who groans appreciatively.

Somewhere in the hotel suite, a phone begins to ring causing Donna to pull away, breathing deeply. Michael spots it on a table near the door. "Talk about bad timing." He laments.

"Are you going to get it?"

"Oh I see. This is how it's going to be is it? Me being your slave?" Michael pulls himself out, dripping water on the tiles and reaches for Donna's towel which he wraps carelessly around his waist.

"Yep. Let's start as we mean to go on."

Using his left hand to keep his towel securely fastened, Michael picks up the cordless phone and answers slightly irritably. "What is it?"

From her vantage point in the tub, Donna retrieves her champagne and glares around the room blankly. It is only when Michael's tone of voice becomes rather more somber that her attention turns to him. He is staring back at her, his face creased by what seems to be worry.

"I'll let you talk to her." He says and strides back to Donna, holding out the phone for her to take.

"Who is it?" She asks as she wraps her wet hands around the phone.

"It's Jessica. She… Julia's been arrested in New York… for shooting Bobby. Your father's dead."

The words cause Donna to jolt and she puts the phone to her ear, speaking almost inaudibly. "It's me."

"Donna, thank God I've found you. Your father…"

"I know. Michael just told me. How did it happen?"

"Bobby was holding Mom in New York. He was going to murder her but I think he got shot in the struggle. I don't know what to do."

"Where's your mother now?" Donna asks, almost bitterly. She hated her father so why does she feel a pang of anger against Julia?

"She's still in New York. The police have pulled her into custody. I've tried to get hold of David to help her out but he's been in an accident."

Unaware of the severity of David's 'accident', Donna ignores the statement and tries to find another logical way of helping her niece. "Where are Jake and Isabelle? Can't they help until I get back?"

"Grandma's here but…I can't ask her now. All hell seems to have broken loose. Lauren is still in Cleveland and the family are here because…Jake's kidnapped Lucas. I need someone to help me get Mom out of jail. I can't do it on my own."

"It doesn't look like there's any other alternative then. Michael and I will come home and then…see where we should go from there." Donna looks up at her husband who seems bemused

"I know this is really insensitive, I mean Bobby was your father…"

"Don't worry about it." Donna cuts Jessica off but doesn't display any overt emotion. "I'll try and find a lawyer for Julia and see you in the morning."

Without waiting for a reply, Donna switches off the phone and absent mindedly hands it back to Michael. Suddenly the water surrounding her seems cold. Or is it just me?

"So you want to go back?" Michael stares at her worriedly.

"We haven't got a choice. Jessica told you everything else that's happened I guess."

Michael hesitates, "Yes she did. But your father's dead. She'll understand if you don't want to rush to Julia's aid."

"My father deserved to die." Donna finally turns her head to make eye contact but her eyes seem glazed and empty. "He was a murderer."

"It's not as simple as that."

"Yes it is." She struggles for a moment to come up with something which will take the attention away from her feelings. I don't want to talk about me. Not now. She moves her eyes to the phone which Michael is still holding, "Call the airport whilst I get dressed and book us on the next flight home."