San Francisco General Hospital: San Francisco

A pocket of air catches in David's throat and he watches Stephanie carefully for any sign of impending attack.  "Why did you lock the door?"

"Because we need our privacy."

"No we don't.  We don't need anything so open the damn door!"

"Sshh." Stephanie holds a finger to her lips and begins to move towards the bed.

"Don't shush me.  Just get out of here."

"For God's sake, would you shut your mouth for one moment?  We have got some serious talking to do and we're doing it on my terms.  I'm the one in control here."

Glancing around the room, Stephanie's eyes fall upon the monitors and wires which have been hooked up to her ex-husband.  Surveying the plethora of medical equipment, she is unable to suppress a grin.

"You find this funny?" David asks, angrily.

"You've certainly been using up a lot of electricity haven't you David?  But being such a ladies man I guess that you were just full of that already."

"This is ridiculous."

"No David.  What's ridiculous is that it's taken so damn long for this to happen.  You've been living on borrowed time for years, draining everything out of my life and screwing people over.  Well, I guess you finally hit some resistance, huh?"

"I didn't do anything to your life.  Don't blame me for your mental disturbances."

Stephanie laughs, "Shifting the blame again.  That's so you.  When are you ever going to accept the fact that your actions affect other people?  You pushed me to insanity because I definitely didn't get there alone."

"You just take after your mother.  She was as big a crackpot as you are."

"Yeah, well at least she had the good sense to kill her husband." Stephanie folds her arms in satisfaction as the color drains from David's face.  "So that's what it takes to shut you up?"

David's mouth is dry and he is unable to swallow, "Just get out."

"Oh no no no.  I'm not going anywhere.  Besides, what else could be as entertaining as watching you suffer?  Sure you're the father of my child but that doesn't outweigh everything you've done to me.  You know, the whole time I was locked away in Madison Central, I dreamed of something like this happening." Stephanie motions towards the machines.  "My only regret is that I wasn't responsible for it."

There is a pregnant pause before David finally replies, piecing the words together carefully.  "You and I both know that.  It doesn't mean the police do though."

"That's not a problem because you're going to tell me who really did run you down and then we'll call the police over so you can fill them in too.  I'm certainly not leaving until you do."

Beverly Hills Hotel: Los Angeles

Logging off her computer, Amanda moves away from the desk and into the small room behind it which acts as a coat depository for the desk staff.  Her eyes are ringed and she is unable to suppress a yawn as she pulls her jacket on.

"It was a long night, huh?" Margaret, another receptionist walks through the door and moves directly to the corner of the room where her belongings are waiting.

"Too true.  I can't wait to get home and drop into bed." Amanda replies.

"You're not sick are you?" Margaret's voice shows a distinct hint of concern.

"No.  Why do you ask?"

"Well you were a little preoccupied while you were working…and the night shift never usually takes it out of you."

"There was something bothering me but it was just personal stuff, nothing bad.  Perhaps I'm just still not used to staying up overnight."

Margaret smiles and puts her bag over her shoulder.  "Honey, you just wait until you get to my age.  It's all work and no play believe me.  I'd probably be a little cheerier if my reflection in the mirror looked like yours every morning."

"You look great.  But you should take a break.  Book some vacation time or something and get away someplace."

"Yeah." Margaret scoffs.  "When the kids move out and the mortgage dwindles down a little, I'll consider it."

"Oh we're so pathetic.  Come on, I'll walk out with you." Amanda pulls out the band which has been holding her honey blonde hair in a pony-tail and follows Margaret through the bustling foyer.

When they reach the entrance, Margaret stalls and glances into the almost empty bar.  "It looks like your mystery man is an early starter."

"Excuse me?"

"Over there." Margaret points to a table where Jake is sitting, nursing his drink with a permanent frown.

Amanda stares for a moment, riveted by the sight of the man who has been playing on her mind since yesterday.  Something about him just doesn't seem right.  And I won't rest until I find out what.  "Margaret, do you mind if I see you tomorrow?  I'd like to talk to him."

"No…I don't mind." Margaret is clearly puzzled by the bizarre request.

"I'll see you tomorrow then?"

"Sure." The older woman replies but Amanda is almost in the bar by the time the response comes and she steps nervously towards Jake's table.

"Hair of the dog?"

"What?" Jake looks up annoyed and puts his arm down, keeping the glass in his grasp.

"Whatever you're drinking."

"It's water.  I don't drink alcohol."

"Good for you.  That stuff's more trouble than it's worth." There is no reply and Amanda thinks to herself that maybe this wasn't such a good idea.  But she has to get to the bottom of things and after all…he does come from Napa which could be beneficial.  "May I sit down?"

Jake lifts a hand to rub his brow, "Is it customary for hotel workers to harass all the guests in this place?"

"I'm not harassing you.  I just thought you looked lonely." Amanda pulls out a seat and glances around the room.  The bartender, Irvin is staring at her suspiciously and she begins to feel ill at ease.

"No.  I'm not lonely." Jake laughs.  It is a dark, telling burst of laughter which only serves to make Amanda even more restless.  "I don't have time to be lonely.  I've got a son."

"I thought I remembered you with a baby when you checked in.  Is he with his mother?"

"No there's a babysitter upstairs with him.  His mother…she's dead."

"Oh…I'm uh…I'm very sorry.  It must be hard for you raising a son on your own."

Jake looks up from his glass and sees true sympathy in her eyes.  What a long time it's been since he's witnessed that.  "We get along just fine."

"You looked happy together."

"We are.  He loves me and I…I can give him all the things that I never had."

"Well you're staying in this place.  So I get the feeling you're not just talking about material possessions."

"Your intuition is astounding." Jake replies with more than a hint of sarcasm. 

"I hope you succeed then.  I know what it's going to be like for him."

"Really?" Jake is skeptical.

"Yes.  I grew up without a mother.  She died when I was very young."

"That's too bad."

Although Amanda isn't looking for sympathy, the coldness and detachment in Jake's voice causes annoyance to bubble up through her.  "Yes it is.  Because I never got the opportunity to grow up with two parents who loved me and cared about me.  I would never put another child through what I went through."

As she gets up to leave, her words seem to hit Jake.  "I'm sorry if I offended you.  I'm going through a rough patch at the moment."

"We all have those." Amanda melts and flashes him a perfect white smile which causes his face to brighten.  "Take care of yourself.  I know you'll do a good job."

"Thanks." Jake watches intently as Amanda walks out of the hotel and he can't help but feel better for having talked to her.  But then his mind drifts back to Guy and Cassie - and his smile fades.

Wheeler Estate: Napa Valley

"What the hell is going on?" Julia murmurs to herself as she maneuvers her Mercedes into its usual parking spot.  Looking around the driveway, she can see that just about everybody is home and her hopes for a peaceful lunch are a distant memory.

Getting out of the car, Julia locks it and begins to wander towards the house, grateful at least for the resplendent sunshine, bathing her body.  "At least you can do something right, G." She says, looking up at the sky.

Before she can fit her key in the lock, she discovers that the door is already open and stepping into the hallway, the sound of laughing and good cheer fills her ears.  Rolling her eyes, Julia shuts the door quietly and starts to sneak through the hall towards the stairs, praying inwardly that she won't get dragged into whatever sickening family celebration is occurring.

But no.  That would be just too much to ask.  "Julia!" Isabelle's voice booms from behind her and she turns round slowly.

"Hello.  You're here yet again.  Have you forgotten where you live in your old age?"

Isabelle's smile remains in place, "We're having an impromptu gathering.  Come join us."

"What exactly are we celebrating?  Has John landed another constipation commercial?"

"Not quite dear." Isabelle thrusts a glass of champagne into the younger woman's hand and coaxes her into the den where the family  --  minus Guy and Cassie --  are sat on two sofas.  Michael and Donna are stood by the fireplace, grinning.

"What's going on in here?" Julia asks and is annoyed to notice Jessica by the window, joining in the party.

"You have to toast us Julia." Donna speaks.

"Convince me why I should.  I'm choosy about that kind of thing."

"Because Donna and Michael are having a baby." Isabelle puts a hand on Julia's back and savors the words as they slip out.

Immediately, Julia's body tenses and she struggles to breathe as though Isabelle has just punched her in the stomach.  All eyes are on her now waiting for her reaction and she knows it.  I can't do this.  I can't…

"Aren't you going to say something?" Isabelle asks, quickly.

"Congratulations I suppose.  How far along are you?" Julia quickly lines up a host of clichéd questions in her mind that she can shoot off without having to think.

"Only about a month." Donna smiles and places a hand on Michael's chest, leaning into him to claim what's hers.  "It's a happy accident."

"Giving birth to another Wheeler?  If you say so." Julia takes a sip of champagne and moves from the center of the gathering in order to pull herself together.  Bitterly she watches Isabelle walk towards one of the sofas and grasps her glass hard.  You bitch.

"How's my little angel?" Isabelle sits down on the sofa and takes one of Adam's hands.  He begins to squirm on John's knee and turns away from her.

"Not so angelic." Lauren pipes up in clear annoyance.  "Aren't you going to say hello to grandma?"

"She's not my grandma." Adam replies defiantly and jumps off the sofa, running out of the room.  Sighing, John is forced to get up and follow him.

"Well, that's original.  I'm sorry Mom.  I don't know what's gotten into him."

"He's just settling in.  Give him time."

"I'm trying…and believe me he's not like that all the time.  Sometimes he can be a sweet, well-behaved little boy.  Others, he's like the spawn of Satan…which technically I guess is true in a way.  Let's just hope he doesn't take after his mother."

"He won't." Isabelle places a reassuring hand on Lauren's and squeezes it gently.  "Not if you give the support and guidance that he needs."

"It's difficult to work as a parental team with John when he's still so bitter about Megan." 

Isabelle's demeanor becomes visibly more frosty, "Have you decided when you're going to tell the family about her?"

"No Mom.  And don't push me on it okay?"

"I'm not pushing you."

"Well it feels like it sometimes.  Anyhow I'm still going to keep it quiet for a while.  I can hardly announce to everyone that I've found a child when Guy and Cassie have lost theirs…" Lauren lowers her voice, not wanting to be heard.  "You know I even feel guilty taking part in this whilst Lucas is still missing.  Whose idea was it?"

"Michael's.  He wanted to give a muted announcement but Guy and Cassie both told him to celebrate."

"There's stoicism for you." Lauren sips her champagne and her attention is diverted when she sees Julia moving towards the happy couple.  "You don't think she's going to make a scene do you?"

"I don't think so." Isabelle replies.  "Not if she wants to live."

"Congratulations again." Julia holds out her glass of champagne and clinks it against Michael's.  "You're finally going to have a child."

"He needed to find the right woman I guess." Donna cuts in, smiling.

Nodding, Julia raises an eyebrow, "I'm glad that you're both so happy together.  It's just a shame this news couldn't come out under slightly happier circumstances."

"Guy and Cassie gave us their blessing to break the news" Michael replies, sternly.  "But I get the feeling you're more concerned about Jake."

"Of course I'm concerned about him.  I still haven't heard from him.  Such are the trials of motherhood Donna.  Don't say you haven't been warned.  Michael, do you mind if I borrow your wife for a moment?  There's some business I need to discuss with her briefly."

Donna sighs, "Can't it wait Julia?"

"Um…no?"

"Go ahead sweetheart." Michael kisses Donna lightly.  "I'll catch you later."

Before Donna can move past her husband, she feels Julia's hand grasping her arm as she is led out of the den into the foyer.  Annoyed at being manhandled, she shakes her arm out of the grip.  "Would you stop grappling with me?  Just tell me what you want and make it quick."

Julia's eyes widen in annoyance and she pulls the door to the den closed.  "This isn't something I really want the whole family to know about so would you mind keeping your voice down a decibel?"

"Don't tell me, you're having trouble in New York?"

"Well, it's a little more than trouble."

"Meaning?" Donna can feel her stomach knotting in anticipation.  Of all the times to get stressed out, it had to be now.

"I got a call from Giorgio this morning and he was a little anxious.  Actually more than anxious.  One of our…employees was killed the other night outside the Santadio offices."

Julia had expected at least a gasp of surprise but Donna's reaction is much more restrained.  "Was it a hit?" Her voice is flat with realization as though she had been waiting for this to happen.

"That's what Giorgio thinks, yes."

"Oh for God's sake, Julia!  I told you over and over again that we needed to avoid this kind of situation.  Why wouldn't you listen to me?"

"Don't you pass the responsibility to me!  You're the one who came flouncing into my office, telling me about your myriad experience of mob culture.  Perhaps if you put that experience to use and actually showed an interest in your father's company, this would never have happened!"

"So it's my fault now is it?  I didn't want that employee killed any more than you did Julia."

"But you could have done something to stop it!" Julia yells back at her business partner, now past caring whether the family hears the conversation.

Donna loosely puts a hand to her mouth and begins to think about what needs to be done.  "Did Giorgio give a reason for the hit?"

"He said that because there is no head of the family out there anymore, the other families are closing in.  They're like jackals picking flesh off a wounded animal and they're not going to stop until they've brought the whole Santadio down.  Perhaps we should let them."

Donna shakes her head, "If what you're saying is true, they won't stop when they've taken away our power.  They might not stop until we're dead."

"What?"

"Come on Julia, these aren't members of the Salvation Army we're dealing with here.  They're even more lacking in the ethics department than you are."

"As well as your father by the sounds of it, whom by the way I can't believe I ever married.  And I also can't believe that of all the people Michael decided to get involved with, it had to be you.  Thanks for bringing organized crime to the valley and spicing up our lives.  You've been like a breath of fresh air."

Donna rolls her eyes, "I'm well aware that the Wheelers didn't spend their entire time planting trees and going to church fund raisers before I arrived on the scene so don't pull the June Cleaver act with me."

"Whatever." Julia flings a hand to her forehead in frustration.  "Bickering at each other isn't going to solve anything."

"I could have told you that.  And granted, maybe you had a point about giving everything up.  I'll have to speak to Giorgio myself before deciding what we should do."

"It will of course be a joint decision." Julia says quickly.

It will be the right decision.  "We're partners aren't we?"

"I'm glad you remember."

"So you'll trust me to handle it then?"

"Yes." Without uttering another word, Julia watches Donna stalk through the foyer in the direction of the study and flicks a whisp of blonde hair from her eyes.  Her partner and the mother to be of Michael's child.  Julia can't decide which is worse.

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3

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