Frozen, Michael can only watch as the snake slithers across the bedsheets, uncoiling its seemingly endless body.

"What the…" Combating the shakiness of his legs, Michael makes an attempt to move but the harsh hissing sound which emanates from the snake plants him back on the spot. Looking around and eager not to antagonize the snake, Michael searches for a method of killing it. A shoe? Too dangerous.

His attention is suddenly stolen by memory of a lighter resting on top of his nightstand. Turning his head, Michael's hand jerks forwards and picks up the lighter. The snake does not seem to have noticed. Backing up, he then slips an arm into the bathroom and fumbles blindly on a shelf for a deodorant can. The noise makes Michael's heart pound furiously and it is only when the deodorant is in his hand that he is able to clear his head.

Holding up the lighter, Michael ignites a flame and then, with no thought as to the consequences, he pushes his index finger down on the deodorant can. A stream of fire shoots out from the can and feeling his hands burning, Michael quickly drops it.

The bed is now engulfed by flames with the dead snake lying limply on the sheets. A fire alarm begins to sound and Michael quickly grabs pillows to smother the growing fire.

"What's going on?" Jake bursts in having just returned from the hospital. Lauren follows.

"Oh my God!" Lauren jumps backwards as a flame shoots up into the air, nearly burning her.

"I'll get some sheets." Jake yells as Michael continues his futile quest to put out the inferno. Lauren bounds down the hallway after him and skips quickly down the stairs with an offer to call the fire brigade.

After a few moments, Jake returns to the bedroom armed with numerous large bed sheets and chucks some over to Michael. They throw them on the bed, using their hands to push down wherever flames are visible.

The fire has soon been extinguished and Lauren runs back in, relieved as suffocating smoke swirls around the bed. "What caused it?"

Michael wipes sweat from his brow and notices that his whole body is red from the heat. "It was just an accident. Nothing to worry about. You should cancel the 911 call."

"Sure." Lauren runs a hand through her hair and heads out followed by a bemused Jake. On the landing, they see Julia running towards them, fastening her red silk nightgown.

"What happened?" She demands to know and Jake rushes to her side.

"Michael had an accident."

"Oh." Julia replies and looks at her watch. "At least it's not too late I suppose."

Annoyed Lauren snaps at her. "Don't worry yourself. Nobody got hurt!"

"Whatever." Julia waves a hand. "I'm going back to bed."

Overcome with frustration, Lauren pounds her fist on the wooden banister at her side and realizes that Jake is actually shaken. His eyes are fixed on the floor and Lauren gets his attention. "I'm sorry. I didn't think that you might remember…the church. Are you okay?"

"Fine." Jake's voice wavers and he goes back to his room.

Inside his own bedroom, Michael lets out a sigh and stares at the charred remains of his bed sheets. Grimacing, he pulls some of the sheets back and sees the black outline of the snake's body. Steadying himself by placing a hand on his night stand, Michael grits his teeth. "Damn you Bobby."

Sanderson House: San Diego

"They murdered my husband?" Her mouth wide open, Barbara Sanderson stares at Mindy.

"I'm afraid so. You were aware that Isabelle was sleeping with him."

"Yes. It came out after he…disappeared." Barbara's fingers wrap around the arm of the chair she is sitting in and dig deep into the padding.

"At least now you know the truth."

Ignoring the platitude, Barbara becomes frosty and slams a fist down on the chair, releasing her rage. "What do you have to gain from this?" She demands.

"Nothing…"

"I am not going to get caught up in any Wheeler wars. All I want is justice."

"I understand. And I can help you get it. In fact…I've already started." Mindy smiles as she casts her mind back to her actions in Lauren's bedroom.

"Do what you want. I'm calling the police." Barbara jumps up from her seat and runs towards the window where a small black cordless telephone is waiting invitingly on a shelf. Before she can finish dialing, Mindy forcefully grabs the phone from her hands.

"No! There are better ways of handling this. Do you really think the police will be interested in dragging up a disappearance which took place over fifteen years ago? Face facts Mrs Sanderson! There is only one way to avenge your husband's death…and that's my way!"

Stunned by the outburst, Barbara purses her lips and steps forwards. "Maybe you're right. Does the family still live in Napa?"

"Most of them."

"And you?"

"I'm nearby. If you want to join my plan then you just need to say so."

"Alright. Yes. I'm in. Tell me how we can make them pay."

Wheeler Estate: Napa Valley

Turning on her bedroom light, Lauren's eyes are immediately drawn to the empty space in her bed. Trying to shrug off the fact that her husband is not there, she focuses her attention on her routine and goes into the bathroom where she automatically reaches for the vitamin pills sitting in the cabinet.

Unscrewing the bottle, she pops one into her mouth, put off by the bitter taste it seems to have. She quickly pours herself a glass of water and washes it down before switching off the light and sliding into bed.

Richardson House: Napa Valley

It is morning and tearfully Cassie bends down to Lucas's crib, rocking it back and forth. She reaches out to touch his cheek as she remembers one of the worst moments of her life.

She and Guy had hardly spoken after the incident and as soon as they came home they went to bed. However, whereas Cassie gave Lucas his usual kiss goodnight, Guy ignored him and shut himself in the bedroom.

"He still loves you." The words are not only designed to console Lucas, but herself as well. "We both do. I won't let Jake hurt you."

The moment is disturbed when Cassie hears the phone ringing downstairs and she rushes down to the living room to answer it. "Hello?"

"Hi! This is David Elliott."

"David? What do you want?" Cassie rubs her puffy eyes making them even redder.

"Oh perhaps Jake didn't tell you. I'm representing him over the custody issue. It's my duty to warn you that you are going to need a lawyer yourself. Do you have one for me to start negotiations with?"

"Negotiations?" Cassie is taken aback. "What is there to negotiate?"

David gives a hollow mocking laugh. "Jake has rights now you know. We need to discuss them Cassie."

"I don't want to discuss anything!" She bellows down the phone and slams it down as Guy enters the room.

"What was that?" He asks with a sniff, crossing his arms.

"David Elliott. He's representing Jake and it looks like we've got a battle on our hands."

Masters Mansion: San Francisco

"What the hell are you doing here?" Travis blasts Julia as she pushes her way into the living room.

"Is Adrienne here?"

"Luckily for you no! I'm alone. I don't want to upset you Julia but I said all I have to say last night. It's finished between us."

Julia shakes her head and steps towards him, "No. You don't understand. I feel something for you."

"Like David? Like Greg? Like all the other men you've slept with?"

"They didn't mean anything. This does! I can feel something there."

Clenching his fists to control the onset of rage, Travis moves around the room and looks through the french windows, focusing his attention on the beautifully tendered lawn outside. He waits before responding, unsure of what to say. "The timing was just wrong. Danielle is coming home and Adrienne and I need to at least look like we're in a happy marriage."

"Your daughter is a big girl!" Julia is vehement. "She could handle it."

"I don't think she should have to. Not if it can be avoided."

"Please!" Julia lets out a strangled exasperated cry . "Are you really that desperate to make a go of things with Adrienne? She cheated on you!"

"And I evened the score."

"This isn't a game Travis. Is that all you did? Use me to get back at your wife?"

"You were the one who made the first move."

"And you were only too willing to make the second…I don't believe this." Julia puts her face in her hands.

"I'm sorry. But we had a fling. That's it. Maybe someday…we might be able to explore it more."

"We can do that now!"

"No Julia!" Travis's face reddens as the anger builds. "Thank God I don't have any bunnies for you to boil because you are acting irrationally. What we did was an accident!"

"An accident?" Julia flings her arms in the air. "What did you do? Trip?"

"Don't cheapen it…"

"Excuse me!" A female voice bellows through the room and the arguing pair turn to see Danielle standing in the doorway. She drops her bags to the floor and pushes her shoulder length chestnut hair back out of her face. "What's going on?"

"It's business. I'm sorry you had to come home to this." Travis surges forwards and embraces his daughter. "It's so good to see you."

"Yeah." Danielle seems uncertain. "You too. Where's mom?"

Julia rolls her eyes as Travis replies, a gesture not missed by Danielle. "She's in the city. She'll be back soon. We weren't expecting you so early."

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be. It's a pleasant surprise." Travis turns back to Julia. "Perhaps we could be alone?"

Julia raises her eyebrow, "Sure Pa Walton. I don't care for schmaltz anyway."

Wheeler Corporation: San Francisco

"I should've known you'd be here." Cassie slams the door to Jake's office shut behind her and slips her purse from her shoulder. Placing it down on Jake's desk she turns to face her ex-husband.

"Perhaps it would be best if we communicated through our lawyers."

"You'd like that wouldn't you?" Cassie spits.

"Actually yes, I think it would be beneficial for both of us." Turning his back to her, Jake begins to rummage through files on his desk.

"Well that's not going to happen. I want to settle this now!"

Disturbed by the volume of Cassie's voice, Jake spins around on his heel, clutching files in front of him and smirks. "You think you can come up with a solution?"

"Yes. How about you leave town and never come back?"

"Never going to happen. Especially as it's so much fun seeing you get all riled up."

Cassie runs in front of Jake and keeps his attention by slamming her hand down on the desk. "Is that all you're doing this for? To get revenge on me? Don’t tell me you're still jealous about Guy…"

Jake's expression becomes stern, "He has nothing to do with this. I have every right to fight for custody of my child and there isn't a single thing you can do about it. You're going to lose him Cassie. Face it. I can provide Lucas with a lot more than you can."

"No." Cassie shakes her head refusing to believe it. "I'm his mother. I am the one who should raise him."

Lowering his voice, Jake pushes his face into hers and smiles. "Well we'll never know will we. Seeing as you're not going to get the chance." Laughing, he looks away and drops files back on his desk. Wondering why there is no reply, he turns back to see Cassie holding a letter opener in her right hand.

"Would this be enough to convince you?" She narrows her eyes and jerks the hand forwards making Jake jolt.

"Put it down. This is crazy. You could never kill me." Beads of sweat begin to form on Jake's forehead and he resists the urge to wipe them away, worried that one false move could land him in very deep trouble.

"For my son I could do anything." Cassie hisses, slowly moving towards him.

"Give me the knife…I said give me the knife you crazy bitch!" Jake yells, stumbling backwards. His vision begins to blur as fear takes hold.

"No I won't!" Cassie's response is just as loud. "Not until you agree to drop the custody suit! Do it!"

Suddenly the door to the office swings open and Isabelle enters with a gasp, holding up her hands. "Cassie! Drop it!"

Startled, Cassie snaps her head round to Isabelle whose eyes are pleading with her. Looking at her hand she cannot believe what she is doing and opening her fingers, she lets the knife drop to the floor with a clatter.

Jake closes his eyes with a sigh of relief as Isabelle runs forwards and puts a comforting arm around Cassie. "What did you do to her?" She directs the question towards her grandson.

"We found out last night that I'm Lucas's father. I filed for custody this morning and she just came in and went crazy! She's the one you should be angry with, not me."

"Are you okay?" Isabelle releases Cassie who nods her head. "Good. We should just try to forget this ever happened."

"Forget it? Hell I'm calling David now! The Judge would be more than willing to know that she attacked me. What kind of a mother could she possibly be if she has outbursts like that?"

"I said we should forget it!" Isabelle warns.

"We can't do that. You saw it. And you'll just have to testify."

After a moment, Isabelle gives a sharp response. "I didn't see anything."

"What?" Jake is aghast.

"You heard me. I walked in and you and Cassie were talking. I didn't see anything."

"I can't believe my own grandmother is turning against me." Jake rails.

"Well get used to it. Because if I have to choose between you and Cassie, I'll choose her every time." With that last defiant retort, Isabelle takes Cassie's hand and leads her out of the office leaving Jake reeling.

Masters Mansion: San Francisco

Dropping her purse on a table in the hallway, Isabelle notices a cluster of suitcases propped up against the foot of the stairs. Frowning, she walks across into the drawing room where Greg is lounging on the sofa, a teenage girl by his side.

"Greg?" Isabelle says waiting to be introduced.

"Belle! I'm so glad you got home. Danielle's here."

The strikingly pretty brunette raises the corners of her lips in a slight smile and reaches out a hand to greet her grandfather's new wife. "I'm sorry I didn’t make it back in time for the wedding." She comments drolly, vaguely remembering the woman after their first and only meeting several years ago.

Isabelle giggles, "I don't think that would have been possible. Anyway it's good to have you here. Greg's been so excited and he's told me a lot about you."

"Uh oh." Danielle cocks her head to the side. "Not anything that involves me, a hosepipe and an unfortunate nanny I hope. I don't want to think he's scared you off."

"Not at all." Isabelle reassures the girl as Greg places a firm hand on her shoulder.

"Good. Because I can assure you I am nowhere near as terrifying as I used to be. Speaking of terrifying, do you think we should try mom's cell phone again?" Danielle turns to face Greg. "Dad said he was going to look for her but as they're not back yet…"

"Sure. I'll go and do it. Tell Isabelle about the party I've got planned."

Isabelle is confused as Greg goes to the other side of the room and picks up the phone. Noticing her facial expression, Danielle waves her hand in a dismissive gesture. "Don't worry. He's just got some plan to throw a party for me. I find it a bit embarrassing."

"Don't be silly." Isabelle nudges her affectionately. "I think it's a great idea. You could meet my part of the family as well. Actually…how about we have it at my house in the valley? That way I can guarantee the whole family will be there."

"Sure…"

"We can have a barbecue. It will be just like old times for me."

The enthusiasm in Isabelle's voice worries Danielle. Exactly what I didn't want…

She is prevented from slipping into an annoyed trance by Greg sneaking up behind her. "Adrienne's going to be home any second. She was practically hysterical when I told her you were already here."

"See what I mean about terrifying?" Danielle turns to the older woman in front of her and grins.

"Oh…absolutely." Isabelle smiles and nods in agreement. I know exactly what you mean.

Richardson House: Napa Valley

"I don't believe you!" Guy yells at the top of his voice, without caring that Lucas is sleeping upstairs. Cassie shuts the kitchen door and steps towards him.

"I just lost it alright? Nothing will come of it. Isabelle took my side."

"Well that's something I guess." Guy rubs his forehead. "But you can't do it again. If you want any chance of getting the upperhand…you need to be more devious. This is Julia's son we're talking about here."

With a sigh Cassie goes to the kitchen table and forcefully pulls out a wooden chair to sit on. She puts her hands down in front of her and moves her wedding ring up and down her finger in an attempt to come up with something. "What can I do?"

"I don't know." Squeezing one of her hands, Guy sits down beside her and wills her to concentrate. His blue eyes are alert and his face displays the kind of expression that Cassie hasn't seen in months.

"Come on Cass. You were married to him. There's got to be something we can use. Some weakness…" He fades his voice out and watches as his wife suddenly jerks her head up. "What is it?"

"I've got it." Although the comment is music to Guy's ears, Cassie stares ahead blankly, slowly going pale.

"Tell me."

"When Jake was a teenager…Douglas and Julia booked him into a rehab center in LA. He had…a drink problem."

Guy begins to grin, "Jake was a brown bagger? Perfect. Just the kind of thing we need to play around with."

"But I'd feel so bad." Cassie pulls her hand away from Guy's and continues to look ahead. "It's wrong."

"More wrong than the hell Jake put you through whilst you were married? He nearly killed me remember. And don't think his coming back from the dead trick was so innocent either."

"You're right." The words slip out of Cassie's mouth and she knows that they are true. She turns her head. "I could never let Lucas live with a man like that. We need to come up with a plan."

Wheeler Corporation: San Francisco

"It's about more than just sex Jake."

Isabelle rolls her eyes as she hears Julia's voice coming from the boardroom. Followed by Michael, she walks in and interrupts the conversation. "Good morning…partner." She forces the words out.

"Isabelle." Julia hisses from the other end of the board table. Isabelle sits down opposite her and opens up a file.

"Excuse me…" Albert Prentiss places his glass of mineral water down on the mahogany surface and addresses an issue, which has suddenly dawned on him. "Shouldn't Lauren be here? I don't think she turned up."

"How professional." Julia snipes with sarcasm.

"Oh pipe down Zsa Zsa." Isabelle snaps back clearly annoyed with the interruption. Her cutting insult appears to do the trick as the whole room falls into silence. She shifts her attention back to Albert who is wringing his hands uncomfortably, possibly nervous at being caught in the crossfire. "She hasn't called you Albert?"

"No."

"She was still at the house when I left this morning." Michael contributes and rubs his eyes, still affected by the lack of sleep he got last night.

"We should start then if she can't be bothered to turn up." Is Julia's response which is met with nodding approval from Jake.

"Hold on a second. You wouldn't have anything to do with this would you? Perhaps you thought sabotaging the board meeting would be good revenge." Isabelle glares at Julia.

"I get the blame for everything." She throws her arms in the air. "But to be truthful I couldn't care less where she is."

"Fine." Isabelle accepts defeat and decides to continue with the board meeting despite her daughter's absence. "Michael? What's the first order of business?"

* * *

In the parking garage Lauren sits frozen in the seat of her car and stares at the black plastic of the steering wheel. The Lexus badge shines invitingly in the middle and she can almost see her reflection in it.

"You're going to pay for what you've done Lauren. You can't hide Ian forever. You and your mother are murderers…murderers…murderers…"

"No!" Lauren shakes her head violently to remove the voices from her head but to no avail. As they rush around in a constant stream, she begins to bang her hands on the steering wheel in front of her and seeing her reflection she breaks down in tears.