RJ repeatedly evaded Bo, Hank and Lisa's questions regarding the home invasion in his apartment. The three of them immediately became suspicious of RJ's reluctance to provide more information surrounding the break-in. Hank even tried to get his little brother RJ to cooperate with the investigation, but he was unsuccessful. RJ was too stubborn and secretive to leak any details and speculations about it because he would risk exposing his private war against Detective John Sykes. The round of questions continued until the phone rang. RJ picks it up and it's a phone call from Dorian Lord-Hayes.
"Hey Dorian! What's up?"
"RJ, I have some good news I want to share with you...."
"Dorian, can I call you back? You caught me at a bad time. I have company."
"I'll tell you what: after you're done with your guests, why don't you come over and I'll share the wonderful news with you in person."
"That's good. I'll see you soon. Bye bye." RJ hangs up the phone and turns his attention back to Hank, Bo and Lisa. "Now, where were we?"
"RJ, this isn't a game here. The person who did this to your apartment might try again. I strongly advise you consider police protection." Suggested Lisa.
"I'm a big boy. I can handle myself. I don't need a blue shadow."
"RJ, you're making this hard on yourself. Why don't you come stay with me until your apartment gets fixed up." Offered Hank.
"Thank you, but I'll pass. I'm going to stay with Dorian."
"RJ, you're the only brother I have in this world and we need to stick together. Blood is thicker than water and it's time that you stop taking that for granted."
"Henry, if you said that "Brotherly Love" lecture hoping that you were going to persuade me to stay at your place, you just wasted your time. By the way, I don't recall notifying the police about a burglary at my house....."
"Well someone did or we wouldn't be here. Do you smoke, RJ?" Asked Bo.
"No. Why are you asking?"
"Because I found a box of Newports and a book of matches on the floor in your room. This might be the key finding the perp who broke into your apartment." Answered Bo as he showed RJ the cigarette box and matches in a ziplock bag.
"Well it looks like you Keystone Cops have your work cut for you here. Search away, Columbo Buchanan. Just be sure to lock up when you leave." Smirked RJ.
RJ goes into his bedroom and packs in his clothes in a suitcase and leaves for Dorian's house. Bo calls for some additional police officers to assist in the home invasion investigation and to dust for fingerprints.
Moments later RJ arrives at Dorian's house. He pulls in her driveway and then gets out of his Sonota. RJ rings the buzzer and Dorian opens the door and invites him in.
"I'm so glad that you can make it, RJ. I have some great news."
"What is it? Cassie's coming home?" Guessed RJ.
"I wish. You're not going to believe this but MEL IS ALIVE!"
"Mel's alive?!" Are you serious?"
"Earlier today I got a picture in the mail from Kuwait of Mel except his hair and beard is longer and he's in tathered clothing. Here I'll show it to you." Dorian shows RJ the photo of Mel."
"He looks terrible. Are you sure this is him?"
"Well I'm going to find out. I'm leaving tomorrow for Kuwait, but first I'm going to Switzerland to see Cassie."
"I'm very happy for you Dorian and I hope this is the real Mel."
"I hope so too, RJ. I don't think no one would fake this photograph of him."
"Well you just be careful Dorian. I'm a little bit suspicious of this. You've got a photo of Mel and no letter? There's something fishy here."
"I realize that, but I'm willing to take a chance. I have nothing to lose."
"I hope it's all worth it. I'm grateful that some good news came your way. I wish I could say the same for me."
"Why? What's up?"
"My house was broken into and they smashed everything."
"My God. That's awful. Who would do such a thing?"
"Your guess is as good as mine, but until my apartment is repaired, I'm going to stay at the Palace."
"Don't bother with the Palace. You can stay at my house."
"You wouldn't mind that? I don't want to impose."
"Oh you won't be imposing at all. What are friends for?"
"Thanks. I have my things in my car. I'll go and get them."
"No problem. I'm delighted to have you housesitting while I'm out of town. I know my home is in good hands with you."
RJ goes to his car and retrieves his belongings and then returns inside Dorian's house. He then sits on the couch and drinks some lemonade with Dorian. After they were done chatting, Dorian gives RJ a kiss on the cheek and goes to bed while RJ sits on the sofa watching TV.
RJ then hears someone opening the door. When he looks in back of him, he sees Blair Daimler walking in furiously. She just came in from having a bad day at the Banner and the last person she expected to see in her home was RJ Gannon. The fur was about to fly between the both of them.
To Be Continued ....