It's another beautiful morning in Breckenridge. The sun is up but there's a chill in the air. Kane Garrett is laying in bed in his big guestroom at the Grimes mansion, checking his e-mail on his laptop. With him are Paul Harper and Tess Sherwood.
Paul: How's Cincinatti?
Kane: Everyone is doing just fine without me. I knew they would. My employees always come through.
Tess: What exactly do you do Mr. Garrett?
Kane: I run a small computer graphics company. And please call me Kane. (To Paul) You're going to have to come for a visit after you and Tess get married. I know everybody back home would love to meet you.
Paul: Do your employees know all about me?
Kane: They sure do. I have your pictures Ingy sent me on my desk.
Tess: How sweet! Isn't it Paul? (Paul blushes and turns away) You know, I'm so happy for you and Paul that you found each other. Especially in time for the wedding. I have a new father-in-law who I know would like to walk me down the aisle.
Kane: I'd love to, but isn't Marcus walking you down the aisle?
Tess: I already told him I wanted you to last night. He understands.
Kane: Then I'll do it. (He squeezes Tess' hand) Paul is lucky to have you.
Paul: No, I'm lucky to have Tess. (Tess walks over to Paul and hugs him) That's why I'll hope she understands.
Tess: Understands what?
Paul: About postponing the wedding.
Eliza Braxton is sitting in the empty studio of WBRE. She is thinking about Valerie Talbot and the bombshell she dropped that she's Paul Harper's mother. Eliza is also wondering if Paul already knows. Then she feels her stomach growling. Eliza rubs her belly.
Eliza: Looks like we're both hungry huh? Well, don't worry my baby. I'll go to the comissary soon and you will be fed. (As she's talking, Eliza's co-worker and fellow reporter Suzanne Haines comes up behind her).
Suzanne: Eliza, who are you talking to? (Eliza jumps)
Eliza: Suzanne! Don't scare me like that!
Suzanne: Talking to the station ghost?
Eliza: No I'm not. I'm talking to my baby.
Suzanne: Baby?? You mean you're----
Eliza: Yes. Happily. And I think it's time we let our colleagues know. Let's go to the comissary.
Back to Kane's room.
Tess: Postpone the wedding? But it's a week away!
Paul: I know I know, but hear me out honey. Do you want to get married with Joanna and Quentin still in the picture? Either one of them could to try to crash the ceremony. And I still want to make sure Dad is fully recovered too. I can't take any more risks----especially with something so important as our future. I don't want to put your family or my family in jeopardy. (Puts both of his hands gently on Tess' cheeks) All I'm concerned about is you, and Dad, and our loved ones.
Tess: Oh Paul. If you're so sure we're still in danger, then you have my total support.
Kane: Mine too.
Paul: Okay then. Let's go tell the family.
Kane: I hope Joanna and Quentin are put away for a long, long time.
Paul: They're having their competency hearing now.
At the Baltimore County Courthouse, Joanna Harper and Quentin Michaels are facing Judge Walter Franklin to determine whether they are competant to stand trial. With them are Russell Gault, Mario Fernandez, their lawyers, and a court appointed psychiatrist from Breckenridge Hospital. The two defendants aren't talking or moving. The psychiatrist is testifying about their mental state.
Doctor: As soon as they arrived back, both defendants we're sent to Breckenridge Hospital for observation. I watched them almost all evening. Quentin Michaels never spoked or hardly moved. He didn't eat, and urinated on himself several times. The nurses had to bathe him. Joanna Harper was the same, except she asked for help to the bathroom and mumbled several times "I'm sorry" over and over gain. At bedtime, she grabbed three pillows and called them Paul, Stephen, and Zachary, which I later learned are the names of her husband and sons. I can assure you they stayed this way all night. I don't believe they're faking their condition, given their history of mental instability. In fact, I reccomend hospitalization instead of jail time.
Judge: Does anyone have any objections? (Everyone shakes their heads)
Judge: Lieutenant Gault, Chief Hernandez, you may take the defendants back into custody. I'll make a decision later this afternoon. Thank you.
Meanwhile. Valerie Talbot, her husband Drennen, and their daughters Zoe and Amaya are having breakfast at the Plumtree Inn.
Zoe: Mom. how much longer do we have to stay here?
Valerie: We're not going home just yet. Not until I see your half-brother.
Amaya: But Mom, what if he doesn't want to have anything to do with you?
Drennen: Amaya's right Val. To come all this way for what? To see a man who doesn't even know anything about you?
Valerie: He's found Kane. He's been with him ever since he got into town. I'm sure Kane has told Paul all about me. Doesn't that tell you Paul is interested?
Drennen: Valerie----
Valerie: I don't care what you say. Paul is your stepson. (To Zoe and Amaya) He's your brother. Your flesh and blood. Doesn't that count for something?
Zoe: I guess so. You're right Mom. I just hope's he cool!
Valerie: I just hope he'll want to talk to me. (To herself) My life won't be complete unless you do....
End of Episode 27
Next on come nightfall....
Everett gets a job offer.
The judge makes his decision.
Valerie sees Paul and Kane for the first time in years.