Tag: Y&R

Young & The Restless Transcript

Transcript provided by Suzanne

[ Knock on door ]

Victor: Come in.

Nikki: I am taking a lunch break, and I’m hoping you can join me.

Victor: Hi, sweetheart. I wish I could, but I need to deal with something before, okay?

Nikki: What’s in the envelope? The way you’re handling it, could be gold or it could be a bomb. Which is it?

Victor: These are the documents I asked michael baldwin to send from peru. And I think they will show without a shadow of a doubt that ashland locke has been deceiving our daughter.

Nikki: [ Sighs ] The it’s definitely a bomb. What do you intend to do with it?

Victor: I think she deserves to find what’s in here.

Nikki: Victor, please handle this carefully. You know how upset she is already. Do you really want to risk alienating her further?

Victor: Sweetheart, this is the last thing I want to do, believe me, but he has pushed my hand. Victoria needs to know…what kind of a man she’s married to.

Jack: I’d like to talk to you about hao nguyen. I knew him as keemo. He was my son.

Allie: Look, you guys must be mistaken. Hao — hao is a common name, and as is nguyen. You guys have him confused with someone else.

Jack: No, I’m certain I’m right.

Allie: What is it that you guys want? He’s dead.

Jack: I came here in search of answers about my son.

Allie: Look, hao couldn’t possibly be your son. Because he’s my dad, and he never mentioned you.

Victor: We need to talk.

Victoria: Well, unless you’re here to apologize…and to take back those disgusting allegations about ashland, then we have nothing to discuss.

Victor: You don’t even know how much I wish I were wrong about ashland. You need to see this. And I won’t leave until you do.

Ashland: Nikki, no, wait, please, don’t leave. Can’t we just sit for a moment and talk? I need you to hear me out.

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Allie: You must be mistaken. My dad never knew his father. He was born after an affair that his mother, my grandmother, had in vietnam.

Jack: Her name was luan. He told you that he never knew his dad, he never even knew his name?

Allie: Yes. Are you claiming that you’re that man? And you’re here tracking down your son after all of these years? After he’s died?

Jack: I’m afraid your father didn’t tell you the complete truth. I did have a relationship with luan. Hao was our son. Keemo was his given name.

Allie: But my dad told me that he never knew anything about his father growing up.

Jack: Actually, that is true. I didn’t know of his existence for many years, until he was a young adult. That’s when luan and I were reunited, when I met him, but we were reunited.

Allie: Why should I believe anything that you’re saying to me?

Jack: Allie, I have no reason to lie about something like this.

Allie: Do you have any proof?

Jack: Um… have you ever seen this picture of your grandmother?

Allie: No, I never met her. She died before I was born. But I do recognize her from other photos that my dad had. This is you and my grandmother.

Jack: On our wedding day. And your father was our best man.

Nikki: I’m sorry, I don’t have a lot of time. I’m just picking up lunch.

Ashland: [ Sighs ] Well, please, I realize how all of this must look to you. I’m sure that victor has filled your head with all kinds of accusations about me.

Nikki: Nobody puts any thoughts or ideas in my head that I don’t think I deserve to be there.

Ashland: I’m sorry if it sounded that way, but, see, this is exactly the reason I was hoping for the opportunity to talk to you directly, alone, so I could tell you my side of things and you could decide for yourself. See, I have a sense that you are not as convinced as victor is by the word of one unscrupulous doctor.

Nikki: Alright. What do you have to say for yourself?

Ashland: Well, uh, you and i have been working together for a while now, and I think you know me pretty well. You — you see how profound my love is for victoria and how happy I have made her. Certainly that must be enough to at least give me the benefit of the doubt.

Nikki: What makes you think i haven’t done that already?

Ashland: Well, if you have, then you must realize that i would never, ever mastermind the kind of plot that victor is now accusing me of. I would never hurt victoria in that way. You must know that.

Victoria: I’ve seen everything that I need to see, dad. And I have already faced the truth. That you are so single-minded in your need for control and power that you would stoop to anything, including trying to destroy my marriage. All because you feel threatened because another man has a controlling say in the newman family business.

Victor: Sweetheart…I don’t want to hurt you. I really don’T. But this man has been lying to you about his illness this entire time.

Victoria: Did you really think that you could blackmail ashland with these outrageous lies and that he would just disappear into the night and leave me, with no questions asked?

Victor: I thought he would realize it would be the sensible thing to do.

Victoria: Dad, how could you plot to destroy my life like this, all for your own hubris?

Victor: I understand your anger at me. And I understand that you prefer to be angry at me rather than be enraged about what ashland has done to you.

Victoria: Oh, come on, please. I can’t stand being patronized this way. Maybe you’re forgetting — this is my office, so just go. Just — just leave, please.

Victor: Sweetheart, I’m not telling you this to hurt you. I’d rather be at the receiving end of your anger than not tell you what I know. I will not stand by and watch you be deceived by that man any longer. I can’t do it.

Victoria: I am really so sick and tired of all of the men in my life who proclaim that they love me so much, and then they cause me so much pain.

Victor: Sweetheart, I’m not trying to cause you any more pain. I’m really not. I just am trying to prevent you from suffering more pain, okay?

Victoria: [ Scoffs ]

Victor: It breaks my heart to tell you what I’ve learned about ashland.

Victoria: Yeah, you’ve learned lies, dad, spread by someone who has it in for my husband.

Victor: Who would come up with such a complex web of lies? Who and why?

Victoria: I don’t know. I don’t know, dad, and I don’t want to spend one minute of my time trying to figure it out.

Victor: There’s an overwhelming amount of evidence.

Victoria: Evidence, really? Really, what evidence? What evidence — some shady video of a disgruntled and angry doctor? That — that hardly proves anything. I even reached out to michael baldwin. He hasn’t called me back. You haven’t me shown me one shred of credible evidence.

Victor: Michael baldwin sent this to me this morning from peru. All the evidence is right in here.

Victoria: Why? Why would you go to such lengths to prove something so hurtful?

Victor: Sweetheart, I’m trying to protect you and protect the company. Do you understand that?

Victoria: Oh. I see. There you go. You’ve admitted it.

Victor: What?

Victoria: This is all about newman/locke, right? Well, I have to tell you something, dad. Ashland is now the co-ceo of the company. We’ve signed the contracts. So it looks like you’ve lost the game.

Nikki: You’re right about one thing. I don’t want to believe that you’re capable of coming up with a plot that could so callously hurt victoria.

Ashland: Then trust your instincts.

Nikki: Victoria desperately wants to believe that — that somebody is out to get you. But according to victor, there is too much evidence to the contrary — evidence that he does not believe could have been fabricated.

Ashland: Oh, and yet he’s willing to believe that i fabricated mounds of evidence to somehow fake an illness I don’t have? Do you not see the contradiction there?

Nikki: All I see is that someone concocted some very ugly lies, and nothing would make me happier than to find out that person is some disgruntled doctor at the clinic. But it’s becoming harder and harder for me not to think it’s you.

Ashland: Hold on, are you saying that victor has found more of this so-called evidence against me?

Allie: This — this doesn’t prove anything. If my dad knew who his father was, why didn’t he tell me? Why would he lie to me and my mother like that? This picture — this picture just shows that you married my grandmother. It does not mean that you’re my…

Jack: Your grandfather. Here, I want to show you something. This is a gift I gave your father the day of the wedding. It legally and personally acknowledges that I am his father.

Allie: Why would he — why would he keep this from us all these years?

Jack: Your father and I had a major falling out. When luan fell ill, she didn’t want anyone to know, even family. She never told me. I found out my accident, and i never let on that I knew. I thought I was being true to her wishes…by not telling keemo that his mother was dying.

Allie: You never told him?

Jack: I know now that was a mistake. When he found out he never would have a chance to say goodbye to his mother, he was devastated, and he was furious with me. And I tried to fix that, I — i worked hard at it. I thought I had bridged the gap between us, but then I started receiving very bitter e-mails from him, and it was clear I was wrong. He just could not forgive me. He cut himself off. He changed his name. He refused to communicate with me.

Allie: If this is all true, then clearly my father wanted nothing more to do with you. He denied your existence to me and my mother. So why have you come here? What are you after? Be ready for whatever life throws your way.

Victoria: Daddy, what is this? What is it supposed to prove?

Michael: These are records of the money sent to the doctor in peru, before he disappeared. He received much more money than he would have earned in years.

Victoria: Well, that’s because whoever this is that is trying to bring ashland down obviously paid the doctor to make those slanderous statements.

Victor: I didn’t want this to be true. If anything, I was hoping I was wrong about my presumptions about ashland locke. That’s why I sent michael baldwin down to peru to do a thorough and discreet investigation. And he traced the money back to an account of a shell company belonging to locke communications. The papers are in there. They were sent to me by michael baldwin this morning from peru just before he disappeared.

Victoria: Wait, what? What do you mean “disappeared”?

Nikki: What kind of proof do you think victor could have come up with?

Ashland: You know what? It doesn’t matter. I’m not gonna begin to try to out-guess what’s going on in the mind of victor newman. And I don’t want to spend another minute listening to the possible crimes I could be falsely accused of. I’m just trying to figure out a way to get past this.

Nikki: So you think we should just forget about them?

Ashland: [ Sighs ] I know it’s not that simple.

Nikki: What exactly do you expect from me?

Ashland: I need someone to be on my side. Nikki, I need you to be on my side. Victoria believes me now, but victor is gonna be relentless about this. You know that. He’s not gonna stop until he has poisoned my wife’s mind against me and destroyed our marriage.

Nikki: Why would victor do that if he was convinced that the evidence against is authentic?

Ashland: I don’t know.

[ Sighs ] Unless, uh — unless he’s being motivated by the threat level he feels now that I’m recovered.

Nikki: Oh, oh, please. Stop that right now. That theory is completely baseless. Victor is not easily threatened, certainly not by you. All he cares about is protecting victoria, period. He has no other agenda.

Ashland: All I care about is protecting victoria, period, and our marriage. Nikki, be honest. Have you ever seen your daughter happier or more in love?

Jack: Allie, when I came here, I had no idea what I was getting into. I had received a series of texts from someone who refused to identify themselves, giving me this address and telling me to get here quickly.

Allie: So you’ve been going through the house, searching through his private things?

Jack: I understand you’re upset. Believe me, I have been conflicted about this myself. I’ve been wandering in the dark. I didn’t know what the right thing to do was. I came here to try to find some closure. My son died. I wanted to know what kind of man he became. And I found some answers. Not always the answers I wanted. In fact, some were very painful.

Allie: What are those?

Jack: These are letters your father wrote.

Allie: How dare you read his private letters. What gives you the right?

Jack: They’re addressed to me. Go ahead, look. Go ahead.

Allie: [ Sobs ] No, sorry. I can’t do this. Just — just tell me what they say.

Jack: They reveal that your father was thinking of connecting with me again. He wasn’t quite there yet. He didn’t have a chance to reach out to me before he died, and…with his death, any chance of us reuniting…came to an end.

Allie: [ Sobs ] God, seeing his handwriting again…reading little snippets of what he wrote…hearing his voice in my head…

Jack: I know. It’s a lot to take in.

Allie: I can barely face the fact that he’s really gone. And now this is a side of him that I have no idea even existed.

Jack: Tell me something. Is there someone in your life, someone who you can turn to, someone who can give you the support you need to get through all of this?

Allie: Well, my parents divorced a few years ago. My mom, she moved to the east coast. We really haven’t been able to spend much time together since. But, you know, at least she came for the funeral. Of course, she couldn’t stay long. Claimed that she had to get back to work.

Jack: I realize I’m probably the last person you would turn to for comfort, but…it just kills me that you’re alone.

Allie: Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine.

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Phyllis: Um, allie — allie, um…is it possible that your mom knew the truth and maybe she’s the one who’s sending the texts to jack?

Allie: I doubt my mother had anything to do with those texts. She believed my dad’s story about his parents.

Phyllis: When we arrived here, that box was here, and it has… well, it just has a lot of your father’s belongings. You helped clean up, so is it possible that you knew the box was here?

Allie: Are you suggesting that i was the one who sent those texts? Until today, I had no idea who jack abbott was. I mean, I d– I still — that name still has no meaning to me.

Jack: I believe you. But someone thought we should meet.

Allie: And I have no idea who that person could be.

[ Scoffs ] Look, I’m sorry, alright? Whoever sent those texts clearly wasted your time. I got — I got to go. I — I have grad school, I have a life I need to focus on. If my father couldn’t bring himself to reconcile with you, well, then I have no reason to either. I think you and your friend should just go back to where you came from, and please, please do me a favor and pretend that this encounter never happened.

Jack: Allie. Allie, I’m sorry, there’s just no way I can do that.

Victor: Michael baldwin has completely fallen off the radar.

Victoria: Since when?

Victor: We used to communicate at least two or three times a day, either by e-mail or text. Now nothing. Silence. I know that lauren is very worried about him, as well. She’s heard nothing from him.

Victoria: Well, surely he couldn’t have just disappeared off the face of the earth.

Victor: I should have found him by now.

Victoria: What are you implying?

Victor: Ashland locke knew that we were onto him. We were on his trail. He knows that the only way you would buy into this story is if I showed you hard and cold facts. Now, suddenly, the man that i sent down there to find those hard and cold facts disappeared.

Victoria: I think you’re making a lot of assumptions right now.

Victor: So what do you think happened?

Nikki: Ashland, you know how supportive victor and I have been of your marriage and of your happiness. Do you recall that beautiful wedding we planned at the tuscan villa that we gifted you and the lengths that victor and his sons went to to protect your past from destroying your reputation and your company?

Ashland: Yes, yes, I’m — I’m thankful for all of that, but it — it — it’s why it’s — this sudden turnaround is so puzzling.

Nikki: Don’t you see? After everything we have done for you, for you to then betray us, it just makes it that much more devastating. It is an unforgivable act.

Ashland: [ Sighs ] The most unforgivable thing about all of this to me is the precious I’m losing with victoria. I am not lying about my illness. The treatment has given me a reprieve, but no one is promising me that it’s some kind of magical cure.

Nikki: Well, what have your doctors been promising you? You’ve been a little bit vague about your condition.

Ashland: Only that, for the moment, my cancer is in remission, which makes it all the more horrible that instead of spending this time, this extra time that I have with victoria, working side-by-side as equal partners, I’m spending that time having to fight for her, having to fight for the love of my life. From the very first touch.

Nikki: Well, based on your argument, it is crucial that we get to the truth, isn’t it?

Ashland: My thoughts exactly.

Nikki: Good. If you’re being honest, you’ll have to prove it.

Ashland: I’m working on it.

Nikki: Ashland, you — you can’t just expect us to take you at your word. You’re going to show us your evidence to the contrary. If you can do that, I promise you victor will apologize and back off.

Ashland: [ Sighs ]

Victoria: It’s insane to think that ashland would harm michael in any way.

Victor: I don’t know that michael baldwin has been harmed. But he’s missing. Maybe ashland has him locked away so he can buy himself some time.

Victoria: No, dad, I won’t hear this anymore. This is just nothing but lies. I am telling you right now, my husband is innocent. And no matter what you say, I am sticking with him.

Victor: [ Sighs ] The proof is in here. Read it. Okay? But know that I have copies of this, hmm?

[ Sighs ] Sweetheart, I really am deeply sorry that I’m the bearer of such bad news. I really am. And I hate that this is happening to you. I want you to know that I adore you and I love you. You’re my daughter. And I only want what’s best for you.

Jack: I’m sorry, there’s no way I can walk away now and pretend we never met. I know this is hard for you. Learning of my existence, learning that your father misled you about his past. I’ve had a lot of trouble accepting a lot of things I’ve learned. And I’m sure that’s only a tenth of what you’ve dealt with. And I hope you take all the time you need to process it. But, allie, somebody wanted me to come here. And as painful as it has been to find out about all that I lost, I’m so glad I came. I got to meet you. No one knows better than I how difficult it is that you can’t go to your father now and ask for answers. I know that feeling. I can’t either. But I’m hoping, maybe in time, you and I can find those answers in each other. I know I’m a stranger to you right now, but I want very much to be a lot more than that.

Allie: I’m sorry. I’m not interested.

Jack: Okay, okay. You have my phone number. If you change your mind, please, please, don’t be afraid to pick up a phone and call —

Allie: Thank you for the offer.

Jack: Allie, there’s one other thing. I — I need to ask a favor. All of these things that were your father’s, I’d like to keep them if I may.

Allie: I don’t see anything in here that I would want. You’re welcome to it all.

Jack: There is something here that I’d like you to keep. This was your grandmother’S. I gave it to her as a gift.

Allie: No, thanks. I am so sorry for this waste of everyone’s time.

Jack: [ Sighs ] (Geri) I smoked, and I have copd.

Jack: Maybe that wasn’t goodbye, maybe allie just needs time to process.

Phyllis: Okay, you know what? Enough about allie. Let’s talk about you. Your mind must be racing. You just found out you have a granddaughter.

Jack: Yeah. Quite a surprise. I came here because my son died, and…I found a granddaughter.

Phyllis: Yeah. She doesn’t want a relationship with you yet.

Jack: No, not yet. She’s as stunned as I am. I can’t expect her to embrace me. She didn’t know I existed.

Phyllis: Right, because keemo kept your identity from her.

Jack: I can’t really blame him for that.

Phyllis: Alright, jack, it’s me. It’s me. Don’t suppress your emotions.

Jack: Red, I don’t want to dump all this on you.

Phyllis: That’s why I came here. That’s why I’m here, so you can dump all of this on me. I came here to help you.

Jack: It’s all pretty overwhelming.

Phyllis: I’ll bet. You know, she doesn’t want a relationship with you yet — not yet. Okay? But maybe that will change. I mean, it seems like keemo has passed along his bitter feelings to the next generation.

Jack: You know, I think she was just honoring her father’s wishes, and I admire that kind of loyalty. I’M…I’m glad they had a relationship. It sounded like they were close. And it gives me a lot of comfort to know that, in the end, keemo was loved. He wasn’t alone.

Phyllis: Well, that’s lovely and it’s very optimistic. But, you know, you can tell me how you really feel. Again, that’s why I came here.

Jack: You want the unvarnished truth? Yesterday, I learned that my son was thinking of…repairing our relationship. Today, I learned…that keemo didn’t even have a name for his father when he spoke to his daughter, a daughter he never wanted me to know, never wanted me to meet. And that’s heart-breaking.

Phyllis: I know. You can’t undo that, right?

Jack: No, I can’T. I got to focus on the here and now, and here and now is allie. That sweet young woman who’S… dealing with the loss of her father on her own. I could hear in her voice when she spoke about her mother that there was a lot more strain there than she wanted to reveal.

Nikki: I have the food.

Victor: Perfect timing.

[ Exhales sharply ] Just came back from seeing victoria.

Nikki: Did you present her with michael’s evidence?

Victor: [ Sighs ] She was furious with me, understandably so.

Nikki: I worry that this is causing irreparable damage to your relationship, after the two of you have come so far.

Victor: I know, and I also know that her anger wasn’t directed at me. I didn’t take it personally.

Nikki: You sure about that?

Victor: She may not believe it yet, what’s in those documents, but I think, slowly but surely, we’ll find out that she would be on my side of the issue. She’ll find out how devastatingly deceitful ashland locke has been to her. And it will be…very traumatic for her.

Nikki: And you have no doubts about this? None at all?

Victor: No.

Ashland: Hey. I’m back. Lunch time.

[ Clears throat ] What’s wrong?

Victoria: I had a very unpleasant visit from my father.

Ashland: Fantastic. What did he want?

Victoria: He wanted to let me know that michael baldwin has disappeared in peru.

Ashland: And, of course, he’s accusing me of somehow being responsible for that, too.

Victoria: That is his theory, yes.

Ashland: Okay, what’s he saying, that I kidnapped michael baldwin, killed him, hacked him up into tiny pieces, threw him in a river, something like that?

Victoria: He brought print-outs of bank statements. Ones that document money being sent to that peruvian doctor’s account. It was well camouflaged, but… ultimately, it traced back to a small and obscure radio division owned by locke communications. One that you would have to look really hard to find. Which is apparently what michael did.

Ashland: Is that so?

Victoria: Tell me something, ashland. Why would a small company that we own, that’s barely on anyone’s radar, be sending a steady stream of money to a doctor in peru who was connected with your treatment?

Next week on “the young and the restless”…

Jill: Why the hell are you throwing away the chance of a lifetime?

Victoria: I don’t know what to believe anymore, nicholas.

Nick: Sounds like you’re having doubts about ashland after all.

Ashland: I would suggest you think long and hard before you do anything rash.

Nate: Are you threatening me?

Phyllis: Is that the texter? Hey, what does it say? Don’t keep me in suspense.

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Young & The Restless Transcript

Transcript provided by Suzanne

[ Knock on door ]

Jack: Hello? Hello? Hello? Anyone here?

Phyllis: Hmm.

Jack: [ Sighs ]

Phyllis: Um…well, I feel really good about today. I think that we’re gonna get some answers about, you know, keemo’s life here and maybe some answers about who beckoned you to get here.

Jack: Oh, I wish I shared your optimism. My hopes are not so high.

Phyllis: Okay, well, no negativity. Let’s get to work. Come on. Let’s go.

Jack: I barely slept last night. My head was spinning with visions of keemo in this house, all that we lost, all that could’ve been.

Phyllis: Well, that’s natural. You’re processing everything. Uh, I just want you to know that, however this goes, jack, you know there are so many people who love you and want to help you out with this.

Jack: I’m gonna be honest with you. This was a lot more difficult than I ever thought it would be. I stood in this room weeping with regret yesterday over all the time I lost with my son. Only one thing got me through all this.

Phyllis: Mm. What is that?

Jack: You. I mean it. You’ve given me all the support I need, and I don’t want to forget to say thank you.

Phyllis: You don’t have to say thank you to me. I’m happy to do it.

[ Sniffs ] Seems like maybe somebody else has been here.

Jack: What do you mean?

Phyllis: That smell. I mean, you didn’t smell perfume when we walked in?

Jack: No, I was a little preoccupied, but [Sniffs] Kind of an orange blossom thing?

Phyllis: Yeah. Somebody has been here since we left.

Devon: Hey! This is a surprise.

Abby: Hey, devon.

Chance: Sorry to just show up like this.

Devon: No, it’s fine. You guys are always welcome. Come in.

Abby: Did you get my text?

Devon: Uh, your text? No, I didn’t get any texts. I haven’t had my phone nearby. I’ve just been playing with this, uh — this young man over here.

[ Light laughter ] It’s, uh — it’s crazy. We had a good game of patty-cake going. The older he gets, the more fun he is.

[ Abby and devon laugh ]

Chance: He’s really responding these days, isn’t he?

Devon: He is. He really is. It’s wild. What a difference a week makes. He’s, like, reacting to things now and smiling.

Abby: Aww. Hi, my love. Did you have a good time? It looks like you had a good time.

Devon: What brings you guys by? You just dropping something off for him or…

Chance: Well, actually, devon, we were hoping we could take him home now.

Rey: You have a customer.

Sharon: Oh, hey. How you doing?

Rey: I’m good. Not as busy as you, apparently. You look so focused and studious.

Sharon: I am focused and studious.

Rey: It’s very attractive.

Sharon: Oh, yeah?

Rey: Mm-hmm.

Sharon: Wait till I get back to my calculator and start adding everything up.

Rey: That is so hot.

Sharon: And don’t distract me.

Rey: [ Laughs ]

Sharon: I have to get this done. It’s my year-end inventory.

Rey: Year-end? It’s march.

Sharon: Yeah, I know. I’m a little bit behind. But I’m in this organizational mood, so I better take advantage of it.

Rey: Ah, I see. Does that urge to organize mean that you’re going to be busy all afternoon wedding planning?

Sharon: Nope. Both brides are working today.

Rey: So, basically, once you’re done with the inventory, your afternoon is free?

Sharon: That’s right.

Rey: Huh. Is noah at the house?

Sharon: No. He’s working today, too.

Rey: Mm.

Sharon: And faith is babysitting christian at nick’S.

Rey: Oh. That is interesting.

Sharon: You think faith babysitting her little brother is interesting?

Rey: Well, I think it’s fascinating that you volunteered that information without me having to ask. Sounds like you have something on your mind.

Sharon: No, I said that because I knew you were going to ask.

Rey: Oh.

Sharon: What’s going on, rey?

Rey: [ Chuckles ]

Phyllis: [ Sighs ]

Jack: Well, I didn’t find anything new.

Phyllis: Uh, neither did I. No further signs of disturbance. Just, you know, the perfume. That’s it.

Jack: I sensed there was someone outside last night.

Phyllis: Yeah. Do you feel like they were watching you?

Jack: I thought maybe my imagination was playing tricks on me. What if I was right, though? What if — what if they came back here after they knew we were gone?

Phyllis: Do you think that possibly they wanted us to know that they were here?

Jack: I don’t know. I want to think this is the person that’s been sending me all of these texts. Is that just wishful thinking? I’m trying to make sense out of the insensible?

Phyllis: It’s a possibility. Of course.

Jack: Why are we here? What am I supposed to learn? Why was I lured to california? Whoever’s behind all this never responded to my text asking if there was something else I was supposed to find.

Phyllis: [ Exhales sharply ] You know, yesterday was intense. Right? Let’s go through the box again. Maybe we’ll find other clues. I know, but we can — we can do this with fresh eyes, right?

Jack: I don’t know if this gonna do any good. I’ve looked through everything in —

Phyllis: Okay.

Jack: Wait.

Phyllis: What is it?

Jack: This was not here last time.

Phyllis: Can I see?

Jack: Yeah.

Phyllis: Hmm. It’s a picture of a young girl. It says “allie” with a phone number.

Jack: 301 — that’s a los angeles number. Whoever came in here after us wanted us to find this. Maybe this is the response to my text. Maybe this is… the next clue in this mystery. Hey! It’s me! Your dry skin!

Additional sponsorship

provided by…

Rey: Oh. Well, I don’t have to be back to the station till this evening.

Sharon: Hmm. So you have some free time.

Rey: I do.

Sharon: Hmm. What were you thinking?

Rey: You know, I just want to spend the afternoon with my wife.

Sharon: Aww. That’s sweet.

Rey: It is, isn’t it?

Sharon: Mm. Well, you know what? Um, let me just wrap up this inventory and a few small things, and then I’m free the rest of the afternoon. What should we do?

Rey: Something fun.

Sharon: Definitely.

Rey: Yeah, something we haven’t done in a while.

Sharon: Hmm, I like where this is going. What did you have in mind?

Rey: Bowling?

Sharon: Bowling! That’s fun. That’s an option, sure.

Rey: We could go to a dive bar and play pool.

Sharon: In the middle of the afternoon? Okay, okay.

Rey: Or — or we could go down to the lake, see if the ducks are back. Or we could go to that bookstore you like so much by campus.

Sharon: Well, all of these are very good ideas, and i appreciate the effort.

Rey: Mm-hmm.

Sharon: But…

Rey: But…you have something better in mind?

Sharon: And I’ll tell you what it is when the time is right.

Rey: Am I gonna like it?

Sharon: You’re gonna love it.

Rey: Mm-hmm.

Jack: She looks familiar.

Phyllis: Does she?

Jack: Yeah. Remem– remember that picture of keemo with those people in vietnam? And there was a girl there. Yeah. Could this be her, fully grown up? I mean, there’s a real similarity. I don’t know who she was to keemo.

Phyllis: Well, you know, there’s a phone number on the back. Is it the same phone number that the texts are coming from?

Jack: No, no, that’s the first thing I checked.

Phyllis: No? Okay. Well, why don’t you call her? I mean, why not? She can give you answers.

Jack: No more texts. I’m going to talk to an actual person. It’s going straight to voicemail.

Phyllis: Alright.

Jack: Allie, my name is jack abbott. Um, I would very much like to talk to you. Could you call me back as soon as you can? Uh, it’s regarding keemo nguyen.

Phyllis: Hao.

Jack: Hao nguyen.

[ Stammers ] I look forward to hearing from you soon. Thank you.

[ Exhales sharply ]

Chance: I’m sorry, man. I don’t mean to spring this on you.

Devon: It’s alright. I mean, I was planning on bringing him back your guys’ place tonight.

Chloe: I understand. Um, the thing is, I have another therapy session today, and we were hoping that we could spend a little family time beforehand, you know, see if it helps.

Devon: Right. Okay. Uh… yeah, I just wish I had got a little more of a heads-up, but…

Abby: Is everything okay?

Devon: Uh, yeah. Yeah, no, everything is fine. Everything’s fine. I know that things change, so we all have to be flexible. You know that he’s teething, so I put some of that pain reliever on his gums, and it seemed to do the trick, so…

Abby: Oh.

Devon: There’s more in this bag here.

Abby: Thank you.

Devon: Yeah.

Abby: We’ll give him some extra special care today.

Chance: Thank you again, sincerely. I think we would have understood if you would have kicked us to the curb.

Devon: No, no. Get out of here. I wouldn’t do that. That’s completely fine. I’ll be seeing him again really soon.

Amanda: You seemed happy letting dominic go. But now that they’re gone, do you want to tell me how you really feel?

Devon: Oh, I mean, I’ve — I’ve picked up dominic early before, so I think it’s only fair that they can do it sometimes.

Amanda: Okay, you know that i think it is impressive how the three of you work together, but I know that you are not okay with how things went down. So can you please — can you talk to me?& Can you tell me what’s bothering you?

Devon: I don’t have anything bothering me. I think something’s bothering chance. I don’t know if you noticed how tense he was.

Amanda: Yeah, he was a little frigid, anxious.

Devon: He said that he wanted to hang out with dominic today ’cause he has a therapy session later.

Amanda: Okay, well, that’s good, right?

Devon: Yeah. It’s great for chance ’cause he can, you know, have the calming effect of being around his baby, but what’s that tension doing to dominic?

Amanda: What do you mean?

Devon: It’s just the way that chance talked about therapy. I think that it’s been a lot more difficult for him than he anticipated.

Chance: You hungry? Hmm? Hungry? No? Patty-cake? Yeah, you like the patty-cake, right? That’s what I hear.

[ Breathes deeply ] I’m really glad we get to hang out before therapy. It’s not gonna be near as much fun as this, I’ll tell you.

Abby: It sounds like you’re nervous about therapy. I know your first session really wiped you out, but I thought you’d be more at ease now that you know dr. Huffman.

Chance: Well, it’s, um — it’s not him. I, uh — I just don’t really know where this is gonna lead me. You know, the deeper we get, the harder it’s gonna get, the more trauma arises. I, uh, just get worried.

Abby: I understand. But there’s no need to fear the worst. This process can take however long you need it to. There’s no rush. And dr. Huffman is gonna be there to help you through the whole journey, and I am gonna be here to support you, no matter what. You’re doing this for us and for dominic.

Chance: Yeah, I just hope he’s not picking up on all these nerves.

Abby: No, of course not. All he feels is your love.

Chance: You’re so certain.

Abby: Because I know I’m right. I promise.

Phyllis: Well, this girl, allie, could still be the mystery texter. You know, she may be just texting from a different phone. People have a lot of phones. They have one for business, one for personal.

Jack: One for sending peculiar texts to strangers?

Phyllis: Well, I mean, it doesn’t have to be like that. Maybe she just wants to reach out to you.

Jack: To what end?

Phyllis: Well, that’s the mystery, isn’t it? Jack? I mean, you have no idea what this girl’s connection to keemo may be?

Jack: I am trying to keep an open mind. I don’t want to jump to any conclusions. Every time I do, it leads me in the wrong d–

[ Cellphone ringing ]

Phyllis: Is that her?

Jack: Yeah. This is jack. Thank you, allie, for calling me back. Yes, I — I would love to discuss hao nguyen with you, but — but not over the phone. Is — is there any chance that we could talk to each other in person? I’m at his house now with a friend. She and I would be happy to meet you outside, if that makes you more comfortable. I — yeah. Okay. I understand. Thank you.

Phyllis: Is she coming?

Jack: She’s tied up for the moment. She said if we can stay here, she’ll get here as soon as she can.

Phyllis: Oh! That’s great. Okay, so we’re staying here. That’s for sure. We didn’t come all this way to throw in the towel now.

Jack: No, we didn’T.

Phyllis: Hey, jack, this girl allie is gonna have all the answers that you’re looking for. Your dry skin story changes

Sharon: Hey, you two!

Devon: Hey.

Amanda: Hi.

Sharon: I know exactly what you want.

Amanda: Aww, thank you, sharon.

[ Laughter ]

Devon: Rey, what’s going on, man?

Rey: I’m good, man. It’s been a long time. Are things okay with you?

Devon: Things couldn’t be better. They couldn’t be better. How’s work going? Is there any word on when chance might be coming back to join you guys?

Rey: Well, paul’s giving him all the time he needs. When he’s ready, the gcpd will welcome him back.

Devon: That’s really good. Hey, sharon, I heard you recommended a really good therapist for chance.

Sharon: Yeah, I did — dr. Huffman.

Devon: Yeah. He said he started going already, so I’m hoping that goes well for him.

Sharon: Oh, good. I’m glad.

Devon: Yeah. Have you heard any updates on his progress at all?

Sharon: No, none at all, but then, if I had, I wouldn’t be able to talk about it.

Devon: Yeah, of course. Of course. I’ve just been real concerned about him, just knowing what he went through in spain, and been a little worried about how that lingering trauma might be affecting dominic.

Sharon: Yeah. I understand.

Rey: Yeah, I do, too, devon. But the good thing is a lot of people have chance’s back, not just his therapist, which means a lot of people have dominic’s back, too.

Sharon: I agree. I don’t think you have anything to worry about.

Devon: Well, good. Good. I’m glad that all you guys feel that way.

Abby: Ah, dominic finally went down for his nap. He’s fussy. It must be his teething.

Chloe: Devon was right.

Abby: So, how are you feeling about your appointment? Any better?

Chance: Yes and no.

Abby: What does that mean?

Chloe: Well, look, I — i know I have to go through this and that it’s gonna be hard and that I’m gonna come out of it a better person. I am just not the kind of person who wears their emotions on their sleeves. I don’t know how to talk about that. I don’t know how to do it, you know? And I’m afraid that, when a breakthrough does happen, everything is just gonna spill out, everything, and it’s gonna just — it’s gonna be really messy.

Abby: Well, it’s supposed to be. And, yes, it’s gonna be difficult, but what’s the worst that could happen? You learn something about yourself? Maybe talking about your experiences — maybe it’ll be cathartic in a positive way.

Chance: I love your optimism. It’s what I need right now.

Abby: Only right now?

Chance: Right now and forever.

Abby: Mm-hmm.

Phyllis: So, what are you gonna ask allie when she gets here?

Jack: Oh, I don’t know. I got a thousand questions. I don’t think we’re gonna run out of anything to talk about.

Phyllis: Okay, well, maybe have a plan because you don’t want to — want to throw a thousand questions at her.

Jack: Yeah, that’s probably sound reasoning.

Phyllis: Yeah.

Jack: Start with the beginning. These photos potentially show that she was close to keemo. Maybe she had a significant place in his life when I w– ugh, I hate sitting around waiting.

Phyllis: Okay, well, what do you want to do?- ‘Cause she may be on her way over.

Jack: You know, I’d like to take a walk, get some fresh air. I’d like to have a clear mind when she comes here.

Phyllis: Go do that. Go do that.

Jack: Yeah. Would you mind staying here in case she comes back?

Phyllis: Of course. I’ll be here when she arrives.

Jack: Thank you. I mean it. For everything. With so many nourishing shades,

“The young and the restless”

will continue.

Sharon: Okay, I’m all yours.

Rey: Excellent. What are we gonna do?

Sharon: Uh, well, since the window of private time is very small…

Rey: Mm-hmm.

Sharon: …I think that we should, um —

[ Cellphone ringing ] Oh. Hold on.

Rey: Yeah.

Sharon: Oh. Hi, faith. What’s going on? Okay. Oh, that’s so sweet. Um, but, uh, does it have — oh. Hello, christian. Yes, I’m very honored that you chose me. But does it have to be today? Oh, okay. I see. Alright, well, maybe, um, I can swing by quickly. Alright. I’ll see you soon.

Rey: [ Chuckles ] What was that about?

Sharon: Christian has a school project. He needs to ask one of his favorite adults five questions and then take a picture for a poster.

Rey: And he chose you. That’s — that’s sweet.

Sharon: I know. I think it is, too. But it has to be done today.

Rey: So no alone time for us. That’s okay.

Sharon: I’m sorry.

Rey: No. I understand. Obviously, you should go.

Sharon: Well, you know what? We’ll make a date for another day really soon. Thanks for understanding.

Rey: Of course.

Amanda: You know, when i said, “let’s get out of the house,” and you suggested crimson lights, I thought it was for the delicious coffee. But now I know it’s because you wanted to interrogate sharon.

Devon: That’s not what I did.

Amanda: Really? Because it is kind of what it looked like. And bonus — rey is here, too, so you were able to ask him about chance’s job.

Devon: Well, I didn’t plan to do that before we got here. When I saw them, I just thought I could ask how they felt about chance’s state of mind. That’s it.

Amanda: Yeah, well, now I’m a little worried about your state of mind.

Devon: Why?

Amanda: Because even though you, abby, and chance — you came to an amazing agreement for dominic, one that you guys are all happy with, and chance is getting the therapy that you hoped that he would — you are still trying to find things to worry about. And at first I thought that, you know, maybe you don’t even know that you’re doing it. Maybe it’s just subconscious. But now I don’t know. I’m — I’m not too sure.

Chance: You know, that first session really took it out of me. I was completely worn out. And I know we just scratched the surface, but that took a lot out of me. You know, fortunately I have a wife who is very supportive. Um…I draw a lot of strength from her. Her and my son. And I just want to be the man that they deserve. And that’s why I’m back. That’s why I’m gonna keep coming back.

Dr. Huffman: Good. I’d like to pick up where we left off — in spain. You said you failed your team there.

Chance: Mm-hmm.

Dr. Huffman: I’d like you to elaborate. Tell me about the last day of the mission.

Chance: Yeah, you know, i told you last time I was outside the building. My team was inside. Um…everything happened really fast —

Dr. Huffman: Chance. I want you to concentrate on what you were feeling right after the explosion.

Chance: Okay. Um… well, I could — I could hear my team inside. And they were yelling. And that hurt. That hurt much worse than the shrapnel in my leg, I’ll tell you. Some of the toughest people i know screaming for their lives. And I couldn’t do anything. I — I couldn’t move. I…

[ Sighs ] Felt pretty worthless.

Dr. Huffman: What happened next?

Chance: After that, there was just silence. And I knew what that meant. I got on my feet. I looked for survivors, you know, calling out names, digging through the rubble, but I got nothing.

Dr. Huffman: Is that when you decided to hide in the rubble?

Chance: Yeah. The bastards that did it showed up looking for survivors, as well. Oh, I… heart was pounding, but I stayed still. I played dead until they left… surrounded by my friends’ bodies, and I hid. I couldn’t save one of them. And why me, doc, hmm? Why did I survive when they didn’t? Why me? That’s the question that I keep asking myself every single day. Listen, I’m done settling. Because this is my secret.

Chelsea: Hi, rey.

Rey: Hey. Chelsea. I haven’t seen you in a while. Just been busy with work?

Chelsea: I have been. I actually just got back from new york. It was a very productive trip. I was able to secure a manufacturer for the new line.

Rey: Oh, that’s great. How are you doing?

Chelsea: Wonderful.

Rey: That’s good. You know, I’m glad everything’s going the right direction for you. You deserve it.

Chelsea: Well, thank you. I appreciate that. And, you know, I was thinking about you the other day ’cause — sorry. This might not be a good time for you. You’ve got a lot going on. I — [ Chuckles ]

Rey: You know, actually, I do have some time on my hands. You want to sit and join me?

Jack: Phyllis? Phyllis?

[ Exhales heavily ]

Phyllis: Hey!

Jack: Hey. Where were you?

Phyllis: Welcome back.

[ Chuckles ] I was back in the garden. So gorgeous. I mean, I wonder if keemo designed it himself. It’s so serene.

Jack: I probably should have gone there instead of going for a walk.

Phyllis: Yeah, probably, because you don’t seem any more relaxed.

Jack: No, I’m not.

Phyllis: Okay, well, maybe you should sit in the garden ’cause you — you want to be calm when you meet this girl.

Jack: Yeah, I couldn’t agree more.

Phyllis: Yeah. You know what? I’m gonna go get some food. You want some food?

Jack: No, no, no.

Phyllis: No?

Jack: No, thanks.

Phyllis: Okay.

Jack: [ Sighs ]

Phyllis: I mean, I was just thinking maybe I should not be here when she arrives, you know? Maybe you should just be alone.

Jack: No, no, no, no, no. If I’m sure of any one thing, it’s that I want you here with me.

Phyllis: Why?

Jack: I don’t know what to expect. I don’t know if this girl has the answer to our mystery. I’m unsure of my footing, and you are solid ground. And I know it would help if you were by my side.

Phyllis: Okay.

Devon: I’m not trying to cause any trouble or create problems for chance at all, okay? I know that he’s been through hell, and I just want what’s best for him.

Amanda: I know, and I don’t doubt that. I’m just talking about the current arrangement for dominic.

Devon: What about the current arrangement?

Amanda: I don’t think that you’re comfortable with it.

Devon: How? Do you figure that? I have everything that I’ve asked for. I have legal access to dominic whenever I want.

Amanda: But you always seem deflated when he leaves, and when theme and they picked him up a little earlier today, it crushed you.

Devon: Yeah. When have you ever seen me happy to say goodbye to that little boy?

Amanda: You know you can be honest with me, right?

Devon: That’s what I’m doing.

Amanda: Okay. Well, I’m gonna ask you something, and it may seem indelicate, but I want the real truth, not the nice truth, okay?

Devon: Yeah.

Amanda: Do you want to have more say in dominic’s life? Do you want sole custody?

Dr. Huffman: Survivor guilt is a powerful, specific trauma. How did you try to cope before starting therapy?

Chance: Um… well, not well. That’s for sure. I guess I just tried to, uh, atone for what I did.

Dr. Huffman: What you did? What did you do? You didn’t do anything wrong, chance. What are you atoning for? Surviving?

Chance: I know what you’re doing, man. Trying to make me realize it’s not my fault, but I’m just not there yet.

Dr. Huffman: [ Chuckles ] Okay. What form did this atonement take? What did you do?

Chance: Reached out to my team’s families. I tried to ease their pain. Told them that their son or daughter, wife or husband, was a hero. Paid for some of the funerals. Things like that.

Dr. Huffman: That’s very thoughtful and generous. How did those families react? Did any of them express resentment towards you?

Chance: No. No, they were thankful, you know, grateful. My buddy justin — his wife… a widow. And she’s down in florida. She wrote me a letter saying how thankful she was and that i shouldn’t blame myself… that I should find peace. How the hell am I supposed to do that? Hmm? How the hell am I supposed to find peace when I hid? I was surrounded by death, and I hid. I mean, how am I supposed to look my wife in the face after that? Or my son? How can I reconcile the man i was over there with this man who has this perfect life and a perfect family? How do I do that? Look, I want to move on. I do. I want to embrace the future that I am so lucky to have, a future that was ripped away from my team, but…how the hell am i supposed to do that?

Covid-19 moves fast,

Rey: That reminds me of the time we were in minnesota…

Chelsea: Ah.

Rey: …And I was pulling out of the parking lot and I heard something hit the back of the car.

Chelsea: And we were like, “what was that?”

Rey: And you said…

Chelsea: “It was our lunch.”

Rey: Oh, I can’t believe i left the food on top of the car!

Chelsea: I remember telling connor that story. He was cracking up. He was just picturing all the burgers and fries and shakes all over the ground.

Rey: Well, that’s great. I’m glad someone was entertained by the calamity.

Chelsea: [ Laughs ]

Rey: How’s he doing?

Chelsea: Mm. He’s great.

Rey: Yeah?

Chelsea: He’s so good. I just saw him when I got back from new york. It was the first thing I did.

Rey: Mm. Hockey season must be coming to an end. Is he still liking it?

Chelsea: He loves it.

Rey: Yeah?

Chelsea: He’s obsessed, actually, and he always wears that jersey you got him for christmas. So, thank you again.

Rey: I’m glad he likes it. You know, the blackhawks are playing home next weekend.

Chelsea: Mm.

Rey: Might be a cool road trip.

Chelsea: That’s a great idea. Are you planning on going?

Rey: Well, I’m working, but when I saw tickets on sale, i thought of you…and connor.

Chelsea: Oh. Well, if we go, I’m sure connor will want to give you a play-by-play of how the game went.

Rey: I’m sure he will. He has so much enthusiasm. He can just go on and on about everything that he loves.

Chelsea: He definitely can, but he’s shy. He only does that with people he likes and trusts.

Rey: Mm.

Chelsea: I’m glad you’re one of those people.

Devon: So, the answer’s no, okay? I don’t want full custody of dominic at all. Abby and chance are his parents, and this is just a new dynamic that we’re all trying to figure out how to navigate. That’s all this is.

Amanda: Okay.

Devon: Do you not believe me?

Amanda: I do. I just don’t know why you’re asking all of these questions about chance’s mental state.

Devon: Because this has been the thing I’ve been concerned about since he got back from spain. You know that. This isn’t new. And if I’m being really truthful, I don’t think that chance even realizes the depth of his trauma — ’cause I’ve been to therapy before. I know you don’t leave those emotions at the doctor’s office. They’re with you. You take them home. And in his case, you’re taking them home to your family. And I’m also aware, too, that it can be a very long and difficult journey before you see any progress or make a breakthrough.

Abby: Shh. It’s alright. Shh, shh, shh, shh, shh.

[ Door closes ]

[ Dominic crying ]

Chance: [ Sighs ]

Abby: Shh. Hey. How’d it go?

Chance: It was good. Sounds like he’s been keeping you busy.

Abby: Oh, you know, teething is the worst. Poor little guy.

Chance: The medicine’s not working?

Abby: Not yet, but maybe if his dad held him.

Chance: Uh… no, I — I don’t think that’s gonna help. I don’t have the touch right now.

Abby: Of course you do.

Chance: Abby, I said no. I’m sorry. Um… uh, I’m sorry. That was rude.

Abby: No, um…I’m sorry.

Chance: No, you have nothing to apologize for. I’m — I’m sorry.

Abby: I should have realized that you needed a moment to decompress.

Chance: A moment would be nice. It was really intense today, and I was right. You know, it’s just gonna get worse before it gets better.

Abby: Hey, but you’re working on it, and that’s what matters.

Chance: I just don’t want to — I don’t know what it’s gonna do to him. I mean, being around all this negativity — it can’t be good. It’s not right.

Abby: Well, we’re gonna make it right, Chance, together.

Chance: [Sighs]

Phyllis: A watched pot never boils.

Jack: I don’t think she’s gonna come.

Phyllis: She’s coming. It hasn’t been that long.

Jack: You know what? I’m gonna give her another call.

Phyllis: That’s a good idea. Find out when she’ll be here.

Jack: Or if she changed her mind.

Phyllis: Well…

[Car door closes]

Phyllis: No, she hasn’t changed her mind. I think she’s here.

Allie: Hello.

Jack: Allie?

Allie: Yes.

Jack: Thank you so much for coming. This– this is my friend, Phyllis Summers.

Phyllis: Nice to meet you.

Allie: Hi. What are you doing here?

Jack: What do you mean?

Allie: Are you guys lawyers, or with the bank? I thought the estate was settled. Everything was closed down.

Jack: No, we’re– we’re not lawyers. We’re not bankers. I’m Jack Abbott.

Allie: Okay.

Jack: [Stammers] I would like to have a conversation with you about Hao Nguyen. Actually, I always knew him as Keemo. He was my son.

[ Knock on door ]

Jack: Hello? Hello? Hello? Anyone here?

Phyllis: Hmm.

Jack: [ Sighs ]

Phyllis: Um…well, I feel really good about today. I think that we’re gonna get some answers about, you know, keemo’s life here and maybe some answers about who beckoned you to get here.

Jack: Oh, I wish I shared your optimism. My hopes are not so high.

Phyllis: Okay, well, no negativity. Let’s get to work. Come on. Let’s go.

Jack: I barely slept last night. My head was spinning with visions of keemo in this house, all that we lost, all that could’ve been.

Phyllis: Well, that’s natural. You’re processing everything. Uh, I just want you to know that, however this goes, jack, you know there are so many people who love you and want to help you out with this.

Jack: I’m gonna be honest with you. This was a lot more difficult than I ever thought it would be. I stood in this room weeping with regret yesterday over all the time I lost with my son. Only one thing got me through all this.

Phyllis: Mm. What is that?

Jack: You. I mean it. You’ve given me all the support I need, and I don’t want to forget to say thank you.

Phyllis: You don’t have to say thank you to me. I’m happy to do it.

[ Sniffs ] Seems like maybe somebody else has been here.

Jack: What do you mean?

Phyllis: That smell. I mean, you didn’t smell perfume when we walked in?

Jack: No, I was a little preoccupied, but [Sniffs] Kind of an orange blossom thing?

Phyllis: Yeah. Somebody has been here since we left.

Devon: Hey! This is a surprise.

Abby: Hey, devon.

Chance: Sorry to just show up like this.

Devon: No, it’s fine. You guys are always welcome. Come in.

Abby: Did you get my text?

Devon: Uh, your text? No, I didn’t get any texts. I haven’t had my phone nearby. I’ve just been playing with this, uh — this young man over here.

[ Light laughter ] It’s, uh — it’s crazy. We had a good game of patty-cake going. The older he gets, the more fun he is.

[ Abby and devon laugh ]

Chance: He’s really responding these days, isn’t he?

Devon: He is. He really is. It’s wild. What a difference a week makes. He’s, like, reacting to things now and smiling.

Abby: Aww. Hi, my love. Did you have a good time? It looks like you had a good time.

Devon: What brings you guys by? You just dropping something off for him or…

Chance: Well, actually, devon, we were hoping we could take him home now.

Rey: You have a customer.

Sharon: Oh, hey. How you doing?

Rey: I’m good. Not as busy as you, apparently. You look so focused and studious.

Sharon: I am focused and studious.

Rey: It’s very attractive.

Sharon: Oh, yeah?

Rey: Mm-hmm.

Sharon: Wait till I get back to my calculator and start adding everything up.

Rey: That is so hot.

Sharon: And don’t distract me.

Rey: [ Laughs ]

Sharon: I have to get this done. It’s my year-end inventory.

Rey: Year-end? It’s march.

Sharon: Yeah, I know. I’m a little bit behind. But I’m in this organizational mood, so I better take advantage of it.

Rey: Ah, I see. Does that urge to organize mean that you’re going to be busy all afternoon wedding planning?

Sharon: Nope. Both brides are working today.

Rey: So, basically, once you’re done with the inventory, your afternoon is free?

Sharon: That’s right.

Rey: Huh. Is noah at the house?

Sharon: No. He’s working today, too.

Rey: Mm.

Sharon: And faith is babysitting christian at nick’S.

Rey: Oh. That is interesting.

Sharon: You think faith babysitting her little brother is interesting?

Rey: Well, I think it’s fascinating that you volunteered that information without me having to ask. Sounds like you have something on your mind.

Sharon: No, I said that because I knew you were going to ask.

Rey: Oh.

Sharon: What’s going on, rey?

Rey: [ Chuckles ]

Phyllis: [ Sighs ]

Jack: Well, I didn’t find anything new.

Phyllis: Uh, neither did I. No further signs of disturbance. Just, you know, the perfume. That’s it.

Jack: I sensed there was someone outside last night.

Phyllis: Yeah. Do you feel like they were watching you?

Jack: I thought maybe my imagination was playing tricks on me. What if I was right, though? What if — what if they came back here after they knew we were gone?

Phyllis: Do you think that possibly they wanted us to know that they were here?

Jack: I don’t know. I want to think this is the person that’s been sending me all of these texts. Is that just wishful thinking? I’m trying to make sense out of the insensible?

Phyllis: It’s a possibility. Of course.

Jack: Why are we here? What am I supposed to learn? Why was I lured to california? Whoever’s behind all this never responded to my text asking if there was something else I was supposed to find.

Phyllis: [ Exhales sharply ] You know, yesterday was intense. Right? Let’s go through the box again. Maybe we’ll find other clues. I know, but we can — we can do this with fresh eyes, right?

Jack: I don’t know if this gonna do any good. I’ve looked through everything in —

Phyllis: Okay.

Jack: Wait.

Phyllis: What is it?

Jack: This was not here last time.

Phyllis: Can I see?

Jack: Yeah.

Phyllis: Hmm. It’s a picture of a young girl. It says “allie” with a phone number.

Jack: 301 — that’s a los angeles number. Whoever came in here after us wanted us to find this. Maybe this is the response to my text. Maybe this is… the next clue in this mystery. Hey! It’s me! Your dry skin!

Additional sponsorship

provided by…

Rey: Oh. Well, I don’t have to be back to the station till this evening.

Sharon: Hmm. So you have some free time.

Rey: I do.

Sharon: Hmm. What were you thinking?

Rey: You know, I just want to spend the afternoon with my wife.

Sharon: Aww. That’s sweet.

Rey: It is, isn’t it?

Sharon: Mm. Well, you know what? Um, let me just wrap up this inventory and a few small things, and then I’m free the rest of the afternoon. What should we do?

Rey: Something fun.

Sharon: Definitely.

Rey: Yeah, something we haven’t done in a while.

Sharon: Hmm, I like where this is going. What did you have in mind?

Rey: Bowling?

Sharon: Bowling! That’s fun. That’s an option, sure.

Rey: We could go to a dive bar and play pool.

Sharon: In the middle of the afternoon? Okay, okay.

Rey: Or — or we could go down to the lake, see if the ducks are back. Or we could go to that bookstore you like so much by campus.

Sharon: Well, all of these are very good ideas, and i appreciate the effort.

Rey: Mm-hmm.

Sharon: But…

Rey: But…you have something better in mind?

Sharon: And I’ll tell you what it is when the time is right.

Rey: Am I gonna like it?

Sharon: You’re gonna love it.

Rey: Mm-hmm.

Jack: She looks familiar.

Phyllis: Does she?

Jack: Yeah. Remem– remember that picture of keemo with those people in vietnam? And there was a girl there. Yeah. Could this be her, fully grown up? I mean, there’s a real similarity. I don’t know who she was to keemo.

Phyllis: Well, you know, there’s a phone number on the back. Is it the same phone number that the texts are coming from?

Jack: No, no, that’s the first thing I checked.

Phyllis: No? Okay. Well, why don’t you call her? I mean, why not? She can give you answers.

Jack: No more texts. I’m going to talk to an actual person. It’s going straight to voicemail.

Phyllis: Alright.

Jack: Allie, my name is jack abbott. Um, I would very much like to talk to you. Could you call me back as soon as you can? Uh, it’s regarding keemo nguyen.

Phyllis: Hao.

Jack: Hao nguyen.

[ Stammers ] I look forward to hearing from you soon. Thank you.

[ Exhales sharply ]

Chance: I’m sorry, man. I don’t mean to spring this on you.

Devon: It’s alright. I mean, I was planning on bringing him back your guys’ place tonight.

Chloe: I understand. Um, the thing is, I have another therapy session today, and we were hoping that we could spend a little family time beforehand, you know, see if it helps.

Devon: Right. Okay. Uh… yeah, I just wish I had got a little more of a heads-up, but…

Abby: Is everything okay?

Devon: Uh, yeah. Yeah, no, everything is fine. Everything’s fine. I know that things change, so we all have to be flexible. You know that he’s teething, so I put some of that pain reliever on his gums, and it seemed to do the trick, so…

Abby: Oh.

Devon: There’s more in this bag here.

Abby: Thank you.

Devon: Yeah.

Abby: We’ll give him some extra special care today.

Chance: Thank you again, sincerely. I think we would have understood if you would have kicked us to the curb.

Devon: No, no. Get out of here. I wouldn’t do that. That’s completely fine. I’ll be seeing him again really soon.

Amanda: You seemed happy letting dominic go. But now that they’re gone, do you want to tell me how you really feel?

Devon: Oh, I mean, I’ve — I’ve picked up dominic early before, so I think it’s only fair that they can do it sometimes.

Amanda: Okay, you know that i think it is impressive how the three of you work together, but I know that you are not okay with how things went down. So can you please — can you talk to me?& Can you tell me what’s bothering you?

Devon: I don’t have anything bothering me. I think something’s bothering chance. I don’t know if you noticed how tense he was.

Amanda: Yeah, he was a little frigid, anxious.

Devon: He said that he wanted to hang out with dominic today ’cause he has a therapy session later.

Amanda: Okay, well, that’s good, right?

Devon: Yeah. It’s great for chance ’cause he can, you know, have the calming effect of being around his baby, but what’s that tension doing to dominic?

Amanda: What do you mean?

Devon: It’s just the way that chance talked about therapy. I think that it’s been a lot more difficult for him than he anticipated.

Chance: You hungry? Hmm? Hungry? No? Patty-cake? Yeah, you like the patty-cake, right? That’s what I hear.

[ Breathes deeply ] I’m really glad we get to hang out before therapy. It’s not gonna be near as much fun as this, I’ll tell you.

Abby: It sounds like you’re nervous about therapy. I know your first session really wiped you out, but I thought you’d be more at ease now that you know dr. Huffman.

Chance: Well, it’s, um — it’s not him. I, uh — I just don’t really know where this is gonna lead me. You know, the deeper we get, the harder it’s gonna get, the more trauma arises. I, uh, just get worried.

Abby: I understand. But there’s no need to fear the worst. This process can take however long you need it to. There’s no rush. And dr. Huffman is gonna be there to help you through the whole journey, and I am gonna be here to support you, no matter what. You’re doing this for us and for dominic.

Chance: Yeah, I just hope he’s not picking up on all these nerves.

Abby: No, of course not. All he feels is your love.

Chance: You’re so certain.

Abby: Because I know I’m right. I promise.

Phyllis: Well, this girl, allie, could still be the mystery texter. You know, she may be just texting from a different phone. People have a lot of phones. They have one for business, one for personal.

Jack: One for sending peculiar texts to strangers?

Phyllis: Well, I mean, it doesn’t have to be like that. Maybe she just wants to reach out to you.

Jack: To what end?

Phyllis: Well, that’s the mystery, isn’t it? Jack? I mean, you have no idea what this girl’s connection to keemo may be?

Jack: I am trying to keep an open mind. I don’t want to jump to any conclusions. Every time I do, it leads me in the wrong d–

[ Cellphone ringing ]

Phyllis: Is that her?

Jack: Yeah. This is jack. Thank you, allie, for calling me back. Yes, I — I would love to discuss hao nguyen with you, but — but not over the phone. Is — is there any chance that we could talk to each other in person? I’m at his house now with a friend. She and I would be happy to meet you outside, if that makes you more comfortable. I — yeah. Okay. I understand. Thank you.

Phyllis: Is she coming?

Jack: She’s tied up for the moment. She said if we can stay here, she’ll get here as soon as she can.

Phyllis: Oh! That’s great. Okay, so we’re staying here. That’s for sure. We didn’t come all this way to throw in the towel now.

Jack: No, we didn’T.

Phyllis: Hey, jack, this girl allie is gonna have all the answers that you’re looking for. Your dry skin story changes

Sharon: Hey, you two!

Devon: Hey.

Amanda: Hi.

Sharon: I know exactly what you want.

Amanda: Aww, thank you, sharon.

[ Laughter ]

Devon: Rey, what’s going on, man?

Rey: I’m good, man. It’s been a long time. Are things okay with you?

Devon: Things couldn’t be better. They couldn’t be better. How’s work going? Is there any word on when chance might be coming back to join you guys?

Rey: Well, paul’s giving him all the time he needs. When he’s ready, the gcpd will welcome him back.

Devon: That’s really good. Hey, sharon, I heard you recommended a really good therapist for chance.

Sharon: Yeah, I did — dr. Huffman.

Devon: Yeah. He said he started going already, so I’m hoping that goes well for him.

Sharon: Oh, good. I’m glad.

Devon: Yeah. Have you heard any updates on his progress at all?

Sharon: No, none at all, but then, if I had, I wouldn’t be able to talk about it.

Devon: Yeah, of course. Of course. I’ve just been real concerned about him, just knowing what he went through in spain, and been a little worried about how that lingering trauma might be affecting dominic.

Sharon: Yeah. I understand.

Rey: Yeah, I do, too, devon. But the good thing is a lot of people have chance’s back, not just his therapist, which means a lot of people have dominic’s back, too.

Sharon: I agree. I don’t think you have anything to worry about.

Devon: Well, good. Good. I’m glad that all you guys feel that way.

Abby: Ah, dominic finally went down for his nap. He’s fussy. It must be his teething.

Chloe: Devon was right.

Abby: So, how are you feeling about your appointment? Any better?

Chance: Yes and no.

Abby: What does that mean?

Chloe: Well, look, I — i know I have to go through this and that it’s gonna be hard and that I’m gonna come out of it a better person. I am just not the kind of person who wears their emotions on their sleeves. I don’t know how to talk about that. I don’t know how to do it, you know? And I’m afraid that, when a breakthrough does happen, everything is just gonna spill out, everything, and it’s gonna just — it’s gonna be really messy.

Abby: Well, it’s supposed to be. And, yes, it’s gonna be difficult, but what’s the worst that could happen? You learn something about yourself? Maybe talking about your experiences — maybe it’ll be cathartic in a positive way.

Chance: I love your optimism. It’s what I need right now.

Abby: Only right now?

Chance: Right now and forever.

Abby: Mm-hmm.

Phyllis: So, what are you gonna ask allie when she gets here?

Jack: Oh, I don’t know. I got a thousand questions. I don’t think we’re gonna run out of anything to talk about.

Phyllis: Okay, well, maybe have a plan because you don’t want to — want to throw a thousand questions at her.

Jack: Yeah, that’s probably sound reasoning.

Phyllis: Yeah.

Jack: Start with the beginning. These photos potentially show that she was close to keemo. Maybe she had a significant place in his life when I w– ugh, I hate sitting around waiting.

Phyllis: Okay, well, what do you want to do?- ‘Cause she may be on her way over.

Jack: You know, I’d like to take a walk, get some fresh air. I’d like to have a clear mind when she comes here.

Phyllis: Go do that. Go do that.

Jack: Yeah. Would you mind staying here in case she comes back?

Phyllis: Of course. I’ll be here when she arrives.

Jack: Thank you. I mean it. For everything. With so many nourishing shades,

“The young and the restless”

will continue.

Sharon: Okay, I’m all yours.

Rey: Excellent. What are we gonna do?

Sharon: Uh, well, since the window of private time is very small…

Rey: Mm-hmm.

Sharon: …I think that we should, um —

[ Cellphone ringing ] Oh. Hold on.

Rey: Yeah.

Sharon: Oh. Hi, faith. What’s going on? Okay. Oh, that’s so sweet. Um, but, uh, does it have — oh. Hello, christian. Yes, I’m very honored that you chose me. But does it have to be today? Oh, okay. I see. Alright, well, maybe, um, I can swing by quickly. Alright. I’ll see you soon.

Rey: [ Chuckles ] What was that about?

Sharon: Christian has a school project. He needs to ask one of his favorite adults five questions and then take a picture for a poster.

Rey: And he chose you. That’s — that’s sweet.

Sharon: I know. I think it is, too. But it has to be done today.

Rey: So no alone time for us. That’s okay.

Sharon: I’m sorry.

Rey: No. I understand. Obviously, you should go.

Sharon: Well, you know what? We’ll make a date for another day really soon. Thanks for understanding.

Rey: Of course.

Amanda: You know, when i said, “let’s get out of the house,” and you suggested crimson lights, I thought it was for the delicious coffee. But now I know it’s because you wanted to interrogate sharon.

Devon: That’s not what I did.

Amanda: Really? Because it is kind of what it looked like. And bonus — rey is here, too, so you were able to ask him about chance’s job.

Devon: Well, I didn’t plan to do that before we got here. When I saw them, I just thought I could ask how they felt about chance’s state of mind. That’s it.

Amanda: Yeah, well, now I’m a little worried about your state of mind.

Devon: Why?

Amanda: Because even though you, abby, and chance — you came to an amazing agreement for dominic, one that you guys are all happy with, and chance is getting the therapy that you hoped that he would — you are still trying to find things to worry about. And at first I thought that, you know, maybe you don’t even know that you’re doing it. Maybe it’s just subconscious. But now I don’t know. I’m — I’m not too sure.

Chance: You know, that first session really took it out of me. I was completely worn out. And I know we just scratched the surface, but that took a lot out of me. You know, fortunately I have a wife who is very supportive. Um…I draw a lot of strength from her. Her and my son. And I just want to be the man that they deserve. And that’s why I’m back. That’s why I’m gonna keep coming back.

Dr. Huffman: Good. I’d like to pick up where we left off — in spain. You said you failed your team there.

Chance: Mm-hmm.

Dr. Huffman: I’d like you to elaborate. Tell me about the last day of the mission.

Chance: Yeah, you know, i told you last time I was outside the building. My team was inside. Um…everything happened really fast —

Dr. Huffman: Chance. I want you to concentrate on what you were feeling right after the explosion.

Chance: Okay. Um… well, I could — I could hear my team inside. And they were yelling. And that hurt. That hurt much worse than the shrapnel in my leg, I’ll tell you. Some of the toughest people i know screaming for their lives. And I couldn’t do anything. I — I couldn’t move. I…

[ Sighs ] Felt pretty worthless.

Dr. Huffman: What happened next?

Chance: After that, there was just silence. And I knew what that meant. I got on my feet. I looked for survivors, you know, calling out names, digging through the rubble, but I got nothing.

Dr. Huffman: Is that when you decided to hide in the rubble?

Chance: Yeah. The bastards that did it showed up looking for survivors, as well. Oh, I… heart was pounding, but I stayed still. I played dead until they left… surrounded by my friends’ bodies, and I hid. I couldn’t save one of them. And why me, doc, hmm? Why did I survive when they didn’t? Why me? That’s the question that I keep asking myself every single day. Listen, I’m done settling. Because this is my secret.

Chelsea: Hi, rey.

Rey: Hey. Chelsea. I haven’t seen you in a while. Just been busy with work?

Chelsea: I have been. I actually just got back from new york. It was a very productive trip. I was able to secure a manufacturer for the new line.

Rey: Oh, that’s great. How are you doing?

Chelsea: Wonderful.

Rey: That’s good. You know, I’m glad everything’s going the right direction for you. You deserve it.

Chelsea: Well, thank you. I appreciate that. And, you know, I was thinking about you the other day ’cause — sorry. This might not be a good time for you. You’ve got a lot going on. I — [ Chuckles ]

Rey: You know, actually, I do have some time on my hands. You want to sit and join me?

Jack: Phyllis? Phyllis?

[ Exhales heavily ]

Phyllis: Hey!

Jack: Hey. Where were you?

Phyllis: Welcome back.

[ Chuckles ] I was back in the garden. So gorgeous. I mean, I wonder if keemo designed it himself. It’s so serene.

Jack: I probably should have gone there instead of going for a walk.

Phyllis: Yeah, probably, because you don’t seem any more relaxed.

Jack: No, I’m not.

Phyllis: Okay, well, maybe you should sit in the garden ’cause you — you want to be calm when you meet this girl.

Jack: Yeah, I couldn’t agree more.

Phyllis: Yeah. You know what? I’m gonna go get some food. You want some food?

Jack: No, no, no.

Phyllis: No?

Jack: No, thanks.

Phyllis: Okay.

Jack: [ Sighs ]

Phyllis: I mean, I was just thinking maybe I should not be here when she arrives, you know? Maybe you should just be alone.

Jack: No, no, no, no, no. If I’m sure of any one thing, it’s that I want you here with me.

Phyllis: Why?

Jack: I don’t know what to expect. I don’t know if this girl has the answer to our mystery. I’m unsure of my footing, and you are solid ground. And I know it would help if you were by my side.

Phyllis: Okay.

Devon: I’m not trying to cause any trouble or create problems for chance at all, okay? I know that he’s been through hell, and I just want what’s best for him.

Amanda: I know, and I don’t doubt that. I’m just talking about the current arrangement for dominic.

Devon: What about the current arrangement?

Amanda: I don’t think that you’re comfortable with it.

Devon: How? Do you figure that? I have everything that I’ve asked for. I have legal access to dominic whenever I want.

Amanda: But you always seem deflated when he leaves, and when theme and they picked him up a little earlier today, it crushed you.

Devon: Yeah. When have you ever seen me happy to say goodbye to that little boy?

Amanda: You know you can be honest with me, right?

Devon: That’s what I’m doing.

Amanda: Okay. Well, I’m gonna ask you something, and it may seem indelicate, but I want the real truth, not the nice truth, okay?

Devon: Yeah.

Amanda: Do you want to have more say in dominic’s life? Do you want sole custody?

Dr. Huffman: Survivor guilt is a powerful, specific trauma. How did you try to cope before starting therapy?

Chance: Um… well, not well. That’s for sure. I guess I just tried to, uh, atone for what I did.

Dr. Huffman: What you did? What did you do? You didn’t do anything wrong, chance. What are you atoning for? Surviving?

Chance: I know what you’re doing, man. Trying to make me realize it’s not my fault, but I’m just not there yet.

Dr. Huffman: [ Chuckles ] Okay. What form did this atonement take? What did you do?

Chance: Reached out to my team’s families. I tried to ease their pain. Told them that their son or daughter, wife or husband, was a hero. Paid for some of the funerals. Things like that.

Dr. Huffman: That’s very thoughtful and generous. How did those families react? Did any of them express resentment towards you?

Chance: No. No, they were thankful, you know, grateful. My buddy justin — his wife… a widow. And she’s down in florida. She wrote me a letter saying how thankful she was and that i shouldn’t blame myself… that I should find peace. How the hell am I supposed to do that? Hmm? How the hell am I supposed to find peace when I hid? I was surrounded by death, and I hid. I mean, how am I supposed to look my wife in the face after that? Or my son? How can I reconcile the man i was over there with this man who has this perfect life and a perfect family? How do I do that? Look, I want to move on. I do. I want to embrace the future that I am so lucky to have, a future that was ripped away from my team, but…how the hell am i supposed to do that?

Covid-19 moves fast,

Rey: That reminds me of the time we were in minnesota…

Chelsea: Ah.

Rey: …And I was pulling out of the parking lot and I heard something hit the back of the car.

Chelsea: And we were like, “what was that?”

Rey: And you said…

Chelsea: “It was our lunch.”

Rey: Oh, I can’t believe i left the food on top of the car!

Chelsea: I remember telling connor that story. He was cracking up. He was just picturing all the burgers and fries and shakes all over the ground.

Rey: Well, that’s great. I’m glad someone was entertained by the calamity.

Chelsea: [ Laughs ]

Rey: How’s he doing?

Chelsea: Mm. He’s great.

Rey: Yeah?

Chelsea: He’s so good. I just saw him when I got back from new york. It was the first thing I did.

Rey: Mm. Hockey season must be coming to an end. Is he still liking it?

Chelsea: He loves it.

Rey: Yeah?

Chelsea: He’s obsessed, actually, and he always wears that jersey you got him for christmas. So, thank you again.

Rey: I’m glad he likes it. You know, the blackhawks are playing home next weekend.

Chelsea: Mm.

Rey: Might be a cool road trip.

Chelsea: That’s a great idea. Are you planning on going?

Rey: Well, I’m working, but when I saw tickets on sale, i thought of you…and connor.

Chelsea: Oh. Well, if we go, I’m sure connor will want to give you a play-by-play of how the game went.

Rey: I’m sure he will. He has so much enthusiasm. He can just go on and on about everything that he loves.

Chelsea: He definitely can, but he’s shy. He only does that with people he likes and trusts.

Rey: Mm.

Chelsea: I’m glad you’re one of those people.

Devon: So, the answer’s no, okay? I don’t want full custody of dominic at all. Abby and chance are his parents, and this is just a new dynamic that we’re all trying to figure out how to navigate. That’s all this is.

Amanda: Okay.

Devon: Do you not believe me?

Amanda: I do. I just don’t know why you’re asking all of these questions about chance’s mental state.

Devon: Because this has been the thing I’ve been concerned about since he got back from spain. You know that. This isn’t new. And if I’m being really truthful, I don’t think that chance even realizes the depth of his trauma — ’cause I’ve been to therapy before. I know you don’t leave those emotions at the doctor’s office. They’re with you. You take them home. And in his case, you’re taking them home to your family. And I’m also aware, too, that it can be a very long and difficult journey before you see any progress or make a breakthrough.

Abby: Shh. It’s alright. Shh, shh, shh, shh, shh.

[ Door closes ]

[ Dominic crying ]

Chance: [ Sighs ]

Abby: Shh. Hey. How’d it go?

Chance: It was good. Sounds like he’s been keeping you busy.

Abby: Oh, you know, teething is the worst. Poor little guy.

Chance: The medicine’s not working?

Abby: Not yet, but maybe if his dad held him.

Chance: Uh… no, I — I don’t think that’s gonna help. I don’t have the touch right now.

Abby: Of course you do.

Chance: Abby, I said no. I’m sorry. Um… uh, I’m sorry. That was rude.

Abby: No, um…I’m sorry.

Chance: No, you have nothing to apologize for. I’m — I’m sorry.

Abby: I should have realized that you needed a moment to decompress.

Chance: A moment would be nice. It was really intense today, and I was right. You know, it’s just gonna get worse before it gets better.

Abby: Hey, but you’re working on it, and that’s what matters.

Chance: I just don’t want to — I don’t know what it’s gonna do to him. I mean, being around all this negativity — it can’t be good. It’s not right.

Abby: Well, we’re gonna make it right, Chance, together.

Chance: [Sighs]

Phyllis: A watched pot never boils.

Jack: I don’t think she’s gonna come.

Phyllis: She’s coming. It hasn’t been that long.

Jack: You know what? I’m gonna give her another call.

Phyllis: That’s a good idea. Find out when she’ll be here.

Jack: Or if she changed her mind.

Phyllis: Well…

[Car door closes]

Phyllis: No, she hasn’t changed her mind. I think she’s here.

Allie: Hello.

Jack: Allie?

Allie: Yes.

Jack: Thank you so much for coming. This– this is my friend, Phyllis Summers.

Phyllis: Nice to meet you.

Allie: Hi. What are you doing here?

Jack: What do you mean?

Allie: Are you guys lawyers, or with the bank? I thought the estate was settled. Everything was closed down.

Jack: No, we’re– we’re not lawyers. We’re not bankers. I’m Jack Abbott.

Allie: Okay.

Jack: [Stammers] I would like to have a conversation with you about Hao Nguyen. Actually, I always knew him as Keemo. He was my son.

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Young & The Restless Transcript

Transcript provided by Suzanne

Nikki: I already ordered for you.

Victoria: If I want something, I’ll order it for myself.

Nikki: Okay. I’m not the enemy.

Victoria: No, but you are half of the reason why I’m so furious right now — because you and my father refuse to admit that I am an adult who has a right to live my own life without any interference.

Nikki: I know you’re looking for someone to blame.

Victoria: Are you telling me that you knew nothing about dad poking around in ashland’s medical records? And now he’s claiming that my husband has been lying about his illness.

Nikki: I found out shortly before you did.

Victoria: And yet you didn’t warn me?

Nikki: [ Scoffs ] I was in shock. I-I didn’t want to believe it. I wanted to think it was a mistake.

Victoria: [ Sighs ] It shouldn’t even be in question, mother. I’m sure that dad told you what I said when I confronted him yesterday, so now I need to know. I need to know where you stand. And please tell me you don’t believe these hateful and disgusting insinuations about ashland.

Ashland: Yeah, everything seems to be under control finally. Well, yes, you’re damn right I’m upset. Things should have never gotten this far. No more surprises. You hear me? No, no, no, no. You disappoint me again, it’ll be your last time.

[ Knock on door ]

[ Sighs ]

Nate: Got a minute?

Ashland: You’ve spoken to victor.

Nate: Tell me he’s wrong. Tell me you haven’t been lying to me and the entire newman family this whole time.

Lauren: When was the last time you heard from your brother?

Kevin: Uh, good morning to you, too.

Lauren: I’m sorry. I just haven’t been in contact with michael for a while.

Kevin: Yeah, chloe mentioned you were a little concerned. Isn’t he doing some kind of work for victor?

Lauren: Yeah. That’s precisely why I’m worried. He hasn’t called or texted in almost two days.

Kevin: You know, I’ve done my share of work for victor, mostly off the books. He keeps his employees very busy.

Lauren: Which is why I had my reservations about this job in the first place. But victor persuaded him, “oh, it’s only going to be part-time,” only to ship him out of the country. I mean, who knows what kind of shady business victor has him involved in?

Victor: Ashland locke called my bluff. Told victoria everything and proclaimed his innocence.

Adam: And she believed him?

Victor: Every word of it. Now she’s furious with me.

Adam: [ Inhales deeply ] Well, I guess we shouldn’t be surprised he would make a move like this, considering how much time and effort he put into setting up this con, convincing everyone that he was dying of cancer.

Victor: I gave him a way out. I said continue lying and get the hell out of town.

Adam: So, what is your next step?

Victor: [ Breathes deeply ] I’m amber, I’ve lost 128 pounds with golo,

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provided by…

Victor: I’ve been forced into the untenable position of telling my beloved daughter that she’s married to a fraud.

Adam: Well, we were aware of his reputation before he even proposed.

Victor: Yeah, but what pisses me off is that I allowed him to come into our family, into our circle. I allowed him to spin his web of lies and deception right under my nose.

Adam: Alright. It’s not your fault.

Victor: It will be if we allow him to sign the contract that makes him co-ceo of newman/locke.

Adam: Okay, so, how do we stop him?

Victor: I don’t know yet.

Adam: Well, he must be awfully confident that you can’t produce anything to convince victoria that he’s lying. You think he’s got someone helping him?

Victor: Oh, yeah. No doubt. As soon as he found out that i was onto him, he began to cover his behind.

Adam: Have you talked to michael?

Victor: To be frank with you, that’s another thing that bothers me terribly. I have not hear from michael ever since he left that hotel in lima. Hopefully he’s gone into hiding and is protecting himself.

Adam: Okay, then we need to seriously consider the possibility that ashland countered our move and he had his people stop michael from doing his investigation. So, either he has ice in his veins, or he knows something that we don’t, which would explain why he felt so confident in calling your bluff.

Victor: Well, whatever the case, the burden of proof is on my shoulders, you know? In order to convince my daughter to listen to me and not to her husband, I need irrefutable proof. And I ain’t got any right now. Which makes ashland locke be in the driver’s seat. And I don’t like that.

Ashland: Look, I swear to you, this is the work of someone who is out for revenge. It’s payback by some enemy i must have made along the way.

Nate: Do you really think someone would do something so awful to you? Who hates you that much?

Ashland: Well, it would certainly be a lot easier for me to name the number of people who don’t want to see my head on a platter. Look, they — you were with me during the worst parts of my illness. You stood beside me when i married the woman who’s changed my life. It’s surreal to me that we’re even having this conversation. You really believe that I would create this ruse, that I’ve been lying to victoria this entire time, the woman I love? I mean, I — [ Sighs ] I can understand why victor might think this way. He’s protecting his daughter. I get that. I mean, assuming that’s all it is.

Nate: Meaning what?

Ashland: Meaning it was one thing when I was getting involved in his company and he thought I was on death’s doorstep, but now it’s a whole other thing. Look, I-I-I — I can’t make sense of this. I just can’T. What I need from you now is to know that you believe me.

Nate: Why?

Ashland: Because I value our friendship. It’s one of the reasons that i offered you the job. I just hate to think that you’re buying into this.

Nate: [ Sighs ] Of course I want to believe that you’re telling me the truth… because you would have to be a pretty awful person to lie about having a fatal illness just to get what you wanted.

Ashland: I couldn’t agree with you more.

Nikki: [ Sighs ] To be perfectly honest, I’m not sure what to believe. I mean, I keep asking myself if — if ashland is capable of doing something so repugnant.

Victoria: And your answer?

Nikki: I don’t know. I mean, I can’t ignore his past. And he did lie about his history, and it seems like the lies keep coming. After he swore to you that he would never keep anything from you again, then he pretended that he just happened upon this clinic in peru. Then we find out that he’s been funding it for years.

Victoria: Well, perhaps i find it easier to forgive his transgressions because I’ve had to do the same thing for dad so many times.

Nikki: Darling, all your father has done his entire life is try to protect you. Now, his methods may not have been perfect, but the only thing that’s important to him is your happiness, and that’s why he’s doing this. Even if he is wrong, he is just trying to protect you.

Victoria: By going after my husband, he’s already lost me. Goal!

Kevin: There are a million logical reasons to explain why michael’s been out of touch.

Lauren: I’m all ears.

Kevin: His phone died. Or it’s — he dropped it and it’s broken. Or he’s off the grid and there’s no cell service. Or maybe he got on a plane, turned it off, forget to turn it back on.

Lauren: Yeah, I’ve thought about all those excuses, too, and chloe tried to convince me that any one of them could be true.

Kevin: So, what’s stopping you from believing?

Lauren: Two days? My husband, who knows me better than anyone, who knows how I’m gonna react in any given situation, would know how scared I would be not to hear from him. He would find a way to let me know that he is okay. Something’s not right.

Kevin: What did michael tell you about his plans?

Lauren: Not much. He’s been playing it pretty close to the vest. Just that it was going to be a very short trip. But [Sighs ] I can’t shake this feeling that victor has gotten him involved in something bad.

Kevin: Well, he’s victor’s lawyer. Maybe this is something victor wants kept quiet.

Lauren: Right. This is precisely why he hired michael. You don’t need a keen legal mind to do estate planning or to set up a charity. He needed him on retainer. He needed someone he could trust with his secret dealings and then he could absolutely claim attorney-client privilege.

Kevin: Victor is a complicated man.

Lauren: And michael loved the idea of handling his special projects. It invigorated him. He was inspired by it. He was hungry for it. And now I’m worried he’s paying the price for it.

Nikki: Victoria, it breaks my heart to hear you talk about your situation with your father as irreparable.

Victoria: I just don’t see how we move past this.

Nikki: Do you really think that victor could make something like this up?

Victoria: My father has been known to use underhanded maneuvers in the name of business. Perhaps you recall how he got ashland to close the deal on what is now newman media. My husband was having a heart attack, and he refused to call for medical help until he signed the contract. Or was my husband supposed to be faking that, as well? Is dad claiming that that was part of this elaborate plan?

Nikki: I don’t know. But what if these accusations are true?

Victoria: How dare you, mother? How dare you? Of course I don’t think they’re true. Has ashland been a ruthless businessman his entire career? Absolutely. Just like my father has. But this, what you’re suggesting — it’s a different level of deception. It means he would have had to have been lying to me since the minute he met me.

Nikki: All I’m saying is —

Victoria: You’re saying that the man that I adore doesn’t love me. You’re saying that he’s evil and conniving and that I have been a fool all along. That’s what you’re saying.

Nikki: Darling, nobody wants to see you hurt. But what if this was a plan that ashland set in motion before he ever met you? I mean, he could have had this charade all set up before he came to genoa city. All I am asking is for you to please talk to michael and listen to what he says because he is the one who found the evidence of ashland’s guilt.

Victoria: I’ve heard enough. I’ve heard enough! I thought that you of all people would be on our side.

Nikki: I am on your side, as your mother, your coo, and your friend.

Ashland: I’m not gonna spend any more time trying to figure out victor’s motives. You are my primary concern right now. You came in here. You asked me about a story you’ve heard. You — you — you’re asking me if I’ve been playing you.

Nate: And I’m still waiting for an answer.

Ashland: Oh, come on. Nate, I… I have very few friends in this world. The more money I’ve made, the more power I’ve gained, the more isolated I’ve become. There are very few people i trust. You — aside from victoria, you have become one of my most trusted friends. You are someone I can confide in and be honest with, and i haven’t had that kind of friendship in a very long time. It’s also part of the reason that I made the impulsive decision to ask you to be my best man, even though we had not known each other for a very long time. Look, I’m — I’m — I’m not gonna try to convince you of anything, okay? I just want to know if you truly believe that I could be as cunning and calculating, so much so that I would make up some kind of a story like this one.

Nate: It’s, uh — it’s difficult to imagine.

Ashland: People have been coming after me my entire life in a hundred different ways. It comes with the territory.

Nate: This seems a bit extreme.

Ashland: I agree. This is a carefully calculated plot that victor has bought into, I think because he has never really trusted me in the first place.

Nate: [ Sighs ] I’ve known victor for a long time. And while he’s done some things that I’ve hated, that I’ve questioned, he’s a smart and careful man, thorough.

Ashland: I agree.

Nate: And he would never make an accusation like this if he didn’t have proof to back it up.

Ashland: And that’s exactly what my enemies expected. This trap has been carefully laid. But I am not going to stand idly by and allow these people to dismantle all the accomplishments I have made with the newmans.

Nate: Is that how you see your marriage to victoria? As an accomplishment? Kids can change minds,

Lauren: I think the reason that michael has been so cagey about this trip to peru is that he’s doing the type of job that should be done by a private investigator.

Kevin: You know he can take care of himself.

Lauren: I do, and that’s why I’m so worried. What if something has gone wrong?

Kevin: I’m gonna do some digging around.

Lauren: [ Sighs ] Thank you. Will you find out what may have happened to him?

Kevin: Yeah, I’ll look into it.

Lauren: Alright. Thank you so much. Look, I got to go. I can’t just sit around and hope for the best.

Kevin: What are you gonna do?

Lauren: Well —

Chloe: Hi, guys! Lauren, I’m so glad that you’re here. Um, I can update you on chelsea’s trip to new york.

Lauren: Uh, yeah. I got to go, uh, but I do want to hear about it. Just later.

Chloe: Sure. Okay.

Lauren: Kevin?

Kevin: I’ll be in touch.

Lauren: Thanks. Bye.

Chloe: Um…what did I just walk in on?

Kevin: She still hasn’t heard from michael. I’m worried. I knew him going back to work for victor would only lead to trouble.

Chloe: Hold on. You don’t know that he’s in trouble.

Victoria: Michael. It’s victoria. Call me as soon as you can. It’s important.

Ashland: Oh, my god. I do not consider my marriage to victoria an accomplishment.

Nate: Then feel free to clarify.

Ashland: Marrying victoria was the best thing that ever happened to me in my entire life. You know that. She is the true love of my life. She stood by me through so many tribulations.

Nate: And the accomplishment?

Ashland: I was talking about the merger, obviously, which, by the way, is the crowning achievement in victoria’s career. She’s the one who imagined it. She’s the one who made it happen. I couldn’t be happier for her and more proud of her for that. Marrying her was a gift. She gave me the kind of happiness that I never believed I deserved in my own life, and I’ve made her happy, too, happier, she says, than she’s ever been. Nate, I — I don’t know how much time i have left with her in this life. But I am not gonna let anyone take away one single second of that time.

Adam: Victoria will only see these accusations as an unwarranted attack unless we have something solid to back them up.

Victor: Yep. And time is running out. Ashland locke is about to sign a contract that will make him co-ceo of the company.

Adam: Yeah, and if he does, he’s gonna be as equally powerful as victoria.

Victor: I got a text from michael baldwin just before he went missing. He told me that he was gathering all the dirt he could find on ashland locke and send it to me.

Adam: And you still haven’t gotten it?

Victor: Nothing.

Adam: Well, until you do, there’s no way that you’re gonna be able to convince victoria.

Victor: [ Exhales heavily ] And victoria tells me that I’ve crossed a line from which it is very difficult to come back.

Adam: Well, that had to hurt.

Victor: Yeah. That really hurts, to think that I would lose her love and trust.

[ Knock on door ]

Nikki: I’ve just come from seeing victoria.

Victor: How’s she doing?

Nikki: Furious. And, underneath the anger, heartbroken.

Victor: Boy, do i wish i could make all this stuff go away.

Nikki: I’m worried about how all of this will end. What if you’re wrong, victor? How will you and victoria ever recover from this?

Adam: Look, there’s only one way that’s gonna happen. We need that evidence. It’s clear we can’t count on michael to save the day, so what we need to —

Lauren: Oh. Go on. If you have something to say about my husband, I’d like to hear it, too.

“The young and the restless”

will continue. I have moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.

Chloe: Do not let yourself get pulled into lauren’s fears about michael.

Kevin: What if she’s right? What if he really is in trouble?

Chloe: What if the sky is falling? What if there is a zombie apocalypse?

Kevin: Oh, come on. Just because there’s no proof?

Chloe: There are a zillion reasons why michael could be out of touch. He’s busy. He lost his phone. He likes being off the grid. His phone’s dead.

Kevin: Yeah, I went through the same list with lauren, but she insists something about this feels off, and she’s right. If victor just needed a couple of contracts red-lined, there’s a million other attorneys he could have gone to. But he chose michael.

Chloe: Because he is the best.

Kevin: [ Sighs ] Chances are victor needed help with something top-secret, something private and delicate. But what if something has gone wrong? What if my brother is in trouble? He’s got nobody there, nobody to help get him out. I think we owe it to him to at least investigate.

Victor: Lauren. My goodness. How nice to see you. How can I help you?

Lauren: I need answers about michael. And we can do this with an audience, but I need to talk to you now.

Victor: Alright. Sweetheart, we can pick this up later, okay?

Nikki: Are you sure?

Victor: Yeah. I’ll let you know when I’m done.

Lauren: When was the last time you heard from michael?

Victor: I don’t recall exactly.

Lauren: Well, I can, down to the minute. It has been the longest two days of my life.

Victor: Lauren, I understand, but he’s on a very delicate mission, you know? And I’m sure he is wrapping things up and will come home as soon as he can.

Lauren: Don’t give me these vague reassurances.

Victor: I have no more answers.

Lauren: You know something? Either you’re covering something up or you don’t want to admit that you’ve lost contact with michael. Now tell me the truth now.

Ashland: So, now you’ve gotten a window into how rough and tumble the business world can be when you operate at the level I do. But I want to reassure you this kind of thing does not happen every day, and I intend to expose this sham for what it is and put an end to it so we can all focus on the future, a future that includes you in a new position at newman/locke.

[ Door opens ]

Victoria: Nate. I wasn’t expecting to find you here. Is everything alright?

Ashland: Just an unexpected conversation between friends.

Victoria: Are you talking about nate’s new position?

Nate: Not yet.

Ashland: Nate has heard about all the accusations made against me, and he understandably has questions.

Victoria: From my family. It’s humiliating that they’re spreading this rumor. I mean, I can’t imagine how they would think that ashland could possibly be lying about his cancer diagnosis.

Nate: It was the last thing I expected to hear.

Victoria: You don’t actually believe them, do you? I mean, you’ve — you’ve seen ashland’s medical records. You’ve — you’ve witnessed the toll that this has taken on him. It’s absurd, the idea that he’s never had cancer.

Nate: Everything I’ve seen supports his diagnosis, yes.

Victoria: Will you go to my father? He trusts you. Tell him how insane this is and the only thing that he is going to accomplish by pursuing this ridiculous accusation is it’s just gonna cause irreparable damage. And when the truth does come out and we find out who’s really behind it and why, his embarrassing claims that he’s doing this to protect me — it’s just not gonna amount to anything. It’s hurting ashland and it’s hurting me and it needs to stop.

Nate: I hope for all your sakes that the truth comes out sooner than later.

Victoria: Thank you, nate. Thank you so much.

Ashland: We’re lucky to have you as a friend, nate. And I appreciate that you’ve come here to hear my side of the story.

Nate: Of course.

Ashland: Nate. I’m looking forward to sitting with you and talking about your future at newman/locke.

Nate: Take care.

Victoria: [ Exhales sharply ] It is such a relief that he is not buying into this nonsense. You have the chief of surgery in your corner. Why don’t you look happier? I just heard something amazing!

Nate: Hey, you. I am sorry I am late.

[ Smooches ] I hope I didn’t have you waiting too long.

Elena: I won’t hold it against you…too much.

Nate: [ Chuckles ]

Elena: What held you up? Something exciting happen at memorial?

Nate: Uh, if there’s anything exciting about doing paperwork, I wish someone would share the secret.

[ Chuckles ] No. Uh, some newman family drama.

Elena: Shocking.

Nate: Yeah. It’s not just your garden-variety business intrigue or sibling rivalry. This is some next-level stuff.

Elena: Interesting. Go on.

Nate: Hmm. All I can say is ashland’s at the center of it, which is why i got dragged into it. Someone’s making some pretty scandalous accusations about him.

Elena: Well, ashland’s no angel. Everyone knows that. But I guess I’ve been a hopeless romantic because I thought falling in love with victoria would have changed him.

Nate: You really think love can change someone?

Elena: I think love from the right person, sure. But I don’t know ashland like you do. Do you think the allegations are true?

Nate: [ Sighs ] I don’t want to believe them.

Elena: But you’re not sure.

Nate: It’d be one thing if victor was the one who approached me about all of this, but it was nick.

Elena: Oh, boy. The newman with a heart of gold.

Nate: He knows ashland and i are close friends. He wants my help in confirming his suspicions.

Elena: So he’s basically asking you to betray your friend.

Nate: I told him and victor that I didn’t want any part of it. But when I left, I had a ton of questions. So I went to see ashland, heard his side of the story.

Elena: What did he say?

Nate: He claims it was all lies, that someone’s setting him up. He was very convincing.

Elena: Yeah. I know how persuasive ashland can be.

Nate: I was ready to leave memorial to go work for him.

Elena: Wait, you “were” ready?

Nate: I told ashland I was leaning towards accepting his offer. But I’m having doubts now about taking that leap… and about locke himself.

Ashland: Victor’s protecting his daughter. I can understand that. But why he felt the need to go to my friend, poison him against me, I, uh…

Victor: I’m so sorry.

Ashland: Yeah. Well, maybe it’s better that everything’s out in the open with nate. I’m just glad he had the chance to hear the truth from me. But, victoria, I’m gonna find out who’s behind these attacks, prove these disgusting allegations are just lies.

Victoria: That is the fastest way to get my father to back off.

Ashland: No, I want more than that, though. I want to remove any shred of doubt from victor’s mind… or anyone else’S.

Victor: I don’t like seeing you this upset.

Lauren: What have you gotten michael involved in?

Victor: Sweetheart, it was a delicate mission that I knew he could handle.

Lauren: It was supposed to be a short fact-finding mission! The secrecy, the intrigue. You made it sound like an adventure, and michael ate it up. He was eager to go. The one thing you forgot to tell him is how dangerous it was.

Victor: I would never put him in a dangerous situation.

Lauren: This trip to peru has dragged on, and michael is now off the radar. My gut is telling me that something is very wrong.

Victor: Michael is not only a great lawyer. He’s a good friend of mine. If anything goes wrong, I will move heaven and earth to get him back here, alright?

Lauren: Right. And we need to do that now. We need to find him.

Victor: We don’t even know if anything is amiss. We don’T. I don’t want you to have your imagination run amuck with you.

Lauren: What if you had lost contact with nikki and she was out of the country? What would you do?

Victor: I would do the same thing you’re doing now. And if she walked back in and she was alright, she would tell me, “listen, why were you so worried?”

Lauren: I really hope you’re telling me the truth. Because if anything happens to michael, I will never forgive you.

[ Door slams ]

Victor: [ Breathes deeply ]

Stouffer’s makes you happyfull

Kevin: Hi. Thanks for meeting us.

Lauren: Well, I’m glad you’re taking my concerns about michael seriously.

Chloe: Well, when you left society, we talked about it, and kevin persuaded me that this is more than just his phone running out of power.

Lauren: [ Sighs ]

Kevin: I’ve hacked into his devices, tried tracking him.

Lauren: And what did you find?

Kevin: [ Sighs ] Dead ends and brick walls.

Lauren: [ Sighs ] Sounds like my meeting with victor.

Chloe: That’s who you rushed to go see when you left society?

Lauren: Yeah, I thought it would be important to go see the man that sent michael to peru in the first place to see what was going on. But all he said is that he would move mountains to keep michael safe.

Chloe: Well, that’s not much of an explanation.

Lauren: Exactly. I think he’s as much in the dark as we are and doesn’t want to admit that he doesn’t know what happened to michael and why he’s been out of contact.

Kevin: I’m gonna keep digging around to see what I can find, but if we don’t hear from our brother by morning, I’m gonna get my cop buddies involved.

Nate: [ Sighs ]

Elena: Okay. Here’s what we’re gonna do. We are gonna have brunch, where the only thing you have to decide is whether you want coffee or tea.

Nate: Coffee.

Elena: You don’t have to make a decision about newman/locke just yet.

Nate: I’m loving this already.

Elena: And you’re gonna love me more for not demanding details about what’s going on with ashland. I understand why you want to be discreet.

Nate: This could affect a lot of people.

Elena: But it’s all gonna work out in the end — because I know you’re gonna be fair and you’re not gonna jump to any conclusions. I trust your instincts. Your gut reactions have saved so many lives.

Nate: [ Sighs ]

Elena: So you should trust them, too. And if something feels wrong, it probably is.

Nate: And that’s what I’m afraid of.

[ Sighs ] But I’m not sure who’s behind this. I need to find out.

Victor: Look, he’s not only a good friend, but he has the evidence I desperately need, alright? So, whenever you hear anything bout him or from him, you let me know, alright? Get to work.

[ Sighs ]

Adam: Michael baldwin still awol?

Victor: Yeah.

Adam: Well, he’s a smart guy. He’s got himself out of some tight spots before.

Victor: [ Breathes deeply ] You know, I never thought that ashland locke would get the upper hand.

Adam: Well, how far do you think he’d go to keep him quiet?

Victor: He will do whatever he can. He’s a desperate man. Especially now that he knows his entire back story is about to come to light and we expose him for the fraud he is. So he’s back against the wall. I expect anything from him.

Ashland: I am going to put all my energy into finding out who’s trying to destroy my life and put a stop to it.

Victoria: I just want this to be over.

Ashland: First I need something from you.

Victoria: Anything. You know that.

Ashland: Can you look me in the eye and tell me that you believe I’m telling the truth?

Victoria: Of course I can. I will always support you.

Ashland: That’s all I needed to heaR.

Victoria: We should celebrate that.

Ashland: [ Chuckles ] What do you have in mind?

Victoria: This.

Ashland: The contract.

Victoria: Yes. Making you my full partner, my co-ceo of newman/locke.

Ashland: [ Exhales sharply ] I can’t tell you what this means to me.

[ Chuckles ]

[ Stylus clatters ]

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Young & The Restless Transcript

Transcript provided by Suzanne

Lily: Well, that was delicious. What a fabulous dinner.

Billy: I’m glad you enjoyed yourself.

Lily: I did. Thank you. And thank you for pulling me away from my desk. I didn’t even realize how hungry I was till you suggested coming here.

Billy: Well, you, my darling, are amazing at many, many things, but taking a break is not one of them.

Lily: I know. That’s only gotten worse since we’ve been working from home. It’s like we’re just surrounded by our jobs 24/7.

Billy: Yeah. That is the drawback.

Lily: Yeah. I feel like it’s worse for you, given the fact that you’ve been waking up in the middle of the night the past couple of weeks to work.

Billy: Well, that’s why it’s important that we take a break to recharge for the next morning — or in my case, the wee hours of the morning.

Lily: Look, I really know that you feel like your last recording session didn’t go the way that you hoped.

Billy: That would be an understatement.

Lily: But you’re still being too hard on yourself. There’s no firm start date to this thing. You can launch it when it’s ready. Just relax, you know? You’ll get in the zone again.

Billy: Yeah, I was thinking I’m gonna go see traci. She’s talked about writer’s block in the past. I’m sure she has tips for me.

Lily: Yeah, that’s a great idea.

Billy: And maybe I can get an update on jack because, since he and phyllis got to la, he has not answered any of my texts.

Lily: Are you worried?

Billy: I’m not worried. It’d just be nice to hear from him. You want to come with?

Lily: Uh, I would, but I told devon that I was gonna stop by and see dom, get my baby fix.

Billy: Mm, and just maybe try and hit him up about the merger again?

Lily: I mean, if the subject comes up, maybe.

Billy: Yeah, I was just kidding. I don’t think that’s a great idea.

Lily: What’s not a great idea? Convincing devon or the merger itself?

Billy: No, I’ve already told you, I think the merger itself is a brilliant idea. I’m behind it 100%.

Lily: Yeah, I know what you said, but I feel like there’s something that you’re not telling me. And now you told me not to talk to devon about it? I mean, what’s that about?

Traci: Come on, jack. Jack.

[ Line ringing ] No answer, okay. Phyllis.

[ Cellphone rings ]

Phyllis: Hey, traci.

Traci: Phyllis, hello. Um, listen, I’ve been trying jack and he hasn’t picked up his phone. Does he happen to be there with you right now?

Phyllis: Um, no, no, he’s not. Um…we, uh…we got to la, and then, you know, we had dinner and he went up to his room. It’s been a long day.

Traci: Oh, well, maybe it’s better that I didn’t get through to him and I got you first. I wouldn’t want him to have to relive anything. Um…were you able to get to keemo’s house?

Phyllis: Yeah, right from the airport.

Traci: Was anyone there?

Phyllis: No, no one was there. It was just a few pieces of furniture. Looked like somebody was getting the house ready to sell. And then there was a box left there, obviously meant for jack to see.

Traci: Really? How do you know? Was there a note or something?

Phyllis: No. Just a bunch of handwritten letters to jack from his son.

Jack: Oh, keemo, what i wouldn’t give for one more day with you. One more hour…to set things right.

[ Sighs ] If only we had more time. Perhaps your heart would’ve softened toward me. Maybe you’d have even changed your mind and sent these letters. Or some other way of reaching out to me. I understand now. You weren’t afraid of my reaction. You were worried what my getting these letters would do to you, worried that the rage that you held for so long…that had faded…would flare up again. I understand that. I would never have let that happen. It would’ve brought so much joy to my life to have you back in my life, to introduce you to your brother kyle. I would have done anything to heal that rift. If only you’d given me just a clue that you were open to that. Oh, god. I think that’s the part that hurts the most. That we came so close. I’m steve.

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Traci: [ Sighs ] I’m really grateful that keemo’s last letter to jack was at least kind. I mean, if it had been full of rage and bitterness, that would’ve been so much harder for jack to take.

Phyllis: For sure.

Traci: But to find out that — that his son was in the states this whole time, carrying on his life and never reached out to any of us, even after he’d forgiven jack. This is just heartbreaking. Things could’ve been so different.

Phyllis: Yeah, jack is having a tough time with that.

Traci: I almost wish that whoever sent these messages would’ve just left well enough alone.

Phyllis: Yeah, I’m not going to push an investigation. Not right now, definitely. Even though someone obviously wanted him to find that box of keepsakes in the house, but I’m not pushing anything, you know? Just too much loss for jack.

Traci: Well, I appreciate that, phyllis. And I’m very glad that jack has someone with him who knows him as well as you do. I have a question.

Phyllis: Yeah, what is it?

Traci: You said that there was a box of belongings. Were there things besides the bundle of letters?

Phyllis: Uh, no, not just letters. A scarf, some postcards, a necklace that he had given to luan on christmas, and then he gave it to keemo after luan died. And then, um…oh, proof of paternity that he had given to keemo on — on his wedding day with luan.

Traci: Wow. To have found all these things now…I just can’t imagine all the memories that these are bringing up for him.

Jack: Who are these people in this photo? I recognize mai, your sister. The rest of these people, i don’t have a clue. Are they neighbors? Friends, maybe? Family? And why would the person who left me this box leave this photo in it? Maybe just to drive home how little I knew about my own son. I know you let go of your rage at me. Your letters made that very clear. Maybe someone was in your life that…would be angry on your behalf. I… no, no. I…I can’t look at this as someone who’s lashing out at me. It — it was meant to be a gift. This person knew I would want to know as much about you as possible. And for whatever reason, they — they need to be anonymous. I suppose I have to accept that. I… maybe this has to be enough. Of course it was enough. Enough to know that you no longer despised me, enough to know that you accepted our history. Enough to know that…you considered reaching out to me. That it might’ve actually happened…if your life hadn’t ended so unexpectedly. I think this is all the information I’m gonna get. So maybe it…has to be enough.

Billy: I think what i should’ve said was that I don’t think pressuring devon is really a great idea. He was very clear that he wants to focus on dom right now.

Lily: Yeah, I know what he said.

Billy: Okay, but you don’t buy it?

Lily: I just know my brother, and I think that he was thrown off by the scale of what I was proposing. I think I just, you know, threw too much at him too soon. I was very excited and i couldn’t hold back.

Billy: That’s one thing, yeah. The other thing could be he really likes his position at hamilton-winters and he’s not interested in sharing it, not even with you.

Lily: [ Scoffs ] I mean, maybe.

Billy: Look, I know that you and my mom were really disappointed that the pitch didn’t go the way that you hoped, and that’s hard. I get it. It’s also hard when not everyone is as excited about your idea as you are.

Lily: What is that supposed to mean?

Billy: What do you mean?

Lily: You just said that jill and I were disappointed. Does that mean that you weren’t?

Billy: No, that’s not what I’m saying. I…

[ Sighs ] I hope devon comes around, i really do, ’cause it is a brilliant idea. I just don’t think he’s — you know, putting pressure on him is gonna make him do it any sooner. He knows where to find you when he wants to change his mind.

Lily: Okay, you would tell me if you didn’t like the idea of this merger, right? Like, I hope that you would be transparent with me the way i was transparent with you about me having reservations about your podcast idea.

Billy: Okay, um…in the interest of transparency, I love the idea. I really do think it is genius. And I love you, and I really hope that this works out exactly the way that you envision it. We hit the bike trails every weekend

Dominic: [ Fussing ]

Devon: It’s okay, buddy. Why are you not happy?

Lily: How long has he been like this?

Devon: For like 20 minutes.

Lily: Oh, dom. Let me try. Are you okay, honey? It’s alright. Shh. It’s okay, give me a little smile. That’s — sorry, I guess my soothing skills are rusty.

Devon: That’s okay. I don’t know if this is just, like, his normal fussiness or if it’s more than that. It might be teething.

Lily: Actually, that’s true. I saw a teething ring in his diaper bag. Hold on.

Devon: I just don’t know. And he’s still recovering, so i can’t be too careful. It might be something serious.

Lily: Well, look, why don’t you just call his doctor and see if she thinks anything is wrong?

Devon: Yeah, that’s actually a good idea.

[ Sighs ] Hi. Could I get dr. Alston, please? This is — it’s very serious.

Traci: Two visits from my very favorite younger brother — it must be my lucky day.

Billy: I’m your only younger brother.

Traci: [ Laughs ]

Billy: Trust me, I’m the lucky one.

Traci: Alright, I’ll take that. Hey, you want something to drink?

Billy: No, I’m okay. I just left dinner with lily. She sends her love, by the way.

Traci: Oh, how nice. So what brings you by? Must be something.

Billy: It is something, but first I want to know if you talked to jack.

Traci: Of course. Not directly, but I did talk to phyllis.

Billy: And?

Traci: Well, they were able to go over to keemo’s house and they found a box of his belongings and a bunch of letters that keemo had been writing to jack for years and just never sent.

Billy: That’s very strange.

Traci: Yeah. Phyllis says it really shook him up. I think that he’s turned his phone off for the rest of the evening. He’s probably trying to process what he’s found.

Billy: I still think that one of us should’ve gone with him instead of phyllis, the queen of hidden agendas.

Traci: Well, to be fair, you know, so far, she has been protective and she’s been considerate of his feelings.

Billy: Yeah, yeah, all part of her mo.

Traci: Oh, cynic.

Billy: Yeah, and proud of it. Look, maybe you’re right, maybe this time she has his best interests at heart, but that does not mean that trouble won’t be ahead.

Jack: Seems like the place is cleared out. Everything I was supposed to find…is right here. I guess my search has come to an end. Unless, of course, I got a text from my anonymous tipster. Forgot to turn the phone back on after dinner. Okay. God, here they are. Everyone’s worried about me.

[ Grunts ] Better put their mind at ease.

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Billy: Mmm! Oh, my goodness, great call on the hot cocoa. It’s perfect.

Traci: Wow, I am two for two tonight.

[ Chuckles ]

Billy: I mean, you’re right 99% of the time, so…you’re right.

Traci: [ Laughs ]

Billy: It’s another reason why I wanted to talk to you.

Traci: Ah, see? I knew if I waited long enough, we’d get there.

Billy: Yeah, um…so I’m working on this project for chancellor — at least I was before I hit a wall, creatively speaking.

[ Sighs ] Long story short, I’ve been waking up in the middle of the night every night — well, roughly around 2:45 in the morning — with all these thoughts and ideas swirling around my head.

Traci: Hmm, well, you know, some of those midnight brainstorm sessions, they can be gold. I hope you’re writing everything down.

Billy: Well, I started that, and then I started recording them in a free-association kind of way.

Traci: Is there any theme developing?

Billy: Yeah, I guess. Turning your life around, you know, finding your purpose, letting go of old coping mechanisms that don’t serve you anymore, that are holding you back — that type of thing.

Traci: Wow, billy. I think you’ve got a book in you.

Billy: Oh, I don’t know. I mean, devon thought it was a good idea — in a different format, though. He mentioned podcast.

Traci: That’s an amazing idea.

Billy: Yeah, well, we’ll see. I built a makeshift recording studio in the apartment and i sat down for my first session, and…it was bad.

Traci: [ Laughs ]

Billy: Like, nothing really good came out at all. It was really quite horrendous.

Traci: Oh. Well, I hope you’re not giving up.

Billy: No, I’m not gonna give up, but I’m hoping maybe you have some pointers, you know? Maybe a suggestion in order to loosen up a little bit.

Traci: Well, have you ever tried meditation?

Billy: Meditation. That’s what I did wrong. I shouldn’t have built a recording studio — I should have built a zen den.

Traci: Oh, very funny. Come on, it’s not nearly as strange or mystical as it sounds. It’s really just — just putting your body in a state of relaxed awareness. You know, it’s calming your mind so that all your thoughts and your ideas can flow.

Billy: Yeah, I’m aware of the theory, but, honestly, sitting still for any moment of time makes me twitch.

Traci: [ Chuckles ] Well, it’s up to you, of course, but it sounds like exactly what you need to do to get over this hurdle you’ve described. And, billy, what have you got to lose?

Billy: Yeah, no, you’re right. Of course you’re right. You’re always right. 99% of the time, you’re right.

Traci: [ Laughs ]

Devon: Oh, that was a really great idea to call the doctor. I feel a whole lot better.

Lily: Oh, good. So she thinks it’s fine, the fussing doesn’t mean anything?

Devon: No, she actually thinks that it could be a sign that he’s getting his energy back, which is a huge relief.

Lily: Okay, good, I’m glad it’s nothing serious.

Devon: Yeah.

Lily: Although I do think it’s gonna take you a little bit longer to calm down than it did dom.

Devon: Well, I mean, yeah, I’ve been on high alert with everything that he’s been through.

Lily: Well, look, you did great, okay? You were very calm. I’m proud of you.

Devon: Thanks to your advice. I’m glad that you stopped by.

Lily: Yeah, you know, they say timing is everything.

Devon: Mm. Was there a particular reason that you did come over?

Lily: Um, no, I just wanted to, you know, see dom, get my baby fix.

Devon: Oh, yeah? You don’t want to — you don’t want to talk about work? ‘Cause I was thinking of discussing the merger.

Lily: Really?

Devon: [ Chuckles ] You’re such a liar. I knew you came by to talk work.

Lily: [ Laughs ]

Devon: See?

Jack: Red?

Phyllis: Hey.

Jack: Did you maybe see someone on foot, maybe running away, just now when you pulled in?

Phyllis: Uh…no, I didn’T. I mean, I was talking to the driver. I wasn’t really looking. Was someone here?

Jack: I thought I heard someone out here, and, you know, maybe I was wrong.

Phyllis: Is everything okay?

Jack: Yeah. Yeah, I — you didn’t have to come.

Phyllis: No, hey, listen, you weren’t at the hotel. I figured you might be here. Um, I tried to call —

Jack: Yeah, I know, my phone wasn’t on. I’m sorry, that wasn’t intentional.

Phyllis: Don’t apologize.

Jack: I think I just needed a little time with my thoughts, and before I knew it, I was here.

Phyllis: Yeah, of course. Well, hey, just go back in there and be with your thoughts, and the driver’s waiting for me, so I’ll just tell him to — to, you know, go back to the hotel, no problem.

Jack: Okay, okay.

Phyllis: Okay?

Jack: Wait, stay. Stay. Most of your immune system lives right in your gut.

“The young and the restless”

will continue.

I’ve got moderate to severe

plaque psoriasis.

Phyllis: When I mentioned before that maybe someone was watching us, I was kidding, you know.

Jack: Well, I don’t think i imagined it, but it’s possible.

Phyllis: Could it have been coyotes? There are a lot of coyotes in la, right? What did it sound like? Footsteps?

Jack: No, no, more like a thump. I don’t know what caused it. Maybe my texter is as curious about me as I am about them.

Phyllis: Well, they know why you’re here and what you’re doing. What’s motivating them is still a mystery to us.

Jack: Well, I’ve ruled out anything malicious. I don’t think this is a scam. Everything in this box was keemo’S. You think it’s possible somebody read these letters, was touched by them, and sad that I would never see them?

Phyllis: No. No.

Jack: You don’t buy it.

Phyllis: Nope, if that were the case, they would’ve boxed this whole thing up, along with the obituary, and would have sent it to you. They wanted you to come to california for some reason.

Jack: Yeah, they would’ve had my phone number. You’re probably right.

Phyllis: They wanted you here, and we still don’t know why.

Jack: Okay, if that’s the case, they should let me know. I don’t have enough information here to put it together. “I have been through everything in this house. Is there anything else to find?”

Lily: See, this is how you know I’m a good person, okay? I don’t have a poker face.

Devon: No, just means you’re a horrible liar.

[ Both laugh ]

Lily: Ugh, I know. Even when I told billy that i was coming over here, he knew right away that I wanted to talk to you about the merger. But, look, I get it, you know? You’re not ready. It’s fine. I’m not gonna push it.

Devon: It’s okay, and i really don’t mind you bringing it up, ’cause I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it since I saw you.

Lily: Okay, that’s a positive sign.

Devon: [ Chuckles ] I haven’t changed my mind about it, but I had a good conversation with amanda.

Lily: And?

Devon: And she — you know, she laid out scenarios where we could have the best of both worlds. We could take advantage of our companies coming together without having to surrender control over what matters to us, you know?

Lily: Yeah, of course. I mean, look, I really think that we could work something out here.

Devon: Well, I mean, you might think that, but I’m not very sure, just ’cause I know this would be a huge, huge undertaking.

Lily: No, it would be, it’s true.

Devon: Yeah. I’m not against it, though.

Lily: Okay, well, that’s promising.

Devon: I do, however, think that we should do what I said and just focus on this podcast project that we have and see how that goes first.

Lily: Whatever you want. We can table this until you’re ready to discuss it. It’s fine.

Devon: Thank you. When dom went down for his nap earlier, I took one, too, and i had a — had a dream with neil in it.

Lily: Really?

Devon: Yeah. Yeah, he didn’t say anything, he was just standing there and smiling at me.

Lily: I miss his smile so much.

Devon: Yeah. So do I. And I can’t help but feel like that might be a sign that he approves of your idea and i shouldn’t say no to it.

Lily: I know, that’s what i keep thinking about, you know? I just — I — I keep thinking about all of the amazing opportunities that we could capitalize on. You know? But…look, I get it. I know this is a lot right now, so it’s fine, we can take our time, let you get comfortable before we take any further steps.

Devon: Appreciate that. I appreciate your patience.

Lily: Of course.

Traci: So tell me how everything is going for you and lily over at chancellor. I mean, it’s a big step up from chanccomm, and I imagine the pressure is a nightmare.

Billy: Well, yes and no. I mean, it’s great. You know lily, she decides to do something and she goes for it, and she is fantastic in this role. She really is. I’m very, very proud of her.

Traci: I can see that.

Billy: A couple days ago, she came up with an idea that is genius. My mom loves it. And if it works out, it’s gonna transform the company.

Traci: Well, I love hearing that.

Billy: Yeah.

Traci: That’s gonna be great for both of you.

Billy: [ Sighs ] Yeah.

Traci: Um, it is gonna be great for you, too, right?

Billy: That remains to be seen. But what’s important is lily. This is her time.

Traci: Well, I doubt that lily’s thinking of it in those terms.

Billy: Well, she should be. She really should. And to be honest, we haven’t discussed my involvement in this deal yet, and we don’t need to. My job is to advise her on what’s best for the company, not what’s best for me personally.

Traci: Well, it sounds like you’re talking about your obligations as her colleague, but what about as her partner?

Billy: Yeah, but that’s moot if the plan doesn’t fly.

Traci: What if it does fly? And lily doesn’t find out about it until it’s over with and it’s too late for her to do anything about it, that you had some issue? I think that’s not really fair.

Billy: No, I see your point.

Traci: Kind of puts her in a no-win situation, and I would consider telling her — sooner than later — and then just trust that she’ll want to know the truth. Hey! It’s me! Your dry skin!

Phyllis: Still nothing?

Jack: No, I think I have all the information I’m going to get.

Phyllis: Maybe. Maybe not. I mean, if you want to find out about this house and more about all of these things that are in that box, I’ll do that for you. I’ll research it. And I know that might sound aggressive to you. Maybe you want to let it go, you want to leave it alone, that’s your prerogative.

Jack: I think it’s just been a long day. I’m beat, I’m confused. I don’t know where to take this next.

Phyllis: Are you happy you came here?

Jack: I am shocked you would even ask that question.

Phyllis: Why?

Jack: Before you arrived, i was thinking about how close i am to not knowing anything about what happened to keemo. I got those texts, thought they were a scam. I decided to ignore them. You took it upon yourself to do all of the investigating. It is the only reason I am here. It is the thing that gave me the opportunity to read these letters from my son, and I am so grateful for this small connection to him.

Phyllis: That’s very painful for you.

Jack: Yeah, but, you know, it’s so much better than being in the dark about what happened to keemo. About his death, about…how he felt about me. Thank you for making this happen.

Phyllis: You don’t need to thank me. You know, overstepping — it’s sort of who I am.

Jack: I’m deeply grateful to you for being exactly who you are.

Lily: Hello.

Billy: Hi.

Lily: How’d it go with traci?

Billy: It was good. She filled me in on jack. Apparently, they found a bunch of unsent letters from keemo, where he forgave jack, and unfortunately, it’s too late for them to reconnect.

Lily: Oh, my god, the whole thing is honestly so sad. I know how much family means to jack, so I’m sure he was really hoping to have a chance to reconcile.

Billy: It’s just so typical, you know? My nephew holds a grudge for decades, and where does that get you?

Lily: True.

Billy: Feels like a cautionary tale, doesn’t it?

Lily: Yep. Meditation courses? What’s that?

Billy: [ Laughs ] Traci’s idea. Apparently it’s highly effective for tapping into your inner voice.

Lily: Oh, really?

Billy: Mm-hmm.

Lily: Well, you know, never hurts to try it.

Billy: Yeah, that’s what i was thinking.

Lily: [ Chuckles ]

Billy: How was your get-together with devon?

Lily: Um, it was good, actually. Went better than I could’ve hoped.

Billy: Yeah?

Lily: Mm-hmm.

Billy: Tell me.

Lily: Well, you know, he was very open to talking about the merger. Actually, he was the one who brought it up, so…

Billy: You’re not kidding.

Lily: Mm-hmm. Yeah, he told me that he had a dream about our dad, which made him willing to reconsider it. Which makes me really happy, ’cause the one thing I keep thinking about over and over is how much my dad would love this idea. So…I’m glad that devon is realizing that, too.

Billy: Does it sound like he’s gonna say yes?

Lily: I think I got him to a maybe.

[ Chuckles ] Oh, my god, it’s late.

Billy: Yeah, it is.

Lily: Yeah, and if you were planning on waking up at 2:48 again, we should probably get to bed.

Billy: Hey.

[ Clears throat ] Before you go…I need to talk to you about something.

Lily: So what’s wrong?

Billy: No, it’s not a huge deal.

Lily: Well, just tell me.

Billy: Okay, um…I’m feeling a little guilty because I wasn’t totally honest with you at the restaurant when we were talking about the merger.

Lily: Okay, so I was right. You were holding back.

Billy: Well, yeah, I mean, i was answering you as your coo, from a business perspective, and from a business perspective, i love this idea, honestly. I think it’s fantastic. It’s a great concept.

Lily: But you’re not in favor of it for some reason?

Billy: I’m really embarrassed, actually. I feel silly even saying this out loud, let alone to you.

Lily: It’s fine, just tell me.

Billy: It’s hard for me to be objective because I’m sitting here and I’m wondering what this means for me. Where do I fit in in all of this? I mean, you and devon are obviously gonna run this company together, and he’s gonna bring his own people, so what does that mean, you know? I mean, you might not even need a coo. I might be a redundancy, on the outside, looking in.

Lily: I hear you. Well, look, first, thank you for telling me that. I really appreciate it. And I get it. It’s a very valid concern.

Billy: Because that’s what’s gonna happen?

Lily: No, it’s valid because it’s normal to, you know, wonder how a change is going to impact you.

Billy: Right.

Lily: Listen, I want you to know, no matter what happens with chancellor, you will always be the person that I depend on the most. Okay? You’re my right-hand man.

Billy: [ Chuckles ]

Lily: Alright? And don’t you forget it.

Billy: Such a good answer.

Lily: I know, right?

[ Laughs ]

Billy: Thank you. I appreciate it.

Lily: Well, are you feeling reassured?

Billy: Yes, very.

Lily: Okay, good. ‘Cause there’s more where that came from.

[ Both chuckle ]

Jack: Ugh, I’m beat. I’m beat. We’re not gonna get anything more done tonight. If the texter were going to respond, he or she would have written to us by now.

Phyllis: Yeah, you’re right, you’re right.

Jack: Go back to the hotel, get some sleep.

Phyllis: Yeah, and in the morning, you’ll have a new perspective, right?

Jack: Yeah.

Phyllis: Jack?

Jack: Keemo lived here. I know nothing about his life here. Did friends come and go? Did he have celebrations? Was he alone and lonely? I don’t know. I don’t know. He was one short plane ride away from an extended family in genoa city. And I didn’t have a clue. Days, weeks, years go by… and I know nothing about them. I didn’t know him. I didn’t know his thoughts. I didn’t what he felt about anything. Now I’ll never know. My own son. My own son. [ Crying ]

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Young & The Restless Transcript

Transcript provided by Suzanne

Nick: Hey!

Nate: How you doing?

Nick: Thanks for coming.

Nate: No problem.

Nick: You want a beer?

Nate: Yeah, yeah.

Nick: Can we get one more? Thank you.

Nate: This isn’t about faith, is it? I’ve been apprised of all her tests since her transplant. Everything seems to be going well.

Nick: She’s doing awesome. You know, she’s happy, healthy, very excited for her future. I mean, college is right around the corner.

Nate: Oh, yeah, that’s a, that’s a big step. I’ve been offering moses a bit of advice while he weighs his options. And it’s been pretty fun.

Nick: He is such a great kid, nate. You know, it seems faith has taken an interest in business, too, which makes her grandfather very happy.

Nate: I’m sure. How’s victor’s health these days?

Nick: He’s great. We seem to have caught a run of good luck with that, with dad’s health and sharon’s remission, faith’s transplant. And of course ashland’s recovery, which has been nothing short of miraculous. I was curious if you had ever seen anything like that — you know, someone who was so close to death and then bounces back the way he has.

Nate: In my experience, it’s extremely rare, which makes it all the more impressive. I’d love to go over the protocol one day, given the efficacy.

Nick: Yeah, if you do that, i would love to see that myself.

Nate: Is that what you wanted to talk to me about?

Nick: Uh…look. Ashland’s condition has become a very important subject in this family… much more so than any of us ever expected.

Victoria: Marketing meeting went well?

Ashland: Fantastic.

Victoria: What is it?

Ashland: I just got off the phone with your father. He’s, uh, put a ticking time bomb on his threats against me. I told him to do his best.

Victor: You just made a big mistake, ashland locke. No one threatens me. No one threatens my family… and gets away with it.

Abby: Babe, is that you?

Chance: Yeah.

Abby: How was your nap?

Chance: Good.

Abby: Feeling better?

Chance: Yeah, yeah, absolutely. I was pretty worn out there.

Abby: I know your first therapy session was emotionally draining. What can I do to help?

Chance: Okay, well, I’m really worried that I’m gonna make you feel like I’m shutting you out. I want you to know that’s not what I’m doing. I just need some time to figure this out all on my own, you know? Just for now. We can talk about it later… if that’s okay.

Abby: [ Chuckles ]

Faith: I’m looking at dresses online to wear to your wedding. What did you say the color scheme was?

Mariah: We don’t have anything set in stone, uh, but maybe something black?

Tessa: Or something sparkly?

Mariah: I mean, you can never go wrong with something black and sparkly. So…

Faith: On it. Hey, how did you guys know you were in love?

Mariah: Um…well, you know, I don’t think it’s something we could actually pinpoint. I think we both knew before we could admit it to each other, and that took a while.

Tessa: Yeah, I mean, because being in love, as great as it is, it can be really scary.

Faith: Uh-huh. How many people are you inviting to the ceremony?

Tessa: I think we’re thinking of keeping it small so that we can spend time with each guest.

Faith: Let me know if you need me to handle the door, keep out the riffraff.

Tessa: Oh, I don’t think that’s necessary. We’re not that popular.

Mariah: Oh, you are. I’m just your number-one fan.

[ All laugh ]

Faith: When tessa was on tour, were you guys ever worried that you might not make it, because of the long distance and all the time apart?

Noah: Hey, mom. Is it too late to get a couple triple espressos to go?

Sharon: Not technically, but won’t you be worried about the caffeine keeping you awake?

Noah: No. That is the point. We need a little post-dinner pick-me-up before we go out to the club. I just heard something amazing!

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Noah: Uh, where are my manners? Mom, this is cindy.

Sharon: Nice to meet you.

Cindy: Same here. I have already heard so much about you.

Sharon: Oh!

Noah: All good things, i promise. I told her if she wanted to come get espressos, we had to go to my mom’s place because it’s not your typical coffee shop, not where they burn the beans and stuff. It’s special, and that’s because of you. Knowing everyone’s orders, ask about their families. I told her about the thanksgiving tradition.

Cindy: Which is so generous and sweet. I really should have come in here before now, but, you know, I’ve got a coffee shop near work. It just seemed easier. You know how it goes. But I’m gonna start coming in here from now on because I can tell that this is just an amazing place run by an amazing woman. Must be to have raised an incredible guy like noel.

Sharon: Noel.

Cindy: And you passed down some killer genes, too. I mean, look at those eyes. So dreamy!

Sharon: Yeah, he’s pretty great all around. So, where did you say you work?

Cindy: I have a day job, but my real passion is in social media, working as an influencer.

Sharon: Oh. Did you go to walnut grove with noah? He mentioned seeing a high school friend the other night.

Cindy: You know, I didn’t know him in school, but I wish i had! I mean, he is just sexier and funnier than about 99% of the guys I went to school with. We just met today. How lucky is that?

Sharon: That’s so lucky.

Mariah: When tessa left to go on the road, it was very, very hard. But it was also not an excuse to behave badly.

Faith: Oh, my god, I did not mean to bring up any bad memories.

Tessa: Hey, it’s okay. Being a couple means that sometimes you work through things when you make mistakes.

Mariah: And when I…lost my way, tessa was very compassionate, and she was understanding, forgiving.

Tessa: And mariah’s done the same for me, as well.

Mariah: Being in a relationship is not always easy and fun and fluffy, but it also shouldn’t be agonizingly hard, either.

Tessa: And there are shades in between. You find out what works and what doesn’t and what you both need so that you can make it last forever.

Faith: I don’t even know what forever looks like for two people, except grandma and grandpa, and even they’ve had temporary breakups. I know how much my parents loved each other, but now mom has rey, who is awesome, and dad? Who knows? So, it just makes me wonder if soul mates are really a thing. If they’re not, then why risk it? You don’t know if you could just end up with a broken heart.

Victoria: What exactly did my father say to you?

Ashland: You know, I really hate upsetting you like this.

Victoria: Well, you know what? It’s a little late for that. I need to know.

Ashland: Okay, alright. It’s just more of the same. Either I capitulate, or he will expose my terrible crimes to you.

Victoria: These threats that he’s making are totally unacceptable.

Ashland: Yeah, well, I don’t like being the victim of them, either, especially since I’ve been down this particular path many times. How many times do you suppose your family is going to claim that they’ve uncovered some deep, dark secret about my past that makes me unworthy of you? Not to mention the implication that you are some kind of weak-willed victim that’s fallen prey to a terrible monster! It’s demeaning to both of us.

Victoria: I agree with you. I do. But what I’m trying to figure out is why is my father trying to squeeze you out? I mean, even if he has some reason to feel threatened by you, why would he tell this messy and obvious lie? My father is too careful and prudent to pull a move like this. So, there must be something more going on for him to take this kind of risk.

Nick: Look, nate. I have always admired and respected you. You have become a great friend of this family, even though i know there are times when we don’t deserve it. I really don’t like leaning on that friendship right now, but i don’t have a choice. There’s just too much at stake.

Nate: Why don’t you just tell me what’s going on?

Nick: What I’m about to say to you stays with us, alright? Because it’s shocking. It’s been suggested that ashland’s recovery may be too good to be true.

Nate: Sometimes science can seem like a miracle from the outside, when it’s really the culmination of years of research, trial and error, and deep and painful losses before you see any gains.

Nick: Look. I’m not here to question science, alright? But maybe there wasn’t any science involved at all. You know, people are saying that ashland’s entire medical case is all smoke and mirrors and that maybe he was never sick at all.

Nate: I don’t understand. Why would anyone question ashland’s illness?

Nick: Obviously, nate, i wouldn’t even be talking to you about this if there wasn’t some indication that it was true. And if it is —

Nate: Okay, okay, think about what you’re saying. You’re telling me ashland is lying about having cancer, which would mean he would have coerced multiple doctors to do wildly unethical and illegal things. I-I’ve gotten to know the man pretty well, and I can’t believe he would do something like this. In fact, I would turn my attention to whoever is spreading this rumor. Do they even know ashland or have any credibility? I’m 53, but in my mind

Victoria: My dad [Chuckles] He made me believe that he was done interfering in my personal life. You know, I genuinely believe that he was proud and happy for us at the wedding. I guess that was all just a farce.

Ashland: I don’t know. Maybe he was happy for us back then, especially when he thought I would be gone relatively soon, or — I hate thinking this way — maybe victor was putting up a front in italy all along. Maybe he pretended to support the marriage in order to push through the merger, and the plan was to take control of my company and eventually force me out.

Victoria: Hold on a second. Are you saying that you think my father is behind setting you up and that he just didn’t buy into the scam, but he’s actually behind it?

Victor: Well, the two of you seem to be in a rather serious conversation. Everything alright?

Nick: I was just filling in nate about the rumors about ashland.

Victor: Thank you for for following up, son.

Nate: Victor, I hope you don’t mind me asking. Are you the one behind all of this?

Victor: I’m indeed.

Nate: Listen. I know the reputations of some of the physicians ashland’s worked with. They’re excellent doctors who witnessed this condition firsthand.

Victor: Nate, let me just tell you that ashland locke is not the man he appears to be. He committed an egregious hoax. He not only deceived my family — victoria — and now you.

Nate: I can’t believe he would do something so immoral without unassailable proof.

Victor: Why don’t nicholas and I take you over to newman media, and we will show you what you need to see to believe that you were deceived?

Mariah: I’m not sure we have any answers on the risk that is involved with falling in love.

Tessa: I can tell you that we feel like soul mates because we can’t imagine our lives without each other. But if you’re talking about putting your heart out on the line, I mean, the emotional risk is there. I mean, it might not last forever, and it could totally end in ruin.

Mariah: Okay, but, also, uh, it might not, you know? But you’re just not gonna know until you take the chance, you know? So, can I ask? Are we just talking about love in general, or are we maybe talking about you and moses? Okay. Forget I said anything. I don’t want to put you on the spot. I just want you to know that if you want to talk about anything, we’re here to listen.

Faith: I guess I was asking for myself but not because things are bad with moses, because they’re really good. It’s exactly how it was when we first met, but somehow even better. Like, life just makes more sense when he’s around. Does that sound crazy?

Tessa: Not at all.

Faith: But, also, there’s college, and everything could change. And I don’t want it to, but people don’t always get what they want.

Tessa: Yeah, that’s true.

Mariah: Look. I-I get the conundrum. You know, it can be reassuring to find the one. You feel safe and secure and like nothing can hurt you. But, unfortunately, it’s just not the way things work.

Tessa: So, it does take bravery to let yourself fall in love. And it requires trust… and focusing on each other and being a team. And that’s how you two take the world head on.

Abby: Are you hungry?

Chance: No, I’m okay right now.

Abby: [ Sighs ]

Chance: Hey, I’m sorry I’m being so quiet. It just took a lot out of me today.

Abby: Yeah. I completely understand.

Chance: You know, I wanted to take you to dinner. Doesn’t look like that’s gonna happen tonight. So, I apologize.

Abby: You know, I don’t care about going out to eat. I’m just so thankful that you went to therapy and that you’re doing it for our family and for yourself. I will never be able to understand what it was like for you in spain. But I am so grateful that you are facing your trauma head on and that you are fighting for us and for dominic. It fills my heart.

If you have this…

Nate: Did you take this video to the police? Do you even know if the man in it is a doctor in peru? Because what decent doctor would pretend to treat a patient? This makes absolutely no sense.

Victor: I’m telling you. We have two doctors who testified on tape, on videotape, that they were paid a lot of money by ashland locke to concoct this bs story about his health.

Nate: What about the doctor in new york? Or the lab where his initial tests were run? That’s where the cancer diagnosis originated.

Victor: My sources were stonewalled at both places.

Nate: It’s called “medical confidentiality.” The staff at the lab has no reason or right to discuss a patient’s condition. And do you even know where the money came from that was used to pay off the peruvian doctors? Because even if it seems like it can be traced back to ashland, someone could be framing him to try to discredit him.

[ Sighs ] With all due respect, I think you two are the ones being played.

Victor: Nate, you’re a good man. You want to believe people. I’m telling you there’s more damning evidence about ashland locke on the way. He’s a fraud, an out-and-out fraud. He’s dangerous, and we need your help in order to prevent him from doing further damage to victoria.

Victoria: I just don’t think that my father is the one who’s trying to make you look like a liar. I can’t see him stooping that low or trying to hurt me in that way.

Ashland: I-I was just trying to consider the alternatives. That’s all. The only reason it came to mind was because you and I have had no luck trying to think of someone else who might have gone to such extremes.

Victoria: No, I get why your mind would go there, and I can also see how my father would buy into this insanity so quickly. But I can’t picture him — i just can’t picture him creating this long-term, wide-ranging conspiracy. Do you know the amount of lies and treachery that it would take to pull something like that off? It’s just too dark, even for my dad.

Ashland: I’m sorry I brought it up.

Victoria: No! Don’t get me wrong. I am absolutely furious with him. The truth of what he’s done is bad enough. I mean, trying to use some lie to get you out of my life?

[ Sighs ] I’m not gonna let that happen.

Cindy: It was like one of those meet-cutes. We were walking down the street, opposite directions, texting, not even paying attention where we were going, and then phones went flying. I suffered a broken screen, and he suffered a broken ego because he went down like a ton of bricks.

Noah: Okay, that is an exaggeration.

Cindy: Is it?

Noah: Anyway, she told me to watch where I was going. Only she worded it a lot less politely than that.

Cindy: I was upset. Anyone would have been.

Noah: I told her I was just trying to go into the café to get a bite to eat. She just walked out and realized she forgot her purse. So, we went back in.

Cindy: And we chatted while he had dinner. I had dessert. I’m talking about the chocolate mousse, not you, noel.

Noah: It’s, uh, it’s noah.

Cindy: Of course it is! What did I say?

Noah: [ Laughing ] It doesn’t matter.

Faith: Hey, dork.

Noah: Who you calling dork, dork? Cindy, this is my younger sister, my much younger sister.

Cindy: Whoa! Meeting your mom and your sister on the first date? Isn’t it a little early to introduce me to your entire family?

Noah: [ Chuckles ]

Mariah: How about my little sister pondering love — and forever?

Tessa: Yeah, I did not have any of that on my mind at faith’s age.

Mariah: Well, you were dealing with a lot of other things.

Tessa: Yeah, the chaos ith my sister and my parents? But you didn’t have it easy, either.

Mariah: No, I did not, and i definitely wasn’t thinking of finding happily ever after. I mean, I was too busy sleeping on friends’ couches and trying to avoid going home to the woman who raised me.

Tessa: [ Laughs ] I mean, yeah, both of us had it pretty rough. But faith hasn’t had it very easy at all, either.

Mariah: Absolutely — alcohol, medical issues, no shortage of family drama. That’s why I’m just thrilled that she can focus on college and having a boyfriend. You know, just normal teenage things.

Tessa: Yeah, I’m really glad that we get to be there for her.

Mariah: By the way, I was really touched by what you told her about our relationship. You know, you didn’t sugarcoat it. But you showed her that we believe that we can get through anything. And I know that I really put that to the test the last few months, and I know that you were really worried about me, with the abduction and bowie’s birth and all the feelings that came afterwards.

Tessa: I just tried to be there for you the best that I could.

Mariah: And you were. But I just wanted to let you know that you don’t have to be strong for both of us anymore. Okay? I am back on my “a” game. And, you know, even though i have scary thoughts, I know we got this.

Tessa: Okay. Um, I got to ask. What kind of scary thoughts?

Mariah: Well, uh, I would be lying if I said that I wasn’t scared about dom being sick. And then, I think about what would happen if our child got sick, you know, even if we get to be parents, which that’s definitely not guaranteed. So, stuff like that. Are you sorry you asked?

Tessa: [ Laughs ] No, no. I do — I want to know everything that’s going on in your head, but yeah, it’s a lot.

Mariah: Well, that’s my talent is worrying about things that haven’t happened or may never happen.

Tessa: I mean, hey, I get it. The world is scary. The future is scary. And that’s why I’m so glad to have a partner that will help me get through it. You tell me that, and I’m glad that I get to return the favor. New densify from crest pro-health.

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Chance: You have no idea what that does for me. And not just making love — being here, holding you, laying with you.

Abby: Yeah. I feel the same. You know, we are gonna have a lifetime of experiences — big ones and little moments, everyday moments, watching our son grow up.

Chance: And we have so much to be thankful for.

Abby: Yeah.

Chance: UM…I just got really hungry. I’m gonna go make us a snack, okay?

Faith: So, what’s up with noah’s date? Is this a thing?

Sharon: Um, I’m not sure. But she seems fun, and he seems to be meeting a lot of new people in town.

Faith: He hasn’t mentioned dating much since he got back. But he doesn’t really talk to me about that kind of stuff, anyway.

Sharon: Well, if it makes you feel any better, he doesn’t talk to me about it, either.

Faith: Well, you are his mom.

Sharon: So?

Faith: So, whether he tells us or not, it’d be nice to see him find someone. Maybe seeing tessa and mariah so happy finally put the idea of finding love and settling down into his head.

Noah: No one’s looking to settle down. Okay, kid?

Faith: Okay, eavesdropper.

Noah: You two really need to find something more exciting to talk about.

Faith: Would finding someone special be so bad? It doesn’t have to be cindy. But love can be scary. But we have to be brave.

Noah: Brave, huh?

Faith: Whatever!

Noah: Yeah.

Faith: I’m gonna go vet this new girl.

Noah: No, please don’T.

Faith: Yeah.

Noah: Don’T.

[ Sighs ] What?

Sharon: Uh, nothing!

Noah: No, no, no, no, that’s not nothing. Look. I know what you’re thinking, and yes, there was the walnut grove woman the other night and cindy tonight.& But I mean, come on. That’s what young, single people are supposed to do, right? We’re supposed to go out and have fun. Doesn’t have to mean anything. So, please. I’m begging you, please. Don’t make this into something weird or find some reason you have to worry about me.

Sharon: Why would I worry?

Nick: Look, nate. We get where you’re coming from. I hope you understand why we need to discuss this with you. None of this looks good. Now, we don’t have all of the pieces, but we have enough to seriously question ashland’s condition. And, as you said, this is an awful deception, almost too heinous to contemplate, but we have to do that for victoria’s sake.

Nate: I was there while ashland was experiencing symptoms. I’ve seen him coughing, out of breath, and weak. And I’m his friend. I stood up for him at his wedding.

Victor: I understand that this comes as a shock to you, okay? And I understand that feeling deceived, like we feel deceived, it’s a hard pill to swallow. Considering that, think of what he’s doing to victoria.

Nate: What I don’t get is the why. Why go to this extreme? For what?

Victor: Easy answer — ashland locke wants to control my company.

Ashland: I hate that victor is putting you through this.

Victoria: You shouldn’t feel sorry for me. You should feel sorry for my father. I am gonna fight him with everything that I’ve got. He has no idea what I’m capable of. But I am not gonna let him get away with this. Take my word for that.

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Victor: Look, nate. Once you look into ashland locke’s background, check out his reputation, you will understand why it was easy for him to convince victoria to fall in love with him, to use her love and her sympathy to convince her to merge newman enterprises with his corporation. Then he befriended you. I’m sure you wondered why he would befriend you so quickly. He doesn’t even know you, really. But he needed you — needed your medical expertise to substantiate his bs about his medical history.

Nate: No, victor. I’m not gonna let you pull me into your version of events. And I resent the implication that I was used and too trusting to realize it.

Victor: Let me ask yoU. Have you read chanccomm’s article about him? The man is full of lies! He faked his own death to assume someone else’s identity. He is not really ashland locke. He’s bobby defranco.

Nick: Victoria knows all the allegations in that article are true. Now, you could ask her about it yourself, but she is under the spell of ashland locke. She believes every explanation, all of his excuses. He uses her trust to take advantage of her, which is why we need to gather as much proof as we can to make sure that he doesn’t do any more damage to victoria or this family. And, nate, we need your help to do that.

Faith: Social-media influencer — that’s so interesting.

Cindy: Tessa porter?! Oh, my god! What are you doing here?! Don’t answer that. That is none of my business. I just have to tell you that I’m your biggest fan. I love your music.

Tessa: Oh, well, hi. Thank you so much.

Cindy: I’m serious! I know every lyric to every song, and I’ve been to just about every single show that you’ve had in the area.

Tessa: You know what? You actually do look familiar. I’ve probably seen you at one of the clubs downtown.

Cindy: I’ve been to them all! Like I said, super fan, but, i mean, I’m sure that people come up to you all the time to say this stuff to you. You’re just humoring me.

Tessa: Oh, no, no. You have a really friendly smile. I’m usually drawn to people like that when I’m performing.

Cindy: What?! Shut your face! You have just totally made my night. You’re never gonna believe this. Oh, my god! And I don’t know how you could have planned any of this, but this is turning into one of the greatest dates of my life, and it is just getting started! We’re going to that club on market street, and it doesn’t get going for a few hours, and we just decided to come here for some coffee. Oh, I have a great idea. Why don’t you and your fiancée come with us?

Noah: No, I’m sure they have plans, um…

[ Chuckles ]

Chance: [ Sighs ] It wasn’t easy talking to dr. Huffman. I mean, it wasn’t easy to open up to him, the same way it is opening up to everybody. I think it did help, though, that he understands what I’m going through, you know? He saw three tours overseas. He’s felt this way. I mean, he gets it.

Abby: I mean, I think that’s one of the reasons why sharon recommended him to us was because of his military experience.

Chance: Yeah, and, you know, we’ve seen a lot of the same things. So, he understands all the physical issues I’m having — the tension, the spaciness, always being on alert. You know, he gets that. Some of it gets drowned out. It does. You know, he understands that it’s hard for me to hear people say that what happened in spain isn’t my fault. But what he doesn’t get is that when people say that, it’s just empty to me. And I try to believe it. I do. And then when I do, I think to myself, if I really try to forget this, if I try to move past it, am I not just betraying my team again? I mean, don’t those people that gave their lives — they’re not coming home. Don’t they deserve to be remembered? To always be with me? I feel like I owe them that. Looking to get back in your type 2 diabetes zone?

Chance: I’m sorry for how that sounded. I-I just don’t understand why i feel like I have to hold on to all this guilt.

Abby: But that is how you feel.

Chance: And that’s why I know I need help. You know, all this pain has just put a wall between us, and i can’t let that happen.

Abby: I know how hard it is for you to talk about this stuff and for you to open up. Thank you for sharing this with me. I just want to be your safe place.

Chance: You are. I am determined not to fail this mission, okay?

Abby: Yeah.

Cindy: Just checking. Are you having as good a time as I am?

Noah: I’m pretty sure i am.

Cindy: Mariah copeland! The other half or “teriah.” What is happening?

Noah: Cindy, mariah is my other sister.

Cindy: Holy crap! I saw online where you showed up at that one concert and professed your love for tessa. I almost died. Correction — I died. No, I was — I was dead.

Mariah: Well, yeah, I was dying there for a second myself.

Cindy: It was one of the most romantic things that I’ve ever seen in my life. Hon, can you please go get me another espresso?

Noah: Yeah, you sure?

Cindy: Tell me everything about you and tessa! I mean, or whatever it is that you feel comfortable with sharing, which hopefully is everything.

Tessa: Cindy seems cool.

Noah: Yeah, yeah, she is. I forgot what I’d been missing, keeping to myself so much. It’s like faith said. You and mariah are couple goals, but right now I’m just trying to have some fun. I’ll leave the true love to the experts.

Cindy: Does she sing her songs to you?

Mariah: Yes.

Nate: Let’s say the doctors are in on the hoax. Someone coerced and paid them. Do you have any incontrovertible evidence that ashland lied about his condition?

Victor: I have damaging evidence.

Nate: But is it enough to make him come clean?

Victor: Not yet.

Nick: We need the help of a medical expert to stop him. Will you work with us?

Victoria: You have finally crossed the line! There is no coming back from this.

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Young & The Restless Transcript

Transcript provided by Suzanne

Jack: Keemo is so happy in this picture. Who are these other women?

Phyllis: You don’t recognize them?

Jack: No, I — no, wait, that’s — that’s mai, his half-sister, on the right.

Phyllis: And the other women? Relatives or friends? Do you know what kind of significance they could be to keemo?

Jack: I don’t know. I don’t have a clue who his friends were, who his other relatives might have been. I’m completely in the dark here.

Phyllis: Yeah, I understand. Well, we’ll — we’ll just keep on looking for answers, that’s all. That’s why we’re here. I know it may be painful, but… I’m here to help.

Victoria: [ Sighs ]

Ashland: [ Sighs ] Okay. Hmm.

Victoria: Oh, my goodness, there you are. What took you so long? We both left crimson lights at the same time.

Ashland: You lost me at the traffic light.

Victoria: I did?

Ashland: Yes.

Victoria: Oh, okay, well, whatever. We’re — we’re both here now, and we have lots of privacy. So, you said that there’s something that I need to know and that it’s about my father.

Ashland: Yes, it is.

Victoria: Well, I assume this is about his objections to your new title. What exactly did he say to you in private? On the drive back to the office, I was growing more and more concerned. Is it about your health? Please, you can tell me. Are you feeling worse? Because if that’s what you told my father, then it makes sense why he would object so strongly.

Ashland: Indirectly, it is about my health. More specifically, uh… it’s about my treatment.

Chloe: So when is michael getting home? He’s been gone a while now. Oh, you must miss him.

Lauren: [ Scoffs ] Very much. This is why I was so skeptical about him working for victor again. I told him this was not gonna be a part-time job, but even i didn’t realize that he would be sent to peru for so long.

Chloe: So when is he planning on coming home?

Lauren: [ Sighs ] He keeps telling me soon, but it can’t be soon enough for me. I haven’t heard from him since yesterday. I called him last night, he didn’t pick up. I’ve been texting him all morning — no response.

Chloe: Well, you should bug him again. I mean, if he is anything like kevin, he doesn’t like to text while he’s working.

Lauren: You’re right, okay. Mm-hmm. Okay. Hopefully that will do the trick. And while I’m waiting, I need a distraction. Let’s talk about work. So how are you and chelsea coming along with the plans for the new sally-free fashion label?

Adam: That is a clever way to grow the sports platform. Good thinking.

Sally: You know, I was a little dubious about leaving fashion for the business world, but it’s actually really exciting. It’s invigorating. It feeds a part of my personality. Always a new problem to solve. Speaking of which, are there any updates on the ashland and victoria situation? Do you really think he’s on his way out?

Adam: Um…I’m not sure. I haven’t heard any updates yet.

Sally: I wonder how victoria’s doing. Emotionally, ’cause you said she might be headed for heartbreak.

Victor: Excuse me. I would like a word with my son in private. It’s a family matter. Facing expensive vitamin c creams with dull results?

Additional sponsorship

provided by…

Jack: What are we doing here? I get lured here blindly by some anonymous text. I came exactly as directed, and, what, silence? We’re supposed to just comb through all of these letters that keemo wrote to me, which apparently I was never supposed to have read. What am I supposed to make of this?

Phyllis: I don’t know what to make of it either. Maybe it is some sadistic prank by somebody. Maybe it is. Maybe they don’t even know we’re here. Maybe they’re waiting outside. I-I don’t think they’re outside. I think that everything we’re supposed to find out — I think it’s in this house, I think it’s right here.

Jack: You really think whoever sent these texts told me all that they know, and I’m just supposed to figure out the rest?

Phyllis: I don’t know. Maybe they’re just trying to point you in the right direction? Give you the next thing to find? I don’t know.

Jack: I want to know why i was led here.

Phyllis: I know. And what you’re supposed to be looking for — I get it.

Adam: Sally, do you mind? I have to talk to my father.

Sally: Of course. Yeah, I know family always comes first with the newmans. It’s getting late, so I’m just gonna grab a bite at society.

Adam: Well, I’ll join you for a drink when I get done here.

Sally: Perfect, mm-hmm. Bye.

Victor: So, son, I hope you kept the details of ashland’s latest deception to yourself. Now, I understand that you and your new coo have become quite close.

Adam: Dad, look —

Victor: I’m telling you, we don’t need word of this to get out, okay? And I don’t think she’s known for her discretion, is she?

Adam: You can trust me. I haven’t said a word to her about ashland faking his illness. Why would I do that when I don’t even know where things stand myself?

Victor: I’ve told ashland locke to get the hell out of town and leave victoria, or else I will go to her and reveal everything to her myself.

Adam: Really? That’s how you’re protecting her?

Victoria: What about your treatment? Have you had a setback?

Ashland: I’m just a little hesitant right now because i know how close you are to your father.

Victoria: Well, you know how complicated my history is with him, but, I mean, I don’t need protection from his latest machinations, whatever they are. So just tell me.

Ashland: I’m also still struggling with trying to understand why victor would do something like this. Um…

Victoria: What are you talking about?

Ashland: Apparently, your father has taken the word of some disgruntled doctor at the peruvian clinic who was recently fired.

Victoria: Taken his word about what?

Ashland: This doctor, this — this obvious quack, claims that I lied about my medical condition and falsified medical records, paid off various labs and clinics.

Victoria: I don’t understand. Are you saying that he’s accusing you of lying about getting better?

Ashland: No. He’s accusing me of not being sick in the first place. Saying that I don’t have and have never had cancer. In 15 years you drink about 15,000 cups of coffee.

Victoria: That’s insane. My father thinks you lied about being sick?

Ashland: It gets worse.

Victoria: I can’t imagine how.

Ashland: Victor is using this information as some sort of a threat against me. He’s trying to force me out of your life.

Victoria: And exactly how does he think he’s gonna do that?

Ashland: Basically, he just wants me to disappear, and if i don’t do that, he’s threatening to tell you that I’ve been lying about being sick all along, which I need you to understand is 100%, absolutely not true.

Victoria: What you’re saying right now, it’s — [Chuckles] It’s outrageous.

Ashland: Yes, I agree, and that’s exactly why I’m telling you about this now. I hate to say this, but at this moment, I do not trust your father, and I certainly don’t want you to hear this ridiculous accusation for the first time from him. Besides, we’ve made a pact that we won’t keep secrets from each other anymore, right?

Victoria: Why would my father do this? Why would he suddenly turn on you?

Ashland: I’ve been asking the same question myself. He’s been so supportive of our marriage. He’s been our protector. He even stood by me when others were threatening to expose my past.

Victoria: What has changed?

Ashland: I don’t know. Unless victor honestly believes the lies from this horrible doctor who, for reasons I can’t understand, obviously has it out for me.

Victoria: I just don’t understand why my father would think that’s credible. I met with your oncologist in new york. I’ve seen your medical records. There is absolutely no doubt that you have cancer. The true miracle here is that you’re responding so well to the treatment.

Ashland: You’d think he’d be happy for us.

Victoria: Exactly! I would think that my father would come to me if he thought this was true. I would be the first person he would come to, so I cannot imagine what in the world he must be thinking.

Victor: I’m very afraid that if victoria learns that ashland locke just used her to initiate this merger between newman enterprises and his own corporation, it’s gonna be devastating to her.

Adam: Yeah, I guess I can see your logic in that, but either way, she’s gonna be devastated. Unless…

Victor: Unless what?

Adam: Unless nick was right. She’s managed to forgive him for everything else she’s learned about him, so maybe she’ll find a way to forgive him for this, as well.

Victor: I don’t think this time she will.

Adam: Have you even considered that possibility? I mean, what would that mean for us? Don’t you think that you should be prepared to protect the family and your empire, even yourself, from that outcome?

Victor: What do you think I’m doing, son? It’s imperative that I convince him to get the hell out of town. Leave her. That’s a heartache that’s easier to deal with than to learn what he has done to her. He has used victoria. The whole wedding in tuscany, it’s a ruse to engineer this merger. He’s not gonna get away with it.

Lauren: I’m so happy to hear that chelsea’s meetings in new york are going so well.

Chloe: Yeah, she’s just wining and dining all of her old contacts. You know, she’s got some pretty powerful connections that can help us source fabric and secure our manufacturer. You know, we are a little behind on summer deadlines, so we really need to pull as many strings as we can.

Lauren: But you think you’re gonna be able to get the work out on time, right?

Chloe: Oh, if chelsea has anything to say about it, we will.

[ Both laugh ]

Lauren: Well, good, I’m impressed. Because, I mean, I have relationships in that area, as well, but fenmore’s production schedule is so tight, there is no room to add anything, so I’m very impressed. I’m very impressed. Good for you for taking the initiative to getting your line out.

Chloe: Well, the sooner we are in stores, the sooner we are making money for fenmore’S. And listen, if you want us to make an introduction to any of our connections, let me know because I think we could probably get you some better deals.

Lauren: Really?

Sally: Well, hello.

Lauren: Sally.

Chloe: How are you? It’s been a while.

Sally: I’m good. How’s your new line coming along?

Chloe: You know, it is still in the beginning stages, but it’s very exciting.

Sally: Great. I look forward to seeing it at fenmore’S.

Chloe: So, how is your new job at newman media? Enjoying trading in your sketchpad for spreadsheets?

Sally: I think I found my new niche. Turns out I’m really good at business, and adam and I make a great team.

Phyllis: I don’t know why you were led here. But we can’t stop now. We’ve got to find the answers.

Jack: No, you’re right, you’re right. Maybe if I can read through these letters again, maybe there’s some kind of clue.

Phyllis: Okay, okay, good. Good, I’ll help you. I’ll help you with that. So, okay, let’S… um, do you mind if I…?

Jack: Yeah, yeah, go ahead.

Phyllis: So this — this is nice. No postage stamp.

Jack: That’s a pretty picture.

Phyllis: Yeah.

Jack: Unsent. Do you think there’s something significant there?

Phyllis: I don’t know. That’s hard to tell. Alright. This is really beautiful.

Jack: Wait, wait, stop.

Phyllis: Alright. Does that mean something to you?

Jack: No. But that’s the thing, it means nothing to you, it could mean the world to keemo. I will never know why, ’cause i can’t ask him, and I just think it’s wrong for us to be poring through all of his personal items.

Phyllis: We’re just looking for some truths.

Jack: You know what? It’s one thing to read letters that keemo wrote to me — even though he intended for me to never see them — it’s another thing to rifle through his most prized possessions.

Phyllis: Okay, jack, you’re — you’re going back and forth, you know, between being curious and feeling like you’re violating keemo’s memory. I’m just gonna be blunt here. Keemo’s gone. I mean, I’m sorry. But he’s gone. You aren’t violating his memory by going through his things. And by the way, I mean, look at how this whole thing has played out. Here we are, and this box is here. It was not left here by accident. So, really, whoever has been sending you the texts, obviously they worked it out so that this would be the only thing left in the house and we would go through it.

Jack: So your theory is that this is some kind of treasure hunt so I can piece together keemo’s life.

Phyllis: Listen, I completely understand if you don’t want me to go through all of this with you. I’m trying to be supportive, that’s all. But you just can’t give up now. Jack, I think the answers that you’re looking for, I think you’ll find them here, but you just got to keep your eyes open and keep on looking.

Feeling sluggish or weighed

down?

Chloe: I’m glad you’re enjoying your new job.

Sally: Yeah, it’s an opportunity of a lifetime.

Lauren: I need to make a business call.

Sally: Huh. Was it something I said?

Chloe: No doubt. [ Chuckles ] But I’m glad she stepped away. I’ve been wanting to talk to you.

Adam: So what if ashland doesn’t go along with your plan? I mean, do you really think he’s gonna give in to your ultimatum?

Victor: I don’t think he can afford not to.

Adam: Well [Sighs] You better have your evidence all lined up so he knows you can back up your threat.

Victor: Unfortunately, I’ve not been able to get in contact with michael baldwin ever since I confronted ashland locke. However, michael baldwin assured me that he was gathering all the pertinent information and sending it to me by courier.

[ Cellphone rings ] One second. I should have that soon. What’s this? One of my investigators. Yeah. What have you got? Okay, you stay on it.

Adam: So, what’s going on?

Victor: Apparently michael baldwin has disappeared. So did the two peruvian doctors. He moved out of his hotel in lima, and neither of them have been seen again.

Adam: This doesn’t sound good.

Victor: No. Doesn’t sound good at all.

Adam: You think ashland got to him, stopped him from sending the proof?

Victor: Well, I’m gonna deal with it.

Ashland: You know, for your sake, I’ve been trying to rationalize your father’s actions. I mean, I know he’s still a very protective father. He’s also a protective mogul. And maybe now that I’m not, you know, dying anymore, maybe he just doesn’t want anyone other than newman blood running the company that he built.

Victoria: I don’t think that’s it. At various points throughout the company’s history, people outside of the family have held the ceo title.

Ashland: Then maybe he’s threatened by me specifically. Maybe he just wants me out of the picture and out of newman/locke for good, and this would certainly be an excellent way to get rid of me.

Victoria: I just don’t believe that.

Ashland: But I can certainly understand the mind-set. I mean, this is his legacy.

Victoria: Yes, but newman/locke is your legacy, too, and accusing you of lying about being sick, it’s just outrageous. I can’t believe my father would think for one minute that i would find you capable of doing anything so heinous.

Ashland: Well, I have been called the locke ness monster.

Victoria: Stop it. I hate that name. I hate that. It bears no resemblance to the man that I love, and I just — i don’t want to joke about that.

Ashland: Okay. But there was a time when that name fit like a glove. That man doesn’t exist anymore. And that’s because of yoU.

Phyllis: Okay, you know, let’s end off for today. Let’s go check in at the hotel, eat something. You must be hungry. I’ve starved. I could use a hot bath, as well.

Jack: That’s probably a good idea.

Phyllis: Yeah, I’ll call for a car.

Jack: This is a little more overwhelming than I imagined.

Phyllis: I can imagine. Just getting a car, and we’ll… I mean, or we can — we can stay and just still take a look at some things.

Jack: Tickets to a broadway show, three years ago. Who did he take with him? More beautiful postcards of vietnam. None of them sent. Obviously from…a wedding.

Luan: It’s lovely, darling. Thank you.

Jack: And there’s more to come.

Luan: You put me on the spot. Here you are giving me early gifts, while I’m totally without an idea for you. You’re a difficult man to buy for.

Jack: Oh, go to the toy section. I’m a kid at heart.

Luan: I’m serious. I’ve been wracking my brain trying to think of some unique surprise. Something you’ve always wanted.

Jack: I already have something I’ve always wanted. All wrapped up in a beautiful gift named luan.

Luan: You’re a hopeless romantic.

Jack: Only since you walked back into my life. How waking up with you, every day is christmas.

Luan: I feel the same way. All those years I never dared hope. Yet here I am. Christmas 1995, standing in front of a warm with my american gi.

Jack: Never forget one thing. You have already given me the greatest gift I could ever get. A son. So stop worrying about what’s on those store shelves, okay? Not only have I found you, i found the son I always wanted. Santa outdid himself, with maybe a little help from the guy upstairs. This is gonna be the merriest christmas ever and the happiest new year.

Phyllis: That’s very pretty. Do you think that it belongs to one of the girls in the photo?

Jack: No, this was luan’S. I gave it to her one christmas. After she died, I — I sent it to keemo, along with some other keepsakes. This is a sign.

Phyllis: A sign of it?

Jack: A sign that he did not erase me from his life. It’s a picture of me and luan at our wedding. I’m mark

“The young and the restless”

will continue.

We decided it’s time

to put a different

Chloe: Now that it’s just the two of us, I can be more honest. I genuinely liked working with you. I think that you are extremely talented and you have a real gift for design, and I am proud of what we created at newman fashion.

Sally: Me too. Everything was peachy. Till chelsea showed up.

Chloe: Well, I’m sorry that the two of you never found a way to work together.

Sally: Well, it wasn’t really that we couldn’t find it — just chelsea didn’t want it.

[ Sighs ] Anyway, I want you to know that I really, really enjoyed working with you too, and I’m sorry that it didn’t last. But, hey, it seems like everyone landed exactly where they’re supposed to.

Chloe: Well, I hope so. And however things have turned out, I just hope that you haven’t given up on your dreams.

Sally: Nope. Haven’t been given up on them at all.

Jack: Our wedding day was something I thought would never come. I thought I’d lost her forever. But somehow the stars aligned and we found each other again and were given a second chance. And perhaps the biggest miracle, I found out we had a son together. Keemo was angry at first. I think he felt abandoned, but over time, with patience, with kindness, I eventually won him over. He was the best man at this wedding.

Phyllis: Well, so the two of you were close for a time.

Jack: Oh, yeah, which made it all the more painful when he cut me out of his life.

Phyllis: Tell me more about the wedding.

Jack: The wedding was small but beautiful. Was a mix of american and vietnamese traditions. Luan wore red. And she was radiant. We wrote our own vows. Luan… my gentle angel, I choose you above all others to share my life with, now and forever.

Phyllis: Wow. It’s truly remarkable how you two found each other again.

Jack: It was nothing short of a miracle. We were supposed to spend the rest of our lives together as a family.

[ Applause ]

Adam: Lauren. Chloe. Well, I hope things are going well with the new fashion line.

Chloe: Yes, they are, and chelsea is in new york right now handling some business, but you probably already know that ’cause I know you two are still in touch regarding connor.

Adam: So, lauren, how — how are you? Have you heard from michael?

Lauren: Well, seeing that he is on business for victor, i would think that you and your father would know more about his status than I would.

Adam: Well, I seriously doubt that. I’m sure that you talk with him far more frequently than we do. Ready for that drink?

Sally: Absolutely. It was really nice talking with you, chloe. Lauren.

Chloe: Hey, you okay?

Lauren: He hasn’t responded to my text, so I called him, he didn’t pick up. I left a message, but…he’s been so good at staying in contact since he’s been in peru, and now this — this silence and adam’s fake nonchalance has me very worried.

Chloe: Oh, first of all, pay no attention to adam. And I’m sure that michael will be in touch with you soon. He probably just doesn’t have cell service and he’s not getting any of your messages.

Lauren: I wish that were true, but I think I — I need more information.

Victor: Yes, lauren. How are you?

Lauren: Well, I’d be a lot better if my husband were responding to my texts and my calls. Have you spoken to him recently?

Victor: Well, yes, of course I’ve been communicating with him. You know, and as soon as he’s finished with his work in south america, he’ll return home.

Lauren: [ Sighs ] Well, if you hear from him, please, please have him call me.

Victor: Of course. Now, you have a good day, alright?

Lauren: Thank you, victor.

Chloe: So did he have any answers?

Lauren: None that make me feel any better. Most bladder leak pads were similar.

Sally: Is everything okay with victor? I know he said it was “family business,” but seeing that I am the coo of one of the newman family enterprises, I think i should be included in what’s going on.

Adam: Hmm.

[ Chuckles ] Don’t push it.

Sally: Fine. But I could tell something was up, and it was far more urgent than a family picnic.

Adam: You have gotten all the details that you’re gonna get. And believe me, it is for your protection. You don’t want to be anywhere near this. Because it might not work out the way that victor hopes.

Victoria: You know you’re entirely self-made. I have nothing to do with the man that you’ve become.

Ashland: I’m not sure that you fully understand how profoundly your love has changed me. Victoria, there are things that I have done in my past that i would never think about doing today now that I’m with you.

Victoria: You’ve been through a lot this past year. I think that’s given you a new perspective.

Ashland: Yes, but it’s your love for me and my love for you that has made me a different and far better man. You somehow have put that other guy [Chuckles] Out of his misery and banished him forever, and for that, I will be eternally grateful.

Victoria: Those are beautiful words, but you know the credit doesn’t belong to me — it belongs to you. And if I’ve learned one thing in my life, it’s that you can’t change a person unless that person wants to be changed.

Ashland: Mm.

Victoria: You are very ambitious and you’re a survivor. Yeah, I know you’ve made some bad choices, but so has my family. They’re not innocent in that, and my father chief among them.

Ashland: That’s true. We all make mistakes, and victor newman is certainly no saint.

Victoria: Which is why I just can’t believe and accept that he has turned on us this way.

Jack: [ Chuckles ]

Phyllis: What is that?

Jack: It’s a statement of paternity. I’m amazed he still had this. I had this drawn up and gave it to him after the wedding ceremony.

Phyllis: He kept it after all this time. Meant something to him.

Jack: Can’t help but wonder just how deeply conflicted he was. If we’d ever had a chance to reconnect, be face-to-face, if i could’ve changed his mind in some way… could’ve re-established a father-son relationship and put all that pain of the past behind us.

Phyllis: Yeah, don’t torture yourself like that. You’re never gonna know.

Jack: What if I had disregarded all those angry e-mails cutting me out of his life? What if I’d just decided to stand firm, to not back off? I mean, I thought I was respecting his wishes — what if that was wrong? Isn’t it a parent’s job to know when a child needs you to push back? To stand firm, to not give up? That there are needs behind all of that anger and accusation?

[ Sighs ]

These are the faces

Phyllis: I don’t think you should go down that path. I know this is hard for you. But it’s also really hard for me…to watch you struggle with something for which there’s no longer a solution.

Jack: Part of why we came here is for closure. I don’t know that I can have that without asking the tough questions.

Phyllis: Hey, I understand, but maybe now is not the time.

[ Sighs ] Let’s — let’s deal with the real reason we came here — the mystery behind who’s sending the texts.

Jack: Yeah. Yeah, you’re right. We should stay focused.

[ Sniffs ] I need to get out of here. I…

[ Sighs ] It’s just been a long day. I —

Phyllis: Yeah, it has.

Jack: [ Sighs ]

Phyllis: All of those people meant something to keemo. Could one of them be behind who is sending those text messages?

Sally: Just answer one question for me.

Adam: No.

Sally: Come on, hear me out. If victor’s plan with ashland and victoria — whatever it is — fails, will the fallout affect you?

Adam: I doubt it. At least not in a negative way.

Sally: What do you mean?

Adam: If…if victor miscalculated and it creates a rift with victoria, the dynamic could dramatically change at newman/locke…which might just end up working in my favor.

[ Cellphone rings ]

Ashland: Hello, victor. I’ve been expecting your call.

Victor: No more stalling. You have one hour or I take everything I know straight to victoria.

Ashland: Hmm.

[ Sighs ] Do it. I’m not going anywhere.

Next week on

“the young and the restless”…

Kevin: There are a million logical reasons to explain why michael’s been out of touch. You know he can take care of himself.

Lauren: I do, and that’s why I’m so worried.

Ashland: You’ve spoken to victor.

Nate: Tell me you haven’t been lying to me and the entire newman family this whole time.

Jack: This was not here last time.

Phyllis: Huh. It’s a picture of a young girl. Says “allie” with a phone number.

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