Over, Done, Kaput

Belle picks up Claire, "This is a big day for you. You're going home!"

Shawn and Mimi come in, "That's great news," says Shawn. Phillip is at Billie's arraignment. Mimi and Shawn will take Belle home.

Shawn takes baby Claire and bounces her, jarring her new liver, and says, "I feel like she's family."

Bonnie watches and thinks, "Oh, Shawn, you can never find out that Claire is your daughter."

John, Marlena and Alex stand outside. John claps his hands and says, "Our granddaughter is going home! Alex doesn’t need to hang around. I can make sure you get home just fine. North really has nothing to do with our granddaughter."

"No he doesn't," says Marlena, "Not yet. We’re renewing our wedding vows, though and that will change things."

"You are making a big mistake," says Frankie.

"She's just a kid," says Billie.

"She's 18," says Frankie

Billie says, "When I was Chelsea's age my mother wasn't around when I needed her, and I want to be here for Chelsea. I told her she can count on me."

Patrick grabs Chelsea and tells her he knows what happened, "I have proof. So just admit it before your mother takes the fall. You killed Zach!"

Caroline tells Bo to tell Hope the truth. "I know," says Bo, "Before she finds out from someone else, I have to tell her the truth."

Hope walks in and says, "The truth? About what?" Caroline says she will let the two of them talk privately. As she leaves, she gives Bo a killer stare. Hope wants to know what's up.

Alex tells Marlena John is right; John and Marlena should spend some time with Claire. He will go back and do some work and think evil thoughts. Alex leaves. John squints. He really should go have an eye exam while he is there in the hospital.

Marlena goes into Claire's room. Shawn suggests he and Mimi should leave Belle and Marlena alone. Shawn and Mimi leave. Belle and Marlena make over Claire. Belle wishes it hadn't been at Zach's expense. Marlena tells Belle about renewing her vows with Alex. She asks her to be there and be happy for her. No dice. Belle wants Marlena to get her memory back so she can remember how much Marlena loves John.

Mimi tells Shawn she asked Belle to be her matron of honor. Shawn asked Phillip. Oh, the joy. Shawn says he really doesn't want to rush into this. It won't be a happy thing if the family is still mourning. Mimi agrees. He takes her hand and promises to get her a real engagement ring.

Frankie says Billie isn't setting a good example for Chelsea. Billie doesn't want him to defend her, "I am responsible for Zach's death. That's my story and I'm sticking to it."

Patrick grills Chelsea. He flashes back to watching the video. Chelsea stands firm. He tells her she will regret it someday if she lets Billie do this.

Hope begs Bo to tell her what's going on. The idiot stammers around and suggests they go somewhere private. Hope wants to stay there so she can see Billie's arraignment. She wants to know why he is so anxious to get out of there. Hope sees something across the room, "OMG, Bo!"

Shawn says Zach's death hasn't even sunk in yet.

Bonnie watches, "Mimi, you'd better not wait too long to get hitched. If Shawn finds out, you can kiss him goodbye."

John busts into Claire's room. He has to get Marlena to change her mind about Alex.

Marlena says, "You're not giving up, eh?"

"I'm sorry," says John, "I don't speak Canadian. But if you're asking if I am giving up, you didn't think I would did you?"

They pack up to go. John suggests Marlena go with Belle. He has something to do.

"You've been using me, Alex," says Lois.

"We've been using each other," says Alex.

"I thought you loved me," says Lois, "Now I'm not so sure."

"We've been over this plan a dozen times," says Alex.

Lois rants, "Now I'm going to be locked up again while you are with Marlena. I heard you are renewing your wedding vows. Don't do this to me again."

"Just calm down," barks Alex, "Look at me. Everything is going exactly as I planned, but you have to trust me."

"I want to," she says.

"Good," says Alex, "We are both going to get exactly what we want, an acting job on a show that doesn't suck."

John comes in. He flails his arms like PCP-Diddy and asks, "What the hell would you be doing in here?"

Back at the loft. Belle lays Claire into her crib and says to Marlena, "Claire knows she will always be protected by Shawn and me."

"Are you aware of what you just said," asks Marlena.

Shawn tells Mimi he can't wait to adopt and start a family with her. He asks what about naming their first son after Zach. Mimi would love to do that.

Hope sees a bag of Zach's PJ's. They are there for evidence, I guess. They are in a plastic bag, squished down flat as a pancake, which proves he was run over. Hope breaks down. Bo goes to get her some water. Outside, the nitwit tells Caroline he can't tell her right now. Caroline goes for the water Bo goes back in. Just as Bo gets to her, Hope faints. Bo catches her.

Billie is sorry Frankie wasted his time, but she doesn't want his help. He advises her not to go through this on her own. She tells him she expects him to keep this to himself. "As your attorney," he says, "I'll keep your confidence." She thanks him and hugs him. They hear Patrick yelling in the hall.

Patrick tells the little slimeball he will spill the beans if she doesn't. Billie runs out and screams, "No you won't! Leave her alone, Patrick!"

John asks Alex if holding Lois' hand is the 'work' he was going to do, "You look awfully chummy for two people who used to hate each other."

"I am her psychiatrist," says Alex, "I came by to make sure she no longer poses a threat to Marlena. I realize she just tried to throw her off the roof, but I thought perhaps there had been a miracle recovery."

Belle says Shawn is Claire's godfather and that's what she meant. Marlena thinks that's pretty lame. She reminds Belle she called Shawn's name when she was in labor. Belle assures her it means nothing. She loves Shawn because of what he has done for Claire, "It isn't just gratitude for what Shawn has done. Something happened and it was weird." She tells Marlena about the dream she and Shawn had. Zach said Belle and Shawn belong together.

"Well," says Marlena, "My question is, do you think that is true?"

Saved by the doorbell. It's Bonnie. She brought groceries so they can celebrate the homecoming. Mimi isn't exactly happy to see her. Bonnie says, "Pages are falling off the calendar. You could lose Shawn like you lost Rex. You'd better do something to bag Shawn quick."

Shawn walks up, "What's going on?"

Patrick tells Billie he knows Chelsea was driving Bo's SUV. Billie insists this is what is best for Chelsea, "If Hope finds out, she will flip out. I am doing this to save their marriage and for Chelsea."

Patrick wheels around and asks the little snot, "Are you gonna just stand there and let this happen?" The brat stands there and lets it happen.

Bo carries Hope to a seat. He tells her she shouldn't be there today. Hope says, "I couldn't get through this without you, Brady. Just stay with me."

Bo insists, "There is no reason for us to be here."

"I have to be here for Zach," says Hope, "As long as I have you to lean on I can handle it. If need you. If I lost you..."

"That's not gonna happen," says Bo, "I love you very much. We'll be together for all the Days Of Our Lives no matter what."

Billie rushes between Patrick and Chelsea. Frankie watches. "I've been a lousy daughter," cries the brat, "I killed someone, and I will always have to live with that. How will I ever be able to thank you?"

"I'm your mother," says Billie, "I will always protect you. You haven't been a lousy daughter. You'd have to improve to be lousy. She turns and tells Frankie she doesn't need an attorney. She fires him. He wishes her the best and leaves.

Chelsea tells her maybe she shouldn't have done that. Billie says things will be fine. Patrick jumps in and tells her, "Trying to cover this up is suicidal."

Hope goes to freshen up. Caroline bawls Bo out. "Be the man I raised you to be. Suck it up and do it."

"I wish I could do that," says Bo, "If there is one thing I can do, it's suck. If this was about me I would. But I am the only thing holding her together. If I told her, she wouldn't want anything to do with me."

"She will find out second hand," says Caroline, "Is that what you want?"

"I know she will never forgive me," says Bo, "But this is the choice I have. Either I tell her now, when she is vulnerable or I tell her later when it will hurt more. I would lay down my life to keep her from this pain."

Shawn asks, "Excuse me, Bonnie, but did you just tell Mimi to bag me?"

Bonnie says, "You two are engaged. I'd say she already has. What I said was these bags are heavy."

Shawn helps with the bags as Bonnie pulls Mimi outside. They argue. Bonnie says, "If you don't marry Shawn soon, you will be the next one grieving. Your relationship with him will be over, done, kaput!"

Belle tells Marlena everything else Zach said came true. Marlena says if Belle is in love with Shawn, she has to resolve things before he marries Mimi, "We have a lot in common. We both have two men in our lives. I was married before I met your father. I know you don’t like it. But that’s the person with whom I belong. Not with your dad."

John asks Alex if he is sure Lois doesn't pose a threat to Marlena. Alex says he will know after Lois' treatment. John says, "Sometimes it takes a while, but I usually figure out what the game is and when I do, your days with Marlena are over." He leaves.

"That is one determined man," says Lois.

"John is no match for me," insists Alex, "By the time he gets wise to me, the deed will be done. Lois, please stop worrying. We don't have much more to do here. Just follow my instructions and you will get everything you deserve." Hug.

John has been transported to the loft. He tells Marlena he found Lois and Alex together. Marlena insists Alex is a wonderful man. If John is trying to drive a wedge between them, it will not work. She leaves. John chases her. Belle wonders.

Shawn asks if Belle is OK. She says she is. Claire is her little miracle. She thinks of Zach and apologizes for bringing him up. Shawn tells her not to do that. He can't wait for kids of his own. He is happy for Belle and Phillip, "True love is wonderful."

"And you have Mimi," says Belle.

Bonnie and Mimi watch the tender scene. Bonnie drags Mimi back out. Mimi tells her, "I am not pressuring him for a date!"

"This wedding will never happen," says Bonnie.

Mimi asks, "How do you know? Have you been consulting with fortune tellers again?"

Bonnie yells, "This is not about fortune tellers. It's about Claire."

Mimi asks, "Claire?"

Bonnie screams, "She's Shawn's daughter, Mimi!" You could drive a Mack Truck through Mimi's mouth.

Frankie tells Caroline he is off the case. She asks if he knows; he asks if she knows. They know. "It will be a disaster," says Frankie.

"It will be the end of Bo and Hope's marriage," says Caroline.

Billie is determined to plead guilty. Bo and Hope walk up as they argue. Patrick says, "You have to stop lying, Billie."

Hope yells, "Dammit! Is anyone going to tell me what the hell is going on here?" Not a chance, Hope. They're gonna drag this out until the cows not only come home, but grow old and die. FF on poor Hope.


Previews
========

The little brat begs Max, "You have to take me somewhere far away where they will never find me. Please say you will help me!"

Mimi says, "I knew this was too good to be true." Bonnie asks, "What are you talking about?" Mimi says, "There is no way I can marry Shawn now."

Sami says, "She said that you are two completely different people now, and that it's over between the two of you." Austin says, "I'm not giving up. No matter what she says."

Lucas says to Carrie, "Austin Reed and company. Our first order of business will be to crush them."

Patrick's Boytoy

Lucas, Carrie and Sami walk into the courthouse. They can't believe Zach is gone. They can't believe Billie did it. Sami wants Billie put away for a long time. Carrie wants a little sensitivity. Lucas wants a little peace and quiet.

"There are Bo and Hope," says Carrie, "I should go offer my condolences."

Sami says, "I don't know where Austin is. He's supposed to be here."

Lucas snipes, "He's probably out planning a corporate raid."

"Oh," says Sami, "you were going to do the same thing until you found out it was St. Carrie's company. We both know it's just business. But we do stand to gain something on a personal level."

"One of us does," says Lucas, "Before you get all fired up about Austin and Carrie splitting, there is something you should know."

Caroline and Chelsea meet. She tells the brat she just talked with Max, "And I think you know what he told me."

Hope tells Bo the brat is taking this harder than she thought. She prays the little snot learns form this. Bo thinks she probably will. Carrie comes up and offers condolences, "Is there anything I can do?"

"Right now," says Hope, "there is just one thing I want. To see Billie go to jail."

Austin tells Kate Frankie has decided to take Billie's case.

Billie protests, "I don't need no stinkin' lawyer."

Frankie comes in and overhears, "I wouldn't be so sure about that."

Patrick paces and takes notes. He flashes back to talking to Billie in the police station. The ever-skeptical Patrick doesn't buy her story. Back to reality. Patrick knows Billie didn't do this. He checks the map, "Whoever is responsible would have taken this route. No one I talk to saw a thing." He sees the security camera, "I may be able to prove Billie wasn't driving that car after all."

Hope thanks Carrie for being there. Carrie says it's good to be home. She's sorry she didn't get to know Zach.

"Damn Billie Reed," cries Hope.

Bo stops her, "Don’t..."

"Don't what," snaps Hope, "Don't hate your ex-wife for killing our son? I want this over with. I'm going to see what the hold up is."

Hope leaves. Bo tells Carrie, "Hope can't accept that Billie really isn't at fault. Things are gonna get worse before they get better."

Carrie says, "This is Salem. That's the way it always happens. Only the 'better' part never comes."

Caroline and the brat talk. Caroline says Max told her how upset the little snot is about Zach. She knows it's difficult for the brat, knowing Billie is responsible. The creep says it was just an accident. Caroline says the judge is tough. The brat needs to prepare herself because of Billie's prior record. The brat wants to know, "What prior record? You mean that little bar fight?"

"Things in her past... things that might make the judge less lenient," says Caroline, "There is a good chance she could do hard time."

Billie is upset they hired Frankie behind her back. She doesn't want an attorney, "Let's just get this over with." Kate says she is going to fight. Frankie the great attorney stands there like a bump on a log while they argue. Billie finally agrees, but she's not changing her plea.

Kate begs Frankie to talk some sense into her as she leaves. Frankie tells Billie her story doesn't make sense. Billie stares.

Patrick goes into the convenience store and walks up to the clerk.

"Hiiii-hiiii, big boy. What can I do for you."

"I'd like to see the tapes from your security camera," says Patrick.

"Ooooo," says Lance, "Are you a private dick?"

"I beg your pardon?"

Lance says, "You know... like Mike hammer or my all time favorite, Shaft. If I let you see the tapes, what's in it for me?"

Sami isn't interested in what Lucas has to say. Lucas says he can save her some time and disappointment. Sami asks, "Who left who at the altar?"

"Who lied to who at the altar," asks Lucas, "I just had a conversation with my brother. He was talking about Carrie. I don't want to bore you with the details, but you don't have a snowball's chance in hell of getting him back. He said he was still in love with Carrie."

"She isn't going to take him back," insists Sami.

Lucas says, "I don't think he'll be looking for a replacement any time soon."

"He just needs time."

"When is it going to sink in," asks Lucas, "Austin will never love you as much as Carrie. He doesn’t want to be with you."

Carrie comes up as Lucas leaves and says Sami should offer condolences to Bo and Hope. Sami says they don't want her condolences. She's showing her support by being here. She asks how Carrie is doing. Carrie is feeling better. Sami helped her see Austin for what he is. Carrie asks, "What about you and Lucas?"

Sami asks, "What about us?"

Carrie says, "Is it really over between the two of you?"

Kate and Lucas run into each other. Kate tells him Billie needs support. "So do Bo and Hope," says Lucas. Kate doesn't think Billie should be blamed for this. Lucas wonders why she would drive away like she did. Kate tells him she hired Frankie. She tells him Austin is here.

"So, you haven't heard," asks Lucas, "He bought out Carrie's company in a hostile takeover. Nice guy, huh?"

Kate asks, "Why would he do something like that?"

"Apparently Nicole was trigger-happy and didn't do her homework," says Lucas, "When they found out, it was too late. The company was Carrie's baby. Now, she's trying to pull the knife out of her back."

"It's just business," says Kate.

"They do business in a different way," says Lucas, "Now Carrie wants nothing to do with him."

"I'm going to talk to her," says Kate.

"No," insists Lucas, "you're going to stay the hell out of it."

Patrick says, "Well, if it's money you want..."

"No-no," says Lance, "I don't want money, handsome. I thought maybe you could give me your number and we could have a martini down at Alice's." Patrick scribbles his number on a piece of paper and asks for the tapes.

Austin leaves Billie and Frankie to talk. Frankie tells Billie there was no way she could have killed Zach because she was on a jet at the time, "Who are you covering for?"

Caroline tells the brat, "The DA will bring up Billie's prior offenses to get the maximum sentence. But let's not worry about it until it happens."

Hope spoke to the assistant DA. It will be a closed arraignment. Only family is allowed. Hope gets a message on her cell phone, "Mommy, it's Zach. I have to speak to you form school. Mommy... pick up." Bo and Hope fall into each other's arms.

Sami assures Carrie it's over between her and Lucas.

"Now you're doing that thing with your lip," says Carrie. Sami doesn't understand. Carrie says, "That thing you do. It's the same thing you used to do when Dad wouldn't give you a cookie after dinner. You still want Lucas."

"Of course," says Sami, "But he won't have anything to do with me. I miss him and I wish things were different. But I have to move on."

"Are you sure," asks Carrie, "Maybe he still loves you."

"He doesn't," says Sami, "He hates me and will never forgive me just like you will never forgive Austin."

Kate tells Lucas she just wants to help. Lucas says whenever she butts in, things don't work out. "What about when I protected Phillip," asks Kate.

"What?"

Kate throws it in reverse, "Never mind."

"Austin and Carrie have had a lot of problems in the past," says Lucas, "Maybe Carrie and I should be together."

Kate is suspicious, "Are you happy about all this?"

"Just stay out of it all right," says Lucas.

Kate says, "I have a feeling you had something to do with this."

"You give me too much credit," says Lucas, "It was Austin's fault."

Kate says, "And now you're just standing by, ready to pick up the pieces of Carrie's heart."

Austin overhears, "Over my dead body."

"Here we are, big boy," says Lance, "...the tape in question." He slaps it into the player, "Care for some popcorn?"

"No thanks."

"Well, I know it's not that kind of movie," says Lance, "but maybe laatteerr..."

"For now," says Patrick, "Let's just roll the tape."

"Your wish is my command," says Lance, "What are we looking for anyway?"

"I'll know it when I see it," says Patrick.

A customer comes in. "Oh, no," says Lance, "It's 'pays-with-pennies-guy.'" The customer drops a load of change onto the floor." Lance says, "And he just dropped all of them. I'll be right back." He flicks his wrist at the monitor, "Let me know if I'm missing anything."

The clerk sashays away. Patrick considers the possibilities, and then turns to the monitor, "Come on. Show me it wasn't Billie driving Bo's SUV."

Frankie tells Billie he knows the exact time her plane landed, and the exact time the limo picked her up, "There is no way you could have done this."

Billie insists, "I am not covering for anyone." Anyone worth a damn, anyway.

"Then you won't have any trouble with me presenting this evidence to the court."

"Damn," thinks Billie, "Where's Mickey when you need him. She says, "Frankie, no, please don't. I'm begging you. No one can now that Chelsea killed... Zach."

Caroline wants to know what is wrong with the little slime smear. The show isn't long enough to cover it all, so she claims she is just sad for her mom. Caroline tells the brat she is there for her as she goes off to check on Hope.

Hope cries. Bo tells Caroline they heard Zach on the cell phone alarm. Hope needs a moment to herself. Bo tells Caroline Hope is trying hard to be strong.

"Thank God you've got each other," says Caroline.

"I've screwed up," says Bo, "Let's go inside to talk." Inside the courtroom, he tells her he hasn't told Hope what really happened, "Billie isn't the one who hit Zach. Chelsea is."

Caroline reels back, "OMG! are you sure?"

"Yeah."

"I was just speaking to her," says Caroline, "No wonder she was so upset."

Bo says, "She's not the one to blame. I gave her permission to drive my car. I was gonna be tougher on her but I backed down. Because of me, my son is dead." Caroline stares.

Carrie says Austin has been a disappointment. She can't ever look at him again, "At least not in the same way."

Sami decides they both have to move on with their lives. After an appropriate period of two seconds Sami tells Carrie she thinks Austin might still have feelings for her. She wants to know if it's OK with Carrie if she "pursues the possibility" of a future with him.

Austin tells Lucas to stay away from Carrie. Lucas tells him to worry about this new company that he stole from her. Austin vows to get her back. Lucas tells Austin, "You can raid as many companies as you want. But when the time comes, Titan is going to destroy you just like you did Carrie's company. Then you'll see first hand how Carrie felt when you destroyed her life."

"Bring it on man," booms Austin, "Give it your best shot. You're not going to win when it comes to Carrie."

"We'll just see," says Lucas as he walks off.

Kate tells Austin, "Lucas knows he doesn’t have a chance with Carrie."

Austin threatens, "If he has done anything to keep us apart, he is a dead man. I don't care if he is my brother."

Carrie says, "It is over with Austin and me. Go for it. Knock yourself out."

The brat calls Max and asks him to come down to the courthouse, "The truth is going to come out, and I am going to jail."

Caroline tells Bo he has to tell the truth. Bo takes out a dictionary, "Let's see... truth... oh, yeah, truth. You're right, I gotta tell Hope the truth."

Of course, Hope walks in at that point and asks, "Truth?"

Frankie says, "Your daughter is the one who hit Zach. Now this makes sense."

Billie flashes back to confronting the little creep. The brat insists, "I just thought I hit a pothole. A squishy one." Billie tells the brat she will do whatever it takes to protect her.

Back to reality. Billie tells Frankie she's not just doing this for Chelsea but for Bo, too. She tells him the story of the temporary license, "If the truth came out, Bo and Hope's marriage would be over. And so would Chelsea's whole life."

"What about yours," says Frankie, "If you go through with this, what will happen to you?" Billie stares.

Patrick plays with the remote, "That's it."

Patrick's boytoy sways back into the scene, "Find what you're looking for?"

"I think so," says Patrick, "Just a few more frames... OMG... I don't believe it!"

"Don't tell me you're looking for her," says Lance, "She comes in here all the time. She's got an attitude up to here. Hardly the criminal type. OhMyGod, what did she do." Another customer comes in. "Hold that thought," he says, "I'll be right back." He leaves.

"So that's why Billie is doing this," says Patrick, "She's protecting Chelsea!" The monitor shows the little slime job on her mission of death. Fade out with a double shot of Patrick and Billie.

Previews
========

Alex assures Lois, "We are both going to get exactly what we want." John comes in and asks, "What the hell would you be doing in here?"

Marlena tells Belle, "That’s the person with whom I belong. Not with your dad."

Bonnie yells, "This is not about fortune tellers. It's about Claire." Mimi asks, "Claire?" Bonnie screams, "She's Shawn's daughter, Mimi."

Patrick says, "You have to stop lying, Billie." Hope yells, "Dammit! Is anyone going to tell me what the hell is going on here?"

Naked As Jaybirds

Phillip and Belle talk about bringing Claire home. Phillip says maybe they shouldn't be so happy given Shawn's circumstances. Shawn says is OK, he understands and he's glad Zach could give Claire her life back. Belle remembers the blanket and angel, and says Zach is now Claire's angel. Mimi talks about the other families who received Zach's organs. Phillip promises Claire nothing will ever take her away from them again.

Bonnie tells Kate, "You may rule the boardroom, honey, but I'm the queen of the real world. And in the real world no one gives me the flip and gets away with it." Bonnie repeats, "Shawn is the real Daddy of baby Claire."

"I don't know what you are talking about," says Kate.

"Don't insult my intelligence," says Bonnie. Kate gets up to leave.

"Park your keester back down here. You and I both know, Phillip is not her father. Shawn is."

John has brought Marlena to her office to spend time alone. Marlena doesn't like it and says Alex wouldn't like it either. John says, "We need to talk about what's going to happen to our family now that you've decided to be with another man."

Alex and Lois are liplocked. Alex comes up for air, "Admit it, Lois, you've missed me as much as I've missed you."

Marlena says, "When you talk about our family, I assume you're talking about the children we share."

"Specifically," says John, "[D]Izzy and the grandchild. To hell with the rest of them. What with her postpartum and the problems with Claire, it's a lot to handle on her own."

"She's not alone," says Marlena, "She has Phillip. I don't remember much about raising Belle, but it's obvious we did something right."

"She and Phillip have gone through hell. This isn't the time to abandon her," says John.

Marlena raises her voice, "I'm not doing that. I'm here for both of them. I'm trying. I can't help the amnesia."

"You might want to consider another therapist," says John, "One who would want to help you."

"You can't help yourself, can you," says Marlena, "You almost killed Alex and he saved my life."

"And you can't remember our past and want to throw it away. You're giving up on me. I chose you because you are my wife." says John.

"Really," says Marlena, "What do you want from me?"

"I think our daughter needs the support of her family right now."

"I think she would enjoy having her nuclear family back. You know what, so would Sami. So what do I do? Stay with you? Stay with Roman? These children are grown. They have moved on. I think it's time you do the same thing."

John flails his arms like a crazed maestro, "All I'm saying is we need to be there for Belle. Is that so wrong? We witnessed Belle's miracle. I'm kinda hoping for a miracle of my own. My God, I took vows, and that means something to John Black."

"I have no interest in reconciling with a man I don't even remember as a husband. I love Alex and right now I'm gonna go check on him."

John grabs her and says, "You're not going anywhere." Neither is the plot.

Lois attacks Alex like a teenage mink. He tells her to cool it. Someone might be watching. "You're not going to believe this," says Lois, "I actually thought you were trying to save Marlena's life. That you loved her more than any woman has been loved. What's it like – pretending to be in love with a woman you hate as much as Marlena?" Alex stares.

Mimi and Belle go for coffee. Phillip says, "I want to say something to you, but I don't know how to say it without it sounding lame."

"I would be surprised if it came from you and didn't sound lame," says Shawn.

"You lost your little brother, but he's still here. And I will never forget your standing beside Belle and me."

Shawn says, "If you are asking me if I would sacrifice my little brother's life so that my daughter could live, I don't think anyone would say 'yes' to that. Now Claire has a chance to live. I would have done anything for her.

Belle tells Mimi her support has meant a lot. "Shawn's not like other guys," says Mimi, "It's almost like Claire is therapy to him. She means so much to him... as if she were his own daughter."

"She is," says Belle as she walks away. Mimi does a double-take.

Kate tells Bonnie her accusation could cause a lot of pain. Bonnie says, "I notice you're not saying it's not true."

"I'm saying it's outrageous," says Kate.

"I agree," says Bonnie, "It's outrageous for any man to pretend he's the father of another man's child."

"PHILLIP IS NOT PRETENDING ANYTHING," says Kate.

"You're right," says Bonnie, "He's clueless. He also doesn't know Claire is Shawn's daughter. Let's cut the bull. Claire belongs to Shawn and that's just the plain unvarnished truth." Kate wonders how Bonnie came to this conclusion. "You're not the only snoop in town. Mimi got suspicious when Phillip's blood type didn't match Claire's, but Belle and Shawn did. Then I heard about your generous honeymoon offer and I put two and two together. Mimi doesn't know. I told her not to give it another thought. So, are you just suspicious or do you know-know?"

"I know-know," says Kate, "I underestimated you. You're a lot more clever than I thought, Bonnie. So what do you want?"

"Same thing you want."

"I want my son to be happy," says Kate.

"And I want my daughter to be happy. I'm all for keeping Belle and Shawn in the dark about this. You with me?" Kate smiles.

Marlena asks John if he thinks manhandling her would win her back. He backs down and says he just wanted her to look around the room. John gives a tour. Marlena isn't impressed, "Alex risked his life for me. Have you done that, John?"

"Once or twice," he whispers.

"I'm sorry," says Marlena, "I don't remember it. But Alex did save me up on the roof. And it's like you want to punish him for it. Do you have any idea how that hurts me? If he hadn't done that I'd be dead right now."

"I don't believe that for a second," says John.

"Well, there we are," says Marlena, "You're wrong." She turns to leave.

"And you're wrong if you think I'm going to let you go," says John as he shuts the door.

"Oh," says Alex, "I don't hate Marlena... Actually I pity her for confusing her subconscious fear of me for feelings of love."

Lois laughs, "How could she possible think you love her after what you did to her years ago. You brought on her first bout of hysterical amnesia."

"Unfortunately," says Alex, "I didn't get the chance."

"Now that you have me helping you, you'll get rid of her. Just proceed slowly. Be cautious," says Lois.

"Why," asks Alex, "What have you done?"

"Nothing."

"If you've messed things up for me...," says Alex, "Do not jeopardize my mission."

"I'm not," insists Lois, "I'm just trying to tell you that John black is smarter than he looks. He might interfere."

"I admit," says Alex, "that John Black has been a formidable foe, but he's lost Marlena forever."

"I miss you," says Lois, "When are you gonna get me out of here? We will be together – say it."

"We will," says Alex, "But first, I have my business to take care of. Be understanding."

"I will," she says, "But all these years shut away from society..."

"Lovely looney Lois... Don't worry."

"What if John insists in protecting that dumb blonde," she asks.

"We're talking about Marlena," says Alex, "Not her daughter." I hold her fate in my hands and there is nothing John black can do to save her."

"Claire is Shawn's," says Mimi, "Did you just say that?"

"Well no," says Belle, "It was just another cheap DOOL plot thing. Anyone who actually bought it would have to be as dumb as I am to say it. You know what I meant. He thinks of her that way. Phillip and I were thinking of what we would do with Claire if anything happened to us. We thought of our families and that's kind of a mess to say the very least, so we thought of you and Shawn. Zach's death was kind of random. None of us can count on being here tomorrow." Especially this show if it doesn't get a good storyline going.

They turn to talk of the wedding. Belle asks how Mimi will ever be able to choose one of the georgeous dresses Kate is offering. "I'm not sure I'm going to choose anything," says Mimi, "I'm not sure there will be a wedding at all." And the idiocy just keeps rolling on.

Coincidentally, Phillip and Shawn talk about the wedding. Phillip says, "I've seen how much Mimi loves you. Are you having second thoughts about marrying her?" Shawn stares.

"Sounds like you know more than I do," says Kate.

"Well," says Bonnie, "I talked to an EMT I used to date. He was on duty the night they rescued Belle and Shawn. They found them in the blazing barn, naked as Jaybirds."

"And they were confused and disoriented as usual," says Kate, "and that's how it happened."

"Don't look so glum, chum," says Bonnie, "They survived, they made Claire and they don't remember. And that's the way it's going to stay unless someone does something stupid and tells them." They both vow not to say anything.

"We have a deal then," says Kate. She sticks our her hand to shake.

"Kate," says Bonnie, "You're skipping a step."

"Excuse me?"

"You're rich," says Bonnie, "You want to seal our deal... You gotta meet my price."

John and Marlena go over well trodden ground providing a perfect zapping opportunity.

"The plan," says Alex, "is Marlena will keep telling John she doesn't love her until he has no choice but to believe her. And then..."

"I know," says Lois, "...Kate." Oh, that is some diabolical plan. How do they come up with these complex storylines?

"I'm amazed at how brilliantly you planted that seed in John's brain. And the amazing thing is Kate really does love him. Sooner or later he will bite," says Alex."

"Bite...," says Lois, "You're right... this really bites."

"Sooner or later John will want a woman next to him in his bed. And since he can't have Marlena... everything is going according to plan," says Alex, "John has always been right about me, but who's going to believe him now. There is no way he can prove it."

Shawn says he really does want to marry Mimi. Phillip encourages him to take his mom up on the offer. He convinces Shawn. They hand-butt. Shawn asks him to be his best man.

Mimi just thinks the timing is bad for the wedding. And she's not into eloping. Belle tells her this is her home and her family is here and she shouldn't settle for eloping if she doesn't want to. They hug. It's the female equivalent of a hand-butt. Mimi also doesn't want to settle for one of Kate's crummy wedding dresses. She wants to wear Caroline Brady's crummy wedding dress, "Shawn did say I looked beautiful in it." The blood drains from Belle's head and she walks away.

Bonnie lays out her demands. A truckload of makeup. She wants Alice's to be the place for the reception. She wants Basic Black to design a dress for the 'full figured' gal. She pulls a piece of paper out of her purse and hands it to Kate, "Strike while the iron is hot and this one is on fire." Kate will get right on it. Bonnie vows, "The truth will follow me to my grave."

"If that truth does slip out," says Kate, "An early grave can be arranged."

Bonnie says her lips are buttoned. Kate warns her again and then leaves. Bonnie pulls out a flask and 'improves' the coffee, "I had the brass ring. Maggie stole it from me. I'll get it for my daughter, though."

Belle is surprised Mimi would want to wear Caroline's dress. Mimi says, "Zach would have been the ring bearer. Maybe Claire can be the flower girl."

"I hope you won't wait that long," says Belle. Mimi says she has seen kids that young do it before, "Their mom just carried them in the flowers." Mimi asks Belle to be her maid of honor. Belle agrees. Another girl-hand-butt.

Phillip agrees to be best man, "Friendship never dies."

"No matter what," asks Shawn.

"No matter what," says Phillip. Claire cries. Yeah, no matter what. Phillip picks her up and hands her to Shawn. Oh! The bonding!

Kate comes up to Marlena's office door and hears John and Marlena talking. Marlena says, "You're going to have to stop loving me, John. You won't be too deprived." You can say that again. "You still have feelings for Kate. And she's a lovely woman."

"Yes she is," says John, "I have feelings for her. But it's not the way I feel for you." Kate walks away.

"Alex and I deserve to be happy," says Marlena, "You just have to let me go." She leaves.

"I can't," says John.

Lois asks, "What happens if Marlena regains her memory."

"It won't make any difference," says Alex, "By the time that happens, it will be too late for anyone to save her."


Previews
========

Carrie asks, "What about you and Lucas?" Sami asks, "What about us?" Carrie says, "Is it really over between the two of you?"

Lucas tells Austin, "You can raid as many companies as you want. But when the time comes, Titan is going to destroy you just like you did Carrie's company."

Billie tells Frankie, "I'm begging you. No one can now that Chelsea killed... Zach."

Bo says, "I gotta tell Hope the truth." Hope asks, "Truth?"

She Can Make Your Stock Rise And Give Off Dividends

The nurse checks Claire. Bonnie comes in. The nurse slowly turns and shuts off Claire's life support. Bonnie freaks.

Alex asks if Marlena is up for this. "My daughter needs me," says Marlena.

"Of course she does," says Alex, "But this is also where Lois tried to kill you last night, so returning to the scene of the crime might not be a very good idea." Last night... Holy Cow! I think we've hit a new day. I was beginning to think this was an episode of '24.'

"It doesn't matter to me," says Marlena, "I'm not turning my back on my family."

Alex asks, "Does that include John?" Marlena stares.

John squints. He looks in on Lois. Standing beside him, Kate says, "She gives me the creeps."

John has questions. Kate doesn't think he can trust her answers. Lois sees them through the window and says, "I seeeeee you waaaaatching me. I know exaaaaaactly what you want." John gives her an eyebrow and a smirk.

Patrick grills the cops. He asks them about the route Billie would have taken from the hospital to the spot where she allegedly stole Bo's vehicle. "Allegedly," asks the cop, ""Billie is guilty. She confessed."

"Look," says Patrick pointing at the map, "Is this the most likely spot or not."

"Yeah," says the cop, "That's it. Come on... we gotta roll. The doughnut shop gets crowded this time of day."

Hope comforts the brat, "You're not responsible. I won't hold Billie's actions against you."

The little pus sack lies, "I promise I wouldn't do anything to hurt people the way she did."

Bo comes up, "I can't do this any more. Hope needs to know how you're involved in this."

The nurse smiles and leaves. Mimi assures Bonnie Claire is fine. She doesn't need the machines any more. Bonnie is ecstatic and hands Phillip a gift basket. Bonnie turns to Shawn and says, "They have your little brother to thank for that. Or else they would have two dead babies to bury instead of one." Such a way with words.

Mimi wants to crawl in a hole, "MOOOOOOM!" Bonnie apologizes.

Marlena tells Alex she and John share a grandchild, "But I want US to spend our lives together. You were my first love, my first husband. And now we will spend all the Days Of Our Lives together." Kiss.

Lois babbles, "I know what you want John – Marlena. Just as I want Alex. But you can't have her and I can't have him, because they have each other. Life is just a bitch isn't it? Speaking of bitches, there is a bright side for you. Marlena may not want you but Kate sure does. Isn't that right, Kate? You think I don't know she used to be a hooker? I'll bet she is so much hotter than that prissy Marlena. I'll bet she does everything she can to make your Basic Black stock rise and give off dividends."

John says to Kate, "You're right. She is crazy."

"Are you sure about that," asks Lois, "Let me ask you... Is Alex right? Am I the danger to your precious Marlena or am I telling the truth, and you should be worried about Alex? Decisions, decisions. Alex will do anything to get what he wants."

Hope tells Bo this is tearing the little snot apart. Bo tries to butt in but Hope shuts him up, "Shawn and Chelsea have to come first."

The brat asks to talk to Bo in private. They go into Roman's cone of silence. Patrick sighs and goes to talk to Hope. Hope asks, "Are you here to see your girlfriend? The woman who murdered my son."

Bonnie says she didn't mean that the way it sounded. She rambles. She breaks out the gifts to celebrate Claire's recovery and Shawn and Mimi's engagement.

"She's crazy," says Kate, trying to pull John away, "She's trying to play you."

Lois shouts through the window, "Is that what you think I'm trying to do, John?"

John growls, "I think you're trying to take advantage of the fact I don't trust Alex, yeah."

"BINGO," says Lois, "That's exactly right. He has an agenda. He's trying to destroy Marlena. And you have an agenda, too, Kate Roberts. You want Alex to be Marlena's knight in shining armor so you can wind up with prince charming here."

"No," insists Kate, "I'm trying to help get Marlena back into his life."

"John," says Lois, "I know three things. Alex is in love with Marlena, Kate is in love with you and my biggest mistake was loving Alex. No... Come to think of it, my biggest mistake was not getting rid of Marlena. MWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

John and Kate leave. Lois becomes very calm and says, "That was brilliant, Lois. I think that worked like a charm."

The nurse says Claire is doing beautifully. Bonnie gives her biscotti as a reward. Belle picks Claire up. STOP THE PRESSES IT'S A REAL BABY! A MIRACLE! THE LIVER TRANSPLANT WORKED... IT CURED HER PLASTICEMIA!

Bonnie asks about the wedding plans. Shawn and Mimi tell her they haven't thought about that with what they have been through. Bonnie suggests they elope.

"No," says Belle, "You can't do that."

Marlena, Alex, John and Kate converge on the door to Claire's room. A nurse tells them Claire is off life support. Marlena is relieved. John didn't expect to see her and Alex there. Marlena says she won't stay long then is taking Alex home for TLC. Alex says he likes the sound of that.

John hurls.

Marlena looks toward Claire's door, "Shall we go in?"

"Yes," says John.

"I was talking to Alex," says Marlena.

Alex suggests the three of them go in without him and he will sit and relax. John butts in, "That's a real good decision, Alex."

Alex turns to Marlena, "Unless you would be uncomfortable without me."

"I'll be OK," says Marlena.

Kate goes in. John and Marlena stand alone outside the door.

"I know you don't want to hear this," says John, "but I think there is something more to the Lois connection. Give me a little more time, Doc."

"Please don't call me that," says Marlena, "I am marred to Alex. I think Kate was just trying to give us some time alone, which is surprising. I don't want to be alone with you. I want to see my family." She goes in. John hyperventilates.

"I didn't come here to see Billie," says Patrick.

"Are you here to defend her," asks Hope.

"Better me than Mickey," says Patrick, "I'm just here to say how sorry I am. Zach was a special little boy."

Hope breaks down, "Why did this have to happen?"

"I wish I knew."

Bo tells the brat he has to tell the truth. She begs him to keep his mouth shut. The little snot whines, "I don't want to go to prison."

Bo says, "It's out of my control."

The brat says, "Just let Billie take the blame. It's not like I asked her to do this." OH, JUST TELL THE FREAKING TRUTH, BO. AAARRRRRRGGGGGHHHH!!!

Chelsea begs. Bo stares.

Belle says Mimi has been dreaming about a big wedding since she was a kid.

"The only thing that matters is that we get married by a priest," says Mimi, "The rest is irrelevant."

John comes in. Everyone is happy-happy. He turns to Shawn, "Sorry for your loss, kid. Every time you look at Claire you will know Zach is still with us."

Shawn says, "If God had to take him, at least he made Zach's liver a match for Claire. I guess we should have expected that since my blood is a match, and he was my brother."

Kate makes small talk, "Claire looks just like Phillip did as a baby. In a more feminine and Shawn-like way, of course."

Marlena takes her, "You had everyone so worried." John watches and gives another smirk.

Kate suggests talking to Mimi about the wedding in private.

"Absolutely," says Bonnie.

Alex wanders.

Patrick asks Hope if there is anything he can do.

"Yes," says Hope, "Please be there for Chelsea. Thank God she has you and her father. The best father ever."

Chelsea and Bo argue. The brat thinks they will go easy on Billie.

"The DA will make an example of her," says Bo, "I won't let that happen. The only reason this has gone on as long as it has is I'm trying to protect my wife."

"Why are you stopping now," whines the brat, "Hope will never forgive me. And she will hate you."

"I know," says Bo, "I'll have to risk that."

The brat turns on the afterburners of hate, "Shawn will hate you too. And if you turn me in, I'll hate you. Billie will hate you. You will have no one."

Bonnie says to Kate, "Mimi told me about your generous offer. What's the catch?"

"No catch," says Kate.

Bon-Bon pops a bonbon, "Yeah and these chocolates don't have any calories either."

Kate shows them Basic Black's latest design for wedding dresses.

"This is way too generous, Kate," says Mimi.

Yes," says Bonnie, "Isn't it..."

Belle goes over to talk to John, "Claire got her miracle, and it's time Mom got hers. It's time she got her memory back and realizes you are the man she loves."

"We're running out of time," says John, "I don't trust Alex. He's not who he says he is."

Alex looks in on Lois. He goes over to the cop. He tells him he's here to consult on Lois' case. The cop lets him in.

Lois is ecstatic, "I'm happy to see you."

Alex barks, "Do you realize you could have killed Marlena?"

"Maybe I went a little too far," says Lois, "But I did it because I am in love with you. There is nothing I wouldn't do for you. Nothing."

Mimi wonders how she will ever pick one of the dresses. Kate suggests she try them all, "I will arrange for a fitting for the two of you."

Kate goes off. Bonnie tells Mimi, "This is too good to be true. Kate is up to something. Don't you think this is a little odd?"

Mimi says, "I think she's trying to thank us for what we did for Claire. There is no way Belle and Phillip will ever break up. And it won't cost Kate a thing. Basic Black will pay for this. To a giant corporation this is petty cash. Who has always said don't look a gift horse in the mouth?"

"That's right," says Bonnie, "As long as it isn't a Trojan horse."

"What could she gain by sending me on this romantic honeymoon," asks Mimi.

Bonnie gives up, "OK, you go back in with Shawn. There is nothing to worry about. You don't have to look this gift horse in the mouth."

Mimi goes back inside. Bonnie worries, "You absolutely don't have to..." Kate and Bonnie exchange glances and wave. "Unless, of course, your mother is a world class horse trader."

We all make over Claire. John says she has Marlena and Belle's eyes, "I remember a time when [D]Izzy spiked a fever. As young parents we rushed you to the hospital. You're mother responded in the same ways you did."

"You mean like a totally hysterical blithering idiot," asks Belle.

Marlena shakes her head and kisses Claire, "I remember it."

John freaks, "You do?"

"I do," says Marlena, "I remember it happening!"

Bo tells the brat, "If you hate me, I'll just have to hope with time you realize it's what I had to do. I'm doing the right thing for everyone. Especially Hope. She has to know the truth. I'll hire Mickey and Minnie to represent you."

The brat asks, "Why can't you just see this would be easier if you left everything alone?"

"Listen," says Bo, "When I became a cop I took an oath. When I got married I took a vow. I'm withholding evidence and lying to my wife and that's going to stop. NOW."

Patrick tells Hope he knows how upset she is. She has to let go of the anger. Hope can't, "It's the only thing keeping me from falling apart."

Patrick says, "Anger is not the kind of thing you teach your children."

Hope goes into a trance, "Children... I only have one child now."

"You can't keep going over this," says Patrick, "Bo and Shawn are your reasons for going on."

"We have a funeral to get through," says Hope, "And a trial. Billie deserves to be punished. There is no moving on until that happens."

"If it was my son I'd want whoever did this to be punished too," says Patrick.

"Thank you for understanding," says Hope, "Excuse me." Hope leaves.

Patrick says, "I do want whoever did this to be punished, but it's not Billie."

Bo says he will testify he is basically responsible. He will testify it was an accident, that she didn't knowingly leave Zach to die, "I have to tell the truth."

"Even if it means losing your daughter," asks the little snot, "If you do this, you lose Hope for sure."

Alex says he needs to know what Lois will tell people.

"You know what I will say," she says as she turns and crosses her arms, "If that's the only reason you came, you can just go right now."

"Well," says Alex, "There is one other thing. This..." Big hot kiss. Lois moans.

Marlena says when that happened she thought John was her husband, "But our marriage wasn't legal. I am Mrs. Alex North, now and forever."

John says, "Doc, you don't mean that."

Marlena yells, "Don't call me 'Doc!' That's not who I want to be anymore. Ever again."

Kate tells Bonnie she and Mimi can go to Basic Black and try on dresses. Kate thinks Shawn and Mimi just belong together.

"Yeah," says Bonnie, "And you would do anything to keep Shawn from Belle."

"Come on," says Kate, "That's history. Belle and Phillip are married now."

"I know you're not doing this to boost Salem Style's circulation. And I know you're not doing it to say thank you," says Bonnie.

Kate says, "Excuse me?"

Consider your bet called Kate. Let's lay down our cards. The reason you're doing this for Shawn and Mimi is that you know Shawn is Claire's real daddy." Kate stares. FF.


Previews
========

Bonnie says to Kate, "You want to seal our deal... You gotta meet my price."

Mimi says to Belle, "She means so much to him... as if she were his own daughter." Belle smiles, "She is."

Marlena says, "I love him and right now I'm gonna go check on him." John grabs her and says, "You're not going anywhere."

Alex tells Lois, "By the time Marlena remembers who I am, it will be too late for anyone to save her."

The Pithy Summary Of My Lousy Love Life

Austin is on the phone talking business. He hangs up. He goes over to Carrie and says, "I'm really glad you stayed. I had to take that call."

"Yes, you did," snaps Carrie, "Business has to come first, right?" Right, toots. He's the prez of his company and maybe if he actually pays attention to it, he won't lose it to some third rate bunch of corporate raiders like some other airhead we know.

"Carrie, if I could undo this, I would," says Austin.

"I should be going," says Carrie, "I have to go back to LA to face my employees."

Austin asks, "Do you have to throw away our whole future? There has to be some way to get past this. Can you forgive me?"

"That phone call," asks Carrie, "Did it have anything to do with Highstyle?"

"No," says Austin, "How could it? Highstyle has been nuked. It was about our new offices. It was about meetings that were set up weeks ago."

"AHA," says Carrie, "You were so sure about taking over my company that long ago."

Austin backpedals, "Just listen for a second. Under other circumstances I would have taken more time. I did not know you were the CEO. I wouldn't have gone after it if I knew that. Forgive me."

There is a knock at the door. It's Lucas. Sami panics, "OMG! Is it Will?"

"No," says Lucas, "I have some horrible news. Bo and Hope's son was killed in a hit and run tonight. Billie confessed to doing it."

The brat arrives at Max' garage. "Are you OK," asks Max.

"Of course not," snaps the little slime.

"Your guilt is eating at you up," says Max.

"I'm going to have to live with this for the rest of my life. Nothing will happen to Billie. She has a spotless record. That's why you have to promise you won't say anything. You didn't tell Patrick did you? Where is he?"

Heeeeeeere's Patrick... "I'm right behind you Chelsea. What are you doing here?"

"I told you Max and I have plans. She turns to Max, "Are you ready?"

Patrick answers for him, "No, he's not. I found something in your records, Max. It may be the key to setting Billie free and finding out who really did run down Zach and kill him."

Bo consoles Billie. Bo says what she is doing is wrong. Billie insists it's right.

Hope walks up, sees them hugging and goes berserk, "How can you touch her after what she has done?"

Bo says to Hope, "You don't know what's going on here."

Shock in Sami's apartment. Sami cries. Lucas tells them about the organ donation. Claire will be fine. They all talk about how it might have happened. Lucas doesn't know if it was a hit and run. None of it makes sense. Billie is in jail. Sami can't imagine what Bo and Hope are going through this. She turns to Lucas, "If anything like that ever happens to Will, just bury me next to him."

Sami decides to call Caroline. Lucas goes to his apartment to call Kate. Austin goes with him.

Patrick says there is no record of the call for the tow job. He asks Max who made the call. The brat insists Billie isn't innocent – she confessed. She works on Patrick. Patrick thinks there is something very wrong with Billie's story. He thinks she is covering for someone, "But who? You still haven't answered my question, Max, who called to tow Bo's car the night Zach was killed."

Hope riles against Billie. She isn't too happy with Bo for comforting her. Billie defends him. The guard lets Bo out. Big mistake. Hope can't get to Billie, so she attacks Bo instead. Billie says, "I know you're angry at me, and I deserve it."

Hope apologizes to Bo. He understands why she is angry with Billie, "But it's gotta stop."

Austin is on the phone with Kate. They send their love to Billie. He hangs up. "Wow," he says, "This sure puts all that business stuff into perspective."

"The way you do business," says Lucas, "causes pain and suffering too." The referee throws a flag and gives Lucas fifteen yards for unsportsmanlike conduct.

"Grandma couldn't even talk about it," Says Sami.

Carrie says, "I shouldn't have stayed away so long."

"You weren't here when we thought Daddy had died or Mom. Or the rest of Salem. You didn't come back because of me. You can say it."

Carrie says, "This is not about us, OK? The first time I met Claire she was so sick. At least now we can watch her grow up."

"You'll be in LA," says Sami.

Carrie says, "If you need me..."

"What can you do," says Sami, "Nothing anyone says can make Bo and Hope feel any better. This is the worst thing that can ever happen. Why does it seem like for something good to happen something bad has to happen? Claire will live, but only because Zach died. Austin will have a successful business, but only because he destroyed your company."

"You can't compare that to what Bo and Hope are going through," says Carrie.

"You lost not just your company, but your future with Austin. Are you really through with him?"

"I really believe he didn't know it was my company," says Carrie, "but it's the way he did it. Taking advantage of the mentally challenged is so cruel."

"I didn't want to do this takeover," says Sami, "Austin didn't know. You have to know that. He wasn't trying to be cruel. Just dumb."

"How hard could it have been to find out I was the CEO," asks Carrie.

"Just know that I didn't want this from the beginning. If I had known it was your company I would have tried to talk him out of it," she lies.

Chelsea steps in to answer for Max, "It had to have been Billie who made the call to tow the car. Who else could it have been?"

Patrick asks, "Was Billie at the car when you showed up?"

"No," says Max, "She was not."

"Didn't you think that was a little odd," asks Patrick.

Max dances, "I just brought in the car. I don't know anything else."

"Something isn't right here," says Patrick, "I'm going to talk to the cops Billie confessed to." He leaves.

The brat asks if Max thinks Patrick suspects. Max thinks the truth is staring Patrick in the face but he just refuses to believe it, "I can't believe it either."

Chelsea bawls, "I make bad choices, and because of me Zach will never get to grow up. I am a horrible person."

"That's not true," he lies.

"Let's go get a burger at Buddy's or something," says the brat.

Max can't believe it, "You can't just go back to your normal life! We will have to live with this for all the Days Of Our Lives. Don't make things worse than they really are. You are letting Bo keep the truth from his wife. He's a cop concealing evidence, lying to his wife. He's my brother Zach was my nephew."

"Not by blood," says the little snot.

"Family is family," says Max, "There are a lot of people suffering. I'm wondering what will happen to Bo and Hope's marriage when the truth comes out."

"It won't," she insists, "as long as everyone keeps their mouth shut."

"We are all obstructing justice," says Max, "We could all go to jail. If you can let this happen you are not the girl I thought you were!"

Bo says this has to stop. Hope is just about ready to go off the deep end. Billie insists it was an accident, "I am going to jail. You need to put me behind you. You need to be there for each other. The most important thing we can do is be there for our children. You two need to be there for Shawn and Chelsea. Be there for them. Mourn your son and don't let anything come between the two of you."

"Nothing will," says Hope, "I can't be here. I can't look at you!" Hope leaves.

Bo tells Billie he can't let this lie. Billie says, "If you want to save your marriage, you don't have a choice."

Lucas thinks Austin is prolonging the agony for Carrie. She loves the man he used to be but not the corporate raider he has become. Her employees used to love her. Now they hate her because of him. He advises Austin to move on, "It's over with Carrie. When I found out Carrie was the CEO, I backed off. I think Sami and Nicole knew Carrie was the CEO all along. You are supposed to be the great businessman, yet you staff your company with manipulative witches. Sami had to know what was on that card. She would read a piece of toilet paper if it had something written on it. She knew what was on that business card."

Sami tells Carrie Austin tried to find who the CEO was but not hard enough, "He wanted to act fast on the deal. It's my fault. I dropped the ball. I didn't look at your business card. But Nicole was pushing Austin to do this deal and Austin listens to her more than me."

Carrie asks, "Was something more than business going on between them?"

"I hope not," says Sami, "I know she is interested in him and ruthless enough, and I guess so is he. He's a different man than when he left Salem after he..."

Carrie helps her out, "...dumped you at the altar?" Sami stares.

Bo says, "The longer it takes to tell Hope the deeper the lie gets, and the deeper the do-do gets that I will be in."

"If she finds out the truth she will never forgive you," says Billie, "Protecting our children is the most important thing. If Chelsea goes to jail she will never recover, and that would ruin my life. I know how tough it is to be there and be bitch-ho meat. I will not let that happen to my daughter. It's not just the best way. It's the only way."

Patrick talks to the cops. He thinks there is something wrong with the confession. The cops think it is pretty straightforward, "We have a confession. As far as the Salem PD is concerned, the case is closed."

Hope bumps into the brat. She asks if she is there to see her mother. The brat breaks down, "I am so sorry, Hope. More than you can ever know."

Hope says, "I know. As hard as it is..."

She screams, "I NEVER WANTED HIM TO DIE!"

Lucas tells Austin he would like to see if there is something between him and Carrie. "Yeah," says Austin, "You knew she was the CEO but you just sat back and let this happen."

"Check with Sami and Nicole if you want to know who did that," says Lucas, "I backed off and now I'm asking you to do the right thing. Don't make this harder than it is."

Austin asks, "You think she's going to transfer her feelings from me to you? Forget it. Walk away."

"Thank you for the pithy summary of my lousy love life," says Sami, "Anyway we were talking about Austin."

"I didn't mean to be mean," says Carrie, "Maybe all the hurt and disappointment because of what you did and what I did when I cheated with Mike, that's a lot of pain to absorb. How can he not be different?"

"I just feel bad about trying to come between you all those years ago. I guess you can't go back and fix things," says Sami.

"Yeah, I heard you in the ladies room in LA," says Carrie, " Flashback. Sami tells the attendant she wishes it could be different. She wishes she could fix things with Carrie.

"You had no idea I was listening," says Carrie, "I know you meant it."

"I'm glad you believe me," says Sami, "That means everything."

"You're being a good sister Sami, and a good friend."

"Thanks. I'm really trying to be," she lies.

"Now look who's being unrealistic," says Lucas, "You can't walk away from Carrie. She's already walked away from you."

Austin insists Carrie won't know how she feels until she calms down. He yells, "I will get her back, and do not stand in my way."

Lucas says, "Dream on. I guarantee you there is no way you will get Carrie back."

"I was interested in Austin," says Sami, "He came back to Salem when Lucas left me at the altar. He was the only one who supported me."

"He was your hero and you decided you wanted a future with him again," says Carrie.

Why wouldn't I," asks Sami, "But then I backed off when I found out you were interested in him. I wanted a relationship with my sister."

Carrie says, "I was suspicious of you. I knew you were interested in him yourself."

"I don't blame you," says Sami, "I've been through a lot since you left, Austin... Brandon... Lucas... The Salem Men's Glee Club... I would like to think I learned from my mistakes."

"I never thought I would say this," says Carrie, "But I actually think you are someone I could trust."

"Thank you for saying that," says Sami, "I ...choke... won't do anything to break that trust." Hugs.

Max is on the phone, "Come on Marty, you are my agent. No, I haven't lost my edge. There are a lot of things going on here. I have seen more death here than on the racetrack. I could be ready by spring, if I wanted to. But I have my own garage here. I'm thinking of building my own car. You can handle the sponsors, Marty. Tell them the situation. That will give me more press with my comeback. OK? Bye."

He hangs up, "Yeah, I'm gonna get press all right. Max Brady was indicted today for withholding information in the death of his own nephew. The sponsors will come running. Chelsea has to take responsibility. The truth will come out anyway. How many lives will get ruined besides mine?"

Billie paces, "I'd do anything for you, Chelsea and Bo. No matter how you feel about me. God help us if the truth comes out. All our lives will be destroyed."

Patrick asks if there is corroborating evidence. The police insist they don't need it if Billie confessed. They leave. Patrick says, "I think I know how to get the proof I'm after."

The brat is so sorry. Hope knows she is. The brat doesn't want anyone to suffer for this. Hope brings up the license. She's so glad Chelsea is taking the driving lessons before getting back out on the streets (to drive, that is). "I'm so glad you didn't have to get involved in something like this."

"I already have been," cries the brat, "I lost everything the night my parents were killed. I would never let anything like this happen."

"I know," says Hope. Hugs.

Bo steps up, "Chelsea, I can't do this any more." Hope gives the brat a look. FF on Bo getting ready to cop out yet again.


Previews
========

John says, "Doc, you don't mean that." Marlena yells, "Don't call me 'Doc' any more. I don't want that."

The brat whines, "I don't want to go to prison." Bo says, "It's out of my control." The brat says, "Just let Billie take the blame. It's not like I asked her to do this."

Hope says to Patrick, "Billie deserves to be punished. There is no moving on until that happens."

Bonnie says to Kate, "The reason you're doing this for Shawn and Mimi is that you know Shawn is Claire's real daddy."

You Look Pretty Good For A Dead Man

Kate tells John, "It hurt for me to see Billie in jail."

John can't believe Billie was driving. Kate asks about Marlena. John tells her she's closer to Alex than ever. He can't blame her for being angry, "I really blew it didn't I?"

Marlena asks, "Nurse, when will he be able to leave?"

"As soon as we get the test results," says the nurse, "Then you'll have to make sure he gets plenty of rest."

"I'll do that," says Marlena.

The nurse leaves. She vows to take good care of Alex. Alex asks if Marlena is sure she wants to go back to the penthouse. She is embarrassed she let John make her doubt her love for Alex. John eavesdrops.

Max asks if Abby is going to tell the cops.

Patrick hauls the brat into Roman's office. He wants the truth, "Hit and run doesn't describe the Billie Reed I know, she's more the drunk and disorderly type."

The brat asks, "Who do you think it describes, me?"

Jennifer arrives at Hope's house. Hope sent Maggie, Julie and Alice packing. Jennifer wants to know what Hope is doing with Zach's toys. Hope doesn't know. She doesn't know how she will ever be able to let go. Jennifer comforts. "There is one thing I have to be tough about," says Hope, "To make sure she goes to jail for a long time."

"She? Who?"

"It was Billie who hit Zach," says Hope, "Bo is with her right now."

Bo tells Billie he can't keep the truth from Hope any longer.

"Max," says Abby, "I'm not gonna tell the cops or my mom, but Bo already knows."

"It was his kid who got killed," says Max, "The longer he puts off telling Hope the harder it will be."

"Hopefully Patrick can talk her out of it," says Abby.

Patrick works on the brat. He figures Billie is covering for someone, "Who do you think that is?" Silence. "So either you don't know or you aren't going to tell me." Patrick leaves.

Jennifer doesn't believe Billie would leave the scene of an accident. "My baby is dead and she is responsible," says Hope.

"Why would she take his car," asks Jennifer.

"She said hers wouldn't start," says Hope, "She has always felt entitled to Bo. Why is everyone defending her?"

Jennifer says, "You know that Bo is destroyed by losing Zach."

Hope cries, "I just don't know how he can even talk to her."

Bo insists he has to tell Hope the truth. Billie begs him to think about Chelsea in jail, "Do you want to kill her too?"

"That's jail, not death," he snaps, "You obviously don't know what it is like to lose a child like this. A lifetime of watching him to grow up to be a man – that's not gonna happen."

"I know we missed a lot of years with the brat. Do you want to miss the rest of her life too?"

"It's tempting," says Bo.

"There is nothing anyone can do to bring Zach back," says Billie, "What I can do is make sure you don't lose your daughter or your marriage. If Hope finds out she will blame you. It could be the end of your marriage. Is that what you want?"

Alex sees John standing in the door to his room. "Well, John," he says, "Are you coming to inflict more pain?"

"John's my name, pain's my game," he says, "I don't give a rats ass about your pain. I'm concerned about Marlena, though. Why didn't you tell us about Lois?"

Alex turns to Marlena, "Do you want to tell him, or should I?"

"I'll tell him," says Marlena, "Doctor patient confidentiality."

Alex says, "I am bound by that not to tell anyone about my patient unless she was about to commit a serious crime. And I'm afraid 'aiding and abetting in a lame plot' wasn't enough to warrant going to the authorities. I tried to warn the police but you made certain they didn't listen. I did tell you Lois was lying and you didn't even check out the story. What else was I supposed to do but escape? I almost stopped her until you nearly killed me."

"Yeah, well, you look pretty good for a dead man," snorts John.

Marlena piles on, "As soon as Alex was conscious he broke out and came to save me. I am only here now because of his courage and dedication. I would like to be alone with Alex if YOU TWO don't mind."

John and Kate leave. John rants, "I gotta hand it to the guy. He knows how to manipulate her. I'm gonna find out everything I can about Lois banks. There is a piece of the puzzle missing."

Speaking of having a few pieces missing, Lois struggles in her straight jacket. John comes in. He says, "This is just a scam isn't it?"

Lois has left for another planet, "Whatever you say Johnny, boy. LOSER. You lost Marlena and will never get her back. MWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

Marlena tells Alex she has something important to say.

The brat frets. Patrick brings Max and Abby in. "I've got questions," says Patrick.

"What," asks Max, "You're a cop now?"

"No," says Patrick, "Just a friend. Where was Bo's SUV taken?"

"To my garage," says Max, "I think you already know that."

The brat begs him to stop, "Why are you doing this?"

"I want to know what is really going down here," says Patrick, "It's like you're afraid of any investigation. Why is that? Do you have something you want to say?"

"No."

Jennifer and Hope ramble on. Jennifer tells her about the DVD and Frankie still having feelings for her. Hope tells her the hurt will always be there. "I know if I didn't have Bo to trust wholeheartedly, I'd be lost."

Bo has the guards let him into Billie's cell. He tells her, "I've been giving your argument a lot of thought. Lying to Hope is what's eating me up inside and that's what is going to come between us. If Hope finds out from someone else, that will be the end. I know Hope. She'll never forgive me for keeping the truth from her."

"You already have."

"And that's what's gotta change," says Bo.

"OK, well, you've got to be willing to give her up then," says Billie, "Because I know Hope, too, and if she finds out you let Chelsea drive your car, your marriage will be over."

"I don't know how she will react to anything I say," says Bo, "She is so deep in grief right now, I don't know if I will be able to her pull out of it."

"Bo, She just lost her child. She is in so much pain."

"Well," says Bo, "I wanna spare her that pain."

Billie sits down and says, "She is so lucky to have a guy who loves her the way you do, but she will turn on you if you tell her the truth. She may just go over the deep end."

Bo asks, "Are you telling me I have to continue this lie to spare my family?"

"I'm sorry Bo," says Billie, "but I don't see any other way out of it. We both have to lie to save the people we love."

"I signed the consent form," says Bo, "What the hell was I thinking? I turned a blind eye because I didn't want to be the bad guy. And now I've lost my son."

"Hope isn't the only one who is suffering," says Billie, "Zach was your little boy, too."

"It's weird," says Bo, "All the details. The accident site. Who was driving. Seeing his broken body. Having to say goodbye to him. I was there for all of it. But it doesn’t seem real." Bo breaks down. "But it is real. I've lost my boy. And I could lose my wife if I lie to her. Or if I tell her the truth. I could lose the woman I've loved my entire life."

John says, "Lois, you've been lying to us all along so why should we believe you now. Obviously you made up this whole story about Alex beating Marlena. What was the point of that?

Looney Lois laughs, "Still searching for the point like you'll get your precious 'Doc' back. Well, nothing will. You lost. Alex won. Get over it. Oh, maybe you are getting over it and she's helping you." She turns to Kate, "Is that right, honey? Are you helping him get over Marlena? The new woman in John Black's life. It doesn't take you long does it? I've been spying on you. She's hot for you. Go ahead deny it."

Kate says, "That's ridiculous."

"MWAHAHAHAHAHA!"

"What was I thinking," asks John, "that I could come he and reason with a lunatic? It's good knowing they have you tied up and Marlena will be safe."

"Safe with Alex... Oh, that's rich!"

Marlena tells Alex, "The other men who said they loved me, John and Roman, always wanted something... passion and loyalty, thoughts, memories... it was exhausting. The only you thing you ever wanted was for me to be really happy. You have been so unselfish, so patient."

"Because I love you."

"I know you do," says Marlena, "That's why I want to spend the rest of my life with you. You are my future."

"Are you sure," asks Alex, "It won't be a very popular decision with your family."

"I would never abandon them," says Marlena, "I've grown very fond of my children. It's John. It's a marriage that never was really legal and now it's completely dead. You are the only true husband I have ever had. I am so proud to call myself Mrs. Alex North. I have a favor to ask and you don't get to say 'no.' I would like it very much if we could renew our wedding vows." Alex smirks.

Patrick wants to go to Max' garage and look for evidence.

The brat steps in, "Max, we have to get to that thing."

"What thing," asks Max.

"You know," says the brat, "That thing we made plans for."

"Our plans can wait," he says. He turns to Patrick, "Let's go."

They leave and Abby steps in, "You can't keep lying about this."

Hope wants her memories of Zach to live on. She can't stand it. She wants to go to the police station. Hope storms out as Jennifer objects.

Billie works on Bo. She doesn't think Hope will be forgiving.

"She'll hate me," says Bo, "That's what I deserve. What is important is to do the best thing for Hope."

"Hope will never get over this without you there to comfort her," says Billie, "So please. Don't make her go through it without you." Bo stares.

The brat freaks. She doesn't know why she and Abby were ever friends. Abby reminds her she and Max have kept their mouths shut.

The brat takes out her temporary license, "I should have done this a long time ago." She takes out her lighter and sets it on fire.

Abby asks, "Chelsea, what are you doing?"

John says, "Kate, you are looking at one stupid man."

"That goes without saying, John."

"She is a nut and I bought her story," he says, "She is still saying Alex is a threat. Am I supposed to believe her now? Do you?"

"She is out of her mind," says Kate, "I don't think we can believe one word that comes out of her mouth."

"Then who beat Marlena," says John, "Her or Alex? I don't think Marlena is safe with him. I'm going to go check on her."

John leaves. Kate paces. Lois laughs like a rabid hyena. She looks out the window at Kate, "I see you. I see how much you love John. Go for it. This is your big chance." Kate walks away as the nurse ruses in to calm Lois down.

Marlena owes Alex everything. He gave her the room to feel and the time to let those feelings grow. It's as if I have real memories of our life together.

"I waited for you," says Alex, "Not only in my heart. I never loved another woman. It's always been you. You are the one true love of my life. Yes, I will renew our vows with you. I want us both to promise we will love honor and cherish each other for all the Days Of Our Lives. Promise me that I will never lose you again."

"I promise." Hot kiss. John watches and sulks.

Lois lurks somewhere beyond the edge, "Enjoy it while it lasts, Marlena. Alex will be mine. You'll find out just before you die. The truth will become crystal clear. You'll go to your grave and Alex will be mine. He's coming back to me... Alex... Alex..."

Alex signs the hospital forms. The nurse says he's free to go. Marlena says, "That means we are free to go home and start to plan our wedding." Kiss. "We've got an entire future to plan."

John agonizes. Kate walks up beside him and stares.

"If I could find a guy like that...," says one nurse.

"Alex and Marlena..." says another nurse, "It's sooooo romantic."

"They're renewing their wedding vows," says the first nurse, "I hope they live happily ever after."

The other nurse standing there says, "Where do we keep the Alka Seltzer? "

John says for the ten millionth time, "I've lost her, Kate." Big-hearted Kate comforts poor John.

The brat finishes burning the license, "There. Now it's done. Now no one will ever know the truth. No one will ever know I was the one who killed Zach."

Patrick and Max arrive at the garage. Bo's car is gone. Patrick still wants to look around, "It's the Salem PD, there has to be something they missed. I don't believe Billie was driving."

Billie says, "I loved you so much back then. It was so hard being told our baby was dead and not having you there. Hope and I have had our problems. But I wouldn't wish that grief on anyone. She will need you terribly. Just like I did." Hug. Hope walks up and watches. FF.


Previews
========

Patrick says, "I found something in your records, Max. It may be the key to setting Billie free and finding out who really did run down Zach and kill him."

Bo says to Hope, "You don't know what's going on here."

Sami says, "He's a different man than when he left Salem after he..." Carrie says, "...dumped you at the altar?"

Austin yells, "I will get her back, and do not stand in my way." Lucas says, "I guarantee you there is no way you will get Carrie back."

SLAM!

Austin computes. "This is crazy," says Nicole, "You can't throw away everything we've worked for. Highstyle no longer exists." Austin gets up and paces.

Sami agrees, "It can't be undone." Austin isn't buying it. He sits back down and continues working on the computer. Nicole's hand reaches out.

Lucas' hand reaches out. Oh, the artistry! He says to Carrie, "I'm so sorry, I promise you are going to be all right. You could start another company and ruin it right here in Salem."

"I'm a failed CEO who had a company stolen from under her," says Carrie, "My career is over. I blew it. When will I get a chance like that again?"

Lucas says, "You will get plenty of chances like that. CEO positions open up every day for bobble-heads. It's not your fault Austin took the company from you."

"That's the worst part," she whines, "I lost my future with Austin. There is no way we will get back together." Lucas slithers a little closer.

Patrick is in the police station asking about Billie. Kate comes in. Patrick says he has bad news. He tells her about Billie's confession.

Mug shot. "Billie Holiday Reed." Fingerprints. The lonely cell. SLAM! . Billie stares.

Chelsea, Abby and Max come in. "No, I can't do this," says the brat.

"You have to," says Max.

Abby says they will be with her. The brat just can't do it. Max and Abby work on her. "Bo already knows the truth," says Abby, "How long do you think he will keep it a secret from Hope?"

Bo tires to get Hope to eat. She doesn't care. She fondles Zach's favorite t-shirt. She hopes Billie rots in prison. Bo says, "There's something I gotta tell you. Something you need to know."

The brat says, "Bo won't tell Hope, and Patrick doesn't know anything."

Abby asks, "What about Billie? how can you just let your mother go to jail?"

"My mother was Rita Benson," sneers the brat.

"It was an accident," insists Max.

Abby says, "Bo and Billie were your birth parents. Billie is willing to go to jail for you. You have to tell the truth."

The brat insists Billie can get out of this. She has changed her mind and decided not to tell.

Kate can't believe it. Neither does Patrick. He says, "That is why I am here. I don't know if you are aware of this, but your daughter and I have gotten, uh, pretty close. I want to find out what is going on. It's almost like Billie wants to go to jail."

"I'm going to go talk to her," says Kate.

Billie paces. Kate comes up and asks the guard if she can have some time with Billie.

"Ten minutes," snorts Big Bertha.

Kate walks up to the cell and asks, "What are you doing?"

"Hi Mom," says Billie, "Thanks for coming down. If you're here to talk me out of this it's too late."

"I'm not buying it, Billie," says Kate, "There is no way you could have done something like this. You left the scene. That's not something you would have done."

"I know you don't want to believe I am capable of that, but I did," says Billie.

"Why don't you get a lawyer," says Kate, "I know there is more to the story. I will find out eventually, so why not just save us all the trouble and tell me the truth now?"

"OK," says Billie, "I will tell you what really happened, but you have to promise you won't tell another living soul. Believe me, when you hear the truth you will understand."

"What is it," asks Hope.

Bo flashes back to his conversation with Chelsea. He will always know he is the reason his son is dead, and Hope will feel the same way. He snaps out of it, "I just want you to know I love you." COP OUT!

"I don't' know how I would get through this without you," cries Hope.

"Somehow we will get through this together," says Bo.

Hope sees something in the laundry. She unfolds it. A drawing. It's a scribbled drawing of Hope and Zach. Rembrandt he wasn't.

Carrie and Lucas hug. Carrie gets up. Big-hearted Lucas is so sorry. Carrie says losing Austin hurts more than losing her company. She thought it was going to happen with him this time. Lucas did too, as much as he didn't want to admit it.

"I rushed in to things," says Carrie, "I got carried away," no pun intended. "After Mike, all I could think of was Austin. I never got him out of my heart."

"You came back for him," says Lucas, "You risked your heart."

"It seemed too good to be true," says Carrie.

"I warned you," says Lucas, "He is not the same person."

"No, he's not," sighs Carrie, "In fact, he's someone I don't even recognize."

Sami rants. She warned them. Nicole reminds her she was supposed to get the name of the Highstyle CEO.

Sami argues Nicole should have found out the name and maybe did, "You wanted Austin for yourself and saw this as a way to drive a wedge between them."

Nicole can't believe what she is hearing, "That sounds like something you would do."

"She's right," says Austin.

Hope hugs the drawing. "Don't do this to yourself," says Bo.

"I don't ever want to forget," cries Hope, "Memories are all I have left." Doorbell. "Don't' answer that," she says.

"It could be family," says Bo, "I'll see who it is."

Hope cries. She hugs the Zachasso. She promises to keep it forever.

Bo comes back, "It's Mrs. H, Maggie and Julie."

Hope goes out, "Oh, Gran..." bawl.

Although we didn't hear any promises from Kate, Billie has spilled the beans. "I can't believe what I am hearing," says Kate, "You're telling me it was Chelsea? This is insane. What are you doing?"

"I am protecting my daughter," says Billie, "I have no choice."

"Yes you do," says Kate, "You can tell what happened. You are making it worse by not telling the truth. You can't take the blame for this."

"I have made my decision," says Billie, "You can't stop me."

Kate says, "If you won't tell the truth, I will."

Sami insists she had no idea Carrie was the CEO. She would have told Austin if she did, "If I pulled a stunt like that you would fire me in a second. I can't afford that. You believe me don't you?"

"Yes," says Austin, "I believe you. If there is anyone to blame it is me." Sami takes off on Nicole again. Nicole strikes back and the insult-slinging contest is on.

"SHUT UP," says Austin, "There is no point in arguing. What's done is done. I'm giving back to Carrie what belongs to her if it is the last thing I do."

Carrie drones, "The Austin I knew never would do this."

"Obviously he's changed," says Lucas, "Business is the bottom line with him. He doesn't care who he tramples on in the process. You don't deserve this, Carrie. You deserve a man to love and respect you, someone to be there for you. That isn't my brother. The question is now that you've seen who he really is, can you give him up?" Carrie stares.

Maggie comforts Hope. She has brought food from the restaurant. Alice brought chicken soup. Hope can't eat.

Julie says she has to force herself for Bo and Shawn. Bo comes in with a coat on. He's going to check in at the station.

Hope gives him a look that would freeze molten lead, "You mean you're going to check on Billie... the woman who murdered our son."

Billie begs Kate not to tell. Kate insists, "Chelsea can beat this. We will get a good lawyer, unless Mickey is available."

Billie tells her to mind her own business for once in her life. She is doing this because the brat is her daughter and that's what mothers do – they protect their children, "You didn't do that. You let our abusive father take us." The referee gives Billie a warning for hitting below the belt.

"You know very well I was told you were dead," says Kate, "There was nothing I could do."

"Well," says Billie, "There is something I can do. I am doing it. If I am sacrificing my life for her then so be it."

The brat whines like a stuck pig. She tells Abby, "I was trying to call you on my cell phone when it happened. I know talking on a cell phone while driving is illegal in this state, so just add that to my list of crimes." Patrick comes out. He wants to talk to her.

Kate wonders how Billie could think she didn't care about her and Austin. "I don't mean to hurt you, Mom, but that's how I felt growing up. I felt abandoned. But I won't abandon Chelsea."

"So you will be there for her in prison?"

"Better me than her," says Billie, "I've been here before. I can survive. Chelsea can't. I have made my decision."

"You have no idea what you are doing," says Kate.

"I know exactly what I am doing," insists Billie, "I am not repeating the same mistakes you made. I wasn't there when she was growing up. I will be there for her now."

Hope says Billie can rot in hell. "It's not what you think," says Bo. Alice encourages him to go.

"I'll be fine," snorts Hope, "Go do what you need to do."

As Bo leaves, Hope goes after him but Alice grabs her.

Lucas gives Carrie tea. He wants to know if it is over with her and Austin.

"I don't know," says Carrie, "I still can't believe he could do what he did. Seems like something Sami or Nicole would do. It doesn't seem possible he could change that much."

Lucas asks, "You're going to give him another chance to hurt you?"

Austin is on the phone asking if there is anything he can do to reverse the takeover. It's too late. Sami and Nicole work on him. It's over. Sami thinks he should fire Nicole. Not unexpectedly, Nicole thinks he should fire Sami. She turns to her and says, "Your sorry ass is going to be out on the unemployment line."

Sami says, "You don't even know what you are talking about."

Austin referees, "Nobody is getting fired. This was my responsibility. No one is to blame."

"Including you," says Nicole, "This is an incredible opportunity for us. It will be a success and that is good for everyone."

"Except for Carrie," says Austin. Doorbell. Carrie.

Lucas rants in his apartment, "Dammit, what is going on with you, Carrie. You can't be thinking about forgiving Austin. If you ever forgive him we got no chance."

Austin lets Carrie in and apologizes again. He had no idea. He tells her he has been trying to reverse it but it is impossible. He hopes she can forgive him. Carrie stares.

Hope hugs Zach's stuffed animals. She tells Julie and Maggie she will eat later. She appreciates all this but needs to be alone.

Patrick shoos Max and Abby off. Abby tells the brat to do the right thing as they leave. Patrick takes her into Roman's office, "I want you to be completely honest with me. I sense you know more than you are saying. What really happened? Why is Billie taking the blame for Zach when you and I both know she is innocent?"

Bo shows up at the jail cell. Kate tells him she knows Billie didn't do this. She wants him to talk to Billie. Bo steps up to the plate and tells Big Bertha to take a break. Billie says she doesn't want any more visitors. Bo says, "I'm not lettin' ya get away with this. You're not going to jail for Chelsea. I'm putting a stop to the lies right now." FF.


Previews
========

Abby asks, "Chelsea, what are you doing?" Chelsea burns a piece of paper.

Jennifer says, "You know that Bo is destroyed by losing Zach." Hope cries, "I just don't know how he can even talk to her."

Billie says to Bo, "It could be the end of your marriage. Is that what you want?"

Marlena says to Alex, "I would like it very much if we could renew our wedding vows." Alex smirks.