Friday, October 20, 2006
In her jail cell, Taylor told Thorne she knows he hates her but in time he'll forget about her. Thorne said time won't heal his wound or change what she did. Thorne expressed his disbelief that everyone in his life was dishonest with him. He lamented how he thought Darla had a hand in him and Taylor becoming involved romantically, and expressed outrage over how everyone thinks the accident is Darla's fault because she was a dingbat. Taylor tearfully told Thorne that Darla died a saint, not a dingbat. Thorne left. Thomas freaked out when Ridge and Phoebe told him that Taylor killed Darla. Storm arrived and greeted his sister (Brooke). Ridge suggested the best thing they can all do is to just be there for Taylor and show her their support. Storm negotiated to get Taylor a few minutes alone with her loved ones before sentencing. Thomas enjoyed a tearful reunion with Taylor in her cell. Thomas asked her why she pled guilty. Taylor said she didn't want to put people through more pain. Thomas told her he didn't want to lose her. She insisted she doesn't want to be away from him or Phoebe, who declared that Thorne still loves him. The guard arrived to take Taylor back to the courtroom for her sentencing. Thorne emerged from the shadows, having eavesdropped on everyone. Stephanie told Shane that Taylor needs him ASAP because he's the only objective witness to the accident. Shane threw Stephanie's own words in her face when he reminded her that she had previously told him no court would ever believe anything a guy like him had to say. Stephanie got down to business and asked Shane point-blank what he wants. Shane said there's something he wants very badly. Stephanie declared that whatever it is it's his, and instructed him to accompany her back to the courthouse.

In the courtroom, Eric asked Bridget if she told Dante about the baby. Sally arrived and announced she was there to support Thorne and ensure that Darla gets the justice she deserves. Everyone reassembled in anticipation of the sentencing, including Thorne. Eric told him he doesn't have to be there, but Thorne said he did. Taylor was brought in and the cuffs removed. The bailiff brought the court to order as the judge returned. Stephanie raced to the courtroom with Shane in tow, but they were too late. By the time they arrived the judge had sentenced Taylor on all three of our her charges, but hadn't yet adjourned the court. Stephanie interrupted the proceedings and declared that Shane was a witness to the accident who could testify that Darla fell into the road. All eyes were cast on Shane as Thorne rose from his seat and asked him if what Stephanie said is true.

Thursday, October 19, 2006
Brooke approached Ridge in disbelief over the news about Taylor. Ridge explained how her hearing was taking place just then and that he hired Storm to represent her.

At Taylor's house, Shane read the newspaper story about Taylor's confession, and relayed it to Hector, who declared a big "I told you so" where Taylor's confession was concerned. Hector and Shane traded barbs over who was worse for Taylor. As they hashed out the prospects for Taylor's future, Hector connected the dots and realized that Shane could prove to be an invaluable witness for Taylor's defense. Shane taunted Hector as to whether he'd stick around and help or split town. At the courthouse, Taylor pled guilty to all three counts she was charged with. The judge announced that sentencing will occur in three weeks. Stephanie offered to put up Taylor's bail, but the judge denied bail because she violated the terms of her probation from her previous DUI conviction. Taylor asked the judge to impose sentencing right away to spare Thorne and Alexandria any more pain and suffering. The judge agreed to move up the sentencing to that afternoon, over Stephanie and Storm's objections, as Thorne looked on from his seat in the courtroom. Stephanie called Ridge and told him the bad news. Ridge told her he was on his way. Brooke expressed her condolences to Ridge, and sensed he was feeling some guilt for what happened to Taylor. Ridge conceded his belief that all of this wouldn't have happened to Taylor if he didn't hurt her as badly as he did. Brooke told Ridge not to do that to himself. Ridge recalled how Taylor started drinking to medicate her pain from when he walked out on her. Ridge redeclared his interest in Brooke, despite his feeling of responsibility for Taylor. Brooke seemed enamored of Ridge for his thoughtfulness towards Taylor, and the two kissed and hugged as Brooke promised to always be there for him.

In her jail cell, Storm admonished Taylor for preventing him from helping her. Storm asked Taylor to have Phoebe testify to the mitigating circumstances of the accident but Taylor refused to put Phoebe through that. Storm suggested they could find another witness to the accident. Stephanie tried to plead Taylor's case to Thorne but he would have none of it. Stephanie tried to play the parent card, and pointed out to Thorne that Taylor's actions will cause her to be taken away from her own children. Thorne told Stephanie to stop defending her and declared that Taylor deserves 10 years in prison for what she did to his family. Stephanie clarified that she's not trying to defend Taylor, but simply pointing out that Taylor doesn't deserve to go to prison for 10 years. Thorne rejected Phoebe's account of the events because she's been lying the whole time. Stephanie asked Thorne if he'd be willing to have an open mind if another witness comes forward to corroborate Phoebe's account. Stephanie phoned Hector and asked him to keep Shane there until she can arrive to take him to the courthouse. Unbeknownst to Hector, Shane eavesdropped on their conversation from another phone in the house. When Stephanie arrived Shane told her he was leaving to catch a bus out of town. Stephanie told him how he needs to come with her to court ASAP.

Thorne visited Taylor in her jail cell, and thanked her for not putting him and Phoebe through a trial. Taylor tearfully old Thorne that she really did fall in love with him and that her feelings for him were genuine and real, though unexpected. She told him he showed her his heart and she'd always cherish him.

Wednesday, October 18, 2006
At the Forresters, everyone was shocked at the morning's newspaper headlines regarding Taylor's confession and arrest for Darla's death. Eric tried calling Thorne and left him a voicemail of encouragement. Phoebe arrived on the scene and offered to answer everyone's questions. Everyone peppered her with their questions. Phoebe declared that it wasn't Taylor's fault, and recalled the details of the night of the accident, including the final lug nut that was stuck and sent Darla flying back onto the road. Phoebe expressed her worry that her mother would go to prison.

Ridge paid Thorne a visit and offered his condolences. Thorne expressed his disbelief at how many people knew about Taylor's role in Darla's death. Thorne asked Ridge how can he forgive Taylor. Ridge conceded that Taylor used bad judgment in drinking and driving, but tried pointing out the other facts of the case. Thorne rejected any possibility of mitigating circumstances and declared he will never make any part of the tragedy Darla's fault. Ridge assured Thorne that Taylor's feelings for Thorne are real and that she confessed to him out of her love for him. Ridge told Thorne he can't let Taylor rot in prison. Thorne walked out on Ridge without saying a word.

At the police station Stephanie visited Taylor in her cell, and told her she can't plead guilty. Taylor reassured Stephanie that no one else will be implicated. Stephanie said that's not what she's worried about. Stephanie warned Taylor not to become a martyr, and reminded her she had good witnesses to the accident. Taylor said she needs to plead guilty and serve her sentence to alleviate the emotional burden on Thorne. A defiant Taylor insisted no one is changing her mind. Stephanie revealed that they hired Storm to represent her. Taylor freaked out and said that Thorne doesn't deserve having to go through a trial, and said that Thorne is right: she does deserve to burn in hell. Stephanie suggested that Taylor's thinking is all wrong, and that Darla's tragic death doesn't require her to give up her life. Storm arrived and said there's a good chance they can get the charges reduced but she cannot plead guilty. Taylor broke down and said she can't do that to Thorne and declared she'll go to prison to prove her integrity. Stephanie pleaded with her to reconsider. Lt. Baker arrived and said it was time to go to the hearing. Storm protested that he hasn't had time to meet with his client. Lt. Baker said it's a moot point considering Taylor is pleading guilty. Taylor was lead away to the courthouse in cuffs. At the courthouse, the prosecutor (Debbi Morgan!) reviewed Taylor's case and told Lt. Baker it seemed pretty simple and straightforward. Lt. Baker expressed regret that it very well could have been a simply terrible accident but they'll never know because Taylor signed her confession accepting full responsibility for what happened. The prosecutor warned Lt. Baker that Taylor's guilty plea is the only thing stopping her from pressing charges against Phoebe, Hector and Stephanie. When Taylor's hearing got underway, the judge allowed Stephanie and Thorne to sit in on it, but denied Storm's request for a continuance. As the charges were read by the judge, Taylor plead guilty to each one. When the judge read the charge of vehicular manslaughter, he warned Taylor that it's a very serious offense, and urged her to take a moment to consider her plea. Storm and Stephanie urged her to plead not guilty. Taylor turned to them, then to Thorne, before whispering her plea — "Guilty."

Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Stephanie tried to line up a lawyer for Taylor. Ridge confronted Stephanie about how she convinced Taylor to keep the accident a secret. Stephanie said she was trying to protect Taylor and the family. Thorne admonished Stephanie for making matters worse with her meddling, once again. Stephanie conceded that she made a mistake this time, but told Ridge it's time for constructive criticism, not finger-pointing. Thorne revealed that he's hired Storm Logan to represent Taylor. Stephanie offered to send the company jet to San Francisco to get him. Ridge and Stephanie agreed that Phoebe may not be a credible witness for her mother since she lied and was part of the cover-up. Ridge left to go tell Taylor to keep her trap shut until Storm arrives.

Taylor called Phoebe from the police station. Taylor told Phoebe she feels better for telling the truth. Phoebe told Taylor that Ridge is trying to help her. Phoebe insisted that Darla's death was an accident. Taylor told her they have to wait for due process to run its course. Lt. Baker told Taylor after reviewing her confession and the other witness statements that it appears Phoebe and Hector are guilty of obstruction of justice. Taylor declared that she's the guilty party and there's no reason to bring anyone else into this. Lt. Baker agreed but said it's not up to him — the D.A. will have to make that call. He offered to do anything he could to help them but said he needs her to help him in return. Lt. Baker said he can't get a deal from the D.A. unless he trusts her to admit the details of each person's role in the cover-up. Taylor outed Hector, Phoebe and Stephanie's participation in the cover-up. Lt. Baker told Taylor she didn't expect her conscience to act up on her. Taylor begged Lt. Baker to make sure no one goes down with her. Lt. Baker said he can't offer any guarantees, though the odds are in her favor. Ridge arrived and consoled Taylor. Ridge declared that someone needs to tell Thorne that closure and revenge are not the same thing. Taylor was taken to her holding cell downstairs and sat pensively on her cot. Thorne got a knock on his door from Phoebe. Thorne tried to close to the door on her, but Phoebe said she couldn't stand to see the pain on his face and begged for the chance to explain to him what happened. Thorne reluctantly listened to Phoebe's recollection of the events that night — including how Darla fell backwards into the road in the path of Taylor's oncoming car. Thorne said it doesn't matter because Taylor was drinking. Phoebe said that didn't matter because Taylor was in the lane she was supposed to be in — she didn't swerve into Darla. Phoebe begged Thorne not to send her mother to jail. Thorne said he's not God so he can't judge her, but declared that after what they did neither Phoebe nor Taylor will ever set foot in his house or see Alexandria ever again. Phoebe tried to explain about the stuck lug nut but Thorne would have none of it. Phoebe pleaded her mother's case but it fell on deaf ears. Thorne told Phoebe to leave. Alone, Thorne gazed at a photo of Taylor he had on display beside one of Darla's and slowly crumpled it up with his hand as he wept.

Monday, October 16, 2006
An officer led a cuffed Taylor though the precinct and to Lt. Baker. She was ready to give her statement and waved her right to legal council, against Baker's advice. With the tape recorder running, she 'fessed up to her drinking problem, her drunk driving to locate her stranded daughter and then hitting Darla on the side of the road. When Baker asked why all the secrecy if it were an accident, she explained, "It felt like an accident, but I'll never know for sure, because I was drinking." While her confession was transcribed, she took her mug shot and was fingerprinted. Then she signed the confession, even after Baker warned, "Once you sign this, it's evidence." She asked what her charges would be and he told her, "You're going to be going away for a while."

Phoebe promised her father she wasn't mad at him and explained that she hadn't responded to his e-mails and calls because she didn't want to have to lie to him about Taylor. When she dropped the bomb about Taylor killing Darla, he assumed it was a mistake, but Phoebe told the whole story, from the accident to the lies. When he asked why she didn't tell him, she slipped, "You were the reason..." A guilty Ridge tried to take it all in, including the fact that Taylor was turning herself in. He insisted Phoebe did nothing wrong and was even forgiving of Taylor, but growled, "What I can't for the life of me understand: What the hell my mother was thinking of?" Ridge comforted Phoebe, who was certain it was an accident, unrelated to the drinking, and upset that her lies now made her untrustworthy as a witness. "Is there anything you can do?" she asked.

A broken Thorne returned home and tucked in his daughter. Then he talked to Stephanie, who revealed she'd told Taylor to stay quiet. He was furious to be the last to know. "What about the mailman?" he stormed, but Stephanie insisted she'd felt duped too when she'd learned. She explained she'd kept quiet and asked Taylor to as well because she hadn't wanted Thorne's heart broken again by the truth. "Justice isn't justice if it does some irreparable harm," she said. She urged him to forgive Taylor, because the death was an accident. Stephanie added that Taylor had ultimately refused to continue lying and only been convinced to do so by Hector, Phoebe and Steph. Thorne couldn't believe his mother, but his anger turned to sadness. "I just want her back," he whimpered about Darla, and Stephanie took him into her arms.

2005 recaps