Friday, May 25, 2007
Stephanie returned to the Forrester mansion with Brooke and they waited for Ridge's return. Brooke was surprised that Stephanie still wanted to wait to see which verdict would be handed down for Nick before revealing Ridge's involvement. Storm called Brooke and asked if she got any evidence to help Nick's case. "I'm on my way to the courthouse right now," Brooke told her brother cryptically, but promised she wouldn't let Nick go to jail. Stephanie worried that Ridge would be taken away form his family, but Brooke assured that everything would be okay. "He's strong," Brooke reminded Steph about the man they both love.

As soon as Ridge landed, he instructed the chauffeur to take him to the L.A. County courthouse. En route, Stephanie called and presumed that Nick would beat the charges. "Nick going free doesn't really change the facts," Ridge pointed out. Stephanie urged her son to keep quite until Nick's verdict is read. Ridge hung up on his mother without revealing his next move.

Back in the courtroom, Phoebe was called to the stand where she reluctantly confirmed witnessing Nick threaten Shane. Next, the DA got Ashley to admit that she had once lied to the police in order to keep her own father from going to jail. "Which tells us everything we need to know about your credibility," snarked the prosecutor. As Brooke entered the courtroom, Nick testified that he didn't own a gun or hurt Shane. "I didn't kill him!" Nick insisted. After both sides rested, closing arguments were passionately made. As everyone waited in the hallway while the jury deliberated, Phoebe reamed Rick for trying to hurt her father. Rick was shocked when she ended their relationship. Brooke was relieved when Ridge finally showed up. "I'm going to be with you every step of the way," Brooke assured. The bailiff announced that the jury had arrived at their decision. Everyone filed back into the courtroom where the verdict was announced: "Guilty!" As gasps ran through the room, Nick angrily pointed his finger at Ridge. "Be a man and admit it!" Nick yelled.

Thursday, May 24, 2007
"Get out of the car," Stephanie growled as she cocked back her shotgun for added impact. Brooke obeyed and skulked back into the cabin. "If you don't let me go then you're the one who's going to jail," she warned and reamed Stephanie for trying to strangle her earlier and then holding her hostage. "I didn't shoot you," Steph sniffed indignantly. "I only lost my temper a little bit." Brooke recounted Stephanie's years of abuse against her but surprisingly, La Forrester countered with some of the happier times they shared. As the mood in the cabin got strangely calmer, Brooke explained that Ridge will always be haunted by Shane's death unless he comes forward with what really happened. Brooke suggested that Rick be told about how he was the one shot Grant years ago. "We have to do this for our sons," Brooke implored.

On the first day of Nick's trial, DA Jennifer gave a brief opening statement to the jury. “Dominick Marone shot Shane McGrath,” she simply declared. When Storm got his turn, he claimed that Nick was "framed for a murder that he did not commit." Mr. Chase, the harbormaster was the first witness called to the stand and he confirmed for the prosecution Nick's voice on a taped radio message that was transmitted on the day Shane died. Jennifer also produced as evidence, Nick's shirt which had traces of Shane's blood on it. Next, Lt. Baker testified that Nick had previously threatened to take care of Shane himself from bothering Phoebe if the police didn't do their job. Storm then pointed out that Ridge "has more reason to protect his family than my client." Jackie was called to the stand and she verified that Shane and Nick had a physical confrontation in her son's office. Storm then hypothesized for the court that Shane's blood could've gotten on Nick's clothing during the scuffle.

In Paris, Ridge was plagued by the memories of Shane's shooting and dumping his body in the bay. Ridge's cell phone rang and he was surprised that it was Brooke calling. "I know about Shane," Brooke told him and urged Ridge to come home. Ridge immediately agreed and a wave of relief washed over him. After hanging up, Brooke turned to Stephanie, who agreed that it was time to end this nightmare. "I can breathe again," Stephanie sighed. "You were right about all of this... thank you." The women embraced and Brooke whispered, "The truth will set us free."

Wednesday, May 23, 2007
With less than an hour before Nick’s trial started, the defendant, Taylor, Jackie and Storm wondered where Brooke was. Donna arrived with the same question, mentioning that her sister didn't come home the night before. Meanwhile, Brooke woke up on a sofa at Big Bear, where Stephanie was holding her captive. When Brooke noticed Stephanie apparently snoozing in a chair, she tried to slip out, but Steph caught her in the act. She informed the prisoner that there is no way out and the neighbors aren’t around. As a blasé Stephanie padded about in her pajamas, serving coffee, Brooke argued with Stephanie, who advised her not to be so dramatic. Brooke said that there is only one way to keep her quiet and that is to kill her. Stephanie certainly liked that idea, but said she only intended to hold Brooke for a few days until the trial is over. She helpfully offered that Nick might even beat the rap.

Back at the L.A. County courthouse, Rick arrived and upon learning his mother was missing, phoned Bridget and asked her to check around local hospitals.... A flustered Jackie visited Eric, who griped about her son framing his son. When he reported that Stephanie is out of town, Jackie freaked and alerted Storm that neither Brooke nor Stephanie is around. Forrester demanded to know what was up and pooh-poohed the idea that his wife had done something to her longtime nemesis ... who she is always strangling and smacking around.

The trial began and Judge Owens strolled in. Storm wanted to delay the trial and Nick leapt to his feet to plead his case, which only irritated the judge, who refused the request.

Up on Big Bear, Brooke assured Stephanie that she does not want to see Ridge in prison and will remain mum until the trial is over. With that settled, Brooke asked when they were going back to Beverly Hills, swearing she’d keep her lips zipped. Stephanie agreed and the women both said they were going to change into street clothes. When Stephanie’s back was turned, Brooke found the car keys, fled the cabin and got in the car. She was startled by a loud noise and saw Stephanie pointing a rifle in the air.

Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Brooke clutched at her throat and made gurgling noises as Stephanie tightened the phone cord around her neck. Steph finally let Brooke go, but demanded that she not turn in Ridge to the authorities. Brooke insisted on telling the truth about Shane's death and rushed to the door, but La Forrester physically stopped her and passionately begged Brooke to remain silent. Despite Stephanie's whimpering, Brooke pulled out her cell phone to call Ridge in Paris, hoping to persuade him to come clean. Stephanie, however, snatched the phone from her hands. Stephanie denied setting up Nick, but rationalized that he is guilty of a lot of things. The mad mama warned that if she and Ridge end up behind bars, it will be Brooke's fault. She reasoned that none of this would be happening if Ridge hadn't confessed to Grant's shooting in order to protect Brooke's son all those years ago. Stephanie also argued that Storm is a good lawyer, who can get Nick off the hook and it will be no harm, no foul. When Brooke wouldn't budge on the matter and opened the door to leave, Stephanie gave in and said that they had to talk to Ridge first. Stephanie told Brooke that she'd lied, claiming Ridge is not in Paris, he's really at Big Bear. La Forrester suggested that they drive up together to talk to him.

At Forrester Originals, Phoebe blasted Rick for snooping in her father's office for evidence. If he thinks so little of her dad, maybe they don't belong together, she sobbed. Rick calmly explained that he's not out to get Ridge, but can't sit idly by while Nick is wrongly convicted. Refusing to hear what he had to say, Phoebe slammed out of Ridge's office.

Jackie visited Nick at the L.A. county jail. She was alarmed to hear that Brooke was alone with Stephanie, but Nick didn't think his ex-wife was in peril. Storm arrived and rattled them with the news that Nick's case is on the docket for tomorrow morning. Nick noted that everything is riding on Brooke. Storm observed that since the judge has a beef with him, the case doesn't look good unless Rick or Brooke come up with something. When Jackie was gone, Nick ordered his attorney not to paint such a grim picture in front of his mother again.

Phoebe ended up at Constantine's studio, where she cried on his shoulder. She sheepishly admitted that she felt a bit silly since she doesn't know Constantine that well. He listened as she complained about Rick. While Rick was back at Forrester Originals musing to himself that "nobody can talk to her when she gets like this," Constantine was indeed talking to Phoebe, as well as patting hers hands and delivering smoldering glances and a hug.

At Big Bear, Brooke and Stephanie entered the darkened cabin. Stephanie blocked the door as Brooke observed how cold and dark it was, then realized that Ridge is still in Paris. Stephanie locked them inside and announced that they could do things the hard way or the easy way, it's Brooke's choice.

Alone in his cell, Nick flashed back to Stephanie pushing his mom over a railing, getting booked and various low points. "You bitch," he grumbled. He was roused by the sound of footsteps, it was Taylor, who smooched him and placed his hand on her belly. She assured that the truth would come out. Noisy kisses ensued.

Monday, May 21, 2007
At work in the laboratory, Ashley closed her eyes to sniff a fragrance sample when the lights suddenly dimmed. Rick sauntered in, locked the door behind him and started the sweet nothings routine. He touched her face and planted a soft kiss on Ashley's lips, then steamy smooches ensued — until an alarm beeped and Ash's eyes flew open. It turned out she was just fantasizing as she worked. Soon after, an indignant Phoebe stormed into the lab and started chewing out the chemist for confiding in Rick about her suspicion that Ridge killed Shane.

At the jail, Nick asked Rick to be his eyes and ears, acknowledging that asking Rick to spy on his girlfriend's dad is a lot to ask. After Rick left, Nick met with Storm to discuss his case. Storm phoned Ash, who was still in the midst of her argument with Phoebe, and asked her to come to the courthouse. After a few last words for Phoebe, Ashley took off for the courthouse. When she arrived, she shared her suspicions, mentioning that Stephanie had refused to let her into Ridge's office and there had been a lot of odd behavior. " When Storm later informed his client that his trial date had been moved up, Nick erupted in anger, "Why that dirty bitch!" he fumed in reference to Stephanie. Rick crept into Ridge's office at Forrester Originals and snooped around. His detective work was interrupted by Phoebe, who said she knew what he was doing. "Find anything you and Ashley can take to the police?" she sniped. Rick said he's not trying to railroad Phoebe's dad. Then just let it go, she pleaded.

Brooke continued to interrogate Stephanie about Ridge's involvement in Shane's death. Finally, Steph broke and whispered, "It wasn't murder." She admitted what happened, explaining that Ridge was afraid to call the cops because he took the blame for shooting Grant and the court had warned that if he were ever involved with a gun-related crime, he'd go directly to jail (neither passing go nor collecting $200). Stephanie recounted how when Ridge wanted to go to the police, she stopped him, Shane just being a drifter and all. Brooke was appalled by La Forrester's cavalier attitude toward the suicide victim and announced that she was putting a stop to all of this. After urging Stephanie to tell the truth, Brooke picked up the phone to call Lt. Baker. Too bad she wasn't on a cordless because Stephanie grabbed the cord and strangled Brooke with it.

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