Friday, January 12, 2007
Joel, the attendant at the morgue, told Abe and Lexie that the skeleton the police sent down to forensics for analysis had disappeared. He explained what happened the night before: a teenage boy (Connor) got him to go look for a body; then, scurried off when he returned. Abe said he'd send a police sketch artist to the morgue to do a composite drawing of the mystery teen. Meanwhile, Bonnie and Connor tried to figure out what to do with the bones. Connor suggested stashing them someplace where no one would find them, like the backyard. Bonnie liked the idea, but said they had to wait until dark. Soon, Abe and Lexie arrived looking for Mimi. A nervous Bonnie said she wasn't there and rushed them out, as Abe took note of her jitteriness. Then, Bonnie had Connor haul the bones out of the trunk and into the basement for safe keeping.

Max woke up Mimi, noting that he'd already been to the courthouse to sign affidavits for Belle and Shawn. The pair admitted how they cared about each other, and Max asked Mimi to move in with him. Mimi suggested taking things slowly and went to dress for court. Abe and Lexie arrived, and Abe explained that the skeleton went missing from the morgue. He asked Mimi for help, again asking her about the ring she'd recognized, but she couldn't remember a thing.

Claire's custody hearing was moments from getting underway. Bo, Hope and Marlena arrived to offer their support to Shawn and Belle, followed by Victor. Bo asked to speak to him, alone, and asked Victor if he was really going to take a little girl away from her parents. Victor insisted it was for Claire's own good. Philip was her father for the first year of her life. When the bailiff called Victor, Shawn and Belle headed into the courtroom. Marlena filled in Hope on John's condition. She talked to a specialist, who said there was no hope for John and that he needed long-term care. Still, Marlena admitted she couldn't consider it.

Inside the courtroom, Victor gave his statement. While he held no malice toward Shawn and Belle, Victor and Philip were concerned about Claire's welfare. Victor explained that Shawn had recently been living with a prostitute and had a history of violence. Victor recounted how Shawn drove his car through Victor's living room and his motorcycle through St. Luke's church. Then, he took shots at Belle. Like Shawn, she had no job, no income and lived with her parents. She was a mother with a history of mental instability and her father had recently been shot in a police sting operation and was not expected to recover. Victor mentioned the incident where Belle let Claire "wander off" at the diner.

The judge asked for Belle and Shawn's response to Victor's charges. Shawn admitted he'd made mistakes, but insisted he'd turned his life around for Claire. He'd gotten his mechanic job back. He'd moved in with his parents to save enough money for him, Belle and Claire to get their own place. Shawn swore Belle was an incredible mother and that they'd both give their life for Claire. Next, Belle informed the judge about Victor keeping the truth about Claire's paternity from them, as well as Philip's whereabouts. Belle insisted that she and Shawn loved, protected and guarded Claire with their lives, when Philip was nowhere to be found. "Please don't take my daughter away. Let her come home where she belongs," wailed Belle. Outside, Bo and Hope were surprised when Willow arrived, dressed all prim and proper. Inside, the judge seemed to be siding with Shawn and Belle, so Victor brought up Shawn's association with criminals Patrick and EJ. Then, he brought in a witness to attest to it. Willow testified that Shawn was working for EJ to make money for a cushy lifestyle. "I never once heard him mention his daughter. All he cared about was his fancy new car," lied Willow. Belle and Shawn tried to interject, to no avail. Shawn and Belle's lawyer argued that Philip wasn't even there and asked how the court could award him custody. Victor said that Philip WAS there, as he was wheeled into the courtroom. "Your honor, I give you my son, Philip Kiriakis," announced Victor, as everyone looked on in shock.

Thursday, January 11, 2007
Max and Mimi arrived at his place, where he admitted he cared about her. Then, they got cozy on the couch. Max suggested taking things to the bedroom, but Shawn barged in. Max asked him to go, but Shawn needed a favor. Shawn explained that Victor had Child Protective Services take Claire away from him and Belle. Mimi said it was her fault, but Shawn insisted it was his, for making bad choices. Shawn asked Max and Mimi to come to court and sign petitions as character witnesses for him and Belle. Of course, they agreed. When Shawn left, Mimi said she felt responsible, because she knew Claire was Shawn's daughter for months, but kept mum. Max assured Mimi this wasn't her fault; then, they got back to kissing. Mimi stopped things, because she couldn't stop thinking about Belle and Shawn. Max understood, and the duo ended up turning in for the night, separately. Mimi headed to the coach and Max to his bed, after a long goodnight kiss.

At the morgue, Bonnie told Connor to distract the attendant, so she could sneak in and steal the skeleton bones. Connor told the man that his aunt had died and his mom wanted him to find out if the funeral home had picked up her body. When the attendant went to check, Bonnie slipped inside and found the bones. Just then, another attendant approached the room. Bonnie hid on a table with a sheet over her. When the attendant left, Bonnie grabbed the bag of bones and ran. The first attendant returned and told Connor that he looked everywhere, but couldn't find his aunt. Connor rejoiced that maybe she wasn't dead after all (!). Outside, Bonnie ordered Connor to put the bones in her car trunk, as an antsy Connor obliged.

At the penthouse, Marlena discussed John's condition with Roman. She insisted that underneath his injuries and tubes, John was in there and understood everything that was going on. "Did John wake up? Try to talk?" asked Roman. When Marlena admitted he hadn't, Roman said that perhaps John's brain wasn't functioning and the doctors were right. Marlena clung to the hope that they were not. That's why she didn't want to put John in long-term care. Roman told Marlena that she knew John better than anyone and perhaps she was right, but that maybe she was having trouble finding closure. Marlena wondered if she could help John or if he needed more than she could give him. She wondered if John was really trying to reach her. "Then, he will," asserted Roman, citing Marlena and John's special connection. Roman convinced Marlena to take a nap and left the room. As Marlena drifted off, the wind blew the terrace doors open. She awakened and heard John calling her name. Marlena walked onto the terrace, where she felt John's arms around her. Roman ran over and grabbed her and told Marlena it was a dream, but she swore John was there. She felt him. Roman wanted to stay the night, but Marlena insisted she was fine. After Roman left, Marlena noticed the curtains blowing again and went back to the terrace, where she begged John to send her a sign.

Belle sat by John's bedside, talking about the situation with Claire and begging her dad to come back to them. When John touched her hand, Belle cried out, "My dad's waking up." The doctor quickly burst her bubble, insisting it was a muscle spasm. John's brain wasn't capable of sending out commands. Belle insisted the doctor didn't know her dad or how strong he was. Belle began to call her mom, but the doctor advised against getting Marlena's hopes up for nothing. While he realized Belle and Marlena were hoping for a miracle, it might never come. Shawn arrived, and Belle filled him in on what happened with her dad. Then, she changed the subject to their dismal situation with Claire. Shawn assured Belle that they wouldn't lose their daughter.

Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Mimi arrived at the garage and complained to Max about her family. "They really just suck the life out of me," she moaned, wishing she didn't have to go home tonight. Max offered an alternative: staying with him. Abe stopped by to update Max and Mimi on the skeleton case. He noted that the ring found on the skeleton had been stolen six years ago. The owner came down to the station, identified it, and brought a purchase receipt. Abe said the police were going to reopen the robbery case and needed Mimi's help. After all, she'd thought the ring looked familiar. Perhaps she knew the owner, an elderly man named Harold Cavanaugh. The name didn't ring a bell. Abe told Mimi to dig deeper into her memory, and she agreed. After Abe left, Max invited Mimi over, again, noting that he "buffed up" the place. Mimi agreed to come over, promising to make Max a special dinner.

A nervous Lexie showed up at the police station to identify EJ as John's shooter and went on to Abe about what a responsibility it was being the sole witness to a crime. "Without your testimony, we may not be able to put him away," said Abe, who left on other business. Roman came in and asked Lexie if she was ready to look at some pictures. Lexie said she had to make a call first, and phoned Tek, wanting reassurance that it was definitely EJ who shot John. Lexie kept Tek on the line and put her phone in her purse, as she went into Roman's office. After perusing the pix, Lexie asked for a few moments alone. When Roman left, Lexie took out her phone and Tek asked if EJ's picture was there. Lexie said it was, and Tek instructed her to ID him. When Roman returned, Lexie positively identified EJ. Roman, however, was suspicious. Later, Lexie filled Abe in on what happened; then, left. Roman emerged and told Abe that they needed to talk about Lexie.

At the pub, Billie shared good news and bad news with Bo. She'd found an apartment for her and Chelsea, but also drank a bottle of wine after her breakup with Steve. Bo took Billie to an AA meeting. Afterwards, Billie admitted she felt better, but that during her stupor she'd had a one night stand with a younger guy. Bo tried to make her feel better by recounting his tryst with an older woman when he was just a teenager. Billie wondered if Bo had been traumatized by the experience. On the contrary, Bo said it made him feel like he was king of the world. He was sure Billie's young man was feeling the same way. Meanwhile, Abby asked Nick if he'd slept with Billie. Nick, initially, denied it, but Abby said his lost belt was proof. Nick finally 'fessed up, begging Abby not to breathe a word to his true love, Chelsea. Nick admitted that the experience with Billie was incredible and made him feel like a man. Abby praised Nick for standing up to Chelsea. It had impressed the brat. Then, Abby pointed out that Chelsea was mad about Lonely Splicer before Nick sent her a photo. That proved Chelsea loved Nick. Abby encouraged Nick to get rid of Dr. Shane and give Chelsea a chance to realize her true feelings.

Stephanie shared exciting news with Steve and Kayla: she got a job with a new racing team and was moving to Dayton, right away. Kayla wasn't thrilled about Stephanie racing again, but realized it made her happy. Steve gave Stephanie his blessing, too. They all hugged, and Stephanie left. Steve and Kayla talked about Stephanie and agreed not to tell her about Steve's episodes. Then, Steve went to the bar to get drinks, where he encountered Nick, who was fixing Maggie's musical Santa. Nick got the Santa to work, as "Jingle Bells" and a beating sound began to play. Suddenly, Steve had another episode, grabbed the Santa, and smashed it on the bar. When Steve came out of it, he apologized to Nick and brought drinks back to Kayla. Kayla sensed that something was wrong and told Steve that they could work through anything together.

Tuesday, January 9, 2007
Abby praised Nick for standing up to Chelsea. Too bad he responded by saying he was still in love with her. Abby suggested that Nick "kill off" Chelsea's faux Internet beau, Dr. Shane, by saying he died of a rare virus. Nick considered it...then he left to help Maggie at Chez Rouge. Chelsea emerged and told Abby about finding her mom with a guy. She even found his belt under the couch. Chelsea left, and Abby wondered if Nick could have been the guy with Billie. After all, he was missing his belt earlier. Abby followed Nick to Chez Rouge and informed him that Chelsea told her about Billie's one-night stand. Nick didn't think it was any of their business. Abby went on about the guy leaving his belt behind and from the look on Nick's face knew it was him.

Bo restrained Steve as he tore up the Children's Protective Services office, while Beverly phoned the police for help. When Steve finally calmed down, he apologized and prepared to leave with Bo. Beverly stopped them, noting the police were on their way. Alone with Bo, Steve explained how his first "episode" happened the night he and Kayla had dinner with Benji and Sonya and how he didn't know why they were happening. Cops arrived, and Beverly said she wanted Steve arrested. Bo intervened, explaining that Steve had just gotten his memory back and was having problems. He promised to take Steve away and never bother Beverly again. The cops left and Bo asked Steve if anything like this had ever happened with Kayla. Steve swore he'd never hurt Kayla and begged Bo not to tell her about this. Bo agreed — if Steve agreed to see a shrink.

At the pub, Shawn and Belle fretted about Victor and Philip's custody suit when a lawyer named Dan came by to discuss their case. Upon sharing information with Dan, he deduced that Victor had set Shawn and Belle up. Shawn admitted Victor had things on him, but he'd changed. He'd moved in with his parents and gotten his old job back. Dan noted that Belle had to change, too. Victor had proof that she was a negligent mother. Shawn demanded to know what he and Belle had to do to get their daughter back. When Dan said they were dealing with perception, Shawn pointed out that Philip had left Claire after learning she wasn't his biological child. Dan wondered if Victor would have Philip show up in court. An irate Shawn said he was sure he would, clad in bandages and in a wheelchair. Dan told Shawn that he could lose his temper with him there, but better not in court. Belle and Shawn needed to appear as responsible, loving parents.

Hope and Kayla discussed babies — namely, whether Kayla and Steve wanted to have another one. Kayla expressed her concern over the episodes Steve had been having. Billie arrived, asked Kayla how she and Steve were doing, and mentioned receiving Steve's goodbye letter. Billie insisted she was happy Kayla and Steve had reconciled; then, fawned over Hope's new baby. Soon, Chelsea arrived, having been summoned by Billie for a surprise. Billie explained that she rented an apartment for the two of them. Meanwhile, Hope went over to Belle and Shawn to reassure them that their family would be there for them in court and they wouldn't lose Claire. Shawn said he and Belle would take Claire and run if the court took her away from them.

Bo and Steve arrived at the pub. Kayla told Steve that Stephanie had some news and wanted to have dinner with them, so they left. Bo went over to Belle and Shawn and explained that Claire was with a nice foster family and that the court almost always decided in favor of the mother. Alone with Belle, Shawn noted that Victor had paid off judges before. If the court ruled against them, he and Belle would run off with Claire.

Monday, January 8, 2007
Lucas and Billie went on about Sami being a hero for saving Lucas' life, much to Kate's chagrin. Billie explained that Bonnie kicked her and Chelsea out. While Caroline had offered to let Chelsea stay at the pub, Billie was looking for new digs. Kate suggested Billie stay with her, but she declined. Sami noted that Lucas wasn't using his apartment and asked if Billie would be interested in it. Billie was and left to pack up her things. A photographer arrived to take photos of Sami for yet another article, annoying Kate, who left. Later, Sami and Lucas played nerf basketball and ended up kissing, just as Kate walked in and looked absolutely appalled.

Bonnie and Mimi picked up Connor at the police station, where Bonnie gave her son hell for not pursuing his GED in favor of riding in the rodeo circuit. Connor said he was a working stiff, like his father, and pulled out a Christmas card from their dear old dad to Mimi. Mimi read it; then, went to pay Connor's fines. Alone, Bonnie reminded Connor that she brought him home to help protect the family. Connor suggested telling Mimi the truth. "The truth about what?" asked Mimi, who overheard. Connor said that Bonnie was upset that he failed his GED. Mimi promised to help him, and they headed home.

Chelsea went on about Lonely Splicer, aka Dr. Shane Patton. She knew his heart, his soul and his name, thanks to Nick. Stephanie cautioned that the guy may not be who he claimed to be, but Chelsea wouldn't hear of it. "Maybe when you actually have a guy, I'll think about taking your advice," snipped Chelsea. When Stephanie left, Chelsea headed to her computer to e-mail to Dr. McDreamy. Meanwhile, Abby chastised Nick for not telling Chelsea that HE was her Internet love. Nick said the timing was off, as he recalled his sexual romp with Billie. Abby wondered what Nick wasn't telling her, but he kept mum. Abby offered to tell Chelsea the truth. "Absolutely not!" barked Nick, pointing out that Abby wasn't exactly running to tell Max how she felt about him. Abby said Nick would have to tell Chelsea the truth, eventually. He couldn't stay a virgin forever. Soon, Chelsea arrived and begged Nick to tell her more about Dr. Shane. Fed up, Nick yelled that he was tried of being Chelsea's lapdog.

While Bo and Hope showed off their baby girl to Caroline at the pub, Shawn, Belle, Kayla and Steve arrived and explained that Claire had been taken by Child Protective Services. Victor was suing Shawn and Belle for custody of Claire in Philip's name. Bo and Steve left to investigate, while Hope and Kayla assured Belle that everything would work out. When Caroline returned with the baby, Belle asked to hold her. Soon, Victor showed up, claiming he wanted to make peace. Neither he nor Philip wanted this to go to court. Shawn noted that HE was Claire's father and no judge would take Claire away from him and Belle. Victor countered by noting that while Philip was off defending his country, Shawn was shacked up with a prostitute and working for a criminal. Victor said that Philip was willing to settle for being named as Claire's primary parent. Claire's home would be with Victor and Philip, but Shawn and Belle would be free to visit her. Furious, Shawn told Victor to shove his offer and get out. After Victor left, a man showed up with subpoenas for Belle and Shawn to appear in family court.

Bo and Steve barged into Beverly's office at Children's Protective Services. While Bo insisted she'd made a mistake taking Claire, Beverly explained there were reports about Claire's living environment being unacceptable. The court had made a decision, but Claire's parents would get a chance to plead their case. Steve asked where Claire was, and Beverly noted that foster parents were coming to pick her up. Bo accused Beverly of being in Victor's pocket. Steve implored Beverly to let Claire stay with family instead of strangers to no avail. Bo asked to see Claire, but Beverly said no. Meanwhile, Steve had another "episode," culminating in his banging on Beverly's desk and demanding that Bo see his granddaughter. Bo tried to restrain him, as a frightened Beverly backed away.

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