The Next Generation

Caress's Penthouse

Caress sat on the couch in her spacious living room, listening over and over again to the tape, which Alexis had given to her to proof that Zach Powers had lied about the circumstances of her conviction for the murder of Ricardo Ch?vez. Finally she pressed the stop button and put the tape recorder aside. Drawing up her legs to her chest and wrapping her arms around them, she thought about the trial and the time in jail. It had been so many years ago, but still seemed so fresh in her mind. She remembered the moment she got arrested, when the Venezuelan police handcuffed her and took her into custody. It had felt like a bad dream. Unbelieving of what was happening to her, Caress had put all her trust and hope into Alexis and Zach Powers, who had promised to get her out of there. But soon her hope had broken into pieces when she got convicted for the murder of her sister�s ex-lover, based on the facts that her fingerprints had been found on the letter opener and her clothes had been strained with his blood. She had spent five years in a small cell in a Venezuelan jail, sometimes thinking she would go insane. These years there had been pure hell and had killed all her faith in love and justice. Now all she felt was hate and all she could think of was revenge. Alexis and Zach would pay for what they had done to her. And with her plan they were going to pay soon.

It�s time. She thought as she got up from the couch and walked over to the telephone. She dialed her lawyer�s number. He answered on the first ring.

�Hello Kenneth, you need to do me a favor. It�s not all legal, but I�m sure you�ll find a solution there�� She said with a grin. �Let�s meet at the office in one hour.� She asked him and he agreed.

�Okay, see you there.� Caress said, hanging up the phone. Then she put her hand into the pocket of her dressing gown and retrieved a box with pills. She poured herself a glass of water and swallowed one of the pills.

Delta Rho

Jim smiled as he watched Sammy Jo pour him another glass of wine. They just had dinner. They were relaxing after the meal enjoying each other's company.

�I�m such a lucky guy, a beautiful lady all to myself.� Jim flirted.

�What you really mean is a fat pregnant woman.� Sammy Jo smiled at him.

�You are so wrong; you're absolutely glowing and very sexy!� Jim added.

�Jim, really� Sammy Jo laughed. Jim grabbed her down and sat her on his lap. Sammy Jo slapped him softly. �Thank you, but love is blind.�

�I'm a respectable surgeon, I was taught to be objective.� He teased her.

Sammy Jo laughed and kissed him. When they both finally came up for air, Jim added. �It's been a nice couple of days. I love coming home to you!� He stated.

�It has been great having you around for more than a day; we should do that more often.� Not to mention waking up next to you, Sammy Jo thought.

�How about every day, maybe it's time I'd move in� Jim suggested.

�Oh Jim, I don't know�� Sammy Jo desperately wanted to say yes, but things were a little complicated.

�What do you really want? Forget about everyone else.� Jim stroked her face.

Sammy Jo took a big breath. �In that case, can you move in next weekend?�

�Oh Sammy Jo�� Jim kissed her.

At that moment Steven walked into the dinning room. He needed to talk to Sammy Jo, check on her and finally tell her about Georgia and Jim. He didn't expect to see Jim there. He was tired and a little drunk.

Jim noticed Steven watching them and became upset. He let Sammy Jo nibble his neck watching Steven twitch. �Hello Steven, so nice of you to join us.�

�Jim, Sammy Jo.� Steven answered.

Sammy Jo turned around. She slowly got up and headed to Steven. �Steven is everything alright? Are you feeling okay?� Sammy Jo looked at him.

�Sammy Jo, I'm fine, stop mothering me. � Steven pushed her hand away from his face.

�So what brings you here tonight? � Jim wasn't pleased.

�I just came to check on Sammy Jo and update her about something. � Steven explained.

�Well you could have called. � Jim suggested.

�I wanted to see her. � Steven explained angrily.

�Wanted or needed? � Jim retorted. Sammy Jo shoots him an angry look.

�You know Steven, you can't just walk in here whenever you feel like it. � Jim added.

�Of course he can. � Sammy Jo stated, hoping this would end their pissing contest.

�When I move in, thing will be different. � Jim stated.

Steven�s face turned pale. �When you what? � He asked.

�Shall we tell him the good news? � Jim turned to ask Sammy Jo, slowly getting up and putting his arms around her.

�Jim has asked me if he could move in and I have agreed. � Sammy Jo explained.

Steven face became red now. �Are you sure you can fit Sammy Jo into your busy schedule? �

�Of course, my job isn't as demanding as yours! � Jim answered.

�I wasn't talking about your job but your sex life. Between your affair with Georgia and kissing other men, like me. Are you sure you have enough time for Sammy Jo? �Steven hated the painful look in Sammy Jo's face. This was not how he planned to tell her.

�Jim, what is he talking about? � Sammy Jo broke away from him.

�Sammy Jo, he kissed me�� Jim started.

�I don't remember you stopping me. � Steven stated.

�And Georgia�Sammy Jo asked.

�It's over between Georgia and me�� Jim ignored Steven and put his hands on Sammy Jo's shoulders turning her to face him.

�Just like it's over between you and Steven You're a damn liar! Get out, now. �Sammy Jo screamed.

�Sammy Jo let me explain�� Jim tried again.

�Get out now! � Sammy Jo repeated.

�You heard the lady! � Steven added.

�Steven stays out of this! Sammy Jo, I love you, please. �Jim pleaded.

Sammy Jo turned her back to him and ignored him.

�Bye bye, Jim. � Steven said, smiling.

Jim left. Sammy Jo turned and saw Steven smiling. �Proud of yourself are you? � Sammy Jo stated angrily.

�Sammy Jo, I didn't mean�� Steven began.

�Spare me. I don't care. I'm so sick of you interrupting my life. Is it so hard for you to see me with some one else? �Sammy Jo headed out.

Steven grabbed her. �I'm sorry, I don't know what came over me. �

�Really, how about alcohol and jealousy �Sammy Jo retorted

�I just want you to be happy, I want the best for you. � Steven pleaded his head spinning.

�No one except you can live up to your standards. Good night, Steven. �Sammy Jo headed out.

�Sammy Jo, please ...�Steven said.

�Goodnight, thank you for once again ruining my night. � Sammy Jo kept walking.

�Sammy Jo�� Steven fainted.

Sammy Jo heard a big trump and turned around �Steven no Steven.�

The Carrington Mansion � Danny�s room

Ashley lay in bed and couldn�t fall asleep. Danny was still out there. After she told him about her decision to stay in Denver, he had walked out on her. She wanted to go after him, tell him she was sorry and she didn�t mean to hurt him. But instead of looking for him, she stayed in the room and tried to fall asleep. She thought about their conversation over and over again. There was nothing she could do now to improve their feelings, and Ashley was afraid of even thinking about what could happen if he would discover her romance with LB. She did love Danny. It hurt her so much to see him suffer, but what could she do? She couldn�t live with a lie anymore, and she would have to tell him the whole truth, before he�d hear about that from somebody else. And she knew Krystina could tell him the truth any minute. She couldn�t take this risk. On the other hand, she couldn�t tell him about her and LB, at least not now.

�Danny ...� She raised her head when the door opened and the boy entered the bedroom. She was happy to see him. Danny closed the door and went inside the room. He looked at her, sat down on the bed and removed his shoes, without saying a word to her. �Danny, please talk to me. Say something.� She asked.

Danny stood up, took his shirt off and turned to her. �I have nothing to say, Ashley.� He said while changing.

�I know you are very disappointed, but I wish you could try to understand.�

�I�m sorry, I�m trying. Okay? I spent the last few hours thinking about all that, trying to figure what went wrong, but I just can�t think of anything. We talked about that so often. You told me you�d love to move in with me. And now suddenly, in the last minute you changed your mind.� He finished changing and lay down in bed.

�I didn�t change my mind at once. I thought about that a lot in the last few days.� She told him.

�And still you didn�t say anything to me about that.�

�I didn�t want to say anything until I was sure.�

�But we are a team, Ash! You need to tell me when something is wrong, or when you going to decide something that will effect us both!�

�I know, I know and I�m sorry, okay? I should have told you about that before. But I just couldn�t. I knew how disappointed you�d be.� She reached her hand to him and caressed his hair. �I love you, Danny. I didn�t want to hurt you. You know that, right?�

�I know that I love you and still want you to move in with me.� He said to her.

�No� please don�t do this to me. I already decided not to go to Princeton.�

�I didn�t talk about Princeton.� He said and she looked at him, wondering. �We can move together, here in Denver.� He added.

�What?� She was stunned.

�I could call it all off and study here in Denver. I�m sure they still have room for me at the university. I�m a Carrington, after all, remember?� He smiled.

�No. No, you can�t just leave Princeton now and come back here.� She couldn�t let it happening. It would ruin all the plans she and LB had.

�Why not I�ll study exactly the same things, but only here instead of Princeton.�

�No, Danny. No. We already been through that, remember? You dreamed about studying in Princeton for so long� you can�t give it up only because of me.�

�But I love you. I want to be with you, Ashley. Can�t you see that?�

�Of course. I love you too, sweaty. But it�s just not right. You should study in Princeton exactly like you planned to. You can�t change your mind only because of me. It wouldn�t be fair, not to you and not to me.�

�Gosh, I hate this conversation.�

�I know it won�t be easy for us. But we do love each other, and we still would be together. So go to New York and I stay here. What we have is strong enough.� She took her hand and put it on his heart. �Right?�

�Yes, of course it is� it�s just that � �

�It�s just nothing. It�s the right thing to do, Danny. It won�t be easy of course to none of us � but it�s the right decision. I know that.�

�God, I�ll miss you so much.� He caressed her cheek.

�I know I�ll miss you too.� She returned and smiled to him. �But we will get over this. I�m sure.� She still tried to convince him. She couldn�t take the risk that he�d decide to stay in Denver.

�You think so?�

�I�m sure.� She kissed him, hoping he wouldn�t stress the subject anymore. Danny kissed her back softly and swept away with passion.

�I really love you, Ashley, I hope you know that.�

�I know, Danny. I know.� She said and kissed him.

The Mansion � The Next Morning

Blake exited from the study and walked down the corridor in direction of the breakfast room. He just had gone off the telephone with Chief Monroe.

Krystle, Jeff, Fallon, and Amanda stopped their conversation as Blake stepped in. �Any news?� Krystle asked her husband. Blake only shook his head as he took his seat at the table.

�Some tea, daddy?� Fallon asked, being worried about him. He looked tired and pale.

�Yes, thanks.� He nodded.

Only seconds later Miles entered the room. �Good morning!� He greeted the Carringtons.

�Good morning, Miles.� Amanda returned with a smile. �How about having some breakfast?�

�Only coffee, please� He said, sitting down at the table.

�Yes, I would think you would need some after the late night you and Amanda had.� Fallon smiled.

�Fallon!� Amanda turned her head.

�Well, is there something I should know about?� Blake asked. �Is there a suitor I should interrogate?� Blake laughed as he looked at Miles.

�No daddy, were just friends.� She turned to Fallon. �And I will thank you to mind your own business.� She said kindly to her sister.

�Well I only thought you two made a cute pair on the dance floor last night.�

�Yes we did.� Miles added. �We deserved the night out after what has been going on here lately.�

�Yes, Miles you did, and I want to thank you four for all the hard work you did at La Mirage. I hear that Harold will be in prison for a long time.� Blake added.

�Yes he will.� Jeff said.

�I thank that the man he was working for has backed off as well.� Fallon said. �So it looks like La Mirage is safe and sound again, just like Sable would want it to be�

�How is your mother, Miles?� Krystle inquired.

�When I talked to Monica the last time a few days ago there were still no changes, at least no improvement in her conditions. The doctors say she could wake up every day or never. But the longer she stays in coma the more she�s going downhill physically. She�s getting physiotherapy.�

�Let�s pray that she�ll wake up soon.� Krystle hoped.

�Well, I never understood why Monica brought her and Cameron to Paris. I wish she hadn�t and I could see them more often, but I know Monica is taking really good care of them, and I�m grateful for it.� Miles admitted.

�I hope they all will return home soon.� Blake threw in and everybody agreed.

Hearing Miles talking about his mother reminded Jeff of Dex. �Amanda, you never told me about your phone call with Dex.� He wondered. �How was he taking the news about Peter Richard and this faked letter?�

Amanda felt uncomfortable. She never had made this phone call, on purpose. The fact that Dex still believed that Sable wasn�t willing to see him and was hiding Cameron from him worked for her plan to re-unite Dex with her mother. She quickly thought of something to say. �Oh, he�s doing much better now that he knows the truth.� Amanda lied. �But Dexter International is in financial trouble and he�s fighting against a hostile takeover right now.� Amanda passed on the news that she had heard from Alexis, trying to change the subject. And it worked.

�If Dex has problems, why didn�t he ask for help?� Blake asked almost offended �

Laramie, Wyoming, Dexter Ranch

Dex was packing his suitcase as his sister Maryann opened the door. �Can I come in?�

�Sure.� He replied.

�I�ve heard you have good news.� She asked, sitting down on his bed.

�Yes, I�m flying to Denver and meet with Bloomfield & Grant. They granted our request for a loan. With this $ 500 million we�ll have the means we need to develop and exploit the Brentwood field.� He paused for a moment, zipping up his suitcase and putting it down on the floor. �I believe when we get the field producing we�ll regain solvency.� He added hopefully.

Maryann was glad that her brother had returned to Laramie and had taken the company off her hands. �I hope to God that this all will work out.� She sighed.

�Don�t worry, it will.� He assured her, even he wasn�t sure himself.

�I missed you at dinner last night and also at breakfast this morning ...� Maryann remarked, changing the subject suddenly while Dex went into the bathroom. He ignored her question, not willing to tell his sister about Scarlet.

�Who is she?� Maryann asked with a grin.

�Nobody you know.� Dex dismissed her as he returned from the bathroom with his shaving things.

�Hmm, something serious� She curiously continued questioning him.

�Would you please stop interrogating me?�

�Okay, I won�t bother you any further.� She said, smiling. �But when you returned from Denver we could invite her for dinner to the ranch?� She suggested, wanting to know who the new lover of her brother was.

�Don�t you have a private life of you own?� He asked, throwing a pillow at her.

She caught it, laughing. �Sure, but it�s unfortunately not half as interesting as yours.� She teased him.

Delta Rho

�Mom?� Danny asked when he entered the house, looking for Sammy Jo. But nobody answered. He walked into the kitchen, opened the fridge and poured himself a cup of orange juice.

�Danny, Hi� Krystina was surprised to see him when she entered to the kitchen.

�Hey�how are you?� He smiled to her.

�Things could be better you know� You�re going back to Princeton today, aren�t you?� She wondered if Ashley told him already that she�d stay in Denver, or if she changed her mind and decided go with him to Princeton after all.

�I wish it would be so simple, Krys.� He said, and she knew Ashley told him.

�What happened?� She pretended not knowing anything.

�Don�t ask� Ashley decided she�s staying in Denver. She doesn�t want to come with me.� He told her sadly.

�I�m sorry.� That was the only reaction she could think of.

�Yes� I�m sorry too. It�s so frustration� god!� He was upset. �I was waiting for that for so long, Krys. And suddenly, in the last minute, she tells me she won�t come with me. Can you believe it?�

�Did she explain it at least?�

�She said she wasn�t sure about moving to Princeton from the beginning, but didn�t want to tell me anything until she�d know for sure that she wants to study here in Denver.�

�So you are leaving today without her?�

�Yep you don�t know how much I hate this. I planned so many things for us�. It�s just not fair. �

�Well believe me, I�m the first to know how things can be complicate sometimes. � Krystina said, thinking about her conversation the other day with Blake and Krystle.

�You still have problems with grandpa about Kyle? �

�Yes, as usual. He refuses to listen. He made up his mind about Kyle being a bad guy and nothing can change his mind. �

�You really love this guy. �

�Yes, with all my heart. He is so special, Danny. It could be so different for us if my parents would accept him. �

�I�m sure they�ll change their mind eventually. I mean, you love him � you are not going to give up so easily, right?�

�Of course not, you know me. If there is something I want � I�ll fight until I get it.� She said determined, pouring herself a glass of orange juice. �Want some?�

�No, thanks�. I wish I could be more like you, Krys - so determined and confident.�

�Hey� what are you talking about? You are confident. I�m sure you�d fight for Ashley if you�d need to.� She wanted so much to tell him the truth about LB and Ashley, but she couldn�t do that. She loved Danny so much. He was like a big brother for her. She didn�t want to see him get hurt more than he was already.

�Thank god, I don�t have this worry right now. But you know, I think it would be easier to fight for her if it was because of another guy. This way I could fight anything. What can I do against her will to study in Denver? It�s not something I can fight, you know what I mean?�

�Yes� I know.� Krystina answered. If you only knew the truth� she thought to herself but didn�t say a word to him about LB and Ashley. She was going to do everything she could to prevent this romance between those two. She wouldn�t let them hurt Danny. No way.

The Carrington Mansion � LB�s room

�Yes, come in!� LB called. The door opened and Ashley came in. He just had changed and was about to visit the gym. It�s been a while since he did some excises. �Hi!� He smiled when she closed the door and approached him.

�Hey� going somewhere?�

�Yes, to the gym.� He kissed her. �How are you?�

�I�m fine, I guess.� She still felt horrible about herself.

�I guess? What happened? You talked with Danny?�

�Yes. I told him. He knows now.�

�Knows what?� LB hoped she told him everything. He wanted to be together with her, without any secrets.

�That I�m staying in Denver. What did you think that I told him - I�m sleeping with you?�

�You obviously did not.�

�No, I did not. We talked about that, remember? I won�t tell him anything about that. I won�t do this to him, LB. And besides, it�s enough that he�s going back to Princeton alone��

�How did he take it?�

�Not too good. He tried to change my mind, and when he realized I wouldn�t give up he decided to leave Princeton and stay here in Denver with me.�

�What?!�

�Clam down, LB. He isn�t staying. I convinced him to study in Princeton, because it would be the right thing to do.�

�Well of course it is.� LB smiled. �I hope the next step will be the whole truth.�

�LB!� She got nervous.

�What? Krystina knows about us. It�s a matter of time until she�ll tell him the truth.�

�I don�t think she�ll tell him. And besides, he is going to Princeton today. He won�t be here for some time now, until Thanksgiving. We have nothing to worry about. Krystina loves Danny, she won�t tell him.�

�I hope you�re right.�

�I�m right. You�ll see everything will work out. We�ll have enough time for ourselves starting this evening.�

�And I can�t wait for this evening, you know?�

�Yes� me too.� She smiled and they kissed passionately. LB caressed her breast and led her to the bed. �I thought you are going to the gym?� She asked him while kissing him.

�This is the only exercise I want now.� He returned her kiss and took her clothes off. �I love you so much, Ash.�

�I love you too, LB.� She said and they made love�

Back To Delta Rho

�Ashley has decided to stay in Denver. I�m going away without her.� Danny explained.

Sammy Jo and Steven looked at each other and sighed. The sadness in Danny's eyes worried them. �I'm sorry sweetheart; I know you wanted her to come with you.� Sammy Jo squeezed his hand.

�So what are you doing here? Go enjoy your time with your girlfriend.� Steven suggested.

�I wanted to spend some time with you.� Danny stated. When he arrived, his father came out of his old room; he spent the night here. Danny was thrilled, but so far his parents seemed to be avoiding each other.

�Your father's right. Go spend your time with Ashley. We�ll wait till you come back again.� Sammy Jo agreed with Steven.

�Okay, but you two will have lunch with me before I�m leaving, alright? You still haven't told me how the ultrasound went.� Danny got up.

�Bye, sweetheart� Sammy Jo hugged him.

�See you soon champ.� Steven added.

�See you later.� Danny walked out and stumbled into Krystina. �Hey, I�m going to the mansion, wanna come?� He asked her. She thought to stop by at the mansion and visit Lauren, Cathy and Joseph. It�s been a while since she last saw him.

�Oh, I planned to come, but Kyle just called. He�s on the way here.� She apologized.

�That�s fine. But I will see you before I�m leaving this evening, right?� Danny asked.

�Yes, sure� She answered.

�Great, so see you later� Bye, mom, dad.� He called to Sammy Jo and Steven.

�Bye!� Sammy Jo called back from inside the kitchen. �I hope Ashley isn't anything like her step father.� She stated bitterly.

�I wish I could believe that. This all story with her is fishy.� Steven agreed. Sammy Jo headed out.

�Sammy Jo, wait. We need to talk.� Steven tried to stop her.

�If you're going to apologize forget it, I don't want to hear it.� Sammy Jo said turning around.

�The last thing I wanted to do is hurt you. I was going to tell you.� Steven signed.

�Let's just drop it for now. I have some decisions to make and I need time.� Sammy Jo explained.

�All right, but you know I'm here for you, always.� Steven stated.

�I know!� Sammy Jo sat back down. �I sure know how to pick them, don't I?� Sammy Jo sighed.

�Like I'm any better� Steven smiled wearily.

�And here we are again the two of us�� Sammy Jo stated.

�Growing old together�� Steven added and got up. His head was spinning; he needed a glass of water. He sat back down.

�Steven, are you all right?� Sammy Jo asked.

�I think so.� Steven said. �I just have a hangover I guess. With the drug the bitch gave me and the drinks I took last night��

�You know, I didn't want to say anything but do you think Georgia and Jim were plotting against us together?� Sammy Jo asked.

�You think so?� Steven looked shocked. He hasn't even thought of that.

�Well, he did break up with you for no apparent reason and she went to great length to sleep with you. It all somehow fits in.� Sammy Jo explained.

�Actually that's what I wanted to tell you. Last night I talked to Krystle�� Steven began.

Kyle parked his car as he watched Danny race off. He entered the main house and headed for Krys's room. He overheard Steven updating Sammy Jo about Georgia.

�Steven be careful, I'm worried.� Sammy Jo said.

�Don�t worry, I�ll find out what Georgia is up to� I promise you that.�

So Mrs. Woo wasn't finished, he thought to himself. I will stop her. This is the only chance I have to proof the Carringtons my loyally.

La Mirage

�LA MIRAGE MANAGER WAS ARRESTED FOR COCAIN USE� was the main headline at the criminal page at the �Denver Today� newspaper. Fallon throw the paper on the desk. They may have prevented Harold from ruining the hotel�s reputation and sending her to jail for along time, but this article was bad publicity for the hotel.

�Damn!� She exclaimed angrily when the door opened and Miles entered the office. �Have you seen this?� She gave him the paper.

�Yes, god knows how they found out about that.� He wondered.

�I wouldn�t be surprise if Harold himself told them about it. This guy is crazy! It took us so long to rebuild the hotel and save our reputation� now it�s seems like it starts all over again.� She sat back in her chair, depressed.

�I wish I could improve your feelings, but unfortunately I have more bad news for you.� He said and gave her some reports. �I found it in Harold�s office. I guess he never told you about that, hmm?�

�This bastard, I could kill him with my own hands!� She was very upset now to learn how deep Harold has gotten them.

�So he didn�t talk with you about the mergers and the building plans�� Miles assumed.

�Of course not, He came and asked me what I think about that, but I made it very clear to him that we are not going to get ourselves into this.�

�Well, obviously he didn�t listen to you. We have to stop it now, before it will be too late. I�ll take the flight tomorrow to Paris. Our contact man there apparently talked with Harold about all that. He was very surprise to hear Harold did all that without telling you.�

�So he will help us?� Fallon asked.

�I certainly hope so, though we have bigger troubles than that. Harold won�t give up now. Especially after we set him up. He�ll do anything he can to fight us now.�

�From prison?� Fallon wondered.

�Fallon� I didn�t want to say anything to Blake this morning, but if he is right, and the consortium is still after you, we have to check the possibility that Harold is working with them.� He said with a serious look in his eyes.

�God, I didn�t think about that. The police closed the case against them. I thought it�s behind us.�

�Well, apparently not. And somehow, I have a feelings it�s only the beginning��

The Hilton, Lindsay�s suite

Looking around him and making sure nobody was seeing him, Kyle opened the door to Lindsay�s suite with his master key and entered carefully. The suite was empty. Lindsay was still downstairs at a late breakfast. He didn�t have much time. He began looking for documents that would help him finding what she was planning to do against the Carringtons. But Lindsay was very cautious. She didn�t left anything behind that could be used against her. Kyle almost gave up as he found a book in a drawer.

�The Carrington�s � all the truth� were the title on the book. Kyle opened it and began reading in it when he heard steps from outside the room. He put the book back in the drawer and hurried to hide under the bed, hoping he wouldn�t be revealed. In the second he went under the bed, the door opened and Lindsay entered the suite. He looked at her from his point of view on the floor. If he had doubts before � now it was all gone. He met her before. Mrs. Woo, Lindsay Woo. It had been a while since he last saw her, but he couldn�t forget her beautiful blonde hair or the perfect body she had.

Lindsay threw her bag on the bed and went into the bathroom. This was his chance to leave. Slowly, he popped his head out, making sure Lindsay was still in the bathroom, and then, like a cat, went out from the bed and ran out. Lindsay heard the door slamming and hurried into the living room to check. Nobody was there. She opened the door to the suite and looked outside to the hallway, but it was empty.

Somebody was here. She told herself and went back inside the suite, looking around. �Bingo!� She said when she noticed that one of the drawers wasn�t perfectly closed. She opened the drawer and took the book out, knowing now that the person, who broke in, found the book�

ColbyCo, Caress�s office

Everything went right to plan. Her lawyer had done an excellent job. Caress was now in receipt of the papers, which would finalize her plans to take revenge on her sister and her former finance.

She was about to leave her office when the intercom went off, and her secretary informed her that Mrs. Georgia Parker was on the phone. �She says it�s urgent that she speaks to you.�

�Alright, put her through.� Caress said. This had better be important, she thought to herself as she picked the phone up. �Lindsay, I ask you not to call me at the office.� She reminded her.

�I don�t have time for your paranoia now; just listen to me, Caress!� Lindsay dismissed her remark. �I think you�ll be interested in what I have to say.�

Caress didn�t like being ordered around, but she didn�t object. �Okay, but make it quick. I�m busy.�

�Somebody broke into my suite. I don�t know who it was and if he found something besides the draft of my book that could cause us trouble, but we can�t ignore it.�

�Damn it!� Caress got nervous. �Could they have found anything that could connect us?�

�I�m not sure. But we shouldn�t take any chances.� Lindsay stated. �I�ll move fast, because I�m beginning to worry my plan is not going to work. I invited the Carringtons to La Mirage and ...�

Caress cut her off. �As less I know about it as better, Lindsay. I don�t have anything against Blake and Krystle. I only want to get back at my sister and Zach Powers.�

�If you need help, Caress, I was thinking about inviting your sister too. She�s not any better than her ex-husband, her sons and the rest of that noble family.� Lindsay offered.

�No, Lindsay. I told you she�s mine. Our plans for revenge go their separate ways now. But believe me my sister will get what she deserves.�

�Good.� Lindsay said.

Denver Carrington, Jeff�s office

Jeff sat behind his desk as the intercom went off. �Mr. Dexter is here to see you, sir.� His secretary announced.

�Please send him in.� Jeff said in a slightly surprised manner. In the next moment Dex entered his office.

�Dex, How wonderful to see you!� Jeff exclaimed smiling, getting up from his desk and approaching his old friend. �How are you?�

Dex returned the smile. �Thank you, I�m fine. Good to see you too, Jeff.� He said as the two men shook hands.

Jeff motioned for Dex to sit down in the seating area of the office. �I didn�t know you were coming to Denver?�

�I had a business appointment here, and I thought I would drop by and say hello. But I was told Blake left the office early today.�

�Yes, I�m sorry, Dex. He felt exhausted and I asked him to go home. All the worries about Adam are getting to him.� Jeff explained.

�What�s the matter with Adam?� Dex inquired.

�He�s disappeared. Nobody has seen him for days, and Blake is afraid that the consortium is behind it.�

Dex looked concerned. �What do the police say?�

Jeff shrugged his shoulders, indicating the general uncertainty and helplessness at the moment. �They know as little as we do.� He sighed. �But I don�t want to strain you with our worries. I know you have enough worries of your own with your company.�

Dex raised his eyebrows. �Well, bad news always goes the rounds fast.� He said with a touch of irony. �Yes, the situation of Dexter International is critical, but we�ll get out of it again.�

�Dex, you could have asked us for help. Blake and I would have been more than glad.� Jeff offered.

�Thank you, Jeff. I really appreciate your offer, but I want to accomplish it on my own. I really didn�t want to drag you into my trouble.�

�Dex, that�s what friends are for.�

�Jeff, please ...�

�Okay, I do accept your decision, but you understand that when Amanda told us about your financial problems, we were worried about you.�

�Amanda? Amanda told you?� He shook his head. �Since when does Amanda have interest in the oil business?�

Jeff looked at Dex with confusion. �I thought you told her?�

�I haven�t talked to Amanda since Rome.�

Jeff�s face turned even more serious. �What? Didn�t Amanda call you after you went to Laramie?�

�No.� Dex shook his head.

�But she said she called you. I don�t understand that.� Jeff searched for an explanation. Why had Amanda lied to him?

�I don�t know. Fact is that she didn�t.� Anger rose inside Jeff, not unnoticed by Dex. �I�m sure Amanda has her reasons.� He tried to defend his former step-daughter. �Anyway why should Amanda have called me?�

Jeff tried to think of the best way to tell Dex about Monica�s faked letter of Sable and Peter Richard�s lie about the person who paid him to make Dex giving up on searching for Sable. �Dex, we were fooled in Rome. Sable is still in coma ...� Jeff started.

�What?� Dex interrupted him?

�Sable�s letter was a fake and she also didn�t pay Richard to disillusion you. He was paid by ...�

Dex cut him off. �Let me guess, Monica!�

Jeff hesitated. He didn�t like to blacken his cousin, but he had to tell Dex the truth. �Yes, but I convinced her to stop it.�

Dex felt both anger and relief at the same time. He had to see Sable. He wanted to be there for her and their son. �Where did she bring Sable and our son?� He asked.

�They are in Paris.� Jeff replied, standing up and walking over to his desk. �That�s their address.� He said, while writing it down for him.

Dex approached his desk. �Thanks, Jeff.� He said, receiving the slip of paper.

�I�m sorry, Dex. I thought you knew. Believe me I have no idea why Amanda didn�t tell you.� Jeff apologized.

�I�ll clear that later with her. First I want to see Sable and Cameron, and then I�ll have a talk with Monica.� Dex replied.

Steven�s flat

Steven looked at the papers on his desk. He had been working on his laptop for the past few hours. He got up to stretch. The presentation had to be ready for Monday. A knock on the door interrupted his string of thoughts.

�It's open.� He wasn't expecting anyone, who was it. He looked up.

�Hello Steven!� Jim entered.

�What are you doing here, Jim?� Steven frowned but part of him was excited at seeing Jim again.

�I need to talk to you.� Jim explained.

�I think we said all we had to say to each other last night.� Steven looked back down at his lap top screen.

Jim approached and closed the laptop. �You will hear me out!�

�Get out, now!� Steven pointed to the door.

�Absolutely not I am sick of you interrupting and ruining my relationship with Sammy Jo. I've had it.� Jim yelled.

�Sammy Jo deserves a man who will love her unconditionally and be faithful. She deserves the best.� Steven stated.

�Well, I was enough for you, right?� Jim retorted.

�Sammy Jo deserves better than I, not a man who sleeps around, she doesn't need a man who doesn't appreciate her. � Steven added agitated.

�You mean like you.� Jim hollered back.

�I moved out remember? I'm not the one who promise to date her exclusively and then slept with another woman.� Steven retorted.

�It's over between Georgia and me. I love Sammy Jo and I will win her back. I can give her what you can't.� Jim said.

�Funny, you seem to give her everything I have. Mainly a broken heart, now are you finished?� Steven opened his laptop again.

Jim closed it again. �You still want her for yourself, a comfort lover; you certainly proved it last night. I will fight you for her if I have too.� Jim finished.

�Fine, go fight for her, you know where to find her. I won't stop you.� Steven said.

�If you haven't poisoned her against me� Jim headed out.

�You did all on your own. Good luck, you're going to need it.� Steven knew Sammy Jo could handle him.

�Damn you, Steven, damn you!� Jim turned around and attacked Steven causing them both to fall on the floor. They rolled for a while, fighting each other until Steven was on top and passionately kissed Jim. Jim gave in, kissed him back and they began making love.

The Carrington Mansion � LB�s room

�Oh, Ash� it was great. You are great!� LB said smiling. They still were in bed, naked, after making love all morning. She kissed him and smiled back.

�I love you too. I feel so good when I�m with you. I never felt like that before.�

�Not even Danny� He asked.

�I love Danny in a different way, you know that.�

�I know.� He was still smiling. �And I�m glad you love me in a better way.� She smiled and he kissed her again.

�But we have to get up; LB. Danny must be looking for me already.�

�In a while ...� LB promised and kissed her again when they both heard Joseph, outside the room.

�Hi, Danny� The little boy called to his cousin who just entered the floor on his way to his room.

�Hi, Jo what�s up?� He asked him, while inside LB�s room Ashley and LB stopped kissing and looked at each other, hoping Danny wouldn�t knock on the door.

�You locked, right?� Ashley asked LB, but he wasn�t sure at all.

�Cathy told me you are going back to New York today. It�s so cool!�

�Yes, I�m going to study there at the Princeton University.�

�Wow! I wish I could come with you.� The boy said anxious.

�I�m sure you�ll come some day for a visit, maybe after the holidays.� Danny said.

�Really you mean that?�

�Absolutely� Danny smiled. �Tell me, have you seen Ashley?� he asked the boy while Ashley and LB still inside the room, hearing them talking.

�No� but I�ll sure tell you if I�ll see her. She is so beautiful, you know?� Joseph said when Cathy showed up.

�Danny? Can you please help me? My doll fell behind the television, and I can�t get it back.� She asked him.

�Sure, where did it fall, in the living room?�

�Yes.� She said and went with Danny and Joseph downstairs. LB and Ashley heard their voices getting faint and got relieved.

�Only a few hours more, LB. and it�ll be over.� She reminded him.

At the meantime, downstairs, Danny pulled the doll behind the television and gave it back to Cathy. �Thank you, Danny. You�re the greatest! I wish I could have a brother like you!�

�And I wish I could have a girlfriend like yours.� Joseph added and Danny laughed.

�You will have someday, Jo.�

�I hope so!� The kid said.

�You need to be careful, Danny. I think Jo put an eye on your girlfriend.� Cathy said smiling, holding her doll.

�Oh, really� Danny smiled.

�Yep� especially after he saw you with her the other day at the cabin� Cathy laughed and Joseph punched her. �Ouch!� She cried.

�You need to shut your mouth sometimes, you know that?�

�Its okay, Joseph, really� Danny calmed the boy. He thought they were talking about the night he and Ashley spent at the cabin a few days before he left to Princeton.

�See?� Cathy said to her cousin. �I told you he wouldn�t mind.� She added and Danny smiled to them.

�Okay, guys. I have to go. Don�t fight.� He said and walked out.

�See? He didn�t mind we saw them taking a shower, I told you so!� Cathy said to the boy when Danny headed out. A shower? He wondered but totally forgot about that when his cell phone rang. �Mr. Carrington? I�m talking from Continental Airlines, concerning your flight tonight�� The woman at the other side of the line said�

Denver Carrington, Blake�s office

�Mr. Carrington, Mrs. Colby is here to see you.� Blake�s secretary announced from the speaker.

�Send her in.� Blake said. Jeff and Chief Monroe where sitting in his office. They both suggested him to call Alexis and ask her to come and hear the last development the police had made in the investigation about the consortium, and about Adam�s disappearing.

�Blake, Jeff,� Alexis greeted them with a nod when she entered the office. It had been a while since she had last visited Denver Carrington.

�Alexis, you remember Chief Monroe?� Blake said and Alexis shook hands with the police chief.

�How do you do, Mrs. Colby?� The chief asked.

�I�d be better, if you�d have good news for me about my son.� She stated.

�Well, this is the reason I advised Blake to call you. As you know, we suspected that Adam went to Billings, to see his ex-wife, Dana Warring. The local P.D. worked with us on that and sent some police officers to Mrs. Warring�s apartment to look for Adam, but they found nothing.� He explained.

�What do you mean they found nothing?� Alexis asked concerned. �Have you talked with Dana? She must know where Adam is!� She demanded to know.

�Alexis, please, let the man talk.� Blake asked her.

�As I said� our men searched for Adam and for Mrs. Warring at the apartment, but they weren�t there. According to the neighbors a man in his fifties, that matches Adam�s describing, visit Dana two days ago. We believe he spent one night there before leaving, together with her.�

�Leaving where?� Jeff finally said something.

�That�s what we still trying to figure out. I don�t have all the details yet, but we have a reason to believe they haven�t left the apartment of their own will. Our men found some blood and evidence of violence at the scene.�

�Oh my god� Alexis couldn�t stand the thought that something horrible had happened to Adam.

�So you believe someone did something to Dana and Adam?� Jeff interfered.

�I�m really sorry, but this is the direction we have now. We are still trying to find more evidence that will help us seeing the whole picture, but from how it seems now, I�m afraid something bad happened to your son.� The chief said.

�Mr. Carrignton? Mr. Roberts is here. He says he have to talk with you.� Blake�s secretary interrupted them again.

�Not now!� Blake said upset.

�He is insisting ...�

�I said not now!� Blake almost yelled at her, but Kyle didn�t give up. He grabbed the phone from the woman and talked to Blake.

�Mr. Carrington, I have something that will help you. You have to hear that.� The boy said anxious. He wanted to tell Blake about what he found out in the last few days, but the time was bad. Blake was too upset right now and Kyle was the last person he wanted to speak with.

�You have some nerve! Do you know that? I told you already I don�t want to see you at all! Now you have two minutes to take your legs and get out of this building before the police chief here will arrest you!� Blake shouted into the phone and hung up angrily.

�Blake, calm down.� Jeff asked his father in-law. �You shouldn�t yell like that. Maybe he had something important to tell you.�

�Oh, spare me ...� The old man insisted. �All what I know now is that those lunatic is still after us, first they kill Kirby, now they�re after my son.�

�Mr. Carrington, I want to remind you the case against the consortium is still closed.� The chief reminded him.

�For now maybe, but you will open it again with the new information this reporter has.� Blake said.

�Which reporter, Blake� Jeff asked surprised.

�Georgia Parker� Krystle and I are going for dinner with her. I hope she�ll help us finding more about the group. Who knows, maybe she�ll help us finding out who is after us again��