Unaware that Joe was alive, Viki married Steve.

Fearing that he was going to die, Joe Riley did not want his family to know he was alive after all. He still, however, wanted to get the purse to the authorities, so he sent it to his brother-in-law and Steve�s lawyer, Dave Siegel. The evidence gained Steve�s acquittal. Very weak, Joe lurked in the bushes at Llanfair to watch Viki marry another man. Steve and Viki left on their honeymoon just as Joe collapsed. The news of Joe�s amazing return delighted the residents of Llanview�especially his devoted sister Eileen, and his good pal Vince.

Steve and Viki returned to Llanview to be greeted by the startling news about Joe. Viki promptly fainted, then raced to Llanview Hospital to see Joe. Viki and Joe stared at each other for what seemed like an eternity. As she whispered his name, Joe took a step forward, then collapsed at her feet. His fate would soon be determined by a delicate operation to repair the aneurism. Joe regained consciousness, and at the sight of Viki, his will to live surfaced. Joe's operation was successful, and upon his recovery, Viki was forced to make a choice between her two men.