Chapter 83
Day 12: Around midnight
Llanview, PA at the Hayes House

"Anyone Who Had A Heart," by Luther Vandross plays on thebedroom radio. Dorian is in her silk robe and is toweling dry her hair . There is a knock on the door. "Come in."

Dorothy walks in. "Am I intruding?"

"Come in."

Dorothy hesitates before she enters.

Dorian asks, "Is something wrong?"

Every time you go away, I always say
This time it's goodbye , dear

"I'm sorry." Dorothy turns to leave.

Dorian sighs. "Dorothy!"

Dorothy stops, turns. Her and Dorian exchange looks. Dorothy asks, "Is he dead?"

"Your father?" She pauses. "No."

Loving you the way I do
I take you back, without you I'd die dear
Knowing I love you so

"Dionne Warwick."

Dorian frowns."What?"

"Dionne Warwick song the original."

"You want to talk so I'll turn it off." Dorian walks toward the radio.

"No. I like this version better."

Anyone who had a heart
Would take me in his arms and love me, too
You couldn't really have a heart and hurt me,
Like you hurt me and be so untrue
What am I to do?

Dorothy asks, "Are you falling in love with Herb Callison?"

"What?"

"The way the two of you...."

"No. No! Your father, your father has been missing for a few weeks, and you--" Dorian stops. She purses her lips in anger. "Is this going to be another interrogation? Do you really think that Mel meant so little to me that I could get over him so easily? Dorothy I told you that I believed your father was alive! I love him now and forever."

Knowing I love you so
Anyone who had a heart
Would take me in his arms and love me, too

Dorian continues, "You may choose to believe otherwise but frankly, I no longer give a damn!"

Dorothy laughs. "I asked for that."

You couldn't really have a heart and hurt me,
Like you hurt me and be so untrue

Dorothy walks toward a chair. "May I?"

Dorian folds her arms, responds, "It's late."

Dorothy sits.

Dorian resides on her bed. "What's this about?"

"I've been offered a job here in Llanview."

"Congratulations."

"Is that all you're going to say?"

"What do you want from me?"

"I don't know. That's a good question. I suppose I'd prefer if you, if you hated me or something."

"I see. So that you'd feel validated about your feelings toward me. Dorothy I thought we'd gone over this before."

"We have. Dorian, I..."

"I thought we agreed to start over again and move past whatever ill feelings we had toward one another for your father's sake if for no other reason."

"Your relationship with Mr. Callison."

"Is none of your business."

"I just don't want my father to be hurt when he returns. And he is coming back."

"Without question he's coming back."

"To his wife."

"To his wife and his family."

"We'll be here. Will you?"

Dorian stands with a finger pointed toward the door. "Leave!"

Dorothy moves toward the door. She turns. "I just wanted to make myself clear."

Dorian approaches her. "What's clear is that we can never be cordial or have any genuine feelings of warmth toward one another. What is clear is that I will always remain a threat to you because I have no intention of ever leaving your father! Get over yourself and get out of my way because I'm not stepping aside! "

Dorothy stares for a moment and then walks out the door. Dorian pauses at the door. She mutters, "Mel, I don't want to do this without you."

Anyone who had a heart would love me too
Anyone who had a heart would take me in his arms and love me too
Why won't you?
____________________________________________________________________
In Philadelphia, RJ's Hotel Room,

Day 13: Just after midnight

RJ hangs up the phone and then brings Hank a cognac. He joins him on the sofa. Miles Davis plays his trumpet piece, "So What," in the background on the jazz station. Hank is smoking a cigar. He asks RJ, "How's Blair? That was her on the phone, right?"

"Yes, that was Blair. There was an accident at the rectory."

"What? Somebody get hurt?"

"The pond in the back. River and Starr were playing near the ice. River slipped in."

"You're not saying?"

"No--everyone's OK. Blair was just a little shaken up by it. I'm more worried about Dorian."

"Mel, huh?"

"He's still missing. Dorian's putting up a brave front. Blair said she's making plans for Cassie to return to the states."

"What about Kevin Buchanan?"

"I think Dorian can handle Kevin." RJ sips his cognac. "Mother and daughter need each other."

"Speaking of which...when Joshua returned with you and his folks from the airport...well, from where I sit, father and son need each." Hank takes a puff from his cigar before he flicks ashes into an ashtray.

RJ chuckles. "Yeah, Joshua's a chip off the ol' block."

His adopted parents seem like good people."

RJ sighs. "Without doubt. Churchgoers."

"They want to take him back to Chicago just at a point when the two of you have finally connected. What do you think about that?"

"What do I think? What the HELL do you think? It ain't about me, Henry"

"Wrong brother. It's about a man and his son. That's about you and Josh. None of them other bloodsuckers matter."

"You mean the Littles? If I had a choice about which relations he should spend his time with, I'd definitely choose that he spend his time away from the criminal element."

"You're being too hard on yourself."

RJ looks at him. "I was talking about Ray."

"Oh." Sips from his drink, puffs on his cigar. "Ray's mother wants me to derail these potential charges against her son."

"You surprised? She's already lost two children."

"The lady's a real piece of work."

"You're not seriously considering it are you?"

"I don't know. We're pretty close to nailing his ass, RJ. But I'd consider it if it meant you having your son be a part of your life."

RJ chuckles. "Bullshit! Joshua doesn't even know his uncle and who's to say that he would hold it against you for doing your job."

"Family is all we got, my brother."

RJ responds, "You care about me." Hank looks uncomfortable as he puffs on his cigar. RJ adds, "I'm sorry about Prentiss."

Hank pauses with a distant look before taking another puff from his cigar and sipping his cognac. "Worry 'bout cha boy. He looks like you. He looks like Chester."
___________________________________________________________________

Day 13: Upstate New York

Nora elbows Wolfe in the stomach and she drops to the floor. Wolfe fires his gun. Bo races toward him and grabs his wrist and warns. “Drop the weapon!” As the two men fight over the gun, Nora frantically searches the floor for the pocketknife that Wolfe dropped near the stairs. She locates it. The gun fires in the dark. Nora is on the floor with the pointed knife and questions, “Bo?” A body drops to the floor. Mel yells, "What's happened?" Nora screams, "Bo!"

The flashlight is turned back on. Nora slowly glances up and sees Bo's face and the flashlight in his hand. She drops the knife and leaps into his embrace. Bo directs the flashlight toward Wolfe.

Nora asks, "Bo is he?"

"I don't know." Bo bends to check his pulse. "Nothin."

From upstairs, Mel yells, "What the hell's going on...down there?"

Nora gasps and exclaims, "Mel! We're safe!"

Bo maintains a gun pointed at Wolfe, though he believes him dead. "It's all over! It looks like he's dead!" Bo yells to Mel. "We're coming up for ya, buddy!"

"Keys!" Mel yells back. "Get his keys! He's got me cuffed to a damn bed up here!"

Bo curses, "Fuck!" before he gives the light and gun to Nora.

"Bo, he's dead. Why do I need the weapon?"

Bo responds, "Just do it," as he searches Wolfe's still body for keys. He retrieves them and gives them to Nora before taking the weapon and flashlight from her.

"You go up and check on Mel. I'll stay down here with this guy." Bo flashes the light at a cabinet. "If my memory's right. Viki keeps a kerosene lamp. . . Yeah. There."

Nora rushes toward the cabinet, searches in the drawers for matches. "Brrrr, it's cold," she gripes as she rubs her arms. "My adrenaline was rushing so much, so much that I didn't, didn't even stop to notice that the fire had burned down in the fireplace."

"You find the matches?"

"Yeah. Here." Nora lights the wick, while Bo redirects the flashlight on Wolfe's body.

Nora walks carefully with the lamp. "Are you going to be OK, down here with the stiff?" she asks as she passes Bo.

Bo grins, "If you're talkin to him, he's the silent type. Hurry up!"

As Nora climbs the stairs, Bo looks around him and mutters, "Nora... had a knife."
____________________________________________________________________

Upstairs, Nora spots Mel handcuffed to the bed and rushes toward him. "You're a sight for sore eyes!"

"Ditto. I can't believe that sick, that sick bastard's dead!"

"Mel you're hurt." Nora sits the lamp on a chester.

"I'm alive." Mel says as Nora uses the keys to unlock him. Mel gasps as she releases him. "Dorian? My family? They must think I'm dead."

"No I don't think they ever lost hope Mel. Hey, does saving your hiney mean Dorian's beholding to me? I think I like the sound of that." Mel grabs Nora and hugs her before he grimaces from the pain to his shoulder. Nora assists a stiff Mel from the bed. Mel remarks, "Somewhere, somewhere downstairs there's a phone."

Nora agrees, "I heard a cell phone ringing." Nora grabs the lamp she brought up with her. Mel staggers slightly. Nora asks, "Are you going to be OK? Here, grab my shoulder." Mel does so as the pair make their way out the door.

On the way downstairs, Nora searches the room. "Bo?"

Mel and Nora stop on the stairs with startled expression at the sight. Wolfe has the pocketknife at Bo's throat.

Chapter 84

Day 13: Viki's mountain cabin, upstate New York

Nora grabs the lamp. Mel staggers slightly. Nora asks, "Are you going to be OK? Here, grab my shoulder." Mel does so as the pair make their way out the door. On the way downstairs, Nora searches the room. "Bo?" Mel and Nora stop on the stairs with startled expression at the sight. Wolfe has the pocketknife at Bo's throat.

Wolfe is pale. His clothes are blood-stained from the bullet he took to his side.

"Oh my God!" Nora exclaims.

Mel calmly asks, "Is this the way you want to end it?"

Wolfe responds, "I am not afraid...afraid." He closes his eyes momentarily. "I am not afraid of the end." Sweat pours down his face. He breathes heavily. Bo swallows hard.

Mel inches his way toward Wolfe and Bo. "I still don't think... I have the story."

Wolfe yells, "Stay back!"

Nora screams, "Bo!"

Wolfe presses the knife into Bo's neck and nicks it enough to cause him to bleed.

Nora begs, "Please!" as she grabs Mel to pull him back. Mel asks, "Is it that you wanted to murder me, Renaldi or is the story bigger than the two of us? The latter is what I suspect. So tell me man! Don't go out like a coward!"

"You do not disappoint, disappoint me Mel. It's about war...about war. Friends are enemies...en...enemies...become, become friends."

"Tell me! Tell me where to find the answers dammit!"

"The enemy." Wolfe becomes weak and his grip on the knife weakens as his wrist is limp. His lowers the knife, staggers backward. Bo quickly grabs the knife. Wolfe passes out. His dead weight against Bo's body causes them both to collapse to the floor. Mel and Nora rush toward them. Mel shakes Wolfe and insists, "Wolfe! Wolfe! Who is in this with you?" Eventually, Wolfe opens his eyes. He is barely breathing but continues, "The enemy ...of my, ugh, enemy...is my friend." Wolfe closes his eyes and stops breathing.

Bo is holding Wolfe. He looks at Mel and asks, "Does that mean anything to you?"

Nora, who is kneeling on the other side of Wolfe's body, interrupts, "I don't give a damn what it means! Is he dead?"

Bo checks Wolfe's pulse and replies. "Deader than a doorknob."

Mel is beside Nora and he mutters, "The phone, the phone." He looks around the room and spots Wolfe's cell phone. "I think someone needs to hear from us, especially me." Mel moves to the other side of the room, picks up the phone, and dials. Bo eases Wolfe's body off him. He and Nora stand. Nora rushes toward her husband and collapses into his arms. She caresses his neck, which is slightly bleeding from a tiny cut. "I could have lost you." Bo kisses her and responds, "You're never going to lose me." Nora looks at his hands, his neck, his clothes and remarks, "You're covered in blood from him." Bo looks and reacts, "Yeah, I'm a mess." They hold hands and walk toward the bathroom.

At the Hayes House, Dorian is in bed. She is listening to Judy Garland sing, "I'll Be Home for Christmas," on the radio and it saddens her. She gets up to turn off the radio when the phone rings. As she turns, walks to the night stand on the other side of the bed, she complains, "Who could that be at this hour? First Dorothy, now a caller. It's probably a reporter...a reporter, Mel." She picks up the phone. "Hello.... Dorian Lord Hayes."

Mel: Dorian (He pauses, waiting for her response. There is silence so he speaks.) I hope you're sitting down for the news, beautiful! (Dorian sits on the bed with a stunned expression.) Dorian!

Dorian mutters, "Mel?" (She frowns, shakes her head)

Mel: That's right, gorgeous! I'm in the flesh and soon to be at your side!

Dorian (still stunned but starting to get emotional): I'm dreaming. Please, I...

Mel: No dream. It's me! The real deal!

Dorian: Mel. Mel. (Stands and screams) MEL! (Begins to cry) MEL! Oh my God you're alive!

Kelly rushes through the door and calls, "Dorian?"

She is followed by Dorothy, who questions,"What's wrong?"

Dorian responds, "Nothing's wrong! Girls, something is very much right! Dorothy, it's your father!"

With a shocked expression, Dorothy mutters, "What do you mean? Is this some kind of sick joke?"

Kelly queries, "Shut up! Dorian wouldn't joke about that! Mel?"

Dorian exclaims, "He's alive!" She beams. "Haven't you been listening?" She speaks into the phone. "Darling, your daughter's here." She bounces from the excitement, then she pauses to listen to him. Kelly is beside her, rubs her back and asks, "Dorian are you sure?"

Mary walks into the room, "God lord in Heaven there's enough noise in here to wake the sleeping dead! What's all the ruckus about?"

Dorothy is staring at Dorian and she slowly responds, "It's Dad, Mare."

Mary approaches and questions, "Mel. Is your father...Is Mel?"

"No, no Mary!" Dorian says before speaking to Mel. "My darling, your mother and daughter are here, now."

Kelly gasps, "It's really, Mel! Dorian!"

"He's alive," Mary says as she approaches Dorothy. "Your father is alive?"

Dorian offers the phone to Dorothy. Dorothy gets tearful and is barely able to articulate. "Daddy?"

Mel: Dorf it's the ol' man.

Dorothy: Daddy I was so frightened that I'd never see you again!

Mel: You needn't worry about me any longer, sweetheart. I'm safe and I'll be there later this morning. Bo's here with me, now. So's Nora. Wolfe, the man responsible for all this, is dead.

Dorothy: He's lucky that he's dead. I think Frank and Roger would have killed him if he showed up here alive!

Mary asks, "Who's dead?" Dorothy responds, "Wolfe."

Dorian says, "Good."

Mel: So your brothers are there?

Dorothy: No, not in the room right now but in Llanview. We've all been worried sick.

Mel: Dorf, it's good to hear your voice. We've got a lot of time to make up for!

Dorothy: I love you, Daddy.

Mel: I know you do. I love you, too. Now, let me speak to your grandmother. (Dorothy extends the phone to her grandmother. Dorian squeezes Kelly's hand as they look on with huge smiles. Dorothy looks at Dorian, who gives her a hug.)

Mary: Melvin. This is your mother. Are you hurt, son? (Dorian mutters, "Is he all right? I didn't think to ask that! Where is he?" Dorothy assures her that Mel is safe and that everything seems to be OK.)

Mel: No Mare, it's a long story that I'll do justice when I speak to you in person.

Mary tells Dorian: "He says that he's fine, dear," before she asks, "When will you be here, Mel?"

Mel: Hopefully later this morning, Mare. I'm in some god forsaken place in the mountains.

Mary: The mountains! (Kelly repeats, "The mountains?") I love you, Melvin. Get home soon and safe. (Mary looks at Dorian) I think there's someone who still wants to speak with you. (Hands phone to Dorian)

Dorian: Mel. Oh Mel!

Mel (has a huge smile): I love you, too. You're what kept me going, you know? I can't wait to get home to you, to feel you in my arms. I love you, Mrs. Hayes.

Dorian: Ditto, Mr. Hayes. I can't believe this is happening. You're the best Christmas I could ever have. (The two say there goodbyes.) Mary and Dorian hug each other. Dorothy sits on the bed and is overcome with emotion. Kelly sits beside her and asks, "Are you all right?" Dorothy responds, "I'm afraid to believe it. I wouldn't allow myself to believe it." Kelly touches her hand. She says, "You heard his voice. You spoke to him. It's for real." Dorothy says, "I know but..."

Dorian interrupts, "Mel is alive, Dorothy. He's coming home to us."

As the sunlight rises above the mountain in a crawl to break of dawn, there beckons beauty, grace, peace, hope. Death befalls. Police cars surround Viki's mountain cabin. Wolfe's body is covered and in an ambulance. Inside the cabin, policemen are surveying the scene. Nora is on a cell phone with Asa. Bo is talking to detectives. Mel is at the front door. He watches the activity in the room and pauses at witness to Wolfe's blood on the floor. He asks, "Why?" and then he leaves.

At Llanfair, early morning

Viki is on the phone and Kevin is standing beside her. He asks, "It's about Mel, ain't it?"

Viki flashes her hand and says, "Wonderful! " She frowns and remarks, "But I don't understand why he would have taken him there."

Kevin moves closer to his mother and asks, "There meaning? Where is he?"

Viki looks agitated with her son and exclaims, "Kevin would you ssh!" She returns her attention to the caller, just as Kevin's cell phone vibrates. He looks at the caller id and mutters, "The Banner."

He walks away from his mother and enters the foyer. "Yeah, whatever it is and it had better be important! I got breaking news to report as we speak if the tv journalist aren't already crawling all over this thing!" Kevin glimpses the TV in the library with muted sound. He sees a news break on the CNN channel. "Dammit!" He listens to the caller."What? They found what on his computer? You gotta be kiddin' me! Yeah, I'm listening. On my way!"

Kevin goes back into the library and kisses his mother's cheek as he says, "Gotta go!" Viki remarks to the caller: "Excuse me," as she covers the phone. "Kevin, what's going on?" Kevin grabs his jacket from the sofa. "Not sure Mom. I'm gonna try and catch up with Parks to get some answers." Viki responds, "Kevin, Mel is alive!" Kevin responds, "Yeah, I know! I'll keep you posted on what's goin down!" He rushes out the door.

Jessica and Joe come down the stairs. Joe remarks, "Somethin's up." Joe and Jessica enter the library. Viki hangs up the phone. Jessica asks, "Mom?"

Viki becomes tearful. "Oh Jessie, Joey! Mel is alive!" They hug before the television catches Joe's attention. He stops to turn up the volume.

The CNN journalist Karen McCormick comments: "We are now able to confirm our earlier suspicions about a body found in a mountain cabin reportedly owned by Victoria Carpenter, publisher of The Banner Sun in Llanview, Pennsylvania."

Jessica exclaims, "A body?"

Viki assures, "It is all right, Jessica. The authorities have already informed me of who it is."

From the TV: "....the deceased man is identified as Wolfgang Alexander, who appears to have abducted...Wait, we have a report coming into us! Yes, his family has been notified. And we are able to report that the Pulitzer prize winning journalist Mel Hayes was in that cabin with Mr. Alexander along with Llanview Police Commissioner Bo Buchanan and his wife ADA Nora Buchanan. Again, Mel Hayes has been found in a cabin in upstate New York belonging to his newspaper publisher Victoria Davidson. Mr. Hayes was held captive by Wolfgang Alexander, who is dead from a gunshot. Mr. Hayes has survived the ordeal with minor injury. More details on that later. Again, Pulitzer prize winning journalist Mel Hayes is alive."

Chapter 85

Day 13: Philadelphia General Hospital,

Early morning

Javier is hooked up to monitoring machines that can be heard beeping as Herb and Carl enter his hospital room. The nurse steps back so that Carl can get closer to his bedside. Herb remains at the foot of the bed.

Carl (touches Javier's hand, leans toward him): I'm here buddy. Javier?

Javier (eyes flutter, before they slowly open): Car...Carl.

Carl: I'm here. Herb's here. (Looks at Herb)

Herb: Yeah.... I'm here, too, Javier.

Javier closes his eyes. Carl calls, "Jav, you OK?" Carl moves to give the nurse closer access. She checks Javier's vitals and responds, "He's just in and out. He's sleeping." Herb suggests, "Maybe we should give it more time, Carl."

Carl looks at Javier in bed. "Yeah, maybe you're right. It was worth a try."

Herb and Carl leave. Outside the door, they greet a visitor, Javier's ex-wife, Felicia.

Felicia: Carl.

Carl (startled, flustered, intoxicated by her perfume): Felicia.

Felicia: Aren't you going to introduce me to your friend?

Herb (offers hand to Felicia): You're as beautiful as I've heard. No need for the introduction. I know who you are. Felicia Alvarez. I'm Herb Callison, very nice to meet you.

Felicia (smiles, with a glance at Carl): Thanks for the compliment.

Carl: Ah, Herb's working with me on this case. So you're here to see, Jav?

The nurse at the nurse's station calls, "Agent Parks, a phone call." Carl excuses himself and walks toward the desk.

Felicia (to Herb): So you've been working closely with Javier and Carl?

Herb (watches Carl): Ah, yes, yes.

Felicia (turns to see what Herb is observing): You seem distracted. Why don't I visit with Javier?

Herb (stops her): He's resting and I'm sorry for being so rude and inattentive. We're just expecting news.

Felicia: About Mel Hayes? It's all over the news. (Carl returns.)

Carl: Hayes is in Llanview

Herb (looks pale): And back with Dorian, who must now be in Seventh Heaven.

Carl: Yeah. (gives him a stare). I'm glad you decided to stay.

Herb: Leaving town, no longer seemed the best choice. You convinced me of that, for now.

Felicia (pulls Carl's arm): Uh Carl, I need to talk to you, privately if you'll excuse us a moment, Mr. Callison.

Herb: Yes. Of course.

Carl and Felicia move further down the hallway. Felicia asks, "What did you find on the disk?" Carl responds, "Enough to give us a lead on what we found from pulling apart Fritz Schoen's computer." Felicia replies, "About Javier?" Carl (glances at Herb): "About Javier, about others who might have been involved with Wolfgang Alexander."

Herb looks in their direction and glances at his watch.

_________________________________________________________
The Hayes House, mid-morning

Bing Crosby sings, "I'll Be Home for Christmas," on the stereo at the Hayes House while Dorian is at the mantel and stares into the fireplace. It's been about a year--on New Year's Eve, in fact--since she lay in Mel's arms on the sofa as they comforted each other in the soft glow of the room lit by fireplace. It was prior to Dorian's decision to go to Canton to find out answers about her childhood.

Mel assures, "Dorian, You must understand something. I would never try to hurt you. It's just the opposite. I would do or give anything to help you." Dorian asks, "Why?"Mel answers, "Because you helped me. Because I love you." Dorian turns to look into his eyes. It's the first time he'd ever professed his love for her.

Dorian is shaken from her thoughts by Kelly, who approaches her from behind and rubs her arms. Kelly whispers, "Don't worry. Mel's OK."

Dorian glimpses over her shoulder at her niece. "Was I dreaming?"

Kelly says, "No Dorian. Mel's coming home."

I'll be home for Christmas
You can count on me
Please have some snow and mistletoe
And presents by the tree

Mary and Dorothy place gifts underneath the huge, lit, decorated Christmas tree while in the background snow drizzles can be seen through the patio doors.

Christmas eve will find me
Where the love light gleams
Oh, I'll be home for Christmas
If only in my dreams

The doorbell rings. Dorian glimpses Mary. She pauses, then mutters, "Mel," before she rushes toward the door and passes Vinnie, who is coming from the kitchen with a sandwich. He yells, "Mrs. Hayes!" as he watches her at the front door.

I'll be comin' home
I'll be comin' home
Comin' home

Dorian swings the door open to see her husband standing in front of her. There are photographers snapping pictures, TV cameramen with spotlights aimed at them; and reporters gathered with shouted questions and busy pens. A law enforcement officer stands behind Mel, who appears oblivious to the sight and sounds that surround him.

Still standing at the door, Dorian's eyes brim with tears as she pauses to catch her breath. Mary, Dorothy follow behind her in quick succession. Kelly pauses at the living room entrance with Vinnie to allow Dorian, Mary and Dorothy their moments with Mel.

My darling, Christmas eve will find me
Right where the love light gleams
And I'll be home for Christmas
If only in my dreams

Mel looks only at Dorian. "Come here!" he demands slightly above a whisper and with a huge smile. She throws her arms around him and smoothers him with kisses. He picks her up at the waist, lifts her further into the foyer as others back up and before man and wife end in a passionate kiss. They are both crying. Dorian looks at and strokes his arm. "You're hurt. Your arm."

He dismisses. "We can play doctor later. Right now, I just want to feel you." Dorian coos, "Oh Mel," and then they kiss again. Afterwards, Mel looks at his mother and daughter. "Mare. Dorf." Dorian moves aside and they both hug him. Shortly after, Frank and Roger enter through the open front door. They shake off the snow. Still in the foyer, Mel turns to see them. Frank exclaims, "Dad!" Next, Mel grabs his sons for bear hugs. Mary embraces Dorf as they look on. Kelly steps up to Dorian and rubs her back. Dorian looks at her niece. Kelly whispers, "Merry Christmas."

I'm comin' home, oh yes
I'll be comin' home
I'll be comin' home
I'll be comin' home

Dorian beams. "It's not a dream."
___________________________________________________________

Philadelphia, PA, The Savoy, mid-morning

"You're looking at my dream," Ray says as he shows Joshua the hidden room that's a casino on the top floor of the club.

Joshua: Uncle Ray, you've killed people? Right?

Ray (frowns): What? (Ray looks at his henchman, who is at the entrance to the casino. Ray nods for him to leave, so he does.)

Joshua (spins the roulette wheel): You're a mobster, Uncle Ray. (Stops the wheel, looks at him) Have you killed people?

Ray (lights a cigar): Joshua, I am a man. (Puffs) I am a black man and I have struggled to survive.

Joshua (shrugs): Does it mean you have to take a life to survive in this world?

Ray: Yes. If it means losing my life, instead. I have enemies. (Joshua shakes his head with an incredulous look) It's not a life I want for you. (Braces his shoulder looks him in he eye). Do you understand?

Joshua: I understand a lot, looked around at what's happened. You and Grandma blame RJ for my mother getting hooked on drugs and later dying.

Ray: Joshua, there's a lot you don't understand. RJ shares the blame.

Joshua: It think it's her fault. (Ray's hands leave Joshua's shoulder as he stares and listens) But I also can't see how what you do now is any different than what my father did when he was young and trying to survive in his own way. He didn't kill anybody.

Ray: He carried a weapon. Look, I'm willing to let it go .... for you. (Puffs on cigar, places ashes into nearby tray.)

Joshua: Don't do anything for me, Uncle Ray. I see that you feel guilty about what happened to my mother, about my aunt taking her life in your joint with a loaded gun. What good is guilt? Who else has to die?

Ray (dismissive laugh): Boy, you're young.

Joshua (looks serious): You say you're a black man. I'm the son of a Black man trying to survive but not on the backs of dead men. I respect my father.

____________________________________________________________

Day 13: St. James Church, Llanview, PA, late morning

Andrew is in the front of the church with St. James Church choral director as the choir sings:

Hark! how the bells, sweet silver bells
All seem to say, throw cares away.
Christmas is here, bringing good cheer
To young and old, meek and the bold
Ding, dong, ding, dong, that is their song,
With joyful ring, all caroling

Blair walks into the church and Andrew sees her. They exchange smiles; Blair waves and then sits in a pew.

One seems to hear words of good cheer
From everywhere, filling the air
O, how they pound, raising the sound
O’er hill and dale, telling their tale

Andrew walks to her and says, "Merry Christmas." Blair stands and they hug. He sits beside her and they listen.

Gaily they ring, while people sing
Songs of good cheer, Christmas is here!
Merry, merry, merry, merry Christmas!
Merry, merry, merry, merry Christmas!

He rests his arm around Blair's shoulder and he sings along. She reluctantly joins him.

On, on they send, on without end
Their joyful tone to every home
Hark! how the bells, sweet silver bells
All seem to say, throw cares away.
Christmas is here, bringing good cheer
To young and old, meek and the bold

Andrew stumbles over words to the song, laughs, while Blair continues.

Ding, dong, ding, dong, that is their song
With joyful ring, all caroling.
One seems to hear words of good cheer
From everywhere, filling the air
O, how they pound, raising the sound
O’er hill and dale, telling their tale

Andrew stands and pulls Blair to the front of the church. She shrugs but continues singing. The choral director nods approval.

Gaily they ring, while people sing
Songs of good cheer, Christmas is here!
Merry, merry, merry, merry Christmas!
Merry, merry, merry, merry Christmas!

The choral director commands the chorus to abruptly stop. Blair finishes the song in acapella.

On, on they send, on without end
Their joyful tone to every home.
Ding dong ding dong

Blair is beet red, embarrassed. Everyone in the room applauds her performance. Andrew hugs her. The choral director calls it quits with the practice and the choir members disassemble; many stop to compliment Blair on her singing. The choral director says to Andrew: "We need to make this one a member of our choir." Blair says, "Me?" Andrew retorts, "Yeah, you! You have a gift." The choral director shakes her hand and then leaves.

Blair and Andrew sit down in a pew. Blair remarks, "I didn't mean to interrupt things with your practice. As usual, my timing sticks."

Andrew: You're hard on yourself Blair. I think we all enjoyed your singing.

Blair: Thanks.

Andrew: You're worried about something. Is it Todd?

Blair (reaches into her purse and pulls our a card, gives it to Andrew): It's something Starr made in preschool.

Andrew (looks at it): It's for Todd.

Blair stands, folds her arms, begins to pace. "He's going to be locked up for a long time. That's a lot of Christmases Starr will be without her daddy. There's no gift. There's nothing I can give my little girl that'll come close to having Todd walk through the front door the penthouse." Blair stares at Andrew. "What do I do with that?"

Andrew: What--did you come here for the answers?

Blair: No, I guess not. It's just frustrating! Ugh!

Andrew: Then pray, Blair. Pray for your daughter. Pray that you have strength during frustrating times. It's not easy for me with River. He misses his mother.

Blair (approaches him): Oh Andrew I'm sorry. How selfish of me to come to you with my troubles with Starr and her father when River is still in the hospital.

Andrew (stands and comforts her): Think nothing of it.

Blair: Well, at least Cassie's coming home. That's the latest I hear from Dorian anyway.

Andrew: Dorian's made the arrangements. Yes. She should be home. Here. With River. Where she belongs.

Blair: With you, too.

"Miss. Cramer," Andrew's secretary interrupts, "There's a call." Blair and Andrew exchange looks and Blair says, "God, I hope it's good news from Dorian about Mel. Wouldn't that be a miracle?" She begins to leave to take the phone call, then stops and pulls Andrew with her before they head into the church study. Blair listens and then screams, "Dorian, I'll pick up Starr and we'll be right over! Tomorrow?" She seems a little deflated but has an understanding look. "Sure. Tomorrow." Blair hangs up the phone and hugs Andrew as she reports, "It's good news!" She wipes tears from her eyes at the joy and relief. "It's Mel. It's Mel."

_____________________________________________________
La Boulaie, Dorian and Mel's bedroom, early afternoon

Dorian hangs up the phone. "Blair's coming over with Starr tomorrow to welcome you home." She sits on the bed and assists Mel as he carefully puts on a fresh shirt after Dorian bandaged his arm. Dorian suggests, "I want you to go to the hospital, tonight."

Mel (looks at her fingers massage his hairy chest): Stop. (He grabs her hand.) I'm right where I need to be. (Kisses her.)

Dorian: Hmm, I missed that.

Mel: I missed more than that. (His eyes linger at her bosom)

Dorian: Your family, my family, our family they are waiting for us down stairs.

Mel: So let them wait. (He takes Dorian into his arms and they kiss gently before they are interrupted by a knock.)

Kelly (soft whisper): Mel? (He groans)

Dorian (sighs with a roll of the eyes): Kelly, sweetheart. He's in the shower. (Mel grins and begins kissing the back of her neck.)

Kelly: There's, there's someone here to see him. They said it was important.

Dorian (to Mel) whispers, "It's important." He mutters, "You're important."

Dorian (closes her eyes as he begins fondling her breasts): Kelly, I, ah, will tell him... when he's done.

Kelly: Dorian are you all right?

Dorian: Perfectly. (Swoons and falls backward on to the bed. Mel settles beside her and turns her face toward his.) He strokes her face, stares into her eyes as he recites from, "The Good Morrow," by John Donne.

My face in thine eye, thine in mine appears,
And true plain hearts do in the faces rest ;
Where can we find two better hemispheres
Without sharp north, without declining west ?
Whatever dies, was not mix'd equally ;
If our two loves be one, or thou and I
Love so alike that none can slacken, none can die.

"Oh Mel," Dorian moans as she anxious brings his lips to hers. They kiss.

Chapter 86
Day 13: Llanfair, evening

Viki is walking Alfred and his daughter, Olivia, to the front door at Llanfair.

Viki (hugs Olivia): Thank you for the gift. (Pauses to look at her.) So, you will be leaving us this evening? It makes us all sad, especially Alfred.

Olivia: Yes. This was to have been a brief visit.

Alfred: A much needed visit. I missed my little girl!

Olivia: Daaaad!

Viki: Alfred talks nonstop about you in your absence.

Olivia (blushes): So I've heard from Carlotta and others. It's embarrassing.

Viki: Do not be embarrassed. Be proud that you have a father who is devoted to you. Not everyone is as fortunate, you know?

Alfred (opens the door): Thank you for your kind words, Mrs. Carpenter.

Viki (as they leave): You are welcome. (Closes the door after a final wave)

Jessica and Cristian enter the foyer on their way from the kitchen just as Viki is heading back into the library. The phone rings. Viki hears their voices and turns to greet, "Oh, Jessie, Cristian!"

Cristian: Good evening Mrs. Carpenter. I just came by to pick up Jess so that we could head over to the Diner to see Mami.

Jessica whispers, "And then, to the shelter to deliver gifts, right?" Cristian nods.

Viki (holds up one finger for them to wait before she goes to answer the phone. She talks to the caller): Yes, Mrs. Carpenter. Nora! Thank Heavens! (sits down at her desk. Jessica approaches and stands next to her.) We were all worried about you. And Mel? Well of course he is home now. (Jessica whispers, "Uncle Bo?" Viki looks at her with a nod.) And Bo? Yes. Well yes we knew but it is not the same as hearing your voice. I will stop by Asa's later. No I'm fine. Everything's fine. Just worry about yourself. Do not give the cabin a second thought. All right. Fine, then. Good-bye. (Hangs up.)

Jessica: Wow! I'm glad this thing is finally over! (She rubs her stomach)

Cris (approaches and rubs Jessica's shoulders): You OK? (Jessica nods.) I'm sure Dorian's relieved to have Mel home again.

Viki: Yes, naturally. I spoke to Mel earlier. He asked that I stop by so I will soon see for myself.

Jessica (looks at Cristian and then at her mother): Mom?

Viki: What is it?

Jessica: Well, we've kinda come to a decision about whether I will stay in Llanview or move to New York.

Viki (glances at Cristian as she stands): And?

Jessica: Cristian will go to New York. And, I am going to stay here in Llanview for awhile after Megan's born.

Viki (relieved look): Oh Jessica, are you sure?

Cristian: We're both sure this time. It's the best thing for everyone involved. And, I'll head back to Llanview as often as I can.

Jesscia: Or, I'll come to New York.

Vik (hugs Jessica): Then, I am thrilled.

The Banner, Newsroom

Kevin stops on the way to Viki's office to watch the TV screen with CNN Karen McCormick interviewing the U.S. Ambassador to Ireland and Mel's sister, Olivia O'Connor.

McCormick: ...and Mr. Carrigan is being joined by US Ambassador to Ireland, Olivia O'Connor. First of all Ambassador O'Connor, you must be thrilled at news of your brother.

O'Connor: Absolutely! I spoke with my family this morning and we all are thrilled that Mel is back, safe and sound.

McCormick: Yes. Now, on to matters of state. Northern Ireland remains enmeshed in social and political instability despite recent efforts to bring about peace with Great Britain.

Carrigan: Karen, it's ongoing in Northern Ireland and other places, such as the Middle East, of course. At Amnesty International we have just compiled information that an average of 500,000 people have been killed each year by armed violence, which is roughly one a minute. We are very concerned about the sell of small arms and conventional weapontry.

O'Connor: What's being suggested is an approach similar to the initiative that produced the recent 1997 Ottawa treaty banning landmines. Such a proposed international treaty would outlaw weapons sales involving export for use entailing violations of international human rights or humanitarian law.

McCormick: It looks good on paper. Is there a commitment?

Carrigan: It's a step. The plan will eventually be presented to the United Nations. The concern is that many countries, including the U.S. have relaxed controls on the sell of arms to allies. Shipments of arms are being delivered on the basis that the enemy of my enemy is my friend despite knowing that one-time unstable allies could pose future dangers to other less developed countries with the eventual threat of war. Troops will then be called in to stabilize the insurgence. It's frustrating.

O'Connor: And furthermore, I'm getting reports from Irish and British law enforcement officials, and it's corroborated by other sources, that all of the Irish terrorist organizations- Loyalist and Republican- are engaged in some type of criminal activity to support their organizations financially.

Carrigan: Exactly. I just saw a published report in one of the Sunday Times that some Israeli army veterans who had seen both service and fields of marijuana and other drugs in Lebanon, bought 1800 kilos, hid it in a consignment of Italian furniture bound for Britain, and would have used the resulting cash to buy weapons for resale to the IRA - but they were caught.

McCormick: The New York Times had an article, too. At LaGuardia Airport, there was a recent arrest of a Joseph Grissam, who is believed to have ties with a radical wing of the IRA.

Carrigan (angered, exclaims with interruption): And how did someone like that get into the United States?

"Kev," a reporter, Jeremy Hines, calls.

Kevin turns and responds, "Yeah."

"Somebody name Agent Carl Parks is waiting for you in Mrs Carpenter's office."

"Right, right," Kevin says as he slowly disengages his attention from the report on the television.

Once inside the office, he sees Carl looking at family photos on the desk. Kevin greets, "Parks."

Carl turns and remarks, "Kevin. I'm here to talk with you some more about your reporter killed at the Banner."

"I know that. I spoke with one of your men earlier." Kevin closes the door, gestures for Carl to sit, which he does, before Kevin takes a seat behind the desk. His phone immediately rings. Kevin picks it up. He requests, "The spread on Mel Hayes' return and reaction from Wolfgang Alexander's colleagues should play heavy on the front page. Right. Right." He hangs up. "Sorry about that."

"No. Hayes' return is important stuff. You're a newsman. So was Fritz Schoen."

"Look. I've told you all that I know about Schoen. But my sources tell me you've gotten information from his computer."

"He was working on a story."

"I'm waiting. Tell me more."

"Drugs. Weapons. Links to transnational criminal elements."

"Well it was something he was coming up with on his own. It wasn't authorized by the Banner. Schoen was a business and international affairs reporter. He had sources, Europe and other places."

"Maybe this series had to do with an investigation he was conducting into his daughter's death? His daughter was killed at a shooting at Berkeley where a gunman, who was high on Ecstasy, took college students hostage on campus. After that, his wife killed herself, right?"

"You know the answer. Are you fishing? Look, Fritz got involved with the wrong people. Isn't that the conclusion that was reached as to why he was killed in a car bomb in the Banner garage that day?"

"That's it to put it simply."

Kevin questions, "You going to add to it?" Carl stares without answer. Kevin asks, "So what about the story Schoen was working on? Or, are you allowed to go on record with it?"

"I'm willing to go on record as an anonymous source," Carl offers, as Kevin picks up a pencil and pad to take notes. Carl pauses. Kevin nods. Carl continues. "Fritz researched criminal syndicates willing to lend their logistical, communications, and transportation infrastructures to support terrorist operations."

"Similar to the narcotic cartels in South America?"

"A European-base with connections in the U.S."

"He mention names?"

"No"

"That's definite. But you have names?"

"An important point--with the increasing trend toward more lethal weapons--interaction between terrorists and the transnational syndicates, especially with drug traffickers, could introduce real opportunities for proliferation of weapons of mass destruction."

Kevin puts down his pencil and looks at him. "Why are you telling me this?"

Carl remarks, "Because I want you to publish it."

Kevin asks, "Was Wolfgang Alexander involved in this?"

"We believe so."

"In what way?"

"I can't get into it."

"Oh c'mon, you've leaked this much. Is there someone within the agency other than Javier Alvarez, who presents a threat, uh, maybe several people, double-dealing? I need more."

"I've given you enough to begin asking questions. Do your job."

"What about his relationship with Renaldi? What about what was done to Hayes?"

"Renaldi has something Alexander was after."

"What?"

"Too complicated. I'll get into it. Maybe later."

"So far you haven't told me much of anything. What about Hayes?"

"Alexander was nuts. The animus toward Mel Hayes was personal. It had to do with the story he wrote about General Hirshfeld."

"Yeah, yeah. Mel won a Pulitzer for that body of work."

Carl smirks. "So what difference does it make if it wasn't exactly the truth?"

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?"

Carl stands. "It means you have your work cut out for you." He walks toward the door. "We'll stay in touch, Mr. Buchanan." Carl leaves. Kevin has an agitated look. The phone rings. He picks it up: "Yeah, Buchanan!" He listens. "I told you. Mel Hayes dominates the front page! He's a reporter for this damn newspaper!" He lowers his voice at the thought of his previous conversation. "Mel is a Pulitzer Prize winning reporter."

Chapter 87
(Day 13, two days before Christmas) The Hayes House, late evening into nightfall

Dorian opens the door and sees Viki. There is a drizzle of snow. A photographer takes a quick picture.

Viki: Dorian?

Dorian: You seem surprised that I would open the door to my home.

Viki: No, of course, I am not surprised. You live here.

Dorian steps to the side. "Mel and I live here. It is our home." Another picture is taken. Dorian curses. "Come in."

Viki steps inside. "I called earlier."

Dorian: Yes I know. Mel told me all about it. May I take your coat? (Viki hesitates, and then gives her coat to Dorian) The maid has left for the evening.

Viki: Has everyone else? I was expecting to see Mel's family.

Dorian: I am Mel's family.

Viki (rolls her eyes): Dorian, of course you are. I was referring to his mother, his children.

Dorian: But not his wife. (She gestures for Viki to head into the living room)

Viki (walks into the living room. Looks around the room that is filled with warmth, the large tree, the stockings along the mantel of the lit fireplace. There is a large one with the name, "MEL." Viki sits): Perhaps this is a bad time. If you would like I could leave.

Dorian (pours hot apple cider): Don't be silly. Cider? (Viki shakes her head.) Mel is expecting you. The rest of the family is headed over to the church for caroling and I suspect to give Mel and me some time alone.

Viki (stands): Oh I see. So this is a bad time.

Dorian: If you insist on leaving.

Viki: Dorian, what exactly is the problem? Do you want me to stay or do you want me to go? I called Mel to welcome him back. He is the one who asked me to come over on my way to St. James.

Dorian: Yes, of course, he did. Dorothy told him how worried you were about him. How you pled with the entire nation for his return.

Viki: I see, you resent me for showing concern for your husband?

Dorian: I resent you overstating your involvement in his life.

Viki: Dorian, are you jealous of the relationship I have with Mel?

Dorian: What relationship? Mel abhors you! We talked about what happened with his kidnapping. He was finally honest with me about the turn in your relationship, that Joe told, he told him of what happened at the cabin and at Llanfair. (Viki takes a deep breath.) He knows that you held me captive and chained me to the wall like a wild animal!

Viki: Dorian that was years ago. You very well know that was an alter and I've apologized.

Dorian: You've apologized. I must have missed the news brief where you pled for my forgiveness the way that you pled for my husband's return every hour on the hour!

Viki: It is clear to me what you are doing.

Dorian: What is clear to me is that you couldn't wait to insinuate yourself once again into our lives. You couldn't wait to come over here to spoil my homecoming with my husband.

Viki: Dorian, Mel invited me! (Has an annoyed look) Are you attempting to finish what you started by turning Mel against me before he was kidnapped by Wolfe? Despite your attempts to turn him against me, Mel is above all else a decent and honest man.

Dorian: Turning Mel against you? Mel is a grown man with a mind of his own, a will of his own! He doesn't live his life according to me or anyone else!

Viki: Which is why it was of great surprise to me that he should take this leave from the Banner.

Dorian: You are surprised by the depth of his love for me. You can't bear it, can you--that any man should love me so much, especially Mel?

Viki: For Heaven's sake Dorian! This is not a competition! You are married to the man!

Dorian: The fact remains, Mel fully intends to take the leave from the Banner.

Viki: And you want him to do it?

Dorian: That's between Mel and me.

Viki: Mel is willling to sacrifice it all for you. What are you willing to do for Mel?

Dorian: What do you mean?

Viki (long pause): Never mind. I should not have gotten into it.

Dorian: No Viki, what do you mean by that comment?

Viki: Mel's a good man, Dorian. He loves you more than anything on this earth.

Dorian: I know that! He's my husband!

Viki: And my husband, my Sloan is dead! He will not be joining me this year at Christmas or ever again for caroling at St. James or... (Viki stops at witness to Dorian staring over her shoulder. Mel is entering the room with a cell phone to his ear. He holds up a finger and finishes, "No. I fully intend to investigate Mr. Alexander. Fine. I'll get back with you Pat." (He hangs up the phone. Dorian folds her arms with a disapproving look. Viki is overcome with emotion at the sight of Mel.)

Mel (upon approach): Viki (gives a cordial hug, then joins Dorian and puts his arm around her. He squeezes his wife tightly around the waist. Dorian brushes his beard.) Dorian, I, um, need to speak with Viki for a moment. (He sighs, then moves and kisses her hand.) Privately.

Dorian (looks ticked by steels herself to hide it, swallows hard): You won't be long?

Mel: No. (Kisses her cheek) Promise.

Dorian walks toward the door but stops when she is near Viki and says, "You won't say anything to upset him." She looks at Mel, "or discuss his returning to work."

Mel: Dorian, you and I will discuss that. Later.

Dorian hesitates before leaving the room and closes the door. Once Dorian is on the other side of the door, she walks toward the flowers in the foyer and calmly picks a pink rose. She studies it and then smells it. She has a look of anger. She glares at the delicate rose and begins to pick at the petals before breaking the plant in half.

Inside the sitting room. Mel pours hot cider and offers it to Viki, who accepts it. He pours some for himself and then sits down in front of her. Viki takes a sip of her cider and then sits the cup and saucer on the table. She asks, "All right, Mel. Are you going to tell me why it was so urgent that you see me?"

Mel stands and then he paces. He looks at Viki, "I want to apologize."

"Apologize?"

"I read news reports about your arrest."

"Bo was doing what he thought was necessary. It was, of course, a mistake."

"I want to be delicate about this." Mel looks pained.

"About ... what Mel?"

"Wolfe told me what happened between the two of you. (Viki looks upset) He tried to kill David. He kidnapped Jenny. He arranged to have Jenny taken to my houseboat. He killed that man, Trask Fontanel in that hotel room in Center City and then later he drugged you, and bribed witnesses to make it appear that you were both at the Waterside Inn that night and early morning to cover for his deed."

"Yes. All of that happened. What else, what else did he say?"

Mel approaches her. "He told me that he manipulated you, toyed with your vulnerabilities(Viki interrupts, "Just say it!", as Mel continues) the way that he did me with my alcohol, my love for Dorian, my love for my family, my drive as a journalist."

Viki swallows hard and then whispers, "He raped me."

The doorbell rings. Dorian opens the door to carolers:

It came upon the midnight clear,
That glorious song of old,
From angels bending near the earth,
To touch their harps of gold!

Mel looks concerned and remarks, "Yes. He didn't call it that. But, that's what happened."

"He raped me. I let a man drug me and LURE me into his bed and RAPE me!"

The next scene is at Philadelphia General Hospital. Felicia is at Javier's bedside. She kisses him on his brow and whispers. "Carl has the disk. Everything is going as planned." Javier responds with a look of love and desire.

Felicia slowly walks away from him. "Almost." She is at the foot of his bed when she turns to look at him. "Except you, you are still alive." Javier frowns as she continues. "Carl and I are lovers again!" She says with spite.

Javier attempts to raise himself up from his bed. "What?"

"You heard me! You fat ugly bastard!" she says with an evil look. "We were in bed last night, laughing at you!" Javier appears devastated by what he's heard. She steps toward him. "And then he took me into his arms, caressed my breast, nuzzled my neck." She leans toward him to emphasize, "I couldn't breath as my hands fondled his white soft locks, stroked his back, ah, devoured his tongue!"

"Stop it!" Javier cries with tears in his eyes. His heart monitor shows a rapid beat. "Why are you ... doing this? (He labors to breath. She smiles) I did everything... for you!" (Javier appears to be choking) Felicia rushes to the door, "Nurse! Nurse!" The nurse comes into the room and then quickly, picks up her phone. "Code blue!" Felicia screams, "No!"

Carolers are on the other side of the hospital corridor. And can be hear singing:

Peace on the earth, good will to men,
From heaven's all gracious King!

Carl appears in the hallway, sees Felicia, who rushes into his arms.

The world in solemn stillness lay,
To hear the angels sing

Next is a scene at Kelly's penthouse. Blair and Starr are placing gifts under her tree. Kelly is on the phone with her mother.

Kelly: You're coming when? In two days? Yes, I know that you want to be here for Christmas. Cassie's coming home, too. Well no. Mother... mother. I know that a few days earlier than expected won't make a difference. (Blair walks toward her.) Well then, I should tell you there's been a change in plans. That's all mother. Of course, we'll all be glad to see you. (Starr pulls at Blair and asks, "Are we going caroling?" Blair responds, "In a minute, Starr, OK?" Starr looks annoyed but returns to looking for her gift under the tree.")

Kelly: I want you to stay here with me at my penthouse instead of with Dorian and Mel. (Kelly seems increasingly agitated as she listens to her mother. Blair looks worried. Starr approaches Blair again to ask: "Can we go now?" Blair snaps, "In a minute Starr!" Starr sits on the sofa.)

"I love you, too." Kelly says as she ends her call with her mother. Blair approaches and asks, "You OK?"

Kelly gives a faint smile, "No. Mother doesn't sound right. Something's wrong."

Starr is again at Blair's side. "I want to sing Christmas songs."

Next, carolers leave the doors of St. James Church and they are singing:

Still through the cloven skies they come,
With peaceful wings unfurled,
And still their heavenly music floats,
O'er all the weary world.

A scene is shown of Carlotta at the diner counter. She is looking at a picture of Eli and another one of Antonio. She tucks the pictures into her pocket. Cristian is at the door of the diner and is turning the sign to "We're Closed." His mother joins him at the door and they leave.

At their apartment, Sophia smiles as she sees Freddie place a gift for her under their small Christmas tree. Next, the Llantano River is shown and then the angel statue at Angel Square as the carolers gather.

Above its sad and lowly plains,
They bend on hovering wing.
And ever o'er its Babel sounds,
The blessed angels sing.

At the Palace the song continues in the background. Herb enters and then Kevin waves Herb to him for a drink at the bar. Kevin asks as Herb sits, "Talk to me."

Yet with the woes of sin and strife,
The world hath suffered long;

Herb asks, "About what?"

Kevin responds, "Tell all you know about David Renaldi and his connection to Wolfgang Alexander."

Beneath the angel-strain have rolled,
Two thousand years of wrong;

Herb has a curious look and then signals the waiter, "Scotch. Make it a double."

And man, at war with man, hears not,
The love song which they bring:
O hush the noise, ye men of strife,
And hear the angels sing.

The next scene is of RJ, showing up at Angel Square with Hank, the Fosters and Joshua and then joining the group of those singing that includes Sophia, Freddie, Cristian and Carlotta, who are standing next to the Hayes family. Sophia approaches RJ and she says, "Join us."

For lo! the days are hastening on,
By prophet bards foretold,

He hesitates before he sees Carlotta looking at Hank. He then, moves toward the Hayes family and the Vegas.

When, with the ever-circling years,
Shall come the Age of Gold;

Sophia stands next to Frank, who smiles at her before looking at RJ with Joshua. Sophia grabs Frank's hand and squeezes it. Frank looks at the angel in the center of the square and he smiles before he mutters, "Father and son are together. Just like you wanted."

When peace shall over all the earth,
Its ancient splendors fling,
And all the world give back the song,
Which now the angels sing.

Chapter 88

Day 13 (two days before Christmas): The Hayes House, late night

Dorian and Mel cuddle on the sofa. They are watching the fire in the fireplace. Mel is stroking her arm and kisses Dorian's brow.

Dorian: It's cold outside. (She snuggles closer) When I'm in your arms, you make me feel safe and warm. (Mel stops caressing her) What's wrong?

Mel: Deja vu. I just remember you saying that to me after we made love on the houseboat.

Dorian: Just means that it's true.

Mel: And I'm thinking of Wolfe.

Dorian: That animal is dead! If he weren't I'd kill him!

Mel (chuckles): Somehow I don't doubt it.

Dorian: Do you realize how lost I was without you?

Mel (caresses her again): He wanted me to leave you. (Dorian sits up and looks at him. She coos, "Mel.") I love you. I thought of being in your arms on the houseboat and promising you that (He strokes her face as he looks into her eyes) that I'd never leave you. ( They kiss).

Dorian (settles back into his arms): Not even for Viki?

Mel (laughs and then notices Dorian is silent): You're referring to tonight?

Dorian: Why did you invite her into our home on a night that was to be ours?

Mel: Guilt.

Dorian: Guilt?

Mel: Being there in that cabin I had time to think.

Dorian: About Viki?!

Mel: Relax. She only crept into my thoughts momentarily. I've been absolutely horrendous toward her.

Dorian: For good reason!

Mel: Yes. It seemed that way at the time.

Dorian: But not anymore?

Mel: Sweetheart, it's more complicated than what's happened between the two of you over the years.

Dorian: More important?

Mel: I didn't say that. Don't put words in my mouth. There was something I had to do. Something that I had to say to her.

Dorian: You apologized.

Mel: Yes.

Dorian: You think it was OK what she did to me?

Mel: Of course not. But... I want to move forward. I want us to move forward. Do you understand?

Dorian: I want to understand. What happened in that cabin with Wolfe? What did Wolfe say to you about Viki?

Mel: Dorian, do we have to get into all that, right now? (kisses her brow)

Dorian: Something that you can't share with me? You asked me to leave the room. Do you know how that made me feel?

Mel: I'm sorry.

Dorian: Are you really, Mel?

Mel: Dorian, what is this about?

Dorian: Viki asked me the same thing. She asked me that as a way of turning the conversation back to me and avoiding answer to my question.

Mel: I'm not Viki. I'm the man who loves you.

Dorian: I know that. Whatever you said to her seemed to upset her immensely. She was on the verge of tears but strangely relieved.

Mel: All right. (sighs) In that cabin, I got to see a side of Wolfe that no one should ever see, a side of him that Viki saw in the brief time that she was with him.

Dorian: I know what you mean. I've seen parts of Viki that no one has ever seen.

Mel: Do you want to talk about it?

Dorian: No. (touches his injured arm) Talking about it means reliving it.

Mel: I'd give anything to take that pain away, to erase it.

Dorian: Because you love me.

Mel: Without a doubt. It's the reason that I survived, the thought of what I had to lose, the love and the life that I have with you and our family.

Dorian: Mel, whatever you witnessed, whatever he said to you was enough to make you want to apologize to her for your perceived ill treatment of her for torturing me. She never apologized to me, Mel.

Mel: I know that, baby. Two wrongs, they don't make a right.

Dorian (sits up.) I can't believe you're defending her!

Mel (brushes her shoulders): How could I forgive her for hurting you? I just don't want to further the feud. There's too much of that. Wolfe came after me to avenge the death of his lover. He blamed me. I don't want that kind of hatred to intercede in our lives again. You (he tears up) you are too important to me to let that happen. And I love you, very much.

DorIan (they kiss, she settles back into his arms): There's more to this. Did he hurt her?

Mel: Yes, he did.

Dorian: What happened?

Mel: Just that he hurt her physically, emotionally.

Dorian: Sexually?

Mel: Dorian, I can't discuss it.

Dorian: Which means, yes. I hope that she gets the professional help that she needs. What were you hoping would happen by inviting her here tonight?

Mel (sighs): That she might find peace. (He stares into the fire)

Dorian: Or tell you more about Wolfe for the story you plan to write about him. Did she?

Mel: No. Not really.

Dorian: So you have something in common with Viki, in a sense. Wolfe hurt you through some sort of mental torture.

Mel: Only by making me, making me think that I could ever lose you.

Dorian (kisses his chest): That's not possible.

Mel: Tell me about your feelings for Herb Callison. (Dorian looks up at him).

At the Palace Bar, late night

Kevin and Herb are at a booth. A football game with the Philadelphia Eagles and the New York Giants is on the TV.

Kevin(stares at the TV): So you gonna answer my question or do you wanna talk about the game?

Herb: I'm not gonna sit here and pretend that we're friends. Or that I can barely tolerate your presence.

Kevin: Look I know that we can never be friends...

Herb (cuts him off): NO you don't know the half of it! You don't know how I'd just as soon throttle you as to sit here and have a conversation with you! (Herb takes a deep breath)

Kevin: I know that. I'm sorry for what, for what happened with Cassie. I suppose you may have had something to do with Dorian calling off her bulldogs.

Herb: You mean the annulment? It's what Cassie wanted, which means the two of you are still married. I agreed to meet you here, to warn you about hurting my daughter ever again.

Kevin: Understood. Cassie and I love each other. Dorian thinks she knows what's best for her daughter and that includes running her life.

Herb: Instead of ruining it, like you did by having that affair with Barbara Graham? Dorian may go overboard sometimes but it comes from a place of love. I've made some decisions in my life recently. And one of them is that I'm not going anywhere, which means that I'm not going to let you hurt our daughter again.

Kevin: I've got everything arranged. We're moving back into the Mill house.

Herb: Just a gentle reminder. Go easy with her. If you push this, we could lose her.

Kevin (long pause): I'm not gonna lose her again. (Orders another drink. Smiles broadly) I'm gonna get my wife back. I can't believe it. (Looks around) What am even doing here, now? I can't think. Must be the drinks.

Herb: You asked me here to talk about David.

Kevin (waiter delivers vodka, Kevin sips): Give me a minute while I let the alcohol take affect.

Herb: Or, I could just leave after I call you a taxi.

Kevin: No. You gonna talk to me about Renaldi and Alexander?

Herb: Whaddaya want to know? (Eats peanuts)

Kevin: A long time ago, David was involved in humanitarian causes, some say terrorist acts, secret spy activity.

Herb: David and espionage? I didn't know it was a secret. (Sips scotch) And, why the sudden interest? Alexander's death?

Kevin: Wolfgang wanted to kill him. Why?

Herb: He wanted something from him.

Kevin: Like his life?

Herb: I don't know that it was his life.

Kevin: Then what?

Herb (long pause): Why should I do any favors for the man who broke my daughter's heart?

Kevin: C'mon Herb, I'm just doing my job. Just wondering, whaddaya gonna do once you wrap this case up?

Herb: I don't know. Work on memoirs that include the story of Wolfgang Alexander, so why should I give you a lead?

Kevin: A joke, right?

Herb: Llanview seems like home again. I want to make sure Cass is OK, that my family is OK. That you're not let off the hook. (Kevin mutters, "With Dorian around?")Then we'll see.

Kevin: Family. Listen Herb, I gotta tip.

Herb (chuckles): About Alexander or Renaldi? My suggestion, consider the source.

Kevin: I'm curious about Alexander. His real reasons for showing up here in the first place. That made me think of David and his past activities.

Herb: Go on.

Kevin: So who's questioning who here? (Herb doesn't respond, so Kevin continues) All right. I researched what we had on Renaldi, the maestro who was involved in a lot of international intrigue.

Herb: Your mother helped him get a job here as the conductor for the Llanview Philharmonic Orchestra (takes a drink). Much to the chagrin of Dorian.

Kevin: Curious. How'd you find out that he was Cass' father? (Herb looks uncomfortable) Hey, look you don't have to answer that.

Herb: Not from Dorian. I had my suspicions. (Sips Scotch) Melinda confirmed it.

Kevin: Dorian's sister, Melinda.

Herb: I flew to California. I asked her about David and she was only to happy to oblige me with the answers.

Kevin: You and Dorian broke up because of it. Cassie told me that the two of you moved in together at the Vernon Inn.

Herb: Dorian and I were married. She still had feelings for an old lover. He was in love with Jenny. Many moons ago. (Sips drink) I had my suspicions. But I couldn't put my finger on what was happening between the two of them.

Kevin: You mean David and Dorian.

Herb: Aka, David Reynolds. David's music agent, Scott... I think Scott Edgar was his name. He was murdered. Dorian suspected David was behind it and tried to protect him.

Kevin: You wondered why she was protecting a man who up until then had been an acquaintance.

Herb: David was arrested as suspect. Turns out David had an illustrious past. I asked questions. Found out more than I wanted to know.

Kevin: What about Edgar?

Herb: David didn't kill him but there was bad blood between them. He knew that David was Cassie's father. David wasn't ready to reveal that to anyone just yet. He thought Cassie might be in danger. Edgar was blackmailing him.

Kevin: Who killed Edgar?

Herb: People who were after David. David was the fall guy.

Kevin: People after Renaldi. I wonder if they got what they wanted. Do you know what they wanted from him?

Herb: His muse. His music has always been the lure.(Herb's attention is drawn to the television as there is a report scrolling at the bottom of the screen. "What?" Kevin asks as he looks. Herb reads that Javier Alvarez is dead. Without another word he leaves with Kevin behind him.)

Chapter 89

Day 13 (two days before Christmas): The Hayes House, night

Dorian and Mel a laying together on the sofa with the soft glow from the fireplace.

Dorian: So you have something in common with Viki, in a sense. Wolfe hurt you through some sort of mental torture.

Mel: Only by making me, making me think that I could ever lose you.

Dorian (kisses his chest): That's not possible.

Mel: Tell me about your feelings for Herb Callison. (Dorian looks up at him).

Dorian: Herb? (Mel rubs her shoulders.)

Mel: He was here to comfort you in my absence.

Dorian: Which means exactly what?

Mel: He's still in love with you. He left little doubt of that. He loves you and he wants you back.

Dorian: I love you Mel. Do you believe me? Don't you trust me?

Mel: I believe that you love me. I asked about your feelings for him.

Dorian (looks angry): Then, you don't trust me!

Mel: Calm down, baby! I didn't say that!

Dorian: The accusation was there, Mel, in your words, in your eyes. Don't insult my intelligence! (Moves away from his embrace)

Mel: You're angry. Come here.

Dorian: Mel, of course, I'm angry! I just got you back and now you're questioning my loyalty to you. (Mel shakes his head and tries to pull her back to him. She resists) You know, you know maybe I should ask you why provocative photos of the wife of an army general were delivered to you at The Banner? Is there something you neglected to tell me about those years of celebrated reporting in 'Nam?

Mel: What? (Noticeably upset) What are you talking about?

Dorian: The pictures Mel, the ones Viki knew about before I did?

Mel: What does Viki? Oh, nevermind. You know about the pictures? That happened before the bombing in the Banner garage, before the kidnapping. Who told you about them?

Dorian (long pause): Does it matter?

Mel: What matters, what matters is that you're trying to change the subject.

Dorian (sighs): Did Dorothy say something to you?

Mel (frowns): Dorothy?

Dorian: You know, Mel, she'd like nothing better than to cause trouble between the two of us?

Mel: That's not possible. Unless, unless you have feelings for him. Do you?

The phone rings.

Dorian: I should get that. (She moves to answer. He pulls her arm for her to stay.)

Mel: No. I want you to answer my question. (Dorian pauses, stares at him.)

The sound of keys in the front door and muffled singing can be heard by both of them. Dorian moves and comments, "Everyone has returned from caroling." They both look as Mary, Frank, Roger and Dorothy enter the foyer. Frank and Roger pipe: "And a partridge in a pear tree." Dorian applauds, "Bravo!" as Mary and Dorothy laugh. The answering machine picks up the call. The voice says, "Mel, it's Zach. Sorry to bother you. But ya asked me to call if something came up. Call me at the Banner."

Mel raises a brow to show that he hears the message and he has turned and is looking at Dorian with a serious expression. He doesn't acknowledge his children and mother. Dorothy immediately notices and asks, "Did we interrupt something?"

Dorian is standing and glances at Mel, who is sitting in front of her. "No."

Dorothy asks, "Dad?"

Mel is staring at Dorian as he slowly answers, "No."

Mary announces, "Well then I have news!"

Dorian frowns and querries, "Good news?"

Mary: Yes. One would hope. Of course, we will be around for the family celebration surrounding the holidays, however, well, um, Dorothy and I will be taking a room at The Palace to give you two lovebirds some time alone."

Dorian rushes toward them, "The Palace?! No, that won't be necessary!" She turns to look at her husband. "Mel?"

Frank remarks, "Dorian, I don't think that was a question. Consider it an early Christmas gift. Mary and Dorothy plan to move into The Palace."

Roger adds, "C'mon Dorian, you don't have to be hospitable about this. You probably can't wait for the Hayes clan to be outta your hair." He laughs.

Mary scolds, "Roger, I don't think that's how Dorian feels about Mel's family at all!"

Dorian: Mel's family is my family too, Mary.

Mary: Yes, of course, I didn't mean otherwise.

Dorothy mutters, "God, Roger was kidding!"

Mel stands and is soon beside Dorian. "A few more words like that son and you won't be welcomed in this house!"

Dorothy defends, "C'mon you guys it was just a joke."

Frank mutters, "Let's leave and come back in again."

Mel: Mary, Dorothy, this is our home. You are both welcome to stay. We've spent far too much time a part.

Dorian: And Mel is finally home again.

Mel: Roger, I think one would call your comment passive aggressive, right Mare?

Roger: But it'd be more of a joke if Frank said it, right Dad?

Dorothy: How 'bout we call it overeacting? (Folds arms.)

Frank: How 'bout we all just chill for a second?

Roger: Well EXCUSE me! Please don't take offense at what might pass for my sense of humor.

Dorian (clings to Mel's arm and stares at Roger while she speaks to Mel): You would have no way of knowing this, my darling, but Roger and I came to a bit of an understanding in your absence. I assured him that I wasn't taking his mother's place. He assured me that he understood that I was very much an important part of his father's life. Your wife. And that I have no intention of ever leaving your side."

Frank (takes off coat, places it on the sofa arm, walks toward the bar): Someone around here could use a drink. (Searches and sees there is no alcohol) Damn! Spiked egg nog? (Pours cider.) Roger and Dorothy exchange a glance. Mel kisses Dorian's cheek and squeezes her hand. Dorothy excuses, "It's best if we stay at the Palace."

Dorian asks, "Are you sure? I hope, we hope that you have felt welcomed."

Mary: We have. That's not the point of our decision to leave. (Glances at Dorothy,who nods.)

Dorothy: Well, I'd better get my things.

Mary: Yes of course, why don't we do that, dear? (Mary pauses with a concerned look at Mel, who is moving toward the fireplace where he stares into the burning embers.)

Dorothy prompts, "Mare?" before the two of them head up the stairs.

Dorian throws her hands up and shakes her head before she turns and looks at Frank at the bar and then to Frank and to Roger (as he hangs coat in the foyer closet) offers, "Well, can I get you both some egg nog?" Frank answers quickly, "Sure." Dorian says, "Er, without the rum. It's in the kitchen. Excuse me." She looks at Mel. "Back in a moment, my darling." Their eyes meet before Mel says, "I'll be waiting."

Dorian passes Roger as he enters the living room. Mel glares at Roger and then Frank before he asks, "So, how did the family treat my wife in my absence?"

Roger sits on a sofa. "She's a strong woman, Dad. I respect that." Frank asks, "You don't have booze in this place anymore?"

Mel sighs and then answers, "No."

Frank looks annoyed as he sits beside his brother. Mel says, "Frank, you're drinking too much."

Frank responds, "It's Christmas. Time to get into the holiday spirit!"

Mel adds, "From what I've observed you've been partaking of the spirits for quite some time now. You mind telling me why?"

Frank: Dad, I don't

Roger (interrupts): He has a lot on his mind.

Mel: Your brother can speak for himself.

Frank (looks uncomfortable): I don't have a lot on my mind. You're home, now. Father and son are reunited. All is as it should be.

Roger: Dad, Frank blamed himself for what happened to you.

Mel: What? Why?

Frank (sighs): Roger.

Roger: When he lost his job...

Mel (shocked look): Lost his job? What are you talking about?

Roger: Dorian didn't mention it to you?

Frank: You're a piece of work! This isn't the time.

Mel: Dorian knew Frank lost his job?

Roger: I told her not to say anything to you. I guess she didn't.

Frank: It's not a big deal.

Mel: It's a big deal if you're drinking because of it!

Roger: Frank was working on an story that involved a woman, who turned out to be the sister of a mobster.

Mel: What?!

Frank: Shut the hell up, Roger! (Mel's cell phone rings) Better get that.

Mel: Must be important! But we're NOT finished! Excuse me a moment. (Answers phone: "Hayes here," then, steps away from his sons and toward the patio. His back is to them when Dorian enters the room with egg nog. She immediately notices that he's on the phone. Frank rushes to take the platter with beverages from her and makes room on the coffee table to place it there.)

Roger (takes a cup of egg nog, walks over to Dorian to hand her the cup and then whispers): He's aware that you knew about Frank.

Dorian: About the job?

Frank (sips nog): Yeah, my brother let it slip out. (Turns to see that Mel is still on the phone).

Dorian: Good.

Roger: You're not worried that Dad will be angry with you for keeping it from him?

Dorian: No. Disappointed? (Sips her nog)
_____________________________________________________

Dorothy (is packing): I don't have much, here. Are you sure this a good idea, Mare? (Pauses, sits on the bed)

Mary: Yes, of course, it is. I figured you'd need some convincing. It was fine for the two of us to be here to offer support to Dorian in your father's absence. But now that he's returned, I think the two of them deserve their privacy.

Dorothy: Privacy? Mare, it's Christmas! Wasn't it enough that we all went caroling?

Mary: No.

Dorothy (looks exasperated): We've hardly spent time with Daddy since his homecoming.

Mary: There will be plenty of time for that. Now get up and finish packing.

Dorothy (remains sitting): There is something you're not saying. What is it?

Mary: Oh there's plenty I don't care to share with one who sticks her nose in everybody's business, especially her father's.

Dorothy: Dad didn't seem to be all that happy when we first walked in the door.

Mary: Yes, I noticed that.

Dorothy: Do you think it has something to do with Herb Callison?

Mary: Now, why would you jump to that conclusion?

Dorothy: C'mon Mare. Don't act as though it didn't occur to you either.

Mary: Dorothy, Dorian loves your father.

Dorothy: When he's here, when he's with her I'm convinced of it. His disappearance made another observation apparent. You saw what I saw. A woman who still has feelings for her ex-husband. Or, is that why you're in such a rush to leave the two lovebirds alone, Mare?

Mary looks off as if in deep thought.

Chapter 90

Day 13 (two days before Christmas): California, Clearview Center. It is late night.

Melinda Cramer is packing her belongings into a suitcase on her bed when there is a knock on the door.

Melinda (pauses): Come in! (Her psychiatrist, Dr. Thomas enters the room. Melinda gives a coy smile.) Oh hello doctor. (She continues packing) So to what do I owe this late hour visit?

Dr. Thomas (is standing beside her): I saw you leave the dayroom early.

Melinda: You seemed to be having fun at the party. I wasn't in the mood to sing.

Dr. Thomas: So you came here to pack. You don't have much here. It could have waited.

Melinda: I want to see my daughter, Bill.

Dr. Thomas: I know that. Melinda, give serious consideration to our discussion.

Melinda (stops to look at him): Dorian.

Dr. Thomas (places his hand on her wrist and looks her in the eyes): It's important to your recovery.

Melinda (glances at his hand on her wrist before she looks him in the eyes): You gave permission for me to leave. Are you having doubts?

Dr. Thomas: No Melinda. I have faith in you. You will never know if you're able to succeed unless you give it a try. Your medication has been stabilized and you have made progress in your treatment.

Melinda: But I could fail. (She is almost tearful) I try and I have to come back.

Dr. Thomas: No. You will succeed but you must be your greatest advocate in your care. And, you will be working with a trusted colleague in Llanview.

Melinda: Llanview. We remember what happened last time when I visited Llanview huh, doctor? Somehow, I supposedly forgot to take my medication. (Sighs)

Dr. Thomas: We discussed that Melinda. Are you still angry with your sister?

Melinda: No. (Shrugs. Goes to the closet for more clothes.) As I said before, I want to see my daughter. Dorian's been more a part of her life than I have.

Dr. Thomas: How do you feel about that?

Melinda: I feel, I feel lucky yes that's the word. (She pulls pants and a top from a plastic hanger and pauses) One of the first things I'm going to do is to invest in a better wardrobe. (She approaches the bed with the pants and top to place them into her luggage) Anyway doctor, Kelly has a mother. Dorian has done enough for my daughter.

Dr. Thomas: You are ready to leave.

Melinda: Bill, is that a question?

Dr. Thomas: Perhaps a habit. I'm going to miss you.

Melinda (pauses): Spend time with your family (She hugs him and pecks his cheek.) And, thank you for everything.

Dr. Thomas: Merry Christmas Melinda. I'll see you tomorrow before you leave.

Melinda: Good night doctor. (Dr. Thomas hesitates before he leaves. Melinda walks toward the bed and picks up a picture of Kelly that is on the nightstand.) She sits on the bed and stares at it.
_____________________________________________________________________
Next, the scene shifts to Llanview, PA

Viki has a glass of brandy and is staring into the fireplace. She flashes back to her time with Wolfgang Alexander at the Waterside Inn.

The elevator door opens. Wolfe exits and extends an inviting hand. Viki swallows hard and hesitates before taking it. Wolfe anxiously kisses her hand while looking at her.

“I promised I would make it up to you for abandoning you at the club. I do not want to be alone. Neither do you.” He leads her down the hallway and then opens the door to a hotel room. Wolfe escorts her inside and attaches her to his body. As he begins to remove a frigid Viki’s clothing, she utters: “Stop!” He continues, as her hips slowly but undeniably begin to sway against him. He insists, “Yes, yes. You do not want me to stop! You want me to finish what I have started!” He bites her ear lobe. “Say it!”

“No!” she protests with a gulp.

He bites her neck. “Dammit, say it!”

“I, I want you!” Viki sobs. Wolfe picks her up in his arms and lays her on the bed.

The scene returns to Viki at Llanfair. She gasps as she is startled by the feel of hands on her shoulders. She turns to see that it's Kevin. Viki smiles tepidly and squeezes his hand on her shoulder before her son kisses her brow.

Kevin (as he walks to the sofa, grabs a Christmas cookie from a platter on the coffee table and sits): You all right? (Glances at her before he eats the cookie. Viki doesn't immediately reply.) You seem, seem deep in thought.

Viki (sighs, walks towards the huge green Christmas tree in the corner of the room. Her back is to Kevin.): Fine. Well, I saw Mel tonight. (Shrugs)

Kevin: Mel? So how is he?

Viki (moves to the patio doors): He seems fine. Different, perhaps.

Kevin: Different? How? (Kevin stands and walks toward the patio doors. He stops, just in back of his mother)

Viki (turns to look at Kevin): He apologized to me for his behavior toward me before the kidnapping.

Kevin: I'm glad. The past is the past. (Viki frowns, has a strange expression. Kevin notices. She passes him to sit on the sofa) We are talking about Mel or were you thinking of something else?(He sits on the sofa in front of her. She doesn't immediatly reply.) Mom?

Viki: No. It was the conversation I had with Mel.

Kevin (smirks): Where was Dorian when all this happened?

Viki: He asked her to leave the room.(Kevin chuckles) Yes. Much to Dorian's displeasure, I think that I got my friend back tonight.

Kevin: Glad to hear it.

Viki (sees that Kevin has a distant look). And all that. Kevin, the family missed you at Angel Square tonight. Asa, Bo and Nora were there, also.

Kevin (stands and walks to pour himself bourbon): I was at the Banner for most of the night, following up on this thing with Alvarez.

Viki: Javier Alvarez?

Kevin: Yeah. There's been a development (Turns to look at his mother with the bourbon in his hand) You haven't been watching the news? (Viki replies, "No.") Javier Alvarez died in his hospital room in Philly tonight. (Walks back to the sofa and sits.)

Viki: What happened?

Kevin: Aneurysm. His wife was with him.

Viki (gasps): Good Lord that must have been horrifying?

Kevin: Yeah, Herb and I were...

Viki: Herb?

Kevin: We were having drinks at the Palace when the news broke.

Viki: I see.

Kevin: This is gonna sound kind of strange but, you know much about Mel and his days in Vietnam?

Viki: Yes. It is strange that you should mention it out of the blue. Well, not much more than you probably know already. Mel won a Pulitizer for his exemplary coverage.

Kevin: Yeah, you're right. I know all that. It's the details.

Viki: What details?

Kevin: I just wonder about the link between Mel and Wolfe.

Viki: You think it is Vietnam. I suppose you are going to have to have that conversation with Mel.

Kevin: If he'll level with me.

Viki: Kevin, Mel's one of your heroes! Is there a reason why you are suddenly doubting his character?

Kevin: I didn't say that!

Viki: It is more in your expression.

Kevin: No. (Sips his bourbon) He's the kind of guy I'd trust with my life.

Viki: Exactly! To have survived all that he has with that treacherous man, I hope that he is able to put the horrors of his captivity to rest.

Kevin: Maybe that's something you should consider doing as well.

Viki: I have. I have tried to at least. Let's talk about something else. Herb Callison. So, how is Herb taking the news that Cassie will be returning and staying with you at the Mill house?

Kevin: Like any protective dad. He issued me a warning not to hurt his daughter.

Viki: Kevin, have the doctors prepared you for the difficulties you may be facing with Cassie's return.

Kevin: Mom, I want my wife back. Cassie and I will face whatever problems she has together.

Viki: Does that include Cassie's mother?
_____________________________________________________________________________

The Hayes House, bedroom

Dorian leaves the bathroom in a negligee and she sees Mel sitting on the bed and talking on the telephone. His back is to her. She approaches him and begins rubbing his shoulders and kissing the back of his neck. Without looking at her, he grasps her hand to stop her movement. He says to the caller: "No. See if you can find out why he was in Paris this summer." Dorian frowns and remarks, "Paris? We were in Paris this summer." Mel glances at her and says to the caller. "Listen. You can follow up with me tomorrow on that. Right. Good deal. Thanks, pal!"

Dorian walks around the bed so that she is standing in front of Mel. She takes the phone from his hand and hangs it up before she looks down at him, places her hand on his injured shoulder and asks, "Did you take your antibiotic?" He kisses her hand and responds, "Sure did doctor." He rubs her rear end. She smiles and then asks, "Mel, who was that on the phone?" Mel kisses her wrist before he replies, "A contact in Paris." He begins kissing along her arm as Dorian inquires, "Wolfe saw us in Paris, didn't he?" Mel stops kissing her. He looks her in the eyes and says, "Yes." She sighs and sits beside him on the bed.

Mel: How'd you know?

Dorian: Oh I was pulling things from the closet one day. You remember that angel we purchased in Paris? (Mel nods) Well anyway, I was trying to find it and I left some old photos from our trip to Europe this summer on the bed. Dorothy saw them.

Mel: Wait a minute! Wait a minute! Are you telling me Wolfe was in the photos?

Dorian: Yes. It looks that way. Well, one of them. (Shrugs) Herb thought so when Dorothy showed him the picture.

Mel: Herb? Dorothy showed Herb Callison the photo?

Dorian: Well he was downstairs. (Mel sighs) So, Dorothy showed him the picture to get his opinion.

Mel: Why?

Dorian (stands and walks away): Herb knows the man. If anyone would be able to identify Wolfe from a photo, it would be Herb. (She turns, looks at her husband, plants her hand to her hip and moves seductively.)

Mel (smiles with approval and desire): I guess so.

Dorian (steps toward him and then stops): The important thing is that Wolfgang Alexander was in Paris and probably saw the two of us together. Mel, do you think he really showed up in Llanview because of David or because of you, your past as a reporter during the war?

Mel (approaches her): Do you really want to talk about that right now? (Dorian shakes her head. He is in front of her and pulls her into his arms.) Looking at you in that sexy negligee, I don't give a damn about the past or anything else but you (Dorian coos and then they kiss before she moves away from him and sits on the bed. Mel frowns) What is it?

Dorian: I don't want you to hide things from me or try to protect me for my own good.

Mel (approaches and sits beside her): You think that I'm doing that?

Dorian (rubs his face): Yes.

Mel: I'm just so glad to be back, to have you back in my life again. Baby, we'll talk about everything. Let's just say for the moment there are more urgent matters that require your attention. (He looks at her lips)

Dorian: You'll tell me everything?

Mel: Yes. Everything. Anything. (Glimpses her cleavage) But do we have to do it tonight?

Dorian: Tonight. (She kisses him) Every night, Mel. (He groans before he bends to kiss her breasts. She moans and they collapse on the bed.)
____________________________________________________

Kelly's Penthouse ("Silent Night" is playing in the background)

Kelly is walking Blair to the door. Blair turns and says, "You need to tell Aunt Dorian that you're pregnant." Kelly replies, "I will." The two hug. Kelly says, "And Blair, thanks for everything. I know this whole situation, my being pregnant, brings back memories." Blair looks at Starr running down the hall and yells, "Stop right there young lady!" and then she addresses Kelly: "We're family." The two hug again before she leaves. Kelly is turning off lights and is preparing to go up the stairs when she pauses to look at the Christmas tree. The phone rings and she answers it. It's her mother.

Melinda: Hello my darling.

Kelly: Mother?

Melinda: Yes. I just wanted to tell you that I can't wait to see you.

Kelly: I know. (Rubs brow) How did you manage to make a phone call at this hour?

Melinda: Oh I talked a nurse into it. I told her that my day wouldn't be complete unless I spoke on the phone to my darling Kelly.

Kelly (frowns): Mother are you OK?

Melinda: Yes. (looks angry) I'm getting better Kelly. (smiles) And I can't wait to spend the holidays with my family.

Kelly (rubs her stomach): Me too. And I know that Dorian can't wait to see you. Mel's back in her life. Cassie will be home soon from Europe. It will be a family reunion. We have a lot to talk about.

Melinda: A family reunion. (A man's hand touches the phone.) Good night Kelly. I love you.

Kelly: Good night, Mother. I love you, too. (She hangs up and walks up the stairs. The Christmas tree in the penthouse is shown and then the next scene shown is that of Melinda in her bed. She is smiling before she crawls into bed. She sighs and then mutters, "Sweet dreams." Dr. Thomas is at the door. He replies, "Sweet dreams," before he closes the door.)

Chapter 91
Day 14: The Palace, after midnight, Christmas Eve

Louis Armstrong is singing in the background.
I see trees of green, red roses too
I see them bloom, for me and you
And I think to myself, what a wonderful world.

I see skies of blue, and clouds of white
The bright blessed day, the dark sacred night
And I think to myself, what a wonderful world.

Asa is sitting at a table smoking a cigar and drinking a bourbon. Renee is talking to the bartender and then she finishes to join Asa. She scolds him about the cigar.

Renee: All right, Cowboy, we're not staying here another minute. The employees at WVLE have had their fill of fun in the ballroom at their Christmas Party. And, my feet are killing me.

Asa (gestures): I'm not ready to leave yet. Sit.

Renee: Asa!

Asa: Renee.

Renee(heavy sigh): We're here at the bar because let me guess, Henry Bedford?

Asa(stuffs cigar): We had a few drinks. Good man, good man. (Pensive look)

Renee: I thought he was living in England. (Slightly slips off one heel.)

Asa: Part of the time. He's in the states for business and here in Llanview for a very important client (Grins)

Renee: By the look on your face, you've discovered who's behind the Hanover group trying to take over your company.

Asa: You got that right. And it's just who I suspected.

Renee: Who?

Asa: That She-Devil.

Renee: Oh, Blair.

Asa: The other one.

Renee: Dorian?

Asa: Dorian Lord Hayes.
The colors of the rainbow, so pretty in the sky
Are also on the faces, of people going by

Renee: Dorian. Where does she find the time to get involved with business at WVLE? And since when is it any of her business what happens there.

Asa: Dorian was involved with the Intruder, WVLE. Ian Armitage left that young filly Kelly the lion's share of the Armitage media empire. Kelly's relying upon Dorian's knowledge and connections, along with of course more competent big-wigs, to keep the business afloat.

Renee: What does Dorian want with a television station? And Kelly, Kelly has her hands full at The Sun!

Asa: That Dorian Lord is interested in trouble, like always. And Kelly, don't you worry about her. I'll take care of her and that rag formerly run by that rapist Todd Manning.

Renee: So this is about Blair?

Asa: Business, Renee.

Reness: Asa, you don't have any interest in The Sun. AND Max sold you his two percent of The Sun to pay off his gambling debt.

Asa: What? I don't, don't konw what ya talkin 'bout.

Renee: Knock it off! I don't appreciate you feeding Max's gambling habit but the people he owes money to are after him. I'm more concerned about his safety.

Asa: So you, ah, understand. You understand why I gave Max the money.

Renee: I understand that you had your reasons for buying shares that have nothing to do with caring about Max as much as sticking it to the Cramers.

Asa: I care about Max.
I see friends shaking hands, saying how do you do
They're really saying, I love you.

Renee: So do I. And don't lie to me. I'm no fool. For your information, I rue the day he ever got involved with Blair Cramer. She was as much an addiction as his gambling ever was, a deadly addiction. His leaving Llanview hurt me plenty but in many ways it saved his life.

Asa: The Cramers are a thorn in our side, the whole lot of 'em. Dorian thinks she can take away my TV station. It ain't gonna happen.

Renee: Well, she certainly can't trust her attorney. Bedford's gone. We're still here. Can we go now?

Asa (stands): My taking a meeting with Bedford was worth it's weight in gold, Renee. (He puts money on the table, then he escorts Renee.)

While at the elevator, Renee and Asa see Frank and Sophia in passing and they give a cordial greeting to them. When they walk away, Asa asks Renee: "Mel's son, that Frank Hayes, he's some hotshot TV journalist, ain't he?"

Renee responds, "Yes. From what I recall in my conversations with Mel."

Asa querries, "Wonder if he's interested in staying around Llanview?"

Renee (shrugs): Ask him. (The elevator doors open. They enter and continue in conversation.)

Asa (inside the elevator): Did you see the faces tonight? You think, you think everybody had a good time at the party?

Renee: I think it wasn't the party that gave them reason to celebrate but the hefty bonuses.

Asa: Most of 'em have families, kids. I tell ya, Renee, just seeing Bo and Nora safe after being holed up with that lunatic Wolfgang Alexander... uh. Nothing's more important than being surrounded by people you love. I wanted folks here tonight to know that they are appreciated.
I hear babies cry, I watch them grow
They'll learn much more, than I'll never know
And I think to myself, what a wonderful world

Renee kisses his cheek. "You big ol' bear. You're a softie." Asa grins and retorts, "Let's go home. It'll all keep til morning." Renee responds, "It is morning Asa. It's Christmas eve." He hugs her.
Yes I think to myself, what a wonderful world.
Oh yeah...

The scene shifts to the Palace Lounge, music softly plays in the background. It is Melissa Manchester singing Midnight Blue.
Whatever it is, it'll keep till morning
Haven't we both got better things to do, midnight blue

Frank orders Sophia a vodka tonic and himself a scotch. Sophia suggests, "Guess somebody had enough of Christmas carols."

Frank responds, "Appears so."

Sophia: How's your dad?"

Frank: He's good. (The waitress brings their drinks over.)
Even though simple things become rough
Haven't we had enough

Sophia (thanks the waitress then sips her vodka): Dorian must be on top of the world.

Frank: I'm leaving town.
And I think we can make it
One more time, if we try

Sophia (spits her drink): What?

Frank (offers her a napkin): I don't have a job.

Sophia: You're, you're leaving town?

Frank: You had to know it would happen eventually.
One more time for all the old times
For all the times you told me you need me
Needing me now is something I could use, midnight blue
Wouldn't you give your hand to a friend
Maybe it's not the end

Sophia: Eventually. But not now. Not when we...

Frank: Not when we, what?
And I think we can make it
One more time, if we try
One more time for all the old times, midnight blue

Sophia: I, I don't know much about TV journalism but this is a pretty big market around here.

Frank: Competitive. I'm off my game. RJ and his son are united the way Sally wanted. My dad's back and he's safe. Why should I stay in Llanview?

Sophia: Why? Well, if you don't know. Maybe, maybe you could use a friend. (Nervously sips drink)
I think we can make it
I think we can make it
Wouldn't you give your hand to a friend
Think of me as your friend

Frank: A friend. I'd like to think of you as a friend.

Sophia: I am your friend.

Frank: A friend. We don't know each other.

Sophia: I thought we were developing something. (Long pause) I'm sorry maybe I was wrong.

Frank: No. You are right, just right.
And I think we can make it
One more time, if we try
One more time for all of the old old old times

Sophia: What about your dad can't he--

Frank: No! I'm not involving my dad in cleaning up my messes! (Finishes off his drink) Waitress!

Sophia: OK, then. (Studies the glass) Frank, why do you have to do that?

Frank: What?

Sophis: Drink so excessively. (He chuckles) Hey forget your dad then, why don't you be a man and clean up after yourself?

Frank: Was that supposed to be some kind of veiled reference to my drinking? (The waitress brings him a drink. He sips it)

Sophia: No. I don't know what I'm saying here. I don't know what I'm doing here. How 'bout this? You're not going to get a job no matter where you go if you can't control your drinking or figure out what's causing you to reach for the bottle. Is that direct enough for you?

Frank: So are we going to have some conversation, laughs or am I gonna be lectured all night? (Downs he alcohol in his glass)

Sophia stands, grabs her coat. "Neither," she responds while Frank stands with a dumbfounded expression. She adds, "Let the drink keep you company! I'm calling a cab!" She leaves. Frank calls, "Sophia!" as she continues her exit. He settles into his seat and waves for the waitress.
I think we can make it
I think we can make it
Wouldn't you give your hand to a friend
Think of me as your friend

Roger is at the registration desk, and he turns to see Sophia leaving the elevator. He calls, "Hey, Sophia!" She continues walking. With a look of concern, he rushes to approach her. Stops her.

Roger: What's wrong?

Sophia: Nothing. I just want to leave here. (Looks back at the registration desk.) I forgot. I, ah, I gotta call a cab.

Roger: Forget that. I'll give you a ride.

Sophia (slightly smiles): Thanks. (The two of them leave together. The elevator door opens. Frank watches with a forelorn look as they leave through the entrance.)
One more time, if we try
One more time for all the old times, midnight blue
_____________________________________________
At Kelly's penthouse.
Softly on the radio: Louis Armstrong is playing a trumpet melody of What a Wonderful World

Kelly is tossing and turning in her bed. She is dreaming and sees a man kissing her mother. Kelly pictures a sleeping female infant in a crib. The infant begins whimpering and then opens her eyes and then she turns and studies the two adults in the room. The man is angry, slaps and then shakes the woman. The infant becomes upset and begins to cry louder. Melinda yells at the man, is crying and approaches the infant; the man slams the door as he leaves. Kelly's mother picks up the baby to comfort her.

The scene returns to Kelly in her bed. She mutters, "Momma," before her eyes flutter open. Kelly places her hand on her pregnant stomach. She gradually sits up, turns on the light and looks at her mother's picture on the night stand. Kelly thinks back to the telephone conversation with her mother earlier that night.

Kelly (frowns): Mother are you OK?

Melinda: Yes. I'm getting better Kelly. And I can't wait to spend the holidays with my family.

Kelly (rubs her stomach): Me too. And I know that Dorian can't wait to see you. Mel's back in her life. Cassie will be home soon from Europe. It will be a family reunion. We have a lot to talk about.

Melinda: A family reunion. Good night Kelly. I love you.
Louis Armstrong sings on the radio:
I hear babies cry, I watch them grow
They'll learn much more, than I'll never know
And I think to myself, what a wonderful world

Kelly touches her mother's picture on the nightstand. She settles back into her bed, caresses her bulging tummy. She whispers, "I love you too, Momma."
Yes I think to myself, what a wonderful world.
Oh yeah...