What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)

General Hospital

On the phone in the cabin, Ava tells Julian that Mike might not have much longer. The family is staying by his bedside. Mike’s a good man; Avery is going to miss him. They’re pretending they’re camping. Luxury camping. She says, there’s a fully stocked bar. She’s in the cabin where his charming wife Nelle hid out. There’s nothing but dark woods and hooting owls, and not another cabin for miles. It’s actually kind of creepy. Someone watches her through the window.

WSB Facility, Geneva, Switzerland. Dante wakes up. Dr. Kirk comes in, and Dante asks, what’s going on? Dr. Kirk says, it’s about his family.

Monte Carlo. There’s gambling and clinking glasses, and Robert and Olivia walk in. She says, so this is where the rich and ruthless come to lose money. He tells her, try not to look so impressed, but she wonders how she can’t. He’s a dashing secret agent, and he’s done this a million times. He tells her to think of the most tedious function Ned has ever taken her to, and pretend she’s there. She says she’s got it; boredom and ennui. Tonight, she’s not Olivia from Bensonhurst. Tonight, she’s a spy.

Brook listens to the call from Olivia on Ned’s phone, saying she’s going to be away with Robert for a couple more days. She’ll explain when they’re face to face, and she loves him. Brook says, running off with Robert Scorpio. Thanks for the concern, stepmommy. Portia walks in with Ned, and Brook asks, why are you still here? Portia says she has the results from Brook’s tests, and Ned says he’d like to hear them. Brook is sure he would, but says it’s none of his business, so leave.

On the phone, Carly thanks Jason for getting Mike to the hospital. She thinks Sonny needs them. He thinks it’s going to be tonight. Felix comes by, and asks how Mike is doing. She says the nurses are keeping him comfortable, and giving them a chance to say goodbye. It’s the best it can be under the circumstances. He says he knows it’s hard to let Mike go.

Michael asks if Sonny wants to get some air and eat, but Sonny says he’s good. Michael needs to understand, his grandfather and Sonny were apart from each other for a long time. He thanks God every day they found themselves back together. He can’t leave Mike now.

Robert tells Olivia, he’ll do the spying. She’ll be his beautiful distraction. She say she always did want to be a Bond girl. He says, Bond girls aren’t married, so get rid of the ring. She says she’s only going so far; she’s still Ned’s wife. He says he’s going to take a walk around. She says she’ll get some drinks. Does he want a martini? Shaken, not stirred? He says, bourbon on the rocks. They want to keep a low profile. She says, low profile is her middle name. She tries to get the bartender’s attention, calling him garcon. She says, yo! and a man comes by. He calls the bartender by name, and says the lady would like a drink, and Olivia orders bourbon on the rocks and a glass of champagne. She says he must come there a lot to know the bartender, and he says he’s one of the owners.

Ned says he knows Brook is angry, but he needs to know her prognosis, so he can get the right specialists for her. She asks if she hasn’t been clear enough. She doesn’t want his help. She asks Portia if he has to be there, and Portia asks him to wait outside. He says she’s his daughter, and Brook says, since when? Portia says, she’s of age; it’s a matter of patient privacy. He leaves, and Brook asks, what’s the verdict? Portia says the tests helped them to better access the damage to her vocal chords, and Brook asks if she’ll be able to sing again.

Outside, Ned sees Chase, and asks if he’s found Nelle yet. Chase says they’re still searching, in coordination with the FBI. They’ve searched the surrounding areas, but there’s no sign. Ned asks if they’ve searched the airports, train stations, and bus stations, and Chase says, of course (🍷). Ned wonders how hard it is to find one woman. She couldn’t have disappeared into thin air. Chase says they’re making a valiant effort, and Ned says, his daughter nearly died. He wants the woman who attacked her brought to justice.

Someone continues to watch Ava, as she sips a martini, and tells herself to get it together. She says, there’s nothing out there that can hurt her.

Dante says if Dr. Kirk is going to tell him about the operative where he’ll have to spy on his family, the answer is still no. The doctor says, no one said the target was a family member. Dante came to that conclusion on his own. Dante says he’s still not doing the assignment, but Dr. Kirk says he’s not there about the assignment. However, it is about Dante’s family. Dante asks if his mother is all right, and the doctor says, as far as he knows. It’s about his grandfather. After the unscheduled visit by his mother, they had a status check put on Dante’s family, and his grandfather is in the last hours of his life. Dante sits. He says he shouldn’t be surprised, but he is. Mike is one of a kind. He’s got a great sense of humor, and can laugh at the bad stuff, while looking forward to the good stuff. He got up after being knocked down, no matter how many times it happened in his life.

Carly asks Michael how Mike is doing, and Michael says, the same. Felix goes in to check Mike’s vitals. Michael says he tried to get Sonny to take a walk, but he doesn’t want to leave Mike’s side. Carly says he’s not going to get his father to do anything he doesn’t want to, but the idea of a walk applies to Michael too. He has to take care of himself; he has a family of his own now. Michael asks if he’s told her she’s the greatest mother in the world. She says he has, but she doesn’t get tired of hearing it.

Sonny asks Felix how his dad is. Felix says, his heart rate is slow, which is to be expected. He can ask Dr. Knox about getting Mike a morphine shot. Sonny asks if Mike is in pain, but Felix says, not necessarily. It might ease his discomfort though, as his heart rate slows down. Sonny says he wants his father as comfortable as possible. Felix tells Mike, take care. He’s a lucky man to have such a great son. Sonny tells Mike that he’s the lucky guy.

Chase tells Ned, they’ve questioned the locals, and no one has seen or heard anyone remotely suspicious. Ned says, maybe they’re lying, and Nelle is threatening them, or holding a loved one hostage. For all they know, she’s relaxing on a tropical beach, while Ned is waiting to hear if his daughter will sing again; the one thing she loves more than anything. Chase asks if the damage is permanent, but Ned doesn’t know. He says, Portia is with her, and has the test results, but Brook asked him to stay away. He can’t cheer her on if the news is good, or comfort her if the news is bad. She’s pulled away from the family at the worst possible time. Chase says Ned shouldn’t go it alone, and asks if his wife is there. Ned says she’s out of town, and he’s expecting her to call. He realizes he doesn’t have his phone.

Olivia says the man must be terribly busy. Don’t let her keep him. He says, one of the perks of being an owner is letting the employees do the work. He holds out his hand, and says, Winston Rudge. She says she’s always hated formalities; just call her Olivia. He says, enchanté, and asks if it’s an American accent he hears. She says he has an excellent ear. She’s from Brooklyn, born and bred. A waiter comes over with the drinks, and Winston says he sees she’s not alone. Robert joins them, and Olivia introduces him as her new husband Liam, and tells Robert that Winston owns the casino. Winston asks if he knows Liam, but Robert says he’s afraid not. Winston swears Liam seems familiar.

Dr. Kirk says Dante doesn’t have to wait until his next session to talk, but Dante says he needs time to himself. Dr. Kirk says, of course (🍷), and leaves. Dante says, sorry, Mike. He should have been there. He should have done a lot of things differently. Dante imagines being with Mike and Sonny, getting ready to see Rocco play baseball. Sonny says he has to make a phone call, and Dante says, he’s like a Yankees season ticket holder. It doesn’t matter if he’s late to a game or misses it. Mike assures him that they won’t miss the game. Dante says he’s over-compensating because he missed so much, and Mike says he’s here now. Dante came to senses sooner than he did, and Dante says, it was because of Mike. He went through hell in the past few years. Hearing Mike’s voice is what got him through. Mike says they all have darkness in their pasts, and he’s no stranger to it. He was a man running from shadows until he quit looking back at how he failed his family. He started to pay attention to where he was, what he was doing, and what he was going to do differently going forward. He figured out how to be with his family today and now, instead of hiding from them.

Carly asks how Sonny is doing, but Sonny says, it’s not about him. She says, Mike would disagree, and Sonny says he wants to tell them to give Mike some morphine. He’s suffering. His body is shutting down. It won’t be long now.

Ava puts a poker back by the fireplace, and talks to herself, saying, there’s nothing out there. Get it together and go to sleep. She says, in the morning, she’ll be laughing at herself. She drains her martini, turns off the lights, and heads to the bedroom. A key slips into the lock, and a man comes in. Ava hits him with the fireplace shovel, and he falls.

Ava says, Nikolas. What the hell is he doing there? He says she broke his shoulder, and she says he’s lucky it wasn’t his face. It could have been Nelle coming in. She’s still holding the shovel, and he tells her, stand down, but she says, not unless he tells her why he was breaking in. He says she’s stalling, while he puts his clothes on, and jumps out the window. She asks if she gave him a thump on the head. What is he talking about? He says, Franco. He came to take photos of the two of them in bed. She laughs, and says, really. He’s that paranoid? He says he’s going to prove she’s cheating, so he can get her out of his life, and her claws off his fortune. She says, he’d like that. Then he can run off with Elizabeth.

Felix asks Sonny if someone explained about the morphine, and Sonny says Dr. Knox said Mike would get it as needed. Mike will also get an anti-anxiety drug if he gets restless. Felix says Mike might become alert as the pain increases, and Sonny wonders if Mike knows they’re there. Carly says, he does know, and Felix says, that’s why it’s important for them to keep talking to him. Sonny goes back in, and Carly thanks Felix. He says his thoughts and prayers are with them both. She says she’s fine. She’s just worried about Sonny. He says she has his phone number, and can call day or night if they need something. She says she will. She goes into Mike’s room, and Sonny tells Mike that he’s there, and so is Carly. She says, hey Mike; they love him. Sonny says they’re not going anywhere.

Ned sees Portia, and asks how his daughter is. Will she be able to sing again? She says she can’t tell him; he’ll have to ask Brook. He says Brook isn’t speaking to him, but she tells him, just be patient with her. Let her know he’s always on her side, and will always be there as a shoulder to cry on. He says he did terrible things to her before the accident, and she doesn’t forgive easily. It’s a Quartermaine trait. She says, it’s not unusual for someone who’s been through a traumatic event to shut down emotionally. She can recommend a therapist, but ultimately, it’s Brook’s decision. Ned says, in the meantime, he has to go along with the worst decision Brook can make.

Brook deletes Olivia’s call, and says, let him worry that he’s not hearing from Olivia. It will take his mind off her. Chase comes in, and asks what the doctor said about the test results.

Robert says Winston isn’t the first person to think they recognized him. He must have that kind of face. Winston asks if they’ve been to the casino before, and Olivia starts laughing. She says she wishes they were regulars in a place like this. It must be the tux she rented for Liam. They never go anywhere; Liam works so much. Winston says, yet here they are. Unless they live in the area. She says she wishes. She told Liam she wanted to go somewhere romantic, and Robert says, a new car or a trip anywhere, and Olivia says she chose the trip. She loves new places and new experiences. That’s why he married her in the first place. Robert says, he married her for her pizza, and she says she married him for his accent. Winston says he apologizes; his mistake. Enjoy their evening, and their honeymoon. He leaves, and Robert asks, what happened to keeping a low profile?

Olivia says it’s her fault. Winston saw her ring and she panicked. He tells her, Winston testified against Olivia and Julian, and received a life sentence. She says, he’s already out, and Robert says, that’s their bad luck. She asks what the connection is between Winston and Cassandra, but he says, there might not be one. Winston is a mercenary, and will do anything for a price. He could be part owner, or a front man. She asks if he thinks Winston believed their story, and he says, maybe. He has no idea, but they have to work quickly before Winston figures out why he’s familiar.

Brook tells Chase that the doctor says she can get out. It was suggested she stay another 24 hours, but she told them being cooped up was doing her more harm than good. Portia come in, and says she started the paperwork for Brook’s discharge, and she should be out soon. She tells Brook to make a follow-up appointment for two days from now. Brook tells Portia that her father left his phone there, and asks her to give it to him. Portia asks if Brook is sure she doesn’t want to talk to him, and Brook says, let him know she’s leaving, and she’d appreciate it if he left her alone. Portia takes the phone, and Chase guesses he should go. Brook says, she guesses so. He takes it she’s not going back to the Quartermaines’ and she says he’s got that right. He asks where she’s going to stay.

Nikolas says, nothing happened between him and Elizabeth, and Ava says, nothing happened between her and Franco. He says, yet she doesn’t deny Franco has an attraction to her. He’ll be making a move any moment. She says, even if that were true – which it’s not – she wouldn’t reciprocate. She has 90% of the Cassadine estate to lose when Nikolas gives in to Elizabeth’s simpering ways. He says Elizabeth doesn’t simper, and Ava says, that proves his infatuation with her. He says Ava must be reaching her limit on abstinence, and she asks, how’s celibacy going with him? He’s not known for moderation with women. Maybe he’s already given in and slept with Elizabeth. When she gets proof, he can kiss Windymere and Spoon Island goodbye. He says, nothing happened and nothing will. She says, same there. She has more self-control in her pinky than he does in his enormous private jet. He says he can hold out longer, and he’ll prove it.

Sonny wonders if Mike is dreaming, but Carly doesn’t know. He says, like about winning at the track, or dancing with Sonny’s mother. Sonny laughs, and says he hopes Mike is. He has a lot of childhood memories he never realized existed. He couldn’t picture them; it was like they were in a box in the closet. He found the box in his mind, and he’s learned to look inside it every day. He wishes he and Mike had more time for more memories.

Sonny, Dante, and Mike come into the living room, arguing about the Yankees game. Waiting for them, Carly says, the important thing is, the Yankees won. Sonny asks if she was listening, and she says, since they were there, absolutely. Mike says, next time, she should come, but she says they love going together; three generations of Yankee fans from one family. Doesn’t Mike thinks she’d intrude? Mike says she’s the best thing since season tickets. Dante says they don’t agree on much, but they root for the same team. Sonny says it would have served him right if Olivia had raised Dante as a Mets fan. Sonny says they have more games ahead, and suggests Mike get glasses, so he can see the outfield, but Mike says, his old man is always right. Sonny says, doesn’t he know it.

Sonny tells Carly, go home and rest, but she says she’s good. He says, at least close her eyes for a while. He and Mike are fine. Right, dad?

Portia gives Ned his phone, saying, Brook requested she give it to him. He says she didn’t want to see him? Can she just tell him if she’s recovered enough to leave? She says she’d prefer Brook stay another 24 hours so she can be monitored, but she’s not at risk. He asks if she’ll be able to sing, and Porta says, Mr. Quartermaine… He says, sorry. He just wants to do something for her. She says, she knows patience is hard, but when Brook is ready she’ll come to him. Ned looks at his phone, and says, what about you, Olivia? Why haven’t you called?

Olivia asks Robert how the recon is going. Did he find Holly? He says it got interrupted when Olivia was chatting with that mercenary. She says, if he knew who Winston was, why did he come over? He says he couldn’t let her deal with Winston alone, but she says if Robert recognized Winston, Winston had to know Robert too. Robert says Winston thinks he’s newly married, and married to chatty Cathy. She asks what kind of agent would do that? and he asks what kind of agent would let someone hit on her? She says, believe it or not, she’s been hit on before. She knows how to handle herself. He says he knows she’s resourceful, but she’s a civilian. She hasn’t received the proper training. Winston could have gotten her outside, and thrown her in a basement somewhere. He couldn’t risk that happening. She says, so he compromised his whole mission to protect her?

Mike moves his mouth, and Sonny says, Carly is asleep. He hopes she’s having sweet dreams. Carly dreams she and Mike are in the living room. Mike asks, what’s wrong? and she says, nothing; she’s fine. He tells her, she’s been saying that a lot. He knows she wants to be strong for the family, but they can be strong for her too, if she lets them. She says, it’s so sad he’s leaving; she’s going to miss him so much. He says, when Courtney died, he felt like his heart died with her. No parent should outlive their child. Carly knows that better than anyone. It took long time to heal. He disappeared for a while, then Sonny found him, and he got to know Sonny again – and her. Suddenly, he not only had a family, he had a daughter again. She takes his hand, and says, and she found a father. He says they’re both so lucky, and they laugh. He promises he’ll never leave her. He’ll always be in her heart. She says she loves him so much, and he says he loves her – and that’s forever. Carly wakes up, and Sonny asks if she’s okay. She says she is. She had the most beautiful dream. She knows everything is going to be okay.

Ava tells Nikolas, Franco isn’t there, and that’s proof that a fortune is more important than sex. He says she’s a sensual woman, and savors the delights of seduction, but she says she doesn’t have the foggiest idea what he’s talking about. But she knows he finds proximity irresistible. He says, like this? and moves closer. She moves closer, and says, works for her. She throws the shovel down, and they fall into one another’s arms.

In the darkness, we see a trail of clothes, and Nikolas asks, close enough now? Ava says, yes, and he says, good answer.

Brook looks at herself in a hand mirror, and says, no more microphones. No more applause. No awards. Only singing in the shower, where no one can hear her. What is she going to do now? Chase comes in with a wheelchair, and says, knock, knock; her carriage and driver are here, happy to take her anywhere she wants. She says, no A/C? No cruise control? He says, it’s only to the hospital exit, and she says, first thing, she wants a real meal. They could go to the bistro… or pick up car service. He says she knows how to manipulate people, and she says, it’s her specialty. The bistro is better. He says he can’t argue, and tells her, hop on. Her chariot awaits. She laughs, and thanks him.

Ned leaves a message for Olivia, saying, he thought he’d have heard from her by now. There are some things he needs to tell her. Please call when she gets this. He hopes she’s having a good night’s sleep, wherever she is. He loves her.

Robert tells Olivia, so he runs into Nedski and says he lost his wife. He sent her on an undercover mission she shouldn’t have been on to begin with. She says he didn’t lose her; she’s safe. He says she’s not safe, but as much as she can be. She says he still needs to find Holly. Is that still the plan, or did he give up? He says, hell no, and she says, okay, 007. Where does he want to start?

Dr. Kirk says he’s leaving for the day, and asks Dante if he can do anything for him before he goes. Dante says, tell his superior, he wants to know more about the operative.

Sonny tells Mike that he and Carly are right there. They’re happy Mike is awake. Felix comes in, and asks how Mike is, and Sonny says, his eyes are open. Felix asks to do a brief exam, saying it won’t take long. Sonny and Carly step into the hallway, Sonny telling Mike, they’ll be right back. Michael walks up, and asks, what’s going on? Carly says, Mike opened his eyes, and Felix is doing an examination. Michael asks how Sonny is doing, and Sonny says, all he wants is to see his dad at peace. It seems like Mike is waiting for something, and Sonny wonders what he can give him.

Tomorrow, Willow says nothing Michael can tell her will make her think less of him, Josslyn says she thinks Mike knows more than they realize, Brando wants to pay his respects, and Stella tells Sonny she thinks Mike is waiting for permission to let go.

The Haves and The Have Nots

Wyatt walks into the Iron Bone, and Sandy asks if they’re seeing things. Vinny says, they are not. They got a gift.

Sandy says, Wyatt is baked out of his mind, and Vinny says, yes he is. Sandy can’t believe Wyatt just walked in. Wyatt walks over and hands Vinny the ring, saying he’s got a ring and a necklace. Vinny asks if he thinks it’s a pawnshop. Does Wyatt remember him? Wyatt says he just wants to buy heroin, and Vinny asks if Wyatt knows where he’s at. Wyatt looks around, and says, yeah, and Vinny asks, where? Wyatt says he’s buying heroin, but Vinny says, no he’s not. Wyatt says give him back his stuff, and Vinny says he must be as stupid as he looks. Wyatt asks, where’s Wyatt? and Vinny says, he’s Wyatt, and he’s Vinny. Wyatt  doesn’t remember him, does he? Wyatt says, no, and Vinny asks if he remembers this scar, pointing to his neck. Wyatt says just give him what he’s got. Vinny says he knows what Wyatt needs, and tells Sandy, take him to the basement. Sandy calls two guys over, who take Wyatt downstairs. Vinny says he can’t believe Wyatt just walked in there today. It must be his lucky day. Sandy asks what he’s going to do with Wyatt, and Vinny says, get even. He hopes Sandy isn’t getting soft, but Sandy insists he’s not. Vinny tells him, just take care of his business, and don’t get soft. Sandy says he won’t, and Vinny says, we’ll see. He tells Sandy, let’s go, and Sandy follows him.

Veronica calls Laura, waking her up. She asks if Laura was sleeping, and Laura says, it’s 4 am. Veronica says, sorry not sorry. Laura has to be at her house at 6, so why not get up? She wants Laura to make a list. She needs her pool cleaned, and Laura starts to tell Veronica that her husband cleans pools, but Veronica isn’t interested in talking. Laura is supposed to be doing listing and writing. She needs her rugs cleaned, and make sure she moves the plants. Laura says, yes, ma’am, and Veronica says she needs a massage. Call Lisa; she’s the best there. She wants Laura to pick up some food, and be sure whoever she deals with is familiar with the paleo/keto diet. She tells Laura, chop-chop; let’s go. And tell that massage bitch not to wear that perfume. Laura hangs up, and Samuel says, rich bitch. Laura starts to lie back down, but he tells her that she’s got to get up. She doesn’t want to, but he says she’s got to; it’s money. Get up, get up, get up. She says she’ll see him there, and no flirting. He says he’ll play hard to get. He’s got this.

Jim calls the tracking company, and says he needs his car tracked. The guy asks if it’s been stolen, and Jim says, not exactly. His son has it, and he needs to know where his son is. He gives the guy his pin and password, but the guy says, the password is incorrect. Jim is sure that’s it. He needs to know where his son is, or he’s going to die. The guy says he can’t do it; sorry. Jim asks what about his daughter’s car; it’s the same password. The guy says the passwords were changed on both cars.

Hanna puts dishes in the sink, and her phone rings. It’s Jim, who says, listen, but she cuts him off, saying, don’t call and threaten her. He says he needs to talk to her, but she says she has nothing to say. He says she still works for him, but she says she works for his wife. Get off her damn phone. He says he needs a favor. The tracking password was changed on Amanda’s car. She says she doesn’t know what he’s talking about, and he asks if she’ doesn’t hear well. She tells him, keep it up, and he says, it’s important. It’s a matter of life and death. She wonders again if he’s threatening her, but he says, he’s talking about Wyatt. He needs the tracking number on the car that used to belong to his daughter. She asks, why? and he says he’s trying to be patient. She doesn’t need to know why. Hanna hangs up, and Jim says, crazy ass. Who the hell does she think she is? He calls back, and she says he made her call him Mr. Jim. He can call her Miss Hanna. He says she’s got nerve, and she says, not as much as his privileged ass, but yeah. He says he needs the password, and she says, good, and hangs up again. He says, bitch, and calls again, but Hanna does the dishes, ignoring the phone. Jim gets voicemail, and calls again. Hanna sings, Jesus loves me, and doesn’t answer. He gets voicemail again, and says he’ll phone her until the ring breaks.

David comes downstairs. Jim calls, and David asks how he’s feeling. Jim says, like hell. He hates having to call David so much, but David says he’s called Jim in the past. Jim asks David to go to Hanna’s house. She won’t talk to him, and he needs the password for Amanda’s car; she had them all changed. All the cars are connected, and he needs to find Wyatt. David tells Jim, try and rest, but Jim says he wants to get the hell out. David says he needs to get better first. He’ll get on it, and find Wyatt. Jim says he’ll text the tracking company info. Maybe David can talk sense into them. And next time he comes, bring a sandwich. The food sucks.

The guard tells Kathryn, she has to eat, but she says she doesn’t want this crap. She wants to know where her son is. He slit his wrists, and no one can tell her anything. She asks who he is, and he says, Kendra. He went to school with Amanda. She asks if his mother’s name is Gloria, and says she thought he was going to college. He says it wasn’t affordable, and she asks him to help her. He says he just started, but he’ll do his best. He leaves, and a woman in the next cell asks if Kathryn is going to get the money. Kathryn tells her, shut up, and the woman says, the Malones will kill her son. Kathryn tells her again to shut up, but the woman says, she’ll see. She knew a guy who owed them money and they killed his whole family. Kathryn asks what her name is, and she says, Sylvia. Kathryn says, well, Sylvia, there’s no one on the planet more ruthless than she is. Sylvia says she’s going to need it, and Kathryn says Sylvia is going to need something. Keep talking. Sylvia says, all threats, but no power behind them, and Kathryn says, keep pushing the queen. They’re all going to see. The whole damn place will see.

David comes outside to find Alissa there, and says, what the hell is going on? Why is she back? She says she doesn’t know his wife, and he says he doesn’t care. She asks if she can at least have her phone and purse. She left them on the table. David tells the guard to find them. Alissa says she’s sorry. She never should have talked about Erica, but she loved Erica. She thought it would bring him comfort, knowing Erica loved him. He says it doesn’t, because she’s running game. She says she has letters to him from Erica, but David says, Erica was a whore, like her. Stay the hell away. She says she guesses that means he won’t give her a ride, and he tells her, take her things, and get the hell off his property. She says she really is sorry, and walks off. David heads for his car.

Madison is in his scrubs, and tells Jeffrey, good morning. He asks if he woke Jeffrey, but Jeffrey says, no. Jeffrey says he thinks Justin is gone, and Madison says he’s got to get to work. Jeffrey says he’s going to miss Madison, and Madison asks if he wants to meet for lunch later. Jeffrey says he does, and tells Madison, this feels good. Madison asks what he means, and Jeffrey says, it feels normal. Madison says, it does feel good. He leaves, and a short time later, there’s a knock on the door. Jeffrey pulls on a robe, and asks if Madison forget something. He opens the door, and it’s Justin. No surprise. Jeffrey says Justin needs to leave, but Justin says he just wants to talk to him. Jeffrey asks if he’s been waiting all night, and Justin says Jeffrey knows he has. He says Jeffrey knows he loves him, and Jeffrey says he’s sick of him, and Justin needs to leave him alone. Justin says he could never do that. He gave up everything. Jeffrey says, he gave up nothing, and forced Jeffrey to do what he wanted in the back of the police car. Justin says he was going to ask Jeffrey to make love to him, and Jeffrey says Justin has to go. He closes door, and Justin turns around to find his brother Tanner. Tanner says he’s going to be sick, and Justin asks what Tanner is doing there. Tanner says Justin has got to stop begging; go home. Justin says Jeffrey is doing this to him. Tanner says, making him beg? and Justin nods. Tanner punches him in the stomach.

Candace and Benny walk into a hotel, and she says, that was weird. They won’t let her check in online. Benny asks what they’re doing there, and she says they’re staying there. He says they’re not spending this kind of money, but she says she wants to be comfortable and take a hot bath. He says, it’s too damn expensive, and she asks where he wants to stay. He says, not there, and she tells him, get over it; they’re staying. At the desk, she asks for two rooms, but he says, one with two beds. He’ll stay with her in this expensive-ass hotel for a couple of nights, then they have to go where he wants. She reluctantly agrees, and says, two rooms. He says, one; they can spend quality time together. She says, okay, but the minute he starts snoring, she’s out. The clerk says they only have one room for two nights; there’s a convention. Benny says, it was meant to be, and Candace pays in cash. Benny asks how expensive it is, and the clerk says, $300 a night. He asks if it’s the penthouse. The clerk tells them that there’s a complementary breakfast, and Benny says, that’s free, right? Candace says, yes; complementary means free.

David meets Hanna in front of the Cryer house. He says he just came from her house, and she tells him, go back to his. He asks her to give him a moment. He says some Christian attitude, and she says she’s praying for him to die. He’s a trifling-ass man, low down like Jim. She has nothing to say to him. He says, what about her son? He was at Veronica’s house last night. She asks if he wants her to tell Benny to keep off his wife, and he says, ex-wife. She’s a dangerous woman. Hanna says Benny is a grown-ass man, and David says, who has the Cryer’s money. She says she’s got nothing to do with that, and he says, so does her daughter. She says she has nothing to do with that either, and asks if he’s threatening her kids for that bastard. He says, no; he’s there about the car. Jim called, and she hung up. He asks her to please give him a moment, and she says, what is it? He asks if she changed the tracking password on Amanda’s car, and she says she did. Kathryn gave the car to her. He says, Jim is on the same account, and needs to find it. Wyatt escaped from police custody, and Jim needs to find him. Wyatt has a serious drug problem. He broke in the house and stole things. Jim is pretty sure it’s so he can sell them for drug money. He asks her to please call the tracking company and change the password. He has the number. She tells him to come in.

Conley looks for Charles, and pours himself a drink. Charles comes out and points to the drink. Conley says, okay, and Charles says, there have been rumors. Conley says he doesn’t have a problem, and Charles says, with what?  Conley says the rumors he has a drinking problem are false. Everyone likes a good stiff drink. Charles says, not in the middle of the day. Conley says, then he won’t have it, but he wants it. He laughs, and Charles tells him, take a seat. What brings him back? Conley tells Charles, he saw the Attorney General, and Charles hopes he gave the AG hell. Conley says Charles knows he did, the arrogant bastard. Charles says the AG would probably say the same thing about him. Conley wonders if they should discuss how to bury the AG’s administration, but Charles says they’re not discussing it. Conley says, after what they did? but Charles says, they should just move forward. Conley says he’ll have whatever Charles is smoking. After all the crappy things they’ve done? Charles says, they won, so he can let it go. Conley says he hears Charles, and Charles says he hopes Conley is following his example. Conley asks, who’s the oldest? and Charles says, Conley is, but he has to behave like it. Conley says, there’s nothing wrong with a little revenge, and Charles says, true. When the time is right. Conley says, that’s his boy. He’s going to get it right. Charles thanks him, and Conley says he’s been thinking. Charles says, that can be dangerous, and Conley says he’s in a joking mood today. Charles should call her. Charles says, who? and Conley says, Candace. Charles says, now he knows Conley is drinking, but Conley says he means it. Reach out. He’s only young once. Conley offers to call, but Charles says, no, he won’t. He’ll stay out of it. He means it. Conley says, yes, sir.

David thanks Hanna, who says Jim can set up his own account now. She tells him, goodbye, but he says, one more thing. Please. His mother was a janitor. She cleaned the community center her whole life. The people were mean and nasty there, but she had one friend, a white woman, Sally Ann. He was so embarrassed by his mother, when she came to his graduation, he tried to hide. He was a stupid kid, and didn’t appreciate how hard she worked her entire life to provide for him and his sister. She never complained, and never stopped. She wanted better for them. She wanted them to be better, to do better. His mother died on a bus on her way to work. Hanna asks if he’s threatening her. (Hanna is very paranoid tonight.) David says, never. She’s smarter than that, and more discerning. He’s trying to complement her on the standard she tried to set for her children – hard work and morals. She may not have a lot, but stand on what she does have, and don’t let anyone take it away. She says she won’t, and he says he has no doubt. He wanted her to know he admires her. She says she guesses she’ll sleep better knowing that. He starts to leave, but she calls him back. She asks if she thinks his mother would be proud of him. He doesn’t reply, and walks out.

Samuel cleans the pool at Veronica’s, while Laura cleans the kitchen. Veronica comes in, and says, wow. It looks great. Laura says she takes pride in her job. She folded Veronica’s clothes, and put them in order. Veronica thanks her, and Laura says she also got Veronica’s car washed. She made Veronica some tea as well. She’d heard her coughing, and it will help. Veronica says she’s doing good job, and Laura thanks her. She wants Veronica to know she respects her job. She has kids, so… Veronica says, no, and Laura says, sorry. She got too comfortable again. Veronica sees Samuel, who’s majorly jacked, and asks, who’s that? Laura says, her husband. She called him to clean the pool. No charge. She asks if Veronica would like to meet him, but Veronica says, no. She asks Laura to take care of her bathroom; she just took a shower. Laura goes upstairs, and Veronica knocks on the window, getting Samuel’s attention, and motioning him over. She introduces herself, and he asks if he was making too much noise. She says, not at all, and he thanks her for giving his wife a job. When she told him, he volunteered to clean the pool. She asks if he’s a pool boy, but he says he’s actually a contractor; he builds pools. This one is nice, and there’s no charge. He’s there to help out. She asks, why? and he says they need the job. It’s been a rough couple of years. She says, sorry, and he says he lost a son. She asks, what happened? like she cares about anyone but herself, and he says their son was shot in a robbery. She says she’s so sorry, and hugs him, but he pulls away, and thanks her, saying he’d like to get back. She says she has to pay him, but he says, no. She says she’ll come up with a way, but he says she doesn’t have to, and goes back outside. She’s obviously enamored of him, and goes, mmm…

Veronica goes upstairs, and says she needs Laura to go to the store. Laura says she thought she got everything, but Veronica says she needs more stuff. Laura is more than a housekeeper. She’s Veronica’s personal assistant. She tells Laura to take her car, and she has a suit she wants Laura to wear. She can’t go to the boutique looking like she is. She has a suit and wig. She’ll help Laura dress. They go into Veronica’s massive closet.

Candace and Bennie go into their room, and Benny says, she wants to stay in this bougie-ass hotel. He’ll stay in the hood; she can stay there. She says, fine with her. He whistles, and says, look at the thread count. He checks out the room service menu, and says, this is crazy. $45 for a cheeseburger. Who the hell would pay that price? She raises her hand, and explains, it’s wagyu beef. He looks confused, and says the money won’t last if she’s spending like that, but she says, let her have a little bit of fun. He asks what she’s going to do, and she says she’ll figure it out. She thanks him for hanging, since they won’t see each other for a while. He asks if she’ll miss this place, and she says, not really. He says they had good times, but she says, they were more sad than good. He admits they’ve been through a lot, and he says he thinks he’ll buy a house. She tells him to look online, and he asks if she’ll stick around until he buys one. He doesn’t want to get ripped off. She says, he won’t; he’s frugal. He says, very true, but he wants her to stay for a bit, so he can keep an eye on her. He’s worried, and doesn’t want anything to happen to her. She assures him that she’ll be fine. He says he loves her, and she says she loves him too. He says not enough to stay in this high-ass hotel, but the bed’s not bad.

Wyatt is in the basement of the Iron Bone, passed out. Vinny says, look at this kid, and Sandy says he’ll check on the bar. Vinny says he’s not going anywhere. He’s staying there, and better get his sh*t together. Watch and learn. He throws a bucket of water in Wyatt’s face, and says, wake up, sweetheart. Does he know where he is? Wyatt says, at the bar, and Vinny says, which bar? Wyatt says, this is some kind of mistake, and Vinny says, there’s definitely been a mistake. Wyatt says, call his dad, but Vinny says, see this scar? Wyatt says he paid them, so he’s good. Vinny says, he thinks that’s it? and Wyatt says, yeah. Let him go; he needs to get out. Vinny tells him, shut up. Wyatt cut him, and left him for dead, and he has nerve to come there looking for drugs. He’s crazy. Wyatt says he’s sorry, but Vinny says he ain’t seen sorry yet. Wyatt asks what he can he do, and Vinny says, he can die. He tells Sandy that he’s going to do this, and hands him the gun, saying, kill him. Wyatt says, no, no, no, and Vinny says, shut up. Wyatt says, Sandy, please, man, but Vinny says, do it. Sandy says he can’t, and Vinny says, he can and will. He has to prove himself. Does he want to be kicked out of the family? Sandy says, no, and Vinny says, then do it. Wyatt says his parents have money; they’ll pay whatever Vinny wants. Vinny tells him to shut up again, and Sandy points the gun at Wyatt. Wyatt begs, and Vinny says, do it. Pull the trigger. He can do this. Sandy says he can’t, and Vinny shoots Wyatt.

Next time, the new password is thank you Jesus, Kathryn says tell that bitch she’s never paying, Vinny calls Sandy a wimp, Justin insists he’s not a queer, David shows up at the Iron Bone, and Veronica asks Samuel if he’d like a drink.

🐪 Hitting the Hump…

I swear, I’m sleeping until noon tomorrow. I won’t really, but it feels optimistic to say that right now. No matter what time frame you keep, stay safe, stay honorable, and stay away from the Iron Bone if your name is Wyatt.