Author Anon

“He seems to like the train set,” says Carol.

“Most definitely,” says Amanda. “I doubt he’s ever seen one before.”

“Your father’s having a good time, too,” says Carol. “I think he’s ready for grandkids.”

“You should talk to Steve and Laura,” says Amanda.

“I doubt those two are ever going to get married,” says Carol. “How is anyone ever going to marry either of them if they insist on never being separated?”

“They’re twins. They’ll have to find very understanding spouses.”

“You’d have a much better chance of getting married,” says Carol. “And here are your best candidates.”

Michael comes in the front door with Nicholas. “Merry Christmas. I hear this is where the action is.”

“Yes, we decided to bring Christmas dinner here, for Lucas’s sake,” says Carol. “Besides, it’s just a small group. Our other children were unable to come.”

While Nicholas joins in the play with Frank and Lucas, Carol goes to prepare the Christmas dinner. Michael pulls Amanda aside.

“Would you like to go over to my parents’ with me?” he asks. “It won’t be for long and we’ll make it back for dinner.”

“Sure. The food is already prepared. My mother just has to stick everything into the oven. We won’t be missed around here for a while.”

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“Why are you running away, Stephanie?” asks Damian.

“I just needed to get away for a while,” says Stephanie.

“What are you hiding? I told you I’ll be stuck to your side.”

“I’m not hiding anything. I just needed to think things out. Everything is just so messed up right now.”

“Are you afraid David Golde won’t be able to help you?”

“If he dies, he won’t be able to help me,” cries Stephanie.

“And if he lives,” Damian says, threateningly, “what would he be able to tell us about that day?”

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“I have some good news,” says Dr. Shimmer. “David opened his eyes this morning. He’s off sedation and seems to be doing well. He doesn’t seem to be in any pain right now. However, he still seems tired and sleeps a lot. We’ll start trying to get him off the ventilator.”

“How long will that take?” asks William.

“A couple days. But if it doesn’t work, we’ll need to put in a tracheostomy.”

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“Why didn’t you tell me David was Eileen’s father?” asks Michael, returning from the Silverman’s.

“There are certain privileged information that I am not allowed to divulge,” says Amanda. “Even now, I cannot confirm or deny your suspicions.”

“Hmmm. You don’t have to tell me. When I saw Eileen and the family’s reaction to Lucas, I knew. I’m surprised Rick reacted so little.”

“I’m not,” says Amanda. “Rick’s very simple like that. He loves Lisa too much to suspect anything, or even if he did, he’s willing to overlook it as long as it’s not pointed out to him.  Besides, you’re assuming something I’m not confirming or denying.”

Michael ignored that.  “Do you want Rick to know?” he asks.

“I don’t like secrets. Look at what’s happening with Lucy and her supposed lover, Tom.  But I’m not saying there is a secret to divulge.”

Michael smiles.  “Point taken.  But now, Lucas. I want to find Stephanie so she can authorize the repeat paternity test. I don’t want him to grow up thinking I’m his father and hating me because I want nothing to do with him.”

“Can’t you show him some affection? He’s not likely to get any from David. And you can’t possibly blame Lucas for his parentage.”

“Under different circumstances, I probably could learn to love Lucas,” says Michael. “It’s just hard for me to be objective right now. How would you feel if Lucas really was my son?”

Amanda shrugs. “I guess my feelings are too far gone to let that affect it.”

Michael pulls the car over and turns to Amanda. “You are so wonderful. I think we should go back to my apartment instead. There’s no one there to bother us.”

“Michael, I want to take things slowly. This is my first relationship and I’d like to savor every moment. Rushing it would only turn it into something mundane.”

Michael strokes her cheek. “I was only teasing, darling. I’d never push you to do something you’re uncomfortable with.”

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“The fingerprints match,” says Cody. “They belong to Stephanie Van Ness.”

“So where does she fit into the picture?” asks Detective Ute.

“What do we know about her?” asks Andrew Starr.

“The description we have is a young blonde female, somewhere in her early to mid-twenties, medium height, blue eyes, dresses well, very attractive. That was from the motel owner. She was with a young boy, about three years old, who was left in the care of Michael Silverman.”

“Oh-ho. So Mr. Silverman may have some involvement in this,” says Detective Ute.

Cody rolls his eyes. “I think that the blonde in question may have been the one seen by the neighbor. At least, it’s worth looking into. The fact that she’s disappeared also make her more suspicious.”

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“I understand David has taken a turn for the better,” says Rick. “I just talked to Jason and they’re hopeful David may soon be taken off the ventilator.”

“That’s good news,” says Lisa.

Blanche makes no comment.

“Maybe when he’s more awake and can talk, we can clear this business up,” says Rick.

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“This is the most wonderful Christmas dinner I have ever had, Mrs. Steele,” says Nicholas.

“You’re exaggerating,” says Carol. “But thank you for the compliment, anyway.”

“He’s not exaggerating, Mrs. Steele,” says Michael. “But I think he has been deprived for a long time.”

“You know you are always welcome to dinner at our house,” says Carol to Nicholas.

Suddenly, there is hollering down the street. “What was that?” asks Frank.

“Sounds like Floyd Dimmerling is drunk again,” says Amanda.

“Floyd Dimmerling? That gives me goosebumps,” says Nicholas. “I didn’t know he lived near here. I’d better watch my back.”

“Why?” asks Amanda.

“I think he’s the one who knocked me out when I was confronting Carl Black.”

“You mean Carl Redd, don’t you?” asks Michael. “Redd was the one who skipped town.”

Nicholas shrugs and looks confused. “Black, Redd.” He takes a drink, then chokes and coughs. “That’s it. Redd is Black. Carl Redd is Carl Black. I found out something about him and was going to confront him that night.”

“Carl Black,” says Michael. “Any relation to Melanie Black?”

“Or Leslie Black?” asks Amanda.

“I’m supposed to check up on Melanie Black for Mrs. Flint,” says Nicholas. “I’ve been putting it on the backburner.”

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Filed under: All That Glitters