Notice: The following storyline arc will be somewhat different from previous storylines. The following episode, Episode 113 will illustrate the format of forthcoming episodes. Each episode will begin with the same scene and then “flashback” to show the events that lead up to that scene. Also, the events happening in this story are to be thought of as happening concurrently to the events that took place in the previous storyline “Founder’s Day.” For example, in one episode, Mrs. Elizabeth Peacock-Canary will place a phone call to Mr. John Boddy. This phone call from Mrs. Peacock has already been referenced in Episode 108 of “Founder’s Day”.

Previously: After an unsuccessful attempt on her life, an injured Vivienne Scarlet recuperated in a Los Angeles hospital, unaware of the extent of her injuries--Vivienne’s lovely face was severely cut. Prince Onceblack introduced Elizabeth Peacock-Canary to Dr. Richard Dove, a psychiatrist at the hospital, feeling that it would be helpful to have Dr. Dove with her when she told Vivienne of her injuries. Elizabeth disagreed strongly until she visited with her daughter. Elizabeth reconsidered and decided to have Dr. Dove help her break the news of the lesion to Vivienne. Elizabeth realized that before they were to tell Vivienne the truth of the attack, she had to confess a shocking secret to the psychiatrist. Meanwhile, a nurse, who was checking on Vivienne in her room, made a comment about the lesion on her face, not realizing that Vivienne was awake and heard her. In Dr. Dove’s office, Elizabeth tearfully explained that Vivienne was not a product of an affair she had years before with Dr. Hugh Black, that in reality, Vivienne was purchased as a baby off of the black market. Elizabeth told Dr. Dove that she had passed Vivienne off as her and Hugh’s biological child as a way to keep Hugh in her life. Dr. Dove questioned Elizabeth as to what she believed would be Vivienne’s reaction if she ever discovered the truth. Elizabeth, distraught of the idea of losing Vivienne, fled Dove’s office and went to Vivienne’s room, followed closely by a concerned Dr. Dove and “Blanket”. The three were shocked when, instead of finding Vivienne, they found the bathroom mirror smashed and Vivienne nowhere to be found. Melissa Mustard was horrified when her newborn baby boy was kidnapped by the child’s father Ryder Turchese, but Melissa’s uncle, Colonel Michael Mustard was the real culprit behind her child’s kidnapping. Ryder called Mustard to let him know that Melissa was close to finding out the truth, so Mustard took the child and headed for Cancun, Mexico. In Cancun, Colonel Mustard sold the child to a young woman for $500,000. After the young woman left with the baby, Mustard went through a bag she had left behind and discovered an article clipped from the society page of a newspaper. The clipping was an announcement of the upcoming birth of a baby to a wealthy family from California. Mustard recognized a woman from the article as being the same woman he and Hugh Black rivaled over in their college days. Recalling some volatile moments with Hugh and the young woman, Mustard decided to call his lost love to try and reconnect with her. The woman, Kendal Forrest Winters, immediately hung up when she heard Mustard’s voice. Mustard, defeated, left Cancun. The young woman that bought the baby was Kendal Forrest Winters’ daughter-in-law. Amanda Winters was desperate to keep her husband Jason from leaving her, so she faked her pregnancy. When the time came for Amanda to give birth, she realized that she needed a baby, so she hired someone to find her one. The man she hired offered Colonel Mustard money for his infant great-nephew and Mustard agreed. So Amanda flew to Cancun and purchased the baby from Mustard and returned to Los Angeles ready to pass the child off as her and Jason’s son.

“The House of Winters”

FRIDAY, 7:33 PM PST

As a dense fog begins to move in over the Los Angeles suburb of White Hill Estates, the beams of light from the full moon reflect off of the lake just behind the home of the Winters Family. In a dimly lit room of the house, the French doors that lead out to the lake have been left open and a light breeze blows the silk curtains that hang on either side of the doors. The room, the library, has been temporarily transformed into a nursery with a crib set up in one corner. The crib, however, is empty. Across the room is a stone fireplace and the flames of the fire have almost burnt completely out. On an area rug in front of the fireplace is a metal fire poker. But this poker wasn’t used to tend the fire. On the floor next to it lies the lifeless body of a woman...

FLASHBACK: SEVEN DAYS AGO, 10:06 PM PST

In a rundown neighborhood of Los Angeles, Vivienne Scarlet huddles around a trash can full of burning paper trying to stay warm. It is apparent by her appearance that she has been living on the street since she fled the hospital. A block away, a luxury car slowly drives down the street. Inside the car, Mr. Reynard Winters scans the abandoned buildings and alley ways. On the seat next to him is a photograph of his youngest son, Tyler. As the car nears an intersection, Reynard can see two prostitutes standing on a street corner.

“I saw him first.” One of the prostitutes says as Mr. Winters’ car comes to a stop at the corner. “Hey, sweetie,” the prostitute says walking over to Reynard’s car. “Are you looking for a little company?” Reynard picks up the photo of Tyler from the seat.

“No. Actually I am looking for my son.” He tells her. “Have you seen him?” He asks, showing her the picture. The other prostitute begins to laugh.

“Shut up!” She yells to the laughing woman. “This ain’t no babysitting service, Mister.” She turns to leave the car.

“Please, I’ve been driving for hours. Just look at the picture.” He says, desperation accompanying his words. The prostitute slowly turns back to the car.

“There ain’t no money to be made in looking at pictures of your brat.” She says. Reynard reaches into his pants pocket.

“I don’t have much cash on me, but you are welcome to all I have.” He says. The woman’s eyes widen. He holds up the picture of Tyler. The prostitute leans into the car and looks at the photo.

“I can’t say I’ve seen your son, but I did see a group of kids runnin’ down that alley about ten minutes ago.” She says.

“That alley?” Reynard asks, pointing to a dark alley that runs behind an old movie theater.

“Yeah.” She says. “But your kid don’t look like the kind that would hang around with those kids.” She says. Reynard puts the car in park and turns off the engine.

“Thanks.” He says and hands the woman forty dollars. She backs away, so he can get out of the car.

“I hope you find your son, Mister.” She says as she puts the money into a garter belt around her thigh. Reynard smiles and closes the car door. He then buttons up his overcoat and quickly goes to the alley and into the darkness. A little ways ahead, a group of street kids stand in a huddle.

“You son of a…” One of the kids shouts.

“Come on guys.” Tyler Winters says. “The kids at school are expecting me to have this stuff on Monday.”

“Yeah, well you should have thought of that before you come here with half the money that this stuff is worth!” The kid shouts at him.

“I can get more money. I just don’t have it all right now.” Tyler says.

“Come on, guys, Ritchie Rich here is full of it.” Another kid says. “Let’s go.”

“I can get more, if I don’t have the stuff on Monday, they are gonna kill me.” Tyler says.

“Tyler Yarrow Winters!” A voice calls from the darkness.

“Run!” One of the street kids yells and they all take off. Tyler recognizes the voice of his father.

“Oh crap.” Tyler says as Reynard steps into the light. Tyler crams a wad of cash into his pocket.

“What the hell are you doing?” He asks his son. “Are you crazy?” Tyler doesn’t respond. Reynard grabs his son’s arm and drags him down the alley. “I can’t believe you!”

Back at the can of burning paper, the feeling has just returned to Vivienne’s hands when a man shouts at her. “Hey! Get away from my fire!” The man says as he runs up to her.

“I’m sorry.” Vivienne says, “I was just trying to stay warm.”

“Well, go steal someone else’s fire!” The man says shoving her away from the trash can.

“Don’t push me!” She shouts.

“What did you say, bitch?” The man asks, getting in her face, the alcohol from his breath almost knocking her out.

“I said don’t ever put your hands on me!” Vivienne shouts. The man begins to laugh.

“So you steal my heat and then shout in my face, huh, bitch?” He says, grabbing her arm. “I think I know a way to get you real nice and warm.” He touches her breast.

“Get away from me!” Vivienne shouts as she struggles with the man.

“You owe me for my fire!” He says, trying to kiss her.

“I said get away!” Vivienne shouts. She kicks the man in the groin.

“Bitch!” The man says, letting go of her arm. Vivienne turns and runs.

In the car, Tyler remains silent as Reynard yells at him. “Your mother’s heart would be broken if she knew you were out here buying drugs to sell to kids at school.” He says. Tyler doesn’t respond. “I don’t know what else I can do, Tyler. I told you when I found the cocaine in your room the last time that if I caught you doing this again, that it’s off to military school. Is that what you want?” Reynard asks, taking his eyes off of the road to look at his son.

“Dad!” Tyler shouts, as Vivienne Scarlet runs in front of the car. “Look out!” Reynard slams on the breaks.

“Holy Hell!” Reynard shouts. “Are you ok?” He asks Tyler.

“Yeah.” Tyler says.

“Stay here.” Reynard says. He gets out of the car and walks around to the front. Vivienne is just sitting up on the pavement when he gets to her.

“Are you alright?” He asks her.

“I think so.” Vivienne says breathlessly. Reynard extends his hand.

“Can you stand up?” He asks.

“Yes.” She grabs his hand to help her up off the street. “Thanks.” A streetlight shines on her face revealing the lesion on her cheek.

“I am really sorry.” Reynard says, as Vivienne wipes her hands on her jeans. “I just took my eyes off the road for a second…”

“It’s ok.” Vivienne says. “I’m fine.” Reynard can see that she has been crying.

“I don’t think you are.” He says. “Can I give you a ride somewhere? The hospital, maybe?”

“No!” She yells, startling him. “I mean, no, no thank you.”

“Ok, no hospital.” He says, raising his hand. “Can I at least take you home?” Vivienne looks around at the abandoned buildings.

“I am home.” She says.

At Winterswind, the Winters Family Estate, Kendal Forrest Winters and her daughter Taylor , sit at the dining room table addressing envelopes. “I thought you said Amanda was going to be helping us with the invitations, mom.” Taylor says.

“She is,” Kendal looks at the stack of finished invitations. “Well she was supposed to.”

“Don’t you think that it’s a little bit of a short notice?” Taylor asks.

“Yes, ideally I would have liked to have the invitations sent out at least two weeks before the christening.” Kendal says. “But Amanda insists on having it next week.”

“The whole thing just doesn’t make sense to me.” Taylor says, putting the pen down.

“What do you mean, dear?” Kendal asks.

“Don’t you think it’s weird that Amanda goes to visit her parents without Jason, a few weeks before she is due to give birth, and then when she comes back she’s already had the baby.” Taylor says.

“Taylor, I don’t want you to ever say that again. Your brother already feels bad enough that he wasn’t there when the baby was born.” Kendal says.

“I know, but…” Taylor says.

“That’s enough.” Kendal says. “Thank you for helping me with the invitations.”

“Oh, yeah, you’re welcome.” Taylor gets up and leaves her mother alone in the dining room. Kendal looks at the clock. “Reynard, where are you?” Taylor is about to go upstairs when she gets a text message on her phone. She reads the message and a smile comes over her lips. Hurrying to get her sweater, Taylor quietly slips out the front door. She steps off of the porch and goes around to the back of the house, where she sees a young man standing by the lake. Taylor buttons up her sweater as she goes over to him.

“What are you doing here? It is almost 10:30.” She says.

“I was just in the neighborhood.” The young man smiles. They embrace.

“You’re freezing.” Taylor says.

“I know of a way you can warm me up.” He winks. He takes her hand and they head off along the shore. From the window of the library, Jason Winters watches the young couple head off into the darkness. Nearby, his infant son, J.R. sleeps in his crib. Kendal Winters quietly enters the library.

“You get him to sleep?” She asks. Jason turns from the window.

“Yes. He’s sleeping like a log.” Jason smiles.

“I must admit son that I am a bit surprised that Amanda isn’t back yet.” Kendal says.

“She called a few minutes ago.” Jason says. “She should be here any minute.” And as soon as Jason says those words, Amanda comes bounding in the room.

“Sorry I am late!” She says loudly, waking the baby, who begins to cry.

“Amanda.” Jason says. He goes over to the crib and picks up the baby, who stops crying. “It took me forever to get him to go to sleep.”

“Sorry.” Amanda says.

“Where have you been?” Jason asks her. Kendal leaves them alone, but stands outside the library door, listening.

“I told you I had that job interview.” Amanda says.

“Yeah, but that was four hours ago.” Jason says.

“It took longer than I expected.” She says, taking off her coat. “Look, don’t get mad at me, you’re the one that wants me to get a job.”

“I am not doing this now.” Jason says. “J.R. needs to sleep.”

“Yeah, he’s not the only one, I am exhausted.” She says, walking towards the door of the library. Kendal quickly leaves.

“Oh.” Jason says.

“What?” Amanda asks, turning to face him.

“Nothing.” Jason says. “I will make sure he gets back to sleep.” Amanda smiles and leaves the room. “Unbelievable.” Jason says. Amanda heads upstairs while Kendal watches from the kitchen.

In the estate’s guest house, Taylor and the young man are kissing passionately. “Do you have something?” Taylor asks him.

“Never leave home without one.” He says. He takes out his wallet and opens it, removing a condom. They begin kissing again, when they hear a car pulling up in the driveway. Taylor pulls away from the young man and goes to a window.

“That’s my dad’s car.” Taylor says.

“He’s getting home late.” The young man says coming up behind her and kissing her neck.

“If he catches you here, Randy, he’s going to be pissed.” Taylor says.

“So we better make sure he doesn’t catch me.” Randy says, kissing her neck again. At the car, Reynard and Tyler get out of the front seat.

“Son, go inside.” He says.

“Ok.” Tyler says. Reynard goes to the back door of the car and opens it.

“It’s ok, I assure you.” He says. Vivienne Scarlet reluctantly gets out of the car. “That is the guest house over there. Come on, I’ll show you in.” Inside the main house, Tyler tries to sneak up the stairs, but Kendal sees him.

“Stop!” She shouts. Tyler stops on the stairs.

“Do you realize it is almost eleven o'clock?” Kendal asks.

“Yes, but it’s not my fault.” Tyler says.

“Don’t even try to blame this on your father.” She says. “Where is he anyway?”

“He’s outside…” Tyler says.

“What is he doing out there?” Kendal asks.

“You need to ask him. Can I go now?” Tyler asks.

“Yes, but no TV.” Kendal says as Tyler hurries up to his room. Jason comes out of the library as Kendal peaks out of the window to see what her husband is doing.

“Everything ok, mom?” Jason asks.

“Oh, yes.” She says, turning to face him. “I was just looking for your father.”

In the guest house, Taylor and Randy hide in a closet as Reynard shows Vivienne the accommodations. “It’s very nice.” She says. “Are you sure your wife will be ok with me staying here?”

“About that…” Reynard says. “Mrs. Winters is a very understanding woman when it comes to some things. But when it comes to bringing strange women home, not so much.”

“You aren’t going to tell her?” Scarlet asks.

“Well…” Reynard says.

“Won’t your son tell her that you brought me here?” She asks.

“My son and I have an agreement.” He says.

“Oh yes?” Scarlet says, not understanding.

“What his mother doesn’t know won’t hurt her.” He smiles and puts a hand on her shoulder. “Now go get cleaned up and don’t worry about my wife.” He turns to leave.

“Mr. Winters.” Scarlet says. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome Miss Scarlet.” He smiles. In the closet, Randy has to use all his strength to keep Taylor from confronting them.

“You know you can’t go out there.” Randy whispers to her.

“But he has some strange woman staying here, Randy. And he’s not even going to tell my mother.” She whispers. Scarlet goes to the bathroom and looks at her reflection in the mirror.

“You look like hell.” She says to herself. She leans in to get a better look at the stitched up lesion on her cheek. Turning to the shower, Scarlet opens the shower curtain and turns on the water. Seizing the opportunity, Randy and Taylor open the closet door and hurry to the door of the guest house. But Taylor stops.

“What are you doing?” Randy asks her. “We’ve gotta get outta here. Taylor.” Taylor is about to go to the bathroom and confront Vivienne. “Your dad can’t find me here, Taylor. I’m leaving.” Taylor stops and follows him outside.

Upstairs in his room, Tyler lies on his bed, listening to his IPOD. The door of his room opens and his father enters. Tyler takes off the earbuds and sits up. “Yeah?” He says.

“I wanted to let you know that I am giving you one more chance.” Reynard says. “But if I ever find out that you are selling drugs to the kids at school…”

“I know, I know, it’s off to military school.” Tyler says.

“I am serious, son.” Reynard says. “If your mother finds out about this she will be devastated.”

“Well, the only way she will find out is if you tell her.” Tyler says. “And something tells me you won’t.” He gets up and walks over to a dresser.

“What are you getting at, son?” Reynard says.

“Just that if mom ever hears that I was selling coke to those idiots at school, I will know you are the one who told her.” Tyler says, looking at himself in the mirror.

“And break her heart? I would never…” Reynard says.

“You say that, but if she does find out, you can bet that she will find out about that hooker you are letting live in the guest house.” Tyler says.

TO BE CONTINUED…