Season Seven - Episode Twelve

[Knots Man]

Several weeks have passed since Meg’s startling ‘request’ to her mother about moving home and leaving Knots Landing altogether. Since then, Karen & Mack have stalled on the idea believing that Meg would get better in time however if anything, things have got worse since our last visit to Knots Landing.

During a mid morning coffee chat with Val in her kitchen (Val’s kitchen), Karen explains to her friend the reasons why both she and Mack are now giving the matter serious consideration:



“She won’t sleep. She won’t eat. She won’t relax. She believes that if she sleeps she won’t wake up. Believes that if she eats she’ll gain weight and become even MORE depressed. She’s constantly anxious about life in general. She doesn’t laugh no more. She’s frightened to go out the door because she thinks people outside are talking about her and looking at her. I’ve tried to explain to her that the longer she remains indoors the more people WILL start to talk because they’ll think she’s got sick all over again…”

“That sounds AWFUL” admits Val

“It is”

“Have you guys spoken to someone?”

“Both Mack and I have met with Jean her counsellor who recommended various forms of treatment including anti depressants, psychotherapy and a support group where she can talk about her feelings in front of other like minded kids her age”

“And?” probes Val

“Well…” (sighing) “Both Mack and I are against the idea of anti depressants which Jean herself admits is usually more of a long term measure. She said that patients can remain on these drugs for years. And I know full well from personal experience, they’re not REALLY the answer…”


As Karen recalls her own horror of becoming addicted to prescription drugs many years earlier, so Val grabs hold of her hand in support adding:

“I know sweetie… I know”


While Karen continues:



“As for the other two options, Meg fails to realise that she is THAT sick and actually needs an extensive form of counselling whether it be one on one or group therapy. She consistently reminds us that what she needs is to move away from here because it’s simply shame and embarrassment she is suffering from as a result of what she did. She claims that once she’s safe in the knowledge that she’ll never have to face others from her quote “old life” unquote, that she’ll be absolutely fine”

“But sweetie that’s not fair on you or Mack. You can’t just give up the family home over what will most likely be a temporary problem”

“I know. BELIEVE ME I know. It’s all Mack and I have spoke about for the past few weeks…”


Val looks almost as distressed as Karen – who continues:

“However… we have to consider all options. And if leaving Knots Landing means that Meg DOESN’T have to resort to any kind of drug treatment, or therapy of any sort, then it’s a small price to pay”

“And what about the next time huh?”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean God willing there won’t BE a next time. But what if she runs into some sort of trouble in the future huh? What then? I mean you can’t keep running away every time Meg encounters some kind of problem in her life”

“Well what’s the alternative huh? Commit her to some kind of unnecessary therapy?”



“Karen look…” (with a deep breath); “I don’t envy your decision one little bit. You certainly have problems bigger than all hell that’s for sure. But therapy MAY be necessary if Meg is suffering from all those symptoms you mention. Imagine how you’d feel if you upped sticks and moved away only to find Meg STILL felt the same elsewhere because she’d be worried that every time you spoke on the phone with myself or someone else from back home that we were all asking after her? Does that mean you’d need to cut off all form of contact with us once you moved away?”


Karen buries her head in her hands as Val reminds her:

“Running away from Knots Landing won’t make the problem disappear. Trust me honey. But homing in on your problem and tackling it head on WILL…”


And with that advice, Val concludes:

“And that’s all there is to it…”

[Knots Man]

[Knots Man]

Episode Twelve – “Cold Case”
Written By Robert McCormack


The following day downtown at the senate headquarters...





Patrick are Mack are goofing around in Mack’s office (playing darts) with Patrick confiding in his Uncle over the relationship he has with his new squeeze Paula:

“I like her” he admits; “I mean REALLY like her”

“Where did you guys meet?”

“We were grocery shopping”

“No kidding. YOU? GROCERY SHOPPING?” laughs Mack as he ridicules his nephew

“And what’s so funny with that?”

“I dunno… I guess I always had you down as more of a takeout kind of dude”



“ANYWAY” continues Patrick – attempting to ignore Mack’s ignorance; “We both were shopping in the same aisle when she dropped some food items from the shelf. So I walked over and helped her put everything back in place again when I noticed she was health food shopping and I casually made a remark about she didn’t need to eat health food supplements because she already HAD a great figure”


Hearing this corny line makes Mack hit the WALL instead of the dartboard:

“You said what? How cheesy is that?”

“Well it worked. She seemed flattered by the attention and the next thing I know, we’re on a date”

“I’D date you if you said that to me” jokes Mack


As Patrick steps up to the dartboard to throw his darts, he also remarks to his uncle:

“And get this… she STILL doesn’t know I’m a State Senator”

“Well as a wise man once said, fame was the thirst of youth. Maybe that says more about your age than your standing in the community”

“Very cute” laughs Patrick before letting out a loud whoop crying; “YES…” (having hit the bullseye!)


However as Patrick walks up to the board to collect the three darts which he has just thrown, he admits to Mack:



“The problem is though Mack…she won’t commit herself to a full blown relationship with me”

“Why? What’s the matter?”

“Well…the first date we had was at the cinema and while halfway through the movie, I got a call from Governor McKay asking to meet with him urgent. That was the night before the water contamination scandal broke to the media and he told me it was a serious problem. Then when she did give me a second chance and let me cook for her the following week…” (interrupted)

“YOU cooked for her?” (ridiculing the idea while throwing his set of darts); “No wonder she won’t commit to you”

“As I was saying” (ignoring that last remark); “We were getting down to ‘dessert’ shall we say when next thing there’s a knock on the door. I answer the door and find none other than Bobby Ewing on my doorstep drunk as a skunk and in need of advice to mend his broken heart…”

“Aww…and he came to his Uncle Paddy”

“Yes he did. The problem being though that Paula got tired of waiting and left just as I’d got him to sleep”

“And she wasn’t amused I’m taking it” assumes Mack

“Not exactly. Now she says I need to sort out my priorities before I can commit to a relationship with anyone. The problem being though that so many people come to me Mack and I don’t have the guts to turn them away…”

“You’re all things to all men Paddy and that’s a good thing”

“I see it as more of a curse” remarks Patrick


Mack then stops playing darts for a moment and asks his nephew:



“Have you not considered actually TELLING HER what you do for a living?”

“And what if I scare her away completely?”

“Well if you scare her away, she’s obviously not the one for you. But if you tell her who you are and what you do, she might just understand WHY you’re so busy and make allowances for your busy lifestyle”

“That’s no excuse for helping Bobby though”

“You send Bobby to me the next time he comes a knocking do you hear? AND my wife for that matter” (recalling the time Karen interrupted Patrick with a woman several months earlier)


At that moment, Peggy knocks on the door and walks in advising both gentlemen:



“Guys I really hate to break your little male bonding session here but there’s a young man here to see you Mack. His name is Danny Fairgate…”

“DANNY” smiles Mack gleefully; “Send the boy in”


As Peggy does just that, Patrick shakes his Uncle’s hand (in a cool handshake sort of manner) and tells him:

“Hey thanks for the advice Mack”


Patrick also acknowledges Danny on the way out the office:

“Good to see you man”

“Likewise” smiles a nervous looking Danny

“Hey Danny. Long time no speak kid. How the devil are you?” smiles Mack

“So so…” responds Danny in a half hearted manner

“Take a seat” instructs Mack while heading over to his own chair asking; “Is everything okay?”


Danny lets out a deep breath before advising Mack:



“Not really. Have you heard that I’ve moved out of next door?”

“Christine mentioned it to Karen” admits Mack

“Did she tell her the reason?”

“Not in depth” admits Mack; “Just said that you and your grandfather weren’t quite seeing eye to eye on some things”

“That’s an understatement” replies Danny


Mack leans forward at his desk and advises Danny:

“Look kid…if there’s anything you want to tell me…I promise it will remain in the strictest confidence…”


Danny hesitates for a moment. However will he reveal all???









“I’m giving you one last opportunity Greg” warns Frank Gardener in a call to his ‘business partner’

“How many more times do I have to tell you Frank…you gave up your rights to that land the moment you signed the contract at Westmont Heights. There’s no way I can get you out of that contract and even if I could, I still couldn’t secure you the downtown premises you want. They already belong to another project”

“What? The drop-in centre for all those underprivileged little brats? You mean to tell me that local government is quite happy to pass up on an opportunity to pour tens of millions of dollars into the local economy in order to support this grotty counselling centre?”

“But they’re not passing up on that opportunity are they Frank? You still signed your contract. They’re still going to get their millions from the San Fernando Valley complex”

“I have a board of directors all calling for my resignation. I WILL NOT resign because I was duped by YOU”

“Look Frank you’re barking up the wrong tree if you think I can help you. Go to the Governor…go to the mayor…go to God almighty for all I care”



“My contract is with YOU Sumner” responds Gardener furiously

“We’re going round in circles here Frank so I’m going to hang up now”

“I’ll make you PAY for this Sumner”

“I’m sure you will” (sounding unconcerned); “Goodbye Frank”


As Greg puts down the phone on his nemesis, Abby is standing at the doorway listening in to his conversation:



“Trouble?” she guesses while entering her husband’s office

“Just a little” quips Greg; “It seems your bright idea to fool our friend Frank didn’t quite have the same impact you’d hoped”

“At least it got him to sign up to elsewhere legally. This way you’re in the clear”

“Am I?”

“Greg…” reminds Abby as she walks over to his desk; “Let’s remember that YOU promised him the earth with this project. It was YOU who ran before you could even walk with this. You should never have signed up to something you couldn’t deliver”



“Yeah well I didn’t realise my dope of a son hated me as much as he does”

“Nevertheless that was still YOUR problem. Not mine. All I did was offer you a way out of this mess. If my bright idea backfired, at least it was still MY bright idea which is more than what you came up with”


And with those words of truth firmly planted in Greg’s mind, Abby asks:

“I just don’t know why you hold this against me so much?”


With Greg paying attention, Abby admits:

“And it hurts” (acting offended with an Abby-like frown on her face)


Abby then walks back out Greg’s office prompting a wry smile on her face when she has conveniently turned her back on him...








Back in the senate office meanwhile…

Mack is stunned after hearing Danny’s revelation about his grandfather’s murderous ways:



“I don’t know what to say kid” he admits

“That makes two of us” remarks Danny

“And do you believe your father?”

“At first I was sceptical and said nothing. I didn’t return his calls…didn’t tell Ellen, and certainly didn’t tell my grandfather what he’d said for fear that he might lash out at him”

“But?” replies Mack – prompting Danny to continue…

“But…the more I think of it…the more I realise my father has no reason to lie. I mean HE was the one who made contact with me. If he really didn’t love me he could’ve headed elsewhere once he was released from prison. But he didn’t. He tracked me down and he’s trying to build a relationship with me which goes against everything grandfather said about him”

“What DID Paul ever say about him?”



“That he wasn’t interested in me…that he never loved me…that he used to run around with other women while he was married to my mom…”

“And does your mother support these statements?”

“Mom died when I was eight years old” admits Danny

“Oh kid…I’m sorry to hear that”

“Mom never had a relationship with her parents so my grandfather who was remarried to Christine by that point took me into his home and raised me”


Mack gets up from his chair and walks over to the window sighing while admitting:





“Danny…I grew up with an abusive father who used to tell me how useless I was at everything I ever did…everything I ever touched. He used to underplay my achievements…pick away at my self confidence…he treated everybody and everything with contempt and when something wasn’t going his way he’d come home after a hard day and knock both my sister and I around. Saying that my adolescence was hell is an understatement…”

“That’s awful” acknowledges Danny

“It was” admits Mack; “However it taught me one thing. And that was to recognise when people were double crossing me or fobbing me off. I spent thirty years practising law and could spot the bad guys instantly through the look of an eye or by studying their mannerisms…”


Danny looks confused as he wonders where Mack is going with this – prompting Mack to ask him:

“What’s your gut instinct Danny? You’ve lived with the man for what? Ten? Eleven years? Do YOU think he’s capable of murder?”


Danny hesitates before giving an indirect response:



“That’s what I’ve been asking myself these past couple of weeks” he admits; “And I’ve thought about the exact same stuff you mention there. Like how there was always a certain coldness in his eyes…how he used to spend heaps of time with me when I was a kid yet how in recent years he would distance himself from me more once I had a mind of my own. It’s true that he and my dad never got on and he’d always be quick to attack and revile him. When he tracked me down a few months ago after making enquiries about me at my High School, grandfather was opposed to me building bridges with my father claiming he was a low life that I should take nothing to do with. In truth though…” wonders Danny; “I’m starting to think that there IS something more sinister which grandfather is trying to hide from me”

“So you suspect that he MAY be guilty of this?”

“Oh God…I don’t know what to think Mack”

“Hey…it’s okay…you’re not a cop or a detective. You’re a grandson who is being forced to choose between your father and your grandfather. One of them is lying and you don’t know who it is. On one hand you don’t want to believe that your grandfather is capable of such a crime yet on the other you don’t want to think that your father could say such a thing in the first place”

“So what do I do?” asks Danny

“Let’s start with what DOES warrant an investigation” explains Mack; “If your father was set up to take the fall for a crime he didn’t commit, we can perhaps force a re-examination of the case”

“Dad said they already tried that” (shaking his head)

“Yeah. Perhaps this was the case when your grandfather was still in the force. I’m talking about an independent enquiry that excludes your grandfather who let’s face it has a vested interest in the case itself”

“They can do that?”



“Absolutely. We’d need to investigate whether or not your father was innocent and if we can prove his innocence then what is known as a cold case would automatically be triggered for the authorities within the state where the crime occurred. Now proving that a miscarriage of justice occurred against your father is just one step and it doesn’t mean to say that your grandfather is guilty of killing your paternal grandmother. However what it WOULD do is ask the question, why on earth your grandfather wanted to have his own flesh and blood out the way and rotting in prison. Your father’s allegations would hold more substance if your grandfather has been proven to have lied to the authorities and perverted the course of justice in the first place”

“So where do we go from here?”


Mack then advises the teenager:

“Send your father into speak with me first of all”





Down at the Drop In Centre, the three founders of the idea – Christine, Karen and Val - are all busy painting the interior in preparation for the grand opening in the next few days. Although other workmen hired by Patrick are also gathered and are helping out with more ‘technical’ last minute jobs such as rewiring and plastering, it is fair to say that the cul-de-sac trio are relishing in their role of hard work and commitment to the cause they dreamed up months earlier.

As with all hard work though involving these three, a certain amount of gossiping and chit chat accompanies their duties – with MEG the main topic of conversation and a revelation by Christine:



“Hey Karen” suggests Christine (with a paintbrush in her hand); “Perhaps if Meg were to help us out down here, it might do her some good”

“Uh uh” nods Karen; “I can’t see her school agreeing to that. She has a mountain of coursework to complete at home”

“They don’t need to know” maintains Christine


Val then chips in:

“That’s actually not a bad idea Karen. I mean think about it…”


Karen listens and Val explains:



“It would get her out the house first and foremost. Force her to interact with others down here. It would give her a sense of accomplishment…we could pay her for her hard work even…I mean what 16 year old doesn’t like receiving money huh?” she smiles…

“And lets face it honey, with only 3 days to go until this place opens, we sure could be doing with an extra pair of hands” admits Christine

“Actually…that’s not a bad idea” concedes Karen





However the idea meets with a firm “no” from the young lady herself when Karen suggests it to her that evening at home:



“No way” she declares; “I’m not a charity case”

“No one’s saying you are” insists Karen; “I just think it would do you some good to get out the house that’s all”

“What? So Aunt Val and Mrs Fairgate can discuss what a great improvement I’m making?”

“Honey they’re not even interested in you”

“Yes they are. Everyone’s talking about me”

“How would you KNOW?” argues Karen; “You haven’t been outside in over three weeks; “Honey this can’t go on” (approaching Meg)


However Meg shies away from her mother reminding her:

“If you and daddy would leave this place then it doesn’t need to go on. Then I really WOULD get better”

“Meg we can’t just get up and leave honey. Our home is here. Our jobs are here. Our FRIENDS live here”

“So that’s it huh? You’re breaking your promise?”

“What promise?”

“That you’d do ANYTHING to make me happy”



“I’m not breaking that promise. I WILL do whatever IS necessary to make you happy and if that means leaving this place then that’s what I’ll do but as a LAST resort. Right now we’ve got to try other ways of making you better and I really believe honey that this is ONE of them”

“No it’s not” insists Meg

“You haven’t even considered it yet”

“I don’t have to. I already know it’s a dumb idea”

“Oh really?”


Karen then approaches the subject with more empathy than before and walks towards Meg who is stood by the wall mounted oven and with her arms around her daughter, she reminds her:

“Look Meg…you know that contract that you signed with daddy and I?”

“Yes” (sounding fearful again)

“Well you have to stick to your end of the bargain too. Otherwise that contract becomes nil and void. Ineffectual. And then where will we be huh? Back at square one again?”


Meg considers what Karen is saying as her mother reminds her:



“We have to give this a chance to work and that means you playing YOUR part too honey. So please…will you consider helping us? For me if not for yourself?”

“I’ll consider it” smiles Meg


And with that, so Karen warmly hugs her daughter – having made a little progress at last. Though she knows she still has a LONG way to go in changing her daughter’s mind about wanting to leave Knots Landing altogether. However for now, this is a step in the right direction…







Gary arrives home from work to find Val still not home from the drop-in centre while Bobby is chilling out with a bag of Doritos in front of the television:

“Hey dad” he greets him



“Where’s your mother?” asks Gary

“She was stopping by at the store on the road home from the counselling centre. Both she and Mrs Fairgate were going to buy plants to decorate the place in time for the grand opening”

“I swear this place has taken up all their attention. Karen left work today at lunchtime to go down there and she never returned afterwards. I think this is how things are going to be around here now kiddo”


Bobby rolls his eyes at the prospect of a Val-less home during daytime as he and Gary both ponder the inevitable – with Gary asking:

“I take it there’s no dinner prepared then…”

“I don’t know” replies Bobby while shrugging his shoulders


However the pair need not worry as Betsy and Teresa emerge from the kitchen with Betsy assuring them:



“Mom left a casserole ready for us in the oven just to be re-heated”


As Gary lifts his grand-daughter into the air greeting her:

“Hey my little Princess…”

He also comments:

“Good ole mom huh? She always comes through”


Betsy then informs her dad of two things:

“Dad…Jamie and I are going to book our wedding reception tonight so Jamie is picking me up in five minutes”

“Nice” smiles Gary

“And Mr Jansen called this afternoon when I got home from school. He said he’d misplaced your office number so asked if you could call him back when you got home”

“Wonderful” smiles Gary; “Maybe he’s come up with something”


Betsy also asks a favour of her father:

“And could you watch Teresa for me? I should only be gone an hour or so”

“I see” jokes Gary (while making his way over to the telephone at Val’s writing desk); “I knew there had to be a reason why she was being so nice to us” he remarks to Bobby


Bobby laughs while Gary dials Tom’s number – as Betsy comments to them both:

“Shut up you guys”

“Now THAT’S more like it” admits Bobby (with backing from his dad)

“Language young lady…in front of your daughter”

“Sorry” blushes Betsy


Tom then answers his phone – with Gary greeting him:



“Hey Tom”

“Hi Gary” smiles Tom; “Thanks for getting back to me”

“Have you come up with anything?” asks Gary

“Not yet…though I have uncovered a little information which I think could lead to something”

“Fire away”

“Do you happen to know an Anne Matheson?” he asks

“Sure I do” replies Gary; “She used to be a neighbour here years ago. She and Mack have a daughter together”

“Mack? As in Mack Mackenzie?”


Gary laughs asking:

“What’s so strange about that?”

“Nothing. Just struck me funny” admits Tom; “You have to admit in this town everyone knows everyone”

“Don’t get me started” grins Gary


While Tom explains:



“The reason I’m asking is because not long after you bought Oceanview from Peter Choy, he was murdered and Anne Matheson was imprisoned alongside a Mr Nick Schillace for his murder”


Gary listens while Tom continues:

“Now the pair were later acquitted of the murder and the real culprit – a Mr Jeremy Fox was eventually caught. My guess though is that they must’ve been close enough to Choy if they were found guilty of his murder in the first place and since the only way I have of speaking to Jeremy Fox is through his prison cell, I was kind of hoping to contact this Anne Matheson”

“I must admit I haven’t seen or heard of Anne in years” informs Gary; “However Mack may know of her whereabouts since he and his daughter still keep in touch. So why don’t you try him?”

“I’m glad I spoke to you now Gary” admits Tom; “I’m not saying this will lead us anyplace but it’s worth a try”

“Keep doing what you’re doing my friend” smiles Gary; “You’re doing a great job”





A little later that evening in the Mackenzie household, Mack, Karen & Meg are sat at dinner when Karen announces:



“Meg’s going to come and help us decorate the drop in centre over the next few days aren’t you Meg?”

“I don’t know what good I’ll be but…yes” smiles Meg

“Hey way to go” responds Mack while winking at his daughter – before advising her: “Hopefully you can keep your mother and her friends from gossiping and drinking coffee all day”

“And what’s wrong with that?” laughs Karen


At that moment, the doorbell rings with Meg instantly panicking:

“It’s okay honey. I’ll answer it” assures Karen while holding her hand


Once Karen rises to her feet and walks over to the door, Meg also rises from her seat with her dinner plate in hand:



“Where do you think you’re going young lady?” asks Mack

“Dad...you know how it is”

“You sit back down there and finish your dinner” he advises Meg; “You’re going to have to face people some time” he admits

“But dad...” responds an anxious Meg

“SIT” he instructs her


Karen answers the door and smiles when seeing the two visitors on her doorstep:



“Can we come in Mrs Mackenzie?” asks DANNY

“Sure” responds Karen (appearing confused) while Danny introduces her to his father

“This is my father”

“PAUL” smiles Karen; “Long time no see?” she greets him


As both Karen & Paul Jnr hug at the doorway, Danny asks:

“You two know each other?”



“Sure we do. Your father came to visit us more than…oh…twenty years ago now”

“That was when she was married to Uncle Sid” continues Paul

“You look well” smiles Karen; “What have you been up to?”


At that point, both Paul and Danny look at each other awkwardly – not knowing how to answer Karen’s question. Thankfully, Mack intervenes and advises Karen:

“I’ll fill you in later”


Before shaking Paul’s hand and inviting both he and his son Danny in for a chat:

“Why don’t you guys come into the kitchen huh?”


As all 3 gentlemen head into the kitchen, so Karen appears confused…

Meg then chips in and asks:

“What’s Danny doing here with his father?”


To which Karen admits:

“I don’t know Meg. I just don’t know…”

[Knots Man]

We continue in the Mackenzie kitchen later with Mack, Danny & Paul all sat around the kitchen table as Paul passes on his thanks to Mack:



“Thanks for agreeing to hear me out Mr Mackenzie”

“Please...call me Mack”

“Sorry”

“And I can’t guarantee that I’ll definitely be able to help you out here. Cracking a crime that’s almost 20 years old is tough enough. But overturning one where the outcome has already been decided? That’s near enough impossible man”

“The thing is though. There IS evidence out there that could help me. But when I mentioned my alibi at the time, nothing was done about it”

“What sort of evidence?” asks Mack

“On the day the armed robbery occurred, I was Best Man at a wedding in Vegas to my friend Mike”

“You were?”

“Absolutely”

“Why was none of this mentioned before?”





“It WAS mentioned. However not only did my father interfere with the witnesses – beating Mike to a pulp and forcing him to say he married on the day of the robbery to provide the perfect alibi for me”

“But surely there’s a marriage certificate in place with YOUR signature on it”

“There will be. However it never went that far because he forced Mike onto the witness stand to testify against me. He forced Mike to say that he’d got some homeless guy off the street in Vegas to pose as Paul Fairgate and offered them $100 in return”



“And this Mike guy...he fell for that?”

“He HAD to. My father was threatening to kill his wife and child if he didn’t”


Mack looks astounded as Paul continues:

“That was the thing with dad you see. He always used his position as a cop to intimidate others. He thought the minute he waved that badge of his around that he could force others to quake in their boots. And many did”

“This Mike character...” asks Mack; “Do you know where he lives now?”

“As far as I’m aware he and his wife still live back East”


Mack then advises Paul:

“If you can convince him to co-operate with us, then maybe... just maybe... we’ve got ourselves a case”



“Does that mean you’re going to help Dad?” asks Danny


To which Mack responds:

“Sure. I’ll do my best”


As Danny smiles with excitement, Paul looks on at Mack in appreciation for his efforts...







Despite the fact it’s long after dark, Patrick is still sat in his office – eyeing up his cell phone and wondering whether or not he should call Paula or even better, drive out to the bar where she works in the evenings to surprise her...

It seems that being all loved up has left the young senator mighty confused...




Having bottle out of seeing Paula at the last minute though, will an opportunity ever come round that reunites the pair???







Elsewhere at the Sumner Ranch, Abby is soaking in the hot tub while speaking to Alex Fielding. It’s an urgent call on Alex’s behalf as he asks her:



“Abby...you’ve got to convince your husband to use whatever power he has to get Gardener that land”

“But don’t you see? Greg doesn’t have any power” replies Abby; “He isn’t in a position of influence anymore. It’s been 20 years since he was last a senator and the number of influential friends that he had are dwindling”

“His SON is a state senator” reminds Alex



“What’s this all about anyhow Alex?” asks Abby; “Why the sudden urgency?”

“Because Frank Gardener is a MADMAN that’s why” urges Alex; “He’s going to go to inordinate lengths to get that land. And he doesn’t care who gets hurt in the process...”

“Go on...” asks a concerned Abby as Alex explains...

“He’s going to blow up that site within the next few days and then blame it all on Gregory Sumner”

“Really?” (intrigued)

“That’s why you’ve got to help”



“I’m soaking in a hot tub Alex. I don’t have time for this right now. We’ll discuss this in the morning”

“But Abby...” (interrupted)

“Goodnight Alex” (turning off the phone)


Once Abby puts down the cordless phone, she slides further under the water almost disappearing under the bubbles!

As she sits contemplating what all this could mean for her and Greg, she asks herself if getting rid of Karen’s ‘drop in centre’ be the worst thing in the world. Abby also realises that if Greg was sent to prison, she would have total control over The Sumner Group in his absence...

Realising that a dangerous Frank could be beneficial to her, Abby soon starts smiling in realisation of what all this could mean for her...







While turning down the covers for bed, Mack fills Karen in on how he is helping Paul:



“So he claims his father set him up for this crime to shut him up for what he knew about his own mother’s death?” asks an astonished Karen

“Exactly”

“And he wants you to help him?”

“Who else can he turn to?” asks Mack; “If he goes to someone inside the force, the minute they find out that Paul is a former – albeit dirty cop, they’ll turn a blind eye”

“But you’re not an investigator Mack”

“I know I’m not. But if I can gather enough evidence to suggest Paul Jnr was innocent, I can hand it over to the DA and get them to place the final pieces of the jigsaw in place. Once they do that, they can open up a cold case on Paul’s mother’s death and establish if Paul Snr really DID kill his first wife”

“Oh my god! Poor Christine” realises Karen

“Yeah...imagine discovering you’d spent all those years living with a killer” remarks Mack before joking; “You wouldn’t have any skeletons in your closet now would you?” (laughing)



“Come on this is serious” Karen reminds him while approaching her husband for a comforting hug


As the pair stand holding onto each other and talking in the centre of the room, Karen recalls:

“Sid never did get on with him. He always insisted he was trouble. After a short while in our marriage, we never really spoke about him again and to be honest, that’s the way Sid wanted it so I never pressed him for more information”


Mack listens on as Karen realises:

“Now I see why...”


Mack then warns his wife:

“Karen...you can’t say a word to Christine about this do you hear? Don’t even say that Danny and his father were round here. If Paul suspects he’s being investigated, it could ruin our case...”






While the following morning over breakfast, Christine asks Paul:



“I was thinking of maybe asking Danny and Ellen if they’d like to come over for dinner one evening”

“I’d leave it if I were you” advises Paul

“But he’s your grandson” insists Christine

“And it’s obvious whose side he’s taken in all of this”

“But that’s just IT. There shouldn’t BE any sides. You should be able to work things out with his father. He’s your SON after all”



“The minute that low life turned to crime and made me look a fool in front of all my colleagues in the profession, I washed my hands of him”

“So you’re never going to speak to him again huh? Even at the expense of losing your grandson in the process?”

“Just DROP IT” yells Paul while thumping his wrists on the kitchen table


This outburst startles – and scares – Christine who realises she better not say anything more on the matter!!!





That morning in the office, Mack calls Tom explaining to him:



“Sorry I missed your call last night man. I got caught up with other pressing business”

“No it’s cool Mack. Don’t even mention it” (dismissing the apology)

“What can I do for you anyway?”

“I’m just looking to see if you have any contact information for Anne Matheson that’s all”

“Anne Matheson?” responds Mack; “What the hell do you need to speak to her for?” he asks



“Well it might be nothing...but I think she could hold some very important information on Peter Choy whom I’m investigating for Gary”

“Oh THAT” realises Mack


Mack then rubs his forehead in weariness as he recalls how he forgot to inform Tom:

“Look Tom...I should have came forward with this sooner...but with everything that happened to Meg it completely went out of my head”

“What did?” asks Tom


Mack then advises:

“Look...forget this case you’re looking into for Gary. I have all the information you need”

“What?” laughs Tom – believing he is mistaken

“It’s a long story but Karen and I looked into the history of Oceanview months ago in a bid to clear Gary’s name. We already uncovered everything and already established that Abby was to blame. That’s why Abby agreed to pay for the cleanup operation out there”

“Why didn’t you tell Gary this?” asks Tom (sounding confused)

“That IS the 64 million dollar question” advises Mack explaining; “Much as Karen may despise Abby at times, she’s also her sister-in-law and both Godmother and Aunt to Abby’s two children. She wants to try and avoid being the one who sends her to prison”

“Mack...if Abby is as guilty as you say she is, it’s inevitable she’ll go to prison”

“Believe me I’m working on her” advises Mack who then promises; “Look...I need you to work with me on something else for now and I promise that if you help me, I’ll hand over the dossier of evidence we have against Abby and then we’ll let Gary deal with it how he wants huh?”

“Sure...what’s the case?” asks Tom






Downtown at The Sumner Group:




Alex is inside Abby’s office where he anxiously asks her:

“Did you speak to Greg?”

“He’s not interested” insists Abby; “Claims he has the law on his side and that your former boss signed a cast iron contract” (adamant)

“Didn’t you tell him about Frank Gardener’s plans?”


Abby shakes her head at this point insisting:



“You may think he is dangerous Alex, but let me assure you. When you’ve been around the block as long as Greg and I have, you soon learn to ignore such threats. These irate businessmen often appear incensed and irritated at the time but once they realise that we’re not bowing down to their demands they usually throw their toys out the pram and crawl off someplace else to bully and harass someone else”


Alex takes a seat opposite Abby at her desk and reminds her:

“Abby...this man is dangerous. He’ll do what he says. Trust me I’ve known him too long”


Abby smiles flippantly at the serious manner in which Alex is speaking. He clearly is new to this game and lacks the experience which she and Greg both possess. Abby doesn’t even begin to rate Frank Gardener as being in the same league of madmen which she and Greg have faced over the years – from Mark St Claire to John Coblentz and of course Nigel Treadwell.

Sensing the minor significance which Abby is placing on Frank’s threat, Alex suggests:



“Maybe it’ll help if I could speak with Mr Sumner myself”

“NO” warns Abby; “Just drop it Alex do you hear?”

“But Abby...”

“Just drop it NOW Alex and get on with your proper day to day work which IS after all what you’re being paid to do”


Alex shakes his head in disbelief – remarking as he exits the office:

“You people really are unbelievable do you know that?”


Once Alex has gone, Abby lets out a deep breath and leans back on her chair – displaying mannerisms that suggest she IS aware of how dangerous Frank Gardener is and is quietly supporting any plans he has of bringing down the drop in centre AND Greg as well for that matter!!!






While Karen receives a call from Patrick that afternoon when she is working with Val & Christine at the drop-in centre - with Patrick announcing:

“I’ve arranged for the local press and reporters to drop by this evening around 8.30pm. They just want to take a few photos of the place and perhaps grab a word or two with you guys”

“What?” responds an astonished Karen



“How? Is that a problem?”

“You mean we’re going to be on TV?”


Val & Christine look over – also appearing concerned:

“You’ve been on TV lots of times Karen. Besides...I never had you down as being camera shy” (smiling)

“Oh...okay” replies a startled Karen; “Should I get my hair done?” (touching up her hair at the back)


Both Val & Christine – who are lifting huge wall plants at this point look over bemused at this comment as Patrick assures her:

“I’m sure you’ll look pretty enough for the camera Karen”

“Ha Ha very funny” laughs Karen before signing off; “We’ll see you at eight thirty then I guess”


Christine then asks:



“What’s going on?”


To which Karen responds:

“The local press are dropping by later tonight so they can run a story about us in tomorrow’s paper to coincide with the grand opening”

“At 8.30 in the evening?” asks Christine

“Yeah”

“I can’t make 8.30” insists Christine; “I made plans for this evening”



“And I gotta be home too sweetie” maintains Val; “Betsy and Jamie need our help in organising the wedding and I promised them I’d be here”

“So it’s going to be me on my own?” asks a disappointed Karen

“Well...this is YOUR baby Karen” remarks Christine; “So it’s kind of fitting you should get the glory”

“Besides we’d only steal your thunder if we were here” laughs Val

“HUH” groans Karen in a “very funny” manner – joking of course!!!





While during a telephone conversation with Paul (Jnr) that afternoon from his office, Mack informs him:



“I’ve spoken with a private investigator whom I trust implicitly called Tom and he’s agreed to look into your story”

“You mean YOU’RE not dealing with the case?” asks Paul; “I mean...I AM willing to pay for your time”

“Paul...I can’t be in two places at once as I have a job of my own to do. But I will be on hand to help out Tom if need be. Besides... if everything is as cut and dry as you say, then it shouldn’t take no more than a few weeks to collate this evidence and have your conviction overturned”

“Really? THAT soon” (pleasantly surprised)

“For sure” advises a positive sounding Mack; “You have to remember that the reason you never got an appeal let alone a fair trial in the first place was down to your father blocking all such avenues”


Paul listens as Mack explains:

“However the minute we go to the relevant DA and tell them we have evidence to prove you were in Nevada when they tried to claim you were in Pennyslvania, they’ll instantly investigate. And once they’ve overturned your conviction, they’re going to go after the man who went to great lengths to secure your prosecution in the first place. And once they start wondering why your father went to such great lengths to get you out of the picture, they’ll soon get to the truth behind your mother’s death”


Although they’re both still a long way away from proving Paul’s guilt, hearing it all spelt out from Mack gives Paul Jnr some hope:



“I can’t thank you enough for this Mack” he tells him

“Don’t thank me yet kid. We’ve still a long way to go yet”






A few hours later once darkness has fallen, Karen is left behind on her own at the drop in centre. Complete with her new hairstyle for the cameras, we find her tidying up by vacuuming the upper half of the building one last time as well as making a few last minute adjustments prior to the arrival of the press later that evening...


Outside though, something very sinister is at play when a rather grand looking jeep pulls up in the dark at the side of the building. The vehicle reaches a stationary position before a door is opened on the drivers end and a pair of legs are revealed...





The stranger then makes their way round to the trunk of the car before opening up the door and retrieving a GASOLINE CAN from inside...

Once adjusting the cap on the can at the trunk, the anonymous looking stranger (who has disguised their face with a mask) then checks around him to ensure no one is close by within the immediate vicinity.

Once they have the all clear, they then make their way round to the side of the building which is still fairly shaded due to the fact it is located approximately 40 yards back from the main street. Satisfied that no one is looking, the individual begins to pour the contents of the can around the side of the building – moving swiftly with increasing pace before they are caught...



At the back of the building, Karen’s own car is parked in the semi-lit parking space and once the mystery man arrives at the back of the building, they see the car itself. At this moment, they instantly stop what they are doing and eye up the vehicle.

But will they continue in their quest or stop in their tracks now they have realised that someone is inside who will almost certainly be killed???



Meanwhile inside the building itself, Karen has stopped vacuuming and takes a quick peek out the window at the stunning LA skyline - a view which the centre proudly boasts...



Looking onto the deserted entrance of the centre, Karen can see that there is still no sign of Patrick or the press. Looking at her watch though, she can see that there is still more than half an hour to go before the time which Patrick said he would arrive – therefore in a bid to fill in the time, Karen decides to vacuum a little bit more...

Outside, it seems our stranger doesn’t have a conscience after all though and is determined to engulf the building no matter how many casualties are inside – because we then see them pour some more fuel on the floor of the main entrance to the centre INSIDE the building. Obviously the sound of the vacuum cleaner upstairs has given them the confidence of knowing they will be uninterrupted in their quest to set the place on fire.

And now the time comes for them to set the downstairs alight as they strike a match and drop it to the ground while standing watching the ferocious speed of the chasing flame circulate around the ground floor:




Outside, another flame is lit which rapidly forms a wall of fire that surrounds the entire building exterior...

Upstairs meanwhile as Karen continues to vacuum – imagining for a brief moment while doing so that she can smell smoke. Just seconds later, her suspicions are soon confirmed when the building’s smoke alarm then sounds. Prompting Karen to turn off the vacuum cleaner and walk over to the staircase to investigate...



Once Karen sees for herself the inferno which has formed downstairs, her face turns to one of horror as she screams at the top of her voice:

“AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH”


Before screaming:





“HELP!!! AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH”



Outside, the culprit drives off down the street. However they are unaware that their actions appear to have been captured by a mystery man with a zoom lens camera – sitting inside of a car which is parked down a lane opposite...

Inside the building itself though...



Karen continues to scream. Realising that her cell phone alongside the telephone connection of the building itself is all downstairs, her only hope of being discovered is to attempt in trying to distract a passing stranger outside...

But will her cries be heard by someone???

[Knots Man]

Also 'Starring':

Victor Garber as Frank Gardener

[Knots Man]