This is about stopping Ashley from seizing control of Jabot, not you grandstanding to score points against an old rival, Jack reminds. Mike can do both. Dina comes down to mistake Mike for Philip and then ask ‘John’ to be a dear and have some hot cocoa brought up to her room. Two cups, please. Two? Blowing kisses for ‘Philip’ to pass along to Kay, Dina leaves Jack to update Mike that things are going downhill. He never knows what to expect with Dina.
The cops are canvassing the area in case Christian wandered outside. Paul races in to say he’ll do whatever he can to cut through any red tape. As Nick takes Paul over to where Christian was last seen. Chelsea goes to the bar to help Sharon open her Perrier water. Feeling guilty for keeping Christian away from Nick, Sharon worries what it’ll do to him if anything happens to that little boy.
Still in the dining room, Ashley mentions Tony’s reputation for pushing limits. Yes, his take-no-prisoners image keeps the opposition guessing. Mike thinks it’s more than just an image, she adds. I like to win, Tony admits – don’t you? He’s interested in this case and how it might challenge assumptions, precedent and the theory of what legally makes a family a family.
In the livingroom, Mike warns that this case could last months or years. Is Jack worried how this might affect the company? He’s more worried about the wear and tear on his family.
If the case goes on this long, everyone loses, Ashley worries to Tony.
Tony’s all about billable hours. But Mike has a quick solution option that might work in their favour.
What do you have in mind? Ashley asks Tony. She then joins Jack and Mike in the living room to suggest arbitration. It’s the only way to avoid dragging this out. Hmmm – that’s not something we’d considered, Mike will have to speak to his client. Dina calls down to ‘John’ – where’s my cocoa? Jack excuses himself.
After checking the tapes, Paul updates Nick that Christian wasn’t spotted. He’s having his officers canvassing nearby businesses for their tapes. Everyone should just go home. Chelsea won’t leave and declines Lauren’s offer to take Connor ~hug~ Telling Nick that she’s not going anywhere, Abby goes to talk to the manager again. When Scott tries to take Sharon home, she says she’ll go when she’s ready (and it won’t be with him!)
You found me. Now it’s your turn Jackie. Oh, this is so much fun, Dina cackles in her room as Jack hovers outside the door with a tray of cocoa and mugs. Telling ‘John’ that Jackie’s running her ragged, Dina invites him in to join them. Maybe later, Jack goes to tend to some business. Where are you Jackie? Dina gets back to her fun and games; delighted when Christian crawls out. Come to Mommy, she smiles.
As Chelsea puts her coat on Connor (napping on a sofa) Paul returns to the club with no news. But we won’t rest until we find your boy. No, Nick shouldn’t go knocking on doors. Paul’s already having that done. The best thing you can do for Christian is stay here where I can reach you. Let your family know before word gets out. Chelsea joins Nick at the bar to offer to call Victor – he’d want to help. He’s Christian’s grandfather. I’m his Dad! Nick will decide how this is handled. No one gets called – this is all going to be over with soon. Nick then blames Chelsea for turning her back on his son to get involved in a fight that didn’t concern her. This is a busy place – you never leave a toddler alone. Chelsea’s going through hell too (and reminds Nick that she told him she was busy today)
On one side of the living room, Mike quietly coaches Jack; shake your head – pretend you don’t like the idea – now look like you’re reluctantly accepting my advice. Mike then announces that his client has agreed to arbitration for the sake of the company. Once they choose an arbitrator, they’ll set a pre-hearing. Dina comes down – Jackie broke his cup. As Ashley hustles the lawyers out, Dina asks ‘John’ to come upstairs and have a talk with ‘our boy’.
Connor asleep on the sofa, Nick asks Chelsea why she brought all that stuff (crayons and toys she’s packing) You were only supposed to have the kids for a few hours. Chelsea wasn’t distracted by having her nails done – she had a business meeting (not as important as your ‘baseball thing’) It’s not important because I’m not getting paid? Nick thinks Chelsea made her priorities clear when she walked away from his son.
Dina doesn’t want another pot of cocoa – she wants to know why her husband’s not listening to her. You won’t even speak to your own son. There he is now – Hi Jackie. Jack and Ashley are astonished to see Christian at the top of the staircase.
As Chelsea finishes packing up the kids stuff, Nick apologizes. Chelsea loves Christian too – I need you to tell me that we’ll find him. He’ll be OK, Nick goes off to get an update from Paul. You’re not alone in this – we can lean on each other, Chelsea implores. Looking unconvinced, Nick answers Jack’s call to say it’s not a good time. You’ll want to hear this, Jack’s sure.