At the courthouse, Mike coaches Reed on how the hearing will go – you’ll receive the minimum punishment, he’s sure. JT and Vikki watch on as Mike and Reed step before the Judge. After a brief scolding, Reed looks remorseful as he quietly pleads guilty.
Back at the estate, Cane ends a business call as Charlie comes down to report that Mattie’s not home.
As the Judge is about to sentence Reed, Mattie surprises all by bursting in to say that she wants to make a statement. And who are you? the Judge asks. Mathilda Ashby, the one who called 911. I *was* Reed’s girlfriend.
Checking the garage, Charlie updates Cane that Mattie’s car’s gone. A frustrated Cane knows where she is.
Not caring if she gets held in contempt, Mattie won’t leave until she’s heard. Get on with it, the Judge says. I don’t want her talking, Reed snaps. As Mattie tells the story, Reed complains – you’re making things worse. Mattie has more to say – about all Reed’s been through. He made a mistake but it wasn’t all his fault, she concludes.
Back at CL’s, Sharon points out a woman and her two kids to Nick – they’ve been at that table for hours and she’s only ordered a coffee. When the woman comes over asking for day olds, Sharon gives her fresh pastries (saying she was just about to replace them) Nick quietly cautions Sharon that the woman seems proud – she might not want you to get involved. Ignoring him, Sharon delivers the boxed pastries.
The Judge was going to give Reed the minimum sentence because he seemed remorseful but the way he tried to cover his butt when Mattie interrupted the hearing shows her he’s not. Reed will receive a stiffer penalty; in addition to the $400 fine and 3-month license suspension, she’s adding 25 hours of community service. When Reed objects, the Judge revokes his license for a full year.
In the hallway, Reed thanks Mattie and hopes they can get together later to fix things. Mattie doesn’t think so – you need to take a look at yourself. I didn’t come because I wanted you to forgive me. JT and Vikki come out to see Reed looking broken-hearted as the elevator doors close on Mattie.
In the lab with Jack, Ashley picks up a little bottle of amber liquid. This is very toxic – it shouldn’t be near any of these compounds, she moves it to another shelf. Jack really thought being in the lab would take Ashley’s mind off things. Would you say the same thing about the CEO office? Would you say that’s ‘my domain’ too? Didn’t think so.
Sharon tells the woman that her family didn’t always have money. Do you have enough money for groceries? Just because I buy day olds doesn’t mean I can’t take care of my kids, the woman huffs. They seem healthy and happy, Sharon backtracks – she would just like to give them something healthier than pastries. The woman admits that she’s between homes right now but doesn’t want Sharon’s help. Where will you go tonight? Sharon asks.
Now home, Vikki and JT have little sympathy for the angry Reed. And stop blaming Mattie – she was trying to be a friend. Vikki insists Reed earn the money to pay his fine – get a job or sell your guitar. Reed sighs – he didn’t get into a music program he applied to. I’m a loser. JT and Vikki share a guilty look as their son plods upstairs.
Sharon tells Nick that the woman lost her apartment because her landlord raised the rent. She says she’s staying with a friend. Nick knows Sharon’s heart is in the right place but suggests she’s just looking for a project. As the family gets up to leave, Sharon again insists on going over.