In the ballroom of Wildwind, the proud citizens of Pine Valley are in attendance for the Crystal Ball that is taking place tonight. People from all over town such as Tad Martin, Erica Kane, Jackson Montgomery, Dixie Cooney Martin, Jessie Hubbard, Angela Hubbard and many more were tonight to enjoy the sensitivities. Of course, no event would be without drama though as people arrived earlier, mingling with others none of that has happened just yet which is a good thing. For one Dimitri Matrick, the one who is in charge of the event, he was just hoping nothing catastrophic happens where all hell breaks loose because Dimitri will throw out the poor fool who tries to ruin his event. After checking on the staff and security to see how things were going for this event, Dimitri goes to the refreshment section to order a drink from the bartender. As he waits, Dimitri looks around the event of The Crystal Ball, one woman who took Dimitri's attention away from everyone else in Brooke English who was passing by, made Dimitri smile the most.

Dimitri - Brooke, it's so good to see you tonight. I thought you may not make it this evening.

Brooke stops to see Dimitri and smiles at him, glad to see Dimitri tonight at The Crystal Ball.

Brooke - Did you really think I wouldn't show up Dimitri? I wouldn't miss this for the entire world but just looking at everything, it reminds me of The Crystal Ball when it all started in the year nineteen ninety seven. The way it looked, the design, the features that stood out looked wonderful and from what I see, you didn't disappoint.

Dimitri - *grins* You know me way too well Brooke. You know how I am with events like these, I love to go all out and leave a good impression on everyone.

Brooke - And that you have though it's good that you brought his event back. I know since Adam's death I have been kind of distant from all because I have been grieving Adam's death…but he would want me to get out so that I can have fun.

Dimitri - You're right Brooke, Adam would rather have you here at The Crystal Ball than at the Chandler Mansion. We both know my brother Edmund, god bless his soul, would be here right now with all of us but he's not.

Dimitri sighed and looked down in sadness before he felt Brooke take his hand, giving it a soft squeeze causing Dimitri to look up.

Brooke - Hey now, Edmund is not here in spirit, neither is Adam but tonight they are here in spirit like all who have passed away over the years. Like my aunt Phoebe and her husband Langley Wallingford, Nick Davis, Katherine Martin, and so many others…they're here tonight in spirit as well.

Dimitri smiled and nodded, softly squeezing her hand.

Dimitri - You know always know Brooke how to cheer up someone with your words. You're still a kind soul after all these years but certainly not a pushover. I know it's been hard with Adam's death and trying to cope with it but if you ever need anyone to talk too…I am always here.

Brooke - I know and you're not the only one Dimitri, ever since his death in December of last year I have received so much love and support from others in town which is a great thing, especial from you. Thank you Dimitri.

Dimitri - You don't have to thank me Brooke and you never have to again.

The two of them look at each other adoringly before Brooke hesitates. Letting go of Dimitri's hand, she pulls away from Dimtri.

Brooke - I'm sorry Dimitri I…I have to go and meet…someone.

Brooke immediately walks away from Dimitri, who roled his eyes and sighed shaking his head. Dimitri cursed himself for getting ahead and possibly trying to be intimate with Brooke. It was clear Brooke was still grieving for Adam's death but Dimitri believes that Dimitri didn't mean any harm, neither did Brooke herself. It was just the wrong place at the wrong time for the two of them. For Brooke, she'll never forget about Dimitri kissed Brooke on the night of the Chandler Media gala which took her by surprise as she was engaged to Adam at that time. She told Dimitri that she rather would be friends with him, which Dimitri heard but it's still clear Dimitri still wasn't letting it go. He still loves Brooke and wasn't going to let her go but Dimitri would wait until she is ready for him and ONLY him, though the question is, when? Grieving takes a very long time to overcome and has its issues but would Dimitri really move on without Brooke and find a woman that he cares but also loves for?

[br]

At the Pine Valley Cemetery, a woman dressed in black wearing a scarf around her head to cover her head and sunglasses to cover her eyes, walks through the many headstones/graves of those who've past away in Pine Valley over the years. At this time of the day which is now night, no one would be here except for a couple of people and who could blame them? They come here to remember, reflect but grieve the loss of his or her loved one(s), not dance all over other peoples graves which was totally rude. Though when you think about it, there were some people that deserved to have their graves danced all over them, those who had no regard for life, those who back stabbed others to get ahead, but not this woman. She was looking all around to make sure no one was here so that she wouldn't be found? But who is this woman that you may ask? Stopping at a headstone and a grave, the woman looks at the headstone names Julia Santos Keefer as she frowns, wondering how she got here in the first place.

Woman - I shouldn't even be here right now…I should be dead and buried in the ground because of everything I have been through.

The woman clenches her hands into fists and glares at the tombstone before she shakes her head.

Woman - I was supposed to have it all, a good life with my brother and sisters, my family. I was married to a man that loved me for who I am and didn't care what anyone thought. Even when I was violated he still choose to love me and stand by me. My husband was my protector, someone who would do ANYTHING me and we lived our life pretty well until…Slade came into our lives along with a bigger threat in the form of the Dragon.

Brushing a stray piece of black hair behind her ear, the voice in the woman's tone was starting to crack but she kept herself relaxed surprisingly.

Woman - The Dragon was the one who started all of this, the one who made sure that my husband and I never have a good life again. We were suppose to have it all and we thought that maybe, just maybe going into the Witness Protection Program would let us have a quiet life, but we were wrong. It didn't stop, it continued to bother us even more to the point that my own husband was sick and tired, restless of staying behind to do nothing which is why he took off and was…and was…killed.

The woman takes out a picture from her purse that was folded but doesn't open it.

Woman - I couldn't blame him though for taking off and finding justice for me and the rest of our family. He didn't want to live in a world where everyday we were threatened and tried to do move with our lives. The stress, the toll it took on us was not healthy, as I wished I could of persuaded him not to do anything stupid that could get him killed but no, he was too stubborn, too arrogant to listen to reason. And what did it do? He ended up…dead…

Tears were starting to come down through her sunglasses from her eyes to where the woman was starting to become emotional. Going down on one knee, she wipes her tears away on her cheeks, running one hand through her hair.

Woman - I came back to Pine Valley and I thought I took down the Dragon once again. Making a new chapter myself I became a nurse, working with the best at Pine Valley Hospital, reconnecting with old friends and raising the little girl who was like a daughter to me in Kathy. I won't forget her smile, her laughter, the joy she brought when I had my bad days. She would never let me be sad on a day that didn't go my way and I was supposed to see her grow. It's too bad that someone like Robert Gardner took that away from me that sent me back into being on the run….until now. I know I can't do it by myself but at least I will get help.

Unfolding the picture in her hand that shows Noah Keefer, the woman brushes her finger on his face. The woman takes off her scarf and sunglasses, revealing herself to be Julia Santos Keefer herself!

Julia - I promise you Noah…I am going to make things right…for you.

Julia quickly places the picture back into her purse and puts on her scarf and glasses. Looking around and seeing no one at the Pine Valley Cemetary, she puts the glasses and scarf back on as she leaves so that she won't get caught. The woman that everyone thought died when Robert Gardner shot her was alive and back in town for obvious reasons, but what were they exactly? Her family while some of them like Julia, Rosa, etc left, Mateo and her other relatives were in Pine Valley though will she reveal herself to them at some point? It was obvious that she was here not just for help but for justice so that she can finally end the nightmare Julia has lived for almost her entire life and lost her one true love in Noah Keefer. Julia felt that it wasn't fair to lose Noah to the Dragon so she killed him, but if the Dragon is dead…then what does Julia know that we don't? As Julia leaves the Pine Valley Cementary she knows she needs help but first Julia will need a place to stay for the night before thinking of her next move, though where will she go after?

[br]

JR Chandler, the son of Adam Chandler and Dixie Cooney Martin, was arm in arm with his wife Babe Carey Chandler as the two greet others who came. For over the past five years, the two of them along with their son AJ Chandler have been happy and living their best life. Babe was revealed to be one of the last patients of David Hayward's Orpheus Project and out of the goodness of his heart, David revealed Babe to JR and AJ that Babe was alive. Both JR and AJ were overjoyed and emotional as they left Pine Valley for San Diego which brought them both success. JR lead a Chandler Enterprise affiliate office and Babe lead a Fusion affiliate office as they became respected in San Diego for business, but when JR heard the news of his father dying, they left San Diego so JR could be there for the funeral. They're still in Pine Valley so that JR can help out Chandler Enterprises as an Executive since the company was failing financially but for Babe, she didn't understand why her, JR, and AJ haven't left Pine Valley yet so maybe now was a good time to talk about it.

JR - This is all turning out nicely. I was skeptical about coming here in the first place but being here…reminds me of old times. AJ is with Marissa right now so he's in good hands Babe.

Babe nods as she looks around The Crystal.

Babe - I've never been a part of this event before but this looks very fun but unexpected. I am glad you took me here…but I think we should talk.

JR and Babe stopped where they were walking as JR looks at his wife concerned when he noticed her tone.

JR - Sure, what's up? Is everything okay?

Babe - JR, you know how much I love you and our son. Missing out on everything after you and others though I died in that tornado was heartbreaking for me. I am glad that we got married and spent the last five years in San Diego with AJ to be a family and we've been successful. I know we came back to Pine Valley because of Adam's death and so that you can help out Chandler Enterprises with business, but why aren't we back home in San Diego where we belong JR?

JR frowned and looked down.

Babe - Talk to me JR? What's going on?

JR looks back up at Babe.

JR - You're right, we shouldn't be here in Pine Valley anymore with everything going on. We should be in San Diego, continuing to live our lives…but the real reason why were here is because of Chandler Enterprises. The company while it's stabilizing still needs more work to do and it needs a CEO who can lead Chandler Enterprises moving forward…so I heard rumors lately that the Board Of Directors are going to be deciding on who the CEO should be…and since I am Chandler I will be the ones in the running.

Babe, irritated and annoyed at her husband rolls her eyes, shaking her head.

Babe - Are you serious JR? I thought we got over this, the obsession you still have with being in charge of Chandler Enterprises, especially after I came back to you and our son. You do NOT need Chandler Enterprises in order to prove anything. You're nothing like how your father was JR, you're a good person deep down inside, a good father who would do anything for our son. You being the CEO, Chairmen of the Board, or whatever will never change that. You've come so far since we were on our own and raising our son…do you want to ruin that all over again

JR shakes his head.

JR - Look, you know I love you and had the best time of my life It's never easy and will never be, which is why I want to be the CEO of Chandler Enterprises. I want to be something successful as I feel that we've been settling for something and just pretending that everything is okay and even though it is, I want us to have MORE. I know deep down, even though in five years you were the one that successfully headed your own office for Fusion, you crave for more control. You want something more than just the small kind of office…you want to have the big office, the one where you are at the very top which is Fusion.

Babe immediately shakes her head and clenches her teeth.

Babe - Don't turn this back around on me JR, I am not power hungry and ego driven one in this. I was glad to actually be away from Pine Valley with you and our son so that we wouldn't deal with anymore drama in this god for saken town but you decided since your father is dead, let's just come back and plan ahead to the rest of our future in Pine Valley where I don't want to be in!

JR glares at Babe and shakes his head.

JR - You know something Babe, I understand you have your doubts and concerns of what I want to do but it would be nice if you at least supported me in this. I know everyone else would just be suspicious of me becoming CEO of Chandler Enterprises, accusing me of going back to my old ways and being the old JR that people love to hate. Well I guess what…I don't give a damn what everyone thinks, I want to do what is right for the Chandler family and for us Babe…can't you at least try to support me, even if you don't like it?

Babe sighs and puts her hand on JR's shoulder.

Babe - I do support you JR in whatever you do and I have your back. I just want you to be careful and not fall to the wasteside. We've been though a lot together and I am not losing you again.

JR - And you won't loose me…I will tell you what. I will give you some time to think about it and when you are ready, let me know. If you want to stay here in Pine Valley then that's great…but if you want to go back to San Diego then I will honor that choice.

Babe arches her eyebrow.

Babe - Do you mean that JR? When do I need to give an answer to you?

JR takes Babe's hand and gives it a soft squeeze.

JR - When you feel like it Babe, I won't rush you.

JR notices Tad and Dixie talking with other people that they are with.

JR - How about we enjoy the rest of the night together? My mom is with Tad who are talking and chatting with others so we can go over there and greet them too.

Babe smiles.

Babe - That sounds perfect JR…I love you.

JR smiles.

JR - I love you too.

JR and Babe leave the current spot they are in, hand in hand before they proceed to head to where Tad, Dixie and other Pine Valleyians are. The conversation they had though was close enough to not being pleasant and bringing up old memories, the memories that were not good, more the ones that were bitter. For JR he didn't want to slink down to the old JR unless he wanted too, but for Babe, she didn't want to witness another failure in their relationship. For her, she could either make one or two choices that will affect her husband and son moving forward. They can go back to their home in San Diego but they could stay in Pine Valley for the rest of their lives. Something about that second part of JR's proposal made her think about his words of her being at the very top which is the head of Fusion. Babe, who is currently a consultant at Fusion and looks over the current products that they make before selling it to the consumers, was starting think that maybe staying in Pine Valley wouldn't be bad after all. She and JR can rule the business scene in town and no one can touch them….or can they?

[br]

In his cell at the Pine Valley State Penitentiary, there is a man is sitting at the edge of his bed texting on his cell phone as his back was to the viewers so his face is not seen. The elder man who has brown white-ish hair and dressed in orange jail clothes has been in his cell for over now ten years since the last time he crossed paths in Pine Valley. This man wanted to take out his enemies who were in town but was halted thanks to the likes of Tad Martin, Jesse Hubbard, and a couple of others so that the deranged man wouldn't take Angie Hubbard with her. He was even the SOB that was not just responsible for Jesse Hubbard being on the run for twenty years that caused Jesse to fake his death but that's not all. On Jesse and Angie's wedding day reception, the man killed Julia Santos in front of everyone including Kathy Martin, Julia's former adoptive daughter. So after all these years of spending time in prison, there is nothing else for him to live for, right? A guard of the PVSP walks down before stopping at the man's cell before he uses his baton to tap on the bars of his cell.

Guard - Gardner.

The man, who we still can't see his face, lightly turns his head to see the guard as his cell phone was immediately put away.

Gardner - What is it?

Guard - I got a news for you tonight. After living in this hell hole for years…you're going to get released right now.

Gander arches his eyebrow and looks on in confusion.

Gardner - How the hell did that happen?

Guard - The governor gave you a pardon for saving his daughters butt from that mad man Devane. You're a pretty lucky guy to get a pardon while everyone stays here, but anyway, here are your clothes.

The guard throws the bag of clothes down on the floor of his cell near his feat. Picking up the bag, Gardner opened it up and saw a tuxedo, suit, white button shirt, slacks, shock and black shoes. There was also a note in the bag as Gardner took it up and read it.

Gardner - From me to you…get dressed up and ready…we've got a party to catch. See you later…dad.

Smirking, putting the note back into the bag Gardner lightly turns his head to look at the guard again.

Gardner - I need to change before I get out of here…so can you please give a man his privacy?

The guard laughs and shakes his head.

Guard - Whatever you need Gardner, just hurry it up so no one in this prison has to see your face again. Even though you were quite the handful some people wont miss you including myself.

Gardner - Cry me a river will you? I don't need your sympathy or your hurt or even anger for that matter on the issue, just turn around so I can change.

The guard rolls his eyes.

Guard - Alright, have it your way Gardner but remember one thing. When you get out, a wild back of wolves in Pine Valley will be waiting for you.

With the guard turning his back to Gardner out side of his cell, Gardner stood up and started to change from his prison orange jump suit to the clothes that was in the bag. It felt refreshing to get out of the prison stains he wore for over the past ten years and finally he gets out thanks to the pardon from the governor. No one in Pine Valley doesn't even know that Gardner is about to get out and they should be notified right about now. But Robert knows that all of them are going to be shocked when they would see him. From reading the note about a party to catch from his 'son', Robert knew that tonight his return was going to be something that no one would ever forget. Actually he's been plotting and planning of how to get back on each and every one of those idiots since the first day he stepped into the prison after Angie and Jessie's wedding almost became a nightmare. But nonetheless, it's the past and now were in the future, so Robert plans to use this time wisely to make sure everyone in town will be miserable. They won't see it coming and tonight since there is a party at the Crystal Ball, Robert plans to have a 'ball' or drama and mayhem.

[br]

Talking with Olivia and Tom at the Crystal Ball, Derek Frye was glad to be back in Pine Valley for the past five years since Jesse Hubbard stepped down as Chief Of Staff. Derek got the call from the mayor of the town saying that someone with experience is needed to help the PVPD. Derek didn't want to go at first since Danielle lived with him in Hawaii but Danielle persuaded her father to go to Pine Valley as she would be fine in Hawaii by herself. Derek still didn't want to go but he decided that this is what he needed to move forward in his life as he came back to Pine Valley immediately investigating who shot Marissa Tasker at the Chandler Mansion during their event. It lead to different leads but in the end they couldn't find the one who shot her which devastated Marissa's family and friends. Since then Derek has made sure that the police department does not fall behind or get stuck in the middle of some investigation, as cases have been closed after finding what they needed. Laughing at something Olivia told him about Tom, he shakes his head and smiles at the two of them. He loved his sister and brother in law, as he was glad they returned to Pine Valley the same time he did.

Derek - I still can't believe you did that for my sister Tom, that takes a lot of courage to do it.

Tom - What can I say, I love my wife and would do anything for her.

Tom turns and kisses Olivia softly.

Olivia - Why thank you Tom, that's very sweet of you to say.

Derek - Have you two heard from Jamal and Terence? What are they up to these days?

Olivia - Terrence is continuing his medical career overseas in Switzerland while Jamal is in New York being like his mother when it comes to lawering.

Derek looks impressed.

Derek - That's great Liv. I am happy that you're sons are successful and doing well in life.

Tom - How about Danielle? How is she doing? Do you think she'll come back to Pine Valley?

Derek - Danielle has been making me proud. She's a 911 operator and is very dedicated to her job as every day she calls me. Danielle and I talk about her experiences speaking with other people who are in need of help or are in a dire situation. I am very proud of my daughter and the woman she's become.

Olivia - We all have children and family that were proud of. It hasn't been easy but its no surprise that this town brings us back for more.

Tom nods.

Tom - That's right honey. I mean we've all had our good moments and bad moments but both of those makes us stronger in the end. Such as losing Laura…I still miss her after all these years as her death was just…so tragic.

Olivia puts her arm around Tom and kisses his cheek. Tom looks like he is about to cry but stays strong and sighs.

Olivia - I know you do honey. She is looking down on you, happy where she is right now with Phoebe and those who've we lost over the years.

Derek's cell phone rings as he takes it out.

Derek - Chief Frye….yes this is him….who was let out of the Pine Valley State Penitentiary….you have to be kidding me. Why was he let out? A pardon? Okay…thanks for telling me.

Derek ends the call and puts his cell phone away before looking at Olivia and Tom with a worried but frustrated look on his face.

Tom - Are you okay Derek? Who was that on the phone?

Derek - I'll be right back…I need to talk to Tad and Jesse.

Derek spots where Tad and Jesse are as he immediately leaves to see them while Tom and Olivia look on.

Tom - What do you think that was all about?

Derek - I don't know…but I know that look I see from Derek time to time and it's not good.

And Olivia was right sine the call Derek got from the Pine Valley State Penitentiary was indeed something very troubling. The night at the Crystal Ball was turning out just fine but it always takes one thing or one person to ruin everything and it looks like it may happen tonight. But who's this person or former criminal that is making a return at the Crystal Ball of all places? Is this person coming alone or with back up? Derek has to let Tad and Jesse know about this because the two including their families have a right to know what's going on. It may be complicated though as this person who's released has caused pain to Tad and Jesse's families since coming to town ten years ago, someone related to Tad but turned out to be a drug lord instead. There is no telling what this foe, this familiar enemy wants because the guy is unpredictable and a no good bastard. It was a time like this where Derek hated to be the one person in the room to get everything under control. Luckily he still has his officers guarding and securing Wildwind so that nothing gets out of hand outside but inside…that may be different.

[br]

Meanwhile, Tad was just joking with the rest of his family and friends who were with him at the moment. People such as Dixie, Kathy, Jenny, Jake, Amanda, Charlie, Cecily, Nicholas, Phillip, Jesse, Angie, Frankie, Randi, William, Cassandra, Adrian, Pete, Celia, Opal, Jack, Erica, Bianca, JR, Babe, AJ, Mateo, Hayley, Enzo, Christopher, Marissa, and Luis just listened, laughing with Tad of all the stories he could come up of the old days of him back in High School. Tad bringing all of this up was good for The Crystal Ball tonight as no one wanted the mood to be sour and where everyone leaves on a sad note. Tad certainly was glad to where the life he always wanted, to be with Dixie and live the rest of his life with her, his children, including family and friends. That's what Tad has and marrying Dixie in the past five years was something he'll never forget as it was the best moment he experienced, maybe even better than his previous weddings to her. Tad and Dixie's love survived everything when they first met including the times when all went from good to bad, they are still together to this day. As Tad finishes, the others just laugh with him, not at him like they were making fun of Tad 'The Cad' Martin.

Tad - And that's how I one upped Jesse in High School for pranking him back. Boy, he wasn't happy about that.

Jesse smirked and shook his head.

Jesse - You had a knuckle sandwich for what was coming to you Thaddeus. You were dead wrong for doing that prank but to each his own I guess.

William - It sounds like you guys had a lot of fun in your college days but I can only think of what's going to happen when I go to Pine Valley University.

Kathy - You won't be the only one going to PVU William, Jenny and I will be attending there too so we'll be seeing a lot of us there too.

Dixie - Just always know that we'll always support you with whatever you guys decide to do, just don't try anything stupid.

Jenny - We can't have fun?

Angie - Of course you guys can but at the same time be smart and be careful. As long as you guys do that and focus on your studies…the sky is the limit.

Dixie - I just wish that Palmer, Will, and the people they all lost over the years were here tonight at the Crystal Ball.

Opal - Those who are gone Dixie are here tonight in spirit but I know they're probably bored since there's nothing going on right now.

Tad - Ma...maybe she shouldn't jinx it as sometimes events like these don't go over well in the end where everyone is together.

Opal - Oh Tad I wasn't trying to jinx anything but just observing to see that nothing interesting is going on as of now.

Jesse - Nothing to worry guys, Tad and I spoke to Dimitri and Derek earlier. The security at the event is keeping a close eye on things and nothing bad has happen, let's just have a good time.

Derek, who found where Tad and Jesse immediately pushes though the others before he stops.

Derek - Thank god I found you two. I need to tell you both something which is important.

Tad - What's wrong Derek? Sounds like you've been ran over by a big rig truck or something.

Derek - This is serious Tad, it has something to do about someone getting released from the Pennsylvania State Prison. I found out just now as this person was released this evening when the governor of Pennsylvania pardoned him.

Jesse - Who are you talking about?

Gardner - You're lame duck of a police chief is talking about me Hubbard!

Everyone who is with Tad and Jesse turns around to see none other than Robert Gardner (Played By David Rasche). Dixie can't believe what she is seeing, Angie looks where she is looking and is stunned as well. Cassandra, Amanda, Cecily, Hayley and Randi look at what Dixie and Angie are seeing as they react in loud gasps while Tad glares along with Mateo. Christopher, Marisol, Pete, Adrian, Charlie, Jake, William, Jenny, Kathy, Philip, and Nicholas are in disbelief. Jesse and Frankie both react first with surprise and then anger while Opal reacts in shock, then passes out. Grinning slick on his face, Robert looks at everyone and nods his head.

Robert: Well hello everyone…...did you miss me? Then say no more….because I am back but this time...for good.