The Martin Residence (Tad and Dixie's Home)
After he took a shower and dried himself off, Tad Martin made sure he was dressed in slacks, button shirt and shoes before he grabbed most of his things he needed. It was a typical normal day for Tad, who continued working as a Private Investigator with Jesse, Charlie and Adrian after he returned to Pine Valley to look into the case of Koslov. With Jesse's help, they were able to bust the guy and made sure that he faced Justin as the bastard was sentenced to life in prison. When that was taken care of, both Tad and Dixie both worked through their problems and issues before they got married in front of their family and friends. He was glad that Katie was there for the wedding to see both of her parents married in a beautiful ceremony, and since then the three lived the dream that became a reality, being a family like it should have been. Of course, Jamie and JR always visited with their wives and children of their own making Tad and Dixie grandparents, but in the end all of them were family as that will never change. Hearing the doorbell ring, Tad walks downstairs and wonders who was there before he left for Martin and Hubbard Investigations. Stopping at the door, Tad opened it and the expression on his face said it all when he saw this person.
Tad - "Oh my god...it's you..."
That person on the other side of the door outside their home was none other than Robert Gardner (David Rasche), who grinned at the sight of his bastard nephew. This was the man who was not only responsible for Jesse going on the run for twenty years after faking his death, but at Jesse and Angie's wedding renewal he pulled out a gun and shot at Tad when he was on the run. Tad could have died because of him but Papal, he was supposed to be in jail. But what was he doing out here? Do get his revenge?
Robert - "Tad, it's been awhile, hasn't it nephew?"
Tad - "You don't get to call me Robert, not after all you did to me and my family ,and friends. What the hell do you want? And why aren't you in hell called prison?"
Robert puts up his hands and shows Tad he doesn't have any weapons in his hands, but Tad wasn't convinced of the pure innocence he's showing so far. Nah, it wasn't easy for Robert to get past Tad with no weapons, though he was alone and not with anyone else so that was a plus for him supposedly.
Robert - "Now calm down Tad, you got a lot of reason to hate me and I know you're wondering why I am here. If you let me inside I can explain everything, then i'll be on my way out"
Tad - "Not a chance in hell Gardner, I won't let you into this house springing a trap on me. Do you really think I am that dumb to let you come in?"
Tad stood firm and shook his head, not letting him in the home. And why should he? It's a good thing that Dixie, Jenny and Kathy were not here, especially for Kathy, who remembered that day her dad was brought into the hospital after that bullet by Robert hit him in the stomach. Dixie was at the hospital for work and Tad's daughters thankfully were at college orientation at PVU. He understood the news was going to hit them hard so when they get home, all of them had to discuss this and not beat around the bush. Tad would have to call Jamie and JR to tell them both about Robert as well.
Robert - "You don't trust me and I get that Tad. All I am asking is that we talk before moving forward. You don't want to start a scene between the two of us in front of your neighborhood do you?"
Tad chuckled and shook his head.
Tad - "Honestly 'Uncle' , I feel like punching and kicking your ass all over Pine Valley after what you did to me. Your sadistic animal who only cares about yourself and no one else, but I knew you were no good when you 'saved' Jesse after kidnapping Frankie and Colby. But since I am the better man...I will let you in, but if you hurt me in any way...law enforcement will be the least of your worries"
Moving out of the way, Tad allowed Robert to come inside before closing the door but he still hated this. Tad didn't know all the answers yet and while Robert was going to tell him, he knew his uncle didn't come here to Pine Valley, out of all places to visit his nephew. The man had a vendetta and for all he knew, Robert was here to finish the damn job on Tad. Quickly taking out his cell phone, Tad texted Dixie and let her know what's going on since he was at the hospital, then gave Jesse the word through text too about Robert as well. Tad knew Jesse would tell Angie but with something like this, it had to be announced on WRCW News at this point. This was going to change everything in Pine Valley whether anyone likes it or not. Robert on the other hand knew Tad wasn't happy but he didn't give a damn, he was back in Pine Valley and this time it was going to be for good. Tad, just like everyone else didn't know anything else about his release , but it wasn't Robert's fault they were not told earlier. As the two men walk into the living room, Robert stops and turns around facing Tad, who kept his eyes on the man who nearly succeeded in killing him but still not happy to see him.
Pine Valley Hospital
The Chief Of Staff in Angela Hubbard made her rounds and checked her patients in each room at the hospital she's worked in for a long time. Nothing changes when it comes to Pine Valley Hospital and that was good, especially for Angie who went through a lot in this hospital but in Pine Valley. From losing Jesse, moving on with her life with Jacob, splitting up, then later she comes back to this town and reunites with the man she loves the most. Angie was just thankful to still be in this town and have her family with her, even finding out about Frankie's son, her grandson in William Saunders Hubbard. He was a handsome man who was about to enter his first year in college right here in Pine Valley for PVU and Angie was so happy for him. Frankie did tell his parents about William as they were shocked , even disappointed that they didn't get the chance to meet him when he was born, but now all was well. All finished with her rounds, Angie went to the break room so she could make a cup of coffee and sit down. When she came to the room the first thing on the TV screen was WRCW News reporting about one of Jessie and Angie's enemies.
Voice - "This is Stephanie Lei reporting from the Pine Valley Correctional Facility and there's big news to announce. The FBI has just announced, former drug lord Robert Gardner was released this morning. We'll announce more details as we get them but right now, this is Stephanie Lei for WRCW News"
Pissed by this news, her cell phone goes off before she puts her stuff down on the table. Taking it out, she saw an incoming phone call from the Chief Of Police, Derek Frye, as Angie sighed in annoyance. There was also a text message from Tad but she figured it was about Robert's release but the phone call from Derek was important first since he was from law enforcement.
Angie - *Mumbles*"Perfect time to call Derek"
Angie presses the accept button and puts her phone next to her ear. Then she hears his voice as she frowns with Derek explaining what happened with Robert's release which felt like it was a lot to take in.
Angie - "Derek hi, it's Angie...yes I know, I know about Robert...okay but thank you for letting me know. If anything happens you'll be the first we call...don't worry I will give my husband the heads up and make sure he hasn't busted Robert's face up...thank you Derek, bye"
Ending the call she could hear Dixie's frantic voice outside of the room and Angie can already tell her friend was not going to like what she just heard. Hell, no one in Pine Valley was going to love the fact that the man who took her husband away from his family, is back to cause more trouble. Seeing Dixie immediately rush into the room Angie could see the panic written all over her face, so Angie in her way had to do damage control.
Dixie - "Angie, thank god I found you right now-"
Angie - "I heard Dixie, about Robert. Derek just called me and said he would give me more information later on. He should be calling you too so just remember that. But id you find out just now as well?"
Dixie - "Yes I did, I saw it on one of the screens in a patient's room when I walked by. Why the hell would they release that...that monster after what he did to you, Jesse, and...and Tad? What if he comes after you guys, even me?"
Angie walks up to Dixie and places her hands on her shoulders, smiling at her friend who was worried about her family and Tad about Gardner. There had to be someone who can help bring confidence but a sense of awareness too, so that's where Angie comes in.
Angie - "Listen to me, we're going to get through this, ALL of us will. Robert Gardner can try all he wants but he will NOT break us down. We're strong Dixie, you, me, Tad, Jesse, this town will overcome him again, you have my word"
Slowly nodding her head, Dixie hugged her head though it didn't shake the worry of what Angie still has in her mind when it comes to Robert. She thought Robert was one of the good guys and one of the men that saved Jesse because of 'Papal' to find out on her wedding day he was really Papal. Kidnapping Angie and taking her hostage, the man didn't care at all of what he did, he just wanted the diamond and that was it. It took a Herculean effort on Jesse's effort to jump across the damn building and on to the helicopter when Robert was about to take off with Angie. While it was stupid, Angie knew Jesse would do anything to save her and make sure she was okay which he did. But even when Robert was taken away in handcuffs after they made sure the helicopter landed safely, Angie thought they saw the last of him. But no, they didn't at all and as of right now, Angie wished she could have been able to kill him when she had the chance in the helicopter. Knowing Jesse, he would have talked her down and offered to kill him himself but again Angie won't let that happen...not even now if Gardner walks into the room with a gun in his hand. But how was this going to work with Robert out of prison? How would they be living their lives from here on out?
Krystal's
Pulling up to Krystal's restaurant, Jesse parks his car and gets out before he takes in the beautiful sight of Pine Valley and the people walking by, talking, on their bicycles riding throughout the town, etc. This town called Pine Valley never changed, even when the drama in this town never settled down, Jesse loved it. He's been through a lot to get where he is right now in his life, from being on the run after Robert Gardner faked his death to reuniting with Angel and going through the hoops during their marriage. Jesse put Angie through a lot and he had his regrets for almost risking her career as a doctor and as a Chief Of Staff for PVH at times. He was lucky to still have him and their family and friends in their lives. Charlie and Adrian were at Hubbard and Martin Investigations as they needed something to eat so Jesse offered to get a box of donuts and other things. The last time Tad texted Jesse, he basically said he was going to be on his way to the office so Jesse knew Tad needed something to fill his stomach for the time being. Locking the doors to his car, Jesse walks inside of Krystal's and up to the counter. Then he saw the sight of Robert Gardner on TV walking out of prison with a media personnel catching up to him before he got in a limo that drove away.
Jesse - "Oh hell no...him again?"
Jesse's anger started to bubble up and you could tell he hated the fact that Papal, Gardner himself was released. Babe Carey, Krystal's daughter who took over the restaurant after Krystal left town with David, saw Jesse watching the news of the man who was a threat to him and others in town. Babe knew how much pain Robert put Jenny's father through and Jesse didn't deserve to see that or better yet, Gardner unexpectedly walked into the restaurant to disturb others.
Babe - "Uh...Jesse...hey...let me change that for you"
Immediately Charlotte approached the TV and pressed the button to change channels to another station. Jesse's anger started to calm down but just a little bit, though the sight of Robert and that headline from WRCW news just made him want to go to that prison so that Jesse can throw him back in his cell .
Jesse - "Thanks Babe...I needed that, but I still can't understand this. How can one criminal like him get a free ticket out of the slammer?"
Babe - "I got no idea, but maybe you, Tad and the rest of the gang could investigate it. And who knows what you guys find, maybe something that can put him back into the slammer"
Jesse - "Hmm...sounds like a job for Pine Valley's finest...but anyway I would like to have a box of donuts and four cups of coffee please. This is for me and the guys Babe "
Charlotte - "Sure thing, but for now just cool your jets just have a seat Jesse and I will make sure you get everything you need. Okay? And don't do anything stupid too, Angie doesn't need a phone call about you getting arrested"
Jesse - "You read my mind Charlotte but don't worry, I will be on my best heavier, you have my word on that"
Babe smiled and winked at Jesse in a friendly manner before going to the kitchen to make the order for him. Jesse sat down on the chair near the counter and took out his phone immediately to text Angie but the moment she sees a text from him he reads it. Sighing in relief, Angie was okay and was talking to Dixie at Pine Valley Hospital, but Jesse couldn't stop thinking of what would've happened if Gardner came into that hospital. Angela would lose it on Robert and slap him in the face though would never do anything to destroy her reputation for her job at the hospital. While Jesse was sitting back and thinking of what to do next, this woman who had a scarf wrapped around her head and wore sunglasses came into Krystal's. Immediately noticing Jesse who had her back turned to her, still thinking of Gardner as the woman takes a seat at a free table when someone else who used it left after he finished eating and paying his bill. A waiter walks up to this woman and welcomes her before giving her a menu. Telling the waiter what she wanted a diet coke the waiter left to attend to someone else as the mysterious woman kept her eyes on Jesse. Whoever she is, she didn't come here for an occasional visit to Pine Valley, the lady is here for something or someone.
Krystal's
Giving the woman her drink and croissant with a napkin, the woman thanked the waiter as he watched Jesse who was on the phone texting Angie and still waiting on what he ordered. She could see Jesse was upset but she couldn't blow her cover and talk to him. But why? She could just get up and reveal herself to him, though she can't trust him. She's been almost betrayed by those she came across over the years while being on the run and away from the horrible drug syndicate that's almost destroyed her life. Fortunately for her, she's still fighting and still doing what she can to bring them to justice. She wasn't giving up but she wished that she wasn't alone that much. Of course, the lady has a family of her own but she couldn't risked their lives or have them killed over this. She would never forgive herself and probably would like to die next so that the pain and being on the run can end. All of this made her go into the Witness Protection Program but the threat came too closer to her, causing her to loose her husband. The two of them were supposed to have their entire life together and start their own family but nope. Hell, she had a secret that not even her husband, not even her family knows as Babe comes back with the box of donuts and cups of coffee.
Babe - "Here you go Jesse, a box of donuts and the cups of coffee you wanted. They're all in the bag right there"
Jesse smiles and takes the bag from Babe before looking inside to make sure everything was in there. Nodding his head, Jesse approves but Babe suddenly noticed the mysterious woman who looked at Jesse, who just looked away while sipping on her drink.
Jesse - "Yep, everything looks good hear, this should keep them busy for the rest of the day while they work. Thanks Babe"
Babe - "Um...I am sorry? Were you saying something?"
Jesse - "I was just thanking you for the order, it looks good to me"
Babe - "Oh okay, sure, no problem, you don't have to thank me Jesse..."
Jesse realized Babe was distracted and oddly looking at someone as he turned his head before looking around Krystal's.
Jesse - "Something wrong Babe?"
Babe was about to say something until she could see the woman who was here had left suddenly which was strange to her.
Babe - "Ah...oh never mind Jesse, just nothing, I thought I saw someone here a couple minutes ago"
Jesse - "Same here...thank god it wasn't Gardner. Lord knows someone would have to pull me back from making a mistake. Anyway, how's your mother?"
Babe - "She's well, she called me the other night and told me how daddy is always sweeping momma off of her feet every single day. But you better get out of here Jesse before Robert comes in and gets in your face. Just make sure to tell Tad and the guys to stay out of trouble"
Jesse - *Grins* "Since when do we get in any trouble? Or stay out of it? Anyway, see you later Babe tell Krystal we said hi...including David too"
Jesse and Babe wave at one another before Jesse leaves with the bag of the boxed donuts and the cups of coffee. Babe smile slowly went away as her mind started to think of the mysterious woman she saw earlier before she suddenly left Krystal. Walking over to the table, she saw the tip that was left by her but also there was a note before taking it off the table. It says, 'you've never seen me before and you never will see me again', which left Babe startled a little by the message that the lady obviously wrote. But who was she? Was she someone that Babe or anyone in Pine Valley knew about? That was the main question, and would Babe ever see her again if she stopped by Krystal's? Shaking her head, she started to check on her staff as outside, the mysterious women watches Jesse gets in his car with everything before he leaves to head back to Martin and Hubbard Investigations. Following Jesse, she knows where to go for help if things get out of hand. That is if the drug syndicate doesn't come back to Pine Valley, not all of them including Kathy who's been through enough as a child. She doesn't know the whole story too and it was going to be hard to tell all of them as the lady calls for a cab and tells the driver where to go as the cab drives to her destination.
Pine Valley Hospital
Sitting at the table twiddling her thumbs a little bit while Angie was making coffee for the two of them, Dixie was calm but in the back of her mind still worried of Robert Gardner's return. The people her and Tad came across in the past never were able to keep them a part for long. Now of course, there were always those heartbreaking times when one of them died, they always came back to each other. But Dixie remembered the time after she made her return from the grave so to speak, Tad filled her in on everything he's been through when Dixie wasn't around. Mentioning Robert Gardner, his role in nearly ruining Jesse and Angie's lives, even shooting Tad when they were about to rescue Angie almost devastated Dixie. Because of Robert, Tad almost wouldn't be here today but it was Dixie's spirit that rescued her husband and stood by her side while Tad was fighting to survive. The love that she has with Tad was going to be tested again but Robert wasn't going to crush them again at all. The same goes for Angie and Jesse, and the other people who were together in Pine Valley. Finishing the two cups of coffee, Angie turns off the coffee maker and gives Dixie her cup of coffee before she takes it, then Angie sits down.
Angie - "Here, you need this to keep your strength up since you look almost pale"
Dixie - "Thanks but I am not pale at all Angie, you know I am worried about that...that monster of a man back to haunt us all"
Angie - "He doesn't scare me that much. Yeah, he's got a menacing look and a menacing smile but I can smack both off of his face with a quickness"
Dixie - "And next thing you know he'll pull out a gun on you when you're not looking. Robert is unpredictable from what Tad told me"
Angie - "Well he can do whatever he wants but Robert doesn't own us or demand us of anything. You and I, Tad and Jesse...we can overcome him"
Dixie - "But how?"
Angie - "We need to be strong and hold our heads up high whenever Robert sees us, or when he's walking throughout the hospital walls acting like he's the big man on campus"
Dixie - "Oh don't me started Angie. You know he's going to be snooping around here looking for some dirt on us and everyone else at the hospital"
Angie - "Well I am not going to give him any kind of attention, as a matter of fact, I will make sure to alert security and tell them to NOT let him in"
Dixie - "I know you will...I just hope this time around Robert does slip up and is thrown back in jail. When that happens, I am going to be laughing all the way to the bank"
Both woman laugh.
Angie - "Now that's more like it Dixie. Let's make a toast...to the end of Robert Gardner and his troublesome ways...whenever that may be"
Dixie - "I'll drink to that"
Angie and Dixie clink their cups before they started to drink as out of the two of them Dixie felt more at east from talking to her friend. She wanted nothing to do with Robert but it's obvious he wasn't going away any time soon until someone takes him out. But that wasn't going to be Dixie at all, her main focus was on her daughter, Kathy and yes, even Tad. She did not want Tad to risk everything to take Robert down, because it's not good for him, Dixie, Kathy and Jenny too. They had to be a united front against Robert and anyone who's on his side. Dixie and Angie were woman who couldn't be bought or paid to be blackmailed or threaten. They would do the right thing and either call the police or defend themselves against Robert. Angie could tell that the moment when she gets home, her and Jesse would have to call Frankie and Randi to discuss about Robert. Same thing for Dixie when she comes home as well, and if she had to bet, JR was probably watching the news and hearing about Robert. Jamie, Tad's son, is a doctor who works at PVH so he's probably in the surgery room to help a patient. Taking out her cell phone, Dixie immediately see's a text from Tad and starts to reply.
The Martin Residence (Tad and Dixie's Home)
Standing in the living room of Tad's home and locking eyes with him, Robert understood there was no love lost between the two of them. That man was his nephew , the one he shot on that night when everything went straight to hell. Tad could of died because of Robert and the older man had no feelings, no regret, no second thinking before he went on that helicopter with a knocked out Angie. Does Robert have regrets still about that incident and shooting Tad, killing him to be exact? Well, that was up to Robert to answer and tell his nephew but one way or another, Tad wasn't interested in hearing any weak apology that comes out of his mouth. Robert came here to tell Tad what's going on and he deserves to know the truth. Heck, Robert deserves to tell everyone the truth in Pine Valley, those he hurt but the man wasn't looking for sympathy or anything like that. Tad couldn't stand the sight of him, hell, he would love to throw this man out on his freaking ass but no, Tad was going to stand here and wait for Robert to talk. Crossing his arms, Tad was starting to be impatient with this fool standing in his home and staring at him. Was this guy going to speak or just say nothing?"
Tad - "Well...say something, don't waste my time uncle Robert"
Robert - "Fine, I will get down to the point. I was released thanks to the FBI, they needed my help with looking for drug dealers that I know of from the past to take them down, but I didn't agree to it right away"
Tad - "Oh I see...you basically wanted a deal, a get away free card from prison? Very crafty and smart coming from a bastard like you"
Robert - "You know me Tad, I get what I want regardless and in the end, I got what was needed. When giving the FBI the information they needed, it was signed, sealed and delivered for me. Which is why I got released"
Tad side eyes Robert and tilts his head. There was more to Robert's explanation, Tad just knew it because all of what he said may be good on paper, but he's hiding something.
Tad - "Are you sure about that? Who did you get to sleep with in order to get out of prison?"
Robert chuckled and shook his head.
Robert - "Oh Thaddeus, you're always the jokester of this town aren't you? Sounds like you got a lot of jokes but what I am telling you is the truth"
Tad - "Your truth doesn't matter to me Robert, as a matter of fact I don't even care you got out, but you're here now. At least you can cut and run with your tail tucked between your legs"
Robert - "I'm not going anywhere Tad, not like that because I have my own plans for this town. There's some big plans I got involved that doesn't involve you and the others, so I think it's best if we stay out of each other's cross hairs"
Tad - "And if I don't...?"
Robert walks up and gets in Tad's face with a serious look in his eyes that didn't even phase Tad. Tad has been up against the best of them in the past and while Tad has gotten knocked down before, he always got back up.
Robert - "Just don't cross me son, because if you do you won't like what...dirty secrets might come out. Who knows? It may just make you a disgraced man"
Tad - "I am not scared of you or anyone else of your goon squad...just get out. Stay the hell away from me and my family, Jesse, Angie...no one's scare of you"
Robert had that nasty grin on his face before he left the living room and walked out of the house with Tad following him from behind. Tad made sure to slam the door on his way out before he leans back against it briefly and closed his eyes, taking a deep breath because man, that was so painful even for him to experience. Turning around, Tad watched him through the door hole get inside of a limo as the chauffeur closes the door once Robert went inside. The chauffeur of the limo himself steps into the drivers seat and starts up the limo before he drove off, but Tad knew sure that he wasn't the last of his dastardly uncle. Robert was going to be up in people's grills, bothering them and getting in their faces, trying to antagonize them even without throwing the first punch. Shaking his head, Tad walks out of the house and locks the door so he can go to work, but he was for sure going to talk about this with the fellas. Especially for Jesse who remembers all the pain Gardner put them through as Tad got in his car and left to head to Martin and Hubbard Investigations. Briefly looking at his cell phone he saw the text Dixie sent him, relieved that his wife, was okay...for now at least.
END OF EPISODE 1