Caroline helped herself to some avocado dip, as she listened to Maria Santelli's chatter about starting as a political science major at Sweet Valley University. I'm glad I didn't go straight to college from high school, Maria was saying.

Uh huh, Caroline replied, her mind elsewhere. She spotted Lila Fowler sitting by the pool, her face stone cold.

So did you hear about Lila,? Maria asked, sipping her punch. Can you imagine, she's not really a Fowler? I couldn't believe it when I saw it in Back Valley. And then the other papers picked up the story too! Poor Lila.

Poor? Caroline cocked her brow, her attention restored.

You know what I mean, Maria replied. It's hard, having the rug pulled out from under you like that.

Yes I know, Caroline replied, nodding her head. But you know Lila, she has enough cash to wipe up all her tears. And... I hear she and Roger Patman are pretty chummy these days.

Well they don't look chummy now, Maria said, looking in Roger's direction. He's here with that blonde that he showed up with to Lila's New Year's party, and she's sitting there trying to pretend she's not looking at him. Maria giggled. Remember how hung up he was on Lila in high school?

Who was hung up on Lila,? the voice of Heather Malone broke into the conversation.

Oh, hi Heather, Maria said. It's Roger. Roger Patman. He used to have a massive crush on Lila.

Really,? Heather said. Well that's interesting.

Yeah he did, Caroline added. It was before you moved to Sweet Valley Heather, she confirmed.

I see. I never got to know him well, Heather said. But, he always seemed more quiet than Bruce. Definitely the nicer Patman.

That's because he didn't grow up as a Patman, Maria laughed. He never learned the arts of bragging and showing off like Bruce did from birth.

Well, he certainly is cute, Heather said, sizing him up. Better looking than before. And quite the runner from what I remember. Maybe I can invite him to my gym one of these days. To teach him a new sport.

Oh I bet you will, Maria remarked knowingly, as the three young women giggled. I have to say Heather, you've really done well for yourself. Every Mom I know wants to sign her kids up for gymnastics class. You know, I've gotten so lazy, I can't even make myself do a cartwheel these days.

Well, my parents helped, Heather replied. I could never have done it on my own.They put pretty much everything into buying the space. You ought to come by then Maria, to sharpen your skills. You too Caroline.

I'm actually expanding and hiring new trainers, she continued. I'm going to start adult classes soon. It's a lot of fun, but hard work.

Well, everyone knows I always loved to exercise my mouth more than my body, Caroline joked, causing her companions to laugh loudly.

But maybe one day I'll try it.

I heard that Tender Hands Parlor just opened a branch right across the gym,Maria informed them. Which, Heather, she said pointedly, I will probably need a session there after two minutes of one of your infamous warm ups. They have so many people going in for massages and spa treatments at the Valley Mall, so they decided to serve downtown as well. It's right next to the plastic surgeon's office.

Oh yeah, Caroline said suddenly.I think Enid Rollins works there now. Come to think of it, I saw her and Dr Ray having a drink at Lila's place the other day. They looked pretty cozy. Very cozy. In fact, I think they're dating!

She does work there, Maria replied.That's who I found out about the opening from. And good for her if she's smooching with the doctor. He sure is cute.

She grabbed a couple of chips and bit down on one. I haven't forgotten your dictatorship at cheerleading practice Heather. And the horrible diet you put us on.

It got results didn't it?Heather said. You couldn't have asked for a better captain.

Co captain, Maria corrected her. You and Jessica shared the duties.

Unfortunately, Heather muttered. Speaking of which, she looked in Jessica's direction. I can't believe she married Todd Wilkins. I always knew that girl was a snake. Elizabeth was always too Spic and Span for me, but at least she was nice. Too nice. But Jessica, Heather shuddered. She shook her curly blonde ponytail.

Cold... Just cold. Just look at the way she's talking to Ken.

And look at the skirt she's wearing, Heather remarked, conveniently ignoring that her own skirt was at the most, an inch longer.

She's acting like she's not even married and Ken isn't a newlywed. She motioned to Jessica, who was talking animatedly with Ken and Todd.

Well, Maria shrugged, Liz was always a friend to me. And Jessica...Jessica has always been, ummm, flirtatious. I guess I was lucky…that Winston wasn't her type.

Flirtatious is one way of putting it, Caroline added.

So I read about Lila, Heather changed the subject, as she poured herself some lemon water. I almost feel sorry for her, with everyone finding out about her real father. I wonder how it all came out?

You can thank me for that! Caroline thought gleefully. She remembered the day when she confirmed that Gerald Baker was Lila's biological father...


She had woken up, early in the morning, the day after she overheard Lila and Roger's conversation, just itching to find out if any of it was true.

I'll just have to go over there, Caroline had said to herself, and kissed a still sleeping Flynn on the cheek. An idea began to form in her head as she got out of the bed and made her way into the kitchen for some coffee.

Maybe I can get to talk to him, whoever this Gerald guy is. See what's the real story. Maybe…..maybe I can get a picture! That's right. I'll borrow Flynn's high resolution camera and see if I can somehow get a shot of him. I'll just have to call work and tell them I can't come in today.

Caroline put her coffee cup down, and went into the bathroom to start preparing for the day. She then called work and convinced her manager that she was catching a cold. After finding the camera, she stood at the hallway mirror and put on her sunblock.

Lila either meant the Valley Inn restaurant, or that no tell motel that I wouldn't bring my dog to. It has to be the motel! Valley Inn restaurant is a decent place. If she's so ashamed of this guy, then there's no way she'd take him to the restaurant. Now how am I going to do this? Think Caroline…

I'll drive to the hotel and wait for Lila to show up, she decided. She did say she'd be meeting him today. I wonder if she's left home yet?

She got into the car and drove downwards towards Fowler Crest. She stopped in front of the iron gates, and could make out a white Mercedes in the driveway. So Lila hasn't left yet…

What if she changes her mind? What if she never even goes to the hotel? I can't sit there all day, waiting!

Oh yes you can Caroline,! she encouraged herself. You can and you will!

She tossed her red hair behind her shoulder. Anything for a story had always been Caroline's motto. She loved getting the dirt, the dirtier the better. And this had potential to be a mud pit! She just had to make sure that she had heard Roger and Lila correctly. So what if she had to sit for a couple of hours, waiting for Lila to show up.

And if she doesn't, well, I can always see if anyone comes out of the hotel that looks like a potential relative…..

Half an hour later, Caroline arrived at the Valley Inn and parked on the side street, where she had a view of the entire complex. Not that there was much to it. She took out her boyfriend's camera, and focused, taking a couple of test shots. After fifteen minutes, she began to get bored, and turned on the radio to her favorite station….


Maybe I should go, Caroline sighed, after four hours in the car. She was hungry, her backside hurt from sitting so long, and she was beginning to think that she had imagined Roger and Lila's conversation. The day was warmer than usual, and a headache was beginning to form.

She had already eaten the granola bar that she had found in the car's side pocket when her belly growled in agony.

Maybe if I go to the chicken place I saw up the street…. I can pick up something. Then I can come back. Although I don't know if I should eat in any place in this neighborhood. They probably serve rat meat and pass it off as chicken nuggets! Maybe I should make Flynn take me to the other Valley Inn tonight, as a reward for investigating this hopefully delicious scandal.

She was just about to turn the key in the ignition when a white Mercedes pulled up into the hotel's parking lot.

Caroline's heart started beating like a drum when she saw who was in the vehicle. It was Lila for sure, with her mother sitting next to her. Roger was nowhere to be seen. A ha! So they've arrived. Let's see what happens next.

After about ten minutes of what looked to be a heated conversation, Lila opened her door and got out. Caroline's hands took on a mind of their own as they picked up the camera and began snapping away.

Let's see if I'll get anything good, she said, as she focused and clicked. Grace also got out of the car, and Caroline did her best to take shots of the two moving figures. She saw Lila walking up the stairs to room 405.

Hmmm, that must be where he's staying.

The door opened and a man stood in the doorway. He ushered the two women inside, and the pair entered, shutting the door behind them.

What I would give to be a fly on that wall right now, Caroline said aloud. Ten minutes later, Lila and her mother emerged from the room, got into the Mercedes, and practically flew out of the parking lot. They drove near Caroline, who ducked in her vehicle, hoping they wouldn't see her. Caroline sat upright, and smoothed her hair.

I need to see this man up close. Now how am I going to get him to talk to me? And what will I say to him? Come on Caroline, think!

She looked to the passenger seat, and opened a shopping bag, full of goodies, that were intended for Flynn. There were moisturizers, lotions, aftershave, colognes, all of them in tiny bottles and tubes. They were commonly given out as samples at Lytton and Brown, and she had gotten a large stash from her manager at work.

I usually work in the gentlemen's active wear section. But today, Caroline grinned, I'll be doling out the cosmetics….

She placed some of the contents into a smaller bag, got out of the car and locked her door, then climbed the steps to room 405. She knocked on the door, and after a half minute, it swung open. Caroline's jaw almost dropped when she saw the person in front of her. This was a relative of Lila's, no doubt about it. He had the same color eyes, but it wasn't just the color that struck her. It was the overall shape of his face.

So it's true, she thought to herself.

Hi, she started, flashing him a winning smile. She stuck out a friendly hand for him to shake. She knew she wasn't a beauty queen, but she was attractive enough to sway a middle aged man.

Please sir, she said in her kindest voice, can I have a moment of your time? I'm Emmeline. I'm handing out free samples from my job. And your name sir?

You're not a cop are you,? the man asked suspiciously.

Of course not, Caroline giggled, trying her hardest to sound cute.

Well, he said, examining her. The names Gerald. And I can't afford it, whatever it is. I don't want any, he said, lighting a cigarette.

Oh no, Caroline said, I'm not selling anything. She opened the bag and allowed him to look in at the contents. From the doorway she got a glimpse of the room inside, which was sparsely decorated, with old and tired furniture. And the bed! Yuck,! Caroline thought to herself.

It's all free, no purchase necessary, she continued. She looked up at him with her brightest smile. We're giving these samples out, to gather interest in our products.

I can't buy anything, Gerald said, his brown eyes hesitant.

Oh, it's no problem. You can keep them. This one, she held up a small tube, it's bath gel, it moisturizes your skin, and it doesn't have that soapy residue. And the smell….. She opened the tube and sniffed. She moved her hand towards him and held it under his nose, letting him get a whiff. Very masculine don't you think? These are really high end products. For a gentleman with refined tastes.

It's nice, Gerald agreed, nodding his head slowly. You know, I do like the finer things in life, he stated, as he ran his fingers along his chin.

I bet you have a special lady in your life, Caroline grinned, in her most flirtatious voice.

Well….no, Gerald said. My lady and I, we call it quits. He took a drag of his cigarette and smoothed his greasy hair with his other hand. That means I'm available, he said, winking at her. He gave her his sexiest look. You know….he nodded, giving Caroline a closer look. I've always liked redheads.

Caroline gave him a coy laugh. She was tempted to ask him to allow her to take a picture. But there was no way to do it. He would get suspicious of her right away.

She handed him the small shopping bag. Well…. I have to go. It was nice to meet you Gerald, she said, shaking his hand again. More than you'll ever know, she added silently.

Enjoy your samples,! she called out, as she walked down the stairs and into her car.

She watched as he closed the door and settled in her seat. Now what?

Lila had said that he'd been in jail. And his last name was Barker? No Baker… definitely Baker. I'm going to have to go to the police department and access their data bases. I'll need to find out what Lila's new daddy got into trouble for….

Two hours later, Caroline's hunger was completely forgotten as she sated her appetite for gossip. Caroline couldn't believe her luck. It hadn't taken long for her to find all the dirt on Gerald Baker. He and his gang had committed a series of armed robberies about fifteen years ago, and had been sentenced to prison for fifteen years. Gerald had served less time than he was sentenced for, and had gotten out for good behavior.

This is going to be a juicy story! Caroline mused, as she read more of the file.

I wonder if there are newspaper articles about this? There must be. I'll go to the library and access the Valley News' microfiche. She drove from the station to the public library and walked straight to the catalog research section. After about a half hour of searching the various crime blotters throughout the years, Caroline struck gold. She had found a picture of Gerald and his gang of crooks. She searched further and found individual pictures of all of them. In his picture, Gerald Baker appeared a lot younger, and the resemblance to Lila was even more obvious. She scanned all the articles about Gerald's crimes, and then printed copies of his picture.

Flynn and his dad are going to love this! Good job, Caroline, she smiled, wanting to pat herself on the back…..


And Winston's looking to co own the Dairi Burger, Maria interrupted her thoughts, bringing her back to the present. John Doherty, wants to retire. Winston's going to get some help from his parents so he can take a loan out and buy his half.

Oh really? Caroline responded in a distracted voice. I thought John would run that place forever, she told Maria.

She caught Lila's eye and gave her a smirk across the pool.

Her highness has been dethroned. And I'm the one who knocked her off it!...