"It just doesn't feel real," Mariah said, as she sat at a table, in Crimson Lights.

"I feel so sad," Summer said, sitting across from her.

"I can't believe we will never see Kyle again," Mariah said.

"Oh.." Summer groaned, in despair.

"Maybe we shouldn't talk about this," Mariah said.

"What else are we going to discuss?" Summer said, "I can't think about anything else. I can't sleep, I can't work."

"We all miss him," Mariah said.

Looking out across the room, Summer stared in surprise as Kyle entered through the patio doors. Noticing her expression, Mariah said, "What is it?"

As Kyle walked towards her, Summer's excitement dissipated as she realized she had not seen Kyle, but it was Fen.

"Hi," Fen said, pulling up a chair, next to Summer. Noticing Summer fidgeting, Fen said, "You okay?"

Summer nodded. "I just…I thought…when I saw you, I thought for a moment you were…Kyle."

"Sorry," Fen said.

"Now I'm imagining things," Summer said.

"It's not just you," Mariah said, "Sometimes I think I see him and when I get closer it's someone else."

"How are you holding up?" Fen said.

"Horribly," Mariah said.

"Believe it or not, I miss him too," Fen said.

"I can't wrap my head around how this happened," Mariah said, "Who would do this to Kyle?"

"I think we all know who we can point a finger at," Fen said, "I don't understand why they haven't arrested Austin yet."

"It wasn't him," Summer said.

"How can you say that?" Fen said, "No one hates Kyle more than him."

"Yeah, I'm with Fen," Mariah said, "It's no secret Austin was out to get him."

"Austin has to wear an ankle monitor, remember?" Summer said, "He told me if he takes one step out of place he gets sent back to jail. He couldn't have done this."

"What do you mean he told you?" Fen said, "When did you talk to him?"

"The day I found out Kyle was missing, I suspected Austin was at fault," Summer said, "So I went to his apartment and confronted him."

"You went alone?" Fen said, "And didn't tell me?"

"I can take care of myself," Summer said, "I didn't say anything because I knew you would be upset."

"Of course I'm upset," Fen said, "Austin is too dangerous to be spending time with alone. If we are going to be in this relationship and living together, I need you to not keep stuff like this from me."

"I know, I'm sorry," Summer said, "I was just so angry, I was ready to tear him apart. Though, I have to say, I believed Austin when he claimed his innocence on this one."

"You're living together?" Mariah said.

"Yeah, we just moved into our own apartment," Fen said, "It's a really great place. We would have had a moving in celebration, except no one feels much like a party right now."

Spying Tessa, entering the coffeehouse, Summer sighed, "Oh, no. What is she doing here?"

"Umm…she's with me," Mariah said.

"Excuse me?" Fen said.

Tessa walked over to them and said, "Hi. Is it okay if I join you?"

"Actually…" Summer started.

"Of course," Mariah interjected.

"What is this?" Summer said, "Are you two back together?"

"Yes, Mariah has forgiven me and we are trying to make things work," Tessa said.

"After everything she's done?" Summer said.

"What goes on in our relationship, is between me and Tessa," Mariah said.

"Your more forgiving than I am," Fen said.

"I would like to be friends, with anyone who is willing to try," Tessa said, "Anyway, you all seemed in deep conversation when I arrived. What were you talking about?"

"Kyle," Summer said, "How we all miss him."

"And how your no good brother could be involved," Fen said.

"I can see how you would go there," Tessa said, "But Austin had nothing to do with this."

"I expected you would defend him," Fen said.

"At first, I suspected him too," Tessa said, "After talking to him, I believe he is not the one who did this horrible thing to Kyle."

"He's got you and Summer convinced," Fen said.

"Austin is under house arrest," Tessa said, "So tell me, how did he go after Kyle?"

"He could have paid someone off to do his dirty work for him," Fen said.

Everyone stared at Fen. "He could have done that," Summer agreed.

"If Austin wants something done, he does it himself," Tessa said.

"Except when he can't," Summer said, "Your beloved brother could be responsible for doing the most awful thing to Kyle! Don't you even care that he's gone?"

"I feel terrible about all this," Tessa said, "But all you can do is point fingers."

"You can't blame us," Fen said.

"Would you all please stop fighting!" Mariah said, "We are wasting our time and disrespecting Kyle's memory with all this bickering. When what we should be doing is finding his…who did this to him."

"The police are investigating," Summer said.

"We should be doing something," Mariah said, "Like set up a campaign for justice. Put up flyers with pictures of Kyle, to see if anyone knows anything or saw something. Maybe we could encourage someone to come forward."

"How about if we put something online?" Fen said, "We could do a video with a plea for information."

"That's a good idea," Summer said, "We could talk about Kyle and how much he meant to his family and friends."

"Speaking of family we should get Rachel in the video," Tessa said, "A plea from his wife for someone to reveal themselves, would make a bigger impact than any of us could."

"Yeah, maybe," Fen said, "Especially if she mentions the baby."

"Did you say baby?" Summer said.

"What are you talking about?" Tessa said.

Looking around at all three of them, Fen said, "Oh…none of you heard."

"Heard what?" Mariah said, "Is Rachel pregnant?"

"It's not really my place to say," Fen said.

"Fen…" Summer sternly said.

"Okay, yes, Rachel is having a baby," Fen said.

"Kyle's…baby?" Summer slowly said.

Fen raised his eyebrows at her and said, "One would assume so."

"Here's a question," Mariah said, "How do you know about this, when we don't?"

"Susie texted me the news," Fen said, "When I saw Rachel, I congratulated her and she confirmed. Now that I think of it, all this was supposed to be a secret."

"They wanted to keep it to themselves?" Tessa said, "Why not a big announcement?"

"Actually, Rachel told me Kyle didn't know yet," Fen said, "She found out after he left on his trip and she was planning to tell him when he came home, except…"

"…he never did," Tessa said, finishing Fen's pause.

"Oh, that is heartbreaking," Mariah said, "Now everything feels so much worse."

"Has anyone seen Rachel?" Fen said, "I've been wondering how she's coping."

"I haven't seen her," Mariah said, "This has to be so hard on her."

"She must be devastated," Tessa said, "Should we go see her?"

"We don't want to overwhelm her with visitors yet," Mariah said, "Does anyone mind if I go talk to her alone? Test the waters, see if she wants to be around more people."

"Good idea," Fen said.

"Mention the campaign to her and see if she feels up to participating," Tessa said.

Noticing Theo entering the coffeehouse, Fen sighed and said, "Don't look now, but here comes 'Mr. Long Lost Family'."

Spotting the four friends, Theo strolled towards them. Standing beside their table he said, "Hi."

"If you are going to start something, it's not a good time," Summer said.

"I'm not here to cause any trouble," Theo said, "Judging by the gloomy atmosphere, you know about Kyle."

"Yeah," Tessa said, the only one who answered.

"Do you really even care?" Summer said.

"He was my family," Theo said, "Sure we didn't always get along, but don't think I'm not sad about this."

"Of course you are," Mariah said, "I'm sorry for your loss."

"I appreciate that," Theo said.

"Did you want anything else?" Fen said, "We would invite you to sit down, but we don't want you to."

"Fen…" Mariah scolded.

"Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't realize you were friends with him," Fen said.

"We can be assured, I'm not yours," Theo said.

"You can say that again," Fen said.

"Both of you stop," Summer said, momentarily closing her eyes.

"Well, if you'll excuse me, I have a friend to see," Mariah said, standing up, "I will catch up with you later."

As Mariah began to walk away, Tessa stood up and rushed to catch up to her. "Mariah?"

Mariah turned to face Tessa, "Did I forget something?"

"Sort of," Tessa said, "Me."

"I really don't think it's a good idea for you to be spending time with Rachel," Mariah said.

"That's not what I meant," Tessa said, "You and I, we need to talk. An open and honest discussion. Let's put it all out there, no more secrets, deceptions. I want to clear the air between us."

"I agree it's time we do that," Mariah said, "Later today after my visit with Rachel. Then we will have that talk."

"Please give her my best," Tessa said, "I really mean that."

"I will," Mariah said, before retreating.

Walking back to the table and grabbing her purse, Tessa said, "I have to be going too."

"You don't have to stay on our account," Summer said.

"I'm sorry for the loss of your friend," Tessa said.

Summer paused, surprised at Tessa's good nature attitude. "Thank you," Summer said.

Tessa proceeded to the exit, when Theo sidled next to her. "Got a minute?" he said.

"What do you want?" Tessa said.

"To talk," Theo said.

"About what?" Tessa said, "If you are looking for sympathy, I'm sorry you lost your cousin, I really am, but I have to…"

"Thanks, but this is not a pity party," Theo said, "I really would like your input on something." Extending his hand, Theo gestured to the patio.

"Alright," Tessa said, walking past Theo, as he soon followed.

Sifting through pictures of Kyle on her phone, Rachel sat on the Abbott living room couch. Jack descended the stairs, catching sight of the images on Rachel's screen. Walking around to her side of the couch, Jack said, "Hi."

"Jack," Rachel said, as he sat next to her.

"How are you doing?" Jack said.

"I've been better," she said. "Gesturing to her phone she said, "I can't stop looking at these."

"I know you miss him as much as I do," Jack said.

Rachel nodded. "I was just thinking, it's been two years since I met Kyle. He was my friend from the beginning. That first day, he took me out for pizza." Rachel smiled and softly laughed at the memory, Jack sharing her smile. "I never knew how much he would change my life," Rachel said, "When I came out of Fairview, there he was, just what I needed. No one ever loved me the way he did. I had never wanted to share my life with someone like I did with Kyle. I never thought I would have to go through it without him." Rachel voice was starting to break.

"I've got memories of Kyle flooding my mind too," Jack said.

Pushing her tears back, Rachel said, "Tell me one. Something about Kyle when he was younger."

"Kyle was very good at, rather obsessed with, playing hockey," Jack said.

"Oh yes, I know Kyle loves his hockey," Rachel said.

"I remember when he told me he wanted to play, I was worried it wouldn't be the right fit for him," Jack said, "I thought he wouldn't like it and would quit. However, he proved me wrong. He was a natural, picked it up quickly and excelled at the sport. He was a valuable team player and was always excited to tell me about his games."

"It's not surprising," Rachel said, "Kyle was good at everything he tried, always put his best effort in."

"As a matter of fact…" Jack started, reaching for his phone. He pulled up a picture of a younger Kyle is his hockey uniform. "Take a look," Jack said.

"Aww," Rachel said, "He looks so cute in his little uniform. Even then he was a good looking kid. Must take after his father."

Jack smiled at Rachel. "Thank you," he said, "He liked to be active, always on the go."

"Sounds like Kyle," Rachel said.

"You know, there is something else we should talk about," Jack said.

"What's that?" Rachel said.

"Planning a service for Kyle," Jack said.

"Jack…" Rachel sighed.

"I know it's hard to think about, but we need to plan a proper memorial," Jack said, "I was hoping you and I could make arrangements together."

"I don't know if I can," Rachel said, "It's too soon. They haven't even found him yet."

"You heard what Chief Williams said, they might not find him," Jack said, "I sincerely hope they do and in that case we can have a private family burial. For now, I think it's important that everyone who loves Kyle has a chance to pay their respects."

"I'm not ready to let go of him," Rachel said.

"There will never be a right time," Jack said, "I believe the sooner we have the service the better."

"So we can move on and forget about him?" Rachel said.

"No, so we can say goodbye," Jack said.

"I don't know how," Rachel said, her tears slipping out.

"I don't want to let him go either," Jack said, putting a comforting arm around Rachel's shoulders, "But we will all be together as a family, to help each other through this."

"Okay," Tessa said, sitting across from Theo, "What is so important?" Putting up her hands, she continued, "Wait, I know, you want to accuse my brother of this heinous thing that happened to Kyle."

"Now that you mention it," Theo started, "Maybe he is the one who did it."

"He's under house arrest," Tessa said, "Austin is innocent."

"That'll be the day," Theo said.

"Austin had nothing to do with Kyle's demise," Tessa said, "So, if that is all…"

"Have you see Lola lately?" Theo said.

Tessa paused. "No," she said, "Why do you ask?"

"I haven't seen or heard from her in some time," Theo said, "We were getting close, it's not like her to fall of the grid this way."

"Maybe she wised up and wants nothing more to do with you," Tessa said.

"I went looking for her at Society," Theo said, "Get this, she took a leave of absence from her job."

"She needed a vacation," Tessa said, "Nothing odd about that."

"Lola loves her job," Theo said, "It takes her no more than a night's sleep for her to recharge."

"So, she took a breather for a change," Tessa said, "Could be, this is her way of letting you know, she is no longer interested. Sorry, if that bruises your ego."

"Did she tell you that?" Theo said, "She doesn't want to see me anymore."

"Lola has not told me anything about you," Tessa said.

"I thought you two were friends," Theo said, "And would tell each other everything."

"We are friends," Tessa said, "But, I haven't heard from her in a good while."

"What kind of friend does that?" Theo said, "Takes off without a word? I'll tell you who, someone who has something to hide."

"What are you getting at?" Tessa said.

"First Kyle leaves on a business trip," Theo began, "Abby says, Lola takes time off because she had something to take care of. Then just like that," Theo snapped his fingers, "Kyle is gone. Just a coincidence.?"

"You think Lola snatched Kyle?" Tessa said, "And did away with him?"

"Maybe not," Theo said, "What if Kyle is still alive? Lola could have him stashed somewhere."

"You have to get your paranoia under control," Tessa said, "It's making you come up with all these outlandish conspiracy theories."

"You and I both know, she has never gotten over Kyle," Theo said, "If she knew he was leaving town, it would the perfect opportunity for her to move on this."

Tessa paused, until Theo said, "Why are you looking at me like that?"

"You are not the first person to suggest Lola is the one responsible," Tessa said, "Maybe you are onto something."

"Aha, not so crazy after all," Theo said.

"You have to think about this rationally," Tessa said, "How could someone like Lola, kidnap someone like Kyle? He could easily defend himself against her."

"Unless she had help," Theo said.

"Now, you think she's working with a partner," Tessa said, "And we are back to thinking it was Austin."

"Who else would help Lola with a crazy plan like this?" Theo said, "Austin and Kyle, that's hatred."

"I spoke to Austin about this, he was genuinely surprised to learn about Kyle," Tessa said, "He didn't do it."

"I don't believe Lola would come up with an idea like this on her own," Theo said.

"Well…" Tessa said, "Someone may have...given her a little incentive."

"If you know something you had better tell me," Theo said.

"Okay, Austin came up with a plan to kidnap Kyle," Tessa said.

"I knew it," Theo said.

"He tried to recruit Lola to be part of it," Tessa said, "He played on her feelings for Kyle and her hopes that her and Kyle could be together."

"He took advantage of her feelings?" Theo said, "I shouldn't be surprised, you don't get much lower than that. So, Austin is in on it and he got rid of Kyle just like he wanted."

"No," Tessa said, "Listen Austin's plan was just to kidnap Kyle for a few days, to teach him a lesson and then set him free. The last thing he would do is push Kyle off a cliff."

"From everything you've told me, I suspect Lola even more now," Theo said.

"I actually agree with you on this one," Tessa said, "Do you really think he might still be alive? Rachel, will so happy if he comes home safe."

"Let's not say anything to her unless we know for sure," Theo said.

"Should we alert the authorities, let them investigate our suspicions?" Tessa said.

"I have doubts they will take us seriously," Theo said, "They believe he's dead and they won't do anything the way we think they should."

"Well, there's Detective Rosales right now," Tessa said, spotting Rey at the front counter, "We could go talk to him see what he thinks."

"It's worth a try," Theo said, "He's coming this way."

Rey entered to patio heading for the exit, when Theo stood up and said, "Detective?"

Rey turned around and said, "Theo. Hello Tessa." They both smiled at Rey, but were hesitating to say anything. "Can I help you?" Rey said.

"I was just wondering," Theo said, "We were curious if you've made any headway on Kyle's case. Any leads on the guilty party?"

"Theo, I'm sure you know I can't discuss an ongoing investigation with you," Rey said, "Sorry." Rey turned to leave again.

"We have a lead," Tessa blurted out.

Rey paused before turning back around. "Excuse me?" he said.

"Theo and I have been talking and wondering what's happened to Lola?" Tessa said, "We both were close to her and she's taken off for parts unknown, without a word."

"Lola, is fine," Rey said.

"Where is she?" Theo said.

"She is taking care of a personal matter," Rey said, "Next time I talk to her I will let her know you are concerned."

"A personal matter, is that what she told you?" Theo said.

"What are you getting at?" Rey said.

"We suspect Lola facilitated Kyle's kidnapping and maybe she is holding Kyle alive somewhere," Theo said.

"You know that's not true" Rey said, "I understand how much you want Kyle to come home, but he's not going to. It's too late for that kind of hope. As for accusing my sister of doing such a thing as to kidnap another person, that's ludicrous and insulting."

"Lola took her leave at the same time Kyle disappeared," Theo said, "She has been obsessed with him for months, it all adds up."

"No, it doesn't," Rey said, "You are lost in some wishful thinking."

"Then where is she?" Theo said.

"Lola is in Miami," Rey said, "I highly doubt she kidnapped Kyle, and put him on a plane to Miami with her. That's all I am going to tell you. Are you happy now?"

"When is she coming back?" Tessa said.

"I'm not sure," Rey said, "When she's ready."

"See Tessa, I told you, he won't even look into it," Theo said.

"I am doing my job," Rey said, "Leave the investigation to the authorities. Is that clear?"

"Perfectly," Theo said.

"Good," Rey said, "Now if you will excuse me, I have something to take care of."

Tessa and Theo exchanged glances as Rey left the coffeehouse.

"Did you hear that?" Tessa said.

"Something to take care of?" Theo said, "Lola said the same words when she left."

"It's a common expression," Tessa said, "You don't think...?"

"This can't just be a coincidence," Theo said.

"Are we saying this is actually happening and the detective is in on it?" Tessa said.

"Who is more likely to help Lola than her own brother?" Theo said.

"What do we do?" Tessa said.

"I know one thing for sure," Theo said, "I'm not going to stand around and do nothing, when my cousin could be alive and need help. Come on, let's go."

"Where are we going?" Tessa said.

"We have something to take care of," Theo said.

"Kyle?" He stirred at the sound of his name, opening his eyes to see Lola standing at his bedside. "Sorry to wake you, it looked like you were sound asleep."

"I don't have much else to do," Kyle said.

"I brought you something to eat," Lola said.

"I'm glad you came back," Kyle said.

"What makes you say that?" Lola said.

"My leg is really sore," Kyle said, "And I don't feel too good."

"Are you trying to play on my sympathies?" Lola said, "It won't work."

"I'm serious," Kyle said, "I think I'm honestly sick."

Lola felt Kyle's forehead and then his cheek and said, "You are bit warm." She bent down to check the bandage on his leg, pausing when she saw blood peeking through.

"It shouldn't still be doing that," Lola said.

"What?" Kyle said, "What's wrong?"

Lola unwrapped the bandage, moving gently when Kyle winced. "Oh, no," Lola sighed, at the sight of the wound.

"Lola, what is it?" Kyle said.

"It looks infected," Lola said, "That's probably why you don't feel well."

"I need a doctor," Kyle said.

"It's not too bad," Lola said, "I can take care of this with a topical ointment. I can also give you something for your fever."

"Lola, please," Kyle said, "Take me to the hospital and leave. No one will know you are involved."

"Kyle, it's too risky," Lola said.

"For you maybe," Kyle said, "What about me and my well-being?"

The sound of the door, diverted their attention, when Rey stepped in. "What's going on here?" he said.

"Kyle's wound is infected," Lola said, "I thought you said you were careful with him."

"Can I help it if he has a poor ability to heal?" Rey said, "Besides, can't you do some magic with your first aid knowledge."

"I can but I don't have what I need here," Lola said, "I'll have to get some supplies."

"Go ahead," Rey said, "I'll babysit the kid."

"Why can't you let me go?" Kyle said.

"We've been over this," Rey said, "You will do what your told, when you're told and I'm telling you, to stay put."

"I really want to go home," Kyle protested.

"I want to win the lottery," Rey said, "We don't always get what we want."

Kyle paused and said, "Is that what you want? Money? I can get that for you."

"We don't want your money Kyle," Lola said.

"Hold on," Rey said, "The boy is offering us cash. Let's hear him out. How much are we talking?"

"Name your price," Kyle said, "Whatever it takes to set me free."

"Oh, well let's see," Rey said, "How about a million dollars."

"Seriously?" Kyle said.

"You said I could choose any amount," Rey said, "A million would do nicely."

"You're a cop, you know I can't get that kind of money together without raising questions," Kyle said.

"That's too bad," Rey said, "I thought we might be on to something."

"I can give you half," Kyle said.

"What?" Rey said.

"Half now and I can pay you the rest in installments later," Kyle said, "You can go wherever you want and I will transfer the money when I have it."

Rey laughed. "You think I'm that gullible? Even if you did give me half, if I let you go, you would go to the police and I would never see another dime from you and I would lose the five hundred, because you would have me and Lola arrested."

"Not Lola, just you," Kyle said, "Is her freedom worth you going to jail for?"

"No one is going to jail," Rey said, "So, you better come up with another plan."

"I should get going," Lola said.

"Lola?" Kyle said.

Going to his side, she said, "What is it?"

"Don't leave me alone with him," Kyle said.

"I won't be long," Lola said,

"Please, I have a bad feeling about him and what he would like to do to me," Kyle said.

"Rey won't hurt you," Lola said, "He knows if he does he would have to deal with me. I will be back as soon as I can." Lola kissed Kyle's forehead.

Kyle nervously watched Rey pace the floor.

"Theo, I'm not entirely comfortable with this," Tessa said.

"It's all for the greater good," Theo said, trying to pick the lock on Lola's apartment door.

"Are you sure you know what you're doing?" Tessa said.

"You know, you didn't have to come," Theo said, "I know…" He stopped as the lock clicked and the door popped ajar, "…exactly what I'm doing," Theo declared, smiling at Tessa.

Theo pushed the door all the way open. "Lola?" he said. Not getting a response he stepped all the way in, while Tessa remained in the doorway.

"Don't people go to jail, for break and enter?" Tessa said.

"Would you get in here and shut the door?" Theo said, "Besides we aren't going to steal anything, just look around."

"What are we looking for?" Tessa said.

"Clues," Theo said, "Something that looks suspicious."

"I forgot you are a master detective," Tessa said.

"Just help me look," Theo said.

Theo and Tessa, looked though cupboards, couch cushions, under the bed and mattress, in the closet, and in drawers not finding anything significant.

"Let's face it Theo," Tessa said, "There is nothing here to prove Lola is up to anything."

"Yeah, maybe she is innocent in all of this," Theo said.

"Let's get out of here," Tessa said.

"Did you check that drawer behind you?" Theo said.

"There's nothing here," Tessa said, pulling on the handle of the drawer. Tessa spotted an item, staring down at it.

"Yeah, you're right," Theo said. "Maybe we should go."

Tessa lifted the item and looking it over she said, "Theo?"

"What, did you find something?" Theo said.

"I don't think Lola is in Miami," Tessa said.

"What makes you say that?" Theo said.

Tessa turned around holding a wallet in her hands. "Because of this," she said.

"I don't get it, it's just a wallet," Theo said.

Pulling it open, to display the I.D., Tessa said, "It's Kyle's."

Theo stared at the wallet, taking it from Tessa's hands. Sifting through he said, "It is Kyle's. Lola…she did this him."

"Now we have to go the police," Tessa said.

"And tell them what?" Theo said, "That we broke in and that's how we found this."

"Then you tell me," Tessa said, "What are we supposed to do?"

"What is going on here?" A voice startled Tessa and Theo, as they looked to see Lola standing in the doorway.

Theo slipped the wallet into his pocket, as Lola demanded, "What are you doing in my apartment?!"