"I told the media that we would issue a statement to the press in an hour, so we have a bit of time to get our information together."

Nick looked up in disbelief as he paced back and forth in front of the two men. "Look, that's fine and everything but can we just talk about how we're going to get in there. He had a gun! Am I the only person who remembers that?"

"Mr. Newman," Commander Von Lutken took a step towards him, his face painted with the typical understanding expression. "I understand you're concerned, but we've dealt with these situations time and time again. I've personally been on this team for …"

"I don't give a damn how long you've been here! I don't care how many cases you've had or how many times you've talked people down. The only thing I care about is the woman in that house. She isn't some statistic. She isn't a case. She isn't …" He stopped talking as he turned to look towards the window again. Part of him hoped he would see her there. Even though the sight of her trapped behind that glass made him sick, it also comforted to know that she was at least okay enough to stand in front of him. He could see her face, her eyes, her expression and most importantly, she could see him. She at least knew he was there. She at least knew that he cared enough to stay, to watch, to fight. He hadn't said it enough to her. They'd been so hellbent on not getting serious that it had somehow escaped him how serious it had gotten.

"The anger is perfectly normal. None of us like to feel that we're out of control and in this situation, unfortunately, there are some things that we simply can't control."

Nick's eyes shot up to meet the Commander's as he said the words. "Whatever kind of intro to psychology bullshit that is, you can keep it."

"So you've got all the answers, huh? Alright. Tell me then, what should we do? You want us to bust in there and spook him? What do you think that'll accomplish?"

"I …"

"Let me tell you just in case you're not sure … We spook him, we push him too hard, we make him feel like he's backed into a corner, that woman in there has virtually no chance of coming out alive." He waited a moment watching as the words settled. "Listen, I know you want to help. I know, that in your mind, this is infuriating because in your world, you make a phone call and things happen. You're used to people falling all over themselves to do whatever it is that you want, but right now, all your money and all your power are useless. Right now, the best thing you can do is sit down here and answer the questions we have. Give us some information. Help us help you. Help us help her."

Nick nodded and silently sat down in the small fold out chair.

Her hands shook as she held the phone. "I don't understand." Phyllis looked up at him again. "What good is it going to do for me to …."

"You know what I don't understand?" Cameron gripped the glass of scotch tighter in his hand. "I don't understand why you keep questioning what I tell you to do. Do you not understand that I'm standing here with a loaded gun? Do you not realize that at any moment I could kill you? Do you think I won't do it? Is that is? Do I need to prove to you that I'm …"

"No. No. You don't." She could see him growing more and more irrational. "I was just asking how calling Nick would change anything. You didn't even want the police here and now …" Every word she said felt like walking a tightrope. Giving him another opportunity to back down had to balanced against the potential for enraging him. "If I call Nick and say what you want me to say then this all becomes a lot more serious. Is that really what you want?"

"You think this is what I want? You think any of this is?"

"Of course not. That's not what I meant. I'm sure it isn't. I'm sure everything that's happened here feels like a nightmare to you, but I still believe that we could fix this. I really do and I swear to you that …" She watched as he held the gun out towards her.

"I'm gonna tell you one more time to make the damn call."

The balance had shifted and now, the only move she could make was one of total obedience. She took a breath, and slowly brought the phone to her ear.

4 … 3 … 2 … 1 …

We're on location tonight at Woodridge Court where a hostage negotiation team has just been mobilized outside the home of Nicholas Newman, CEO of Dark Horse Corporation and son of the well known business mogul Victor Newman. At this time, details are limited, but our sources have gathered that Phyllis Summers, CEO of Jabot Cosmetics, is thought to be inside with an unknown individual. Summers and Newman have been divorced since 2013 but have recently been dating and are thought to be living together. The Genoa City Police Department will be making an official statement at the top of the hour. News 21 will keep you covered.

"Jack."

Jack turned around at the sound of his name, the words of the reporter still echoing inside his own mind.

"What was that? Did that … Did they?" Billy felt his mouth grow dry as he stared at the screen. The picture had now turned to a weather map, the previous story now forgotten, but not to him and, judging by the look on his brother's face, he wasn't alone.

"I'll drive," Jack said solemnly as he moved quickly towards the coat closet.