Uncharacteristically nervous, Sam paced back and forth in front of the doorway.

Across the bar, he could see Frasier doing his best to avoid banter with the regulars, who no doubt remembered him from the endless nights he spent sitting on his

favorite bar stool engrossed in deep, meaningful conversation.

Casually Sam walked up to his friend. "Hey Fras... Got a minute?"

Frasier smiled. "Of course, Sam. What's on your mind?"

"Oh, nothing much. I just thought we could talk. It's been a long time." Sam replied.

"Well, it hasn't been that long. Perhaps you've forgotten your visit to the Emerald City?"

Sam chuckled. "No, I remember it well. But you're in my territory now."

"I sense a plea for advice coming on." Frasier said. "What seems to be the problem?"

"Actually I wanted to talk about you, Fras."

Frasier's eyebrows rose. "Me? Well, okay but I hardly think my life is as interesting as yours. I have my own radio show, I live with my dad and-."

"Come on, Fras. It's me, Sam! I'm talking about what's going on between you and Lilith."

"Good Lord, why would I want to talk about Lilith? The woman is completely impossible! I should have divorced her years ago! When I think of the hell she put me

through, I-."

Sam grabbed Frasier's arm. "Let's go into my office."

"But-."

"Come on!"

Reluctantly, Frasier followed Sam into the office and closed the door.

"Fras, I know about Lilith keeping you from seeing Frederick."

Frasier looked up sharply. "What?"

"Why didn't you tell me, man?"

"Dear God, Sam. Where did you hear such a ridiculous thing?"

"Daphne told me."

Frasier winced. "Well... she's wrong and she has no business meddling in my affairs!"

"She's worried about you, Fras! And frankly, I am too! Why didn't you say anything?"

"The last thing you need is my burdening you with my troubles. Besides, Niles and Dad-."

"They're worried about you too." "

"I appreciate the concern, Sam but there's not much I can do about it, is there?"

"Don't be so sure about that." Sam replied.

"What are you doing?" Frasier asked, watching as Sam picked up the phone and began to dial.

Sam grinned silently as he listened to the phone ring.

"Lilith? Sam Malone here... Good, how are you? And Frederick? Great! No... Just wanted to say hello. Well, you take care and stop by the bar any time, okay? I will...

Goodbye."

"What in the hell do you think you're doing?" Frasier snapped. "Are you completely insane?"

"Probably." Sam grinned. "But I'm also trying to help you out."

"How is talking to my ex-wife helping me?" Frasier yelled. "And on top of that, reminding me that my son may only be less than five miles away is nothing less than

cruel! Since I have no contact with him, he might as well be five thousand miles away! And even so, Lilith will never let me see him again!"

"So confront her!" Sam said.

"How am I supposed to do that?"

The seriousness of the question made Sam laugh out loud.

"You're the psychiatrist! Figure it out! Go to her house! Tell her that the incident with the kid wasn't your fault and that you demand to see Frederick whether she likes

it or not!"

"I like your enthusiasm, Sam but it'll never work."

"Then for God's sake make it work, Fras! I can't believe you're giving up so easily! Fight for him, Frasier! Fight for your son!"

"I don't know..."

"Well I do! You came all this way and you're just going to throw away a chance to see Frederick after months of waiting? Look, I'm just a bartender, but I know you

miss Frederick like hell. He couldn't stop talking about you when he and Lilith were here, and I don't know why it never dawned on me that she seemed annoyed by it.

She tried to get him to change the subject, but it always came back to you. Go to him Fras! Go and talk to your son!"

Frasier smiled and shook Sam's hand. "You're right. Sam. Thank you."

Sam followed Frasier back into the bar where Norm and Martin were engrossed in a Celtics game.

"Hey, Fras!" Martin yelled when he saw his son. "Norm was just telling me about-."

"Come on, Dad. Let's go."

"Go? What do you mean? The game's not over yet!" Martin protested.

"Find Niles and Daphne and let's get out of here!"

"Where's the fire? Can you at least let me finish my beer?"

"Look, if you won't come with me, I'll do this myself!" Frasier said. "Now are you coming or not?"

"What the hell's going on?"

"It's time that we go see Lilith and demand that she let us see Frederick. Damn her for keeping him from us!"

Martin's face lit up at Frasier's enthusiasm.

"You're right, Fras. It's high time I got to see my grandson again. Niles! Daphne!" Let's go!"

Niles and Daphne rushed over to the bar.

"What's going on, Dad?" Niles asked.

Daphne put her hand on Frasier's shoulder. "Dr Crane! Is everything all right?"

"It will be." Frasier replied. "We're going to see Frederick. Whether Lilith likes it or not!"