They stood nervously in front of the door at the two story house.

"Do you really think this is going to work, Dr. Crane?"

Niles sighed. "I hope so, Daphne. Lilith has been nothing but impossible since this fiasco started."

"All right, let's just get this over with." Frasier said. "I'm nervous enough as it is."

"How could you possibly be nervous?" Martin asked. "You were married to the woman for God's sake!"

When Niles, Daphne and Frasier looked at Martin in disbelief he nodded in agreement. "I see what you mean."

The door opened suddenly and they found themselves staring into a set of dark, unfriendly eyes.

"What's the meaning of this?"

Frasier cleared his throat. "Well, it's good to see you too, Lilith."

"Frasier, what in the hell are you doing here?"

"You know damn well why we're here, Lilith!" Martin interjected. "We're here to see Freddy and we want to see him now!"

"Mom, was that Grandpa I heard?" a young voice called from the distance.

Frasier's eyes lit up. "Oh my God... Frederick? Daddy's here! I missed you so-."

The door moved inward until it was ajar. "Go to your room!" Lilith yelled, turning her face toward the kitchen.

"But Grandpa and Dad..."

"Do it, Frederick! Your imagination is running rampant this evening! Your dad and grandpa aren't here. You're just hearing voices! Remember what Dr. Kingston said?"

"He's just a stupid school counselor, Mom! And besides, he's not half as smart as Dad or Uncle Niles!"

"I told you not to mention your father again!" Lilith yelled. "Now go to your room or you will suffer the consequences!"

"How dare you talk to our son that way!" Frasier snapped.

"Our son, Frasier? He's my son, not yours! You completely disregarded him in favor of your ridiculous radio show as a testimony to your fame and fortune."

Lilith retorted. "You will never have anything to do with Frederick again, Frasier Crane. Do you understand me?"

"Understand this, Lilith..." Martin said. "Let us see Frederick right now, or I'm calling the cops! And I can get them here faster than you can say-."

"Dad, please. This can be resolved rationally." Frasier said. "I'm sure there's a reasonable explanation for-."

"Fras, are you kidding me?" Martin asked, glancing at his son in disbelief.

"You're just going to let her keep Freddie from us forever after the hell she's put you through?"

"I'll take care of this!" Niles said, pushing his way toward the door. "Now look, Lilith! This has gone far enough! Let Frasier see Freddy, right now! He's done nothing wrong, and-."

"I thought I told you never to come here again!" Lilith snapped. "If the police should be called on anyone, it's you, Niles!"

Taken aback, Niles swallowed hard. "I-I don't know what you-."

"I think you know exactly what I'm talking about!" Lilith barked. "Do the words Child Protective Services ring a bell?"

"Now just a minute, Lilith! Niles didn't do any-."

"Shut up, Martin! You're just as at fault as he is! As Frasier can tell you, Frederick suffered lasting injuries as a result of your carelessness on Thanksgiving. I knew it

was a bad idea, leaving you two alone with my son! I'll never forget the look on Frederick's face when Frasier and I returned from the Marbury Academy."

"Lilith, don't ever talk to my father and brother like that again! Do you hear me?" Frasier asked.

"Loud and clear, Frasier!"

To everyone's surprise, Daphne pushed her way toward the front door.

"Look, Lilith. I may not be a part of this family but I love them anyway, and it's horrible, the way you're treatin' Dr. Crane! He loves his son more than... well more than

me own father loves me, that's for sure. And as for his brother... he's done nothing wrong! He loves his nephew and he felt horrible when Freddy was hurt!"

"How would you know? You're just a... a maid!"

Niles gasped in horror. "Don't you dare call her that! Daphne's not a maid!" he yelled. "She's an absolute angel and I love-."

Daphne turned to him in surprise. "Dr. Crane..."

"Really? I'm surprised you could love anyone, Niles!" Lilith said. "You broke your nephew's nose and caused him unbelievable pain!"

Niles flinched at the cruel words as painful memories filled his mind and made his chest ache.

Seconds later, he felt a soft, warm hand slip into his and squeeze it gently. The kind gesture made his heart beat faster and he laced their fingers together.

"Lilith, I am terribly sorry for what happened to Frederick. I live with it every day and even though he says he's forgiven me, I've never been able to forgive myself."

"Niles, you don't have to do this." Martin said quietly.

"No Dad. I do. I feel terrible and-."

"All right! I have had just about enough of this!" Frasier yelled. "Now Lilith, whether you like it or not, you and I are going to discuss this calmly and rationally... like adults! How dare you speak to my family so harshly!"

Niles, Daphne and Martin moved aside as Frasier pushed his way into the kitchen, causing Lilith to hold on to the door in order to keep her balance.

"Get out!" Lilith yelled. "This is my house and-."

Martin, Niles and Daphne turned to leave.

"Stay here!" Frasier ordered. "This doesn't just involve Lilith and I. This involves you all as well. We all love Frederick and..."

"Leave, Frasier! Now!"

Frasier's face turned red with anger as he grabbed Lilith by the arm and dragged her into the living room.

"Damn it, Frasier! Let go of me!" She yelled, jerking her arm away.

"Not until we talk about this! Now this has gone on long enough! I explained my reasons for the advice I gave so now you explain why you are refusing to let me see

my son. If you continue this, Lilith, so help me God I will sue for full custody!"

"You wouldn't dare!"

"Just watch me! Statistics have shown that 90 percent of all-."

"Oh spare me with your statistics, Frasier! This is our son we're talking about!"

"Well, Dr. Sternin, perhaps we should get Bryan to enlighten us on the subject of parenting! Where is he anyway?"

"Bryan has nothing to do with this and- Oh God!"

To Frasier's utter horror, Lilith's voice broke and she fell to her knees sobbing into her hands.