Dr. Markham’s House – Diane Begs Dr. Markham for Sleeping Pills
Diane is sitting alone, fiddling with her wedding ring and wiping away tears as she recalls finding Jack in bed with Patty on the yacht.
She lies down, looking hopeless, and Dr. Markham enters and asks what’s wrong. She explains that she’s just emotionally exhausted after their first therapy session. Dr. Markham says that what Jack did was a brutal betrayal, and that Diane have to work through the pain all over again.
Diane asks if she can heal from this trauma, and Dr. Markham says it can’t be rushed but he will be there for her every step of the way. Diane thanks him for his support. Dr. Markham says he’s glad she’s getting comfortable with him, because they could be working together for some time.
Diane says she’s been to therapy before and knows how to recognize progress. She feels she’s already moving forward. Dr. Markham says therapy can often be “one step forward and two steps back.” He’s pleased about the shift in her attitude and thinks she’s starting to feel safe in his care, but says they still have a way to go.
Diane isn’t ready to give up on Jack yet and asks if she can sleep on it. She wants to know if Dr. Markham has considered a prescription to help her sleep. She argues that her lack of sleep is making everything worse.
Dr. Markham has some questions about her sleep pattern, and she admits that she’s been having trouble falling asleep since catching Jack with Patty on the yacht. She’s also having nightmares about Patty moving into the Abbott home and taking her place.
Dr. Markham wants to try some homeopathic remedies before moving to prescription medications, but Diane insists that she’s been through that already; only prescription medication can help her.
Dr. Markham thinks that since her sleep has already been disrupted for weeks, she can handle a little delay. Diane becomes agitated and argues that it’s only getting harder to rest in active therapy.
Dr. Markham is concerned that her lack of sleep is rooted in clinical depression, and Diane is furious that he won’t just give her the pills.
Dr. Markham tries to direct the conversation and suggests that Diane might be feeling so agitated because Jack hasn’t even come to check on her. He says that she must feel like he’s moved on and replaced her, and her worries are probably justified.
Abbott Mansion – Jack Tries to Distract Patty From Threatening Diane With a Moment of Passion, Then Flees the House While She’s Occupied With Making Drinks
Billy enters the dining room and asks Jack if he has any leads on Diane’s whereabouts.
Jack explains that he met Dr. Markham when he was expecting to meet Diane’s therapist. Billy suggests they leave the house to discuss this, but Jack says Patty has gone shopping. Jack’s fine with her doing all the shopping she wants as long as he gets some time away from her.
Jack says he couldn’t even get the name of Diane’s actual doctor out of Dr. Markham but adds that Kyle followed Dr. Markham after their meeting. Jack hopes that they can find more information by searching Dr. Markham’s house, and Billy is concerned because it sounds like Jack is talking about breaking in.
Jack admits that the break-in was Kyle’s idea, but Billy doesn’t care; he thinks it’s a bad idea. Billy wants Jack to rely on the police, and asks about the private investigator Jack hired. Jack says he can’t ask the PI to break the law, but Billy can’t believe that Jack thinks it’s better for him or Kyle to break the law instead.
Billy thinks Dr. Markham is probably dangerous: he’s working with Patty, after all.
Jack insists that he has to do everything possible to find Diane.
Billy maintains his objection to the plan but admits that a few months ago he would have wanted to be involved. Jack understands that Billy has his own new family to worry about.
Billy says he needs to leave to meet Sally at a doctor appointment and assures Jack that everything is fine so far. Before leaving, he asks Jack to be careful.
Patty comes down the stairs, surprising Jack, and says she hopes he wasn’t doing anything naughty in her absence.
Patty imagines that Jack must have been counting the minutes until she returned, and he says he was.
Patty asks what Jack was talking about with Billy, and Jack admits they were discussing Diane. Patty wishes he would get over Diane already. She’s growing tired of waiting for Jack to let her into his heart and says if she’s wasting her time with him Diane might need to become “collateral damage.”
Jack swears that if Diane comes to harm, he will make sure Patty regrets it for the rest of her life.
Instead of frightening Patty, Jack’s threat excites her and she grabs him by the collar before wrapping her arms around him, offering him a fashion show.
Jack explains that this conversation may be exciting for Patty, but it’s having the opposite effect on him.
Patty apologizes, and says she’ll have to accept that Jack is desperately holding on to Diane, but she admits she plans to use it as leverage. She says he needs to do something to distract her from thinking hurtful thoughts about his wife.
Jack recognizes a threat when he hears one and seizes her, kissing her vigorously.
Patty is pleased by this turn of events, and says his new attitude reminds her of the night on the yacht. Jack keeps playing along, biting Patty’s lip as they make out, and Patty suggests they have some drinks.
Jack would rather Patty make the drinks, and when she goes to do so Jack takes the opportunity to make a quick escape out the front door.
Patty notices that he’s left almost immediately and makes a call to Dr. Markham to warn him. Dr. Markham picks up and explains he’s with a patient.
Patty says they may have a problem: Jack may be on his way to find him.
Newman Ranch – Nick Learns About the Seriousness of Nikki’s Illness From Victor
Victor is alone, leaving a message for Nate Hastings saying that he needs some medical advice and would like a call back.
Nick enters and demands that Victor keep Matt away from Noah’s Shadow Room before Victor can even look up. Nick soon notices that Victor has other things on his mind and asks what’s wrong.
Victor asks if Nick has talked to Nikki or Victoria, and he says he’s only texted but not seen either of them. Victor explains that Nikki is very sick. He’s just heard from Claire that Nikki has a mass pressing on her optic nerve that could lead to permanent blindness.
Nikki’s Hospital Room – Nikki and Victoria Learn There Is No Surgeon in Town Able to Perform the Surgery Nikki Needs
Victoria is at Nikki’s bedside, asking about her pain. Nikki reports that it’s still there. She guesses the medication she was given hasn’t started working yet.
Nikki goes on to explain that in the past her blurred vision would always return to normal quickly, but this time it’s persistent.
Victoria suggests that all the stress of receiving the diagnosis and meeting with Victor might be aggravating her condition, but Nikki is done blaming her condition on stress. She’s getting really scared. Her vision and the pain seem to be getting even worse.
Victoria runs out to call for a doctor.
Victoria returns to Nikki’s bedside and tries to reassure her that everything will be okay. She offers her water or juice, but Nikki just wants her to stay close by.
Nikki worries that she’s waited too long to seek treatment, and the damage may already be permanent. Victoria demands that Nikki allow her to call Victor.
Dr. Nowling enters and Victoria explains that Nikki’s symptoms are worsening. He asks Nikki to describe what she’s feeling.
Nikki explains that the pain behind her eyes is unbearable and her vision is getting blurrier and darker.
Dr. Nowling says the surgery must be performed as quickly as possible but explains that there is no surgeon on staff at this hospital who is experienced with this sort of surgery. He suggests they seek options outside of town.
Victoria springs into action, leaving the room and promising to return quickly, while Nikki cries out from her bed.
Newman Ranch – Victor Learns That Nikki Needs a Surgeon From Out of Town and Reaches Out to Nate and Stephanie for Options
Nick can’t believe this is happening, and asks how.
Victor explains that he’s left a message for Nate and is expecting a call back. Nick recalls Nikki complaining about headaches, but she made it seem like it was not serious. Victor admits his experience with her was much the same.
Victor’s phone rings, and it’s Victoria calling from the hospital. She explains that Nikki needs immediate surgery, but there’s no one on staff with the expertise. Victor promises to take care of it.
After hanging up, Victor explains the situation to Nick and suggests he go to the hospital to be with Nikki and Victoria while he calls around to find a competent surgeon. Victor is already making his first call before Nick reaches the door.
Nate takes Victor’s call this time and asks what’s going on. Victor asks if Nate has heard about Nikki’s condition, and Nate confirms he’s up to speed.
Victor asks Nate about Dr. Virginia Nottingham. Nate says he is with someone who may know more about her and passes the phone to Stephanie. He passes the phone to Stephanie.
Victor briefly explains Nikki’s condition and need for a surgeon before asking for her.
Victor wants Stephanie to vouch for Dr. Nottingham’s skill, and she assures him that the doctor is a brilliant surgeon with a very high success rate. Victor asks her to make contact and adds that money is no object.
Stephanie worries that she has only just started her job, yet Genoa City’s most influential man is already expecting a miracle from her. Nate agrees; he’s seen the MRI and thinks it will take a miracle.
Nikki’s Hospital Room – Victor Tells the Family Assembled in Nikki’s Hospital Room That He’s Already Chosen the Best Surgeon for Nikki
Nick enters to find Victoria beside the empty bed, and asks where Nikki is. Victoria explains that she’s been taken away for more tests.
Nick asks how she is and Victoria just cries and hugs him. Nick asks why this is happening and wonders how much more the family can take.
Victoria explains that she wanted to tell Nick sooner, but everything’s happened quickly since Nikki finally saw a doctor about her headaches.
Nick suspects Victoria didn’t tell him about what’s going on because she was concerned about his recovery.
Victoria explains that they’re looking at immediate surgery and radiation therapy. She admits it’s high risk, and the treatment itself might damage Nikki’s sight. She complains that no one at this hospital can do the surgery, and Nick says Victor’s already working on finding her a surgeon.
Victoria complains that it’s been difficult to comfort Nikki because she doesn’t have any answers either; she doesn’t know if everything will be okay. She says she doesn’t want to let Nikki see how terrified she is and begins to cry again while venting about it.
Victoria wonders what’s taking so long with Nikki’s tests and asks how Nick is doing. She worries that this is a threat to his recovery, but Nick says he’s not thinking about that now; only Nikki.
Claire and Victor arrive, and Victor wants to know where Nikki is. Nick explains the situation, and Claire starts apologizing for telling Victor.
Victor says he thinks he’s found the best surgeon for Nikki.
Victoria is just glad that everyone’s on the same page now, and Nick wants to know more about the specialist Victor has found.
Victoria stresses that this needs to happen quickly: Nikki may not have much time left.
Dr. Markham’s House – After a Warning That Jack May Be On His Way, Dr. Markham Tells Diane That Patty Has Already Moved Into the Abbott Home
Dr. Markham hangs up with Patty and Diane asks if everything is okay.
Dr. Markham tells Diane that her worst nightmare has come true: Patty Williams has moved in with Jack, at his request.
Society – Stephanie Tries to Tempt Nate Back Into Medicine After Seeing His Interest in Nikki’s Case
Stephanie leaves a message for Dr. Nottingham and tells Nate that the surgeon usually returns calls quickly.
Stephanie wants Nate’s advice about how to proceed. He suggests checking Nikki’s latest imaging results to evaluate her for new treatments. He adds that Dr. Nowling doesn’t seem to think any of the more experimental treatments are realistic options.
Nate recognizes that Stephanie is trying to drag him back into the world of medicine.
Stephanie argues that he’s excited just talking about it, but Nate says the injuries to his hand make a return to surgery impossible. He’s happy to help Nikki and the family get through this, but strictly from the sidelines.
