Subject: Rot Soaps - From Here to There Part 18 >From Here to There Part #18- Midland Hills is Calling You by A editor extraordinaire: Emily S Distracted, Phillip is sitting at his desk trying to attack the pile of work in front of him, but preferring to gaze at the latest pictures of Lizzie. When Ross walks in, Phillip smiles gets to his feet and extends his hand. Phillip:(shaking his uncle's hand) Welcome back!! I cannot tell you how happy your decision to join Spaulding has made me. (looks at his watch) I was beginning to worry you had changed your mind. Ross:(chuckles) Oh, no. Just had a hell of a time picking out the right tie for the first day. Phillip looks at the tie, wondering how it differs from all the rest of his uncle's less than inspiring choices. Phillip: Perfect choice. Ross:(looking pleased) Thank you, I thought so too. Blake used to tease me endlessly about my fetish for boring ties... (catching Philip's questioning look) Never mind, it's not important. Phillip: Your office is next to mine. Let's get you settled. They walk to his new office. Ross: It is really good to be here. A new focus will be just what I need. Phillip: I guess with all that is going on, a distraction will do you good. Ross starts unpacking the boxes he brought from his old office. A picture of the boys is the first thing he pulls out. He dusts it off and proudly puts it on his desk. Ross: What's going on? You mean my impending divorce? Phillip: You're kidding, right? Ross: No, I'm getting divorced. Phillip: I know that, but what about Rick suing Blake for joint custody of Kevin? I just assumed you were involved. (Can tell by the look on Ross's face he is in the dark) Ross:(attempts to hide his surprise unsuccessfully) Oh, I'm not aware of the details, but I can't say it surprises me. (a bit bitterly) I'm sure Blake and the good doctor will settle out of court, with some sort of agreement regarding... (he looks at his little boys and his throat tightens) ...Kevin. Phillip:(slowly, not sure how much he should reveal) I'm not so sure. I think Rick may have finally pushed Blake too far. He's been pretty heavy handed with her for the past few months. Ross: Am I supposed to feel for her? Because I don't... She made this mess; now she can clean it up. I'm sorry... What else do you know? Phillip: Blake has retained Leo for her counsel. Ross:(annoyed) For god's sake, that woman makes one bad decision after another. Phillip: Take it easy. I think Blake's problem is that she is scared. according to Rick, she did have him slapped with a restraining order and has vowed to fight him tooth and nail. She is now denying that he is Kevin's father. The long and short of the legalese is that because Kevin and Jason were born within the boundaries of your marriage, both boys are legally your sons. Ross:(raises and eyebrow) Looks like someone has done their homework. Phillip: With Roger's machinations working for her, I won't be surprised if she wins. (opens another box, a picture of Blake is on top, he quickly closes the box, preferring to leave it to Ross) It doesn't stop there. Ross:(really curious now) There's more? Phillip: Blake has hit Rick with a counter-suit, alleging that he violated her right to privacy, accessed her personal medical files and tampered with her test results... not to mention harassment and mental cruelty. It's going to e a three ring circus. Ross:(can't suppress a grin) Serves that son of a bitch right! Phillip: I won't waste my breath defending Rick to you. Ross: Good idea. (the phone on his desk rings, he picks it up) Oh, hi Sherry. Thank you, it's nice to be here. Sherry: I have a call for you on line two - a woman, Annie Dutton, calling from Midland Hills. Ross: Thank you, I'll take it. (puts the phone on hold for a second) I really need to take this call. Could you excuse me? Phillip: Sure, I've got a mountain of work to get back to. Stop by later and we'll discuss where you're gong to start. Ross: Fine. (waits til Phillip leaves, hits the hold button) Annie, hi. I'm happy to hear from you. Annie: Ross, I really need to see you right away. Ross: What's this about? Annie: Can you be here Saturday for visiting hours? I'll fill you in then. Ross: I'll be there. He hangs up his phone, leans back in his chair and picks up the picture of the boys for closer examination, as he wonders about Annie's phone call. >> >"Republicans understand the importance of bondage between mother and child." >--Former U.S Vice-President Dan Quayle on Republican Family Values. >> >"Republicans understand the importance of bondage between mother and child." >--Former U.S Vice-President Dan Quayle on Republican Family Values.