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Previously...

• After learning that he was HIV positive, Jason fell into a depression and broke off all contact with family and friends. He soon realized that he had to seek answers and started on his own mission to learn the truth about Keith. He soon found himself at the Michaels residence after entering the home with an old key that Keith had given him. After discovering a journal and phone list on the computer, Jason confiscated the items and returned home to do some research.  He later found several references to a man named Lucas...perhaps the very man that Keith had cheated on him with.
  
  
• Ashley realized that life was truly too short and that she could no longer go on living a lie. After asking Joe to meet her at a local cafe, she finally revealed that she was carrying his child. Torn by whether it was a blessing or a complication, Joe was less than thrilled upon hearing the news.
  
  
• Desperate to win Steve's affection and keep him at Landon Manor, Emily faked an injury from the quake and revealed to everyone at the company that she would be wheel bound and in rehabilitation for several weeks. Luckily Steve was unable to make her 'doctor appointments', although she realized she couldn't go on with the charade much longer. Vanessa, who learned the truth, later blackmailed her into giving financial aid to her company.
  
  
  
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  Scene: Landon Points Publishing

A smile of accomplishment makes itself present on Emily Landon's face. As she's being wheeled into the lobby of the twenty-sixth floor, Steve Summers pushes with ease. Making various gestures of acknowledgement to associates surrounding them in the lobby, this is the first time that Emily Landon has made an appearance at her company in nearly two months. If only she knew the many jokes that persisted in her absence that included  her being better off dead after the 'near fatal' accident.

"So how does it feel to be back?" Steve peers down with a grin.

"It's never felt better," Emily replies as she shoots back a smile. They soon come to an abrupt stop before reaching Emily's office. "I've wanted to return for several weeks now...the feeling is indescribable. I was going insane back at the estate with nothing to do."

"I can imagine. I hope you realize why I'm not big on vacations," Steve replies. "I'd go insane the whole time thinking that there were things that needed to get finished around here."

"No rest for the wicked, Steve."

"Damn right, you said it." Steve bites his lip before opening the door and wheeling her into the office. Several reports are neatly presented on her desk showing the latest sales figures and loss reports. "I'm sorry to bog you down with any negativity upon your return, but I thought you should see these."

Emily scans one of the reports as her eyes grow wide with astonishment.

"Time hasn't been too kind at all I see."

"It's all across the board- everywhere you look. No matter what business your in, times are certainly tough. I'm confident that we'll come out on top though." Steve does his best to reassure her.

She looks up momentarily and locks eyes with him, "I was recovering Steve- not dead. I've been staying current with the present conditions."

Steve nods his head and remains silent. While the two have once again become quite close, he certainly does his best to stray from situations likes this. He definitely prefers to be out of sight when she reads anything negative- and this was certainly one of those occasions. Feeling trapped, Steve understands that his silence will be the key if he can just let her get everything out of her system.

"Jesus, Steve! Times are bad, but I never expected this! These figures are horrible...what was everyone doing while I was away?" Emily sighs deeply and rubs her forehead for a moment. "I was selfish...I apparently can't leave this place for one damn moment without everything falling apart." 

A moment later the two are interrupted by a sudden knock at the door. Emily is certainly not expecting anyone, nor is she in the mood to cross anyone's path right now. The door soon creaks open, much to Emily's dismay as she calls out for the person to let them be. Emily and Steve look at each other curiously before their eyes gravitate back towards the door. 

A figure soon appears in the doorway. It's a dark-haired man who must be in his early thirties. Wearing a nicely pressed suit, he begins to draw closer before appropriately introducing himself. Steve and Emily once again look at each other in astonishment.

"Who in the hell are you? Do you not understand English?" Emily snaps.

"I do indeed, although I think you'll be quite interested in what I have to say."

"Oh, is that right? And who may I ask are you?" Emily replies sarcastically.

"The name is McCullough. Braden McCullough ." The man flashes them both with a smile. "I think that name should be quite familiar to you. Let's just say that I have a business proposal that you won't be able to turn down."

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Scene: Jason Summers' Condo. 

Jason monotonously taps his fingers on Keith's old phone list as he deliberates if he should call or not. He was desperately hoping that he wouldn't have to make the call after this morning's retest, but sadly the OraQuick test showed the same results- that he was certainly living with the virus. He wishes with everything in him that the older test would prove wrong, but now he has to truly face what lies ahead. He has to realize that he will be making quite a few adjustments in life, and perhaps, taking on a new perspective on life in general.

"I have to do this...if I don't, I'm going to drive myself insane. I have to know who this damn Lucas guy is and what in fact his connection with Keith was. Did Lucas give him this? Do I now have to face such a grim future all because of this one man?"

Jason mutters to himself as he begins to slowly press the numbers into his phone. Pressing each new number becomes a battle in itself as his palms grow sweaty with fear. He wonders if these very questions will be answered in just a few moments- that is, if he has the courage to go through with it.

He finally takes a deep breath and presses the 'call' button on his phone. With shaky fingers, he grips the phone and presses it up against his left ear. The phone rings almost to the point where he believes it will go to voicemail before a man answers.

"Hello...who is this?" The man answers, obviously curious about the unknown number.

"Is this Lucas Nolan ?" Jason inquires, evading the question.

"Yes, this is. Again, who is this?"

"Are you free to talk for a few moments? Is this a good time?" Jason replies.

"I can once you tell me who this is." Lucas' voice grows with irritation.

"This is Jason Summers. Does that name ring a bell?"

There is an awkward moment of silence before Lucas finally responds.

"Uhm, yeah...you must be Keith's ex. How did you get my number?"

"That's not important," Jason shoots back. "I need to ask a few questions and I need some honest answers."

"Okay, I can hear you out. I have no problem with that." Lucas responds.

"Alright then," Jason nods his head and clears his throat. "If I may ask firstly, what exactly was your relationship with Keith?"

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