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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.
  
  
• Valerie was met by a newer client at a hotel who turned out to be Braden McCullough.  Unaware of his connections to Pac Heights, she believed that he truly wanted more as he revealed that he was getting divorced and wanted to ask her on a real date. When he never called, Valerie turned her interest to Terrence Bordeaux. Val and Terrence had an instant attraction to each other and eventually exchanged numbers.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
  
• Kimberly's battle with the voices took an extreme turn for the worst when she created a new identity.  Calling herself 'Claudia Deauville', it was revealed that she was the person responsible for bringing Braden to Pac Heights. Plotting a company takeover, her new alliance meant that she would turn her back on the one man who was always there for her- Kimberly's own father.
  
  
  
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  Scene: Izzy's Steakhouse, San Francisco

Kimberly tries her best to remain calm as she glances down at her hands which are trembling severely. This is the first time that 'Claudia' will have a rendezvous with another stranger. She had known for sometime that the 'takeover' would occur quite soon, but she never realized it would come in this manner. For she was now turning her back on the one man that always stood by her side- her father, Steve Summers.

In recent years, Kimberly has found herself battling the horrifying voices that tear through her mind. She can never predict when these voices will surface, and she certainly feels like there is no way out at this point. Telling anyone in her family would be horrifying; counseling was certainly not a viable option.

The only option she feels she has is to let the demons she's been battling take over her mind and body without a fight. Certainly it would be better than the ramifications that might follow if she fought the voices herself. She realizes that enduring more pain from this hidden battle can no longer be a way of living.

"Ms. Deauville?" A man with an English accent startles her from behind.

She whips around quickly and thinks to herself that the accent isn't the only thing appealing about the gentleman. "Yes, call me Claudia."

"The pleasure is all mine, Claudia." Braden presses his lips gently against her hand.

"Nonsense. Surely I'll be getting quite a bit of pleasure out of this as well," she grins and shoots him a seductive smile.

"I certainly don't have a problem with that," he replies with a wink as they are shown to their table.

The two lower themselves to their seats and promptly open their menus. Kimberly begins to doubt whether she can still pull this off, but the voices quickly reassure her that Kimberly is gone and it's time for Claudia to shine.

"So you met Emily Landon this week?"

"I did, indeed," Braden replies. "She's quite the feisty woman."

"That she is." Claudia smirks and continues to peruse the menu. "And Steve Summers?"

"Yes, he seemed like a nice gentleman. A bit hard-pressed though." Braden replies.

"That would be Steve alright," Claudia responds. "Don't worry though; he'll be putty in your hands. You really just need to get Emily on your side and Steve will followHe does anything she says. It's quite pathetic to be honest."

"I noticed that their relationship seemed to be something more than just professionalHow long have they been together?"

"Off and on, before I was born." Claudia nearly kicks herself for saying it in that matter. She certainly doesn't want to convey that there's any connection between Steve and she. "Meaning, it's been decades. He recently divorced Diane and Emily was quick to jump into his lap- or, perhaps it was the other way around."

"I see. At any rate, I think I can handle Emily. I saw the way she was looking at meit's only a matter of time."

"Before?"

"Before she falls into my handstrust me that it will occur soon."

"You seem quite confident about that," Claudia smiles. "Do all women fall into your hands like that?"

"Only the ones who deserve to" Braden winks.

"I see."

"Of course, at this very moment, there's only one woman on my mind" Braden flashes a smile.

"Oh, is that so?" Claudia responds.

"It is.and she's looking quite lovely tonight."

Claudia returns his smile and finally decides on an entree. It seems she has lost any recognition of her old self at this point. For right now, only Claudia exists in this worldand she was about to get everything that Kimberly ever wanted.

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Scene: The Preston Residence. 

Jason turns off the ignition to his 2006 Intrigue and takes a deep breath as he shoots a quick glance at the house. He has no idea what information he might receive today behind those very doors. He notices Kayla's car in the driveway and feels relieved that she will be present to provide some information about Keith's activity last year. Although he does realize that Keith and Kayla were quite close and that she might be inclined to keep certain things to herself, he realizes this is his only shot.

His heart begins to race as he approaches the door and he takes one last glance at his car before knocking at the door. He instantly begins to have second thoughts and hopes that the conversation won't be too awkward. He raises his trembling hand to the door once again before Kayla appears in the doorway.

"Jason? Hi" Kayla trails off with suspicion. "How's it going?"

"I've been better, to be honest." Jason forces himself to reveal the truth as he locks eyes with her.

"I'm sorry to hear that. Can I help in any way?"

"Yes, I think you can." Jason bites his lip and continues, "it's about Keith ."

Kayla nods her head and she stares blankly at him. "Come in."

"Thank you."

Kayla ushers him to sit down on the sofa and asks if he wants anything to drink. He declines the offer and she sits down across from him on the sofa. The two stare at each other as an awkward silence fills the room.

Jason finally begins to speak, "firstly, I'm sorry for not contacting you sooner after Keith's death. I know it had to be really hard on you as well and I should've called or met up with you sooner. I know we both could've leaned on each other for support."

"I agree. I'm glad you topped by, to be honest. I know for a time you made Keith very happy and I know he really cared about you."

Jason smiles and nods before responding, "yes, and for a time things weren't the greatest. That's actually what I wanted to speak to you about"

"Why would you want to bring up anything negative at this point?" Kayla raises a brow.

"Because I need answers- and I really hope you can help me out. It would mean a great deal to me and would help put some closure on things."

Kayla nods, "sure. I'm not sure how much information you're looking for, but I understand how important closure is."

"Thanks." Jason takes her hand and grips it tightly. "I really appreciate it."

"So what questions do you have? I mean, Keith didn't tell me everything, but I knew a lot about what was going on last spring."

"I understand, and that's actually the time frame that I have certain questions about. There's one friend of his in particular that I need some information on."

"Oh?" Kayla's curiosity piques.

"His name is Lucas Nolan. Does that name sound familiar?"

Kayla lowers her head and thinks for a moment about how much she should reveal. Jason can already tell by her reaction that her response might hurt badly.

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