Fantastic S5 Episode 55(1/23/24)

It's a new day in Fantastic City. In the living room of the Stanpatos mansion, Lawrence is on the phone. “Just exactly how much trouble is it to find one man?...I don't care how many aliases you suspect him of hiding behind Gizelle, it is imperative that you locate Vadim Sidorov, or whatever his real name is. If Lysandros’ confession to Rebecca is to be believed, Vadim is the last known person to be in possession of the diamond ring. Find him, and you may just find the ring.” Lawrence says. Dylan walks into the room. “Good morning.” Dylan says. “I have to go, call me when you have further updates.” Lawrence says, before hanging up. Lawrence turns towards Dylan and smiles. “Good morning, my boy! Lovely day today, wouldn't you agree?” Lawrence asks. “Its like 20 degrees outside, so no, I wouldn't agree. Who were you on the phone with just now?” Dylan questions. “Just a business associate.” Lawrence says. “Does this business pertain to Stanpatos Enterprises?” Dylan wonders. “Not at all. In fact, I have this associate of mine trying to track down some antiques I've been searching for.” Lawrence says. “I didn't know you to be one to collect antiques.” Dylan says. Lawrence shrugs. “I figured I'd pick up a new hobby. At my age, I need all the help I can get to prevent life from becoming boring.” Lawrence says. “Well I have some news that may add some spice to your day. Guess who came back from the dead.” Dylan urges. Before Lawrence can answer, the front door can be heard slamming shut and Lydia storms into the living room! “You son of a bitch! I know what you did, and you aren't going to get away with it!” Lydia shouts, causing Lawrence to look nervous…

At Julia's penthouse, Lucas is still asleep in bed when Julia comes in and places a cup of coffee on his nightstand. Hearing the bit of noise, Lucas opens his eyes. “Hey, good morning sleepy head.” Julia says. “Morning…what time is it?” Lucas asks. “A little after 9. I thought I'd let you sleep in a bit.” Julia says. Lucas sits up and sees the coffee. “Is that for me?” Lucas asks. “Mmhm.” Julia confirms. Lucas smiles. “You're too good to me.” Lucas says, before picking up the cup. “Well try not to get used to the whole being waited on hand and foot thing. This is only until you are 100% recovered.” Julia says. “Yes ma'am. You know, I'm surprised to see you here so late in the morning. Usually you like to get an early start.” Lucas notes. “I wanted to make sure you were comfortable.” Julia says. “I appreciate that, but I'm here, in our home, I couldn't be more comfortable.” Lucas says. “Good…on that note, there is another reason I stuck around for a bit this morning. There's something you should know…” Julia says. “Uh oh, I'm not sure I'm a fan of your whole demeanor. Is this something bad?” Lucas questions. “I guess it depends on your perspective. Quite honestly, I'm not sure where yours is going to land.” Julia says. “Well enough beating around the bush, you may as well rip the band-aid right off and tell me what this is about.” Lucas says. “Okay…it's about your brother, Corey.” Julia says. “What about him? He's been dead for years.” Lucas says. “Except he hasn't been. Your brother is still alive.” Julia reveals!

In a room at the Riverview Mental Institution, Meow Cat is lying in bed when the door opens. An orderly walks in. “Mr. Cat.” The orderly says. Meow Cat sits up. “No thank you, I'm not in the mood to put together a puzzle, or to participate in group therapy!” Meow Cat says. “Its not that. You've got yourself a visitor.” The orderly says. “Who in the world would want to come see me?” Meow Cat questions. Kaylie walks in. “No one, but that doesn't mean I don't have to.” Kaylie says. “What is SHE doing here?! You need to get her out of here! Her very presence is going to put a damper on my road to recovery, she could cause me a setback! Is that what you people want?!” Meow Cat questions. The orderly turns towards Kaylie. “I'll be right outside if you need anything.” The orderly says. “Thanks, but I don't think he's a threat.” Kaylie says. The orderly nods and walks out. “I know why you're here! You're here for revenge, aren't you? I jabbed you with a needle, so now you're gonna stab me with a knife! Or maybe you brought your gun! I get it, you're going to shoot me and then tell people I tried to attack you!” Meow Cat says. “Quit being so dramatic, I'm not gonna hurt you!” Kaylie says. “Then why are you here? My case is closed! I'm Katie Cat's big bad stalker.” Meow Cat says. “Stop it! We both know that isn't Katie Cat, and we both know you aren't Dannie's stalker!” Kaylie says. “We-we do? I mean, no, you're wrong! I am the stalker!” Meow Cat lies. “No you aren't. Caleb Cooper is, or maybe you know him better by his real name, Corey Cambino.” Kaylie says. Meow Cat's eyes widen. “I see you've heard of him then.” Kaylie says. “Only because he tried to kill Kitty Cat years ago!” Meow Cat claims. “Speaking of Kitty Cat, do you know she's currently at Fantastic Medical, alive and well?” Kaylie asks. “WHAT?!” Meow Cat asks. “Yeah. My girlfriend and I found her in a room at Corey's house, he was keeping her drugged.” Kaylie says. “She was at his house?” Meow Cat asks. “She was only recently moved there according to her, its probably why you missed her.” Kaylie says. “Missed her? What do you mean?” Meow Cat asks. “We found evidence at Cambino's house that suggests you were there at some point. So here's what I think. I think after I ripped that mask off your face in November, you started hiding out at Corey's place. Once you got sent here, he moved in Kitty Cat. You know what else I think? I think you were helping Corey because you knew he had Kitty Cat and you were trying to get her back.” Kaylie says. “I have no idea what you're talking about…” Meow Cat claims. “Cut it out, Meow Cat! There's no point in lying anymore, so you either give me the full story right now, or you'll be trading this cushy room for a cell at Baronville, TODAY! What's it gonna be?” Kaylie questions.

At Fantastic Medical, Corey is handcuffed to his hospital bed as Jenna sticks a pin into his leg. “Do you feel that at all?” Jenna asks. “No! Just like I haven't felt it in the last five places you checked!” Corey snaps. “Well the good news is that it would appear you are going to live.” Jenna says. “Oh, well that's just great. And the bad news?” Corey questions. “The bad news is that it would appear you're paralyzed from the waist down. I can talk to your doctor and see if he can run some tests. Maybe there's some sort of treatment or procedure that could help correct the issue.” Jenna suggests. “I'm a doctor myself, I'm willing to wager that there's no simple fix to this.” Corey says. “I'm sorry Doctor Cooper, there's really no way of me knowing for sure. There's no way for either of us to know for sure until more tests are run.” Jenna says. “Let me stop you right there. You can cut it out with the Doctor Cooper crap, my name is Corey Cambino! Now when will the doctor be in to see me?” Corey asks. “It depends on his schedule. In the meantime, I need to get back to my rounds.” Jenna says. Jenna goes to walk away but Corey grabs her arm with his free hand! “No, what you need to do is find that damn doctor! Do you realize I'll be on my way to prison soon? I don't have time to wait around!” Corey yells. “LET GO OF ME YOU LOON!” Jenna yells. The door swings open and Andy and Rebecca walk in. “Get your hands off her, Cambino!” Andy shouts. Corey releases his grip on Jenna. “Well what do you know! Fantastic City’s poor man’s Avengers have arrived!” Corey says. Andy turns towards Jenna. “You okay?” Andy asks. “Yeah, just dandy.” Jenna says. “Good. You don’t have to worry about him for much longer, he’ll be gone before you know it.” Andy says. “So I’ve heard. I’m gonna have a word with my supervisor to make sure that if I ever have to come back to this god forsaken room, I’ll have permission to carry a stun gun on me.” Jenna says, while glaring at Corey. Jenna turns towards Andy and Rebecca. “Thanks for the save.” Jenna says, before walking out. “I may have to talk to the guard about handcuffing your other wrist, if this is how you’re going to behave.” Rebecca says. “What the hell do you want?” Corey asks. “Do you really have to ask?” Andy wonders. “You killed our daughter, we’re here for retribution.” Rebecca tells him…

“I’m quite sure I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Lawrence tells Lydia. Lydia turns to face Lawrence. “Who are you?” Lydia questions. “This is my father.” Dylan reveals. “Your father? I thought Michael Stanpatos was your father.” Lydia says. “Yeah, well turns out everyone had the wrong Stanpatos pegged as my father. My real father is this man, Lawrence Stanpatos.” Dylan says. Lydia’s eyes widen. “You’re Lawrence Stanpatos?” Lydia asks. “I see that you’ve heard of me.” Lawrence observes. “I heard that you were dead.” Lydia notes. “Reports of my death were greatly exaggerated, much like the reports of your death.” Lawrence says. “So if you came in here yelling and hollering like that and you have no idea who Lawrence is, I assume you must be here for me.” Dylan says. “You stole my family company from me, you bastard!” Lydia tells him. “Technically, he didn’t steal anything from you because you were believed to be dead.” Lawrence notes. “Stay out of this!” Lydia says. “I’m sorry Lydia, truly, but business is business. I saw an opportunity that was too good to pass up.” Dylan says. “And just how did you manage this? My shares in the company have been missing for nearly nine years, so aren’t Serena’s!” Lydia points out. “That was true. Fortunately, I was able to recover said shares.” Lawrence says. “Are you saying this was your idea?” Lydia questions. “As my son stated, this was far too good of an opportunity to ignore. That’s precisely the reason I presented it to him.” Lawrence says. “How did you get the shares?” Lydia wonders. “That’s irrelevant.” Lawrence says. “I disagree. I spent years searching for those stock certificates and kept coming up empty! You spend a short amount of time searching and were somehow able to accumulate a 40% claim in the company! I’d hardly call that irrelevant!” Lydia says. “What’s important is that my son was able to use those shares to seize control of the company, a company which was unfortunately the victim of poor management during your absence. You see, your paramour Lucas’ business skills leave much to be desired, and I’m confident most who have done business with Masters Corp over the past two years would agree with me.” Lawrence says. “Wait…in order to take control of the company, you would need to have a majority stake! 40% is not a majority so where on earth did you get the remaining shares?” Lydia asks. “Your uncle Lysandros convinced your sister Adelina to give him her shares. Wishbone kidnapped her a couple of months ago, Lysandros played a role in her rescue, and she was grateful to him.” Dylan says. “Apparently her gratitude caused her to throw family loyalty out the window.” Lydia says. “Loyalty to a family she barely even knows?” Dylan asks. “So why would Lysandros side with the two of you? I can see him wanting to take control for himself, but I can’t see him helping the Stanpatos family take control.” Lydia says. “That’s because there were strings attached to his so-called generosity. He wanted to act as Dylan’s Co CEO. In exchange, he would vote in Dylan’s favor at the board meeting. As you can probably deduce, Lysandros’ role at the company has been terminated ever since he was taken into WPA custody.” Lawrence says. “And no one can reach him to find out what he wants to do with his 20% in the company while he’s locked up.” Dylan says. “Which I’m sure works out pretty nicely for you two. Lysandros rots in jail while you get to have all the control!” Lydia says. “You almost sound like you feel badly for Lysandros being in jail. You do remember he was arrested for kidnapping you, right? For keeping you away from your loved ones for the past few years?” Dylan asks. “Yeah, well some things just don’t add up, even when blinded by my disdain for Lysandros.” Lydia says. “Such as what exactly?” Lawrence wonders. “Do you really think I’m about to share that with you?” Lydia asks. Lydia turns towards Dylan. “Look, I know that you and I have had a bumpy few years since our breakup, but I know that a part of you still cares about me! If you didn’t, you never would’ve offered to bring me to the hospital after Lucas was shot! Please Dylan, if you care about me at all, let me have Masters Corp back!” Lydia begs. “Lydia…” Dylan begins to say. “Are you gonna deny that you still care? Okay, let me communicate with you in a way you understand then. Remind me how you felt after Kristina came back to town, thinking she was The Evil Force, and stole Stanpatos Enterprises out from under you.” Lydia says. “That was a long time ago.” Lawrence points out. “But not much different from the stunt you two pulled here. So go on, remind me how you felt about your family’s legacy being ripped away from you.” Lydia says. “Since when do you care about your family’s legacy?” Dylan questions. “Since that company is one of the last pieces that I have left of my father! My relationship with my mother is complicated, I won’t deny that, but I LOVED my father with all my heart, I was devastated when he died! Ever since that moment, I have been working my butt off to make Masters Corp as successful as it can be, something that he could be proud of! With how passionate you are about protecting your family’s legacy, are you seriously gonna deny me the right to uphold mine?!” Lydia questions. “Miss. Masters, I understand why you are upset. Unfortunately, what’s done is done.” Lawrence says. “Dylan has the power to undo it.” Lydia argues. “No, I am the one who is in possession of the stock certificates. That means what happens with Masters Corp is my decision, and I’m choosing to keep Dylan as the CEO.” Lawrence says. Lydia turns towards Dylan. “I’m sorry…” Dylan says. Lydia shakes her head. “You really are nothing but a spineless coward. On New Year's Eve, I thought that I had seen a glimpse of the man I fell in love with, the old Dylan Stanpatos. Clearly I was just seeing things! You can both go straight to hell.” Lydia says, before storming out. “My, my, she is certainly short fused.” Lawrence says. “She’s angry, rightfully so.” Dylan says. “You can’t allow anything Lydia did to disturb your happiness, Dylan. What you have managed to accomplish is truly extraordinary! Being in control of two of the biggest conglomerates this world has ever seen! That is just the beginning of our family’s empire expanding! Its more of a stepping stone, if you will.” Lawrence says. “You know, I couldn’t help but notice that you made sure to let Lydia know you were the one holding all the power. Should I be worried about that?” Dylan asks. “Absolutely not! I just made a point to mention that tidbit so Lydia would know playing on your emotions would not do her any good. Trust me, you have nothing to fear from me.” Lawrence says. “I certainly hope you mean that.” Dylan says. “Let's move onto another topic, yes? When you first came into the room, you mentioned that someone else had returned from the dead.” Lawrence says. “Yeah, that’s right. You better brace yourself for this…Kitty Cat is alive.” Dylan reveals. Lawrence’s eyes widen. “What?!” Lawrence asks. “That’s right. Apparently Lucas Cambino’s serial killer brother came back from the dead too and was holding her captive.” Dylan says. “That’s quite the story…” Lawrence mutters. “It is. With Kitty Cat alive, I certainly hope you were telling the truth about having nothing to do with her supposed death, because chances are she’ll tell the cops just about anything to get some sort of deal.” Dylan says.

Lucas and Julia are now sitting at the foot of their bed. “So Dannie’s friend Caleb Cooper is really my brother Corey? And he’s been the one stalking Dannie this whole time?!” Lucas asks. “That’s right.” Julia says. “My god…I knew something was familiar about Caleb, but never in a million years did it occur to me that he was my brother!” Lucas says. “How could it? As far as you knew, Corey was dead.” Julia says. “But he’s not…” Lucas mutters. “So…what was your relationship with him like before his death?” Julia wonders. “I was being held captive when Corey was supposedly killed. I wasn’t there when it came out he was the syringe serial killer, I wasn’t there when he took Dannie hostage or when Rebecca killed him. I did give him control of the family business a couple of months before his death, but that’s only because I wanted it to stay in the family. My sister wasn’t living in Fantastic then so I couldn’t have given control to her.” Lucas recalls. “Sounds like things weren’t good between you two then.” Julia observes. “He’s the reason my marriage to my first wife Adelina imploded. Corey has always had this inferiority complex, he always felt like everyone in the world would cast him aside in favor of someone else. So to make himself feel better, he seduced my wife.” Lucas reveals. “What scum.” Julia comments. “Tell me about it…” Lucas says. Lucas stands up. “Wait, where are you going?” Julia questions. “I’m going to the hospital. It's time Corey and I spend some quality time together, as brothers. This has been years in the making, no way in hell I’m missing my chance.” Lucas says. Lucas goes to walk out. “Before you leave, there’s something else I should tell you.” Julia says. “More bad news?” Lucas wonders. “I think it's worse news. Kitty Cat is alive.” Julia reveals. “What?!” Lucas asks. “Apparently your brother has had her ever since the explosion down at the docks. He’s been keeping her drugged up so she couldn’t escape. Kaylie thinks Corey was using Kitty Cat as leverage to get Meow Cat to do his bidding.” Julia says. “That son of a bitch…is Issac safe?” Lucas asks. “Issac is fine, he’s with my mother. Mama has doubled security around the mansion so there’s no way Kitty Cat or her associates are getting near Issac.” Julia says. “Good…so where’s Kitty Cat now?” Lucas asks. “She’s in the hospital. They kept her overnight for observation, but from everything I’ve heard, there’s no reason they won’t be able to transfer her to Baronville today.” Julia says. “Circling back to my brother, with Corey being the real stalker, what happens to Meow Cat?” Lucas wonders. “My sister is taking care of that right now.” Julia says.

In Meow Cat’s room at Riverview, Kaylie pulls up a chair next to her bed. “Go ahead, start talking. I’m listening.” Kaylie says. “You said that if I don’t talk, I’m gonna be sent to prison. Does that mean if I do talk, I won’t go to prison?” Meow Cat asks. “As long as you cooperate. Tell me everything you know about Corey Cambino.” Kaylie demands. “No way, Jose! I’m not doing anything without a signed deal! Once we have something in writing, then I’ll talk.” Meow Cat says. Kaylie hands Meow Cat a document. “Wait, you already pulled one up?” Meow Cat asks. “I had my sister draw up the papers this morning. Despite what you did to me, I don’t think you set out to hurt anyone. I think Corey used you as a pawn in his sick quest to win back Dannie, and I think he used Kitty Cat as leverage to control you. So why should you have to go down for Corey’s master plan? It isn’t fair, right?” Kaylie asks. “No, definitely not. So this document is for immunity, right?” Meow Cat asks. “Look at it yourself if you don’t believe me.” Kaylie urges. Meow Cat looks at the paper. “Hm…seems legit. Do you have a pen?” Meow Cat asks. Kaylie hands Meow Cat a pen and he signs the document. “Okay, here’s what happened. I got a phone call from someone asking me to meet back in September, he said he had something I wanted. Being a curious cat, I went down to the docks and met up with him. I didn’t recognize him, you know, with the new face and all that, but he told me who he was pretty quick.” Meow Cat says. “And you didn’t think to call the cops?” Kaylie asks. “I was going to! I liked my gig working for your mom, I wasn’t about to screw that up by socializing with a dead serial killer! Especially not a dead serial killer that tried to kill my bestie Kitty Cat! So when I pulled out my phone to call the police, that’s when he told me that Kitty Cat was alive. He said he had her and the only way he would let her go is if I helped him with a little project he was working on. Detective, you have to believe me, I never wanted to hurt you! I panicked, that’s why I jabbed you with that needle! Honestly, I didn’t even know there was anything in the needle! I guess I should’ve known though, this is the same sick puppy that used to kill people with needles. You know, I don’t care what he says! This was all just some giant game to him! It wasn’t about loving Dannie, it was about winning the game which meant winning Dannie! He’s sick, Kaylie! Sick!” Meow Cat says. “Well if all goes well, he’ll never see the light of day again. Are you willing to put all of this in a written statement?” Kaylie asks. “Sure, whatever you need.” Meow Cat says. “Good. In that case, you should be out of here in a few hours, just in time for Corey to go to his new home.” Kaylie says.

“You want retribution? There isn’t much more you could do to me. Do you know why I was so upset just now? I just found out that I don’t have any feeling in my legs, I’m paralyzed.” Corey says. “Is that right? Cue the small violin.” Rebecca sarcastically says. “Do you think this is a joke?” Corey questions. “No, I don’t think anything involving you is a joke! You murdered our daughter, you kidnapped Andy’s sibling and were going to kill them!” Rebecca notes. “I threatened Dannie, but I was never gonna hurt them. I love them way too much for that…” Corey claims. “You love them? YOU LOVE THEM?! Let me teach you something, pal! You don’t kidnap the people you love! You don’t point a gun at the people you love! You don’t scare the people you love so much that they think you’re gonna kill them! That isn’t love, what you have is a nasty case of obsession!” Andy yells. “You only say that because you don’t understand the depth of the connection Dannie and I have.” Corey says. “You and Dannie were together for a few months years ago! Do you really think they’ve given you a second thought since that night on the docks? Of course not! You’re part of their past, a distant, ugly part of their past!” Andy growls. “And that’s where you’re going to stay.” Rebecca says. “Why? Because you’re going to kill me? I’m guessing that’s why you and the hubby are here, you plan on bumping me off to avenge poor little Emma. Go ahead, kill me. You do that, and you’ll both be the ones spending the rest of your lives in jail. Meanwhile, your other kid will have to grow up without her parents. What was her name again? Ava?” Corey asks. “DON’T YOU EVER SAY MY DAUGHTER’S NAME! After what you did to Emma, you don’t have any right to talk about her OR Ava! Ava never got the chance to even meet Emma because of you, because of what you did to her!” Rebecca yells. “Good thing you’re here to make me pay for it, huh?” Corey asks. “You are going to pay, but I’m not going to kill you.” Rebecca says. “Oh? Are you gonna keep watch while Andy does all the heavy lifting?” Corey wonders. “I’m not gonna kill you either. Believe me, its taking everything in me not to crack your skull open right now, but I won’t do it because I know what that will do to my little girl and I don’t want to cause her any pain. Unlike you, I don’t like seeing other people in pain.” Andy says. “You think I enjoy hurting people? I didn’t enjoy hurting Hank, just like I didn’t enjoy hurting Emma! Them dying was never part of the plan.” Corey says. “Neither was you going to prison, which is why you did kill them.” Andy says. “Which means you killed them for nothing, because you are going to prison. There won’t be any insanity plea, you won’t be able to get off due to lack of evidence or a technicality. We have your back up against the wall and there isn’t a damn thing you can do about it.” Rebecca says. “I’m gonna be in a wheelchair! I’m pretty sure I need rehab, not prison!” Corey says. “You think there aren’t people in wheelchairs in prison? That’s not going to save you, Corey. Nothing is going to save you! That’s the only thing that gives me any sort of peace, knowing that for the rest of your life, you’ll never know peace again. You are going to be incarcerated with some very dangerous people, people who won’t be too fond of the fact that you murdered a child! I’d say you could always fight back, but that may not be easy to do when you’re confined to a wheelchair!” Rebecca says. “Is that your new brand of justice, Commissioner?” Corey asks. “I’m not speaking as the commissioner, I’m speaking as a distraught mother who will never get to see some of her daughter’s biggest milestones because some parasite took her from me! I know you aren’t going to survive prison, Corey. And when the day finally comes where I get that phone call that they found your body, I am going to be ecstatic and I am going to dance on your grave. So you see, I don’t need to get my revenge on you, why would I need to do that when someone else will happily do the dirty work? Good luck, Corey, you are desperately going to need it in the months and years to come, assuming you even live that long.” Rebecca says, before walking out. Andy turns towards Corey. “Do you have something to say too?” Corey asks. “Nah, I think my wife summed up my thoughts pretty decently where Emma is concerned. I will say one thing, I am so glad that Dannie is gay. If not, they might’ve actually fell for your little scheme. Luckily, I never have to worry about them falling for you again. I hope you rot in prison Cambino, and then I hope you rot in hell.” Andy says, before walking out. “I’ll see the two of you there…” Corey mutters. A moment later, the door opens again. “What happened, you think of a really sick burn you forgot to lay on me so you came back for more?” Corey asks. Corey looks at the door and his eyes widen. “Its you.” Corey says. Lucas is revealed to be standing in the doorway! “Hello Corey, long time no see.” Lucas says…