Previously, on Tomorrow Waits For No One: The car carrying Cole, Marcus, Ginny, Frank, and Vittorio was washed into a river as a levee broke.  Cole brought Vittorio to a cave and directed Frank, who was carrying an unconscious Ginny, there.  Marcus took refuge in a tree surrounded by raging floodwaters.  In a touch-and-go rescue attempt, Cole and rescue workers extended a ladder to Marcus, allowing him to return to the shore.

Marcus and Cole returned to the cabin to search for the jewels but discovered that only the foundation remained.  They found nothing in the ruins.

Rhonda bumped into Gail while shopping for Ann's bridal shower gift.  They sniped at one another, goading each other to spend much more that either intended.  Rhonda infuriated Gail by insinuating that she'd still be paying for her gift after Ann and Roger's marriage is dissolved.

Cole and Marcus visited Ginny in the hospital before returning to San Marcello.  They all expressed thanks that Frank had saved her life.  Still, Ginny looked forward to arresting him.

Rhonda called a man named Rico and hired him to dig up dirt on Gail.

Under hypnosis with Dr. Park, Marcus remembers retrieving the Van der Griff jewels from the oak tree near his cabin and before boarding a train to San Marcello.  He recalled being confronted by Al and Leo and chased through the woods before being hit by Frank's car.  But he couldn't remember what he did with the jewels.
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Installment 18

Sept. 24

Santa Lorena County Building: DA's Office

     Philip and Rhonda share an intimate moment at his office, but the romance doesn't last.

     "As much as I'd love to continue this all afternoon, I'm investigating an embezzlement at the Bank of San Marcello," Philip regretfully interrupts Rhonda's nuzzling his neck.  "This really promises to be quite an interesting case."

     Rhonda becomes uneasy and quickly changes the subject.  "Philip, I've been wanting to ask you about Nurse Renwick.  I think she's set her sights on you and I don't like it at all."

     "Set her sights on me?"

     "Yes, Philip.  She is attracted to you," Rhonda confirms to an astounded Philip.  "Oh come now, darling.  Are you telling me you've never noticed the way she swoons over you whenever you're around her?"

     "I can't believe we're having this discussion," he reacts, annoyed.  "Gail and I are just friends."

     "Well, it's obvious that she'd like your relationship to go much deeper," Rhonda spits.  "I'd prefer it if you didn't interact with her."

     "That's ridiculous Rhonda.  In case you've forgotten, my sister is marrying her cousin," Philip retorts.  "We're all but family already.  I can't very well shun her.  What has gotten into you?"

     Having diverted the conversation from the bank case and not wanting to escalate the disagreement into an argument, she gives in.  "I suppose you could be right, dear.  I may be reading more into her intentions," she concedes.  "Speaking of weddings..."

     "Can we please not have this discussion again Rhonda?  Not now," Philip reacts.

     "If not now, Philip, when?

     "Rhonda, I really have to get to work," he stalls.

     "Fine.  I have work to do," she coldly states as she angrily leaves the office.

     Outside, she curiously breathes a sigh of relief.  "Whew," she thinks to herself.  "I don't know how much longer I'll be able to keep him from discussing the crimes at the bank."

Mrs. Williams' House

     That evening, Marcus and Cole return to visit the flat above Mrs. Williams home.  Marcus produces a key from underneath a garden gnome in the backyard before proceeding upstairs.  Cole shakes his head and sniggers.

     "What?" Marcus reacts with a smile.  "Simple things like this work."

     Marcus and Cole climb the stairs and enter Marcus's flat.  They search, but find no jewels.

     "Well, at least now I can change into my own clothes," Marcus says, trying to remain positive.  "I was hoping that there would be something here that would explain the visions I've been having."

     "Tell me more about these visions."

     "I keep remembering a beach as well as horses and a big, luxurious chandelier," explains Marcus.  "There's nothing here connected to any of those things."

     "So, we seem to have reached another dead end," Cole laments.  "Maybe we should call it a night."

     "Yeah.  I guess it's too late to bother Mrs. Williams.  I'll stop by tomorrow to let her know I'm back in town," Marcus plans.  "I hope she's okay with me staying here tonight."

     "Well, you could always spend the night at my place again," Cole says suggestively.

     "That would probably be a good idea.  For Mrs. Williams' sake," replies Marcus with a wink.

Sept. 25

University Hospital: Dr. Martinez's Office

     Marcus continues working with Dr. Park to recall memories but with little success.  He lies back on the couch as the doctor guides him through a series of relaxing imagery.  She then begins to paint a picture of Marcus arriving in San Marcello with the Van der Griff jewels.

     "Marcus, I want you to relax," she tells him.  "You're doing so well until you get to your memories of Mrs. Williams."

     "I know," Marcus replies, exasperated.  "I stopped by to see her this morning, but she wasn't home.  I haven't spoken to her since I began to regain my memory."

     "I suggest you make that a priority."

     Marcus sits up.  "I know.  I plan to stop by after I leave here," he agrees.  "She's kind of an old-fashioned lady.  She doesn't have an answering machine so it's been difficult to get in touch with her."

     "You continue to have memories of horses and the beach," recalls Dr. Park.  "I wonder if Mrs. Williams might possibly shed some light on that too."

     "That and the fancy chandelier I keep seeing.  I know that Mrs. Williams didn't have anything that ornate in her house.  I can't remember anything having to do with the beach or horses there either."

     "Well, regaining all of your memories will take time, of course," starts the doctor.  "But, as I've mentioned before, parts of your past may be lost to you forever."

     They continue as Dr. Park uses hypnotism to help Marcus focus.  But the block is still too strong.  After several fruitless minutes, they agree to give up for the day and try again soon.

Ginny Riley's Apartment

     Having been released from Twin Creeks Memorial Hospital and flown back to San Marcello, Ginny rests on the couch in her living room.  Cole stops by for a visit.

     "How are you doing?" Cole asks as he takes a seat in an easy chair.  "You look good."

     "I'm going crazy!" she opines.  "I can't stand being cooped up with nothing to do.  There's nothing on TV but game shows and talk shows."

     "There's always the soaps," teases Cole.

     "Thank you, no," Ginny coldly responds.  "Physically though, I'm fine.  I'll be back to work soon."

     "Well, maybe this will take your mind off of your plight," Cole offers.  "Marcus had another session with Dr. Park and, guess what?"

     "What?"

     "It turns out that he'd already been to the cabin to get the jewels before he left Twin Creeks last month," Cole explains.

     "No," she replies as she slumps back on the couch.  "Where are they?"

     "He still doesn't remember.  But get this.  He's been having vague memories of something to do with the beach, horses, and a chandelier.  That's all he can come up with."

     After thinking for awhile, Ginny has a revelation.  "When I was a kid, my family used to go to an old amusement park at the beach every summer.  There was an antique merry-go-round with a huge chandelier above it.  I'm not sure if it would still be there though.  They closed that place down years ago," she tells him.

     "That could explain things," remarks Cole.

     Just then, the doorbell rings.  "Shall I get it?" Cole asks.

     "Yeah, thanks."

     He answers the door.  "Mr. and Mrs. Riley, how are you?" Cole greets.

     Eamon Riley and his wife Dr. Brigit Riley enter the apartment.

     "Oh, it's so good to see you Cole," Brigit says.  "Ginny, I'm so glad that you're home, safe and sound.  How are you doing?" she asks with concern.

     Wanting to avoid talking about her recent injuries, she averts attention.

     "I'm just fine Mom.  Hey, we were just talking about Seaside Funland.  It may figure in a case we're on and Cole would like to check it out.  Do you have directions?"

     "Ah, you take the coast highway about an hour south and you can't miss it," Eamon explains as he sits on the love seat next to his wife.  "Developers have big plans for that site.  I believe they're gearing up to demolish the place soon."

     "Thanks for the info., Mr. Riley.  I'll get a start right away," Cole says.  "It was a pleasure to see you again Mr. and Mrs. Riley.  Ginny, I'll be in touch."

     Outside, Cole calls Marcus.  "I'll meet you in half-an-hour," he tells him.  "We're taking a little trip."

Seaside Funland

     Less than two hours later, Cole and Marcus arrive at the abandoned amusement park to find the place in disrepair.  A cold dreary fog hangs over the beach.  Stretched across the main entrance to the park is a large sign pronouncing 'luxury condos'.

     They make their way through the eerie ghost town, surrounded by old carnival rides, curio booths, and snack stands juxtaposed next to earth-moving and construction equipment.

     "None of this feels familiar to me," utters Marcus.

     They find the merry-go-round, which is just as Ginny described.  However faded, the brightly-colored, ornate carousel harkens back to a bygone era.  Lavishly detailed horses adorn the platform while an extravagant chandelier hangs over the center.

     Though Marcus does not recognize it, he and Cole begin to search for a hiding place where he may have hidden the Van der Griff jewels.  Marcus discovers the control box for the ride, and starts it up.  The ride comes alive with lights and music.

     "I can't believe this place has juice," Cole remarks.

     "Probably for the contractors," Marcus presumes.  "Come on!" he shouts to Cole as he jumps on one of the horses.

     Cole follows suit, and they enjoy a romantic ride together, laughing, and feeling like kids again.

     All the while, a man watches them from afar.

     After the diversion, Marcus and Cole continue to search, though with less vigor.  Finding nothing, they decide to return home.  "We've searched everywhere," laments Cole.  "I just don't think the jewels are here."

     "Me either," Marcus agrees.  "And this place just doesn't resonate with me.  I'll have to reexamine the visions I've been having."

     The man following them in the distance is Vittorio, who used his mob influence to ensure that the proper guards were bribed to help him escape the Twin Creeks jail.  Hoping to get his hands on the Van der Griff jewels, he's come to San Marcello to tail Marcus.

     In the car, Marcus shares with Cole his disappointment.  "I'm beginning to think we'll never find the jewels."

     "No need to get discouraged just yet," Cole comforts.  "You didn't have any revelations talking to Mrs. Williams today?"

     "No, I never did see her.  She wasn't home when I stopped by.  I'll try again tomorrow.  Mind if I spend the night again tonight?"

     "Well, for Mrs. Williams' sake, right?" laughs Cole.

Sept. 26

Civic Center Grill

     After another session with Dr. Park, Marcus meets Cole for lunch at the little diner across from police headquarters.

     "Hey Cole," greets Marcus as he takes a seat.  Judging by Cole's grimace, Marcus knows something's wrong.  "What's the matter?"

     "Well, there's no reason to beat around the bush.  Cuzzupe has broken out of the Twin Creeks jail," Cole reveals.  "There's a chance he may come after you here," he warns.

     "Why?  What would cousin Vito have to gain by coming here?"

     "Marcus, the Van der Griff jewels are worth millions," Cole says as if stating the obvious.  "You know the type of man Cuzzupe is and you saw what he's capable of in Twin Creeks."

     Frank, who has been following Marcus, sits in a booth behind them and eavesdrops on his conversation with Cole.  As a disguise, he wears dark glasses, a baseball cap, and has begun to grow a mustache and beard.

     "And what about Frank?" Marcus asks.

     "He's still at large.  Both the TCPD and SMPD are on the lookout for him."

     Frank shifts uncomfortably in his seat and lowers the brim of his hat to obscure his eyes.

     "I know that both of them could be dangerous," Marcus capitulates.  "But neither of them are stupid.  Coming after me would be insane.  If they have any sense——"

     Marcus looks over to another table, and sees a newspaper headline reading, 'Latest Plans For Wilhelm Estate Go Awry.'  He grabs the newspaper, and intently reads the article.

     Suddenly, he has a breakthrough.

     "Yes!  I remember Mrs. Williams telling me the story of the old Wilhelm Estate.  It sits on top of the hill above her neighborhood."  Marcus scans the newspaper article.  "Let's see.  Um...here.  Yeah.

     "'Lillian Jensen Wilhelm was an eccentric woman who lived all of her life in the elaborate Victorian Gothic mansion that was built in the mid-19th Century on Jensen Hill.  Thought to be a witch by local schoolchildren for decades, she died five years ago at age 80.  Her death relieved some, but has frightened others since.'

     "According to the article, there have been no fewer than eight owners of the property since Mrs. Wilhelm's death, all of whom have been unable to complete their plans for the property.  Some have wanted to renovate the manor to make it their home.  Others have wanted to demolish the building and subdivide the property to build tract homes.

     "Listen to this, 'the latest plan seeks to convert the sprawling mansion to a historical museum.  All owners have met with insurmountable challenges.  During the period they held title to the property, three of the eight owners mysteriously died an untimely death.  Others experienced bizarre accidents or illnesses.  The house is widely considered to be haunted.'

     "That's where they are," Marcus tells Cole, referring to the Van der Griff jewels.  "I hid them in a secret compartment in the parlor of the mansion," Frank overhears Marcus tell Cole.

     Frank quickly pays his tab, and leaves the restaurant, planning to arrive at the Wilhelm Estate before Marcus and Cole.

     Vittorio sits in a car parked outside the restaurant, continuing to shadow Marcus.  Witnessing Frank leave the diner quickly, Vittorio follows his gut and trails Frank to the mansion.

Philip Benton's Car

     Philip calls his assistant Donna to let her know he'll be in late.  "Traffic's at a stand-still this morning," he grumbles.

     "What?  No, no.  That won't do," he tells her.  "I'd forgotten all about that meeting.  You'll have to reschedule it for me.  Well, because it will conflict with a most important engagement."

     Philip listens to Donna's response and breaks out into a smile.  "Ah, you remember.  Yes, she's finally marrying Manning tomorrow," he tells her, referring to the wedding between his sister Ann and Gail's cousin Roger Saturday.

     "No, clear my schedule for the entire day.  In fact, let me have the whole weekend.  Thanks."

Wilhelm Estate

     Breaking a window around the side of the estate to force his way in, Frank begins to rummage around in the grand parlor.  Vittorio spies on Frank as he pokes around the room, searching for the hidden compartment.

     Frank hears Marcus and Cole's car pull into the driveway and hides in an alcove.

     Marcus and Cole walk to the front porch and try the door.  "It's locked," remarks Cole.

     "Not for long," Marcus says with a sly grin.  He retrieves a multi-tool from his pocket and proceeds to pick the lock.  "Tools of my father's trade."  Moments later, the lock clicks and Marcus pushes the door open.

     "You continue to amaze me," notes Cole, shaking his head.

     They walk into the mansion.

     Mrs. Wilhelm, an avid horsewoman and beachcomber, had the foyer decorated with an elaborate trompe l'oeil of the beach.  As they enter the parlor, they notice that the walls are covered with horse-patterned velvet wall paper and lavish paintings of horses.  In the center of the room hangs a large, ornate chandelier.

     "This explains your visions," observes Cole.

     Marcus approaches the opulent fireplace.  Behind the mantle is a paneled wall.  He maneuvers a button hidden underneath the mantle which opens one of the panels to expose a secret compartment.  Inside lies a black velvet pouch.

     Marcus opens the pouch to reveal the much sought-after jewels.  Cole's eyes widen at the precious sight.

     Suddenly, Frank emerges from the alcove, pointing a gun at Marcus and Cole.

     "I'll take those off your hands," says Frank with a sly grin.  "And I'll take that from you Detective," he demands, referring to Cole's gun.  Cole relinquishes his revolver.

     "Marcus, would you be so kind as to take this rope and tie the good detective to that chair," Frank commands.  Marcus begins, tying the knots loosely.

     "You were never a Boy Scout, were you, Marcus," Frank scorns.  "Now, tie 'em so he won't escape!"  Marcus complies.

     "Now, you take a seat," Frank directs once he's satisfied that Cole is securely bound.  Frank ties Marcus to another chair.

     "I'm sure you'll eventually get free, but I'll be on the other side of the globe by then," Frank laughs as he bids them farewell.

     With dramatic flare, Vittorio steps forth, aiming a gun at Frank.  "I want to thank you for all of your hard work, Cain, but I won't be requiring your assistance any further."

     Without further ado, Vittorio shoots Frank in the chest!

     Frank clasps his chest and drops his weapon.  Letting out a wheeze, he falls backwards to the floor, lifeless, a pool of blood spreading across the chestnut floor.

     "Now, to tie up the last two loose ends," says Vittorio as he aims at Marcus and Cole.
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On the next installment of Tomorrow Waits For No One:

Rhonda to herself while reading the report on Gail: "Oh, my.  Now maybe that’s something I can use."

Gail to Dr. Martinez: "It looks like Mr. Cain’s past has finally caught up with him."

Mrs. Williams to Marcus: "Well are you or aren’t you Marc Lanza?"

Cole to Frank: "Oh, sometimes I really like my job.  Frank Cain, you have the right to remain silent."
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