A Shocking Update Leaves Nick Contemplating Murder — Plus, Kyle and Victoria Cover With Claire

At Society, Victoria’s sitting with Claire when Kyle walks in. Claire starts up a chat with her ex and eventually asks him to join them. Awkwardness ensues.

Kyle tries getting away, but Claire insists. He reluctantly pulls up a chair and Claire shares a text she got from Harrison. He assures her she’s welcome to visit the kid. Claire sets it up for the following morning, and then starts telling a story about her and Kyle taking Harrison to a farm, causing Victoria to shift uncomfortably.

When Claire finally takes off, Kyle and Victoria debrief. She admits it’s odd hearing him and Claire talk about their past. Kyle agrees that it’s awkward around other people… especially Claire. He hedges, “Do you want to talk about that?”

Once they have stiff drinks, Victoria admits it’s hard to talk about him and Claire, but she has no regrets about what they’re doing. Kyle enjoyed his time with her daughter, but what they have is completely different. He has no doubts, it’s just complicated. He asks if she wants to tell people to assuage their guilt. Victoria doesn’t feel guilty and doesn’t think it’s anyone’s business. Kyle admits that it’s hot sneaking around.

Adam’s Update

At the ranch, Victor thinks Nikki’s fight with Diane lit a fire under her where Vibrante is concerned, but she claims she hasn’t given it a thought. Victor swerves to Nick and admits he’s still worried about him managing without pills. Nikki warns of the unexpected challenges when you’re right out of rehab. Victor guesses she wants Jack as his sponsor.

They’re bickering about Jack when Adam comes in with news: Nick’s friend Marie Kirkland was found at the same motel where they holed up before. She was unconscious and not breathing. She’s at the hospital, alive, but barely breathing. He’s afraid of what will happen when Nick finds out. Adam explains there is no family to contact. Victor thinks one of them should tell Nick.

Nick’s Gnarly Day

At Crimson Lights, Nick flirts with Esther, who assures him that he’s been missed. His old dealer walks in and Nick confronts him. Sharon and Esther look on as the dealer tries telling Nick he has seen his friend Marie. Nick snarls that she’s not in Genoa City, and warns him to stay away from his family, including Marie before throwing him out.

Sharon approaches and Nick, agitated, tries to dodge her. She follows him to the patio, where he explains he used to buy pills from the guy. Sharon tries counseling how to get through this difficult moment, and Nick bites her head off.

Esther rolls out some calming decaf tea and Nick supposes this is what happens when you start shoving customers. He apologizes to Sharon, who good-naturedly points out he always had a temper. Nick shares that he talked to Jack, but he wants to wipe that dealer off the face of the earth.

Rallying the Troops

Still at Society, Kyle thinks they should pick code names for their phone in case someone sees their texts. They settle on Boris and Natasha. Their love nest is “HQ”. They’re about to head there when Victoria gets a call from Nikki summoning her to the ranch. Kyle urges her not to panic and to text him later.

At Crimson Lights, Nick is telling Sharon that the dealer said he saw Marie when Adam calls him to come to the ranch. “Dad, Nikki and I have something to tell you.” He asks if it’s about Matt. Adam says it’s not and they disconnect. Nick tells Sharon this doesn’t sound good. Nick goes and Sharon checks in with Esther, who offers to share what she knows from helping Mrs. C.

At the ranch, Victoria arrives and finds out about Marie. She worries the news will set Nick off. They explain that it’s best he learns the news from them. Adam admits he fears it could damage his brother’s sobriety. Nick arrives and Victor intones that there’s some news he needs to know.

At the love nest, Kyle pours a drink and smiles. He steps onto the terrace and flashes to playing strip “Have You Ever…” with Victoria. Grinning, he muses that this place is one of the best decisions he’s ever made.

The Final Scenes

At Crimson Lights, Esther tells Sharon she was trained as an alcohol abuse counselor. You can’t fix the addict, but you don’t have to make excuses for them either. Just be there with no judgment and take care of yourself. Sharon tears up; they’re so lucky to have Esther. The former maid assures her Nick will get through this… one of the reasons is that he has Sharon.

At the ranch, Adam tells Nick that Marie was found in the motel this afternoon. She overdosed again. Nick asks if she’s dead. Adam says she’s in the hospital and still unconscious. They all want to help. Nick announces he’s going over there and will fly her family out. Adam gently explains that she doesn’t have anybody. Nick had no idea she was so alone.

At the love nest, Kyle gets a text from Natasha, aka, Victoria, that it’s best if they arrange another day. He sits on the bed, disappointed

Back at the ranch, Victoria tells Nick they’re there for him, whatever he needs. Nick’s focused on Marie. He’ll cover her medical expenses and wants to go to the hospital. Adam offers to accompany him. Nick promises he can handle this and needs to deal with it his own way.

Once he’s outside the door, Nick curses the drug dealer and vows, “You’re a dead man.”