Thursday, June 21, 2007, Episode #5086

Judge Owens gives Christine some leeway.

In the courtroom, Assistant District Attorney Tartaro objects to how Rick's last minute arrival to save the day has turned the courtroom into a circus and insists that Rick only be allowed to testify in front of a jury. After Christine points out that Rick came forward willingly, Judge Owens allows the defense some leeway and allows Rick to testify, against Ms. Tartaro's strong objections. Once Rick takes the stand, Christine asks why he came here. "I remember," he replies. Rick testifies that he hated Grant Chambers for ruining his life. Even so, he couldn't remember shooting the man, even after his mother and Phoebe came to him earlier today, pleading for him to remember. But after that, he took some time alone and it all came back to him. He somehow got a gun - he doesn't even know where he found it - and found himself face to face with this man who he hated so much and shot him. After that, he was more scared than he'd ever been in his life as he looked at Grant slumped in his chair, barely moving. Ms. Tartaro then gets her turn with Rick and gets him to admit that both his mother and his girlfriend have close ties to the defendant, Ridge, and she also asks him about his own close relationship with his mom. She suggests that Rick would do anything for Ridge given how close he is to people who love Ridge. Ridge denies the allegation, pointing out, "I despise the man. Just ask anyone here." "Even though he took the blame for you?" Tartaro asks. "He did it for my mom," Rick responds, claiming to not owe Ridge anything. The judge says that he's heard enough and agrees to reverse his prior ruling; given Rick's testimony, the judge now disallows any mention of Ridge's prior conviction.

Christine questions Ridge.

The judge then turns to the matter of the murder charge against Ridge. Christine agrees to stipulate to the obstruction of justice charges, since she admits Ridge, without understanding the law, panicked after Shane took his own life. Ms. Tartaro objects to the suicide reference, so Christine corrects herself and states that Ridge, after recalling the warning given by the judge after Ridge confessed to the Chambers shooting, made a mistake after Shane died in front of him. She moves for a bench trial instead of a jury trial. The judge asks Ridge if he wants that, too. Ridge says he does. The judge then turns to Ms. Tartaro, who reluctantly rests her case, allowing Christine to call Ridge to the stand. Ridge describes all the details of how Shane died. Ms. Tartaro has no questions for Ridge, so the judge rules immediately in the case. On the obstruction charge, he grants Ridge $50,000 bond, pending sentencing. As for the murder charge, given that Ridge was the only witness, and that there is no evidence to contradict Ridge's testimony beyond a reasonable doubt, the judge finds Ridge not guilty and says that he's free to go.

Ridge thanks Stephanie for her continual faith in him.

Ridge's family rejoices over the verdict, and they all rush to congratulate him. Stephanie invites everyone to the house to celebrate and asks Taylor if she'll join them. Taylor agrees. Everyone leaves the courtroom but Ridge and Stephanie, who pause to reflect on what's happened. Ridge thanks Stephanie for her continual faith in him. Stephanie says that she was just doing what was best, and she's just glad that he's finally free.

Rick tells Ridge that he still doesn't remember shooting Grant.

Ridge then meets Christine in a waiting room, where Ridge collects his things and prepares to leave. Rick comes into the room, so Christine goes to check with the clerk to give the two men time to talk. Ridge thanks Rick for coming forward after remembering what happened, but Rick stuns Ridge by stating that he didn't remember a thing! "This was all an act?" Ridge asks. Rick explains that he took the stand for Phoebe, so her father would not go to jail. He still refuses to believe he shot anyone, but he claimed to have shot Grant for Phoebe's sake, so he's hoping that Ridge will finally give him and Phoebe a chance now that he's proven just how important Phoebe is to him. Ridge agrees not to stand in their way as long as Rick respects Phoebe and doesn't hurt her, but he vows that Rick will answer to him if he ever cheats on Phoebe or lets her down. Rick accepts those terms and thanks Ridge.

Brooke tells Ridge that his future is ahead of him.

After Rick leaves, Christine returns and tells Ridge that they're done here. She says that she'd drive him home, but she thinks someone else would like to do that. Ridge looks past his lawyer and sees a smiling Brooke standing in the doorway. Chris gives Ridge and his "Logan" some time alone and leaves. Ridge thanks Brooke for what she did for him. She says she doesn't owe him anything, but he points out that she was the one behind the effort with Rick that saved the day and thanks "Hurricane Logan" for her determination. Brooke admits that he disappointed her and made some mistakes, but she did, as well. She thinks it's so surreal to think about how he and Rick were always at odds before this trial, but now the memory of Grant's shooting has reminded her of what a kind, decent man Ridge is. She's glad that at least one good thing came out of this, since he and Rick came full circle, and now she's come full circle with him as well. She's just sorry it took this mess to remind her what a remarkable man he is. She wants him to know that she forgives him. Ridge says that he's sorry, too, since he never should have hit Rick in Sydney. He promises that it will never happen again. "And now you have your future ahead of you to keep that promise" a smiling Brooke states.

Eric worries about Rick.

At the Forrester mansion, Thorne and Felicia rush to the kitchen to prepare Ridge's favorite, pepper steak. Stephanie finds Eric sitting alone in the living room and comments that it's nice to see everyone else smiling. Eric states that he's worried about Rick and wants to get a gag order in place before news of Rick's confession leaks out. Stephanie offers to call their lawyers, but Eric says he'll do it, because she's done enough. Stephanie asks him to be happy that Ridge is free. "As opposed to focusing on your part in this whole thing?" Eric retorts, hoping Stephanie has learned her lesson. Stephanie frets that just as Ridge has averted one crisis in his life, there's another one on the horizon - namely Brooke!

Phoebe thanks Rick.

Once Christine arrives, Eric pops some champagne and thanks the lawyer for her help. She laughs that she'll remember that when she needs a great outfit. Stephanie sees that Rick has arrived but hasn't come inside. Eric suggests that they let Rick stay outside with Phoebe. Outside, Rick tells Phoebe that her dad has agreed not to stand in their way. Phoebe is thrilled and thanks Rick for remembering, stating that he's here hero for what he did in that courtroom today to save her dad. They embrace, but Rick looks unsettled.