Thursday, March 05, 2009, Episode #5515

Rick pulls up in his vintage convertible.

Marcus watches from the Sky Lounge as Rick's vintage convertible pulls into the Forrester parking lot. He calls Ridge to tell him that "Mr. Big Shot" arrived. Ridge tells an assembled crowd of Brooke, Thorne, Donna, Katie, Pam and Owen that Rick came to work, despite the fire last night. Brooke says that Rick wanted to be there for the meeting, but Thorne snipes that they can the company just fine without Rick. Donna asks if Rick's OK after the fire. Brooke says he's upset, leading Thorne to jab that Rick will milk the fire for all it's worth. Rick comes in. Aunts Katie and Donna rush over to make sure he's OK. Rick assures that he is just as Marcus slips in.

Marcus sneers as Rick says that situations like the fire make him realize how important family is, which is why he's here to live up to his family obligations despite being nearly burned alive last night. Brooke then explains that she called this meeting to tell them that Lt. Baker is investigating the fire, which they suspect was a case of arson. She asks everyone to keep their eyes and ears open, since the person who killed Rick might be here at Forrester. Ridge chimes in that they're all worried about little Ricky, but right now they need to focus on the new line since Brooke announced at the press conference that the line would debut earlier than expected. That means they all need to put in 110% to meet the new deadline. Suggesting that they all get to work, Ridge leaves.

Brooke watches as Rick fires Owen and Pam.

Before the others can depart, Rick announces that he's made a few decisions of his own since he's staying on as president. The first of those involves the surf line, which didn't perform as expected. Due to the poor sales, he doesn't think they'll need Owen or Pam's services anymore, so he fires them! Pam protests, but Rick says that they sometimes have to cut costs and prices in the cutthroat fashion business. Owen asks if that means they're holding a "fire sale," and he criticizes Rick for taking all the credit for the surf line when things were good only to bail when things got tough. Later, in the hallway outside Eric's office, Pam crochets at her desk while Thorne, Owen and Marcus discuss what just happened. Thorne gripes about Rick acting like the "master of the freaking universe." Marcus thinks things would be different with Thorne in charge. Owen tells Pam to stop crocheting, since there's no point to it now. Pam says it keeps her busy so she doesn't try to throttle that little tyrant. She tells Owen that he didn't deserve to be fired. Owen feels the same way about her and wonders how Rick can just start firing people after almost getting burned to a crisp. Pam quips that Rick almost got "fired" himself last night. Marcus tells Owen that they may have had their differences, but he thinks that Rick is the one who should be leaving, not Owen.

Ridge goes to his office, where Stephanie has the Baker boys waiting. Stephanie tells the Bakers that she asked them to stop by since she and Ridge have a theory about the fire: they both think that Rick started it himself, since he's a liar and a cheat who will do anything to get what he wants. Lt. Baker says that's a serious charge, but Stephanie is confident that the investigation of the fire will lead the detectives right to the victim himself.

Donna and Katie worry about Rick's actions.

In Eric's office, Donna tells Brooke to get a handle on Rick, since Owen shouldn't have been fired. Katie is glad that Pam is gone. Donna agrees that Pam represented a threat to the family that Eric wouldn't acknowledge, but she thinks Rick was out of line firing Owen. Brooke admits that Rick has made mistakes, but she needs to consider her son's safety, especially since Lt. Baker feels that the fire was a crime of passion. She notes that Marcus has been quiet lately and wonders if he could have set the fire after Steffy dumped him for Rick. Donna concedes that Marcus is upset about the breakup, but she refuses to believe that her son would commit arson. Brooke just hopes the police find the true culprit. Katie promises to keep her ears open. Donna offers to talk to Marcus, but she wonders if it would be prudent for Rick to leave L.A. for his own safety. Brooke thinks Rick needs his family, but Donna thinks the person who set the fire might be dangerous. She doesn't know much more than that, but she's sure her son is innocent

Marcus confronts Rick.

Marcus confronts Rick about the way he sold out Owen. Rick tells him to watch his tone, but Marcus presses on and hopes Steffy finds out about what Rick did to Owen, since it will show her what a punk Rick is. Rick boasts that leaders sometimes have to make tough choices. "You think you got it all, Rick, but it's all gonna blow up in your face," Marcus warns.

Stephanie steps in to support Pam.

Meanwhile, Pam tells Stephanie that Rick fired her. Pam is up in arms about being canned, but Stephanie tells her sister to calm down, since she's not going anywhere. She suggests that Pam start designing a line of crocheted purses. Donna overhears and tells Stephanie that the only place Pam is going is out the door. Donna tells Pam she hasn't forgotten what Pam did to Eric and her. Pam says she wasn't herself when she did those things, but Donna isn't buying it. Stephanie steps in and tells Donna to forget about ousting Pam; "This is my sister, and she stays here," Stephanie proclaims.

The Baker Boys have some questions for Marcus.

The Baker Boys show up to ask Marcus about the fire, since they heard that Steffy dumped him, maybe for Rick. Marcus denies being involved, so Lt. Baker thinks he shouldn't have any reason to worry about a few simple questions. The lieutenant asks Marcus where he was the night of the fire. Marcus says he was working. Charlie asks Marcus if anyone saw him, but Donna comes over and defends her son to the cops. Lt. Baker says they have to check all possibilities, but Donna is certain her son wasn't connected with the fire.

Owen confronts Rick.

Meanwhile, Owen confronts Rick. Rick tells Owen to go find his surf buddies. Owen quips that he might do that and have a barbecue on the beach. Rick insists that he just did his job and advises Owen to treasure the memories of the time he got to spend at a high end fashion house. Owen tells him to enjoy this while he can, because he knows Rick's little power trip is going to explode eventually.

Steffy reveals what happened between her and Rick to her mom.

At Taylor's, she learns from Steffy about the fire. Taylor is glad Rick is fine, but she doesn't think Steffy should have even been there alone with him. Taylor then asks Steffy if she slept with Rick. Steffy's silence confirms it for Taylor, who tells her daughter how wrong Rick is for her. Steffy is sure Rick would never hurt her, but Taylor thinks Ridge will be devastated when he finds out that Steffy's relationship with Rick is now sexual. Steffy explains that Rick thinks Ridge already knows, since Rick thinks Ridge started the fire. Taylor can't believe Rick would think that and warns that this shows how out of control Rick is. Steffy thinks Rick would be fine if Ridge gave him a chance, but Taylor doesn't think that will ever happen. "We have to tell your dad," Taylor states, promising to break the news to her ex as best as she can.

Ridge shares his mother's theory with Brooke.

Stephanie goes to see Ridge and warns him that Brooke's bias toward Rick is becoming a problem, since Brooke is siding with her son over her husband. Ridge tells his mom to be fair, but Stephanie thinks Brooke is the one who's not being fair by not dealing with her son. Brooke comes in and can't believe Stephanie is trying to stir up trouble; she asks Stephanie to leave. Stephanie warns Ridge that his daughter isn't safe and leaves. Brooke vents to Ridge about his mother stirring the pot. Ridge then tells her about the theory that Rick set the fire himself. Brooke can't believe that and can't understand how Ridge could believe it, either, but Ridge has to at least consider the possibility and points out how Rick is coming between them. Brooke begs him to just forgive her son, but Ridge can't get past the fact that Rick took his daughter from him. He reminds Brooke that he wanted Rick out of here, but she backed down and let him stay, giving Rick the chance to get even closer to Steffy. Brooke says that she can't banish her son and points out that they can't keep Rick and Steffy apart if those two want to be together, any more than Stephanie was able to keep the two of them apart for years. Ridge refuses to accept that and warns Brooke that he can't just "get over" what Rick did. Brooke admits that Rick has problems and needs help, but he's in danger now and needs her support.Ridge asks if this is the obstacle that can't get past. Brooke tells him not to think that, but Ridge reminds her of Rick's recent attempts to break them up.