-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Note: Michelle never saw Mrs. Silva. The events of the formal wedding night happened as they did on the show. Michelle was questioned by the Santos' attorney the next morning. The story picks up that evening.
visit Holly's page for transcripts http://www.geocities.com/TelevisionCity/8705/Manny/manny021499a.html .)
Santos Mansion February 17, 1999 5:20 PM
"I'm sorry Danny, Rick, but we could not find any signs of a body. The house and everything in it is gone. Hardly able to tell that a mansion once stood there." An emotional Frank had just finished speaking with the Fire Commissioner. The fire was just too intense, and nothing was recognizable. Michelle Santos had not been seen since a couple of hours before the fire and had not been found. Everyone assumed she had perished in the fire. Frank would have to tell his own family about the loss. The whole town would mourn this tragedy for a long time.
Danny just stared at the smoldering remains, hiding his emotions. While Rick and Abby held each other, crying...wailing. Carmen watched her son, aware that he was hurting because she knew Danny had grown to love Michelle.
Michelle. My son's killer. My son's wife. My eternal enemy. It's best this way. Michelle. Carmen smiled inwardly.
Laurel Falls
Michelle had hidden in a cave that she had discovered when she was a little girl. She was so glad to be free, but Michelle realized she really wasn't free. As soon as the commotion died down, she would be leaving Springfield late tonight for good...
And the nightmare of being married to the mob. Michelle may have been free from the mob and Danny due to her untimely death, but not free to live anymore. Not as Michelle Bauer. Or Michelle Bauer Santos, wife of Danny Santos.
Danny Santos. I hate him. Or do I? I just can't breathe in that house, around Danny. Danny is different, but...he's a Santos. Mick's brother. Carmen's son. I'm going to miss Danny. Yes, I admit it. Jesse is the love of my life, but Danny is the one who makes me feel alive. Jesse. Danny. Danny. Carmen. Ugh. I had to do this.
Michelle had thought of everything and was well prepared for that evening. She had been planning her escape for 3 weeks. Her backpack had a change of clothes, toiletries and snacks. Michelle had kept $2000 of the $10,000 she and Danny had received from the wedding guests. She got new ID, blue contacts and she would cut and dye her hair once she got to her new home. Maybe she will find another good life...another love.
It was perfect. The FBI would come down hard on the Santos, especially after our conversation last night. Michelle had thought about the witness protection program, but the Santos probably have moles in the FBI. No. Everyone needed to believe Michelle was dead. The FBI could not be let in on her plan.
No one knew of her plan. Not even Drew.
Drew. It's because of her that I have sacrificed my life AGAIN. First, by not going to the police about both our roles in Mick's death. Second, by not telling Danny the complete truth...that Drew was involved and had hit Mick first. And now, this. The death of Michelle Bauer Santos.
Back at the Santos Mansion
Danny's thoughts...
Michelle Bauer Santos. My wife. She's dead. And she wouldn't be if I had not married her. Or would she? By my own hand. I managed to kill her anyway. Michelle. I love you. I lost you.
