[drjulie]

It indeed may be difficult for him to defer gratification, especially when other people (the police, media, etc.) are starting to question him. It appears in his planning that he did have some idea, though, of the need to stay away from Amber. Didn't he tell her he would be away for a month or two? In Europe? When the time came he apparently couldn't contain himself. The police pick at him, and, in defense, his invincibility beliefs become even stronger. He also needs Amber to stoke the self-esteem fires. I can't be sure of any of this - just an assessment from afar. Off to work - have a good day everyone!

[Devil_Anse]

in defense, his invincibility beliefs become even stronger

And perhaps it was that feeling of invincibility that made him actually believe that he could communicate w/ Amber via cellphone over about a month at Christmas, w/o her ever figuring out that he was not really "in Maine visiting relatives" and then "in Belgium on business".

Also, there was his unbelievably unrealistic way of wearing the cap any time he was on camera, and shaving the hair off the sides of his head so determining his hair color would be difficult--all apparently in the belief that that way, he could be seen on national TV and not be recognized by Amber or by any of their mutual running buddies!

He was VERY camera-shy when all this first started. I remember everyone wondered about that!

[Yaelle]

I completely agree with you and Devil re Scott's infantilism/narcisissm. Laci at some point after finally becoming preg was no longer providing the constant focus and adoration Scott "needed" after Mommie Dearest. So he sought it elsewhere, in his strip clubs and massage parlors. And then Amber provided it. I bet he needed his "passy" [pacifier = Amber] a lot around the time of his Big Chore. He couldn't stop calling then!