David,

From VFP9 help: "Multiple-table queries that use these functions, even without an optional alias or work area, might return unexpected results". That's exactly what you're seeing.

>Since when does "documented behavior" not mean it is a bug? The behavior of DELETED() in a multi-table query is erratic and should not be used. If it doesn't work the first time it runs, but works the second time, then there is something wrong with the underlying functionality of the command/function. Suffice it to say that I won't be using any alias related functions in multi-table queries, and I will try my damnedest to avoid it in single table queries as well, just to keep out of the habit.