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EPISODE 13
“HATE SPEECH”
PART ONE
Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; the fifth floor hospital lounge. Nikki Lassiter is there, pacing back and forth. A.J. Lassiter walks in.
A.J.: Hey, cousin.
Nikki: Oh hi, A.J. What are you still doing hanging around here? I'd think you'd be at the paper by now, banging out your story about the trial. . .or the fact there wasn't one today.
A.J.: Actually, I was just on my way out when I saw you. What's going on? I thought you were out looking for Richie?
Nikki: (sighing) I was.
A.J.: I take it you didn't find him.
Nikki: (shaking her head) No. I called all our friends, I went by school and his house. He's nowhere to be found; I'm really worried.
A.J.: Well, don't be. I'm sure he'll turn up eventually.
Nikki: God, I hope so. It's just that he's been so upset since this situation started. And Nathan getting hurt today didn't help matters.
A.J.: Well, at least the kid's going to be all right. The hospital's going to release him in the morning. Of course, he has to go back to jail, so you have to wonder just how good that news is.
Nikki: I agree. (Pause) It's just that Richie is taking this so hard. He is torn up about the whole thing.
A.J.: Well, he is Nathan's best friend, that's only natural.
Nikki: You're right. Maybe that's why Richie seems so desperate to find out who killed Candice. (Pause) Actually, he already thinks he knows who did it.
A.J.: What!? Who?
Nikki: (hesitating) Well, I'm not sure if I should say anything. . .
A.J.: Why not? Nikki, if Richie thinks he knows who killed Candice and he told you, then you've got to tell me. I want to help Nathan and maybe you can give me the lead I need to crack this case. Who is it?
Nikki: James Greyhawk.
A.J. James Greyhawk?
Nikki: Yeah. Richie is convinced he committed the murder.
A.J.: But why would James kill Candice?
Nikki: He found out about Candice and Nathan's relationship. Richie said Candice told him James took it very badly. The night she was killed, Candice was to have gone to his house to break it off with him completely. A few hours after that, they found her dead.
A.J.: But, he was questioned along with everyone else. He says he never saw Candice and was at home alone studying. His family wasn't at home that night, but the servants back up his alibi. Of course, that doesn't mean anything, they could be lying. What kind of proof does Richie have? Does he have any evidence that James did kill Candice?
Glenn: (walking in) Of course he doesn't. The very notion is ridiculous.
Nikki: (embarrassed) Dr. Dailey!
A.J.: (annoyed) Glenn, this is a personal conversation. This is none of your business.
Glenn: You're wrong. I just heard what you said about my daughter's fiancée. And believe me, that makes it my business.
Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; the cafeteria. Dr. Gloria Lassiter-Dailey and Dr. Zachary Dailey are sitting down at a table. Dana Cooper is standing in front of them.
Dana: I'm not interrupting anything am I?
Zachary: No, of course not.
Dana: I was just wondering what happened to you. You were supposed to come back upstairs with coffee and a bagel for me.
Zachary: (looking down at the items) Oh, I was. They're probably both cold too. I'm sorry. I just got caught up with. . .
Gloria: Don't blame Zachary, Dana. He was just letting me bend his ear a little. (Pause as she pats Zachary's shoulder) You know how easy he is to talk to.
Dana: (coolly) I'm very aware of Zach's attributes.
Gloria: Well, we got to talking and just lost track of time. But... (Gloria stood) I really need to be getting back to work.
Dana: (as she sat down) Don't rush off on my account.
Gloria: Oh, I'm not. I really have work to do. I'll see you later, Zachary, and thanks again.
Zachary: (smiling) Anytime.
Gloria: I'm going to hold you to that. (Pause) By the way, if you still want to have dinner tonight, it's on.
Zachary: (as Dana looked surprised) That's great. I'd love it.
Gloria: I'll catch up with you later for the details. Bye. (She walked away)
Zachary: Dana, I'm really sorry for being so forgetful. I guess I should get you another cup of coffee and a bagel.
Dana: Don't worry about it, it's not a big deal. It was spending a little time with you that's important.
Zachary: Well, thanks. (Pause) So, are you feeling better after your experience in the elevator? You did look pretty shaken up.
Dana: I was, but I'm fine now. But, I'd feel a lot better if we could get together. I missed not having lunch with you because you went to the trial.
Zachary: So did I. It would've been nice. But, as you heard, I have plans.
Dana: Yeah. You and Dr. Dailey are going to dinner. (Pause) So can I ask you a question?
Zachary: Of course.
Dana: What's going on between you and your father's wife?
Scene: Velvet Freeze. Kevin Lassiter and Richie Stone are there.
Richie: I trust you, Uncle Kevin and I want to tell you the truth. In fact, I really need to get this off my chest.
Kevin: Go ahead Richie, I'm listening.
Richie: I know that Nathan didn't kill Candice. In fact, it's impossible that he could've done it.
Kevin: So you've said. But what does that mean? How do you know with such certainty that he didn't kill her?
Richie: Because, Uncle Kevin, I. . .
At that moment, Kevin's cellular phone rang.
Kevin: (sighing) Damn. Sometimes modern technology is the pits. Hold on for just a minute. (He pulled his cellular phone out of his jacket pocket and answered it)
Kevin: Kevin Lassiter.
Voice: Kevin, it's Kent. I'm afraid you're going to have to come back to the office right away.
Kevin: Why, is there something wrong?
Kevin: Damn, we don't need that now. What sort of problems? Did he give you any details?
Kevin: (sighing) All right. Tell him I'm on my way into the office.
Kevin: (hanging up the phone) Richie, I'm sorry about that call, but. . .
Richie: (suddenly shaking his head) That's okay, Uncle Kevin, it sounds like you have to be going.
Kevin: I do, but that doesn't mean we can't finish this conversation.
Richie: No, I left Nikki at the hospital and I didn't even find out how Nathan is doing. I should be getting back there.
Kevin: Richie, you said you have something important to discuss, that you had things to get off your chest. I want to help you.
Richie: But, I don't need any help. Really. I'm just upset about Nathan and I'm making too much of the whole thing. Forget what I said. I don't have anything to tell you. I'll see you around, Uncle Kevin.
Kevin: (as Richie got up and started to walk away) Richie, wait. At least let me give you a ride.
Richie: No, I can walk or take the bus. Thanks for the drink.
(Richie rushed away and left the restaurant)
Kevin: (murmuring) Bye. Well, that was a bust. (He hung up and slipped the phone back into his jacket pocket. He then got up and was about to leave when he spotted Eric standing at the take out window. He walked over to him) Hello Eric.
Eric: (as he grabbed a bag full of food from the counter person) Hi Kevin. (He gave his cousin a dismissive look) See ya around.
Kevin: Wait a minute. We need to talk.
Eric: Really? Since when was I interested in a conversation with you?
Kevin: I need to talk to you about the stockholders meeting.
Eric: I got your phone messages and my mother stopped by this morning to discuss it with me. So I know, okay? And now that you've delivered your message in person, you can get the hell away from me. (Eric started to walk away)
Kevin: (grabbing Eric by the shoulder) I'm not finished.
Eric: Really? You will be if you don't take your faggot hands off of me. . .and fast.
Scene:
Zachary: (surprised, annoyed) What do you mean what is going on between me and Gloria? What are you insinuating?
Dana: (realizing her mistake) Nothing. You two just seemed deep in intense conversation when I came over is all. That's all I meant.
Zachary: Well, it was intense. And I didn't mean to jump all over you, it's just that you sounded as if you were saying there was something going on between Gloria and I, like we were involved.
Dana: But you are involved. You're friends, right?
Zachary: Right. Close friends in fact.
Dana: Then that's all there is to it. What else could there be? After all, she's not only your father's wife, she's old enough to be your mother.
Zachary: Right on both counts. (Pause) Again, I'm sorry for snapping at you, but the last thing Gloria needs is that kind of talk to get around. You know how people like to gossip.
Dana: Yeah, I do. (Pause) I just wish you didn't have plans tonight. I really would've like to have spent some time with you.
Zachary: (smiling) That would be nice, but Gloria needs a friend right now. She's really going through a rough time. But what about tomorrow night? How does dinner and a movie sound?
Dana: Like I have something to look forward to. It's a date.
Scene:
A.J.: Glenn, this is none of your business.
Glenn: I disagree. The two of you are conspiring to implicate an innocent young man in my daughter's murder. James loved Candice, he was going to marry her. The very notion of him killing her is preposterous, not to mention insulting.
Nikki: That's the same way I feel about Nathan being accused of this murder.
Glenn: Thank God the police and the D.A. don't feel that way. But then, with all the evidence against him, how could anyone not believe he killed my daughter? You're an intelligent young man, A.J. It amazes me that you can't see the truth. (Pause) Or do your reasons for believing James guilty have to do with him being a Greyhawk? I know you have a rather turbulent history with the Greyhawks, A.J., but blithely accusing them of murder is beneath you.
A.J.: I haven't accused anyone of murder.
Glenn: That's what it sounds like to me. I won't have you maligning James' name just so you can settle old scores.
Nikki: Dr. Dailey, we are just imagining all the possibilities. And isn't it important that we find out who committed this crime, no matter where we have to look?
Scene: Velvet Freeze. Eric and Kevin are staring one another down. Kevin has his arm on Eric's shoulder.
Eric: I said get your hands off of me!
Kevin: (removing his grip) Careful, cousin, your homophobia is showing.
Eric: I'm just warning you to watch yourself.
Kevin: And if I
don't? Is there going to be a hate crime
right here in a public place by one of this town's most prominent officers?
Should the people of
Eric: (noticing people were watching) Is this what you want, to create a scene? But then, It's just like you to bring attention to yourself. Why can't you people ever just be quiet and keep things to yourselves?
Kevin: Man are you as distasteful as ever. It amazes me that you have a wonderful brother like A.J. and a mother like Aunt Gloria. Are you sure you're related?
Eric: Interesting you should say that because you're always who I think of when it cones to genetic mistakes.
Melissa: (walking in) Eric, what's taking you so. . .(Pause as she sees Kevin) Uncle Kevin! (She runs and hugs him) It's so good to see you.
Kevin: You too, Melissa. (He kissed her on the cheek)
Melissa: I was going to call you later about Uncle Alec. What time do you plan visiting the gravesite?
Kevin: About nine, I think.
Eric: (interrupting) What are you talking about? Where are you going?
Melissa: It's the fifth anniversary of Uncle Alec's death. Kevin asked me to go to the graveside with him.
Eric: Why would you want to do that?
Melissa: It's just a way to honor his memory.
Eric: Really? Well given who he was and how he died, exactly what about him is worth honoring?
Scene:
Gloria: (approaching him) Zachary!
Zachary: Oh, Gloria. What's up?
Gloria: I wanted to talk to you about tonight.
Zachary: You're not going to cancel on me again, are you?
Gloria: (grinning) Oh of course not, I just had a great idea.
(Down the corridor, Dana was about to walk toward Zachary and Gloria. When she saw them talking, she hid around the adjacent aisle and listened)
Zachary: What's that?
Gloria: You like ribs?
Zachary: Love 'em. Haven't had them in awhile though. You're planning a barbecue?
Gloria: Hardly. You ever been to Mama J.'s? It's a rib place in Southtown.
Zachary: No, but I've heard a lot about it. Darian Jackson's family owns it, I believe.
Gloria: Yeah. I've known Mama J. for a lot of years. Her granddaughter Jessica, Sabrina and I went to college together. It's a great place. Good food and live jazz.
Zachary: Sounds fun, I'm there. What time shall I pick you up?
Gloria: Why don't you pick me up about six? And dress causal; those ribs can be messy.
Zachary: You got it. See at six. Bye.
Gloria: (as Zachary went into his office) Bye.
As Gloria continued down the corridor, Dana watched, her eyes narrowing in suspicion. She continued through the hospital, eventually making her way to the fifth floor nurses station where Natalie stood.
Natalie: Hey, did you find Zachary?
Dana: Yeah, as a matter of fact I did.
Natalie: Everything all right?
Dana: Couldn't be better. (Pause) Look, do you have any plans tonight?
Natalie: Not really. Barton's working late to prepare for the big meeting at Lassiter Pharmaceuticals, so I'll be eating alone. Why, you want to do something?
Dana: Yeah. How about we have dinner at Mama J.'s tonight, I know you love their ribs.
Natalie: I do, but my figure doesn't.
Dana: Since when has that stopped you? You can just work out twice as hard tomorrow. Come on, let's do it. I don't want to sit home alone and I know you don't.
Natalie: (nodding) You're right about that. You're on! That sounds like it could be fun.
Dana: (smiling) Oh yes, I imagine we'll find something to entertain us.
Scene: Velvet Freeze. Kevin, Eric and Melissa are there.
Kevin: God, you're disgusting.
Melissa: (shocked) Eric, how could you say such a terrible thing?
Kevin: Melissa, what are you doing anywhere near this guy? When did you start spending your time with bigots? I think you should be choosier about the company you keep.
Melissa: Uncle Kevin, I. . .
Eric: I hardly think you're the one to be judging how other people spend their time. At least the way I live my life isn’t killing anybody.
Kevin: (angrily) You know, I've had about all I can stomach from you.
Eric: That's amazing. I was just about to say the same thing. (Pause) I'm getting out of here, Melissa. You coming, or do you want to stay and talk about the good time you're to have mourning Kevin's dead boyfriend tomorrow?
Kevin: If you need to leave Eric, leave. It’ll give Melissa and I a chance to talk.
Eric: (his tone holding a warning) Melissa…?
Melissa: Eric, just give me a minute. Wait in the car, okay?
Eric: (sighing) Fine. Make it quick.
(He walked out)
Kevin: Melissa, you
want to explain to me what this is all about!?
Melissa: Uncle Kevin, I'm sorry. I can't believe what Eric said. It was really out of line.
Kevin: I've learned to turn a deaf ear to anything my cousin says long ago. My concern is you. What are you doing involved with that creep?
Melissa: Look, I know he he’s not exactly open-minded when it comes to gay people, but that’s not all he is. He’s a wonderful man with a lot of good qualities.
Kevin: So he’s a wonderful man who just happens to be a bigot?
Melissa: You don’t understand.
Kevin: No I don’t. I can’t believe you’re anywhere near him. What’s going on between the two of you? Just how involved are you?
Melissa: (hesitating) I can’t get into this right now. I'll call you later about tomorrow, okay?
Kevin: Melissa, we need to talk about this.
Melissa: And we will. I’ll make you understand and you’ll see things differently once I explain. But I have to go. Bye!
Kevin: (as she rushed out) Fine. But this isn’t over. Not by a long shot.
Scene:
A.J.: Glenn, Nikki does have a point. Isn't finding Candice's murderer a goal we all want to achieve?
Glenn: The police have already found Candice’s killer. (Pause) Look, Nikki, I know Nathan is a friend of yours, but you have to accept that he's guilty. It might be hard, but the sooner you face the truth the better.
Nikki: I am facing the truth. Nathan didn't kill Candice and all I want to do is find out who did. James is certainly a viable suspect. Candice said he was angry about her relationship with Nathan. She went to his house to break up with him the night she was killed.
Glenn: And James said she never came to his house, nor was he angry about her relationship with Nathan because no such relationship existed. Nikki, why are you so easily buying into Nathan's story? You have no reason to believe him.
Nikki: Except that Richie corroborates the story. He knew about Candice and Nathan.
Glenn: He's also Nathan's best friend and he wants to protect him. That gives him all the reason in the world to lie. I only hope he's not foolish enough to do it under oath.
A.J.: Look Glenn, the point is. . .
Glenn: Oh, believe me, A.J., when it comes to you, I get the point. You're an ambitious reporter, you always have been. Why not garner a few headlines for your paper, even if it means dragging a decent young man and his family's name through the mud? Well let me tell you that you are not going to get away with it. If you start bothering the Greyhawk family; if you even think of printing any of these bizarre suspicions of yours, you will be sorry. The Greyhawks will see to it and so will I.
(Glenn walked out)
A.J.: And there goes my step-father.
Nikki: No wonder Aunt Gloria wants to divorce him. (Pause) Well, no matter, I know what I have to do. Richie suspects James may have killed Candice, so I think I should look into it.
A.J.: You? Nikki, you can't do that.
Nikki: Why not?
A.J.: Look, things have been fairly peaceful between our families for the last few years, mostly because of Nigel and Monica's marriage. The last thing we want to do is stir up the war, especially when you really have nothing to go on, for Monica and Vicki's sake if nothing else.
Nikki: A.J., the last thing I want to do is cause trouble for them. I'm certainly not interested in reviving the old Greyhawk/Lassiter war. I only want to ask a few questions. Besides, since when did you let anything get in the way of any investigation you were conducting?
A.J.: I didn't. Which explains a few suspensions from high school not to mention getting nearly expelled on two separate occasions. And I have had a few brushes with cops who don't like nosy kid reporters.
Nikki: And did it stop you?
A.J.: Why do I have the feeling I'll only encourage you if I tell you no?
Nikki: I don't need any encouragement, A.J.. I'm going to look into this, and nothing is going to stop me.
A.J.: I don't doubt that. But have you stopped to consider something?
Nikki: What's that?
A.J.: Richie.
Nikki: What does that mean? Richie would want me to look into this. He thinks James is guilty.
A.J.: He thinks James is guilty or he wants him to be? Nikki, you said yourself Richie is hiding something, that he's keeping something surrounding this murder a secret. Well, what if deflecting suspicion off Nathan and onto James is part of that?
Nikki: A.J., what are you suggesting!?
A.J.: I’m just saying be careful. Before you do anything that could get you arrested, hurt or worse, that you find out exactly what your boyfriend has to hide.
Richie: (walking in) Nikki, there you are.
Nikki: Richie!
Richie: (hugging her) I've been looking all over for you. I'm glad I finally found you.
Nikki: So am I, I've been worried.
Richie: So worried that you're bothering A.J.? What happened? Was she about to conduct a search party?
A.J.: Like Nikki said, she was concerned and that concerned me. We're both interested in finding out what is going on with you.
Richie: What is that supposed to mean?
A.J.: I don't know, Richie, why don't you tell us?
Scene:
Glenn's office. He rushes in and grabs the phone, dialing a number.
Voice: Hello?
Glenn: James, where are you?
James: Glenn? What do you want?
Glenn: I need to see you immediately. Now where are you?
James: I’m at home. What do you want to talk about?
Glenn: I'll explain when I get there. Just don't leave.
James: Of course not. I'll be waiting.
Glenn: You better be if you know what’s good for you. (He hung up the phone) Damn it, James. I hope you haven't you ruined everything, you fool!
To Be Continued. . .
Next time on '
· Glenn fears exposure.
· Nathan receives a ray of hope from an unexpected visitor.
· A phone call spurs A.J. into action.