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|EPISODE 14
“A DATE WITH
DANGER”
Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; Nathan James's room. Nathan is standing in his room, staring out of the window.
Nathan: Damn, Candice. We were close. . .so close to having everything. How could it have all gone so wrong? How could everything have turned out like this?
Voice: Nate?
Nathan: (turning to face a slender African-American woman) Abby!? This is a surprise.
(Abby is a pretty, exotic looking woman with dark skin and big brown eyes. Her hair is braided and went down to the small of her back. She ran to Nathan and hugged him tightly)
Abby: Why? You knew I'd come as soon as I heard what happened.
Nathan: I guess so. How'd you find out?
Abby: I went to the courthouse and everyone was talking about it. It scared me to death! (She rubbed his face) You all right?
Nathan: Fine; medically speaking anyway.
Abby: Are you sure? Did these doctors around here even bother to check you out?
Nathan: Darian was my doctor and he examined me himself. There isn't an inch of me that hasn't been poked or prodded. Except for a few bumps and bruises, I'm going to be okay.
Abby: (sighing; relieved) Thank God. So, when you be leaving the hospital?
Nathan: In the morning. (Pause) I never thought I'd want to be laid up in a hospital, but here I am, hoping something will happen to keep me here. It sure would be a way to avoid the trial a little longer.
Abby: Nate, you don't deserve to be in this mess. It’s not fair. You didn't kill that girl!
Nathan: I know, but it’s up to the lawyers to prove that. (Pause) Abby, you can't imagine how good it is to see you.
Abby: Why wouldn’t I come see you?
Nathan: Well, there was a time when you hated me, not that I didn’t deserve it.
Abby: That was a long time ago.
Nathan: It wasn't that long ago. I would certainly understand if you were still angry at me. You would have every reason.
Abby: I could still be angry over losing you to Candice, but what good would that do, especially now? You need people to be there for you; to be on your side. And no matter what has happened, I still care about you.
Nathan: Abby, you have to know I never meant to hurt you. The whole thing with Candice...it was so unexpected. I could've never imagined that something like that would happen. Or that it would get so out of control.
Abby: I know, Nathan, I know. You'd never intentionally hurt anyone. . .you don't have it in you. That's how I know you're innocent of this murder.
Nathan: (shaking his head) I appreciate your belief in me, but it only makes me realize how I don’t deserve you after what I did.
Abby: Nathan, I don't care about what happened in the past. That's the only thing I'm concerned about. I only care about now… and now you need me. And I want to be here for you. I want to whatever I can to help you get through this.
Nathan: You can’t imagine how good it feels to hear you say that.
Abby: (embracing Nathan, hugging him tightly, then kissed him on the cheek as they parted, still holding one another) I don't have any other choice but to be here, because you know what I still love you, Nathan. I still love you. (And as surprise crossed Nathan's face, Abby pulled him close and their lips met in a kiss)
Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center. The third floor lounge. A.J. Lassiter, Nikki Lassiter and Richie Stone are there.
Richie: You want to know what’s going on with me? What does that mean?
A.J.: Like I said, Richie, why don't you tell us?
Richie: I'm not sure what you're asking.
Nikki: (glaring coolly at A.J.) He means he's concerned about you, just like I am. You left the hospital hours ago after arguing with James Greyhawk. We didn't know where you went or how you were. We were just worried is all.
Richie: That's all?
A.J.: (shrugging) That's all. Like my cousin said, we were just worried about what was up with you. We wanted to be sure you were okay.
Richie: Well I am. I just got a little wigged out. But, I'm fine now. At least as fine as I can be. (He caressed Nikki's face) I'm sorry if I worried you. I'm sorry about how crazy I've been acting. I guess all the pressure is getting to me. Can you forgive me?
Nikki: Forgive you? Richie, I love you. You don't even have to ask. (She hugged him) Just don't run off like that again. (They ended the embrace) Let me help you. Let me be there for you.
Richie: Sure. I guess I'd be a fool not to let you.
Nikki: Glad you realized that.
A.J.: Well, now that this crisis is settled, I'll be on my way. I’ve got to get to the office. I'll see you kids later.
Nikki: Yep. Thanks, A.J.. (She kissed A.J. on the cheek)
A.J.: (casting a wary eye at Richie) No problem. Bye kids.
Nikki: Bye. (A.J. walked out) He's such a great cousin. I'm so lucky to have him. He really calmed me down when I was upset about you running off. I'm just glad you're okay.
Richie: I am, believe me, I am.
Nikki: Good. (Pause) Can we get out of here? I don’t want to run into Candice’s father again.
Richie: Why not? Did something happen?
Nikki: Yeah. I was telling A.J. my theory, or rather your theory about James Greyhawk being Candice's killer. Dr. Dailey overheard us talking about it. He was furious. He can't even consider that James killed Candice.
Richie: That's no surprise. He and James are pretty tight. In fact, he introduced James and Candice. Candice used to say how her father kept telling her how lucky she was to have James and that they'd have a bright future together once they were married. Dr. Dailey was really pushing her to tie the knot with him as soon as they graduated high school. Could you imagine being married that young and with the blessing of your own father?
Nikki: Even if I were foolish enough to want it, my parents would kill me. I'd think most parents would feel that way.
Richie: Obviously not Dr. Dailey. Bizarre, isn't it?
Nikki: That's one word for it. It certainly makes me wonder about Dr. Dailey. I mean, what kind of father would push their daughter to get married at 17?
Scene: Greyhawk Manor. Glenn is ringing the doorbell. He is tapping his foot, very impatient.
Glenn: (to himself) Come on James, answer the damn door, I know you're here. (He rang again) Answer the door, I need to talk to you now! (He waited a few minutes then rang the door again. The door swung open and James stood there.) About time! (Glenn stormed into the foyer.)
James: (closing the door) Glenn, what is all about? You demand to come over here to see me without an explanation? I really don't appreciate that.
Glenn: Well, I don't appreciate what I heard about you at the hospital today.
James: What did you hear?
Glenn: That you killed Candice.
James: (startled) What!? Who told you that, Richie Stone? I hope you're not listening to that little twerp; he'll say anything to clear Nathan James of murder charges.
Glenn: So you know about the accusation?
James: Yes. Richie confronted me himself, but I just ignored it. Why are you letting it bother you? You know it's not true.
Glenn: Of course I know that. But, I didn't hear it from Richie Stone. Nikki Lassiter was talking to her brother A.J. about it. Do you know what that means? Have you any idea what kind of trouble we're in for!?
James: You know, Glenn, I guess it's good you're in charge of the hospital and you're not performing surgery anymore. You don't hold up well under pressure.
Glenn: I didn't come here to listen to your smart mouth! Something has got to be done about this!
James: About what? Richie Stone? He's nothing to worry about.
Glenn: How can you be so sure? You weren't listening to me. That kid is telling anyone who'll listen that you killed Candice.
James: I'm aware of that, but I'm hardly worried. The police never even considered me a suspect and why would the when they have Nathan James so handy and looking so guilty.
Glenn: I’m not talking about the police, I’m talking about A.J.. His cousin Nikki is dating Richie and A.J. has never believed Nathan killed my daughter. It wouldn’t take much for her to convince A.J. to start poking his nose around you.
James: So what if he does? I've got nothing to hide. I didn't kill Candice. It would only make A.J. seem like the fool that he is.
Glenn: I don't think you realize what this means, James. Look, I know you didn't kill Candice, but if they start digging around your life, they are bound to find something. . .something neither of us want them to find out.
James: (nodding) I see.
Glenn: What do you mean; you see!? Don't you realize there's a lot to worry about or does foolishness come with youth?
James: Dr. Dailey, I'm not going to panic when there is no reason to. There's nothing to worry about… at least as far as I’m concerned. You have much more to lose in this than I do if everything comes out. You’re the one with something to hide, not me. If the Lassiters start investigating and find out about our secret, you are the one who is going to have to answer some very tough questions. Therefore, I guess it's really up to you to keep a lid on this.
Glenn: (angrily) You little brat, you created this situation! I wouldn't be in this mess if it weren't for you!
James: It is so like you to blame me for your mistakes. (James shook his head) Sorry, you have to face up to your own screw-up, Dr. Dailey. I'm not the one who. . .
Glenn: (holding up his hand) Hold it right there, James. Not one more word. Shut the hell up! You can't go shooting your mouth off! What if someone overheard us!?
James: What? And discovered your little secret? Like Candice did the night she was killed?
Scene: Nathan's hospital room. Nathan and Abby are there kissing.
Nathan: (pulling away) Abby no. . .this isn't right. I'm sorry. We can't do this.
Abby: Nathan, why not? You said you needed someone… and I want to be that someone for you. I can make you forget for a little while. I can make you feel good. We used to make each other feel real good.
Nathan: I know that, but it was a long time ago. So much has changed since then.
Abby: Not how I feel about you… and I know you still care about me.
Nathan: Of course I still care about you… too much to use you like that.
Abby: It wouldn’t be using me, not if it what we both want.
Nathan: (shaking his head) Abby, it would be so easy to lose myself in you. I do remember how it was with us. We were good together.
Abby: (cupping his face in her hands) Then let’s….
Nathan: (holding her by the wrists and stepping back) But it would be wrong. I still care about you, but not like I used to. It’s not the same… not for me.
Abby: (as he released her wrists) Nathan…
Nathan: (turning away from her) Abby, I appreciate you coming by. I appreciate everything, but this isn’t a good idea. (Pause) Darian said I should be relaxing, so I probably should be getting some rest. I think you better go.
Abby: (visibly hurt) Sure, I’ll go. (She headed for the door) But Nathan, I will always be here for you. All you have to do is ask. (As Abby walked out, tears started to flow down her cheeks) And you will ask… you’re gonna be mine again… now that that bitch isn’t standing in the way anymore.
Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; the third floor waiting room. Nikki and Richie are there.
Richie: (shrugging) Nikki, I never quite understood why Dr. Dailey was so big on James Greyhawk. Not only does his family have a bad reputation in this town, but most parents want their kids to wait years after high school until they get married. But, Candice used to say her father told her he wants her to be happy and James was the best thing for her.
Nikki: But Candice fell in love with Nathan.
Richie: And she was afraid of what her father's reaction would be when he find out. He never liked Nathan, not from the minute they met.
Nikki: But obviously she never got to tell him since he insists there was no relationship between Candice and Nathan.
Richie: Yeah. If she had of, things would be so different. Nathan would have proof, other than my word, that he and Candice really were in love. It certainly would help his case.
Nikki: I know. That is too bad. (Pause) Look, we need to concern ourselves with things we can do. Like finding out if James really did kill Candice.
Richie: But how? You told me earlier that you had an idea how to clear Nathan and prove James killed Candice, but you never got to explain it to me.
Nikki: I was about to when all hell broke loose at the courthouse.
Richie: Well, this is a relatively quiet moment. So, tell me about it now. What have you got in mind?
Scene: The Greyhawk Mansion; the living room. Glenn and James are there.
Glenn: I don't like what you're insinuating.
James: I'm not insinuating anything. I'm stating a fact. Candice did find out your secret the night she was killed.
Glenn: She found out a lot that night, didn't she? I wasn't the only one with secrets. She got an earful about you too, James.
James: Maybe, but I think Candice was more troubled by what she learned about you. After all, you are the father she worshipped, put on a pedestal. As far as she was concerned, you could do no wrong. She was very upset to find out her daddy had feet of clay.
Glenn: You're right, she was upset, but I handled the situation.
James: Really? How did you explain the situation to Candice, make her understand? You've never really told me what happened after I left your house that night.
Glenn: There's not a lot to tell. I talked to Candice. I made her understand why she couldn't tell anyone what she found out. She was able to see my point of view and she agreed to keep everything to herself.
James: Really? That's strange. Because before I left she swore she'd swore she'd expose you. . .expose both of us. She said the truth had to come out. (Pause) Of course, she never had the chance to tell it.
Glenn: (angrily) I am getting sick of your insinuations. It's sounds like you're saying I killed Candice to keep things a secret, that I raped and murdered my own child. Just the suggestion is sickening. Candice was my daughter and I couldn't have done that to her...no matter what. I loved her. Besides, we both know Nathan James killed Candice.
James: And he'll be convicted of it soon enough, won't he?
Glenn: If there's any justice.
James: And I am certain Evan Maitland will see to it, especially if he expects to have a political future in this town. But let's face a few hard facts here, Dr. Dailey. I'm not as desperate as you are to keep this under wraps. If the truth comes out, I might be embarrassed, but I'll survive. However, you have so much more at stake. Given that, I'm sure you'll do what it takes to keep the entire ugly story a secret, won't you?
Glenn: So you're just washing your hands of this mess?
James: I'd say that's about right.
Glenn: You can so easily turn your back on this situation?
James: (smirking) You're finally catching my drift. Now could you get out of here; I have plans for the evening.
Glenn: (bitterly) I really don't appreciate being dismissed by a kid as if I were a servant.
James: Then I'd guess you'd like being thrown out by one of the guards even less, wouldn't you?
Glenn: You little...you're as rotten as everyone says. Obviously the Greyhawk's live up to their bad reputation.
James: Maybe, but I'm not your problem, the Lassiters are. They're the ones you need to be concerned about. You better take care of them and fast before this whole thing comes crashing down around your ears. (Pause) Now as I said, I have plans for the evening. You can show yourself out.
(James walked out)
Glenn: (thinking) Damn you, Greyhawk, damn you! One day I'll get your for your part on this. Unfortunately, you'll have to wait. I need to do something about A.J. and Nikki first and believe me, I'll make sure they don't poke their nose into my business. No matter what it takes.
Scene: A.J.'s apartment. He is sitting in the living room, typing at a laptop computer. The phone next to the computer rings.
A.J.: (annoyed) All these damn interruptions! I'll never get this story done! (He answered the phone) Lassiter, here.
Man's Voice: Hello, A.J.. Remember me?
A.J.: (startled) Yeah, you're the person from earlier today. You called me at the courthouse, you said you knew who killed Candice Dailey.
Voice: Good memory.
A.J.: Thanks. (Pause) Before you hung up on me because I wasn't alone. Now I am. Who are you and what have you got to tell me?
Voice: Who am I isn't important. What I've got to say is. Nathan James didn't kill Candice Dailey. I know who did and I'm willing to tell you all about it.
A.J.: Why me? And why now? Why not just go to the cops?
Voice: I have my reasons.
A.J.: And they're enough to let an innocent kid spend months the last few months in jail, not to mention his entire life, while a killer walks free?
Voice: Hey, I don't need your attitude. If you don't want to work with me on this, then I'll find someone who will. Or maybe I'll forget the whole thing altogether.
A.J.: (anxiously) No, don't do that. Of course, I want to work with you. But I have to ask those questions.
Voice: Not if you want to get this story, you don't. I want to help, but only on my terms. I'll choose what to answer and what not to answer, got it?
A.J.: Yeah, I got it. So talk. Tell me what you know.
Voice: We can't do this over the phone. We have to meet face to face. Are you willing to do that?
A.J.: Yes, of course. Just give me the time and the place. I'll be there. Count on it.
to be continued. . .
In
the next episode of 'Covington Bay'. . .
· Melody and Patricia square off.
· Kevin's decision angers his father.
· Eric's honesty disturbs Melissa.