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EPISODE 16
“THE FACE OF DANGER”
Scene: Covington Bay
Medical Center; third floor surgical unit. Melody Sorensen and
Dr. Darian Jackson, still dressed in gray scrubs, are
walking out of OR3.
Melody (sighing): Boy, that was a tough one.
Darian: Certainly was. It was a little hairy there for awhile. But it looks like you and Gloria pulled off yet another miracle of medicine. Thanks for letting me observe.
Melody: No problem. Are you really thinking of becoming a surgeon? I thought you enjoyed ER medicine.
Darian: I do… but there’s nothing wrong with keeping your options open, seeing what other avenues you might want to take.
Melody: Guess not. So what’s up with you? You done for the day?
Darian: Yeah. I’m going to look in on Nathan then stop by Mama J's and have some dinner before I go home and crash.
Melody: That sounds like a good idea. Tell your grandmother I said hi.
Darian: I will. See you in the morning.
Melody: Bye.
(Darian walked away, disappearing in the adjacent corridor.)
Voice: (from behind Melody) Melody.
Melody: (turning to face Gloria, who was also in surgical scrubs) Hey, Gloria. Great job in there.
Gloria: Thank you, but I couldn’t have done it without my favorite surgical nurse. (Pause as they shared a smile) Look, I know you’re on your way out to have dinner with your family by now, but can we talk for a minute?
Melody (hesitating) Sure...what is it?
Gloria: A.J. told me about his marriage to Patricia Tamakai.
Melody: (bitterly) That's Patricia Tamakai Lassiter, isn't it?
Gloria: Melody, I realize you're upset, but...
Melody: (shaking her head) Gloria, I know A.J. is your son and you want to defend him, but...
Gloria: (holding up her hand) Melody, I believe me, I am not here to defend A.J.. I love him dearly, but I am furious at him for what he's done. I can't even begin to imagine how you feel.
Melody: That's just it, I don't know how I feel. I've hardly even absorbed this news. A.J. having been married for the last six years is something I would've never conceived.
Gloria: Neither would
Melody: So, you didn't know about this?
Gloria: Of course not. Do you honestly think I'd sit back and let this lie go on for all this time?
Melody: No, of course you wouldn't and I’m sorry for even thinking it. (Pause) You know, A.J. and I have had our problems, mostly regarding his lack of commitment to our relationship, but the one thing I was sure of was that he’d always be honest with me. I never thought he'd lie to me. And the fact that he would lie about something so important makes me wonder about our entire relationship.
Gloria: I can understand that. What you are feeling and thinking is only natural. But, have you given any thought to what happens next?
Melody: What do you mean?
Gloria: Melody, do you think you can forgive A.J. for this? You're not going to end things with him, are you?
* * * * *
Scene: Lassiter
Pharmaceuticals; Kevin
Lassiter’s office. He is tossing files into a black leather briefcase that sits
atop his desk. As he closed the briefcase, the glint from the gold band on his
finger catches his eye. He pauses, a wave of sadness coming over his face as he
stares at the circle of gold. He starts to turn it on his finger. He thinks of the day he and Alec Stone stood
together in the majestic gardens of the Lassiter Estate, sharing the simple bands
of gold, each placing one on the finger of the other at their commitment
ceremony while family and friends looked on.
Kevin: (as memories of that wonderful day filled his mind, the pain of his crushing loss squeezed his heart) God, Alec, I miss you so much. It's been five years. Why does it hurt just like you died yesterday? (His thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door. Kevin walked across the office and answer the door. He was surprised to see A.J. standing there.) A.J.!
A.J.: (walking in and pulling Kevin into an embrace) Hey, cousin. How 'ya doin'?
Kevin: Fine. (They broke the embrace.) This is such a surprise.
A.J.: I missed my favorite cousin. It’s been too long since we spent any time together. (Pause) I’m sorry I had to cancel our racquetball game last week. I always get a kick out of beating the pants off of you.
Kevin: (raising his eyebrows) Oh, really? If I remember correctly, I beat you the last time we played.
A.J.: I know, but what's wrong with embellishing a little?
Kevin: For a reporter? Not good.
A.J.: (grinning) Touché.
Kevin: It's really good to see you, A.J., but what brings you by, really? I get the sense something specific brought you by.
A.J.: Actually, Kevin, I should've been in touch sooner, especially now.
Kevin: What do you mean? (A flicker of realization came over Kevin's face) Oh. You remembered. Tomorrow is the anniversary of Alec's death.
A.J.: (sighing) I wish I could say I remembered, but I saw Mom today and she told me. She said you could use someone to talk to. I thought I might fit the bill.
Kevin: You do, A.J., you do.
A.J.: (sighing) I'm sorry I haven't been by before this.
Kevin: A.J., there's no need to apologize. Alec's been dead for five years, I don't expect you to remember the anniversary of it. Sometimes I wish I could forget.
* * * * *
Scene: The offices of Collier and Associates.
Sabrina Collier
is in her office, staring out of the window of her 25th story office, looking
out onto the dark city streets below before glancing at her watch, shaking her
head in annoyance. Michael
Tamakai is sitting in a black leather chair in front
of her desk, reading through a file in a vanilla folder.
Sabrina: Damn, where is he? Lucas was supposed to have been here 15 minutes ago.
Michael: Come on, Sabrina, you know as well as I do that Lucas is always running late. I wouldn't expect him for at least another fifteen minutes.
Sabrina: (sighing) I know. That doesn't mean I want to put up with it. It's been a long day and the last thing I want to do is stand around this office and wait for him to show up.
Michael: Frankly, I don't know why you put up with him. He's irresponsible, smart mouthed and cocky and that's for starters.
Sabrina: Look, I know Lucas can be a little overbearing, but he's a highly regarded private detective. We’re lucky he’s decided to give us some help while he’s in town visiting his family.
Michael: Just how
did you come across Lucas to ask him to work for you to begin with? Isn't his office in
Sabrina: I told you... David and I went to the Cubs/Mets game last month, naturally the Cubs were losing. Lucas was a few seats away. We started commiserating over being long suffering Cubs fans. The discussion led to business. I told him about the case and before I knew it he agreed to see what he could do during his visit home. Look, I know don’t like Lucas, but he’s good at his job and we need someone like him on our side if we're going to get the evidence we need to clear Nathan.
Michael: (dryly) If such a thing exists.
Sabrina: (glaring at the Asian-American attorney, her eyebrows arching in anger) Michael, don't start. The last thing I need is your complaining about how much you don't like this case. (Pause) I guess it's just too bad for you Nathan didn't break his neck when he fell down the stairs today...that would've solved all your problems. Instead all it does is create more.
Michael: How? The trial was only delayed one day; a couple more tops.
Sabrina: I'm not talking about the delay of the trial. I'm talking about Nathan and his contention that he was pushed down the stairs.
Michael: You don't really believe that, do you?
Sabrina: I don't know what to believe, but Nathan seems to think that's what happened.
Michael: If I remember correctly, Nathan was so confused by the lights going out, he didn't know what happened. He could've just stumbled in the dark.
Sabrina: Or he could've been pushed. Isn't it strange that the lights went out in that stairwell and no where else?
Michael: Maybe, but I'm sure there's a logical explanation for that. Furthermore, the only people in that stairwell were Nathan and Jerry Nyland, the security guard. Surely you don't suspect him of anything.
Sabrina: He would be the logical suspect.
Michael: Maybe, but he's been working there for years and he's always been considered good at his job. In fact, he's received several commendations for his performance. Why would he risk his reputation, not to mention his career to assault Nathan? What could he possibly have to gain?
Sabrina: (shrugging) I don't know. But besides Nathan, he's the only one who can answer the questions I have. And believe me, I have every intention of asking them.
* * * * *
Scene: Lassiter Pharmaceuticals; Kevin's office. A.J.
and Kevin are there.
Kevin (shaking his head) Look at me, I'm pathetic! Five years and I can't let go of my dead lover.
A.J.: (grasping Kevin's shoulder) Kevin, come on, Alec was your life. You two had the kind of relationship people wait their entire lives for. That's kind of hard to forget.
Kevin: I know that. It’s what makes it so hard to let go… to move on. A.J., our time together were the best moments in my life. From the moment we met, until the day he died, my life was filled with so much happiness and joy. There is not a moment we shared that I don't regret. But, it's over. I know that. I just wish I could move on. I tell myself it's time to move forward; that I shouldn't be alone. It’s what Alec wanted for me. If he saw this, saw how I was living, or not living, he’d be furious. But I just can't muster what it takes to go through the motions of meeting someone new, seeing if you like each other and then once you like each other, dealing with finding time to spend together, realizing what they're really like and then deciding if you still like one another. And then of course, somewhere in there you've got to deal with sex. (Kevin shook his head) God, I've always hated being single and all that came with it. I can't even fathom plunging into the dating scene again. I certainly would never be able to find anything close to what I had with Alec.
A.J.: Well, what the two of you had was pretty special. And unlike a lot of other people in this family… in this world, I admired and respected what you had. I even envied it a little.
Kevin: Really? Why? You’ve found happiness with Melody, haven’t you? I know you're not eager to get married, but you're pretty committed to Melody, right?
A.J.: (nodding) I am. I love her. (He sighed) I just don't know how long that's going to last.
Kevin (concerned): I see. Well, A.J., not to be mean, but what did you do?
A.J.: (grinning) That's not being mean, that's being honest. You know as well as I do that when one of my relationships end, it's usually my fault. It's no different this time.
Kevin: Well, what happened? Is it something you can talk about?
A.J.: I'd love to talk about it, but not here. Look, have you had dinner yet?
Kevin: No, I was just about to head home and have another uncomfortable dinner with Dad and the family.
A.J.: Well I'd hate for you to miss out on that, it sounds like such fun. But let me take you out; my treat. We'll talk...drown our sorrows a little bit.
Kevin: Sounds like a good idea. But why do you need dinner to tell me this news? It must be pretty big.
A.J.: Let's just say that dinner's going to go down a lot easier than this news will.
* * * * * *
Scene:
Gloria: Melody, I'm not trying to pressure you into making a decision. I just want to know where your head is at.
Melody: Gloria, I don’t know where A.J. and I go from here...if we go on from here. He lied to me over and over and over. I trusted him completely and he destroyed that. How can I believe anything he says from now on?
Gloria: I understand that, but just think of how wonderful your relationship has been. You and A.J. have had a good life together.
Melody: Yes, but everything is colored by this lie. His deceit has made me question everything about us.
Gloria: (shaking her head) I could throttle him for doing this to you.
Melody: Believe me, bodily harm is something I've considered.
(She and Gloria
laugh, then their expressions turn serious again)
Gloria: Melody, I think you know that marriage or not, I consider you a member of this family. And I certainly love you like a daughter. I've always thought you were the best thing to ever happen to A.J.. I still believe that. Call me old fashioned, but I'm still looking for the day when I see my son walk down the aisle to the woman he's going to spend the rest of his life with, have children with, make a life together. I've always believed you were that woman. That hasn't changed that.
Melody (as they hug) Gloria. I love you too. And believe me, I always thought the day would come when A.J. and I would finally share all those things. But now, it seems like a fantasy, a dream. And my dream has become a nightmare. (Melody blinked back tears) (Pause) Look, I better go before I get too weepy and show up at dinner with my eyes all puffy. The last thing I want to do is get into this with my sisters and my father.
Gloria: I understand, but you're going to have to tell them soon. Now that the truth is out, you know how these things spread. It's only a matter of time before it's all over town.
Melody (wistfully): And everyone will know what a fool I was. Well, I better go. I guess I'll see you in the morning.
Gloria: Yeah. Try and enjoy your evening. And Melody, don't make any rash decisions. Give this a lot of thought before you decide what to do.
Melody: I will. After all, it was a rash decision that caused this whole mess in the first place, wasn't it?
* * * * *
Scene: The parking lot of Covington Bay Times.
Patricia walks out of the building, a wide smile on her face.
Patricia (thinking as she walked across the parking lot): My first story for the Times and the boss loved it! Thank God, I was so nervous I'd do a horrible job and find myself right back in Africa. But it looks like I'm here to stay. And I'm on my way to the top. A.J. better look out because I...
Voice: You look like you're in a good mood.
(Patricia looked up, seeing a large figure in the
shadows. Startled, she took a few steps back).
Patricia (nervously): Who are you!?
Voice: Certainly no one you should be afraid of. (Lucas
stepped out of the shadows and walked towards her)
Patricia (edgily): I'm not too sure about that. What are you doing here?
Lucas: I'm here to see you.
Patricia: Really? And what kind of trouble are you going to cause this time?
Lucas: (wincing) Ouch. What did I do to deserve that?
Patricia: By just being you, Lucas. You forget, I remember you as a kid. And from what I saw this afternoon at the courthouse, adulthood hasn't changed you a bit.
Lucas: Really? If you remember, I'm the one who walked away from that encounter injured.
Patricia: Well from the sound of things you deserved it.
Lucas: You're not going to take it easy on me are you?
Patricia: Well, you always did know how to rub some people the wrong way.
Lucas: Some people, or A.J.? You know it's not fair to judge me though his eyes. He will always see me as a bad guy.
Patricia: And you don't think some of that's deserved? I remember some of the nasty things you and A.J. used to do to one another as kids as part of your rivalry. You two fought over everything; the best grades, who made the team, who got the girl. The Lassiter/Greyhawk war started with your grandfathers, and you both have done your part in continuing the battle.
Lucas: True, but why give me the cold shoulder when you're sweet as pie to A.J.? He's no angel either.
Patricia: I know A.J. is just as much responsible for the rivalry between the two of you as you are, but we grew up together. You forget my father has run the Lassiter Estate ever since I was a child. And the Lassiters, including A.J., have always been good to me and my family.
Lucas: So he's like a brother to you?
Patricia (hesitating): Something like that. Look, why are you here?
Lucas: Like I said, I'm here to see you.
Patricia: Why?
Lucas: Why does any man want to see an attractive woman? I’m here to ask you out. (Pause) So how about dinner tonight?
* * * * *
Scene: Collier and Associates; Sabrina's office. She
and Michael are there.
Michael (standing and stretching): Well, I don't think Lucas is going to show.
Sabrina: You're right. I've called and left messages everywhere and he's not answering his page. Maybe he's working on the case.
Michael: More like working an angle.
Sabrina: Michael, I know you don't like him, but...
Michael: You're right, I don't. He's rude, arrogant, egotistical and untrustworthy. I grew up around him. I remember the nasty stunts he used to pull to top A.J..
Sabrina: If I remember correctly, A.J. gave as good as he got.
Michael: Maybe. But that doesn't change the fact that I didn't like Greyhawk then and I certainly don't like working with him now.
Sabrina: Michael, you don't like anything about this case.
Michael: I've never made any secret about that. We've got a guilty client, no defense, and a loser P.I. as our only hope. It's really hard to muster enthusiasm about any of this.
Sabrina: (angrily) I really don't care how you feel about Nathan, this case or Lucas. What I care about is defending our client and winning. It's what we were hired to do and it's what we will do. You cannot go into this with this half hearted attitude, I won't stand for it. Believe me, it will be the fastest way for you to find yourself out of a job.
Michael: Sabrina, you know I will do the job, I always have. But I don't have to like it. I don't have to like any of it. (Pause as he grabbed his briefcase) I think I've waited for Lucas long enough. I'm tired and I'm going home. Give him my regards, will you?
Sabrina (testily): Good night.
(Michael walked out,
slamming the door behind him. Sabrina paced the floor for a few minutes, fuming).
Sabrina (to herself; stopping at her desk): I may as well get out of here too, stewing isn't doing me any good. Besides, I told David I'd be home an hour ago. (She quickly cleared her desk, grabbed her briefcase and purse and headed for the door, pausing as she was about to leave) But, first I have one stop to make. I've got to look into Nathan's story. I have to find out the truth. And I can only think of one place to start...
* * * * *
Scene: The Bay Club.
A.J. and Kevin are seated in the restaurant, handing their menus to the waiter.
Kevin: (to the waiter) Are Ian or Ethan here tonight, Cole?
Cole: I’m afraid not, Mr. Lassiter. They’re in Chicago. Mr. Christensen is taping a cooking segment on The Today Show in the morning so they thought they’d make a little R&R out of it.
Kevin: Oh, those guys work hard so they deserve some time off.
Cole: That they do. Be back in a few with your appetizers .
A.J.: (as the waiter walked away) With the owners out for the evening I guess that means we’ll have to pay for all our drinks… much less dinner.
Kevin: (shaking his head, grinning) Says one of this cities wealthiest men.
A.J. (laughing as he sipped a glass of white wine): Well, you don't seem surprised by my news.
Kevin: A.J., I've known you your entire life. I'm not surprised by anything you do. I admit I wouldn't never have guessed you've been married for the last six years, but I have no doubt you could do something so crazy. I still remember the hang gliding incident. Neither will those patients at the old folks home.
A.J. (shrugging): How was I supposed to know it would be a strong wind that day and I'd get blown off course? (Pause) Besides, it's Lucas Greyhawk's fault. If it weren't for him, I wouldn't never even gotten on that damn thing.
Kevin: Oh, he forced you, huh?
A.J.: No, he challenged me and you know I've never been able to turn down a challenge from that guy.
Kevin: Don't I... and the police in this town know it.
A.J.: Don't be so smug. You've had your run ins with the Greyhawk's yourself.
Kevin (nodding): A few. (Pause) So how is Melody taking the news?
A.J.: Not well of course. I don't know if she'll forgive me, Kevin. I could've screwed up the best thing in my life.
Kevin: Don't you think it's too soon to decide that?
A.J.: She won't even talk to me.
Kevin: She just found out about this today, right. She needs time to adjust...absorb what she's learned. You've got to give her some time.
A.J.: I know, but that's just easier said than done. I love her, I don't want to lose her because of one stupid mistake. And believe me, that's what my marriage to Patricia Tamakai has been.
Kevin: Then I take it you'll be divorcing soon?
A.J.: Either that or an annulment. We have grounds. The marriage was done under the influence, it was never consummated the marriage and we never lived together as husband and wife.
Kevin: Have you contacted a lawyer yet?
A.J. (shaking his head): No, but I'll call Aunt Sabrina tomorrow and get things underway. I better tell Patricia so she can get her own counsel. After all, I'm sure she wants an end to this marriage as much and as quickly as I do.
(As A.J. took another sip of his wine, he looked over
the top of his glass to see Patricia and Lucas walk in together.)
A.J.: What in the world!?
Kevin: What's going on? (Kevin turned to look at the doorway, then turned back to A.J.) Isn't that Patricia and Lucas Greyhawk? What are they doing here together?
A.J.: (grimly) I don't know, but I have every
intention of finding out. (Setting down his glass, A.J. got up and started
towards Patricia and Lucas)
Kevin (watching): I wonder if the rest of the people here knew there would be a floor show tonight?
* * * * *
Scene: Covington Bay Courthouse; the guard office. The
office is empty, but the door is open. Sabrina appears in the doorway, peering
inside.
Sabrina: Hello? Anyone here? (She looks over the empty office) I guess not. (She steps inside, looking around the cluttered, sparsely decorated the office) Well, I see this office is about as drab as the uniforms they wear.
She walked around the office, casually glancing around and waited several minutes.
Sabrina (thinking as she glanced at her watch): Where could Jerry be? They told me downstairs he should still be in the office? (She sighed) Well, I can't wait any longer for him. I've got to get home. (She turned to go and slammed headlong into the iron wall of Jerry's massive chest) Jerry!
Jerry (his face twisted in rage): What in the hell is going on?! What are you doing here!?
To be continued...
In the next episode of Covington Bay...
· A.J., Patricia and Lucas engage in a three way battle.
· Sabrina discovers that looking for the truth can be dangerous.
· Glenn seeks a way to revive his lifeless marriage.